Michigan’s University Research Corridor is a leading national academic research cluster: fostering talent, academic research and economic revitalization in the state, and is created by an alliance of Michigan’s three leading research institutions - Michigan State, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Joining Chris to discuss the work of the URC is its Executive Director, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine!

Allison Spooner is an author who writes emotional fiction with a hint of sarcasm. She joins Chris to share her journey as a writer and her new forthcoming book titled: The Things We Cannot Change: A Story About The Ghosts Created by Addiction

We've had Jerry Norris from The Fledge in Lansing on the show a number of times, but in this episode we get to discuss a new endeavor which will greatly expand the educational opportunities of those engaged at the Fledge, the purchase of Urbandale Farms. Jerry is back to discuss this bold new step!

There is a lot of discussion about talent attraction and workforce preparation these days. Fortunately we have groups like the Michigan College Access Network, or MCAN, who are contributing in a big way. Joining Chris to discuss MCAN’s work is their Executive Director, Ryan Fewins-Bliss!

Michigan has doubled-down on inbound population growth and accelerating talent development in an effort to attract & retain businesses and drive the state’s overall vibrancy. Joining Chris to share the story of a passionate Mid-Michigan based effort are the Founder and CEO of Hundred Place Consulting, Samanth Harkins, and the Principle & Creative Director of Redhead Creative Consultancy, Jennifer Estill!

Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, having a sound investment strategy is critical when it comes to meeting your financial goals - whatever they may be. Joining to discuss their proprietary stock selection strategy, called RFED, are members of the Waggoner Financial team - Founder, Eric Waggoner, Junior Portfolio Manager, Shanzer Khan, and Financial Planning Assistant, Mark Hu!

Entrepreneurship is a difficult path, but there are fantastic resources to help the process. Start Garden helps start-ups through its pitch competitions and co-working space located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Joining Chris to share the story of Start Garden, and their upcoming installment of The 100 Pitch Competition is their Director of Community Relations, Laurie Supinski!

There’s been a lot of prognostication and chatter about return to office protocols as the pandemic fades further away. Joining Chris to give us an updated perspective from the Office Furniture industry is the Vice President of Sales for MarxModa, Brian Johnson!

For those of us who live here, Michigan is a wonderful place to get outdoors. Whether it’s the great lakes, skiing, hiking or ice fishing, we have plenty to feed our adventurous spirit. But did you know Michigan has a robust outdoor INDUSTRY business ecosystem? Joining Chris to share the efforts of Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office is their Executive Director, Brad Garmon!

Music festivals - highlighting multiple artists at a single event - are all the rage. Lansing’s college radio station Impact 89FM referred to the last installment of the show we’re about to discuss as “A collection of talent sought to destroy the boundaries of genre, to make a new statement on the beauty of local music, and to testify to the joy and benefits of artistic collaboration.” That intrigued Crhis enough to discuss the upcoming Amalgamation Project II with drummer and show promoter, Bryan Knickerbocker!