VVK Podcast With Craig Fahle

Send us Fan MailAt a time when higher education is increasingly focused on job training, what are we losing?In this conversation, Craig Fahle sits down with Roosevelt Montas and Rishi Jaitly to explore the enduring value of a liberal education—and why it may matter more than ever in the age of AI.They discuss what it means to develop “full-stack humans,” the difference between learning for a career and learning for a life, and how the humanities help build the judgment, curiosity, and perspective that leadership now demands.This is a conversation about thinking—what it means, why it matters, and how we cultivate it in a rapidly changing world.In this episode:• Why the humanities may be the most durable leadership advantage• The shift from education as cultivation to education as job training• What distinguishes a liberal education from a liberal arts major• The idea of “flourishing” and its role in lifelong learning• The “full-stack human” and the balance of timely vs. timeless skills• How Bard is rethinking liberal education and civic life• A new model for leadership development at Virginia Tech• Why judgment matters more than information in an age of overload• What AI reveals about distinctly human intelligence• Why not everything valuable can—or should—be measuredIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the VVK Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Full video episodes are also available on the VVK YouTube channel.

Send us Fan MailLocal news fuels nearly every conversation we have, from politics to schools to the stories we share at work, yet the system that produces it is under real strain. In this episode, we sit down with Katy Locker of Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit, Annalise Frank of Axios Detroit, and Zoe Clark of Michigan Public to talk plainly about what’s changing and what’s worth protecting as journalism adapts to shrinking newsrooms, fractured audiences, and nonstop platform shifts. We dig into how people actually consume information today, from early morning newsletters to breaking news on the radio and fast-moving, personality-driven social platforms, while also examining the business realities behind local journalism, including paywalls, membership models, nonprofit funding, public media support, and the lasting impact of the “free news” era. Trust runs through it all, as we explore how misinformation spreads when local coverage disappears, how authenticity and transparency can rebuild credibility, and how partnerships can help fill gaps. We also tackle AI’s growing role, from tools that summarize news without clicks to the ethical lines newsrooms are drawing, and why human reporting still matters when presence, context, and care are required. The conversation closes with real examples of local journalism creating impact, from policy change to community pride. Subscribe for more conversations about media and civic life, and if this resonated, share it with a friend and leave a review to help others find the show. 

Send us Fan MailWe dig into what makes PR agencies grow without losing their edge, from acquisitions and integration to talent, culture, and the real role of AI. We share concrete ways to keep client trust, avoid burnout, and build teams that win.• relationships as the core of acquisitions and integration• communicating change to clients before headlines• independence versus integration and preserving the secret sauce• AI as a tool for higher value, not a replacement• the barbell talent model and demand for SMEs• gaps in business skills and project management training• culture that reduces burnout and attracts top talent• practical advice for agency owners on reinvention and fitIf you enjoyed today's conversation, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Give us your feedback, ideas, guest suggestions, or just let us know what you're thinking anytime. The email address is [email protected]. Make sure to follow the show so you never miss an episodeGuests:Ray Day, APR Ray is a recognized voice and leader in communications and public relations. He joined Stagwell Global in February 2020, bringing more than three decades of experience as a chief communications officer leading global communications teams, brands, and agencies.Kimberly Hoyle Kimberly is a senior growth executive with 20 years of experience shaping multi-year growth strategies and corporate transformation plans. As a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, she drives alignment between operations, business development, and talent strategy to create scalable, sustainable growth.Peter Van Dyke Peter is CEO and co-founder of VVK PR + Creative, a Detroit-based integrated communications agency. Under his leadership, VVK has grown from 3 to 29 employees and from $1.8M to $4.1M in revenue over 3.5 years, serving mission-driven organizations throughout Metro Detroit and beyond.

Send us Fan MailDetroit's Eastern Market is more than its famous Saturday crowds. CEO Katie Trudeau reveals how this 120-year-old food district serves as an economic engine for Southeast Michigan, transacting over $200,000 annually in SNAP benefits while pioneering food access programs like Double Up Food Bucks.Unlike tourist-focused markets elsewhere, Eastern Market maintains authenticity through its working food district—produce houses, meatpackers, and processors operating alongside weekend vendors. The new Shed 7 wholesale distribution center will support midsize Michigan farmers and urban growers while serving the region's diverse grocery ecosystem.Through the "Authentic Eastern Market" campaign (nearly $15.5 million raised), the nonprofit guides neighborhood development to complement rather than displace the district's food-centered identity. With events like Murals in the Market and Eastern Market After Dark, plus emerging restaurants and breweries, the market evolves while preserving its essential role in Detroit's food landscape.As Trudeau says: "People who don't love this place are people who don't know about it." Discover how this institution balances preservation with growth while creating food-based opportunities for the next generation.

Send us Fan MailFour directors from the Gilbert Family Foundation reveal how half a billion dollars is revitalizing Detroit through interconnected investments in parks, arts, small business, and housing. JJ Velez explains how community-designed public spaces become neighborhood anchors. Akua Hill shares how cultural initiatives preserve Detroit's authentic identity while creating economic opportunities. Linda Nozegbe discusses connecting residents with growing sectors and providing small business capital. Andrea Benson tackles housing stability through innovative, affordable solutions like factory-built homes.Together, they demonstrate how comprehensive urban transformation works when community voices lead the way, addressing gentrification concerns while ensuring longtime residents benefit from improvements. A fascinating look inside one of Detroit's most significant neighborhood investment initiatives.

Send us Fan MailHosts: Jamie Kaye Walters, VVK CMO & Craig Fahle, Media Relations DirectorGuests: Peter Van Dyke, VVK CEO & Ned Ward, SVP National PR  What happens when a growing three-year-old Detroit PR agency acquires the PR division of a 40-year-old New Jersey firm? This VVK podcast episode uncovers the strategy behind VVK's acquisition of Stern Strategy Group's PR division and examines why executive visibility is essential for brands that want to stand out.CEO Peter Van Dyke discusses how client demands for national visibility drove VVK to expand its capabilities, culminating in the acquisition. This move brought five seasoned pros to the team, including SVP of National PR Ned Ward, who highlights how amplifying executives creates trust and gives brands a personality in competitive markets.The podcast tackles key PR trends like executive thought leadership and navigating executives’ reluctance to step into the spotlight. Both leaders share tips on leveraging social platforms strategically and adapting to a fast-changing industry.  Tips for career growth and organizational visibility include saying yes to opportunities, leaning into discomfort, and making personal connections in a digital-first world.  Discover how executive visibility can take your organization to the next level. Visit vvkagency.com to learn more.

Send us Fan MailAt a time when public trust in media continues its precipitous decline, what does it take to build a news organization that truly serves its community? In this revealing conversation, Craig Fahle sits down with Laurén Abdel-Razzaq, Executive Director of Bridge Detroit, to explore how hyperlocal journalism can reconnect citizens with the information they need most. The conversation delves into the profound challenges facing journalism today: shrinking attention spans, the proliferation of misinformation, and the fundamental question of how to earn community trust. "Trust is very easy to lose and extremely difficult to get," Abdel-Razzaq explains, outlining how Bridge Detroit builds relationships before they need to rely on them, particularly in communities traditionally underserved by mainstream media. Whether you're concerned about the state of media, interested in community-centered approaches to information, or simply curious about innovative models for rebuilding trust, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we might reimagine journalism for a fractured age.

Send us Fan MailHost Craig Fahle speaks with Andrew Stein, President and CEO of The Children's Foundation about their innovative approach to philanthropy, and how they work to make sure their contributions in support of children's initiatives have maximum impact. Then, Craig is joined by fellow VVK team members Justin Skotarczyk and Kyle Fields about the newest ad VVK and it's legal video arm Watermark Law + Creative made for this year's "Big Game."  Here is the completed Team Schwartz commercial https://vimeo.com/1055427379.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the VVK Podcast, host Craig Fahle speaks with Rachel Alternative of the Alternative Foundation about her work in support of neighborhood improvement projects in Detroit.  Then, Devon O'Reilly of the Detroit Regional Chamber discusses the upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference, and his work as the director of the influential "Leadership Detroit" program at the Chamber.   

Send us Fan MailMost of us don’t really think about our garbage, as long as it’s picked up on time at the curb each week…but the industry itself is actually pretty fascinating. Many cities used to have in house garbage service, but more an more communities have outsourced waste collection…and there are some very large companies that control a big slice of that business in metro Detroit and across our state…so what does it take for a small company to break in?  What kinds of innovations are happening in the industry?  We’ll talk to two people that can give us some insight into the business of garbage.  Matt Allen and Michael French of Priority Waste will be our guests. 

Send us Fan MailIn this special Valentine’s Day episode, we’re talking all about love. Host Evann Webb sat down with VVK’s VP of Creative Production John Heiple and his wife Angie, VVK’s Senior Executive Consultant Annmarie Erickson and her husband Paul, VVK friends Marc and Sharon Berke, and her own boyfriend, Robert Thomas, to discuss dating, marriage, and all those warm & fuzzy feelings.

Send us Fan MailToday's guest on the program is New York Times bestselling author Dan Charnas, author of  Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm.  Detroit native J Dilla was a record producer, drummer, rapper and songwriter who died of a rare blood disease at the age of 32.  Despite his short life, his impact on hip hop and popular music in general is finally receiving the attention it deserves.  

Send us Fan MailToday's episode includes two more interviews conducted at this year's Detroit Policy Conference.  Guests today include Matt Elliott, president of Bank of American - Michigan, and the chair of this year's upcoming Mackinac Policy Conference.  Craig and Matt discuss BofA's philanthropic efforts in Detroit, and also what Matt hopes will come from this year's big conference on the Island.  Then, Craig sits down with Ferndale mayor Melanie Piana to discuss cross border relations between Detroit and its suburbs, transit issues, and more.   

Send us Fan MailOur guests this week on the VVK Podcast are Bud Denker, President at Penske, and the Chair of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix sponsored by Lear, and Melanie Markowicz, Executive Director of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership.  The Grand Prix moves to downtown Detroit this year, and Greektown is getting ready for some major upgrades, including new park space, and new infrastructure upgrades designed to make the space more pedestrian and event friendly.   

Send us Fan MailToday's VVK podcast guests are the leaders of VVK PR+Creative.  Founders Jamie Kaye Walters, Mike Sherman and Peter Van Dyke talk about the company's founding, the challenges and rewards of starting a new business, and what it takes to make a partnership work.   We also welcome new VVK Podcast co-host Evann Webb to the program!  

Send us Fan MailIn honor of Veterans day, we invited two distinguished vets to join us to discuss the importance of the holiday, and what we should consider as we try to ensure veterans get the opportunities they need to ensure success after the military.  Today's guests are Ryan Friedrichs, who served in the U.S. Army, and State Representative Joe Tate, who served in the Marines.   

Send us Fan MailDon Tuski, President of The College of Creative Studies recently appeared on WDET's "Culture Shift" program to discuss the recent "Cumulus Detroit: Design for Adaptation" conference that CCS hosted recently.  The conversation focused on the important international conference, why CCS and Detroit were chosen to host, and what role design will play in how we adapt to a changing climate.    

Send us Fan MailOur guests for the VVK podcast this week are Chanell Scott Contreras, executive director of ProsperUs, and Racheal Allen, COO of the Marygrove Conservancy.  Both women are working to improve the climate for entrepreneurship in Detroit, especially among women of color.  Chanell helps them get the capital they need to get started, while Rachel helps them take next steps to grow their businesses once they get going.  The two have a lot to say about where we are, and what work needs to be done to support this growing entrepreneurial space in Detroit.  

Send us Fan MailToday, we get a bit introspective on what it takes to make a good talk show segment.  More specifically, what makes for a "good" guest for a program?  Is it polish?  Expertise?  Bombast?  Perhaps a little of all of the above?  Our guests today have a lot to say about it, and they should know.   Jamie Kaye Walters is the COO / Head of Marketing and Talent for VVK PR + Creative.  Before she joined VVK, she spent many years at WDIV in Detroit.  She brought along with her longtime news anchor and talk show host Devin Scillian from WDIV.  Between the three of us, we have been involved in tens of thousands of interviews...and know a thing or two about good and bad ones.   

Send us Fan MailOur guest today is Barb McQuade, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.  She is currently a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, the host of the popular "Sisters in Law" podcast, and a regular contributor to MSNBC.   We talk about her career trajectory, her work in media, and her rising influence and popularity.  We also talk about the news that broke Monday, about the FBI's search warrant on former President Trump's residence at Mar-A-Lago.    

Send us Fan MailCraig's guest this week is Chris Moyer, Senior Director of Communications for Visit Detroit, aka the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau.  He also worked at the Detroit Regional Chamber, and has some experience in helping to create the annual Mackinac Policy Conference.  The two discuss the challenges of juggling multiple events crammed into a busy summer in Detroit, and what it takes to attract ever more visitors to our city.   

Send us Fan MailCraig's guests for the latest VVK Podcast are New Detroit CEO Mike Rafferty, and Rebecca Irby, New Detroit's Director of Programs and Services.  New Detroit was formed in response to civil unrest in 1967 that uncovered a host of entrenched social and community ills. At the request of then Michigan Governor George Romney and Detroit Mayor Jerome Cavanagh, business executive Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. convened a unique coalition—the nation’s first—to identify what went wrong in July 1967, what needed to change, and how to make that change happen.Since then, New Detroit, Inc. has been a unique and valuable arena where leaders of Detroit’s business, civic, grassroots, and religious communities have come together to plan cooperative strategies and to demonstrate their commitment to the city and its environs.  New Detroit will host "Just Lead:A New Detroit Conference to Advance Racial Equity" in October of this year.   

Send us Fan MailCraig's guest is Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.  The longtime County Commissioner and former Mayor of Ferndale took over as County Executive in August of 2019, just two weeks after the death of longtime Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.  Coulter is the first Democrat to hold the position, to which he was reelected handily in 2020.   

Send us Fan MailCraig's guest is Ambassador Žygimantas Pavilionis, a member of the Lithuanian Parliament, and the former Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. and Mexico.  We caught up with the Ambassador at the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual Mackinac Policy Conference, where he was raising funds for the defense of Ukraine, and trying to raise awareness of the importance of stopping Vladimir Putin.  

Send us Fan MailThe very first episode of the new VVK Podcast with Craig Fahle!  Craig's guest for this inaugural edition is Cindy Pasky, CEO of Detroit based Strategic Staffing Solutions!  The two caught up at the Grand Hotel for the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual Mackinac Policy Conference.   The wide ranging discussion focused on everything from civility, to COVID's impact on business, S3'a global expansion, and how the war in Ukraine is impacting business in the EU.