Michigan Reimagined

The MidMichigan Environmental Action Council - or MidMEAC - is doing amazing things in our community. Joining Chris to share their mission and the many ways they work to make our communities cleaner and more safe for us to live in, is Executive Director, Theresa Lark, and President of the Board, Dennis Louney!

There’s a new development project planned for the intersection of Holmes and Pleasant Grove in Southwest Lansing. This project is unique as it provides a creative investment opportunity for citizens. Joining Chris to share the vision and the strategy for the Holmes & Pleasant Grove project are members of the Lansing Growth Fund, Brent Forsberg and Melissa Hall!

Lansing is in the process of getting a new downtown music and arts venue called The Ovation. There have been many organizations working together to make this a reality, and there have been recent breakthroughs bringing us closer to the finish line. Joining Chris to give us an update on this exciting attraction is the Founding Director at Ovation Center for Music and Arts, Dominic Cochran!

Environmental sustainability has become more than a buzz-word - it’s a permanent way of life for many people and a growing strategy for corporations. Here to share the role marketing plays in broadcasting the message are two superstars from Güd Marketing in Lansing’s Old Town District. Joining Chris are Senior Client Strategist & Research Manager, Chelsea Maupin and Account Manager, Lauren Abb...

Michiganders have pretty solid access to quality baseball. Most are loyal to their beloved Detroit Tigers, but if you roam around the state you can find serious baseball in many cities. Joining Chris to discuss the kick-off to their 30th season is the General Manager for the Lansing Lugnuts, Zac Clark!

Lansing 5:01 is a wonderful mid-Michigan organization doing great work. They’ve been highlighted in Michigan Reimagined many times. For the first time since they were founded, they have a leadership change. Joining Chris to tell us about the history and the future of Lansing 5:01 is their President & CEO, Samantha Harkins!

The community is a richer place to live when individuals find their true calling and dare to buck the trends by opening unique businesses. Today I want to highlight a special business in Lansing’s Old Town, Chengdu Teahouse. Joining Chris to share her journey and offerings is the owner of Chengdu, Elyse Ribbons!

We’re on the cusp of the newest season of the award winning Capital City Film Festival! Joining Chris to share this year’s hot new details - are Festival Event Director Emma Selby, Program Director Pete Johnston, and Film Programs Manager, Jaden Deibel.

Chris has said a number of times, Michigan may have the most competitive and effective start-up ecosystems in the country. Two major players in that space are the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State University Research Foundation. Joining Chris to share the amazing PitchMi event are the VP of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the MEDC, Alison Todak and the Director of...

Chris has said many times on this show that a quality community values art and the artist. I’ve also highlighted people who have made significant pivots in their careers. In this episode, we delve into both! Joining Chris to share his story and new art installation is local artist Jason Keusch.

Artificial Intelligence is being incorporated in all manners of life. Joining Chris to share how AI is used in Real Estate and to give a general update on the status of resident real estate in Michigan is the owner of Keller Williams - Advantage in Team, Chris Silker!

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) recently introduced LEAP Thrive, a program that partners with developers to facilitate community-oriented development projects. Joining Chris to explain more is LEAP Thrive Board President & COO of LEAP, Keith Lambert and Thrive Board Member and Executive Director of the Ingham County Land Bank, Roxanne Case!

Society is clamoring for health care reform, along with a fundamental shift from Sick Care to truly affordable Health Care. Joining Chris to discuss an upcoming event called ‘HEALTH’CARE 2026 is the Founder & CEO of Health Bar, Nathan Baar!

Seemingly out of nowhere Data Centers have been proposing new facilities in many Michigan communities. Most are being met with strong opposition, but it’s hard to keep up with what the concerns are, what the rebuttals have been - and ultimately what the truth is. Joining Chris to discuss the topic on a broader scale, as well as some details on the proposed Lansing-based project, is the Vice Presid...

Insurance is something most people would rather not think about. After all, people and businesses pay money in the hopes of never having to use the services they’re paying for. Many think that getting the cheapest policy, and foregoing a live Agent, is the best path. Joining Chris to shed some light on why NOT having a live expert advising you is State Farm agent, Kirk Byrens!

Michigan Community Action is the state association for the 27 designated Community Action Agencies in Michigan. They are also part of a national network of over 1,000 local organizations that help people move from poverty to economic stability and self-sufficiency. Joining Chris to discuss more programming information and the impact on Michigan is the Community Action Executive Director, Brian McG...

Outdoor recreation checks a lot of boxes when it comes to things that bring value to our lives. It drives our health and wellness, and it drives our economy. Joining Chris to discuss the details and impact of the annual Michigan Ice Fest is the Festival Organizer and Co-owner of Down Wind Sports, Bill Thompson, and the Executive Director of the Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Brad G...

In this episode, we’re talking about legacy, leadership and impact. The Commission is preparing for its 41st annual Day of Celebration, one of the largest MLK Day events in the country — but its work extends far beyond a single day. Joining Chris to share how the Commission continues to carry forward Dr. King’s vision through education, youth leadership and community action is Chair of the Dr. MLK...

Many of us cheer at ribbon cuttings, or even groundbreakings, and are excited about a new endeavor in our communities. Those behind the scenes realize it takes amazing partnerships and collaboration months - even years - in advance to get a project underway. My next guests are here to share some of the behind-the-scenes work that leads up with projects materializing or not. - and they are Brownfie...

Vulnerable populations suffer in a variety of ways. One way is having a lack of access to financial services - either lacking transportation, or awareness that services exist. Joining Chris to discuss a new mobile tax service provided by the United Way of South Central Michigan, is their Senior Director of Community Impact & Programs, Bethany Stutzman and CEDAM Member, Quill Stellaris!

For decades businesses have been chasing SEO - Search Engine Optimization - for their websites. AI is changing things, and it likely will require a new strategy to get discovered as a business. Joining Chris to share how Güd Marketing is learning and sharing their findings are Principal and President Debbie Horak and Director of Special Projects, Joel Newport!

Bridges - An Intergenerational Center - is preparing to open in Lansing, offering a truly unique model that brings young children and older adults together for shared learning and connection. After two years of searching for the right building and facing an uphill battle with multiple lenders, this small business turned a corner when they found LAFCU — a credit union known for putting people over...

Accessible housing has been a hotly discussed topic around Michigan - and on this show - for a while now. Our next guest has found a way to develop 204 units of mixed-income housing in Midland MI called The Dean, Apartments at Eastlawn. Joining Chris to share the journey is the President of River Caddis Group, John McGraw!

AI isn’t just for answers. Joining Chris is Private Investor & Community Builder, Dave Silva Smith uses it to surface high-leverage questions about himself - turning reflection into action: a better father, a better partner, and clear actions to try!

Inventors and innovators need to protect their inventions and processes. And it’s not a one-time effort! Here to share some important need-to-know tips, and how to follow him for regular updates, is Senior Attorney from Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Mikhail Murshak