MI PEOPLE

What if ancient texts and modern psychology are pointing to the same truth? In Episode 19 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast, the conversation goes deep into Gnosticism, Carl Jung, Jordan Peterson, and the timeless questions surrounding consciousness, meaning, and personal transformation. Justin Jedele brings a rare blend of philosophical curiosity and grounded authenticity to the mic. The discussion moves...

Devan Rucker shares how he built real momentum in Monroe County by lifting up local voices and running for mayor using only social media. If you care about community, grassroots politics, or creating authentic Michigan content, you'll want to subscribe! In this episode, Devan Rucker (digital marketing professional, Politicians Popup Podcast host) reveals why collaboration trumps competition,...

Rick Enrico Morrone is a media producer, video editor, DJ/MC, on-camera talent, musician, and educator based in Dearborn, Michigan. In this episode of the MI PEOPLE Podcast, we dive into the world of a true creative polymath—someone who doesn't just wear multiple hats, but wears them all exceptionally well. The Multi-Hyphenate Creative Rick's career is a masterclass in versatility. From...

Erich Laux is a comedian and organizer of the Tree Town Comedy Festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In this episode, he shares his passion for comedy, the vision behind the festival, and how Ann Arbor has become a thriving hub for stand-up comedy and creative performers. Erich's journey into comedy and event organization reflects a deep commitment to fostering local talent and creating spaces whe...

Chris Kent is a photographer and content creator passionate about capturing local sports and community stories. He's collaborating with Mike Lamentola to launch "Grass Lake Times," a platform dedicated to celebrating the athletes, events, and moments that matter in Grass Lake. In this episode, Chris shares his journey into photography, his vision for community-focused content, and h...

Travis Terns joins the MI PEOPLE Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that blends philosophy, personal experience, and grounded Midwest perspective. Based in Ypsilanti and managing a restaurant in Ann Arbor, this episode moves beyond surface-level small talk and dives into how people form meaning, find drive, and stay connected in a world that often feels divided. The conversation explores the...

Tony Lamentola joins Mike for the first episode of 2026, marking exactly one year since his last appearance on the MI People Podcast. Origin Story / Backstory Tony and Mike share a long history of podcasting together, a bond rooted in family and a shared passion for deep conversation.  The conversation centers on the rapid advancement of AI and its impact on the "human story." Tony argue...

Aaron Cole is an entrepreneur and app developer from Grass Lake, Michigan. He recently launched "Together," a hyper-local gig economy app that connects neighbors with neighbors for tasks and services. Aaron's journey began during a two-month trip to New Zealand and Australia with his family, where the pristine communities inspired him to create something that could bring that same c...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 11 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️  This week, Mike sits down with Chuck and Brenda Marshall—retired U of M pros turned creators of Life in Michigan , a blog-turned-local institution highlighting Michigan’s beer, bands, trails, and hidden gems. From blogging about cold weather runs to launching a full-blown nonprofit art/music showcase ( Gig: The Art of Michigan Music ), these t...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 10 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ This week, Mike catches up with Michigan comedian Andy Beningo , a seasoned stand-up with over 3,500 performances under his belt—including cruise ships, theaters, and appearances on Gotham Comedy Live and Dry Bar Comedy . They chat about Andy’s journey from open mics at Central Michigan University to performing around the world, raising a famil...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 9 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️  This week, Mike catches up with Stelios Stylianou, founder of the Down River News Network. Stelios shares how his passion for filmmaking, music, and community storytelling led him to create a fast-growing local media platform connecting and uplifting the Downriver Michigan area. 🎥 Highlights from this episode: How Stelios turned a love for vid...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 8 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Mike sits down with Eze Enriquez—creative entrepreneur, visual storyteller, and founder of Eze Creative. Eze shares his journey from early creative endeavors to establishing a successful creative agency, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Eze delves into the importance of authenticity in branding, the power of...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Mike sits down with Blake Wyant, a Grass Lake local, real estate dynamo, and former restaurant industry veteran. Blake shares his fascinating journey—from flipping burgers at 18 to becoming a head chef, and now thriving as a top real estate agent with Reinhart Realtors, closing millions in sales across Michigan. Blake’s story is...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 6 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ This episode is extra special because Mike sits down with Marla Moore , the owner of Ann Arbor Music Academy —and also his amazingly talented wife . Marla shares what it takes to run a thriving music school , how she’s built a strong community of students and instructors, and why helping others find their voice is her life’s work . With over 100...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 5 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, Mike sits down with Weston Barnes , owner of Mr. MOCKS , a Michigan-based company making high-quality hammocks, bug nets, and outdoor gear. Weston shares the story of how he started sewing hammocks as a teenager, turned his passion into a business, and now supplies collage students, campers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 4 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ This week, Mike sits down with Chad Houghton , owner of UGQ Outdoor , a Jackson, Michigan-based company crafting some of the best outdoor gear on the market. From backpackers and hammock campers to tent campers and carside adventurers, UGQ’s quilts and gear help people stay warm and comfortable in the wild. Chad shares insights on running and gr...

In this episode, Mike sits down with Steve Caro , the owner of Great Lakes Yurt Co. , a Grass Lake-based business crafting and shipping handcrafted yurts across the country. Steve shares how a simple carpentry project turned into a thriving business and why more people are choosing yurts for off-grid living, Airbnbs, and unique homes. 🌲 Topics Covered: How Steve got into building yurts and grew h...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 2 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ This week, Mike catches up with Clint Laster, owner of Flawless Auto Finish in Livonia, Michigan. From his early days in the auto body industry to becoming a business owner and fitness enthusiast, Clint shares his journey of balancing entrepreneurship with personal growth. 💪 Highlights from this episode: How Clint’s fitness journey transformed...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 1 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️ We’re kicking things off with a bang as Mike sits down with his cousin and creative soulmate, Tony Lamentola from Taylor, Michigan. From playing in bands to creating comic books and goofy videos, Tony and Mike have always shared a passion for creativity—and today, they dive deep into the wild world of artificial intelligence, overthinking, and w...