Real Stories Podcast

Jim Frye: A Life in Harmony tells the story of a man whose life has been defined by music, education, service, and an unwavering appreciation for the people around him. From his roots in Willard to his years at Bowling Green State University, Jim built a remarkable career as a band director and technology coordinator at Upper Sandusky Schools, inspiring generations of students both in and out of the classroom. Now, as he begins retirement, Jim reflects on the lessons, friendships, and memories that shaped his journey. Jim's story is one of passion, humility, and finding harmony in every...

In this special America 250 episode of Real Stories, we sit down with Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation for a powerful conversation about history, identity, sovereignty, and the enduring connection between the Wyandotte people and Upper Sandusky. Together, we explore the story of the only people living in the Upper Sandusky region in 1776, the legacy of the Wyandotte Nation, and the importance of preserving culture and community for future generations. From historical insight to modern-day tribal life, this episode offers an honest and meaningful look at a story deeply connected to our region and our nation’s past.

In this episode of The Real Stories Podcast, we revisit one of the most powerful winter storms in American history, the Blizzard of 1978, and its lasting impact on Ohio and the wider Midwest. Through a meteorological lens, we break down how this rare and explosive storm system formed, unleashing hurricane-force winds and paralyzing snowfall across the region. From a historical perspective, we explore how the blizzard brought daily life to a standstill, shutting down highways, stranding thousands, and prompting one of the largest emergency responses in state history.

But at its core, this episode is about people.<...

In this episode of The Real Stories Podcast, we revisit one of the most powerful winter storms in American history, the Ohio Blizzard of 1978, and its lasting impact on Ohio and the wider Midwest. Through a meteorological lens, we break down how this rare and explosive storm system formed, unleashing hurricane-force winds and paralyzing snowfall across the region. From a historical perspective, we explore how the blizzard brought daily life to a standstill, shutting down highways, stranding thousands, and prompting one of the largest emergency responses in state history.

But at its core, this episode is about...

In this final episode of The Real Story of Cynthia Pheil: The Red Slipper Murder, Resolution we wrap up the series with a tight, 25-minute sendoff that revisits everything, the key moments, evidence, and theories that shaped the case. We also close things out with a brief but important update on what ultimately happens to Roy. We hope you enjoyed this true crime story from Real Stories Podcast.

In the late summer of 1953, 19-year-old Cynthia Phiel was searching for a fresh start. In just 27 days, her life would end in tragedy. But before that, she lived with courage, hope, and heartbreak. The Real Story of Cynthia Pheil, Episode III traces her final month through letters, lies, and longing: from her red shoes and a new job at Cleveland’s famed Higbee’s Department Store to the quiet decision to leave everything behind for love. With haunting precision, we follow Cynthia’s path…the postcards home, the secret pregnancy, the manipulative letters from Roy. This episode brings Cynthia’s story to...

This is a limited-time episode, available until Election Day 2025- November 4th.

This is a simple audio file of the 2025 USEVS School Board Candidates Night. Other than adding an intro and making a couple of small volume adjustments, this audio is unedited. You will have to listen through short applause and small pauses, but we wanted to keep this as simple and authentic as possible. No one here at Real Studios, or Real Stories Podcast, has any public opinions on the candidates and wishes all 10 of them good luck.

This is the order of the...

The Real Story of Cynthia Pfeil, Part II, The Red Slippers is back with a chilling dive into the 1953 "Red Slipper Murder" case that rattled Ohio and ultimately the entire Midwest. Join us as we recount the horrific discovery of a brutally murdered, pregnant woman in Ellen Matteson's woods and follow Sheriff Dean McCallister's determined investigation to uncover the slain woman's identity and ultimately track down her killer.

Cynthia Pfeil was born in 1934, and grew up in a quiet suburban neighborhood of White Plains, New York. Productive and independent, she swam, rode horseback, and sewed her own clothes with professional polish. Cynthia was an obedient daughter, decent student, and a reliable babysitter. Her father, a German immigrant and hardworking auto shop owner, instilled a strong work ethic, while her mother, Rose, maintained their home. Cynthia followed in her older brother’s footsteps to Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952, where she studied Home Economics and met Roy “Skip” Schinagle Jr., a charismatic, well dressed, god fearing momma’s boy from May...

Welcome to the Dan Reid Road Show, a Real Story of family, music, friends, and above all else…Love. From roots that stretch back to Indian Mill and childhood afternoons watching Gilligan’s Island with his Grandma, Dan’s story is a rich patchwork of family, friendships, and the formative power of being loved. Raised by a kind-hearted teacher and a devoted, if sometimes worried, father, Dan soaked up as much small-town Ohio life as he could. Along the way, he got into some scrapes, stumbled into being a DJ, help start a radio station, burned a university president in eff...

In this special edition of Real Stories Podcast, we had an opportunity to chat with our United States Congressman Robert "Bob" Latta. We put politics aside and focused on Bob's life here in northwest Ohio, his routine as a member of the House of Representatives, and the challenges and rewards of life dedicated to service.

This year marks the 10th Annual Wyanstock Music Festival, so we thought we would sit down with some of the founding volunteers to reflect and have a few laughs about its evolution. There are too many people to thank; the sponsors, bands, fest-goers, vendors, volunteers, photographers, sound & light crews, fairgrounds caretakers…the list goes on. This is a humble attempt to pay tribute to all those people. This is not our normal format as it is a bit more jovial than normal and has lots of voices coming at you...still we hope you enjoy this special edition Wyanstock, Th...

This episode we sat down with Jerry Snodgrass and our discussion went all over the place. Whether he was fishing with Neumeister's dough balls as a child, coaching a legend, directing the Ohio High School Athletic Association through Covid-19, painting houses, or hanging with his grandkids Jerry sees the bid picture and finds the little lessons in life's simple moments. We hope you enjoy.

Jerry Snodgrass comes back to his hometown to discuss buckets of dough balls, coaching a legend, directing the Ohio High School Athletic Association during COVID-19, and the lessons he has derived from a unique life of civil service. We hope you enjoy the Real Story of Jerry Snodgrass.

Today we sat down with West Point Cadet Ethan Collins. Ethan, a Yuk, spoke about what it takes to get into the United States Military Academy, cadet life, and what it means to uphold the motto; Duty, Honor, Country.

Today we sat down with Brett Montgomery and talked about his career on the golf course and more. Brett is a 4-time N10 Player of the Year, 3-Time Northwest District Champion, 2-Time All Ohioan, and finished 2nd at the 2019 State Golf Tournament.He attended Marshall University for 2 years and is now grinding it out trying to make a living playing the game he loves. We talked about competitive youth golf, game winning three-pointers, family, friends, and more. Mostly we discussed a real story of growing up golfing.

Steve Schertzer is many things; a father, husband, coach, teacher, mentor, and really cool dude. But mention his name around track & field fans and one thing comes to mind- the high jump! In the early 1970’s Steve held the world record (yes…world) for his age group in the high jump. He was a 4-time placer at the Ohio State Track Meet, 2-time state champion, he held the state record for a while, still holds the Upper Sandusky High School record at 6’9 and the Morehead State record at 6’10”. Following his high jumping career Steve taught and coached track in Florida for three...

Ron Gottfried serves. He shut down German TV, cracked jokes to the media after the Carey Blast, saved the OU Basketball team from the Blizzard of ‘78, helped recover the missing OLC jewels, and helped build ball diamonds. He takes his job seriously but not himself, he is humble. He helped solve countless crimes over a long career as a peace officer because he is patient like a wolf...still he never solved a robbery. Allow me to introduce a man of wit, sound judgement, and fantastic timing. This is the story of Ron Gottfried.

Jim and Em Reile welcomed us into their home to discuss their story. Through 65 years of marriage, these two love birds have been busy doing all the things. This was a winding road of a story...farming, law enforcement, high school sports in the 50's, Whitefish Falls' Upper Sandusky Connection, and much more. We all know winding roads are the most fun!

Since 1955 Jim and Em Reile have been doing all the things. Farming, Fishing, Raising a Family, Traveling, Fishing, Building a Successful Business, Fighting Bad Guys, and more Fishing. We took Real Stories on the road to Jim and Em's home, the home Jim was born in. This conversation was a winding road...and we all know winding roads are the most fun!

Real Stories values the passion that goes into keeping our history alive. Today’s guest is a testament to just that. A local historian who has spent the bulk of her adult life studying, discussing, teaching and preserving the past of this place. As a caretaker and records keeper for the Mission Church in Upper Sandusky, she has served a vital role in maintaining the connection between Wyandot County and the Wyandotte Nation. Her passion is contagious and her wisdom is priceless. It was a blast to sit down with her for a chat with Betsy Bowen.

Sue Baker’s story is lighthearted yet wonderfully candid. Since the day she was born (literally) Sue has been winning hearts with her wit, good sense, and industriousness. This one spans North America, going behind the curtain on some of America’s classic culinary delights. .

Some stories are just so much more than what words can explain in an hour. Doctor Konstantine Solacoff practiced medicine in Upper Sandusky for over 50 years, but that is only part of his story. Follow along as he explains his parent's emigration from Greece, his childhood friendship with Neil Amrstrong, Ohio State when it cost $25 a quarter, and much much more. This is a real story that takes us all over the country! Thanks again to Dori and Konstantine for welcoming us into their real story.

At 7;52pm on March 5, 1967 a group of 38 souls took off from Columbus onboard Lake Central Flight 527...just 17 minutes later they fell from the sky in a horrific crash that left zero survivors. This is the real story of that crash and its aftermath.

John "Crock" Grafmiller's story is fun, insightful, and wonderfully candid. Along with tales of his education, upbringing, and deep relationships we also learned that Crock flew the classic Huey Helicopter on over 700 missions during The Vietnam War.

A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, we find his sense of duty and humility truly inspiring and hope to have helped John tell his real story in a way that honors all of those who have served.

From 1973-2008 Coach Anrda Bell molded Upper Sandusky's Lady Rams Basketball program into a perennial powerhouse in Northern Ohio. While amassing 538 wins, 10 Northern Ohio League, 21 sectional, 8 district and 3 regional championships Andra became a staple around town, in the halls of USHS, and in the hearts of the young ladies she coached.

But as you will hear, she is much more than a basketball coach. She is a farm girl who honors her parents, loves her friends, and inspires us all with her competitive and fun outlook on life.

Brenda Koehler walks us through the story of Koehler Drug, as the sun rises on a new chapter for Upper Sandusky's longest serving pharmacy.

Andy Stephan is a Wyandot County boy who spread his wings and has flown (literally) all over the world during his career in the Air Force and as a commercial pilot. His story is a great primer on how to work your way through the armed services. Our discussion circles from growing up at Stephan Lumber Company to building air strips in the Middle East, to how diplomacy can help bring about the better angels in all of us.

From 1630-1843 the Wyandot People lit their fires along the banks of the Sandusky River. This is a humble attempt at telling the Real Story of how the Wyandot came to leave Upper Sandusky for their new home "afar in the west."

In the spring of 1842, Charles Dickens traveled through Upper Sandusky during his travels in America, Listen to the real story of his adventure.

Just a taste, the tip...of the Iceberg, the big tease. Full episodes coming soon.

Today we talked with Rob Gagnon, a hometown boy who's career in the fashion industry launched him from Columbus, to NYC, to Marin County California and back again. This real story takes us from the "catwalk" in the Saint Peter's gymnasium, through Otterbein College, to the streets of New York on 9/11, to earthquakes in California. Please enjoy the Real Story of Rob Gagnon.

Today we sat down with Dale Piecha to talk about being a Navy brat, coaching football, having kids, and loving life. Enjoy!

An intimate interview with Dale Piecha, about being a Navy Brat, Mount Rushmore, College Football, Wyandot County Midget League Football, and much more.

Fritz and the Kid was an Upper Sandusky based band that played over 700 shows between 1992 and 2011. Today we sat down and got their real story.

Today we interview former Mayor Scott Washburn to learn about his real story and his meteoric rise from Pizza King to Mayor.

The Old Mission Cemetery, built in 1824, has a storied past that begins with John Stewart (A rouge Methodist Missionary) wandering into Ohio in 1813. This is a story of bravery, alcohol, singing, and politics.

Brian and Graham discuss an old newspaper clipping about a bike race in Tymochtee Township, Wyandot County, Ohio. Thanks to Mr. Kim Dysinger Moore.

Follow Crawford and his company to the Sandusky Plains and ultimately to Crawford's burning at the stake.

This is the real story of the life and horrid death of Colonel William Crawford. Today, Brian and I trace the roots of Crawford's life and discuss the circumstances that brought him to Mingo Bottom in the spring of 1782.