Don't Quote Me

What happens when a group of women decide to bring a piece of Grand Rapids history back to life?

In this special episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Heather Hope Monroe inside the historic Ladies’ Literary Club of Grand Rapids to talk about the revival of an institution that began in the 1800s and the effort to give its historic clubhouse a new purpose in 2026.

The Ladies’ Literary Club began when women came together to study at a time when they did not have equal access to education. Rather than waiting to be invited into existing institutions, they built their own. Today, Heather and a small group of women are working to revive that spirit while opening the space to a broader Grand Rapids community.

The conversation explores what it actually takes to revitalize a historic building from the ground up, the importance of grassroots community support, and the vision for turning the clubhouse into a place for art, culture, serious ideas, and self-expression.

Heather also discusses the role literature can play in developing empathy and expanding our understanding of experiences outside our own. From challenging personal assumptions to developing the ideas that can eventually become activism, the conversation examines why reading and intellectual curiosity remain valuable in a rapidly changing world.

Ultimately, the vision is bigger than restoring a building. It's about creating a space where diverse groups of people can gather, exchange ideas, express themselves, and contribute to the cultural life of Grand Rapids.

What does it take to bet on yourself creatively?

In this episode of Don't Quote Me, we sit down with Grand Rapids creative Edwin Morales to talk about his journey as a self-taught artist working across photography, videography, filmmaking, murals, and design.

After an unexpected career transition pushed him into full-time freelance work, Edwin made the decision to lean into the creative career he had been building for years. The conversation explores the uncertainty of going all in, learning to trust yourself, and why taking the first step can matter more than having everything figured out.

Edwin also shares why he has always been drawn to teaching himself new creative disciplines, embracing trial and error, and refusing to let one medium define him. From creating meaningful work rooted in personal experience to building large-scale public art in Grand Rapids, Edwin discusses what it means to create work that carries real weight.

What if running wasn't about how fast you are, how far you can go, or where you finish, but about who you meet along the way?

In this episode of Don't Quote Me, we sit down with Sammie, founder of Friendship Miles, a Grand Rapids-based running community built around connection, inclusion, and the belief that movement should be accessible to everyone.

Sammie shares the story behind Friendship Miles, what inspired her to create a different kind of running community, and why friendship (not competition) is at the heart of the organization. We talk about the intimidation that can surround running and fitness, creating spaces where people of all experience levels can feel welcome, and the ways movement can positively impact mental and emotional well-being.

The conversation also explores what it takes to grow a community without losing its sense of connection, the importance of collaboration, and why simply showing up can be one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

What happens when you stop waiting for permission to create?In this episode of Don't Quote Me, we sit down with filmmaker, artist, and creative director Seejon Czaplicki for a conversation about independent filmmaking, creative leadership, disability, and the courage to make meaningful work on your own terms.From directing commercial productions to developing his debut feature film outside the traditional studio system, Seejon shares why some of the most important creative work begins with uncertainty—and why waiting for validation often keeps people from ever starting.We also explore how living with Tourette syndrome has shaped his artistic voice, why creativity has become a form of catharsis, and how embracing vulnerability has transformed both his leadership and his work. Seejon offers an honest perspective on building collaborative creative environments where people feel safe to fail, grow, and bring their whole selves to the process.

What does it take to build a stronger sense of belonging?

In this episode of Don't Quote Me, we sit down with Joe LeBlanc, founder of Pink Wallet, to discuss creating a resource that helps LGBTQ+ people discover welcoming businesses, community events, and meaningful connections throughout West Michigan.

What began as an idea to solve a practical problem has grown into a platform focused on accessibility, collaboration, and supporting local businesses that are committed to creating inclusive spaces. Joe shares the entrepreneurial journey behind Pink Wallet, how listening to community needs reshaped the platform, and why building trust is just as important as building technology.

In this conversation, we explore:

Why representation and visibility matter for LGBTQ+ communities

The challenges of building a community-focused startup

What meaningful allyship looks like beyond Pride Month

The role local businesses play in creating welcoming environments

Why curated community resources are more valuable than ever

The importance of creating third spaces where people can simply belong

Joe also shares his vision for the future of Pink Wallet, expanding partnerships across West Michigan, and why supporting LGBTQ+ communities should be a year-round commitment, not just a seasonal campaign.

In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Amanda Hadd and Taia Sky, founders of Grand Rapids Foodie Fest, to talk about building one of the city’s biggest celebrations of food, culture, and community.

What started as an idea inspired by food experiences around the country became a movement centered around bringing people together in Grand Rapids. Amanda and Taia share the story behind launching Foodie Fest, building a community-driven event, and creating a space where local restaurants, vendors, artists, and attendees can connect.

In this conversation, we explore:

Why food has the power to connect people across cultures and backgrounds

The importance of collaboration when building a community event

The challenges behind scaling a large festival

What it takes to partner with vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and the city

Building a business partnership rooted in trust and communication

The future vision for Grand Rapids Foodie Fest and its impact on the city

Grand Rapids Foodie Fest is an opportunity to experience the people, businesses, and stories that make the city what it is.

Eric Freeman sits down for a raw, honest conversation about purpose, perseverance, and the realities of building a food business from the ground up. From being incarcerated at 19 to becoming a community activist, father, and founder of Mindset Meals, Eric shares how nourishment—physical, mental, and spiritual—became the foundation of his life’s mission.

In this episode, we explore:

• Eric’s journey from prison to entrepreneurship

• The origins of Mindset Meals and its mission to nourish communities

• The brutal realities of running a food business

• Protecting your energy and choosing the right people

• Fatherhood, health, and redefining success

• Why he refuses to have a Plan B

This is one of the most candid and inspiring conversations we’ve had on Don’t Quote Me. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or anyone navigating a tough season, this one will hit you.

Season 3 of Don’t Quote Me begins with tattoo artist Frankie Williams, whose approach to tattooing goes far beyond ink on skin.

In this episode, Frankie opens up about the responsibility that comes with permanent art, the importance of creating safe and intentional environments for clients, and how tattooing can become a form of emotional release and self-expression. The conversation explores mentorship, leadership in creative spaces, wellness within physically demanding careers, and the evolving culture of tattooing, especially for women in the industry.

We also dive into:

Why artistry matters in tattooing

The relationship between vulnerability and trust

Tattoo etiquette and client expectations

Burnout, rest, and sustainable creativity

How Grand Rapids’ tattoo community stands apart

What still needs to change in tattoo culture today

This episode is a thoughtful look at the human side of tattooing as care, collaboration, and connection.

Season 2 of Don’t Quote Me concludes with a powerful conversation featuring Omar Arredondo, whose journey reflects what it means to lead with intention, resilience, and community at the center.

In this finale episode, Omar shares the experiences that shaped his path, the lessons learned through adversity and growth, and his perspective on building something that outlives any single moment. The discussion explores leadership, responsibility, personal evolution, and the drive to create meaningful change, not just success.

Throughout the season, Don’t Quote Me has highlighted voices shaping culture, business, art, and community. This final conversation brings those themes together in a deeply thoughtful and forward-looking way.

What does it really take to pursue creativity full-time?

In this episode of Don’t Quote Me, we sit down with Grand Rapids artist and entrepreneur Alex “Big Al” Moran. Known for his murals across Michigan, Alex shares the unconventional journey that led him to leave corporate America and pursue art as a full-time career.

Alex talks about the mental battle behind creativity, why great ideas often come from sitting through discomfort, and what it actually looks like to build a life around passion instead of stability. From tagging murals as “Big Al” to navigating the realities of scaling an art career, this conversation dives into the mindset, risks, and purpose behind creative work.

We also explore the transition from structured corporate environments to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, the role routine plays in creativity, and how artists can think about impact beyond just the next project.