Right Down the Street with Mayor Bryan K. Barnett

America is blowing out the candles for its 250th birthday on July 4, and we’re celebrating with another great episode of Right Down the Street. Join Mayor Barnett as he sits down with Pat McKay and Cathy Fitzpatrick from the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm . The trio dives deep into this important Semiquincentennial milestone, shares ways residents can celebrate, and discusses what it tr...

In this episode of Right Down the Street, Mayor Barnett sits down with Captain Paul Workman , Commander of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Rochester Hills Substation, to discuss what it takes to lead the safest city in Michigan and the fourth safest in the entire United States!   Drawing on nearly 30 years in law enforcement and two decades in the U.S. Army, Captain Workman shares his philosop...

Ever wonder what it actually takes to pave a road, clean a sewer, or provide you with clean drinking water? Join Mayor Barnett as he sits down with Interim DPS Director Tracey Balint and Public Utilities Engineering Manager Angela Hysinger to pull back the curtain on the Department of Public Services and talk about the vital work they do in our community. They talk big projects, the daily grind, a...

How did Rochester Hills become home to one of the best park systems in the Midwest? Join Mayor Bryan Barnett as he huddles around a roaring fire in the Stone Shelter at historic Bloomer Park for an inside look at the vibrant park system that our community has become known for. Featuring expert insights from Parks Manager Kelly McBride , we take a deep dive into what makes our parks system so uniqu...

We’re feeling the love Right Down the Street this week as Mayor Barnett sits down with distinguished professor of Oakland University, Dr. Terri Orbuch , famously known as “The Love Doctor.” Drawing on 30 years of social psychology research, she provides data-backed blueprints for lasting love! From the halls of academia to the front lines of one-on-one coaching, Dr. Orbuch explains which Disney co...

How does a group of nine college students, with no traditional instruments, become a viral, global musical phenomenon? Join Mayor Bryan Barnett as he sits down with Rochester Hills resident, Seggie Isho , member of the beloved a capella group, Straight No Chaser (SNC) . Take a deep dive into the world of a cappella through the lens of SNC, and how the group has balanced more than 15 years of globa...

In Metro Detroit, the holidays don't officially begin until you hear the voice of Jay Towers . But how did a five-year-old with a tape recorder become a morning media staple? Mayor Bryan Barnett joins Jay to pull back the curtain on a 30+ year journey. Learn how he balances the roles of FOX 2 anchor and 100.3 WNIC host , why he calls Rochester Hills home, and the energy that has driven the &a...

Imagine buying personalized Christmas gifts for 3,500 children each year. For Founder Patti Jacques and her team of volunteers at Gifts for All God's Children, that dream is a reality. What started as a simple giving tree in a church annex in 1987 has now blossomed into a bustling Christmas workshop " Right Down the Street."  Join Mayor Barnett as he sits down with Patti, who walks...

The 2025/2026 school year has begun! As students settle into their classes, so too does a new era of direction for the institution, with Dr. Reggies Wenyika taking the helm as the recently appointed President of Rochester Christian University. Join Mayor Barnett as he sits down with Dr. Wenyika, who shares real-world wisdom and deep insights on leading a life of impact. We'll explore the inte...

In a special episode of the RDTS Podcast, join Mayor Barnett as he interviews 2025 Michiganian of the Year and Rochester Hills native Mike Murri. Murri, Scripps Regional Vice President and Vice President/General Manager of WXYZ and WMYD, exemplifies Rochester Hills' enduring legacy of remarkable talent and success. Join Mayor Barnett as he explores Mike's career, significant contribution...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we're dedicated to breaking down stigmas and fostering open dialogue. Tune in as Mayor Barnett is joined by Common Ground's Jamie Ayers and Phillip Hunter to discuss common mental health challenges, practical self-care strategies, and the importance of seeking support. Because your well-being matters, and help is Right Down The Street. Rochester...

There is no denying the beauty and influence that Meadow Brook Hall has had on our local community. Join Mayor Bryan Barnett as he talks with Shannon O’Berski, Director of External Affairs at Meadow Brook Estate, about this magnificent home and its grounds, the Dodge-Wilson family and their impact on our community, and get a little inside info on one of America’s Castles that just happens to be Ri...

As we wrap up Women's History Month, join Mayor Bryan Barnett as he sits down with Ann Echols, recently sworn-in Assistant Chief/Fire Marshall for the Rochester Hills Fire Department to talk about her new role, what drew her to the profession, and what it’s like to be the City’s first female Chief and Fire Marshal.  Later Mayor Barnett is joined by Samantha Lawrence, Rochester Hills Museum at...

If you love the Detroit Lions and you love cake... you're sure to love this episode of Right Down the Street! Locals have known for decades what extraordinary baked goods are produced by Heather Tocco and her team at the Home Bakery in Downtown Rochester, Michigan. Their most recent windowfront cake creation, a life-size replica of Amon-Ra St. Brown in his iconic upside down pose, has wowed t...

Mayor Barnett talks with Paul Glantz,  co-founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment Inc., and the driving force behind the development and operation of metro Detroit’s Emagine theatres. Listen as they chat about the importance of customer service, having something for everyone, and where Paul sees the movie theater industry heading in the next 5-10 years. Rochester Hills IS Innovative by Natur...

A distinguished Michigan business leader, Tony Michaels has been at the helm of The Parade Company since 2009. Now serving as the iconic non-profit organization’s CEO and President, Tony has found his passion in delighting generations of families by putting on massive events like America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade presented by Gardner White, Ford Fireworks and Hob Nobble Gobble presented by Ford, a...

For many, September brings forth feelings of new possibilities and new beginnings, none more so for our two distinguished guests Dr. Jim Schwarz, superintendent of Avondale School District, and Mr. Nick Russo, superintendent of Rochester Community Schools. Join Mayor Barnett as he sits down for an insightful talk about the current national teacher shortage, why relationship building is the key to...

Life conspires to bring you where you're supposed to be. And life has conspired to bring Melissa Weisse across the pond to Leader Dogs for the Blind. Serving now as the organization's CEO and President, Melissa has found her passion in helping people create pathways to greater independence. She and Mayor Barnett discuss everything from art and puppies to fundraising and philanthropy. Enj...

Father-son duo, Garth and Klint Pleasant, join Mayor Barnett on this special Father's Day episode. Garth Pleasant had a long and distinguished career as the head coach of Rochester Christian University's men's basketball team, leading the program from 1973 to 2010. Klint Pleasant followed in his father's footsteps, serving alongside Garth as an assistant coach before taking ove...

Rochester Community Schools have dominated MHSAA Division 1 Competitive Cheer for the last decade, with the three RCS high schools taking turns at the top. At the state competition last month, Stoney Creek took the title, Adams came in second, and defending state champion, Rochester, was two-tenths of a point behind in third. The head coaches from all three schools join Mayor Barnett to talk about...

Mayor Barnett is joined by three former NHL players, Craig Wolanin, Steve Guolla, and Dave Legwand. They all have a Detroit-Rochester Hills area connection and are not just great athletes, they are great members of our community. Wooly, Gooey and Leggy reminisce with entertaining stories about their unique journeys, NHL memories, and their pure love of the game. If you like hockey, your hometown,...

In this special "Lead with Impact" segment, Mayor Barnett invites New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to share her story. She was the first woman to be elected as Mayor of New Orleans in the city's 300 year history. Now in her second term of office, she has more than proven her commitment to the place her heart calls home. She firmly believes the best is yet to come for her city and r...

It’s not every day you get to swap stories, cheer on the Detroit Lions, and predict the future with a superhero. But Mayor Barnett did just that with none other than Equalman. Erik Qualman, also known as Equalman, was raised in Rochester Hills and has gone on to be a Digital Leadership expert, sharing his insight as a bestselling author, teacher, and motivational keynote speaker. Erik has a sharp...

Imagine your entire hometown downtown painted in holiday lights, each historic Main Street building lit in a different bold hue. That was the vision Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority, had for Downtown Rochester, Michigan. With a mission to draw people in to make memories and boost business for the city’s independent local shops, the Big Bright Lig...

Lions Radio Analyst, Former NFL Offensive Tackle, and recent Pride of the Lions inductee, Lomas Brown , shares stories with Mayor Barnett about players, coaches, successes, struggles, teamwork and more. Lomas had an incredibly long career playing in the NFL, including 11 seasons playing for our Detroit Lions. He spent years physically clearing the way for his teammates to run the ball down the fie...