The Real America Project

A homebrewer chases a Boston lager in his basement and ends up selling a Detroit brewery to Molson Coors weeks before the world shuts down. From there, the story only gets wilder: Mark Reith buys back into Michigan beer with Lansing Brewing Company, revives a century‑old brand, and builds a portfolio that spans lagers, ciders, spirits, and award‑winning non‑alcoholic craft beer. Along the way he d...

We explore how a damaged gut microbiome, ultra-processed foods, seed oils, and glyphosate undermine cellular health—and how to rebuild with real food, better fats, and sunlight. We also unpack funding bias in research and why natural compounds still inform modern medicine. • gut microbiome as immune and nutrient hub • damage to brush border and absorption limits • rebuild plan with cleanse, prebio...

A river can be a runway if you bring the right wings. We sit with Case Visser from Samaritan Aviation to share how a Cessna 206 on floats turns the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea into a lifeline for mothers in distress, snakebite victims, and kids with traumatic injuries. What would take days by canoe becomes 45 minutes by air, and that time delta is the thin line between loss and life. Case trac...

Professor Tracey Ward brings her 23 years of expertise in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry to discuss how natural medicine can transform our approach to health and reduce pharmaceutical dependency. She explains how her research and clinical experience led to founding Blend, a company creating high-quality natural supplements designed with therapeutic effectiveness as the priority. • Modern med...

Eldon Palmer brings together the most powerful moments from the Real West Michigan podcast's first four episodes for you to get a taste test! Featuring insightful conversations with local entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders who are making an impact.  Dan Korhorn shares how his farm upbringing shaped his work ethic and business approach. Dan discusses finding balance between family...

From flour bag naps to award-winning pizza, Dan Uccello's journey embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Moving to America from Italy at age 11 without speaking English, Dan watched his parents build a life from nothing, working seven days a week in a small pizzeria to support their family. When banks laughed at his 22-year-old ambition to open his own restaurant, Dan persevered thro...

Tapestry Rockford collects and distributes clothing, shoes, school supplies, sports equipment, and other essentials to school-aged children in need throughout Rockford and surrounding areas. Founded by Shawn Loney, this local nonprofit transforms donations from the community into a dignified shopping experience where students can select items they need at no cost. • Began as a personal collection...

“You’re not my oxygen tank anymore.” That’s what Cameron Embers’ brother told him when their paths began to diverge. From homeschooling to heartbreak, from burnout to breakthrough, Cameron shares how his struggles with anxiety, loss, and identity ultimately led him to build Emberly Digital—a web and software agency with heart. In this conversation, we cover: Cameron’s journey from homeschooled cre...

Have you struggled with your CREATIVE PATH?  What happens when an artist allows herself to explore multiple creative paths before finding her true focus? In this captivating conversation, illustrator, mixed media artist, and art educator Liz Donoghue takes us on her winding artistic journey as an artist—from her early love of drawing, through formal training at CCS, to building her brand, Mushablo...

Securities offered through Silver Oak Securities, Inc. (SOSI), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through HBW Advisory Services LLC, a registered investment advisor. Pathway Financial Design LLC, HBW Advisory Services LLC, and SOSI are not affiliated. In this inspiring episode of The Real West Michigan Podcast , Eldon Palmer sits down with longtime friend, neighbor, and financ...

Discover why Grand Rapids is quickly becoming a business haven as Brent Case from the Right Place reveals the secrets behind employee retention and local business expansion in West Michigan. Learn about the strategic advantages like workforce availability and cost of living that make this region a hotspot for companies. But that's not all: filmmaker Sam VerMerris takes us on a behind-the-scen...

Join us as we uncover the heartwarming story of Chef Jenna, whose vibrant personality and unwavering kindness have touched countless lives. From delivering meals to exhausted frontline workers to creating "porch treats" that brought joy to her community, Chef Jenna illustrates the incredible impact of generosity. Despite facing criticism, she remains a steadfast advocate for positivity a...

Ever wondered how one can rise from the depths of despair to find ultimate success? Michelle Crumback’s story is one for the books, as she takes us through her incredible journey from homelessness to becoming a cherished jeweler who values every client’s experience. Tune in for Bob Hein’s expert advice gathered from over 25 years in the mortgage business at Mercantile Bank, where he shares his bes...

What if the key to a better life for single mothers battling addiction lies in one woman's journey through her own personal hell and back? Meet Crystal Barnett, founder of A Mother's Touch, who shares her powerful story from a challenging childhood in Grand Rapids to creating a transformative sober living program for single mothers. Through her struggles with addiction, we learn about th...

What if you could transform your leadership style and revolutionize your team's productivity with just a few simple insights? Join us as we chat with Scott Hays from Synergistic Systems, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring police officer to becoming an influential leader in behavioral testing for human resources. Scott's path, winding through private security, substitute teac...

What if a childhood TV hero could shape your future career aspirations? Meet Sam VerMerris, a budding filmmaker from Rockford, Michigan, who turned his fascination with "MacGyver" into a passionate journey through the world of filmmaking. Sam recounts his evolution from creating simple skits with friends to crafting more intricate films like "Evening Broadcast." Listen as Sam s...

In this episode, we chat with Brent Case, VP of Business Development at The Right Place. Brent takes us through his career journey, from his military service and education at Central Michigan University to his pivotal role in economic development in Grand Rapids. We explore the strategies behind business retention and attraction, the importance of workforce development, and the major projects shap...

Ever wondered how to juggle multiple demanding roles while making a significant impact in your community? In this episode, we sit down with Katie DeBoer, a remarkable woman who wears many hats – owner of a residential construction business, founder of the Faith and Freedom homeschool co-op, and Kent County Commissioner. Katie shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a commun...

Can humor and recovery reshape your entire life? Whether you're a comedy enthusiast or curious about the metaverse, this episode offers a compelling blend of personal narrative and innovative vision. Join us for an engaging chat with Aaron Sorrells, the Unemployed Alcoholic, as he uncovers the transformative power of clean comedy in both the real and virtual worlds. From his turbulent college...

What drives a filmmaker from capturing simple moments with friends to crafting intricate documentaries and high-profile series? Meet Scott McCambridge, a local filmmaker and video editor, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Scott takes us from his early days in Traverse City, Michigan, filming with a Sony Handycam, to the profound influence Sam Raimi's "The Evil...

Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the making of Deer Camp 86, the horror comedy hitting theaters on May 31st! Our guest, accomplished editor Scott McCambridge, takes us through the thrilling journey from initial edit to final release, sharing highlights like working with scriptwriter Eric Mishila and director Harold Cronk. You'll hear about the fun camaraderie, the challeng...

Join host Eldon Palmer as he sits down with the inspiring Chef Jenna Arcidiacono to discuss her incredible journey from Manhattan to San Francisco and eventually Grand Rapids, MI with a few lessons and adventures on the journey! Chef Jenna shares her passion for food, love, and kindness through her restaurant Amore Trattoria Italiana and her heartwarming initiative, Food Hugs. This episode is fill...

In this episode, we sit down with "Santi", Santiago Estrada, who shares his incredible journey from growing up amidst gang violence in Saginaw to finding redemption through the Marine Corps and a profound spiritual awakening. Santiago's story is a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and faith. Join us as he recounts his engaging story including his challenging upbr...

From the tranquil soundscapes of rural Wyoming, Michigan, to leading a bustling real estate empire, Scot Kellogg's journey epitomizes the essence of determination, innovation, and the sheer force of pursuing one's dreams. In this captivating episode, join Scot as he chronicles his multifaceted path—from academic pursuits to making waves in Chicago's vibrant hip-hop scene. His pivota...

Discover the secrets of thriving in the mortgage industry from someone who's seen it all. Bob Hein of Mercantile Bank joins us to share his unexpected journey from sports enthusiast to economic whiz and eventually, a mortgage maestro. His story is a fascinating look at how adaptability and relationship-building can pave the way to a lasting career, even when you step into it 37 years ago!  Na...