News Man Weekly: Backyard chickens, cannabis in Mansfield and AU Prof. John Moser

November 18, 2025

MANSFIELD — Why is the old newsman so grumpy?

It’s this damn business.

Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell has spent four decades being “ground into grumpy” by a profession awash in rapid-fire technological changes. He explains it in a (hopefully humorous) monologue to open today’s show.

He and Zac Hiser and Hayden Gray then slide “effortlessly” into weekend banter, NFL overreactions and a new installment of “What’s Carl Watching?” (hint: It involves Bob Odenkirk.)

The news of the week rundown covers three major local stories: Mansfield’s renewed debate over backyard chicken coops; a second cannabis dispensary preparing to open on West Fourth Street; and significant budget-cut discussions at Madison Local Schools.

Then certified friend of the show and Ashland University historian John Moser joins us. He talks about his upcoming move to teach in Tennessee; what it’s really like taping episodes of History’s Greatest Mysteries and other TV series; and how AI is reshaping college classrooms.

The conversation also breaks down government shutdowns, the current political climate a year into Trump’s second term, and the state of the MAGA movement after recent news and elections.

It’s all a perfect listen with a hot cup from Relax, It’s Just Coffee.

Related links: 

Intro song credit: Smoke And Drink, by Luke Watson.

Be a Source Member for unlimited access to local, independent journalism.

Watch the News Man Weekly on YouTube:

YouTube video

Check out all of the previous News Man Weekly podcasts (Episodes 1-73):

 

Search

RECENT PRESS RELEASES