Michigan Reimagined

The MidMichigan Environmental Action Council - or MidMEAC - is doing amazing things in our community. Joining Chris to share their mission and the many ways they work to make our communities cleaner and more safe for us to live in, is Executive Director, Theresa Lark, and President of the Board, Dennis Louney!

There’s a new development project planned for the intersection of Holmes and Pleasant Grove in Southwest Lansing. This project is unique as it provides a creative investment opportunity for citizens. Joining Chris to share the vision and the strategy for the Holmes & Pleasant Grove project are members of the Lansing Growth Fund, Brent Forsberg and Melissa Hall!

Lansing is in the process of getting a new downtown music and arts venue called The Ovation. There have been many organizations working together to make this a reality, and there have been recent breakthroughs bringing us closer to the finish line. Joining Chris to give us an update on this exciting attraction is the Founding Director at Ovation Center for Music and Arts, Dominic Cochran!

Environmental sustainability has become more than a buzz-word - it’s a permanent way of life for many people and a growing strategy for corporations. Here to share the role marketing plays in broadcasting the message are two superstars from Güd Marketing in Lansing’s Old Town District. Joining Chris are Senior Client Strategist & Research Manager, Chelsea Maupin and Account Manager, Lauren Abbott!

Michiganders have pretty solid access to quality baseball. Most are loyal to their beloved Detroit Tigers, but if you roam around the state you can find serious baseball in many cities. Joining Chris to discuss the kick-off to their 30th season is the General Manager for the Lansing Lugnuts, Zac Clark!

Lansing 5:01 is a wonderful mid-Michigan organization doing great work. They’ve been highlighted in Michigan Reimagined many times. For the first time since they were founded, they have a leadership change. Joining Chris to tell us about the history and the future of Lansing 5:01 is their President & CEO, Samantha Harkins!

The community is a richer place to live when individuals find their true calling and dare to buck the trends by opening unique businesses. Today I want to highlight a special business in Lansing’s Old Town, Chengdu Teahouse. Joining Chris to share her journey and offerings is the owner of Chengdu, Elyse Ribbons!

We’re on the cusp of the newest season of the award winning Capital City Film Festival! Joining Chris to share this year’s hot new details - are Festival Event Director Emma Selby, Program Director Pete Johnston, and Film Programs Manager, Jaden Deibel.

Chris has said a number of times, Michigan may have the most competitive and effective start-up ecosystems in the country. Two major players in that space are the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State University Research Foundation. Joining Chris to share the amazing PitchMi event are the VP of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the MEDC, Alison Todak and the Director of Portfolio Management at Red Cedar Ventures, Pete Martin!

Chris has said many times on this show that a quality community values art and the artist. I’ve also highlighted people who have made significant pivots in their careers. In this episode, we delve into both! Joining Chris to share his story and new art installation is local artist Jason Keusch.

Artificial Intelligence is being incorporated in all manners of life. Joining Chris to share how AI is used in Real Estate and to give a general update on the status of resident real estate in Michigan is the owner of Keller Williams - Advantage in Team, Chris Silker!

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) recently introduced LEAP Thrive, a program that partners with developers to facilitate community-oriented development projects. Joining Chris to explain more is LEAP Thrive Board President & COO of LEAP, Keith Lambert and Thrive Board Member and Executive Director of the Ingham County Land Bank, Roxanne Case!

Society is clamoring for health care reform, along with a fundamental shift from Sick Care to truly affordable Health Care. Joining Chris to discuss an upcoming event called ‘HEALTH’CARE 2026 is the Founder & CEO of Health Bar, Nathan Baar!

Seemingly out of nowhere Data Centers have been proposing new facilities in many Michigan communities. Most are being met with strong opposition, but it’s hard to keep up with what the concerns are, what the rebuttals have been - and ultimately what the truth is. Joining Chris to discuss the topic on a broader scale, as well as some details on the proposed Lansing-based project, is the Vice President of Strategy and Operations for Deep Green, Luke Gavin!

Insurance is something most people would rather not think about. After all, people and businesses pay money in the hopes of never having to use the services they’re paying for. Many think that getting the cheapest policy, and foregoing a live Agent, is the best path. Joining Chris to shed some light on why NOT having a live expert advising you is State Farm agent, Kirk Byrens!

Michigan Community Action is the state association for the 27 designated Community Action Agencies in Michigan. They are also part of a national network of over 1,000 local organizations that help people move from poverty to economic stability and self-sufficiency. Joining Chris to discuss more programming information and the impact on Michigan is the Community Action Executive Director, Brian McGrain!

Outdoor recreation checks a lot of boxes when it comes to things that bring value to our lives. It drives our health and wellness, and it drives our economy. Joining Chris to discuss the details and impact of the annual Michigan Ice Fest is the Festival Organizer and Co-owner of Down Wind Sports, Bill Thompson, and the Executive Director of the Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Brad Garmon!

In this episode, we’re talking about legacy, leadership and impact. The Commission is preparing for its 41st annual Day of Celebration, one of the largest MLK Day events in the country — but its work extends far beyond a single day. Joining Chris to share how the Commission continues to carry forward Dr. King’s vision through education, youth leadership and community action is Chair of the Dr. MLK Jr Commission of Mid-Michigan, Elaine Hardy!

Many of us cheer at ribbon cuttings, or even groundbreakings, and are excited about a new endeavor in our communities. Those behind the scenes realize it takes amazing partnerships and collaboration months - even years - in advance to get a project underway. My next guests are here to share some of the behind-the-scenes work that leads up with projects materializing or not. - and they are Brownfield Consultant for Triterra, Connor Zook, and Project Liaison for Revitalize, Reece Burton!

Vulnerable populations suffer in a variety of ways. One way is having a lack of access to financial services - either lacking transportation, or awareness that services exist. Joining Chris to discuss a new mobile tax service provided by the United Way of South Central Michigan, is their Senior Director of Community Impact & Programs, Bethany Stutzman and CEDAM Member, Quill Stellaris!

For decades businesses have been chasing SEO - Search Engine Optimization - for their websites. AI is changing things, and it likely will require a new strategy to get discovered as a business. Joining Chris to share how Güd Marketing is learning and sharing their findings are Principal and President Debbie Horak and Director of Special Projects, Joel Newport!

Bridges - An Intergenerational Center - is preparing to open in Lansing, offering a truly unique model that brings young children and older adults together for shared learning and connection. After two years of searching for the right building and facing an uphill battle with multiple lenders, this small business turned a corner when they found LAFCU — a credit union known for putting people over profits and finding creative solutions to help entrepreneurs succeed. Joining me today are Sandra Tryon, director of Bridges, and Brook Jones, commercial lending officer at LAFCU, to talk about the dream behind Bridges, the hurdles they overcame, and what it means for families, seniors, and the community!

Accessible housing has been a hotly discussed topic around Michigan - and on this show - for a while now. Our next guest has found a way to develop 204 units of mixed-income housing in Midland MI called The Dean, Apartments at Eastlawn. Joining Chris to share the journey is the President of River Caddis Group, John McGraw!

AI isn’t just for answers. Joining Chris is Private Investor & Community Builder, Dave Silva Smith uses it to surface high-leverage questions about himself - turning reflection into action: a better father, a better partner, and clear actions to try!

Inventors and innovators need to protect their inventions and processes. And it’s not a one-time effort! Here to share some important need-to-know tips, and how to follow him for regular updates, is Senior Attorney from Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Mikhail Murshak

Financial institutions are critical to the economic development of our communities. I’ve also learned that banks and credit unions are not all the same. Joining Chris to share the LAFCU story, and some new endeavors, are two of LAFCU’s executive team: Robyn Howell, Executive Vice President and COO, and Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for LAFCU who is also the CEO of StableCommunities Foundation!

Many companies have philanthropic endeavors, and Maner Consterisan in mid-Michigan certainly does their part. Joining Chris to discuss how Maner functions as a successful business - and how they give back - is Maner Costerisan Principal, Sarah Jennings!

Land owners have a lot to consider and the environmental condition of their property is a big one. There are more and more regulatory and compliance requirements - and if you have an issue, you need to know who to call for help. Joining me to share the services provided by Hamp Mathews & Associates are their Principal Engineer and Visionary, Joel Parker, and Office Manager and Integrator Holly Petroff!

Michigan has arguably one of the best Start-Up ecosystems in the country. Getting an invention turned into a successful endeavor that employs citizens is no easy feat, and it truly takes a village. Joining me to share the amazing story of MotMot, the important work they do, and the partnerships & support it took to launch - is their CEO and Co-Founder, Elliott Smith!

I’ve said a number of times, Michigan may have the most competitive and effective start-up ecosystems in the country. One major player in that space is the Michigan State University Research Foundation. Joining me to share a few of their recent endeavors is their Executive Director for Spartan Innovations, Michigan Rise and Red Cedar Ventures, Jeff Wesley!

Michigan is made up of many special organizations serving our communities, and I’m really excited to highlight one such group on this show. Joining Chris in the studio is the President and CEO of Origami Rehabilitation, Tammy Hannah!

If you are fortunate enough to run a business that is growing quickly, you need to have a great plan to recruit and retain talent. One local financial firm feels they’re set up for long term growth in a variety of ways. Joining Chris to share the Waggoner Financial story are President Kiley Eory and Director of Investment & Planning Ankit Jalan!

Healthcare is a hotly discussed topic and the Health and Wellness of our citizens drives our ability to be a vibrant community. The Lansing Area AIDS Network is a local non-profit with a mission to serve residents in a variety of ways. Joining Chris to discuss that mission and share information is their Executive Director, Kristina Schmidgall!

Significant tragedy can send a person spiraling and change you for the worse forever, or it can motivate you to create real change. Joining Chris to share the amazing story of the Mikey23 Foundation is its Founder, Michael McKissic!

There’s a new development project planned for the intersection of Holmes and Pleasant Grove in Southwest Lansing. This project is unique as it provides a creative investment opportunity for citizens. Joining Chris to share the vision and the strategy for the Holmes & Pleasant Grove project are members of the Lansing Growth Fund, Brent Forsberg and Chris Miller!

The professional finance community has embraced technological advancements at an aggressive rate. After all, they are working to earn your business and perform for their clients. Here to share how the team at Waggoner Global Advisors leans into Fintech projects are Portfolio Manager Shanzer Khan, and Software Engineers Wyat Soule & Chad Hildwein

There are several what I would call behind-the-scenes industries when it comes to the revitalization of Michigan. One is environmental consulting. One Lansing-area owned and operated firm has been growing and receiving national recognition. Joining Chris to share their services and story is the Chief Culture Officer for Tri-Terra, JP Buckingham!

The parent company of Holland Home, one of the state's largest nonprofit senior living providers, has rebranded and aims to make a more substantial impact in the lives of older adults in the region. The Grand Rapids-based entity formerly known as Christian Living Services, is now known as Trillium Living. Joining Chris to share more details is Trillium Living CEO, Troy Vugteveen!

With the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) signed into law, significant tax changes are on the horizon for both individuals and businesses. What do you need to know? Well - let’s listen to the experts as we hear from Maner Costerisan Principal Jen Danko, and Senior Manager Kevin Todd!

Insurance - by definition - is something most people would rather not think about. After all, people and businesses pay real money in the hopes of never having to use the services they’re paying for. Joining Chris to shed some light on why NOT to neglect this critical industry - as a person and as a business - is State Farm agent, Kirk Byrens!

MSHDA, or the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, is a state agency that provides financial and technical assistance to create and preserve affordable housing in Michigan. It offers a wide variety of programs and resources for developers, homeowners, and renters statewide. Joining Chris to discuss more details and programming information is MSHDA CEO and Executive Director, Amy Hovey!

The Gillespie Group has been breathing new life throughout Michigan with unique and inspired redevelopment projects. Joining Chris to discuss the new Spartan Gateway at Michigan State University and the momentum of Downtown Lansing is the Founder and CEO of the Gillespie Group, Pat Gillespie!

What the world refers to as Football, and we Americans often refer to as Soccer, has grown exponentially in popularity over the last decade. Our state’s own Detroit City Football Club recently announced a major investment and huge upgrade in what is to be their new facility. Joining Chris to share the path and the details is the Co-Owner & CEO of the Detroit City Football Club, Sean Mann!

The world economy in early 2025 has been a roller coaster to say the least. Joining Chris to discuss the macroeconomic trends, news, and commentary - and what it might mean to you - are members of the Waggoner team - Founder, CEO Eric Waggoner, and Investment Associate, Mark Hu!

Having the right marketing agency guiding your entity can make or break your ability to achieve your mission. It’s easy as a leader to become antiquated quickly. Joining Chris to share how Güd Marketing serves their clients using the most up-to-date technologies are its Principal and President Debbie Horak and Director of Special Projects, Joel Newport!

The pandemic decimated the foot traffic in many cities, and Lansing may have been hurt more than most due to the state workers being allowed to remain home. Luckily there’s a group focused solely on creative solutions for businesses to thrive within the downtown. Joining Chris  to discuss their recent State of the City address is the Executive Director of Downtown Lansing, Inc., Cathleen Edgerly!

Mid-Michigan recently launched the “Be Our Neighbor” campaign in an effort to drive inbound population growth and accelerate talent development. Joining Chris to share the purpose and importance is the Founder & Executive Director of Lansing 5:01, Chris Sell, the Founder and CEO of Hundred Place Consulting, Samanth Harkins, and the Principle & Creative Director of Redhead Creative Consultancy, Jennifer Estill!

There are many non-profits out there delivering services to people who need it, and many host fundraising events to keep their mission moving forward. Joining Chris are a few members of The Davies Project for Mid-Michigan Children team to share their story and their upcoming installment of Max's Race!

Gun violence shatters lives daily - plain and simple. This epidemic is being met with counter measures and a ground swell of those who are not willing to sit idly-by. Joining Chris to discuss the amazing work of FORCE Detroit is their Executive Director, Dujuan "Zoe" Kennedy!

During the pandemic the entertainment industry was literally shut down. Many artists that were on the rise saw their opportunities cancelled for the better part of 18 months. Share The Music Foundation is committed to helping support these artists with concerts held in the Greater Lansing Area. Joining Chris to share the story behind Share the Music Foundation is the Board President, Grant Hendrickson!