Life In Michigan Podcast

In this inspiring and laughter-filled episode, we’re joined by Tahra Gribbin and Paul Stark from Monster Box Theatre , a dynamic live performance company now based in downtown Jackson, Michigan. After more than a decade of professional theater in Waterford, Michigan, Monster Box has found new life—and a new home—in Jackson’s growing arts district. We explored the roots of Monster Box, their missio...

In this heartfelt and wildly entertaining episode, we sit down with Michigan music legend Johnny Williams —educator, community builder, and founder of The Speakeasy —along with the brilliant singer-songwriter Judy Banker . Johnny shares stories that span decades: from his roots in Adrian, Michigan, to dodging the draft in Canada, landing unexpectedly in Heidelberg, Germany, and eventually returnin...

In this episode of Life In Michigan , we sit down with Ed McKenna, author of The Grand Secret , a thrilling murder mystery set against the backdrop of Michigan’s most iconic locations — including the legendary Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Ed shares the inspiration behind his story, his long journey to publishing, and why he feels Michigan itself is one of the stars of his novel. “I always kind...

In this episode, we’re joined by Evan Westervelt, Sales and Marketing Manager at Midland Brewing Company. From a PBR-fueled epiphany at the Sawmill Saloon to homebrewing misadventures in Colorado, Evan shares how he found his way into Michigan’s craft beer scene—and why Midland Brewing has become a hub for innovation, collaboration, and community connection. We talk about: * The legacy and rebirth...

This week, we chat with Terris Ahrens , Executive Director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and frontman of the alt-rock band Sometimes Pretty . Terris shares what it’s like growing up in Michigan—hanging out on the River Raisin, exploring forgotten cement ruins, and camping in hidden corners of the state. We talk about his journey from video store manager to chamber leader, why he loves Ch...

In this episode of Life In Michigan, we sit down with Dianna Higgs Stampfler, author of Kalamazoo County Characters , to explore the curious and sometimes downright bizarre history of Kalamazoo County. Dianna shares her upbringing in Kalamazoo—from back-to-school shopping at the Kalamazoo mall to college days and beyond—and how it inspired her to chronicle the lives of 50 remarkable people who sha...

Join us for a fun conversation with Kevin McKinney, Sales and Distribution Manager at Barrel + Beam. Kevin shares his journey from his time in the military and how his love for travel and beer eventually led him to the Upper Peninsula. We talk about his experiences in the Michigan craft beer scene, the unique farmhouse ales of Barrel + Beam, and the joys (and challenges) of road life as a beer rep...

Today, I had a chat with a friend from across the pond, Nuno Babo who writes the Needle in a Substack . This probably fits more under our Fans With Bands podcast as we spent a good hour and a half just chatting about music - from metal to progressive rock and lots of stuff in between. This was a first for us checking out the Substack Live feature. It was great to connect beyond the usual notes and...

In this episode, we tap into Michigan’s vibrant cider culture with Paula Englin, Executive Director of the Michigan Cider Association. From Cider Week GR to GLINTCAP and the Michigan Apple Festival, Paula gives us the inside scoop on the events, people, and apples driving the Great Cider State. We talk about cider tourism, cider education (hello, Pommelier certification!), and what makes Michigan...

In this episode, we catch up with two Michigan legends of the vinyl scene — Geoff Walker and Jon Teichman — co-founders of Geoff & Jon’s Record Show . Broadcasting from Marquette, Geoff and Jon share how a single record event at Ore Dock Brewing 12 years ago sparked a beloved multi-day music marketplace that now draws collectors from all over the Midwest. We talk about the origin of the show, thei...

In this episode of Life in Michigan, we sat down with Breeda Miller – storyteller, author, performer, and, as she calls herself, “a recovering caregiver.” Breeda opens up about her deeply personal experience of caring for her mother — a journey that ultimately inspired her one-woman play and the moving memoir Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home . During our conversation, she shared humorous and heartfelt ta...

Cheers, and Happy Sunday, friends! The sun is hanging out a little bit more each day. Pretty soon, the spring peepers will be…well…peeping. Today, I’m going to share some recent experiences with inspiring people. Then I’ll drag you through a bunch of events happening over the next two weeks, share some fabulous substack restacks, a look at a book, a spin on the turntable, and your moment of zen! H...

In this episode of Life in Michigan , we sit down with Tony DeRosa , owner of Hear. Say Brewing + Theater in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to explore how he’s blending the art of brewing with live performance. Tony shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to living in Michigan, his career transition from working at Google to focusing on the local community, and how he got into brewing. We discuss t...

Episode Summary: In our very first episode, we dive into the charm and adventures of Grand Marais, Michigan, with Robin and Bill Scully, who share their journey from below the bridge to life in the North Woods. Our conversation covers topics from the local dog sled race UP200, the life-changing decision to retire in the Upper Peninsula (UP), to the joy and challenges of managing a vacation rental...

In this episode, we are talking with you as we kick off our new adventure in podcasting 🙂 As mentioned in this introductory episode, we want to explore the stories of the people behind the scenes. Whether they are running local businesses, ambassadors for Michigan arts, champions of Michigan destinations, or long-time Michiganders enjoying their lives in this state, we want to share their stories...