In this episode of Beyond Both Sides, we take a closer look at Michigan’s travel and tourism industry—and ask a critical question: is it time to rethink Pure Michigan?

Tourism drives more than $25 billion in annual visitor spending and supports over 200,000 jobs statewide, but the industry is entering a more uncertain phase. As consumer confidence softens and international travel—especially from Canada—lags, we explore what it will take for Michigan to sustain growth.

We’re also joined by Julie Alvin, a media strategist and former executive at theSkimm, Bustle Digital Group, and Refinery29. Julie shares insights on how the media landscape is shifting, how audiences actually consume information today, and what leaders often get wrong when trying to communicate across increasingly divided and fragmented audiences.

Plus:

• Michigan wins the NCAA Championship
• New signals in the Michigan U.S. Senate race
• What GM’s recent sales decline means for the economy