The James Beaudrie Podcast

72 Hour Water Fast... It's a process. enjoy. This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Just wrapped an incredible conversation with  Troy Anderson  — a true creative force and all-around fantastic human being. Troy wears a lot of hats — and wears them well. He’s a  photographer ,  filmmaker , and  marketing and sales expert  who specializes in visual storytelling across industries. Whether it's professional sports, commercial campaigns, or the art world, Troy captures and produc...

This one’s for anyone who’s ever asked,  “What the hell does a City Manager actually do?”  I sat down with Bill Gambill, the City Manager of Manistee, and we went deep. Bill’s a legit pro—master’s degree in Public Administration from Wayne State, decades of experience in government, and the kind of guy who actually knows how cities  really  run behind the scenes. We talked about what it's like try...

In this episode, I sit down with Janice Davidson — a powerhouse of Northern Michigan’s endurance and nonprofit world. Janice is the founder and owner of North Mitten Events, the former race director of the iconic North American Vasa, volunteer director for Ironman events, and the executive director of the Armory Youth Project. She wears many hats — all rooted in passion, purpose, and people. We ta...

In this episode of The James Beaudrie Podcast, I sit down with David Bottrell — a 7-year law enforcement veteran whose experience spans the roadways of Manistee County to the front lines of Michigan’s war on drugs. David’s career has taken him from patrolling small-town streets to serving as a narcotics detective with the multi-agency S.S.C.E.N.T task force, and even into analytical support roles...

In this episode, I sit down with  Tom Bush , a retired Grand Rapids police officer with decades of real-world experience. Tom spent years in the  VICE unit , worked through the height of the  George Floyd protests , enforced policy during the  COVID lockdowns , and was part of a tactical team that responded to  Hurricane Katrina . We talk about what it was really like to be a cop during some of th...

This episode was rad. I sat down with  Rob Medacco , the Director of Public Safety for the  Little River Band of Ottawa Indians —a dude who’s not only the top cop for the Tribe but also an absolute  freakin' beast in the gym . We’re talkin’ raw strength, discipline, and leadership wrapped into one seriously intense human. We dive into what it's like leading law enforcement on Tribal land,...

Brandon Ball—real estate broker, owner of Dwelling Realty Keller Williams, and my friend of 20 years—is back for his third appearance on the podcast. This one’s part real estate, part therapy session, and part bathroom humor. We cover everything from the pros and cons of short-term rentals to the ridiculous rise in housing prices, sprinkle in some talk about high blood pressure (because we're...

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Guzikowski—a student driver instructor, husband, and father of two—for a fun and wide-ranging conversation. Michael shares some wild stories from behind the wheel while training new drivers, and we dive into the challenges and joys of raising young kids in today’s world. From social media and parenting to the nerve-wracking moments of teaching teens how to...

#137 On this episode, I sit down with Daniel Saylor—a dedicated history teacher, a loving husband, and a proud father of four. Daniel opens up about his unique and powerful journey through fatherhood, including the adoption process that brought two of his children into his life, and the unexpected blessing of biological twins. We dive into the emotional layers of adoption, what it means to create...

# 136 - She was just 9 years old when her parents made a life-altering decision — to flee communist Lithuania in the 1980s. What followed is an absolutely unbelievable journey through Mexico, a cartel-controlled border crossing, and years of living in secrecy in the United States. This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To lea...

On this episode of  The James Beaudrie Podcast , I sit down with Jesse Den Herder—one of the sharpest minds in marketing, branding, and design. This dude has done it all—VP of Marketing, award-winning creative director, product designer—you name it. His ability to take a concept from a rough idea to a nationally recognized brand is insane. Jesse’s got a serious knack for merging creativity with sm...

# 134 John Helge - What does it mean to be a Democrat? In this episode of the Podcast, I sit down with John Helge, Board Chair of the Manistee County Democrats. With a career built on leadership, coaching, and driving meaningful change, John shares insights on what it truly means to lead—not just manage—whether in business, politics, or community engagement. We discuss his passion for helping peop...

Trever is an entrepreneur with a desire to inspire and lead young people. He has taken his background in mixed martial arts and fight promotion towards a new chapter, opening Manistee Combat Academy. A gym dedicated to the combat arts. Jiu Jitsu, boxing and wrestling will be the disciplines showcased within its walls. You can learn more about the combat academy with the link provided below. Now- L...

Had a great conversation with Manistee County Sheriff Brian Gutowski, but we didn’t get into policing—we talked about something way more important: taking care of yourself so you can show up for the people who matter. We covered a lot—lifting heavy, eating right, staying disciplined, and being present as a dad. Brian’s got two young boys, a demanding job, and still makes his health a priority. No...

LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagram instagram.com/manisteebeveragecompany/?hl=en TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Blade Gates joins the podcast to share his journey in communications, marketing, and community leadership. We discuss his work with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, his passion for storytelling, and how he’s making an impact through local events and initiatives. A great conversation on creativity, career growth, and community engagement! LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagram  instagra...

The Political Divide, Sports Fandom, and the Lost Freedom of BMX Gangs Alright, listen up. The political divide in this country? It’s not just some disagreement over policies anymore. It’s like sports fandom, but way more intense. You ever walk into a bar full of Green Bay Packers fans wearing a Chicago Bears jersey? That’s what it feels like trying to have a political discussion now—except instea...

# 128 I'll Do it live! Remember the 80's and 90's. Aol, Bibs with one side down, Hammer Pants, Air Hawk, Magnum PI, and A-Team.

The Billboard That Says It All Alright, let’s talk about this billboard. You’ve probably seen it floating around on social media, especially if you hang out in the political corners of the internet. It’s this big, bold statement that seems like a dunk on red states: “Good news RED STATES! You can now pick your own fruits and vegetables in the blazing sun for $5 an hour.” At first glance, it’s got...

Matt Wood is a Friend, Husband, and Father. He is a wood worker, farmer, and top tier salesman in the car industry. He is a Good Human. On this episode we talk about being fathers, husbands, mentors and friends and what that means to us. Enjoy!

On this episode I speak with Little River Holdings, LLC. Chief Operating Officer Tyler Leppanen and Little River Holdings, LLC.Business Analyst Brittney Drake. Together they hold key roles in the Gateway project for downtown Manistee Michigan set to break ground late 2025. Enjoy. LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagram instagram.com/manisteebeveragecompany/?hl=en  TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeau...

Have you ever really taken a look at the inside of your Air Pod Case? This brief episode is really a foreshadow of what's to come. I am on a mission to highlight the plight of young men and the issues they face today. How can we build up our young men and help guide them to prosper, grow in faith, secure a high value mate and build stronger community? I am going to do my part. Will you?

In this episode, Dyllan Walker joins the podcast to discuss the critical challenges young men in their 20s face today, including educational disengagement, economic instability, mental health struggles, social isolation, and finding purpose. Together, we explore these pressing issues and consider actionable solutions to support and uplift young men in navigating their journeys toward growth and fu...

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Brower, a man whose pursuits redefine the limits of determination. While he's made his mark as a co-owner of Pigeon Hill Brewing Company and a practicing lawyer, it’s his achievements as an ultra runner that truly stand out. Michael has conquered races spanning over 300 miles, pushing his body and mind to extraordinary limits. We dive into the mindset and d...