LARA Living Room

What happens when states share ideas instead of working in silos? LARA Director Marlon Brown and Wisconsin DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth explore how collaboration across state lines can improve regulation, support licensed professionals and businesses, and ultimately better protect the people they serve.

What does a career in engineering look like in state government? Go behind the scenes with an engineer at the Michigan Public Service Commission to learn how technical expertise helps protect the public, support critical infrastructure, and make a difference for communities across Michigan.

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for Michigan's restaurants, bars, festivals, and special events. In this episode, we discuss how liquor licensing and compliance help businesses serve responsibly, answer common questions from licensees, and support safe celebrations across the state. Listen to the MLCC On the Road Podcast: https://mlccontheroad.buzzsprout.com/

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians play an important role in protecting the health of both animals and the public. In this episode, we explore Michigan's veterinary licensing process, the standards that help ensure quality care, and how LARA supports these trusted professionals from education to licensure. Verify a License:  https://aca-prod.accela.com/MILARA/GeneralProperty/PropertyLoo...

Go behind the scenes with a LARA healthcare surveyor and discover how their work helps protect patients and ensure quality care across Michigan's healthcare facilities.

Discover how the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is strengthening the public defense system by supporting attorneys, improving training, and building a stronger workforce to better serve Michigan residents. https://michiganidc.gov/

As fireworks season approaches, learn how the Bureau of Fire Services works to regulate fireworks sales, educate the public, and promote safe celebrations across Michigan. https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/fireworks

From office buildings to hospitals, elevators are part of daily life. But what actually keeps them safe? This episode breaks down how inspections work, what experts look for, and why it all matters.

Ever wonder who makes sure amusement park rides are actually safe? We’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at how LARA inspects rides across Michigan, from big parks to traveling carnivals.

What does it take to ensure safe, supportive care for vulnerable populations? In this episode, we explore the role of Adult Foster Care and the systems in place to protect residents and uphold quality standards. Learn how LARA’s work helps create environments where individuals are supported, respected, and cared for.

In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, we’re sitting down with COO Courtney Pendleton to talk about what public service really means, why it matters, and how LARA’s work impacts people across Michigan every day. https://2026.ourpublicservice.org/public-service-recognition-week#downloads

Skilled trades keep Michigan running. Learn how LARA supports these careers through licensing, public safety, and the MI Trades Partnership, and why now is the time to join the trades.

Learn how the Michigan Tax Tribunal resolves tax disputes and what residents and businesses should know about the appeal process.

In this episode, we explore the important role customer service teams play across LARA and how they help shape the public’s experience from the very first call. From answering questions to guiding callers through complex processes, these teams provide clear, professional, and empathetic support every day. We also touch on efforts like the Phone Guidelines Workgroup, which are helping strengthen co...

What does recruitment and retention really look like at LARA? In this episode, we spotlight the Regulatory Effectiveness Office (REO) and the work happening behind the scenes to build, support, and retain a strong workforce. Hear how REO is making an impact across Team LARA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-ho-151ab4107/ 

Legal doesn’t have to mean complicated. In this episode, Host Anastasha chats with Nick, Director of LARA’s Legal Affairs Office (LAO), about how legal expertise supports collaboration, good decision making, and smart regulation. 

LARA’s impact is often felt in the moments people don’t think twice about. From inspections to licensing, this episode explores how behind-the-scenes work helps keep Michiganders safe and supported.

Impact is more than a word at LARA. This episode sets the tone for Season Two, introducing LARA’s 2026 Word of the Year and sharing how storytelling will help highlight the real-life difference LARA’s work makes across Michigan.

We’re joined by Director Marlon Brown to explore 2026 regulatory trends, leadership transitions, tech-driven improvements, and insights from the Cutting Red Tape report shaping LARA’s future.

Director Marlon Brown reflects on the future of LARA communications, the power of storytelling, “One LARA” culture, and the 2026 initiatives driving innovation and engagement.

In this episode, Director Claire Patterson shares how Michigan’s Cannabis Reference Laboratory strengthens cannabis testing, recalls, and consumer protection. Setting national standards for safe, trusted products.

Executive Director Suzanne Sonneborn explains MOAHR’s mission as a Type 1 agency: fair hearings, effective rulemaking, and serving the people of Michigan. https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/moahr

Learn how LARA processes FOIA requests, why public access to records matters, and how transparency supports trust in state government.

Learn how professional licensing works in Michigan and why it matters. Deputy Director Bryan Modelski from the Bureau of Professional Licensing explains the process, common mistakes, recent changes, and where to find help. BPL Bureau website - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl Professional Licensing Resources - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/resources BPL Contact - https...

Michigan State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes discusses fire safety, the role of BFS, and efforts to protect Michiganders every day.  BFS Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs MI Prevention Website:– https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/miprevention