From Akron & Beyond Podcast

From Akron & Beyond is a radio show/podcast that delves into the music and culture of a midwestern mecca - the past, present, and future of the ”Akron Sound!” Hosted by Bob Ethington (Unit 5) and Nick Nicholis (The Bizarros), the program features interesting guests, awesome music, and plenty of laughter. New episodes air at 10:00 PM Thursday nights on The Summit FM, and are then available on www.thesummit.fm -- or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts!

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music

Episodes

Johnna Economou

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

Pearl Coffee is an Akron landmark and success story. Founded over 100 years ago by a family of Greek immigrants, their high quality brews and blends are delicious and popular throughout the country. In this episode, Nick and Bob talk with Johnna Economou, proprietor of Pearl Coffee about their long history, and the old school process and techniques behind their products.Johnna is also a big local music fan, so we sneak some cool tunes in!Listen Thursday, February 26, on The Summit FM, 91.3, at 10 pm - or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

Jason Prufer

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

Tuesday Apr 28, 2026

No one, but no one, knows more about the history and musical legacy of Kent, Ohio than Jason Prufer. In this episode, Nick and Bob discuss with Jason his research and archiving of the city’s architecture, clubs, artists, and concerts. We also learn about the upcoming, highly anticipated documentary he has made about the Numbers Band.This is a special episode! Listen Thursday, February 19 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3 - or later, wherever you get your podcasts!

Double Albums, Part 2

Thursday Apr 23, 2026

Thursday Apr 23, 2026

Nick and Bob continue their unofficial survey of significant double albums.  Too much, or not enough? Either way, lots of great tunes will be heard!Listen Thursday, January 22, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!(For complete songs, we recommend [http://www.SoundCloud.com)]www.SoundCloud.com)

Silas Hite

Tuesday Apr 21, 2026

Tuesday Apr 21, 2026

Nick and Bob talk with Silas Hite, a highly accomplished musician, composer, and producer.  Silas is an Emmy Award winner, creating music for commercials, TV, film, video games… and he’s working right here in Akron!This weekend sees a record release party and art show for his latest project: “The Return of the Vampire Hustlers From Hell”, the evocative soundtrack for an (as of now!) fictitious ‘70’s Italian Horror Action Movie!To hear more about Silas and his work, listen Thursday, February 5, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

WAUP Akron

Tuesday Apr 14, 2026

Tuesday Apr 14, 2026


On our show, we love talking about radio, especially the era of free form programming, and the few stations keeping that legacy alive - like The Summit FM.  In this episode, Nick and Bob go back in time to a predecessor to The Summit - the Wild West radio that was WAUP-FM, out of the University of Akron.Joining us are Denny Akers, Jeff Davis, and James Carney, who were all there, making up radio as they went along….Listen Thursday, January 29, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3 - or later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!
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Monday Apr 13, 2026

On this episode, Nick and Bob welcome NE Ohio artist and filmmaker Ted Sikora to the show. Ted is the creator of several comic book series, including Apama and Tap Dance Killers, and as an accomplished filmmaker has directed and co-written the feature films Hero Tomorrow and Move On, in addition to numerous music videos, commercials, and educational films.We discuss the trials and rewards of being a prolific creator in these challenging times.

Double Albums, Part 1

Friday Apr 10, 2026

Friday Apr 10, 2026

Ah, the double album! Twice the fun, or double the trouble?  In this episode, Nick and Bob consider the genre, and conjure up a list of their personal favorites.  And play a lot of cool tunes.A double episode!Listen Thursday, January 15, at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, of later anytime, wherever you get your podcasts!

Friday Apr 10, 2026

We again jingle some bells and knock back the eggnog as Nick, Bob, and special guest Brad Savage go WAY beyond to choose four songs each to get into the holiday mood - with a surprise 13th tune guaranteed to rock your Yuletide!Listen on Thursday, December 18 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or anytime later wherever you get your podcasts!AND…. All three of our Holiday Song Specials will also run on Christmas morning, Thursday, December 25th!Ho Ho Ho!

Elliott Carter

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026

Wednesday Apr 08, 2026


Our guest is Elliott Carter, the lead singer, songwriter, and visual artist.  Her band Detention made a huge impact locally, and as OFF-LEASH their ambitions and potential are higher than ever.Nick and Bob talk with Elliott about the challenges of doing music and art in today’s economic and social climate - and the rewards as well. Lots of rockin’ in this episode!Listen Thursday, December 11 at 10 pm on The Summit FM, 91.3, or later anytime, anywhere you get your podcasts!
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The Akron Sound Panels, Part 2

Tuesday Apr 07, 2026

Tuesday Apr 07, 2026

This episode features a recording of the second event, from October at the Akron Main Library. Players in the “Akron Sound” Era reminisce, comment, and laugh, sharing stories from that time. The bands, the clubs, the scene….  Part 2 features David Giffels, Debbie Smith-Cahan, Danny Basone, Dave Swanson, and Bob Ethington.  Brad Savage is the moderator.These programs were very well-received. If you missed it, or just want to hear again, here’s your chance!Listen Thursday, 12/4, at 10 pm, on The Summit FM, or later anytime wherever you get your podcasts!

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