What defines a community? Is it its boundaries, its budget, its buildings? Or is it the tradition, the history, the stories that we tell one another, and the people who tell them? We are on a mission to uncover as many of these stories as we can that make Westerville the wonderful community that we love. We invite you to join us on this journey of Discovering Westerville
goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Today’s conversation is with John Brooks.
John is a lifelong resident of Westerville and a graduate of Westerville City Schools. These days, he finds himself serving in a different role within the community as a business owner and real estate investor. John owns and operates BTTS Events which owns seven venues across central Ohio, delivering hundreds of memorable events annually with their hosting, catering, and floral businesses.
During our time together, John and I discuss his business, and their recent decision to serve as presenting sponsors for the return of the Christmas Parade in 2025. We talk about our love for this community and our thoughts on the importance of community engagement to keeping it the thriving place that it is. Finally, John shares some stories from his involvement with recent projects like Highbank Distillery and Begin Cafe while giving a small glimpse of what might be on the horizon for Uptown.
I’m excited to share this fantastic conversation with you between myself and John. Enjoy.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
7 Oct 2025
Ep. 7 - School Earned Income Tax Issue Part 2: Response and Closing
This episode is Part 2 of a 2-part series where we take a deep dive into the Earned Income Tax Issue being proposed by Westerville City Schools. We hear arguments from both sides of this important issue in an effort to help the community make an informed decision this Fall.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the first episode (linked here (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com/p/ep-6-school-earned-income-tax-issue)) where each side made their opening case to the public - you - for consideration. Additionally, you can visit Good For Westerville’s website where you will find resources from both sides (linked here (https://www.goodforwesterville.com/local-elections-matter)). While we cover a lot of ground during our conversations, this is a complex topic, and we encourage everyone to research the sources, ask questions, and share with your neighbors. Being an informed voter is Good For Westerville.
In today’s episode, you will again hear from both sides. This time, they were asked to respond to the opposition before making their closing argument. Each side was also supplied with several questions from the community that they referred to during their research.
Thank you to Emma, John, Doug, and Lindsay for their time spent sharing their research with me. I learned a lot from both conversation, and I hope you do, too.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
17 Sept 2025
Ep. 6 - School Earned Income Tax Issue Part 1: Make the Case
In today's episode, we will be listening in on two separate conversations. Both are with members of our community who have been investing tremendous time and energy into spreading information about the upcoming Earned Income Tax Issue. This issue is being proposed by Westerville Schools for a vote on November 4th, 2025. As voting day approaches, they want you to hear what they have to say before you vote.
The catch? They land on opposite sides of this important issue.
In the first part of this two-part series, you will hear from both sides of this issue as they make their case to you, the voter.
Next time, we will regroup to hear their response to the opposing view, their answers to resident questions, and their closing arguments.
We hope you find this project information and helpful as you prepare to make a decision on how to vote this Fall.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
21 Aug 2025
Ep. 5 - Pam Allen and Don Foster, Olde Methodist Cemetery Restoration
On today’s episode, I share with you a conversation that I had with Pam Allen and Don Foster about a project they have been working on to restore the Olde Methodist Cemetery in Uptown.
Pam serves as the volunteer historian at Church of the Messiah, where she researches the 200-year history of the church and its relationship with the community.
Don is a longtime Westerville resident who has been researching and writing about Otterbein and Westerville history for many years.
These two were brought together for a project to restore Olde Methodist Cemetery, an often forgotten burial ground. Within this cemetery lie the remains of over 200 individuals dating back to the 1830s, including individuals significant to the founding of both Westerville and Otterbein University.
This is a wide-reaching conversation during which Pam and Don share several stories from their research and time on this project, including stories about Westerville’s involvement in the Abolitionist movement, among others. We top it off with discussion about the process and value of preserving history to our community.
I found this conversation to be fascinating dive into our community’s history, and I’m excited to share it with others. Enjoy.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
24 Jul 2025
Ep. 4 - Megan Ada and Joshua Cook, Asterisk Supper Club
Today’s conversation is with Megan Ada and Joshua Cook, owners and operators of Asterisk Supper and the recently opened Ampersand Asian Supper Club, both located in the heart of Uptown Westerville.
During our conversation, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to open and operate a restaurant. They share with us their experience with developing a concept, creating a vision, and training staff to carry the vision to their clients. We also talk about the importance of small businesses like theirs and others to a community like Westerville.
I had a great time getting to know these two and hearing their passion for this industry and their work. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Megan Ada and Joshua Cook.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
24 Jun 2025
Ep. 3 - Dave Read and Dave Krebs, Rotary Fourth of July
Today’s conversation is with Dave Read and Dave Krebs - otherwise known as “Dave Squared.” This duo has been teaming up for nearly 10 years to lead the Fourth of July planning committee with the Westerville Noon Rotary Club. As we enter the summer season, the Fourth of July festivities serve as a signature event for both Rotary and the Westerville community. Dave Squared have been hard at work alongside many other rotarians and community members to get ready for another successful year of bringing this event to our community on Friday, July 4th.
During our time together, Dave Squared share stories from years past and ways the tradition has changed - even as recently as this year. We learn of opportunities for the community to be involved and a bit about how Rotary serves our community.
We hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the Westerville Fourth of July as we look forward to another year of this special event.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
12 Jun 2025
Ep. 2 - Michael Heyeck, Westerville City Council
Today’s conversation is with Michael Heyeck. Mike currently serves as the Chair of Westerville City Council, a board on which he has served since 1993. Mike is scheduled to retire at the end of his current term, after nearly 40 years of public service to our community.
Outside of his public service, Mike is a retired executive from the electrical utility industry and is a long-time parishioner of Saint Paul Catholic Church.
During our time together, Mike shares from his experience what he believes is the role and function of local government. We talk Westerville history, day-to-day operations, and ways that local residents can learn and get involved with our city.
I learned a lot from our conversation and hope that you do, too. Enjoy.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
29 May 2025
Ep. 1 - Rob McCabe, Lifeline Christian Mission
Today’s conversation is with Rob McCabe. Rob has served with Lifeline Christian Mission for a total of 10 years, the last year of which he has served as Manager of Generosity and Engagement. During our conversation, Rob and I discuss the origin of Lifeline and its connection to the Westerville community. We discuss the scope of the organization, operational details and ways that community members can support them. Finally, we touch on the intersection of faith and service that lies at the heart of Lifeline.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
15 Apr 2025
Introducing...Discovering Westerville
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodforwesterville.substack.com (https://goodforwesterville.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
Contact Discovering Westerville
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Discovering Westerville?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
