Experience Jackson

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’...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dionne Tripp, local artist, to talk about her craft on everything from canvas to metal and clothing, and her connection to Jackson Fashion Week, happening at various locations in Jackson between October 19 and 25, 2025.     Learn more about Jackson Fashion Week at https://www.art634.c...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Ella Hephzibah, who owns the Luna Lux lounge with her husband and chef, Jeremiah. The couple takes their love of food (Big Guy Catering) and hospitality, and blends them to create a dreamy atmosphere for mixology, music and romantic memories in their unforgettable space. Learn about t...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back a favorite return guest, Tom Daldin, host of PBS’ Under the Radar Michigan travel television show. We love experiencing Jackson through Tom’s eyes. During his latest visit, he stopped along the Falling Waters Trail, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Gilbert Chocolates, two of Jack...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shaggio "Shag" Levesque & McKenna Knipe with Skydive Tecumseh. Both expert jumpers and experienced creators share the thrill and excitement that taking a leap. Skydive Tecumseh is Michigan’s #1 longest running drop zone. Established in 1964, they’ve been helping Michiganders exper...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes both Alexey Vermeulen and Bill Marshall to talk about gravel cycling and the NEW Irish Hills Gravel, coming to Jackson County (the Irish Hills of Brooklyn) on October 18, 2025. The race will start and end at Michigan International Speedway, and touch corners of Brooklyn, Lenawee and W...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Aidan Sova, one of two lead facilitators for the upcoming AIQ (Artificial Intelligence Quotient) Workshop coming to Jackson on September 18, 2025. Sova (Google) will be joined by Amy Hinchey (Microsoft), along with a selection of expert panelists and a guest appearance by Michigan’s L...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dr. Tyree Guyton, the creator of Detroit’s famous Heidelberg Project, bringing the 40 Years in the Hood: Detroit’s Heidelberg Project Exhibit to Jackson’s Ella Sharp Museum - as well as Curator, Coach, and Special Advisor Jenenne Whitfield. More than any other Urban Environment artist...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Scott Pienta, owner of The Parlour of Jackson, an iconic must-visit in Jackson County. From the Dare to Be Great Challenge (21 scoops of ice cream) to the Dare to Be Great FOOD Challenge, over 100 years of nostalgia and tradition in a 50’s themed parlor setting, you won’t want to miss...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Sandra Phelan with the Potter Center at Jackson College to share about the upcoming season of events. The calendar welcomes Irish music & dance, county music, 90s contemporary music, musical tributes, classic rock, a pet show and a musical to name a few! From unforgettable concert...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dodi Wheeler, manager of the Grand River Farmer’s Market, which open three times weekly during the warm weather months, and once a week during the rest of the year. The Market offers fresh Michigan-sourced goods & produce from local farmers and artisans, with live music, special d...