Total Michigan

It takes a special kind of racer to brave frigid cold temperatures, exposed to the elements for hours.  The Midwest International Racing Association (MIRA) brings this awesome sport all over Michigan and into Wisconsin.  Karl Schwartz walks us through the history and the new 2021 schedule.  Let the races begin! Show Notes MIRA Website MIRA Facebook   *** Click here to Subscribe...

America has a car culture.  At the center is Michigan.  We are forever cemented into car history.  And there's no better place to see this than at the Gilmore Car Museum.  What started as a hobby soon turned into a mission.  A mission now shared by hundreds of people.  Ken Fischang shares that mission with us. Show Notes: Gilmore Car Museum Website Gilmore Car Museum Facebook Gilmore Car Museum In...

This week, I talk about one of my favorite autobiographies: "Losing My Virginity".  The true story of the rock-star billionaire Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Records, Virgin Airlines, and the entire Virgin Group. Show Notes: Key Take-Aways Always Create Options Empathy is a Superpower Keep It Simple Link to the Book: Losing My Virginity *** Click here to Subscribe to our Email Newsletter...

Linh Lee has had to overcome her share of obstacles in life.  Coming to a foreign country, building a business, and pleasing her demanding grandmother in the kitchen!  One day, Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives featured her restaurant to a national audience and her business exploded!  Listen to her amazing story of how she not only overcomes obstacles but thrives. Show Notes: Capital City BBQ Facebook...

I can't tell you the number of times we went to the Detroit Zoo when I was a kid.  Gerry VanAcker, the Chief Operating Officer of the Detroit Zoological Society, walks us through how the Detroit Zoo continues to impact the region as well as the great care they give the animals in their charge.  What are the new exhibits to be seen?  What are the upcoming events?  It's all right here. Show Notes: D...

Today, we cover "The Four Agreements".  Is this book relevant?  Even today?  You bet.  Almost 30,000 people on Amazon would agree with me.   In this episode we cover: How I discovered this book What the Four Agreements Are And if this might be applicable to you. Show Notes: " The Four Agreements " - Link to Amazon

Belle Isle is the little natural jewel, located in the middle of Detroit.  With a colorful, interesting past, Belle Isle has become a great spot to not only enjoy the natural beauty of the isle but also providing great views of downtown Detroit.  Ron Olson, Chief of the Department of Natural Resources, shares what makes Belle Isle a top spot in Detroit. Show Notes: Belle Isle Website Belle Isle Fa...

Rated PG.  This is a new segment where I'm going to be showcasing books that I'm reading, reviews, and sharing stories of how they are applicable to life.  The first book "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" and it's a doozie! Points 1.  You want new problems 2.  Failure is the path forward.  Not success. 3.  Action brings Motivation.  Not the other way around. Link to the book:  Click here

The Saginaw County Castle Museum is not only a showcase of Mid-Michigan's history but also a recorder of it.  Jonathan Webb shares the history of this incredible Museum and the history that it has captured. Show Notes: Castle Museum of Saginaw County Website Castle Museum Facebook Page *** Click here to Subscribe to our Email Newsletter ***

Making it as a quarterback for an NFL Franchise would be the high point in anyone's life.  Eric Hipple shares with us his climb to become a world-class athlete.  Then his fall into depression after retirement.  Now Eric plays a new game.  Perhaps the most important of his life.  Bringing awareness of depression and the signs of it to the world. Show Notes: Eric Hipples Website UofM DepressionCente...

Happy Halloween!  Let's talk with the guys who hunt for those things that go bump in the night.  Brad Blair and Tim Ellis are part of the UP Paranormal Research Society.  The real deal.  In this interview they provide us with: The inner workings of a real paranormal team Paranormal Conventions Their favorite goosebump-inducing story Show Notes: UPPRS Facebook Page Book:  Y...

Michigan has more lighthouses than any state in the union.  Most of those are haunted.  Meet Dianna Stampfler who literally wrote the book on these ghost-infested landmarks.  We talk about Michigan's top 3 most haunted lighthouses. Enjoy this spooky episode! Show Notes: Her Book:  Michigan's Haunted Lighthouses The Book's Website: MIHauntedLighthouses.com *** Click here to Subs...

Academia and entrepreneurship always seem to clash. But not for Matt. He leveraged his entrepreneurial skills gained in college to develop course curricula for other students. He now heads up FounderCo, a company helping students build startup companies that make meaningful impact. Show Notes: FounderCo Website ( Click here ) FounderCo Podcast ( Click here ) *** Click here to Subscribe to our Emai...

Michigan's historical parks drip with rich history.  Something the Mackinac Historical Parks takes painstaking care to re-enact for millions of visitors each year.  Phil Porter, Director of the Mackinac State Parks, talks to us about how he manages all this rich Michigan heritage and also how they are keeping people safe during the time of Covid-19. Show Notes: Mackinac Historical State...

Dave Dittenber is building a successful restaurant business.  His secret?  He took the time to assemble a great team. Developing a solid model, he owns three restaurants in Bay City and one in Midland. He shares with us how he built his team and what his plans are for moving forward. Show Notes: Old City Hall Restaurant Website ( Click here ) American Kitchen Website ( Click here ) Taver...

Running the Convention and Visitor's Bureau for a city is a daunting task. But for three counties? That's the challenge Annette Rummel faced when she accepted the position as CEO of the Great Lakes CVB. In this episode, she talks about how her upbringing, philosophy and values impacts how she leads such an important organization. Show Notes: Great Lakes Convention and Visitor's Bureau ( Click Here...

Frankenmuth Funships provides a very different view of Frankenmuth. With Chocolate and Wine boat tours and kayaking, Eric Fielbrandt gets guests off the pavement and onto the water. How does he have a family and two businesses without losing his sanity? He shares his unique insights with us. Show Notes: Frankenmuth Funships Website ( Click here ) Frankenmuth Funships Facebook Page ( Click Here ) K...

Al Zehnder is the third generation of his family business the Zender's of Frankenmuth. We talk about how the family business helps cultivate leaders to carry this multi-generational business forward. We also talk about going above for customer service. Show Notes: Zehnders of Frankenmuth Website Zehnders of Frankenmuth Facebook *** Click here to Subscribe to our Email Newsletter ***

Every long-standing company, institution, and city is filled with key decisions that define who they are today.  Frankenmuth is no exception.  Dan Haubenstricker, of the St. Lorenz Heritage Committee, delves into three of these pivotal decisions that helped create the Frankenmuth that we all know and love today. Show Notes: Frankenmuth Historical Museum ( Click Here ) *** Click here to S...

It was 150 years ago that Star of the West started up in Frankenmuth.  During that time, the company has seen and been through many events in our country.  From supplying the ingredients to make breakfast cereals, bread flour and other essential items we need every day.  In this interview, Jim takes us down memory lane to share with us his insights on lessons they learned from the p...

Zak and Korina created Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie which quickly became a Frankenmuth hotspot. One of my favorite places. What makes Prost so different? Why do people keep coming back? I hope you're hungry because this is a foodie paradise! Show Notes: Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie Website ( Click here ) Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie Facebook ( Click here ) ** Subscribe to Our Free Email News...

For most of us, Christmas is something we think about for a month. For Wayne Bronner and his staff, it's a year-round event in Frankenmuth. In this episode, Wayne shares with us the history of Bronners, the future of Bronners, and what they are doing to keep you safe while you visit this Christmas Wonderland! Show Notes: Bronners Christmas Wonderland Website ( Click Here ) Bronners of Frankenmuth...

Everyone has a story. Meet the man who collects the stories of Michigan's heroes. Those men and women who served in the military and the space programs. Show Notes: Michigan Heroes Museum Website ( Click here ) Michigan Heroes Facebook Page ( Cliff Here ) ** Subscribe to Our Free Email Newsletter ** [5:12] History of the Michigan Hero Museum [10:10] Why Pick Frankenmuth for the Museum [11:23] US M...

As Frankenmuth reopens for business, meet the man who worked diligently with local businesses to help them prepare to mitigate the risks of Covid-19. Greg Rummel, third-generation business owner, and fifth-generation Frankenmuth resident shares with us things to think about in the COVID world.  We also talk about beer. Show Notes: Rummel Insurance Website ( Click here ) ** Subscribe to Our Fr...

The world is in transition. Pastor Joe Berkobien, from Frankenmuth Bible Church, has experienced this before in his career. How did he help his church through such a transition? And how did they thrive? And what lessons can we learn going into this new world? Show Notes: Frankenmuth Bible Church Website Frankenmuth Bible Church Facebook Page Frankenmuth Bible Church iPhone App Key Points [24:45] P...