In this episode, I sit down with Tom Bush, a retired Grand Rapids police officer with decades of real-world experience. Tom spent years in the VICE unit, worked through the height of the George Floyd protests, enforced policy during the COVID lockdowns, and was part of a tactical team that responded to Hurricane Katrina.

We talk about what it was really like to be a cop during some of the most intense and divisive moments in recent history — not from a political angle, but from the perspective of someone who showed up every day and did the job.

Now in retirement, Tom’s taken on a new mission: teaching, mentoring, and giving back through helping out on occasion with the Criminal Justice program at West Shore Community College, volunteering in his community, and even stepping into classrooms as a substitute teacher.

It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about duty, identity, and what comes after a life in uniform. Tom is a dear friend and I was honored to have him on the podcast. Fucking Rad Human. I really hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did having it.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

This episode was rad. I sat down with Rob Medacco, the Director of Public Safety for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians—a dude who’s not only the top cop for the Tribe but also an absolute freakin' beast in the gym. We’re talkin’ raw strength, discipline, and leadership wrapped into one seriously intense human.

We dive into what it's like leading law enforcement on Tribal land, the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with that role, and how his mindset from powerlifting bleeds into everything—from decision making to crisis response.

This guy commands respect just by walking into a room—but he’s also thoughtful, sharp as hell, and deeply committed to serving his people.

Law. Strength. Culture. Discipline. This one hits hard in every direction.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Brandon Ball—real estate broker, owner of Dwelling Realty Keller Williams, and my friend of 20 years—is back for his third appearance on the podcast. This one’s part real estate, part therapy session, and part bathroom humor.We cover everything from the pros and cons of short-term rentals to the ridiculous rise in housing prices, sprinkle in some talk about high blood pressure (because we're apparently at that age), and debate whether bringing your phone to the bathroom is a necessity or a modern tragedy.Mostly, though, it was a chance for two old friends to catch up, laugh, and talk about life. You’ll feel like you’re just sitting at the table with us. Tap in—it’s a good one.This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Guzikowski—a student driver instructor, husband, and father of two—for a fun and wide-ranging conversation. Michael shares some wild stories from behind the wheel while training new drivers, and we dive into the challenges and joys of raising young kids in today’s world. From social media and parenting to the nerve-wracking moments of teaching teens how to drive, this one is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and insightful. Buckle up—this episode is a ride you won’t want to miss!This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com LINKS:-YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagraminstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbeaudriepodcast/ TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

#137 On this episode, I sit down with Daniel Saylor—a dedicated history teacher, a loving husband, and a proud father of four. Daniel opens up about his unique and powerful journey through fatherhood, including the adoption process that brought two of his children into his life, and the unexpected blessing of biological twins.We dive into the emotional layers of adoption, what it means to create a family through love and intention, and how he and his wife navigated the ups and downs of the process. Daniel also shares his passion for teaching and the responsibility he feels to positively shape young minds in the classroom every day.It’s a conversation about love, purpose, and the everyday impact we can have on those around us. Enjoy! JB.This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagram instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbeaudriepodcast/  TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en  LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144  Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany  This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/  369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

# 136 - She was just 9 years old when her parents made a life-altering decision — to flee communist Lithuania in the 1980s. What followed is an absolutely unbelievable journey through Mexico, a cartel-controlled border crossing, and years of living in secrecy in the United States.This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com 

LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie

Instagram instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbeaudriepodcast/ 

TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en 

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 

Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany 

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

On this episode of The James Beaudrie Podcast, I sit down with Jesse Den Herder—one of the sharpest minds in marketing, branding, and design. This dude has done it all—VP of Marketing, award-winning creative director, product designer—you name it. His ability to take a concept from a rough idea to a nationally recognized brand is insane.

Jesse’s got a serious knack for merging creativity with smart marketing principles, and it shows. He’s racked up major industry awards, from Novum Magazine to multiple Gold Medals at the Craft Spirits Magazine Packaging Awards and WorldStar Packaging Awards. We get into what makes a brand stick, how the best marketing minds think, and why great design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level.

If you’re into branding, business, or just love hearing from high-level thinkers, you’re gonna love this one.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagram instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbeaudriepodcast/

TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

# 134 John Helge - What does it mean to be a Democrat? In this episode of the Podcast, I sit down with John Helge, Board Chair of the Manistee County Democrats. With a career built on leadership, coaching, and driving meaningful change, John shares insights on what it truly means to lead—not just manage—whether in business, politics, or community engagement.We discuss his passion for helping people and teams develop the skills they need to succeed, the importance of adding value in every relationship, and how these principles translate into his work in Manistee County. No matter where you stand politically, this conversation is all about leadership, collaboration, and making a lasting impact.

One topic John Wanted Mentioned is the Great Lakes Enviornmental Festival. Link here https://www.glef.us

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie

Instagram instagram.com/manisteebeveragecompany/?hl=en

TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144

Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Trever is an entrepreneur with a desire to inspire and lead young people. He has taken his background in mixed martial arts and fight promotion towards a new chapter, opening Manistee Combat Academy. A gym dedicated to the combat arts. Jiu Jitsu, boxing and wrestling will be the disciplines showcased within its walls. You can learn more about the combat academy with the link provided below. Now- Let's get into it!

Combat Academy link -  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573037919742

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com 

LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie

 Instagram instagram.com/manisteebeveragecompany/?hl=en 

TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en 

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 

Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany 

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Had a great conversation with Manistee County Sheriff Brian Gutowski, but we didn’t get into policing—we talked about something way more important: taking care of yourself so you can show up for the people who matter. We covered a lot—lifting heavy, eating right, staying disciplined, and being present as a dad. Brian’s got two young boys, a demanding job, and still makes his health a priority. No excuses, just getting after it. If you’re a father, husband, or just someone trying to dial in your routine and stay strong, this one’s for you. Listen in, let me know what you think. This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com 

LINKS:- YOUTUBE:- / @jamesbeaudrie Instagram instagram.com/manisteebeveragecompany/?hl=en 

TikTok tiktok.com/@jamesbeaudrie?lang=en 

LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/james-beaudrie-929698144 Facebook facebook.com/manisteebeveragecompany 

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455