Bryan Smigielski, Michigan Campaign Organizer for the Sierra Club, joins us for a special episode to discuss the proposed data center in Saline Township and the ongoing effort for full transparency and no secret deals!

Learn more about the filing from Sierra Club: https://www.sierraclub.org/michigan/blog/2025/11/environmental-groups-file-contested-case-hearing-saline-data-center

Join us for a public organizing rally in downtown Saline on Monday, December 1 at 4pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/1377232930081304

Attend the public virtual MSPC meeting on December 3: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/news-releases/2025/11/18/mpsc-to-hold-public-hearing-over-dte-electric-co-data-center-energy-contracts?

Submit your public comment by December 3: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/commission/news-releases/2025/11/18/mpsc-to-hold-public-hearing-over-dte-electric-co-data-center-energy-contracts?

Watch full episode video on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m9Xx1htKJFjuD-kbQA3sg

Bryan Smigielski interviewed by Seth Bernard

We are honored to welcome Manape LaMere to State of Water as we continue our series honoring our beloved friend and colleague, Holly (ba) T. Bird. Manape is Isanti Dakota, Ihanktowan Dakota, and Winnebago Hochunk. His name, Manape Hocinci Ga means “Soldier Boy.” Manape is a government representative for the Sioux Nation at the U.N. Economic and Social Council and also carries the responsibility of being a headsman for the White Buffalo Horn Society of the Oceti Sakowin (Sioux Nation).  He is an advocate for the protection of his nation’s spiritual ways, social justice reform, environmental justice, hemp and food sovereignty, and was actively involved at Standing Rock in resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline.

In this conversation with State of Water host, Seth Bernard, Manape shares stories from the frontlines of Standing Rock, where he first met Holly in her work as an Attorney with the Water Protector Legal Collective. We hear stories of their deepening friendship, his travels to Michigan and the Earthwork Harvest Gathering, and their shared commitment to community care and Indigenous Mutual Aid. We are grateful to be able to share these stories and this episode with you and extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible water protectors who have shared their stories with us as we remember Holly through this series and seek to honor her legacy of love, community building, and water protection.

To read Title Track’s legacy page for Holly (ba) T. Bird with links to other remembrances and news articles: https://titletrackmichigan.org/rememberinghollytbird

Subscribe to our YouTube for video clips and full episode videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m9Xx1htKJFjuD-kbQA3sg

State of Water is the official podcast of the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan, a program of Title Track. https://titletrackmichigan.org/state-of-water-podcast

/// EPISODE 56

/ Manape LaMere interviewed by Seth Bernard

/ Produced, edited and mixed by Chris Good

/ Graphic by Chris Good

We are grateful to welcome back Monica Lewis-Patrick to State of Water for the first of a series of tribute episodes honoring our beloved friend and colleague, Holly (ba) T. Bird, who died after a very short battle with cancer this April.

Holly’s work as a lawyer, activist, and community leader touched so many people’s lives through her efforts to ensure safety and wellbeing for women and children, her advocacy for Indigenous rights and celebration of Native culture, and her tireless commitment as a water protector - to name just a few of the many issues that she cared deeply about and in which she brought her one of a kind passion, determination, vision, and love. We hope these stories and reflections on how Holly’s life has influenced some of the other mighty water protectors in our community will serve to inspire you the listener as well - to join us in this work and to be a part of honoring this tremendous legacy.

State of Water host, Seth Bernard, sat down with Monica in June for this conversation rich with incredible stories and poignant reflections from Monica’s friendship and work with Holly. Monica Lewis-Patrick also shares updates with us on her work with We the People of Detroit where she serves as the President and CEO.

To learn more about We the People - Detroit: https://www.wethepeopleofdetroit.com

To read Title Track’s legacy page for Holly (ba) T. Bird with links to other remembrances and news articles: https://titletrackmichigan.org/rememberinghollytbird

Subscribe to our YouTube for video clips and full episode videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m9Xx1htKJFjuD-kbQA3sg

State of Water is the official podcast of the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan, a program of Title Track. https://titletrackmichigan.org/state-of-water-podcast

/// EPISODE 55

/ Monica Lewis-Patrick interviewed by Seth Bernard


/ Produced, edited and mixed by Chris Good

/ Graphic by Chris Good

We’re thrilled to welcome the one and only Randy Buchler of Shady Grove Farm to State of Water. Randy shares about the journey and foundational principles behind his and his wife Libby’s work as they embrace permaculture and organic practices to treat the land and water in a healthy, regenerative way while providing nutrient dense, healthy food for themselves and their community.

We hear about Randy’s efforts with the Michigan Small Farm Council and behind the scenes stories about Randy’s successful right to farm case which generated international interest and has had state wide ramifications allowing people to produce and procure the foods of their choosing within reason and give small farms a chance to exist in a policy landscape that favors large, commercial industrial agriculture.

Randy reflects on his own personal connection with the water and how that guides his farming practices as well as his day to day experience enjoying the water as a source of healing, play, relaxation, and connection.

Finally, we hear some powerful reflections on community and Randy’s deep belief in paying it forward, as an educator and advocate, sharing his skills and knowledge while empowering others to discover their passion for producing their own food in a healthy, sustainable way.

Learn more about Shady Grove Farm: https://gratefuleggs.org/

Watch the full episode video: https://youtu.be/Hlfq6ab9Uzw

State of Water is the official podcast of the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan, a program of Title Track. titletrackmichigan.org/state-of-water-podcast/

/// EPISODE 54

/Randy Buchler interviewed by Seth Bernard


/ Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good


/ Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens


/ Graphic by Chris Good


/ Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus


/ Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone; “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

We are honored to welcome Stephanie Feldstein to State of Water. In this power-packed conversation with State of Water host, Seth Bernard, Stephanie shares of her own personal connection to and passion for animals, the environment, and to water and how she sees her work serving as a catalyst for empowering people to make positive change in the world in the midst of so many existential challenges.

Stephanie Feldstein is the author of the Animal Lover's Guide to Changing the World and more than a dozen books for children on wildlife and the environment, including the Take Action: Save Life on Earth, Planet Human, and Nature's (Secret) Superheroes series.

She is also the Population and Sustainability Director at the Center for Biological Diversity, where she heads a national program that addresses the connection between human population pressure, overconsumption, and the wildlife extinction crisis by advocating for common sense solutions including universal access to reproductive healthcare, gender equity, and just, sustainable food systems. She created the innovative Take Extinction Off Your Plate campaign, and her work has been featured in Scientific American, NPR, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and more.

Learn more about Stephanie and her books at her website: https://stephaniefeldstein.com/about/

Learn more about the Center for Biological Diversity’s efforts: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/

/// EPISODE 53

/Stephanie Feldstein interviewed by Seth Bernard

/ Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good

/ Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens

/ Graphic by Chris Good

/ Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

/ Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone; “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

In our first episode of 2025 we are happy to present a special conversation between Seth Bernard and his good friend and outgoing Executive Director of the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, Hans Voss. Hans shares insights and reflections from his 30 years of Groundwork experience on a variety of topics - from what makes a good meeting to the importance of human connection in fundraising, from bringing love and authenticity into organizing work and coalition building to the recent journey of succession planning at Groundwork. Hans also shares of the importance of family in supporting and inspiring his work and what he’s looking forward to in his next chapter.

SPECIAL NOTE: please join Groundwork and the wider community in a celebration of Hans’ 30 years of service this Friday, January 10 at The Alluvion in Traverse City with an evening of live music featuring performances by Seth Bernard, Dede Alder, and Gregory Stovetop. There will also be a chance to welcome new Groundwork Executive Director, Elizabeth Palchak.

Get your tickets for this Friday’s community celebration here: https://www.thealluvion.org/tickets/groundwork-farewell-hans-party-concert-1-10-25

Learn more and get engaged with Groundwork’s ongoing efforts: https://groundworkcenter.org/

/// EPISODE 52

/ Hans Voss interviewed by Seth Bernard

/ Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good

/ Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens

/ Graphic by Chris Good

/ Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

/ Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone; “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

BREAKING NEWS episode with Tom Grotewohl of Protect the Porkies.

"Good news!! Thanks to good old fashioned people powered organizing, the $50M grant to Copperwood Mine has been blocked. I spoke with Tom, the wizard of Protect the Porkies, immediately after the news broke, at the end of an epic and unprecedented year of environmental organizing. We salute you. Lake Superior, we thank you for inspiring us to action." -State of Water host, Seth Bernard

Visit https://protecttheporkies.com/ to learn more about this grassroots effort!

Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O

State of Water is the official podcast of the Clean Water Campaign for Michigan, a program of Title Track. https://titletrackmichigan.org/state-of-water-podcast/

EPISODE 51

Tom Grotewohl interviewed by Seth Bernard

We’re thrilled to welcome Becca Meuninck, Regional Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. In this wonderful conversation with State of Water host Seth Bernard, we hear about (3:30) NWF’s current efforts across the region advocating for clean water for people and wildlife collaborating with a broad coalition of organizations and communities across the region. (5:30) Becca shares about how her love for the outdoors has inspired and informed her own educational and vocational path, having worked for more than 20 years at the Ecology Center which included time working with residents and families impacted by PFAS and lead poisoning. (13:05) She speaks to the importance of collaboration in taking on the many challenges in environmental work and how many people and organizations working together can maximize impact and reduce a sense of overwhelm. (21:30) Becca reflects on how growing up in Michigan in a family of nature lovers has nurtured a connection to the environment and how that has continued to sustain and inspire her. (27:40) Finally, she shares how people can get involved in NWF’s efforts including urgent efforts to address climate change, to shut down Line 5, to grow access to renewable energy, and to support solutions to protect Great Lakes fisheries.

Learn more about how you can support National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Center at: https://www.nwf.org/Great-Lakes

We encourage you to to also check out our new podcast, Eminazhichiget, which translates in Anishinaabemowin to “person who does good things for others.” This new program celebrates Anishinaabek leaders by uplifting their efforts by providing a snapshot into their work and lives. Learn more and listen in or watch: https://titletrackmichigan.org/eminazhichiget/

Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O

/// EPISODE 50

/ Becca Meuninch interviewed by Seth Bernard

/ Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good

/ Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens

/ Graphic by Chris Good

/ Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

/ Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

We’re honored to welcome Sean McBrearty to State of Water. Sean is the Political Director for Clean Water Action and the Campaign Manager for Oil & Water Don't Mix. (3:20) Sean shares an update on the Nessel vs Enbridge case as well as current calls to action in the ongoing fight to Shut Down Line 5 including an invitation for folks to join upcoming events on July 25 or August 31 and a new effort urging Secretary Pete Buttigieg to take action on Line 5. (13:50) Sean also provides an election season update on efforts in the works in Lansing, including a water affordability bill, polluter pay bill, an effort by the Taking Back our Power Coalition to stop regulated utilities and government contractors from spending $ in politics, (23:00) and the first round of State House candidate endorsements for this year’s elections. (28:25) Finally, Sean and fellow musician State of Water host Seth Bernard go deep into reflecting how the creative outlet of music can serve as a grounding force to relax, inspire, and nurture the persistence, discipline, and improvisational spirit needed to be a successful activist.

Take action and support Oil & Water Don’t Mix: https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/take_action

and Clean Water Action Michigan: https://cleanwater.org/states/michigan

As we approach our 50th episode of State of Water, we invite you to please consider supporting our efforts with a donation. As a grassroots nonprofit organization our sustainability depends on people like you joining our donor community by making a financial contribution. Know that every donation is meaningful and tax-deductible! Thank you so much! https://titletrackmichigan.org/support/

Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O

/// EPISODE 49

/ Sean McBrearty interviewed by Seth Bernard

/ Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good

/ Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens

/ Graphic by Chris Good

/ Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

/ Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus

We are thrilled to welcome Chris Treter, owner and co-founder of Higher Grounds Trading Company to State of Water. State of Water host Seth Bernard invites Chris to go on a journey through time, (4:40) back to the 1990s and the formative events of the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas, Mexico and the WTO protests in Seattle - both moments of people standing courageously against neoliberal economic policies. (11:58) In 2002 Higher Grounds was born in Chiapas as Chris lived and worked with coffee farmers, rooted in a model of solidarity economics not only about trade but taking into account the well-being of all trading partners. (14:30) From there, the conversation travels back to Michigan as Chris and Higher Grounds find deep community in Traverse City and then back again to (19:55) Chiapas with the launch of the Chiapas Water Project which provided important access to clean water for farmers and communities. (26:10) As Higher Grounds started building relationships with coffee farmers in other regions of the world, they carried the same ethics and values - to be in solidarity and collaboration with their growers and communities. (28:20) Seth and Chris share memories of their Run Across Ethiopia - where runners ran 10 marathons in 10 days and raised over 1/2 million dollars to invest in local communities. Through storytelling, athletics, activism, and the arts, Chris and Higher Grounds have continued to be a force for creating change and building meaningful relationships in the communities that they were sourcing their coffee. (36:45) We travel back to Michigan and hear about the new Common Grounds Cooperative in Traverse City - a real estate development cooperative that has quickly become a hub of arts, culture, and collaboration - a vision of community by the community. (46:15) Finally, Chris shares some powerful thoughts on clean water and peace making and how we in Michigan hold a unique opportunity to be protectors of a future peace that cares for water in a fair, equitable, and peaceful way.

Learn more about Higher Grounds at: https://www.highergroundstrading.com/

Learn more about Higher Ground’s nonprofit partner On the Ground at: https://www.onthegroundglobal.org/

Find the full video of this episode and all 2024 State of Water episodes on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MICleanH2O

/// EPISODE 48

/ Chris Treter interviewed by Seth Bernard

/ Produced, edited and mixed by Dan Rickabus and Chris Good

/ Narrators - Alex Smith, Ben Darcie, Dan Rickabus, Jenny Jones, Angela Gallegos, Rachel Marco-Havens

/ Graphic by Chris Good

/ Theme Music - Mike Savina, Seth Bernard & Dan Rickabus

/ Featured Music - “Homestretch” by Ecotone and “Authors (instrumental demo)" by Dan Rickabus