TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

The decisions made at the township level impact your roads, parks, fire protection, elections, zoning, and future growth—but many people don't know how local government works.Logan sits down with Mary Draves, candidate for Larkin Township Clerk, to discuss her lifelong connection to Larkin Township, her 30+ year leadership career at Dow, and why she's running for office.Mary explains the responsibilities of township government, the role of the Township Clerk, and the challenges facing one of Midland County's fastest-growing communities. From water taps and fire protection to long-term planning and community engagement, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping Larkin Township's future.In this episode: Mary's career at Dow and leadership experience  Growing up in a fourth-generation Larkin Township family  What a Township Clerk actually does  How township government works  Water taps and future development  Fire protection and long-term planning  Why communication with residents matters  Supporting local businesses and economic growth  The importance of community service  Why informed local elections matter Whether you live in Larkin Township or simply want to better understand local government, this episode provides valuable insight into how decisions close to home affect everyday life. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Mary Draves Growing up in a fourth-generation Larkin Township family04:15 – A 30+ Year Career at Dow Leadership, sustainability, and building experience10:45 – Family Business & Community Roots Why Midland has always been home17:30 – Why Run for Township Clerk? What motivated Mary to seek office24:10 – How Township Government Works Understanding the roles and responsibilities31:30 – Water Taps & Community Growth Planning for Larkin Township's future39:45 – Fire Protection & Long-Term Planning Preparing for the next generation47:20 – Communication with Residents Keeping citizens informed54:00 – Leadership Through Service Why community involvement mattersKeywordsMary Draves, Larkin Township, Larkin Township Clerk, Midland Michigan, Township government, Local government, Elections, Community leadership, Dow, Midland County, Fire protection, Water taps, Economic development, Local politics, Talk Midland Podcast

This is one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on Talk Midland.Logan sits down inside the Recovery Pod at the Midland County Jail with Johnny Saunders to hear the raw, heartbreaking, and hopeful story of a man who has spent decades battling addiction.Johnny opens up about growing up with parents addicted to drugs, entering foster care, losing his sister, years of addiction, multiple prison sentences, and the choices that brought him back behind bars.But this conversation isn't just about addiction.It's about responsibility, redemption, second chances, and a groundbreaking program inside the Midland County Sheriff's Office that's helping inmates rebuild their lives before they return to the community.In this episode: Growing up in a home filled with addiction  Entering foster care as a child  How addiction slowly took over his life  Multiple prison sentences and life as a career criminal  The moment he realized he wanted something different  Inside Midland County's Recovery Pod  Drug Court and why accountability matters  Rebuilding self-worth after addiction  The fear of starting over  Why hope still exists Whether you've experienced addiction personally, have a loved one who's struggling, or simply want to better understand recovery, this conversation is one you won't forget. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Johnny Saunders Inside the Midland County Recovery Pod04:20 – Growing Up Around Addiction Life with two addicted parents and foster care11:00 – Losing His Sister How tragedy fueled addiction18:30 – From Drug Use to Career Crime The choices that led to prison27:15 – Hitting Rock Bottom The cycle of addiction and relapse35:00 – Inside the Recovery Pod How Midland County is doing things differently44:15 – Drug Court & Accountability Learning responsibility for the first time52:10 – Preparing for Release The fear of starting over59:45 – Building a New Future Hope, support systems, and second chances KeywordsRecovery Pod, Johnny Saunders, Scott Holzinger, Midland County Sheriff's Office, Addiction recovery, Drug Court, Foster care, Substance abuse, Second chances, Mental health, Criminal justice reform, Recovery program, Midland Michigan, Talk Midland Podcast

What makes someone choose one car wash over another?Logan sits down with Tom Terry, Site Leader at Tommy's Express Car Wash, to talk about bringing a new business to Midland, creating memorable customer experiences, and why putting people first has been the key to their success.Tom shares how Tommy's Express has grown by focusing on exceptional customer service, investing in employees, supporting local organizations, and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back.In this episode, you'll learn: Why Tommy's Express chose Midland  What makes their car wash different from the competition  The importance of customer service in today's world  How they develop future leaders from within  Why they believe in giving people second chances  The story behind one of their most loyal customers  Why community involvement matters to their business  How unlimited memberships work  What goes into building a successful local business Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone who appreciates great customer service, this episode is full of valuable insights. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Tom Terry How Tommy's Express came to Midland03:45 – Building a New Business Why Midland was the perfect location08:30 – What Makes Tommy's Different Hot water, free vacuums, and customer service14:20 – Creating a Better Customer Experience Memberships, technology, and convenience20:10 – The Story of Derek A customer who reminds everyone why people matter26:15 – Why Businesses Open Near Competitors The strategy behind location selection32:30 – Developing Future Leaders Growing employees from within39:00 – Giving People Second Chances Building a workplace that cares46:15 – Community Partnerships Supporting Midland schools and nonprofits53:00 – Why Customer Service Still Wins Old-school values in a modern businessKeywordsTommy's Express Car Wash, Tom Terry, Midland Michigan, Customer service, Small business, Car wash, Leadership, Employee development, Midland Business, Entrepreneurship, Local business, Community involvement, Unlimited car wash, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland MI

Could your child get themselves out of a pool if they accidentally fell in?Logan sits down with Abigayle Bundze of Schieber Swim School 2.0 and the Schieber Swim Foundation to discuss one of the most important life skills a child can learn: water safety.Abbi explains why traditional swim lessons aren't always enough, the difference between learning to swim and learning to survive, and why every child should know how to roll onto their back, float, get to the wall, and climb out safely.They discuss: Why drowning is often silent and happens faster than people realize  The difference between self-rescue swim lessons and traditional lessons  Why flotation devices can create a false sense of security  The biggest mistakes parents make around pools  Teaching babies as young as four months old  Building confidence after a near-drowning experience  Why every child should know how to safely exit a pool  The mission behind the Schieber Swim Foundation If you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this conversation could change the way you think about water safety. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Drowning Happens Faster Than You Think Why water safety is so important03:10 – Meet Abbi Bundze & Schieber Swim School The mission behind self-rescue swim lessons07:30 – Learning to Swim vs. Learning to Survive The difference every parent should know13:00 – The Biggest Pool Safety Mistakes False confidence and flotation devices18:45 – Can Babies Really Learn Self-Rescue? Starting lessons as young as four months25:10 – Helping Kids Overcome Water Fear Building confidence after a scary experience32:20 – Why Floating Comes Before Swimming The foundation of self-rescue39:30 – How Long Does It Take to Learn? What parents can realistically expect46:00 – Group Lessons vs. One-on-One Lessons Finding the right approach53:10 – The Schieber Swim Foundation Making life-saving swim lessons accessible for everyoneKeywordsSchieber Swim School, Abigayle Bundze, Water safety, Swim lessons, Self-rescue swimming, Drowning prevention, Infant swim lessons, Midland Michigan, Child water safety, Pool safety, Swim school, Schieber Swim Foundation, Parenting, Talk Midland Podcast, Swimming for kids

Thousands of people cried watching this Shark Tank pitch.Logan sits down with Trevor Szafranski, founder of R1SE: Education & Recreation, to discuss his incredible journey from public school teacher to Shark Tank entrepreneur.Trevor shares the behind-the-scenes story of getting the call from ABC, stepping into the Tank, receiving praise from all five sharks, and ultimately landing a deal with Barbara Corcoran.But this episode is about much more than television.Trevor explains how R1SE is helping students build confidence, supporting overwhelmed parents, and creating environments where kids can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.In this episode: The Shark Tank audition and filming process  What happened that didn't make it on TV  Why Barbara Corcoran was Trevor's first choice  How R1SE is transforming before and after-school care  The emotional response from families across America  The future of franchising R1SE nationwide  Supporting students beyond academics  Building a mission-driven business  Balancing affordability with growth  And what's next after Shark Tank This is an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, education, and creating something that truly changes lives. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Trevor Szafranski & R1SE How a teacher became an entrepreneur04:15 – The Problem R1SE Is Solving Helping students and parents10:20 – The Call From ABC Getting invited to Shark Tank16:30 – Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank Preparing for the biggest pitch of his life24:10 – The Sharks' Reactions What surprised Trevor the most31:45 – Barbara Corcoran's Offer Why she was the perfect partner39:20 – The Emotional Response From America Thousands of emails and messages47:15 – The Future of R1SE Franchising and national growth55:00 – Building a Mission-Driven Business Purpose before profit1:02:40 – What's Next for Trevor and R1SE The future after Shark TankKeywordsTrevor Szafranski , R1SE Education and Recreation, Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Midland Michigan, Education entrepreneurship, After school programs, Student mentorship, Childcare innovation, Franchising, Small business success, Family support, Talk Midland Podcast, ABC Shark Tank, Educational leadership

When everyone else is running away from danger, firefighters are running toward it.Logan sits down with Midland Fire Marshal John Jurek to discuss what it really means to serve our community through fire prevention, emergency response, and public safety.John shares his unique journey into the fire service, inspired by his mother—one of the first female firefighters in Washtenaw County—and discusses everything from fire inspections and firefighter training to major emergencies, floods, and the realities of modern firefighting.In this episode, you'll learn: What a Fire Marshal actually does  How businesses are inspected for fire safety  The path to becoming a firefighter  Why firefighter training never stops  What happens when the alarm goes off at 3 AM  Midland's fire stations and emergency response system  Mutual aid and how departments work together  Stories from floods, fires, and emergency situations  The future of fire protection in Midland  And John's passion for educating the public through social media and YouTube This conversation offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of Midland's most important public safety organizations.Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Meet Fire Marshal John Jurek His role with the Midland Fire Department03:15 – Fire Inspections & Fire Code Enforcement How businesses stay safe08:20 – Growing Up Around Firefighters The influence of John's mother13:10 – One of the First Female Firefighters A trailblazing story18:45 – The Reality of Firefighter Training Why learning never stops24:30 – How to Become a Firefighter Career paths and certifications31:20 – Life Inside a Fire Station 24-hour shifts and emergency response38:10 – Midland's Fire Stations Explained How resources are deployed44:45 – Fire Department Staffing Challenges Meeting community needs50:15 – Major Emergencies & Mutual Aid How departments work together56:20 – The 2020 Flood & Community Response Lessons learned from disaster1:02:00 – Fire Prevention & Public Education Keeping Midland safe before emergencies happenKeywordsJohn Jurek, Midland Fire Department, Fire Marshal, Midland Michigan, Firefighter career, Fire safety, Fire inspections, Emergency response, Fire prevention, Midland podcast, Public safety, Firefighter training, Mutual aid, 2020 Midland flood, Talk Midland Podcast

Dreaming of fresh vegetables from your backyard but don't know where to start?Logan sits down with Sara Zielinski, founder of Rooted Fork Garden, to talk about helping Midland families build successful kitchen gardens from the ground up.Sara shares why most gardening failures happen long before the first seed is planted and explains how the right setup can dramatically improve your chances of success.In this episode, you'll learn: Raised beds vs. in-ground gardens  The biggest mistakes new gardeners make  Why soil matters more than most people realize  How to design a garden around what your family actually eats  Watering strategies that help plants thrive  The health benefits of homegrown food  How gardening gets kids excited about vegetables  Why succession planting can extend your harvest all season long Whether you're planting your first tomato or looking to improve an existing garden, this episode is packed with practical advice for creating a thriving backyard garden. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Why Most Gardens Fail The setup matters more than you think03:15 – What Is Rooted Fork Garden? Sarah's mission to help families garden successfully07:45 – Designing the Perfect Garden Starting with your family's goals12:30 – Raised Beds vs In-Ground Gardens Pros and cons of each approach18:40 – Soil: The Most Important Ingredient Why healthy soil changes everything24:20 – Watering Mistakes Most People Make Deep watering vs frequent watering30:15 – Gardening With Kids Creating lifelong healthy habits36:10 – Growing More Food in the Same Space Succession planting explained42:00 – Health Benefits of Homegrown Produce Freshness, nutrition, and flavor47:30 – Workshops, Coaching, and Garden Consultations How Sarah helps local families53:20 – Building a Garden You'll Actually Enjoy Creating habits that lastKeywordsRooted Fork Garden, Sarah Zielinski, Backyard gardening, Midland Michigan gardening, Raised bed gardens, Vegetable gardening, Kitchen garden, Homegrown vegetables, Gardening tips, Garden planning, Organic gardening, Michigan gardening, Gardening for beginners, Healthy eating, Talk Midland podcast

What if the reason you're stuck isn't a lack of effort—but a lack of clarity?Logan sits down with Jason Story, Director of Talent at the Midland Business Alliance, to discuss the upcoming ZingTrain Visioning Workshop coming to Midland.Together they explore why vision is different from goals, why successful organizations document their future before they build it, and how individuals, employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders can use visioning to create more intentional growth.In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between vision, mission, goals, and strategy  Why writing down your vision matters  How Zingerman's grew from 3 employees to a nationally recognized organization  Aligning employee and company visions  The importance of talent attraction and retention in Midland  Why Midland is positioning itself for future growth  How businesses can attract great people  And why the future starts with getting clear on what you actually want Whether you're building a company, planning your career, or simply trying to figure out what's next, this conversation offers practical insight into creating a meaningful future. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Why Vision Matters The importance of defining success03:15 – What Is the ZingTrain Visioning Workshop? Why it's coming to Midland08:20 – Vision vs Goals vs Strategy Understanding the differences14:30 – Aligning Employee & Employer Vision Creating stronger organizations20:45 – Why Most People Skip This Step The power of documentation27:10 – Lessons From Zingerman's Growing from 3 employees to hundreds34:15 – Building High-Performing Organizations Culture, communication, and clarity40:00 – Talent Attraction & Retention Challenges facing Midland46:30 – Midland's Future Vision Growth, housing, childcare, and opportunity53:20 – Turning Vision Into Action Practical takeaways for listenersKeywordsMidland Business Alliance, ZingTrain, Visioning Workshop, Business Leadership, Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Talent Attraction, Talent Retention, Midland Michigan, Small Business Growth, Leadership Development, Business Vision, Employee Engagement, Talk Midland Podcast

What if learning felt more personal, hands-on, and connected to real life?Logan sits down with Rachel Helmreich, co-founder of Opin Academy, to talk about a brand-new educational option coming to Midland this fall.Built around a small classroom model with only 18 students, OPIN Academy is rethinking traditional education with mixed-age learning, life skills, hands-on experiences, outdoor play, and stronger family connection.Rachel shares: Why she and her partner Cayla started OPIN Academy  How becoming moms changed their perspective on education  The differences between traditional school and micro schools  Why mixed-age classrooms can actually benefit students  The importance of hands-on learning and life skills  How community volunteers will help teach students  Why safety and connection are core values  And what families can expect from this unique new concept This episode is a fascinating look at how education is evolving — and why more families are looking for alternatives. Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – What Is OPIN Academy? Introducing Midland’s new micro school03:10 – Why Rachel & Cayla Started This Motherhood and changing perspectives on education07:20 – What Makes This Different From Public School Hands-on learning and flexibility12:45 – The Mixed-Age Classroom Model Why younger and older students learn together18:10 – Online Curriculum + Real-Life Learning Balancing academics with life skills24:20 – Building Life Skills Through Community Experts Cooking, gardening, sewing, and more30:40 – Safety, Licensing, and Parent Communication Why structure matters36:15 – The Business Side of Starting a School Learning entrepreneurship from scratch42:30 – Tuition & Accessibility Conversations Why families are interested in alternatives48:20 – The Vision for the Future Growing beyond one classroomKeywords Rachel Helmrich, Midland MI schools. Micro school Michigan, Alternative education, Private school Midland, Small classroom education, Homeschool alternative, Hands-on learning, Midland parents, Life skills education, Early childhood education, Talk Midland podcast, Education innovation, Midland community

They say Midland desperately needs more childcare… so why fight the people trying to build it?I spoke at City Council Meeting about the vision for our first-class childcare center designed to support Midland families, working parents, and the next generation of kids in our community.This project isn’t about politics or profit — it’s about solving a real problem with real action.

One whistle can make half the crowd cheer… and the other half lose their minds.Logan sits down with Kevin Crampton to talk about what it’s really like officiating high school football and basketball across Mid-Michigan.From screaming parents and packed gyms to split-second decisions and playoff pressure, Kevin shares what most fans never see behind the whistle.They discuss: Why there’s a shortage of referees and umpires  The pressure of making game-changing calls  How officials train and work their way up  The difference between football and basketball officiating  Handling angry coaches, fans, and players  What happens when officials disagree on a call  The mechanics behind officiating a football game  And why sports officials deserve more respect than they get This episode is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the hardest — and most misunderstood — jobs in sports.Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – Why Referees Matter More Than People Realize Kevin’s journey into officiating03:20 – The Referee Shortage Problem Why fewer people want to do it07:15 – Thick Skin & Tough Crowds Handling criticism from fans and coaches11:10 – “Blow the Whistle” The importance of decisiveness15:45 – How Officials Get Started Youth sports to high school progression20:30 – The Structure of Football Officiating Crews Breaking down each position27:10 – What Officials Actually Watch During a Play Zones, keys, and mechanics explained35:20 – How Calls Are Made & Communicated Inside referee decision-making42:00 – Basketball vs Football Officiating Why basketball is harder48:10 – Big Games & High Pressure Situations 10,000 fans and playoff intensity54:45 – Coaches, Fans, and Ejections Handling conflict during games1:00:30 – Respect for Officials & the Future of Sports What needs to changeKeywordsKevin Crampton, Talk Midland podcast, High school sports officiating, Midland Michigan sports, Football referee, Basketball official, Youth sports referees, MHSA officials, Sports officiating shortage, High school football Michigan, Basketball refereeing, Midland MI podcast, Sports leadership, Referee stories, Behind the whistle

Caring for a loved one is one of the hardest — and most important — roles someone can take on.Logan sits down with Christin Cardani of Senior Services Midland and Seasons Adult Day Health Services to talk about a powerful but often overlooked resource for families.Christin shares how Seasons provides a structured daytime program for individuals experiencing dementia, cognitive changes, or other conditions — while also giving caregivers something just as important: time.They dive into: What Seasons Adult Day Health Services actually is  Who qualifies and how the program works  Why socialization and routine matter for cognitive health  How caregivers can avoid burnout  What a typical day looks like for participants  The importance of early intervention  And how this program helps families keep loved ones at home longer This episode is about support, dignity, and giving both seniors and caregivers a better quality of life.Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – What Is Senior Services Midland? Overview of programs and services03:10 – What Is Seasons Adult Day Health Services? A unique program for cognitive care06:45 – Who the Program Is Designed For Dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, and more11:20 – Why Socialization Matters Combating isolation and creating purpose16:10 – A Day in the Life at Seasons Activities, structure, and engagement21:30 – Supporting Caregivers Respite care and avoiding burnout26:45 – Flexibility & Scheduling Options Part-time, full-time, and trial days31:10 – Early Intervention Benefits Why starting sooner matters36:20 – Cost & Financial Assistance Options Making care accessible41:00 – Volunteers & Community Support How people can get involved45:30 – Keeping Loved Ones at Home Longer Why programs like this matterKeywordsChristin Cardani, Senior Services Midland, Seasons Adult Day Health Services, Dementia care Midland MI, Caregiver support services, Adult day programs Michigan, Midland MI podcast, Talk Midland podcast, Senior care resources, Cognitive health programs, Alzheimer’s support Midland, Respite care services, Aging in place support, Caregiver burnout help, Midland community services

What really happens behind the scenes in Congress — and how does it impact Midland?This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Congressman John Moolenaar to talk about everything from local issues to global challenges — and what it means to serve Michigan at the national level.From supporting farmers and small businesses to navigating complex global tensions with China, Congressman Moolenaar shares insight into the decisions shaping our economy, security, and future.They discuss: What it’s like representing a 20-county district  Challenges facing farmers and small businesses  New tax policies impacting workers and families  The role of government in helping constituents  Global competition with China and national security concerns  Child care challenges and opportunities  What it’s really like to run for Congress  And how growing up in Midland shaped his path to public service This is a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, service, and staying connected to the people you represent.Stay Connected with Us!Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:@TALKMIDLANDJoin the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!#TalkMidland Chapter Notes00:00 – What It Means to Serve in Congress Representing Michigan’s 2nd District03:20 – Redistricting & Representing New Communities Changes after the 2020 census07:10 – Challenges Facing Farmers Today Rising costs, labor, and policy impacts12:45 – Helping Constituents Navigate Government VA, IRS, and federal support18:20 – New Tax Policies Explained No tax on tips, overtime, and benefits24:30 – How Legislation Actually Gets Passed Behind-the-scenes in Congress30:15 – U.S. vs China: Economic & Security Concerns Trade, technology, and global competition38:40 – Why Taiwan Matters Strategic importance and global impact44:10 – Child Care Challenges in Michigan Access, affordability, and opportunity50:20 – Running for Congress The realities of campaigning55:45 – Listening to Constituents Why communication matters1:00:10 – Growing Up in Midland Family, faith, and community impactKeywordsJohn Moolenaar, Talk Midland podcast, Midland Michigan politics, U.S. Congressman Michigan, Michigan farming issues, Tax policy changes, China economic competition, U.S. trade policy, Midland MI podcast, Government and policy discussion, Child care policy Michigan, Running for Congress, Constituent services, Michigan economic development, Public service leadership