The Rural Insights Podcast
by The Rural Insights Institute
Interviews, roundtables, and press conferences highlighting current actions and policies throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Rural Insights Podcast is produced by David Haynes and the Rural Insights Institute, the primary research and information source for Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond. We provide a forum for citizen journalism and citizen opinion to tell about life in rural areas and the Upper Peninsula, and we're committed to the philosophy that knowledge and truth equals power for all citizens.
Episodes
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Addressing Rural Challenges: A Conversation with Scott Erbisch
Please note: Due to technical difficulties, the first few minutes of our conversation were cut off. We apologize for this issue, and hope you enjoy the episode. In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, seasoned public administrator Scott Erbisch joins David Haynes to discuss the unique...
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Solar Energy at the Former Groveland Mine Site: A Conversation with Lois Ellis & Elise Matz
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, host David Haynes is joined by Lois Ellis, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, and Elise Matz, Vice President of Circle Power Renewables, to discuss the transformative solar energy project at the former Groveland...
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Global Service from Upper Peninsula Roots: Talking to Karen Ogle About Her Foreign Service Career
Join David Haynes in the latest engaging episode of the Rural Insights Podcast! In this episode, David welcomes Karen Ogle, a Marquette native who has built a distinguished career in the U.S. State Department. Karen shares her journey from her "lost years" in Marquette to her rise through the…
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Diplomatic Paths: From Marquette to the World with Robert Hilton
Join David Haynes in this engaging episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, featuring a special edition of the Rural Voices series. In this conversation, David sits down with Robert Hilton, the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and a Marquette native with a storied...
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Representative David Prestin on Rural Issues, Veterans, Childcare, and Healthcare in the U.P.
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes and Student Researcher Brenna Musser talk to Representative David Prestin from the 108th House District. They discuss the top issues affecting the district, including the need for more opportunities, housing, and jobs to improve the...
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A Conversation With UP Rural Health Leader Dennis Smith
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down for a conversation with Dennis Smith. Dennis is the President of Dennis H. Smith Consulting, a firm working in the Rural Healthcare space focusing on Policy, Strategic Planning and Advocacy. He’s also the former President and…
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A Conversation with Kerri Schuiling, President of Northern Michigan University
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Kerri Schuiling, President of Northern Michigan University. Topics discussed include NMU's new mental wellness program, the transition to incoming NMU president Dr. Brock Tessman, childcare for faculty and students, the...
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A Conversation With Dan Truckey, Director of the Beaumier UP Heritage Center
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Dan Truckey, Director and Curator of the Beaumier UP Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University. Topics discussed include Truckey's involvement at the Beaumier Center, career paths for students interested in history…
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A Conversation with Steve Young, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at NMU
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down to chat with Steve Young, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Northern Michigan University. Topics covered include NMU's search for a new President, and the various challenges facing higher education and how the board and NMU…
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Chatting with Duane DuRay, Airport Manager at Sawyer International Airport
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Duane DuRay, Airport Manager for Sawyer International Airport--the Upper Peninsula's largest airport. DuRay has served as the Airport Manager since 2012, following his position at Gogebic Iron County Airport. Topics...
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Catching Up With Brian Chapman, Sault Ste. Marie City Manager
David Haynes sits down with Brian Chapman, City Manager for Sault Ste. Marie to catch up on the latest issues surrounding municipal finance and rural government, including the issue of "dark stores" and the importance of intergovernmental work in rural communities. Sault Ste. Marie is one of...
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Talking to Gina Thorsen, Stormy Kromer President and Co-Owner
David Haynes sits down with Gina Thorsen, President and Co-Owner of Stormy Kromer, one of the most well-known and successful UP brands and manufacturers--most notably for the original Stormy Kromer cap. Thorsen discusses her background having been born and raised in Ironwood, how her career got...
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Discussing the New Office of Rural Development with Gary McDowell
David Haynes sits down once again with Gary McDowell, former U.P. legislator, U.P. resident, and current director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). In this episode, Gary discusses the newly-created Office of Rural Development, which was established this past...
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Cheyenne Marlin, Assistant Director for University of Michigan's U.P. Scholars Program
David Haynes sits down with Cheyenne Marlin, Assistant Director for the University of Michigan's U.P. Scholars Program. The program provides "substantial scholarship aid for four years of undergraduate study at U-M exclusively to incoming students from Michigan's Upper Peninsula." In her position...
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Karen Kovacs, City Manager of Marquette, Michigan
David Haynes sits down with Karen Kovacs, the new City Manager for Marquette. Kovacs was officially appointed as the Marquette City Manager on May 24, 2021 and took office on June 7. The City Manager is the chief administrator for the city government and has a variety of duties including...
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Dirk Wierenga and Paul Sturgul, Route 2 Elsewhere Documentary
This episode features Dirk Wierenga, director of Route 2 Elsewhere, a documentary which “tells the story of challenges that face rural America communities adapting to a changing economy, from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Montana” and his colleague Paul Sturgul who helped promote the film.…
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Elise Bur, Director of NMU Center for Rural Health
David Haynes sits down with Elise Bur, who was selected to be the first director of the NMU Center for Rural Health after the program received a $100,000 grant in 2020. The NMU Center for Rural Health is a collaborating center for the Michigan Center for Rural Health aiming to create an…
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Dr. Coby Fletcher, Superintendent for Escanaba Area Public Schools
David Haynes sits down with Dr. Coby Fletcher, Superintendent of the Escanaba Area Public School District. His district--one of the largest in the Upper Peninsula--encompasses a kindergarten center, lower elementary school, upper elementary school, junior high school, and senior high school…
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David Jahn Gives an Update on Eastern UP Healthcare
David Haynes sits down for another conversation with David Jahn, President and CEO of Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital. Jahn has been with War Memorial for 15 years, and prior to that he was CEO and CFO at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique (his hometown) for 22 years. David has his...
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Ed Legault, Executive Director for the Delta County Economic Development Alliance
David Haynes sits down with Ed Legault, Executive Director for the Delta County Economic Development Alliance to talk about what's happening in his part of the Upper Peninsula. Ed gives a review of some of the great things happening in Delta County, including new buildings, new businesses, and…
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Dr. Charles Ballard, Professor of Economics at Michigan State University
David Haynes sits down with Dr. Charles Ballard, Professor of Economics at Michigan State University. They cover topics including Michigan's economy and budget, wealth inequality and Michigan's shrinking middle class, childcare tax, and more. Dr. Ballard is an expert in all areas of economics...
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Brigitte LaPointe, CEO of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
David Haynes sits down with Brigitte LaPointe, CEO of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Previously, LaPointe served as Director of Strategic Initiatives for Upper Peninsula Health Plan in Marquette. In this episode, Brigitte talks about her experiences growing up in the UP on the KBIC…
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Young City Leaders - Discussion with Nick Sizeland, Mitch Foster, and Brian Chapman
David Haynes sits down with Northern Michigan University alumni Nick Sizeland, Mitch Foster, and Brian Chapman to discuss their current roles as young leaders in three Michigan cities. Nick Sizeland is currently the City Manager of Grosse Pointe Park, MI and graduated from NMU in 2016 with a...
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Cybersecurity and Technology in the UP with Lois Ellis, Evan Rice, and Doug Miller
In this episode, David talks about technology and cybersecurity with Lois Ellis, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, Evan Rice, Vice President of Information Technology at CCI Systems, and Doug Miller from the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute.
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Discussion with Marquette Mayor Jenna Smith and City Commissioner Cody Mayer
David Haynes sits down with Marquette Mayor Jenna Smith and Marquette City Commissioner Cody Mayer to discuss the challenges currently faced by rural cities like Marquette, and what their thoughts are on where the future is headed for rural cities in the Upper Peninsula. Jenna Smith began serving...
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David Jahn, President & CEO of Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital
David Haynes sits down with David Jahn, President and CEO of Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital. David has been with War Memorial for 15 years, and prior to that he was CEO and CFO at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique (his hometown) for 22 years. David has his undergraduate degree in...
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Interview with Don Wotruba, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of School Boards
In this episode, David sits down with Don Wotruba, UP native and Executive Director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, one of Lansing's biggest educational associations and one of the most powerful in the state. In the podcast, Don discusses the educational policy work he is currently...
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Interview with U.P. State Representative Sara Cambensy
In this episode, David Haynes talks with Sara Cambensy, State Representative for Michigan's 109th District. Prior to her election to the state legislature, Cambensy served on the Marquette City Commission, Marquette Planning Commission and was the director of adult and continuing education for...
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Discussion with Dickinson County Leaders Lois Ellis, Theresa Caylor, and David Holmes
In this episode, David Haynes talks with Dickinson County leaders about the work being done and progress being made between the area's educational sector and the manufacturing employment base. This discussion features Dickinson Area Economic Development Authority Executive Director Lois Ellis,...
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Interview with MDARD Director and Former U.P. Legislator Gary McDowell
In this episode, David Haynes sits down with Gary McDowell, current director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Gary also served three, two-year terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. He grew up in Rudyard, MI, where he still resides, and is a farmer by trade.
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Interview with Sault Ste. Marie City Manager Brian Chapman and Marquette County Administrator Scott Erbisch
In this episode, David Haynes sits down with Sault Ste. Marie City Manager Brian Chapman and Marquette County Administrator Scott Erbisch to discuss some of the issues facing not only their own respective cities and counties, but cities and counties throughout the Upper Peninsula.
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Interview with Laura Coleman, President of Bay College
Dr. Laura Coleman, President of Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba, MI, is one of the most respected community college leaders in Michigan and across the country. In this interview we discuss lots of interesting information about higher education in the Upper Peninsula and in Michigan. More...
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Interview with UP State Senator Ed McBroom
In this episode, David Haynes interviews Ed McBroom, a Republican member of the Michigan Senate, representing the 38th district in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Senator McBroom's district covers twelve of Michigan's fifteen UP counties: Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron,...
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Interview with Brian Chapman, City Manager of Sault Ste. Marie, MI
This video features our conversion with Brian Chapman, City Manager of Sault Ste. Marie and David Haynes, the Director and Editor of our Rural Insights Institute. He talks about current issues facing the Soo and future developments for the Soo. The Soo is one of Michigan’s border communities with...
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U.P. Politics Roundtable – 2020 Sonderegger Symposium
A roundtable discussion featuring David Haynes, the Director and Editor of our Rural Insights Institute, Pat Gagliardi, former member of the House of Representatives where he also served as the Democratic Floor Leader, and Mitch Irwin former Democratic member of the Michigan Senate. This…
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About this show
Interviews, roundtables, and press conferences highlighting current actions and policies throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Rural Insights Podcast is produced by David Haynes and the Rural Insights Institute, the primary research and information source for Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond. We provide a forum for citizen journalism and citizen opinion to tell about life in rural areas and the Upper Peninsula, and we're committed to the philosophy that knowledge and truth equals power for all citizens.
Hosted by
The Rural Insights Institute
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