This episode of The Big Outdoors IS a must-listen for anyone concerned about the rapid development of data centers in rural Ohio. Joining Chip Hart in the studio is Nick Owens, an attorney from Georgetown, Ohio, who's fighting to give local communities a say in the construction of these massive facilities.
Data centers have become a hot topic in Ohio, with many rural communities feeling the impact of their construction. Nick Owens explains how his organization, Conserve Ohio, is working to get a statewide constitutional amendment on the ballot to ban data centers that use over 25 megawatts of power. But what's behind this push, and why is it so important for local communities to have a say in the matter?
Nick Owens shares his personal story of why he's passionate about this issue, and how it affects his own community. He also delves into the specifics of the charter amendments that are currently on the ballot in 10 Ohio cities, including Trenton, Sunbury, and Conneaut. With the stakes high, it's clear that this is a fight worth fighting.
If you're interested in learning more about the data center issue and how it's affecting Ohio's rural communities, tune in to this episode of The Big Outdoors!
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17 Oct 2026
The Big Outdoors -- 10/17/26
As the weather cools down and the great outdoors beckons, it's time to talk about one of the most unwelcome visitors to your backyard: ticks. This episode of The Big Outdoors delves into the world of these pesky parasites, exploring the latest research and insights from Dr. Risa Pesapain, an expert in tick-borne diseases from the Ohio State University.
Dr. Pesapain shares her expertise on the changing landscape of ticks in Ohio, where the number of species and cases of tick-borne diseases have skyrocketed in recent years. From the Asian longhorn tick to the black-legged tick, we discuss the most common types of ticks and the diseases they carry, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal. We also explore the reasons behind the surge in tick populations and the impact on local wildlife.
One of the most fascinating topics discussed is the unique life cycle of ticks, which involves feeding only once per life stage and molting to progress to the next stage. We also touch on the importance of understanding the relationship between ticks and their hosts, including deer and birds. With the rise of tick-borne diseases, it's essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you're concerned about ticks and want to contribute to the research, Dr. Pesapain invites listeners to submit ticks they encounter to her lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the world of ticks and how to stay safe.
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10 Oct 2026
The Big Outdoors --10/10/26
This episode of The Big Outdoors is a must-listen for anyone passionate about environmental conservation and the Ohio River Basin. Join Chip Hart as he sits down with Professor Chris Lorenz, a professor of biology at Thomas More University and chair of the Ohio River Basin Alliance, to discuss the upcoming Ohio River Basin Alliance Summit and the importance of protecting our waterways. The Ohio River Basin Alliance is a nonprofit organization that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the challenges facing the Ohio River Basin. With over 1,000 members and a strong presence in the region, the Alliance is working tirelessly to promote the health and sustainability of the basin. Professor Lorenz shares his insights on the Alliance's efforts to gather scientific data, engage with the public, and collaborate with government agencies to protect the basin. The conversation touches on the Alliance's annual conference, which will take place in Columbus next week, featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions on topics such as data centers and workforce development. Professor Lorenz also discusses the importance of legislation currently in Congress, the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which aims to bring $350 million in funding to protect the basin's waterways. If you're interested in learning more about the Ohio River Basin Alliance and how you can get involved, tune in to this episode of The Big Outdoors. Professor Lorenz shares his vision for the future of the basin and the Alliance's efforts to make a positive impact. Don't miss this informative and engaging conversation that highlights the importance of protecting our waterways and the people working tirelessly to make a difference.
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Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
419,108,275
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
63
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
68
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Questions about The Big Outdoors
Who hosts The Big Outdoors?
Chip Hart host the show. Published by WLWAM.
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The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
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