The Story Behind Us…

It all started with two guys—Robert and Tom—sitting around, wondering what the hell was really going on in Ohio.

Between the noise of national headlines and the endless stream of “fake news” debates, we realized something important: there’s almost no real conversation about what’s happening right here in our own backyards. Not just in Cleveland or Columbus, but in the towns and counties that make up the real Ohio.

Everywhere we turned, the local news was either behind a paywall, full of fluff, or missing altogether. We kept asking, “Where do regular people go to get real talk about what’s going on in our state?” When we couldn’t find it, we decided to start it.

That’s how Crooked River Cast was born.

This podcast is our way of digging into what’s happening around the state—local politics, sports, media, public decisions, and all the little things that don’t make national news but affect our lives every day. We don’t have sponsors. We don’t have scripts. We’re just two brothers-in-law with microphones, curiosity, and a whole lot of opinions.

And let’s be honest—our personalities come through. Robert’s passionate rants, Tom’s dry-as-dust sarcasm, and our shared disbelief at half the headlines we see? Yeah, that’s all part of the show. We don’t pretend to be neutral—we just try to be real, honest, and maybe a little entertaining while we’re at it.

We’re not claiming to be experts—we’re just doing the best we can to cut through the noise and spark a conversation. And we hope that as the show grows, so will the voices that shape it.

So if you’ve got a tip, a rant, a correction, or a small-town story the news is ignoring—we want to hear it.

Thanks for listening. Let’s keep Ohio honest… and maybe laugh a little while we’re at it.

Meet Your Hosts

Rob is the voice of grounded insight and sharp commentary on Crooked River Cast. As co-creator alongside Tom, he’s on a mission to keep listeners informed on Northeast Ohio news and politics. 

Rob brings a mix of warmth, passion and dry humor—ready to question budgets, unpack laws, or mock the next public scandal. Expect big-hearted rants peppered with smart takes and the occasional shared laugh with his partner-in-crime, Tom.

Host

Robert

Tom adds the perfect counterbalance—equal parts sarcasm, skepticism, and straight talk. He’s not here to sugarcoat state news, whether it’s controversial bills, local budgets, or the latest viral story out of Cleveland Heights. With a no-nonsense tone and that “blue-collar Midwest” point of view, Tom’s wit cuts through the noise and keeps things real. Together with Rob, they dive headfirst into each week’s biggest stories—serious issues, small-town drama, and all.

Co-Host

Tom