Ohio Appalachia is more than just a region on a map; it’s a tapestry of resilience, hidden stories, and evolving political landscapes that often go overlooked by the national headlines. Forgotten Ohio brings the pulse of these communities directly to your ears, bridging the gap between local reality and the broader conversations shaping our state’s future.

About the show

Forgotten Ohio is a dedicated space for the voices of our region. Whether it’s the quiet shifts in rural infrastructure or the high-stakes visions of those vying for our state's top office, this podcast digs into the issues that hit closest to home. We exist to hold a mirror up to the Appalachian experience, ensuring that when systems fail or when leaders come calling, the local perspective is front and center. You’ll hear us dive into topics ranging from the fragility of public safety infrastructure during digital crises to the future of statewide leadership as seen through the eyes of those living in our small towns.

What you'll discover

  • Insight into how technological failures, such as the recent prolonged CodeRED system outage, directly impact the safety of rural residents.
  • In-depth interviews with high-profile gubernatorial candidates who are navigating the unique political needs of Appalachian counties.
  • A clearer understanding of how local government agencies respond to cybersecurity threats when vital communication tools are suddenly rendered useless.
  • Human-centered conversations that move past soundbites to explore the genuine concerns of Ohio voters.
  • A deep dive into how regional identity shapes the way we interpret state policies and public health directives.
  • The importance of staying informed on local governance, especially when technical failures leave our water advisories and emergency warnings in the dark.

Who this podcast is for

This show is for the engaged Ohioan who refuses to let their community be "forgotten." It is for the resident who wants to know exactly why their emergency alerts went silent, the civic-minded neighbor keeping an eye on the 2026 election, and anyone who believes that Ohio Appalachia has a critical role to play in the future of our state. If you care about accountability, transparency, and the people behind the headlines in Belmont County and beyond, you’ve found your home here.

Meet the host

Forgotten Ohio is hosted by Karen Fatula, an Ohio native and journalist. With a deep commitment to regional storytelling and investigative curiosity, Karen brings a conversational yet incisive approach to the microphone. She believes that every resident in Ohio Appalachia has a stake in the conversation, and she works to ensure that those who impact our daily lives—from local officials to state-level policymakers—are held to account and heard clearly by the people they serve. Karen is a graduate of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

Start listening

Ready to get informed and stay connected to the stories that matter most? Subscribe to Forgotten Ohio wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, and join us as we put the spotlight back on the communities that fuel our state. Your front-row seat to the news of Ohio Appalachia starts right here.