“Just Come In and Sit Down” Ted's Open-Door Vision for Springfield | Live From Springfield USA

For years, Ted Dryden was the man behind the curtain. This week, he steps in front of it. Host Josh Taylor sits down with Ted — the videographer, studio owner, and new steward of the Live From Springfield USA brand — for an honest conversation about taking the reins of Center City Studio, the 4,000-square-foot creative space tucked into the heart of downtown Springfield (yes, there’s a real bank vault inside). Ted opens up about stepping out of the background after Chad Wilson’s move to the United Way, why he’s committed to telling truthful — not “Pollyanna” — stories about Springfield, and his open-door vision: a platform where everyday people, community leaders, and passionate “subject matter experts” can come sit down and share what they love about this city. It’s a conversation about vulnerability, using your own voice, and building something open-handed for the community — plus the inspiring story of Nasir, a former Springfield High student now headed into Wright State’s MFA film program. If you’ve got a Springfield story worth telling, this one’s an invitation. ▶ WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Website: https://livefromsusa.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0b4ub8Cfl7yfO0iMUd6Yle 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-springfield-usa-podcast/id1664549859 📩 WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW? Got a story, a passion, or something you’re building in Springfield / Clark County? Reach out via our Facebook or Instagram (Messenger), or email [email protected]. ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 The vision, in Ted’s words 0:29 Meet Ted — the man behind the curtain 0:54 Taking the reins from Chad Wilson 2:09 Inside Center City Studio (and the bank vault) 3:49 Seven episodes and the itch to do more 5:13 Building “the vault”: an unbranded, unhosted space 6:45 The turning point: why truthful storytelling matters 8:41 Springfield’s reputation vs. reality 9:57 Open-handed leadership & getting comfortable on camera 11:05 An open platform for everyday experts 13:30 Passion vs. business: keeping the lights on 14:43 The studio at work: community projects 16:56 Learning to tell your own story 19:26 Ten years from now: the legacy Ted hopes to leave 20:22 Advice for anyone nervous to sit down 21:41 10,000 eyeballs — and growing the brand 22:03 “It’s not really live” (and neither is SNL) 23:50 Nossier’s story: from Springfield High to Wright State’s MFA 27:23 How to get on the podcast Live From Springfield USA is a community media project spotlighting the people, places, and stories that make Springfield, Ohio worth talking about. GO. MAKE. TALK. #Springfield #SpringfieldOhio #ClarkCounty #LiveFromSpringfieldUSA #CenterCityStudio #LocalPodcast #CommunityStories #Ohio #Podcast #SpringfieldOH