High Heels and Politics is the podcast where Mary Anne Christie interviews the leaders, trailblazers, and influencers in Southwest Ohio and beyond.
Reading the feed…
Jill Cole has always been led by the call of service. From an honorable military career, to being the mother of five boys, a successful career in commercial real estate, and now Mayor of Blue Ash Ohio. Jill's call to service is continuing as she runs for Ohio's 28th House District this November 3rd. Join host Mary Anne Christie as she talks with Jill about her career and why she wants to continue her public service in the Ohio House of Representatives. Download the episode for free.
Warren Davidson has always wanted to serve his country. From joining the army, going to West Point, and now serving in the US House of Representatives as the Congressman from Ohio's 8th district, Warren Davidson continues a life a service. Join host Mary Anne Christie as she asks Congressman Davidson about his journey, his legislative priorities, and what sees for the future of the United States of America. Download the episode for free.
Christopher McDowell did not grow up in an are with a lot of opportunities. He found a way to pursue his dreams by joining the Army Reserve at 17 years old. Chris went to college, then law school thanks to the US Army. He was a JAG officer and served all over the world until he and his wife settled in Cincinnati. After a successful career practicing civil and criminal law, Christopher McDowell was appointed to the Hamilton County Court of Pleas where is a current judge. Join host Mary Anne Christie as she talks with Judge McDowell about his time in the army, his law career, and his thoughts on
In memory of former Hamilton County Judge, Prosecutor, and Sheriff Simon Leis who passed away on June 27th, 2026. Simon Leis has been at the center of some of the biggest cases in Hamilton County history. Jerry Springer, Larry Flynt, and Robert Mapplethorpe all had to answer for their crimes to Simon Leis. Many have called the former Sheriff the Moral Crusader of Cincinnati. Join Mary Anne as she sits down with Sheriff Simon Leis. We learn about Simon's early years in the Marines, and his thoughts on those famous cases, and why he felt it was his duty to protect the county from moral decay. Do
Judy French has spent her career serving the people of Ohio. Today, Judy is the Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. Join Mary Anne as she talks withy Judy about her career and how the Ohio Department of Insurance helps the citizens of the Buckeye State. Download the episode for free.
From her early childhood and through college Carrie Snyder has lived a life around the Pro Life movement. Today, Carrie is the new Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. Join host Mary Anne Christie as she learns Carrie's story and what legislative, and program priorities drive her and Ohio Right to Life. Download the episode for free.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is one of the most debated, and litigated parts of our governing document. Its impact has changed the course of American lives for nearly 15o years. Even today, it's interpretation is still being debated. Join Mary Anne Christie as she discusses the impact the 14th Amendment has had on Americans when it first passed and how it has changed our modern society. Download the episode for free.
In 2026 The Ohio Statehouse will see the unveiling of a brand new monument dedicated to the fight for Women's rights throughout the state’s history. The artist creating this timeless piece is sculptor Brenda Councill. Join host Mary Anne Christie as she sits with Brenda in her studio space while the discuss the process, and mindset in bringing this important piece of art into reality and what it means for all Ohioans past and present. Download the episode for free.
Join host Mary Anne Christie as she talks with Senator Rob McColley, the Ohio Senate President, about the Senate's legislative goals and updates on the budget. Download the episode for free.
Jo Ann Davidson lost her first race for political office, yet she did not stop running. In fact Jo Ann was elected as the first, and so far only, woman to ever be the Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. Today she continues blazing trails by heading the influential Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute. It is here where the next generation of Ohio Republican Women are learning to lead. Join Mary Anne as she sits down with Jo Ann to talk about her extraordinary career and how she continues to influence politics in Ohio today. Download the podcast for free.
Mary Anne sits down with Hamilton County Board of Elections Director Sherry Poland to go over changes in how to vote and what options are available to the registered voters in Ohio. Download the episode for free.
The Kenwood Towne Center started as a strip mall put up on a variety of different farm plots. As the suburbs grew, so did the strip mall. Even today as the mini mall is going the way of the dinosaurs, The Kenwood Towne Centre is thriving. Join Mary Anne and her guests Helen Kugel, Neil Bortz, and David Jacoby, as they talk about the building of the shopping center, how it grew, and what it means today and going forward. Download the episode for free.
Most homeowners in Hamilton County received quite the shock when they saw how much their property taxes went up. How did this happen and who is responsible? Join Mary Anne Christie as she sits down with longtime former Hamilton County Auditor Dusty Rhodes to discuss why the increase happened, and what resources the Auditor's office offers to property owners. Download the episode for free.
Neil Bortz was born in Cincinnati, went to Walnut Hills High School, left for Harvard and the Navy, and then came back to rebuild the city and suburbs into the city we know today. Join Mary Anne as she talks with Neil about his history in Cincinnati, his founding of Towne Properties, and what he feels like are his greatest accomplishments in an extraordinary life. Download the episode for free.
Besa Sharrah grew up in a communist country. When communism collapsed, Besa saw her father stand up and become one of the first democratically elected leaders in Albania. Besa then came to America for college and stayed to make a difference in our world. Join Mary Anne as she talks with Besa about her experiences as a child, her challenges as a mother to a premature baby, and her work in Ohio today with political candidates. Download the podcast for free.
Ohio will have a statewide primary election on March 19th, 2024. Mary Anne sits down with Hamilton County Board of Elections Director Sherry Poland to go over changes in how to vote and what options are available to the registered voters in Ohio. Download the episode for free.
The A Plant in Pike County not only provided good jobs, it helped America win the Cold War. Now after over twenty years of shutdown, the Uranium enrichment has begun again at the A Plant, and Pike County Commissioner Tony Montgomery wants to tell everyone all about the bright future for Ohio, and America's, energy needs. Join Mary Anne and Commissioner Montgomery as they talk all things Pike County, with an emphasis on the newly reopened Uranium enrichment plan. Download the episode for free.
Did you ever wonder how a movie like "The Shawshank Redemption" gets made in an old Ohio prison? Did you ever want to be an extra in a big movie production? Who helps studios find locations in the Buckeye state for filming? Columbus Film Commissioner John Daugherty knows the answer to these questions. Join Mary Anne as she talks with Commissioner Daugherty about the growing film and television business in Ohio Download the episode for free.
From world class theme parks to natural beauty in the state parks, Ohio truly is the Heart of it All. Join Mary Anne as she talks with Lydia Mihalik, the Director of Ohio's Department of Development, about all the offerings Ohio has for its residents and out of state tourists. Download the episode for free.
Judge Amy Searcy always knew she wanted to help people. At an early age she found inspiration by reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" and took that inspiration to work and become a domestic relations judge in Hamilton County. Today she acts as Administrative Judge and is setting the standard for what a Domestic Relations Judge should do for families. Join Mary Anne as she discusses the innovative methods Judge Searcy is using to make the worst moments for families a little easier and compassionate. Download the episode for free.
Ohio will have a statewide special election on August 8th, 2023. Mary Anne sits down with Hamilton County Board of Elections Director Sherry Poland to go over changes in how to vote and what options are available to the registered voters in Ohio. Download the podcast for free.
Besa Sharrah grew up in a communist country. When communism collapsed, Besa saw her father stand up and become one of the first democratically elected leaders in Albania. Besa then came to America for college and stayed to make a difference in our world. Join Mary Anne as she talks with Besa about her experiences as a child, her challenges as a mother to a premature baby, and her work in Ohio today with political candidates. Download the podcast for free.
What makes women successful in business and politics? Why are women held to a different standard then men? How have policy changes over the last fifty years helped women achieve more in the workplace. Kay Fittes, the founder of High Heeled success has some insights she is going to share with Mary Anne on todays podcast. Download for free.
In 1968 Stanley Rumbough travelled with Mary Anne Christie to watch Suzy Chaffee compete at the Olympic Games. This was the start of a lifeline friendship and the dawn of Suzy’s impact on the world. Join Mary Anne for part two of her sit down with Suzy Chaffee. Longtime friend Stanley Rumbough joins to reminisce, and ask Suzy to comment on her legacy Download the podcast for free.
Recently Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee was inducted into the Vermont sports hall of fame. Mary Anne joined her cousin to celebrate the great honor. Along with Mary Anne, Suzy was also joined by many friends and family. Today Mary Anne welcomes Kim Chaffee, Suzy's brother, to help celebrate Suzy's incredible accomplishments in skiing and activism. Download the podcast for free.
