Experience Jackson

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Angela Madden and Jacque Austin, two of the coordinators of the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee, taking place each July at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson. They are also rounding out the third year of hosting the Women's National Ballooning Championship, leading up to the Jubilee. Hot air ball...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Joe DeBoe (founder) and Dawn Cuddie (long-time committee member), two of the coordinators of the Grass Lake Traffic Jam'In. Not only do they share about their love for the village of Grass Lake, but this event that offers a 5K, Fun Run and Walk, car show, live music, vendors, food...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes content creator and local food explorer, Russell Davis IV. Russell had never experienced a coney until recently, as has taken to social media to share his experience with his followers. Learn more about the Jackson style coney (he describes it well) and what it’s like to live in the t...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes John Willis and Kelly Crum, two of the organizers of the City of Jackson’s Juneteenth Celebration for 2026. Three days of activities, including a job fair, political panel, scholarships and the big celebration, honor June 19th and culture in Jackson County! Admission is free, and food...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Bill Hobson, Executive Producer/Host of Michigan Golf Live. On a recent visit to Jackson County. In 1999, Michigan Golf Live Executive Producer/Host Bill Hobson first had the idea for MGL Radio (the TV side was still years down the road) after realizing there was no other radio show t...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Phil Eich of StoryVille. Phil frequently visits Jackson County and helps to capture the stories of the personality and stories behind local businesses, attractions and community initiatives. When you get to know the story of the place you visit, you gain an entirely new perspective du...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Nate Evans (Rolling Toast Rides) and Corey Grazul (Irish Hills Gravel) to talk about biking in Jackson County – both through a new set of coordinated bike and eat/drink rides and the upcoming Irish Hills Gravel (Sat, Oct. 17, 2026). Learn how you can get on the road in a variety of wa...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Alexie Milukhin, Jackson County’s Growth Fellow and implementer of the county-wide 20 year strategic Drive Jackson plan and Build in Jackson Program. As a young professional who has recently returned to Jackson, she gives insight into the great opportunities in Jackson, including outd...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Linda Hass to share about Jackson’s America250 Pathways of Patriotism Exhibit. Linda is not only the City of Jackson ‘s historian, but also a trustee with the Jackson County MI Historical Society and author of a book about the Pathways of Patriotism and how the American Revolution is...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Sara Anne Tomczak, lead faculty of the theatre program and theatre instructor at Jackson College – with an incredible background in theatre in the region. Not only do the community and college students bring performance to the stage, but they hold the ability to make connections and s...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Aimee Coolbaugh, Assistant Manager at Resale Depot, one of Jackson’s local thrift stores. When it comes to supporting the community and those who shop at Resale Depot, guests will find they not only can find a treasure but connect with a caring staff and group of volunteers who passio...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes social media food influencer and competitive eater Kyle from Kyle Can Eat, who describes himself as “just a guy that likes to eat food. The conversation came immediately following Kyle’s challenge to enjoy half of the Jackson DDA’s “Tuesday TEN$” $10 once-monthly meal deals at nearly...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Amy Proffitt and Madison Blando with Come to Your Effin Senses, a shop in Brooklyn that features “Bad Words and Good Smells”. From a simple idea to sell candles to their friends, this idea blossomed into a store that’s unexpected. Hear their story of how their quirky personalities hav...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Greg Stevenson, a community leader and key leadership committee member of the Drive Jackson Vision Plan for Jackson County.  Drive Jackson is a bold, 20-year, community-driven vision plan, shaped by a rigorous county-wide feedback process from over 1,300 individuals providing nearly 6...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back Harrison Marcott, Director of Curatorial Affairs at Ella Sharp Museum. From art to history, Ella Sharp Museum and its grounds offer a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor displays, historic connections and accessible spaces for events and community. Listen to learn about the...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Authority to give an overview of upcoming events in downtown Jackson for 2026, including a charcuterie board walk, the return of the Cruise-Ins and Concert Series and a new Tuesday Tens (a $10 monthly downtown re...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Sandy Yaeger, owner and operator of Zero Bar and Lounge. Established in 2022, Zero Bar offers non-alcohol beverage consultation for events (not to be confused with mocktails, typically high in sugar), including alcohol-free rum, gin, tequila, and other distilled beverage products. The...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Jeff Stutzman, owner of Virtue Drums. Virtue started in 2017 as an independent drum builder and in 2020 launched a professional drum shop featuring our handcrafted drums & repair services alongside a curated collection of drums, cymbals, hardware, cases, drumheads, drumsticks, sna...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Andrew Volk, one of the owners of OGMA Brewing Company, self-proclaimed as delightfully different and dangerously delicious. Ogma’s killer food, rad vibes and thoughtfully crafted beers take going out to a new level. Inspired by a combined love of heavy metal music and old school skat...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Kristy Elrod with Village Peddler Gift Shoppe. This longtime boutique is one of the anchor shops in the village of Brookyln. The surrounding area of Brooklyn is known as the Irish Hills, and popular for its proximity to multiple Jackson County lakes. Village Peddler Gift Shoppe not on...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Rob Gillow, longtime employee and expert at Schupbach’s Sporting Goods in downtown Jackson. From stocking a variety of archery and bows, firearms and hunting gear, they are the “The Hunter’s Hideout” Since 1946. Whether it’s an annual stop during hunting season, or a group or safety t...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Vic Shiro, co-owner of Vito's Espresso in Spring Arbor. Along with his wife Linda, Vic shares his love of third wave coffee, sandwiches, wraps, soups and bakery items in a creative, welcoming space. His coffee shop offers a welcoming space for breakfast, lunch, and coffee, focusin...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shawna Tello (CEO) and Theresa Horne (COO) from the YMCA of Jackson. Learn about how the Jackson location participates in the YMCA AWAY (Always Welcome at Ys) program that allows members to visit and use facilities at other participating YMCAs across the country and beyond. Any visiti...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, to talk about some of the 2025 holiday events taking place in downtown Jackson. From the arrival of Santa during the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade, to a Christmas in the City Event, 12 Bars of Christmas...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Roberta Dalenberg, co-owner of the new Oak + Iron restaurant in downtown Jackson. From the amazing team, ranging from dedicated servers to a 3-star Michelin chef who’s cooked around the world, this locally-focused restaurant offers comfortable locally sourced food and atmosphere that’...