Community Convos

On this epsiode, host Megan Simmons is joined in studio by Emily Reest, co-founder of My Handyma'am, to share how her team is helping women gain confidence through hands-on, home repair education. From workshops to podcasts, they teach practical skills like plumbing, drywall repair, and tool safety, empowering homeowners to save money, build independence, and feel more confident caring for their homes. Additionally, a weekend intensive workshop is taking place Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Event Information:

• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and breakfast!)
• Location: Acme Home Exteriors | Lansing, MI

Event: How to Handyma'am Weekend Intensive

Podcast: How to Handyma'am (A Home Improvement Comedy Podcast)

Website: My Handyma'am

On this episode, host Megan Simmons talks with Claire Gomez about how a favorite childhood tradition grew into successful business Through Claire’s Candies, Claire shares how she combines creativity, high-quality ingredients, and a love for her community to make unique cake pops, while building lasting connections with her customers.

Mentioned This Episode:

Instagram: Clare's Candies

Facebook: Clare's Candies

This episode explores the vibrant community of Old Town, Lansing, featuring insights from James Lenon, Executive Director of the Old Town Commercial Association. He shares his deep-rooted connection to the area, highlighting the evolution of local businesses and the significance of community events. Old Town has a collaborative spirit, with long-standing and new businesses fostering an inclusive, artistic culture that attracts visitors and enhances the district's appeal. There's much to see in Old Town, so listen in and let's go for a stroll!

Website: Old Town Commercial Association

This episode highlights an upcoming Christian themed concert, The Gathering, which will take place in Lansing on Friday, July 24th at the Hope Sports Complex, as well as Cleats Bar and Grill. Host Megan Simmons is joined in studio by owner Julie Mullen and vocal artist Anya Lee are in studio with, to discuss how the event is meant to bring the community together through music, fellowship, and food.

This episode talks about Pickle Palooza, a lively event designed to introduce pickleball to the Lansing area and bring people together through sport. The event has grown into a three-day celebration with activities and tournaments that welcome participants of all ages and skill levels. Overall, it highlights how sports can build community, support healthy lifestyles, and create meaningful connections among neighbors.

Mentioned This Episode

Website: Picklepalooza

Facebook: Picklepalooza at Delta Mills

Website: Lansing Sports - Picklepalooza

Melissa Kaplan joins Daedalian on this edition of The Convo to preview this year’s Take a Stand! Sit In! event, taking place April 14 and 16. The 2026 theme, “Joy as Resistance,” highlights how creativity can inspire reflection and strengthen community connections through artistic expression, including film, storytelling, and music.

Website: Take A Stand! Sit In! - April 14 & 16

Website: Capital City Film Festival

Facebook: Cute cats with Hats (Mention during the episode)

On this episode of The Convo, Daedalian is joined by Tina Nguyen, Marketing and Membership Manager at Fenner Nature Center. Tina tells us about the various activities participants can expect, including animal encounters, local artisan vendors, and the famed pancake breakfast featuring Chris Cakes, known for their energetic pancake-flipping antics. This festival, which has been celebrated for over five decades, offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the intricate process of maple syrup production, from tree tapping to sampling delicious treats.

Website: Fenner Maple Syrup Festival - March 21st and 22nd

Facebook: Fenner Nature Center

Instagram: Fenner Nature Center

Website: Chris Cakes

YouTube: Chris Cakes on The Food Channel

The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival is a captivating celebration that merges winter festivities with Viking culture, taking place from February 27th to March 1st at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte. A'me McGill-Austin and Cassidy Brown join us on The Convo to give us the inside story behind the annual festival's array of activities, such as live entertainment, engaging children's events, and even a ceremonial ship burning, which promises to ignite excitement among attendees.

Website: Michigan Nordic Fire Festival

Facebook: Michigan Nordic Fire Festival

Related Podcasts:

The Druid Drummer on Front Row, Backstage & PleThorA on Front Row, Backstage

TeDen welcomes Lansing local, Leonardo Christian, to talk about two upcoming fundraising events to support patients with cancer. Christian himself is a cancer survivor, with his last treatment being on August 27th, 2025, and he's here to lend his heart, soul, and personality to help others. The first event is a silent auction on Friday, October 24th, at the Michigan Institute for Creative Art (MICA Gallery) with proceeds going to the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center. The second event is Saturday, October 25th, at Sir Pizza's Old Town Pub, where there will be live music and food, and proceeds will go towards helping patients directly.

Friday, Oct. 24th Event: MICA Gallery

Saturday, Oct. 25th, Event: Sir Pizza's Old Town Pub

If you would like to volunteer or cannot attend but still want to help, please reach out to:

Leonardo Christian (517) 885-5412 or [email protected]

The Convos welcomes Smitty Smith into the studio to chat about the upcoming 15th annual Pump Stock Music Festival, a celebration of music that began as a neighborhood get-together and has evolved into a cherished community event showcasing a variety of musical talents, including local favorites and renowned artists. This year's Pumpstock takes place June 7th at Bailey Park in East Lansing. Attendees can anticipate an enriching experience filled with music, food, and activities for all ages, making this event a must-visit for those in the region.

Facebook: Pumpstock 2025