This episode hits differently if you care about representation, education, and the future of Michigan.
Jason Tunney shares the why behind his campaign.
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Logan sits down with Jason Tunney, a first-time candidate running for Michigan State Senate in the 35th District, to talk about what actually pushed him into public service.

Jason shares the moment he realized hundreds of thousands of residents were paying state taxes without representation, why that felt fundamentally wrong, and how it became the catalyst for his campaign. From there, the conversation expands into energy costs, AI deep fakes in elections, data centers, education reform, and the real-world challenges facing Michigan’s workforce.

Jason also reflects on his background in law, manufacturing, and family business, including the story of how his grandfather took massive personal risk to build Duralast — a lesson that still shapes how he thinks about leadership, accountability, and decision-making today.

This episode isn’t about soundbites. It’s about process over results, understanding how systems actually work, and what responsible leadership looks like at the local and state level.

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Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Process Over Results
Why campaigns focus on controllables, not outcomes

02:30 – The “No Representation” Moment
Paying taxes without a state senator and why it mattered

07:00 – Why Jason Decided to Run
From frustration to filing paperwork

11:45 – Line 5 and Common-Sense Infrastructure Solutions
Why unresolved issues create bigger risks

17:30 – COVID and the Power of the State
How pandemic decisions reshaped Jason’s views on government authority

22:40 – Energy Costs & Cost of Living
What voters are consistently bringing up on the campaign trail

27:15 – Data Centers and Community Buy-In
Why local voices matter before major projects move forward

32:30 – AI Deep Fakes in Political Campaigns
How misinformation directly affected this race

38:45 – The Risks of Unchecked AI
Why regulation and structure matter

44:20 – Michigan’s Education Crisis
Fourth-grade literacy, workforce readiness, and why it’s a tipping point

51:10 – The “Mississippi Miracle”
What Michigan can learn from another state’s turnaround

58:30 – Trades, Manufacturing, and Workforce Gaps
Why vocational paths matter more than ever

1:05:00 – Family, Manufacturing, and Risk
The Duralast story and lessons in leadership

1:12:30 – Experience and Public Service
How Jason’s background shapes his approach to leadership

KEYWORDS:

Jason Tunney, Talk Midland Podcast, Michigan State Senate, 35th District Michigan, No taxation without representation, Michigan politics, Local leadership, AI deep fakes, Artificial intelligence elections, Energy costs Michigan, Data centers Michigan, Michigan education crisis, Fourth grade literacy, Skilled trades, Manufacturing leadership

Step inside the mind of a business leader who refuses to sit on the sidelines—hit play and hear why experience, not politics-as-usual, matters right now.

Logan Richetti sits down with Christian Velasquez, a longtime Dow Corning executive, small-business builder, and Michigan State alum who’s now running for the 35th State Senate District. From growing up on a Kansas farm to leading global teams, turning around struggling businesses, and protecting jobs here in Michigan, Chris shares the real-world lessons that shaped his decision to run for office. This is a candid conversation about leadership, liberty, economic growth, and why business voices matter more than ever in public service. 

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

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Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
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Opening a second location in Midland isn’t about confidence — it’s about risk tolerance. The owner of Live Oak Coffee House shares what really went into choosing the east side for their second shop. Would you take that risk in your own business?

Logan Richetti sits down with Renee Deckrow to unpack the powerful, heartfelt story behind Live Oak Coffeehouse and the transformation of a forgotten 16,000-square-foot building into a hub of creativity, connection, and community. From the early days of capturing community to building a space that incubates businesses, empowers dreamers, and revitalizes a neighborhood, Rene shares the faith, risk, and intentionality behind every decision. She also opens up about their newest chapter—expanding into their fifth location inside the former Grove Tea Lounge building, continuing their mission of bringing warmth and belonging to every corner of Midland.

Together, they explore how vision, collaboration, and grit can breathe new life into places—and people—who need it. Whether you're a business owner, a creative, or someone who loves seeing restoration in action, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and grateful for the power of community-led impact.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
@TalkMidland

Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
#TalkMidland 

 Most people believe insurance exists to make healthcare better.
 What they don’t realize is that it often decides how much care they’re allowed to receive.Today’s conversation isn’t about attacking insurance — it’s about understanding how insurance-based physical therapy and cash-pay physical therapy create two very different patient experiences.

Logan Richetti sits down with Kristie Mulder, owner of Firm Foundation Physical Therapy, to unpack how cash-based physical therapy works — and why it’s becoming a powerful alternative to traditional insurance-based care. Christy explains how insurance restrictions can limit visits, exercises, and even outcomes, while her model allows patients to receive one-on-one care, consistent treatment, and a fully customized plan focused on getting better — not billing more.

They dive deep into common issues like low back pain, bulging discs, postpartum recovery, and pelvic floor therapy, breaking down complex concepts like breathing mechanics, core stability, and why many people suffer for years when early intervention could have made all the difference. From faster recovery and fewer visits to direct access without a prescription, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating pain, rehab, or wondering if there’s a better way to heal.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

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Logan Richetti sits down with Bridgette Gransden, Administrator Controller for Midland County, to pull back the curtain on local government. From county services most residents never think about, to how taxes, millages, and budgets really work, Bridgette explains the systems that quietly keep the community running.

They discuss everything from veteran services and public guardianship, to how county commissioners operate, why local government is often the most trusted level of government, and how long-term planning shapes Midland’s future. Bridgette also shares her personal journey from accounting to county leadership—and why caring about your community matters more than politics.

If you’ve ever wondered where your tax dollars go, how decisions are made at the county level, or why local leadership plays such a critical role in economic growth, this episode is a must-listen.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
 Facebook: @TalkMidland
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Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
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Logan Richetti sits down with Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News, for an in-depth conversation about the power, purpose, and future of local journalism. With nearly 170 years of history behind it, the Midland Daily News remains deeply rooted in one mission: keeping the community informed, connected, and engaged. Dave shares his personal journey from growing up in Midland to leading one of the region’s most trusted institutions, and why community journalism is often called the “first draft of history.”

The conversation dives into why local news still matters more than ever — from covering city council meetings and school boards to tackling complex issues like aging infrastructure, housing, taxes, and the future growth of Midland. Dave explains how journalism serves as a public service and a community watchdog, while also celebrating the people, businesses, and stories that make Midland special. Whether you read the paper daily or haven’t picked one up in years, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how local news helps a community better understand itself — and where it’s headed next.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
 Facebook: @TalkMidland
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Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
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Logan Richetti sits down with longtime educator and Co-Director Sarah Grachek, who has spent 24 years shaping young learners at Midland Montessori. She breaks down each of the school’s four programs—from infants to the three-to-six classroom—and explains how hands-on, child-led Montessori education works in real life. You’ll hear what the day-to-day looks like, why toddlers are “the busiest years,” and what development actually happens before age one.

The episode also highlights Midland Montessori’s expansion into the state-funded GSRP program, bringing free preschool to local four-year-olds. Sarah opens up about staffing challenges, curriculum standards, and what it really takes to run a childcare center with 23 team members. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just curious about early learning—this one’s packed with eye-openers.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
 Facebook: @TalkMidland
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Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
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Logan Richetti sits down with Carrie Everett — owner of Midland’s award-winning C&A Servicez and the inventor behind the brand-new Safiee cleaning tool container. Carrie shares the full journey: the light-bulb moment while scrubbing a toilet, the prototype built by SVSU’s innovation lab, navigating patent decisions, finding local support through CMURC and the Midland Business Alliance, and her bold vision to take Safiee to market. Her story reveals the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality of turning an idea into a patented product — all while juggling business, motherhood, and sheer determination.

But Carrie's entrepreneurial story is only half of her truth. She opens up about addiction, recovery, rebuilding her self-worth, and the unshakable mindset that fuels her today. From being denied a gas station job due to her past to becoming Midland’s top-rated cleaning company and building a viral TikTok presence, Carrie explains how she transformed the same energy that once fed her addiction into a force for creation, action, and impact. This episode is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that the next big idea can be born anywhere — even bent over a toilet with a scrub daddy in hand.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
 Facebook: @TalkMidland
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Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
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Logan Richetti sits down with Renee Deckrow to unpack the powerful, heartfelt story behind Live Oak Coffeehouse and the transformation of a forgotten 16,000-square-foot building into a hub of creativity, connection, and community. From the early days of capturing community to building a space that incubates businesses, empowers dreamers, and revitalizes a neighborhood, Rene shares the faith, risk, and intentionality behind every decision. She also opens up about their newest chapter—expanding into their fifth location inside the former Grove Tea Lounge building, continuing their mission of bringing warmth and belonging to every corner of Midland.

Together, they explore how vision, collaboration, and grit can breathe new life into places—and people—who need it. Whether you're a business owner, a creative, or someone who loves seeing restoration in action, this conversation will leave you inspired, grounded, and grateful for the power of community-led impact.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
 Facebook: @TalkMidland
 TikTok: @TalkMidland
 YouTube: @TalkMidland
 Apple Music: @TalkMidland Podcast
 Spotify: @TalkMidland Podcast

Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
#TalkMidland 

Logan Richetti sits down with Bethany Law of 6024 Property Management to uncover the real challenges, wild stories, and behind-the-scenes realities of managing rental properties in Midland. From discovering a fully furnished “secret” basement apartment to scaling her company from 75 to 220 doors, Bethany shares the systems, communication skills, and community connections that make great property management possible. 

Together they discuss why most landlords shouldn’t manage their own rentals, how to support tenants with dignity, the importance of fair housing knowledge, and what new investors need to understand before buying their first property. This episode is equal parts eye-opening, practical, and entertaining.

Stay Connected with Us!
Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan.

Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes:
 Facebook: @TalkMidland
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Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community!
#TalkMidland