The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show

July 4, 2026 ~ On this special edition of The Michigan Opportunity Show on WJR, we feature two inspiring conversations with visionary business leaders who have chosen Michigan as the place to build exceptional companies. First, we sit down with Amy Peterson, founder of Rebel Nell, the Detroit-based social enterprise that transforms meaningful employment into lasting opportunity. Amy shares how Reb...

June 27, 2026 ~ What do Northwest Michigan and Southeast Michigan have in common? More than you might think. On this special edition of The Michigan Opportunity Show on WJR, we bring together two conversations with leaders who are helping shape Michigan's future through regional collaboration, business growth, and economic development. First, we welcome Haley Bennett of Traverse Connect, to discus...

June 20, 2026 ~ In this episode of The Michigan Opportunity, host Ed Clemente welcomes acclaimed author, photographer, and world traveler Jessica Nabongo, who shares her remarkable journey to becoming the first Black woman and first Ugandan to visit every country in the world. The episode also features Chief Executive Officer of the Downtown Detroit Partnership Eric Larson, who discusses the trans...

June 13, 2026 ~ In this episode of The Michigan Opportunity, host Ed Clemente welcomes Director of Michigan State University’s Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) Xinyu Wu. Wu discusses how the program connects international scholars, professionals, and leaders with Michigan’s educational, business, and cultural resources, fostering global partnerships and long-term economic relatio...

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ June 6, 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ May 30, 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 23, 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 16, 2026 ~ In this episode, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Ingrid Tighe discusses how MMTC is driving statewide economic growth through innovation, operational support, and workforce development—helping create and retain thousands of jobs while supporting hundreds of manufacturers across Michigan. The conversation also features Senior Chief Deputy Director at the Mic...

May 9, 2026 ~ On this episode of The Michigan Opportunity, host Ed Clemente is joined by National Engagement Director for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Michelle Bekkering for an in‑depth conversation on how global engagement, diplomacy, and trade directly impact Michigan’s economy. Bekkering draws on her experience in Washington, D.C. and at USAID to explore the economic return of foreign a...

May 2, 2026 ~ On this episode of The Michigan Opportunity, host Ed Clemente welcomes Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Production at the World Economic Forum Francisco Betti, for a wide‑ranging conversation on the forces shaping the future of manufacturing. From Industry 4.0 and smart technologies to sustainability, workforce engagement, and global collaboration, Betti explores how public‑private...

April 25, 2026 ~ In this episode, we bring together Steven Wilson of the University of Michigan - Economic Growth Institute and Jill Ferrari of Renovare Development to connect the dots between policy, planning, and execution. From community-driven growth strategies to transformational development projects, this conversation highlights how Michigan is aligning economic development with placemaking,...

April 19, 2026 ~ In this special combined episode, we bridge global insight with on-the-ground innovation. Join Founder & Managing Partner of FutureMap, Dr. Parag Khanna, as he shares a global perspective on geopolitics, connectivity, and the forces reshaping economies worldwide. Then, we shift to the local lens with Founder & CEO of Blue Lake Ideas Matt Elliott, exploring how strategic thinking a...

April 11, 2026 ~ In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Lunsford, CEO of GS3 Global, and Ryan Smith, Global Marketing Director for Dow Mobility, to explore how the state is leveraging its deep automotive roots to power the future. From electrification, hydrogen, and infrastructure‑ready manufacturing to cutting‑edge materials science and lightweighting, the conversation highlights how Michigan’s t...

April 4, 2026 ~ In this episode of The Michigan Opportunity, host Ed Clemente explores the state’s growing role at the intersection of clean energy, infrastructure modernization, and next‑generation mobility. Joined by Vice Chairwoman of Emotiv Mobility Lori Rush Lancaster, and Emotiv’s Strategic Energy Lead Tony Tomczak, the conversation looks at how Michigan’s deep automotive roots are being lev...

March 28, 2026 ~ How is Michigan strengthening its leadership at the intersection of defense, aerospace, and next-generation mobility? In this episode, we sit down with John T. Gutierrez of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Bernard Swiecki of the Detroit Regional Partnership to explore how the state is building a globally competitive ecosystem. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz comp...

March 21, 2026 ~ Hear from Michael Zahuranic, director of business development at BAE Systems, as he talks about how their Sterling Heights campus that serves as a key hub for engineering, program management, and prototyping of military ground vehicles. BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace leader delivering advanced military vehicles, systems, and technologies to the U.S. Department of De...

March 14, 2026 ~ Host Ed Clemente brings together two leaders advancing Michigan’s position at the forefront of next‑generation mobility—Chief Mobility Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Justine Johnson and Vice President of Mobility and Research for the Detroit Regional Partnership, Global Epicenter of Mobility Bernard Swiecki. Together, Johnson and Swiecki offer a vivid lo...

March 7, 2026 ~ Host Ed Clemente spotlights two voices shaping Michigan’s growing craft beverage economy— Kasey Wierzba, executive winemaker and general manager at Shady Lane Cellars, and Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a state where agricultural heritage, entrepreneurial drive, and regulatory innovation inter...

Feb. 28, 2026 ~ Host Ed Clemente brings together two leaders shaping the future of Michigan’s mobility and technology economy—Jennifer Brace, chief futurist at Ford Motor Company, and John Nunneley, senior vice president of IT & Engineering for Astemo Ltd. America's, Inc. Together, Brace and Nunneley offer a compelling snapshot of a state at the center of mobility transformation—where legacy stren...

Feb. 21, 2026 ~ Host Ed Clemente sits down with two Michigan innovators—Cybersecurity and Compliance Manager at Brightline Technologies Inc. Nick Roe, and Managing Partner at Atomic Object Brittany Hunter—for a deep‑dive into the evolving landscape of technology, talent, and security in Michigan. Together, the guests paint a picture of a state rapidly adapting to technological change—strengthening...

Feb. 14, 2026 ~ Host Ed Clemente sits down with MEDC CEO Quentin Messer and former Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan for a wide‑ranging conversation on Michigan’s economic trajectory, exploring how the state is reshaping its narrative through innovation, talent development, and strategic investment. Together, they discuss the evolving identity of Michigan’s economy—from advanced manufacturing and agrib...

Feb. 7, 2026 ~ Host Ed Clemente speaks with leaders including Randy Thelen of The Right Place, Rachel Stewart of Gardner White, and Jeff Donofrio of Business Leaders For Michigan about regional economic momentum, shifting technology trends, and how Michigan industries are adapting to rapid change. The conversation highlights emerging growth strategies and the factors shaping Michigan’s competitive...

Jan. 31, 2026 ~ From reimagining education through hands‑on learning to reshaping downtown Grand Rapids with transformational placemaking, this episode explores how institutions and civic leaders are investing in Michigan’s future. Join host Ed Clemente for conversations with Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and Kara Wood, executive director of Grand Action 2.0,...

Jan. 24, 2026 ~ From advancing next‑generation computing to strengthening Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, explore how the state’s researchers, educators, and economic development leaders are shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Learn how experts are tackling emerging challenges—from data‑heavy autonomous vehicles and edge computing to cybersecurity, biosensor‑driven healthcare,...

Jan. 17, 2026 ~ From strengthening Michigan’s creative economy to preserving the cultural stories that define our communities, explore how leaders across the state are shaping the future of arts, culture, and creative industry growth. Learn how statewide advocates are expanding grant access, supporting innovation in design and education, and helping communities leverage cultural assets—from museum...