The Mackinac On Michigan Show

June 24 ~ Ted Bolema of the Mackinac Center discusses Michigan’s broadband rollout, noting the state and federal governments spend heavily to connect rural areas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 24, 2026 ~ Tim Keller from the Center for the Rights of Abused Children highlights how Child Protective Services often fails to protect children, sometimes trying to reunite children with abusive parents. He suggested policy reforms focusing on child safety, swift family placement, accountability, and legal advocacy for children and parents. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 24, 2026 ~ Zach Gorchow of MIRS discusses Michigan’s upcoming elections, focusing on the U.S. Senate race, noting the strong positions of Abdel Al-Sayyed and Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 24, 2026 ~ Dr. Khalil Habib of Hillsdale College discusses the upcoming 250th anniversary of America, noting a decline in national pride and trust in government. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Urban planner Joel Arnold discusses how he thinks high home prices in Michigan, which are up 54% since 2020, should be addressed when wages are up only 29%, causing an affordability crisis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Beki San Martin discussed the issue of childcare deserts in Michigan, where many childcare facilities operate out of homes but face obstacles due to zoning laws. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Patrick Wright of the Mackinac Center discusses a legal victory by the Mackinac Center’s Legal Foundation challenging earmarks in Michigan’s state budget. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Greg Greubel of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression joins the show to discuss recent events at MSU, where the board of trustees passed a code of conduct to silence dissenting members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 22, 2026 ~ Naomi Lopez of the Mackinac Center discussed the high cost of medication and healthcare in America, focusing on drug pricing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 22, 2026 ~ Paula Gardner of Bridge Michigan explains how the state spent money to create a “mega-site” for a factory that was never built, but the project involved years of secrecy, land acquisition, and demolition of a neighborhood, school, and church. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 22, 2026 ~ Molly Macek of the Mackinac Center discusses Michigan’s education system, pointing out its low ranking in reading proficiency among states. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 22, 2026 ~ Michigan developer Rod Lockwood about his idea for a special economic zone on part of Belle Isle. While he believes the area would attract global investment, the project has garnered pushback from those in the Detroit community concerned about losing public space on the island. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 25, 2026 ~ Rochester Hills Schools board member Carol Beth Litkouhi joins the show to discuss her facing a lawsuit after the board censored her for speaking out against a county-wide tax millage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 25, 2026 ~ Vince Frillici of Airbnb joins the show to discuss the regulation and taxation of short-term rentals, like those on Airbnb, in Michigan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 27, 2026 ~ Evan Swarztrauber of the Digital Progress Institute joined the show to discuss the rollout of $45 billion in federal funding for broadband expansion, which was authorized five years ago, with $1.5 billion allocated to Michigan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 25, 2026 ~ Will Rinehart, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins the show to discuss the growth of data centers, especially hyperscalers, their effects on Michigan, and concerns from local residents on power and water use. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb. 22, 2026 ~ David Eggert of Crain's Detroit Business discusses Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, focusing on policies like housing, literacy, and healthcare, noting the bipartisan support for these issues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb. 27, 2026 ~ Rep. Joe Aragona discussed Michigan’s housing crisis. He introduced nine bipartisan bills to relax zoning restrictions and make housing more affordable. The bills aim to increase housing supply and address rising prices, despite some local government opposition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb. 27, 2026 ~ Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall discussed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address, on which he agreed with her on literacy and regulatory reform but noted accountability issues and her perceived slow pace of reforms. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb. 27, 2026 ~ Rep. Tim Kelly spoke on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent focus on education and literacy rates, noting the irony given her past actions on the third-grade reading law. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 340B program allows hospitals to buy drugs at a discount, but many do not pass these savings to patients. Dr. Lisa Graebert of Marquette University discusses how hospitals use the extra revenue for investments, like stocks and bonds, and for consolidation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan. 26, 2026 ~ A White House proposal to cap credit card interest at 10% aims to address affordability problems in America. Vance Ginn of Ginn Economic Consulting shares why he thinks this price control mechanism could lead to credit shortages. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan. 29, 2026 ~ State Rep. Mark Tisdale discusses his bill, which passed both the State House and Senate with bipartisan support, banning smartphones during instruction time in K-12 schools. He explains that the bill aims to address declining education outcomes and student distraction caused by phones. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan. 29, 2026 ~ Michigan’s green energy mandate aims for significant renewable power use by 2035. Dave Stevenson of the Mackinac Center shares why he thinks solar and wind power are not right for Michigan, and why nuclear power is. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Warren Anderson from the University of Michigan Dearborn discusses the need for healthcare reform in Michigan, particularly regarding affordability and access to primary care. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Four years ago, Congress authorized $45.5 billion for rural internet access, with Michigan slated to receive $1.5 billion. Ted Bolema of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss why he thinks the funds were misused. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Donny Steele, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, discusses the decision to cut $645 million in work project spending, claiming many of these projects were unnecessary or politically motivated. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 22, 2025 ~ Kyle Melinn of MIRS News joins the show to discuss the Michigan legislature’s slow year, noting a record low number of bills passed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Bridge Michigan reporter Kelly House talks about Michigan facing a surge of AI data center proposals, driven by recent tax exemptions, creating economic opportunities but also local opposition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Mick McGart talks about his “Penny and Paws” book series to introduce children to free market principles through engaging stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Michigan citizens will vote next November on whether to hold a constitutional convention, an event that occurs roughly every 16 years. This vote will determine if the state’s entire constitution should be reviewed, amended, or potentially rewritten by a gathering of delegates. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nov. 28, 2025 ~ Mike Reitz of the Mackinac Center talks about why he thinks Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did not fulfill her pledge to open her office to Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ James Hohman of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss a proposed progressive income tax in Michigan that he believes would deter high-income households, primarily business owners, leading to job loss and reduced investment in the state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ The recently passed Michigan budget is being publicly presented as flat, but independent analysis reveals a there may be a significant increase in spending. Bob Schneider of the Citizens Research Council joins the show to discuss this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ Dave Eggert of Crain's Detroit Business highlights a perceived contradiction: despite previous statements about defunding the MEDC and ongoing investigations into fund misuse, there’s renewed talk of new corporate welfare programs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct. 23, 2025 ~ Former Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Robert Lulgjuraj joins the show to discuss his campaign to represent Michigan's 10th Congressional District. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ Mike Wilkinson, a reporter at Bridge Michigan, joins the show to discuss negotiations over Michigan's education budget and debates over how much should be spent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ Mike Reitz of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss how House Republican leaders performed line-by-line budget reviews, seeking to reduce spending and prioritize certain programs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ MIRS News Reporter Samantha Shriber joins the show to discuss the recent Michigan Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sept. 25, 2025 ~ State Rep. Ann Bollin joins the show to discuss how the proposed state budget negotiations aim to reduce government spending. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan law mandates that home caregivers who receive state funds must join a union, so the Mackinac Center has filed a lawsuit challenging the law. Dirk Wilcox of the Mackinac Center joins the show to discuss the lawsuit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan’s housing shortage stems from regulatory barriers like zoning laws that favor single-family detached houses, making other housing types illegal or difficult to build. Joel Arnold, president of Abundant Housing Michigan, joins the show to discuss this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan’s education performance has declined significantly since the 1990s, falling in national rankings for both reading and math. Matt Wilk with the organization Get Kids Back to School joins the show to discuss what he believes are the solutions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug. 27, 2025 ~ Michigan’s state budget deadline of July 1 has passed without a resolution, raising concerns about a potential government shutdown by Oct. 1. Detroit News reporter Beth LeBlanc talks about what would happen if the government shuts down. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 23, 2025 ~ Brandon Arnold, the executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union, talks about the “one big beautiful bill” that is set to avoid a $4 trillion tax increase, which he claims would translate to roughly $2,100 for the average Michigan family. The failure of this bill would negatively impact families and possibly result in a recession. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 23, 2025 ~ Beth DeShonne from the Michigan Forward Network explains why she thinks tax credit scholarships offer a chance for Michigan families to access additional funds for their children’s education. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 23, 2025 ~ Michigan allocated $260 million in taxpayer money toward the Mundy site semiconductor project near the Flint Airport, but the deal fell through recently. Bridge Michigan's Paula Gardner talks about the failed SanDisk project with a potential $6.2 billion state contribution and over $20 billion in tax abatements. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 23, 2025 ~ James Hohman of the Mackinac Center joins the show to talk about a proposed state ballot measure, “Invest in My Kids,” that seeks to change Michigan’s flat income tax to a graduated tax, adding a 4-5% tax on high earners. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 25, 2025 ~ Breana Noble of the Detroit News discusses ongoing controversies within the UAW. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 25, 2025 ~ The Mackinac Center has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of certain earmarks in the Michigan state budget that did not receive the required two-thirds vote in the legislature. Patrick Wright of the Mackianc Center discusses this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.