Open Mike Podcast

In another timely episode of OpenMike, Detroit Chief of Police James Craig joins Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz to talk about the current Detroit protests. They discuss curfews, the state of violence throughout the protests in Detroit, and the murder of George Floyd. Chief Craig talks about his early days on the police force and feeling unwelcome as a black man and the inspiration from his father to change the institution from within. He was one of the first police chiefs across the country to call the killing of George Floyd a murder and he explains why he was so quick to do it.

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In a special live episode, Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz talk to two Detroit reporters who are in the middle of the Detroit anti-racism protests, BridgeDetroit Senior Reporter, Louis Aguilar and Detroit News Reporter, Christine MacDonald. MacDonald was detained on May 31st briefly due to filming an arrest. She highlights how reporters can be targeted by cops because the cops believe they are reporting negatively about them. They talk about their experience in the crowds and their opinions on city curfews. Both reporters have unique perspectives on the situation and give useful historical context.

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Sherry Gay-Dagnogo is a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 8th District since 2015. She was a former Detroit Public School science teacher and has served as the Urban Education Advisory Reform chair for the House. She is a mother to her son and is known for being outspoken and honest.

Sherry joins OpenMike again for an honest discussion on Kwame Kilpatrick. She addresses the recent rumors regarding Kwame's release and gives insider details on the story. Mike, Kevin, and Sherry discuss varying views on Kwame's release and get into a passionate discussion regarding prisoners who cannot social distance during COVID 19.

Ken Wyniemko served nine years in prison for a rape he did not commit. A former bowling manager and General Motors employee, Ken believes he was targeted by Clinton Township police. Ken has since been exonerated for this crime and the real rapist has confessed after Ken's own legislation reform caught him. Ken now works with the Innocence Project to help other innocent men and women get out of prison. Carl Marlinga is a Macomb County judge and was the Prosecutor at the time of Ken's sentencing. Carl was unaware of the injustice in Ken's case and since finding out has been one of Ken's biggest supporters.

Mike and Kevin sat down with Ken and Carl to figure out how and why this injustice happened to Carl. They discuss the recent Netflix series, "The Innocence Files" which has an episode dedicated to Ken's story. They also analyze the evidence and testimony to figure out how the legal system can be improved for future cases. This is a story of forgiveness, systemic change, and steadfastness through the worst circumstances.

In this episode, Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz sit down with Crain's Detroit Reporter Chad Livengood and Detroit businessman Dennis Archer Jr. to talk about Mike's recent announcement to return the $2 million his firm received through the Payroll Protection Program.

Mike answers questions about why he applied for the loan and what business looks like two months into the pandemic. Dennis shares his thoughts on the PPP loan program, Mike's decision to give it back, how relationships with your bank affect the likelihood of getting approved, and when is the right time for restaurants to reopen.

Mike Cox is a former prosecutor and served as Michigan's 52nd Attorney General. He obtained both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Michigan after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He currently runs a private practice firm which takes clients with a wide variety of case types.

In this episode, Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz sit down with Mike Cox to learn more about his career and talk about his current work. Mike Cox represents over fifty "John Doe" sexual abuse claims against a University of Michigan doctor. There has been a widespread cover-up of this doctor's illegal behavior for decades and the situation was recently exposed in a Detroit News article. This episode dives deep into specific case details and analyzes the trend of sexual assault cases in college athletics.

Josh Linkner is a renowned speaker, entrepreneur, jazz guitarist, and "Creative Troublemaker." He is the founder of 5 tech companies which have combined sold for $200 million dollars and has helped launch and grow 100 start-ups. A New York Times Best-Selling author and recipient of a US Presidential Champion of Change award presented by Barak Obama; Josh is more than just an average businessman. He is currently working as the Founder and Partner of Detroit Venture Partners and as Chairman and Co-Founder of Platypus Labs, an innovation, research, training, and consulting firm.

What makes a wildly successful person? Mike and Kevin sit down with Josh Linkner to talk about the differences between creativity and innovation, the importance of listening, and how to make the most of your extra time during the coronavirus. Josh's love of pizza and Detroit roots shine through to reveal a relatable guy who explains that entrepreneurship is accessible and realistic to all whether it's starting a business, improving a current business, or making productive changes in your personal life.

Joel Kurth is a veteran journalist who worked at the Detroit News for over 17 years and has spent the past three years as managing editor at Bridge Magazine, a publication focused on Michigan's diverse people, politics and economy.

Joel recently joined Mike and Kevin Dietz on Open Mike to discuss Governor Whitmer's response to Coronavirus, how the pandemic has impacted the newspaper industry, and why he believes racial disparities played a role in the state being hit so hard. He also shares his view on how this crisis will change society moving forward, particularly for schools.

As COVID-19 claims the lives of many of the elderly in Michigan and around the world, funeral homes are being forced to put new rules in place to appropriately respond to the crisis.

Paddy Lynch, third generation owner and operator of Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, recently joined Mike and Kevin Dietz on Open Mike to give an exclusive look into what funeral homes and the families of the recently deceased are experiencing as they carry out funeral services and mourn their loved ones with recent COVID-19 guidelines in place. Lynch also shares his thoughts on pre-paid vs pre-planned funerals and talks about his family's crazy connection to the show Six Feet Under!

Today we were joined by Mark Campbell a former tight end for the University of Michigan. After playing ten years in the NFL, Mark went into healthcare and is now CEO of Medkinect, a medical testing and supplies company. Mike and Kevin discuss Marks very recent trip to the White House, his battle against COVID-19, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer's strategy in locking down parts of the economy.

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