Mission Control Podcast

Season 6 of Mission Control is coming, and this time, I'm flipping the script. For five seasons, we've sat down with nonprofit directors and leaders to talk about their journeys. This year, we're turning the lens on us.2026 marks 25 years of UnoDeuce Multimedia. Twenty-five years of stories, partnerships, pivots, and purpose. So this season, I'm going back to the beginning, having...

Welcome back to Mission Control , the podcast where nonprofit leaders and community change-makers share their stories, challenges, and wins. In this episode, host Paul Schmidt, owner of UnoDeuce Multimedia , sits down with Laurie Baumer , President and CEO of the Community Foundation in Greater Lansing . Laurie shares her journey from advertising and government work to leading one of mid-Michigan’...

Introduction Welcome back to Mission Control , the podcast where host Paul J. Schmidt takes listeners behind the scenes of organizations and leaders driving change in their communities. This episode dives into the story of Jessica Johns , co-founder and executive director of Storehouse for Community Resources . This nonprofit has quietly transformed the way Michigan organizations access essential...

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Mission Control, the podcast where executive directors and nonprofit leaders share their stories, challenges, and every little win along the way. In this episode, host Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduce Multimedia, sits down with Glenn Wilson, the founder, president, and CEO of Communities First Incorporated. The chat is war...

In this episode, host Paul J. Schmidt sits down with Beth Read , founder and Executive Director of TWIGS , a nonprofit dedicated to easing the everyday burdens of cancer patients and their families. Inspired by her mother’s cancer journey, Beth started TWIGS to provide practical support—rides, housekeeping, yard care, and more—so families can focus on healing and time together. She shares the movi...

Welcome to another episode of Mission Control, the go-to podcast for stories and insights from executive directors and nonprofit leaders who are making big waves in their communities. Hosted by Paul Schmidt from Introduced Multimedia, this show is all about honest conversations, learning from the journey, and highlighting the wins and challenges along the way. In this episode, Paul sits down with...

Introduction Welcome back to another lively episode of Mission Control, the podcast that dives into the stories and lessons from executive directors and nonprofit leaders making waves in their communities. Hosted by Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist for Introduced Multimedia, Mission Control brings real talk and authentic journeys to anyone interested in the heart and hustle behind...

Julie Pingston, President & CEO of Choose Lansing , shares her journey from Washington D.C. politics to leading Lansing’s tourism industry. In this episode, she discusses Lansing’s transformation, launching the Choose Lansing rebrand, and guiding the community through the pandemic. Julie Pingston President & CEO, Choose Lansing 🌐 lansing.org 📧 jpingston@lansing.org 00:00 – Introduction P...

Introduction In this episode of Mission Control, host Paul Schmidt talks with Rebecca Kasen, Executive Director of the Women's Center of Greater Lansing. From her move from New Jersey to her transformative leadership, Rebecca shares how advocacy, humor, and strategy have guided her work in the nonprofit sector. Her story offers real insights into what it takes to lead with heart and drive chan...

Welcome back to Mission Control, the podcast spotlighting nonprofit movers and shakers making a real difference in their neighborhoods. In this episode, Paul Schmidt sits down with longtime friend and executive director Gabe Biber, who now leads the Fenner Nature Conservancy in Lansing. With a career rooted in nonprofit service, Gabe brings a fresh perspective shaped by years in urban farming, hom...

Mission Control Podcast: Joseph Yang’s Journey from Club Member to CEO Contents Intro Guest Info Links Summary Takeaways Quotes Episode Breakdown Wrap-Up Intro Host Paul J. Schmidt speaks with Joseph Yang, the new President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing. A former member, tech lover, attorney, and nonprofit leader, Joseph shares how his path shaped his passion for youth services,...

Eric Hufnagel of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is leading a statewide data-driven effort to fight homelessness. Learn how MCAH uses coordinated data, policy advocacy, and community partnerships to drive real, systemic change across Michigan. For more on the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness: https://www.mihomeless.org/The Mission: To serve as an inclusive statewide voice to imp...

In this Season 5 premiere of Mission Control, Paul J. Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia talks with Megyn Forest, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region, about mentorship, nonprofit leadership, and building community through meaningful connection. For more on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region: https://bbbsmcr.org/The Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships t...

Mission Control returns for Season 5 with host Paul Schmidt and powerful conversations with nonprofit leaders. Tune in biweekly for inspiring stories from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and more. Available on all major platforms!

Join host Paul Schmidt on this episode of Mission Control as he talks with Kim Renwick, Executive Director of the Shiawassee Community Foundation. Discover her journey from banking to nonprofit leadership, the impact of COVID-19, and the foundation's future goals. For more on the Shiawassee Community Foundation: https://www.shiacf.org/ The Mission: Enriching lives in the Shiawassee County region t...

On this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, Alex Brace, Executive Director of Small Talk Child Advocacy Center, shares his journey into child advocacy. He discusses the center's mission, leadership challenges, and the importance of creating a positive work environment while addressing sensitive issues. For more on Small Talk Child Advocacy Center: https://www.smalltalkcac.org/ The Mission: Sma...

In this episode of Mission Control, host Paul Schmidt interviews Cameo King, the founder of Grit, Glam, and Guts (GGG). Cameo shares her mission to empower girls aged 12 to 17 with educational and civic learning opportunities while increasing their self-identity and self-awareness. Starting from her career in journalism, Cameo reveals how she transitioned into founding GGG and her motivation behin...

In this engaging episode, Paul Schmidt interviews Brian Philson, the leader of Highields, Inc., about his extensive career in juvenile justice and nonprofit leadership career. Brian talks about the origins and mission of Highields, founded in 1962, aiming to provide opportunities to children, youth, and families, helping them become responsible, productive members of society. He shares stories fro...

Dive into this episode of Mission Control as Paul Schmidt interviews Louise Montag, Director of the Prevention Network. Discover her unique journey from aspiring ER physician to public health leader, her advocacy for substance misuse prevention, and the impactful work being done. For more on Prevention Network: https://www.preventionnetwork.org/ The Mission: To cultivate healthy communities across...

Join us on Mission Control as we chat with Luke Forrest about his journey in community economic development, navigating crises, and driving policy changes! Leave your thoughts below! For more on CEDAM: https://cedamichigan.org/ The Mission: CEDAM is a statewide coalition committed to community and economic development. It builds members’ capacity, amplifies their voices, and leverages resources to...

Welcome back to Mission Control, the podcast focusing on executive directors and non-profit leaders making positive impacts. Hosted by Paul Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist of UnoDeuce Multimedia. In this episode, we welcome Lauren from Aspire. She shares the mission to educate, equip, and empower individuals for better choices and healthy relationships. Learn about her journey from as...

On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Aaryn Richard, former director of marketing and communications at the Michigan State University Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. We spoke about insights into his journey, the mission of the Burgess Institute, and the evolving communication landscape. TO NOTE: This interview was recorded in the spring, and Aaryn has since moved...

On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Cathleen Edgerly, executive director of Downtown Lansing Inc. We discussed the challenges and innovative solutions during the pandemic, personal reflections on leadership, and the importance of community perception and individual well-being. For more on Downtown Lansing Inc: https://www.downtownlansing.org/ The Mission: To nurture and cultivate the...

On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Joe Garcia, executive director of Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, which was formerly known as Cristo Rey Community Center and St Vincent Catholic Charities. We discuss the management of both nonprofits, collaboration with other nonprofit partners, and entering the nonprofit world from a fresh perspective. For more on Catho...

On this episode of Mission Control, we talk with Tameka Citchen-Spruce, LEAD co-director of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. We discuss her early start in advocacy work, how visual storytelling spoke to her, and her mentorship with Kamau Bell. For more on the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition: http://www.mymdrc.org The Mission: To cultivate disability pride and strengthen the disabilit...