Shining Stars

Daedalian continues his conversation with Sam, Tina, and Abigail in two-part episode of Shining Stars . This time, the group dives a little further into their personal connections to nature and the transformative moments that affirm their commitment to nature education. The discussion also explores the importance of embracing nature for its myriad benefits to mental health and societal well-being,...

On this episode of Shining Stars , Daedalian sits down with three team members from Fenner Nature Center. They talk about the many ways Fenner connects people with nature, from its miles of trails and educational programs to its innovative outdoor preschool. The conversation explores how children and adults alike learn through hands-on experiences in the natural world, why spending time outdoors m...

After a bit of a hiatus from Shining Stars , I'm thrilled to resume the podcast with a focused on the transformative power of music. On this episode, I (Daedalian) had the opportunity to connect with Ben Hassenger, the founder of Mighty Uke Day (MUD). Moving into its 16th year, this fun event is a celebration of community and connection fueled by the diminutive, yet mighty ukulele. Whether you're...

This episode shines a spotlight on the Michigan Institute for Contemporary Arts (MICA), exploring its vital role as a catalyst for community transformation through quality arts programming. Daedalian discusses with event coordinator Melissa Marciniak the importance of art in reducing stress and fostering connections within the community. They delve into various events organized by MICA, including...

Claire Redmer, Development Director for Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center, stops by Shining Stars to tell listeners about their extraordinary work in our community and the details behind their upcoming Auction for Advocacy. Auction for Advocacy: Saturday, September 13th at 5:30 p.m. Website: Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center Facebook: Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center Instagram: Small...

For over 50 years, Cristo Rey Community Center (CRCC) has been a provider of basic needs to members of our community with an emphasis on access to medical care, mental health services, food, and financial counseling. Cristo Rey CEO, Joe Garcia joins me (Daedalian) on this episode of Shining Stars to explain the role of CRCC in Lansing, provide insight into their services, and he explains how the o...

The guest on this episode of Shining Stars is a prime example of the expression, experience builds knowledge. The life difficulties that she experienced were provided her the knowledge necessary to become an advocate for social justice and positive change. Yanice Jackson is a lifelong resident of Lansing and wears many hats including publisher The Chronicle News, host of the radio-podcast show, Th...

Happiness. What is it and how do we get some of that stuff? Is it an elusive concept or is it closer than we think? I (Daedalian) connect with Dr. Rev. Mary Mitchell who is a public speaker, prison minister, teacher, author and co-author of several books. Over the years, Mary has helped prisoners find inner peace and purpose by utilizing the power of our mind and the power of positive thinking. My...

For some, homelessness can be temporary, while for others it can last for months or years. In Michigan, we see families lose their homes due to foreclosure or evictions, individuals who are unable to pay rent due to financial insecurity, seniors who don’t have enough savings to stay in their home, and women and youth who cannot safely stay with their families. For over 30 years, the Michigan Coali...

The image of a young kid standing on a street corner, holding up a newspaper and calling out “Extra! Extra! read all about it!” has become an iconic image in classic movies and musicals. In that tradition, every year in December you will see the same type of scene in Lansing, but with a greater cause in mind than just giving you the latest headlines. The Lansing Old Newsboys publishes the annual L...

With the intention to inspire the future leaders of Michigan to achieve their fullest potential in education and employment, Youth Solutions has grown from roots in Benton Harbor to a statewide initiative. Through experiential learning, career exploration, coaching, and mentoring, the organization helps to level the playing field for the disadvantaged and raises the voice of a young Michigan. In t...

Like many U.S. cities, since the beginning of the pandemic, Lansing experienced a surge in violence. During 2020 and 2021, the Capital City witnessed a record number of homicides. The Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) has partnered with Advance Peace to begin the work of ending gun violence in the Capital City. I (Daedalian) was pleased to have the opportunity to connect with MPHI Chief Stra...

Augustine "Auggie" Martinez and I (Daedalian) have run in the same circles for years. He is often the sound engineer at live music events around Lansing and many know him as the singer for the band Global Village. However, I recently found out he made a career change as the Call Center Manger for 311, Lansing's new information quick dial service. I invited him into the studio to chat more about th...

Part 2 of an interview with Jerry Norris, Founder and CEO of The Fledge of Lansing, an incredible resource in our community that fuels that fosters engagement, development, and opportunity. Shining Stars , Episode 18 - The Fledge: Radically Inclusive, Pt. 1 Email: Jerry Norris Website: The Fledge Facebook: The Fledge Twitter: The Fledge Instagram: The Fledge YouTube: The Fledge

The Fledge is a unique resource in Lansing that fosters engagement, development, and opportunity within our community. With the goal of creating "a zero barrier to entry", The Fledge Founder and CEO, Jerry Norris explains the origins of this valuable resource, what it does for our community, and why he embraces chaos. Email: Jerry Norris Website: The Fledge Facebook: The Fledge Twitter: The Fledge...

Ronald McDonald House Charities is an organization that on the national level, has been creating a home away from home for families with sick children since the mid 70s. Carolyn Hurst, the Executive Director of our Mid-Michigan chapter joins me (Daedalian) to explain how this valuable resources helps families with sick children, what motivates her, and how she experienced being a recipient of what...

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary cites 1991 as the first known use of the word “cybercrime”. Now, just over three decades later, technology has developed to the point where most of the electronic devices we use today would hardly be understood by someone in 1991 and along with it, cybercriminals attacks have become more prevalent and more sophisticated. In this episode of Shining Stars , I (Daedalia...

A home is something many of us take for granted, but what happens when you find yourself in a situation where you’re displaced and no longer have a place to call ‘home’? This is a challenge that refugees, asylees, migrants, and many of our U.S. citizens face every day. Here in Lansing, the Umoja House is a nonprofit that has made it a goal to create a welcoming and safe place for these types of pe...

The impact of the pandemic on our economy is clear, from soaring gas prices to overwhelming inflation and while it isn’t the sole factor to our economic woes, it has definitely been a contributing factor, especially for those at risk of losing their home. The Ingham County Treasurer’s Office is making an assertive effort to inform the public about the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MHAF), an...

Mental health is a subject that has been largely overlooked in the U.S. and probably most of the world as well. However, as the pandemic became a part everyone’s day-to-day lives, the story of mental health changed as many began to struggle with the inherent anxiety, depression, and frustration that came with it; showing us that mental health isn't just limited to the few, it affects us all. I (Da...

Lansing Promise Scholarship (LPS) are three words you will hear spoken at Lansing Community College, and for good reason. Since 2012, this valuable student resource has provided the opportunity for the youth of Lansing to reach further in their educational journey. In this episode of Shining Stars, LPS Executive Director, Justin Sheehan and LPS Program and Donor Relations Associate, Triquita Hicks...

I have known Shawn VanSteeland since we were kids growing up in Mason. More than anyone else I know, he volunteers his time towards creating and organizing several of the annual events and festivals that take place across Mid-Michigan. In this ep of Shining Stars , I invited "The Fun Czar" into WLNZ to talk about the upcoming festival season, his love of music, our history together, and most of al...

For over 100 years, Child and Family Charities (CFC) has been protecting and strengthening families in need. The organization's founding purpose was “to secure for every child the same love and the same opportunity that we would have our children receive should they be left orphaned or friendless.” Since then, the organization has grown to incorporate six divisions and 25 programs all aimed at sup...

In 2017, the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) began an initiative to highlight attractions in and around the Lansing area that are sensory-friendly and tailored for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I (Daedalian) invited GLCVB President & CEO, Julie Pingston to learn more about ASD and the plethora of attractions that are taking part in Autism Awareness Month. GL...

I (Daedalian) first heard about Edwin Hernandez-Ventura through an article in the Lansing State Journal (LSJ). Although the article offered only a glimpse into Edwin's story, I could tell he was a brave individual who, at a very young age, made his way to the U.S. as a matter of self-preservation. In a portion of the article, he explained why he steps forward to share his story and that is what pr...