Denise Ilitch show

In this family-themed episode, Denise Ilitch sits down with her daughter Brooke Lites and "daughter-in-love" Isabella Tobias Lites. Brooke, a U-M psychology grad with a JD and a master's in clinical psychology, traded a path toward law for work in animal care and canine management in metro Detroit. Isabella spent 22 years as a competitive ice dancer, ranked 12th in the world, and skated at the 201...

In this special episode, actor and comedian Dave Coulier steps in as guest host to interview the host herself, Denise Ilitch. Dave takes Denise back to her early years as the oldest of seven Ilitch siblings and into the very first Little Caesars location. Denise shares vivid childhood memories of sitting on towering flour bags in the back room while her parents worked side by side—her mom on the r...

In this episode of The Denise Ilitch  Show, Denise sits down with one of her dear friends, Colleen Pobur, for a powerful conversation about public service, leadership, culture-building, family, and sports. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in how government works, what effective leadership and culture-building look like in practice, and how personal values, family, and even...

This month's episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and real-life stories.  First, Denise sits down with Bryan Spencer, founder of Secure Financial Group, for a candid conversation about what it's really like to build a business alongside his father. From family dynamics to financial planning, Bryan shares lessons on trust, legacy, and creating a secure future. Then, Olympic gold medalist an...

This week on the Denise Ilitch Show, Denise welcomes Jon Oberheide, co-founder of Duo Security, for an inspiring conversation about his early passion for technology and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to launch his first business while still in middle school. Jon shares how his childhood curiosity shaped his career and offers valuable insights into building a successful company from the gr...

This week on The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise welcomes Dean Simpson—former New York City police officer, Army veteran, and now an accomplished author. In this compelling episode, Dean opens up about the moments that shaped his remarkable journey. He shares what he's most proud of from his years in uniform, offering an unfiltered look at what it was really like to police New York during some of its m...

This week on The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise welcomes Dean Simpson—former New York City police officer, Army veteran, and now an accomplished author. In this compelling episode, Dean opens up about the moments that shaped his remarkable journey. He shares what he's most proud of from his years in uniform, offering an unfiltered look at what it was really like to police New York during some of its m...

This week on The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise welcomes Dean Simpson—former New York City police officer, Army veteran, and now an accomplished author. In this compelling episode, Dean opens up about the moments that shaped his remarkable journey. He shares what he's most proud of from his years in uniform, offering an unfiltered look at what it was really like to police New York during some of its m...

On this week's episode of the Denise Ilitch  Show, Denise explores the power of overcoming adversity, staying positive, and giving back to the world around us. Join Denise as she sits down with three remarkable guests: Ron Weiser, founder of McKinley Associates and a passionate civic and philanthropic leader; Matt Jonna, co-founder and CEO of Plum Market, whose entrepreneurial journey inspires res...

On this week's episode of the Denise Ilitch  Show, Denise explores the power of overcoming adversity, staying positive, and giving back to the world around us. Join Denise as she sits down with three remarkable guests: Ron Weiser, founder of McKinley Associates and a passionate civic and philanthropic leader; Matt Jonna, co-founder and CEO of Plum Market, whose entrepreneurial journey inspires res...

On the new episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise explores the parallels between business partnerships and marriage in the first half, and then dives into the enduring Motown legacy in the second. Denise sits down with Daniel Stern and Christopher Brochert, co-founders of Lormax Stern Development—a nationally recognized, award-winning real estate firm known for its innovative shopping centers a...

 On the new episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise explores the parallels between business partnerships and marriage in the first half, and then dives into the enduring Motown legacy in the second. Denise sits down with Daniel Stern and Christopher Brochert, co-founders of Lormax Stern Development—a nationally recognized, award-winning real estate firm known for its innovative shopping centers...

On the new episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise explores the parallels between business partnerships and marriage in the first half, and then dives into the enduring Motown legacy in the second. Denise sits down with Daniel Stern and Christopher Brochert, co-founders of Lormax Stern Development—a nationally recognized, award-winning real estate firm known for its innovative shopping centers a...

On today's episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise sits down with Arn Tellem and Grant Hill, two visionary co-owners of Detroit's brand-new WNBA franchise. Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman overseeing business, basketball strategy, community engagement, and major development initiatives, has represented over 500 athletes and played a pivotal role in bringing women's basketball back to Detroit.  Grant Hi...

On today's episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise sits down with Arn Tellem and Grant Hill, two visionary co-owners of Detroit's brand-new WNBA franchise. Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman overseeing business, basketball strategy, community engagement, and major development initiatives, has represented over 500 athletes and played a pivotal role in bringing women's basketball back to Detroit.  Grant Hi...

On today's episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise sits down with Arn Tellem and Grant Hill, two visionary co-owners of Detroit's brand-new WNBA franchise. Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman overseeing business, basketball strategy, community engagement, and major development initiatives, has represented over 500 athletes and played a pivotal role in bringing women's basketball back to Detroit.  Grant Hi...

Join us for a milestone celebration on "The Denise Ilitch Show" as we mark our 50th episode and announce an exciting new partnership with WJR Radio. In this special episode, Denise welcomes her dear friend Jill Martin, an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, entrepreneur, advocate, and contributor to The Today Show. Jill opens up about her journey of resilience, sharing how she overcame the challeng...

Join us for a milestone celebration on "The Denise Ilitch Show" as we mark our 50th episode and announce an exciting new partnership with WJR Radio. In this special episode, Denise welcomes her dear friend Jill Martin, an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, entrepreneur, advocate, and contributor to The Today Show. Jill opens up about her journey of resilience, sharing how she overcame the challeng...

Join us for a milestone celebration on "The Denise Ilitch Show" as we mark our 50th episode and announce an exciting new partnership with WJR Radio. In this special episode, Denise welcomes her dear friend Jill Martin, an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, entrepreneur, advocate, and contributor to The Today Show. Jill opens up about her journey of resilience, sharing how she overcame the challeng...

In this episode of The Denise Ilitch Show, Denise sits down with Portia Roberson, the dynamic CEO of Focus: HOPE, to delve into the incredible work she does with the organization and her inspiring journey to where she is today. Portia shares her passion for her current role but reveals that one of her proudest moments was being appointed by President Obama after working on his successful campaign....

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Denise Ilitch podcast! Today's episode, titled "Showing Up," features an extraordinary guest who embodies the spirit of Detroit's resilience and progress. Join us as Denise sits down with Mary Sheffield, the youngest person ever elected to the Detroit City Council and its current President. Mary's journey is a testament to the power of service, leadershi...

Have you wondered what it takes to be on the partnership track at a law firm? What kind of preparation and leadership it takes to achieve top success in private practice? Denise talks to Carrie Leahy, attorney and chair of Bodman PLC. Carrie provides tangible and useful advice about working your way up in a large firm and career development. She talks about balancing interests, being creative with...

In the latest episode of the Denise Ilitch Show, we're joined by an inspirational figure in healthcare leadership, Robert Riney. After an impressive 45-year journey with Henry Ford Health, Riney has ascended to the role of President and CEO, embodying the very essence of dedication and perseverance. Riney's story is a testament to the power of commitment and adaptability in the ever-evolving healt...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Denise Ilitch Show. Today, we have the privilege of hosting a remarkable guest who embodies the spirit of compassion and advocacy - philanthropist Cynthia Ford. In this powerful conversation titled "A Voice for the Voiceless," Cynthia shares her journey of becoming a champion for children's causes, sparked by her own family's experience with diabetes. Pr...

Don't miss the latest episode of the Denise Ilitch Show, featuring an inspiring interview with Dr. Herman Gray. This compelling conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare, social progress, and the future of pediatrics. Dr. Gray, Chair of the Wayne State School of Medicine and a renowned pediatrician, shares his remarkable journey and insights. He discusses his proudest accom...