The BOBcast

As president of Michigan State University, Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz is shaping the future of one of the nation's top research institutions - helping students excel, attracting the best talent, and expanding MSU's impact in Detroit. In this episode, Bob Riney and Kevin talk about the transformative 30-year partnership with Henry Ford Health and MSU, highlighted by a brand-new research center that will span nearly 350,000 square feet and feature seven stories of advanced laboratory space. They also explore the important role of free speech on campus, the evolving landscape of diversity, equity & inclusion, and the university's commitment to driving innovation through collaboration. Kevin shares colorful anecdotes about his roots in a town known for Arnold Palmer, Rolling Rock, and Mr. Rogers, topped off with some savvy advice from his daughter.

:15- Bob Riney introduces The BOBcast and welcomes Kevin Guskiewicz, President of Michigan State University.
1:26- Kevin shares his initial impressions of Michigan, the unpredictable Michigan weather, and the partnership with Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University.
2:12- Kevin emphasizes the importance of talent attraction and having a good roadmap for recruitment
2:48- Kevin compares the role of university president to Wayne Gretzky's strategy on the ice, predicting where the puck is going to be.
2:58- Kevin talks about the importance of sports as one of many avenues into the university and the world-class faculty and coaches at Michigan State.
3:50- Kevin mentions the competitive juices between MSU and the University of Michigan and the importance of partnering with other universities in the university research corridor.
5:00- Kevin pitches Michigan State as the pioneer land-grant university, built around agriculture, engineering, and education.
5:22- “We have to become a more contemporary university” ~ Kevin Guskiewicz
5:32- Kevin highlights the university's medical colleges, nursing school, and supply chain management program.
6:05- Kevin mentions the largest incoming class in the university’s history and the high percentage of Michigan students and graduates staying in the state.
6:33- Bob leads the discussion of the importance of maintaining safety on campus while allowing free speech.
7:10- Kevin Guskiewicz talks about the need to engage with students and faculty on issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mentions the review of policies to ensure clarity and communication of expectations.
7:52- Kevin emphasizes the importance of modeling and promoting free speech through programming on public discourse.
8:02- Bob talks of Henry Ford Health and MSU being purposeful with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
8:27- Kevin defines diversity as a fact, equity as an aspiration, and inclusion as a non-negotiable choice.
9:00- Kevin mentions the joint research enterprise with Henry Ford Health to address health disparities.
9:14- Bob and Kevin discuss the early stages of the 30-year partnership between Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University.
9:32- Kevin expresses excitement about the partnership elevating both institutions.
9:45- Kevin highlights the research center in Detroit as a game-changer for research in key areas like cancer and neuroscience.
10:32- Kevin mentions the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute and the advanced technology to recruit top researchers.
11:08- Bob asks Kevin about his vision for Michigan State University in five years.
11:33- Kevin Guskiewicz envisions an MSU- Henry Ford Health campus
11:55- Kevin talks about developing the Fisher Building with retail, restaurants, and other amenities, the potential for a high-end grocery store and a boutique hotel to benefit patients and the research community.
13:09- Bob asks Kevin about his personal interests and hobbies.
13:25- Kevin shares his hometown upbringing, love for golf, being a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and his appreciation for James Taylor and Chris Stapleton.
14:49- Kevin jokes about his daughter's request to avoid being recorded while dancing.
15:17- Bob asks what Kevin’s dream headline would be in five years.
16:36- Bob talks about being surprised by Kevin’s confidence as campuses being an epicenter of free speech in a way we’re securing the physical and mental safety of all
17:15- Bob thanks listeners and hopes they’re being motivated by guests on The BOBcast
18:13- Bob appreciates how MSU has a “secret sauce” of agriculture that could move us to food being our source of wellness

Born in the heart of Detroit, Motown transformed a modest house on West Grand Boulevard into a global hit factory, launching icons like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye. Now, the Motown Museum is expanding, keeping the beat alive for future generations to feel the rhythm that changed the world. In this episode, Bob Riney welcomes Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry to celebrate the powerful legacy of Motown—where music, culture, and community unite. Together, they explore how this legendary sound continues to inspire and how the future museum will provide space to showcase more of Motown's history.

:00- Robin Terry talks about what happens when you put young, talented people in a room together

1:15- Bob Riney shares his personal take on Motown

2:21- Robin shares her enthusiasm for giving tours and meeting people from around the world who visit Hitsville USA

2:53- The global impact of The Motown Museum and its diverse visitors 

4:18- Motown music is described as a reflection of societal changes and political advocacy in the 1960s 

4:48- Motown transitions to protest music in the 1970s 

5:44- Bob puts Robin on the spot to name Motown’s most famous anthem

6:24- The conversation shifts to the therapeutic benefits of music, with Bob mentioning Henry Ford Health's integration of music and art in their new hospital tower

7:07- Robin shares anecdotes about the emotional reactions of visitors to Hitsville USA, including moments of silence and tears

8:58- The discussion includes the spiritual experiences of artists like Winona Judd and Demi Lovato when they visited the museum

10:11- Bob and Robin address the challenge of showcasing only a small fraction of the Motown memorabilia due to the limited space at Hitsville

11:10- Plans for a full campus to celebrate the Motown legacy and tell the stories of the many unsung heroes

12:12- The conversation highlights the young age of the Motown employees and the innovative environment that fostered the Motown sound

12:56- Bob humorously suggests that Henry Ford Health should take credit for the musical talent born at their hospital, which contributed to the Motown sound

13:09- Bob and Robin discuss the philanthropic support and community involvement in the museum’s expansion project, which has raised over $71 million

14:50- Bob and Robin gush over the genius of Gladys Knight

16:05- Robin talks about the coaching and training that developed the iconic stars of Motown

16:44- Bob praises Robin's leadership and passion for preserving Motown history

16:57-Bob encourages listeners to visit Hitsville USA and experience the feel-good atmosphere of the museum

17:28- Bob reflects on his conversation with Robin, praising her leadership and passion

Unconventional is one way to describe Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. Even before his surprise announcement that he’s running for governor as an independent, Duggan helped lead with vision and a relentless determination. From vibrant parks and commercial growth to major healthcare expansion and job creation, the city is rising. In this episode, you’ll learn how Duggan balanced business growth with neighborhood renewal, ensuring Detroiters benefit first.

1:58- Mayor Mike Duggan reflects on the professionalism of city council meetings compared to his past experiences.

2:55- Duggan talks about revitalizing the city parks

4:09- Duggan discusses the balance between business needs and neighborhood development, using the Stellantis auto plant as an example.

5:55- How the city prioritized investing in healthcare

8:13- The power of partnerships in reshaping Detroit

9:26- Duggan talks about the city's efforts to address homelessness, including building affordable housing and providing shelter beds.

10:59- Duggan shares a story about James White's business plan for a real-time crime center, emphasizing the need for metrics in crime reduction.

12:37- Duggan highlights his partnership with Detroit City Council and the shift from blaming others to constructive problem-solving.

14:39- Duggan shares a personal anecdote about waiting at a Detroit restaurant, highlighting the city's popularity.

15:24- Bob and the Mayor discuss the challenges and opportunities of running for governor as an independent.

18:15- Duggan shares his positive experiences at airports, where people from across the state have shown support for his independent candidacy.

20:17- Bob reflects on the conversation with Mayor Duggan, and on the importance of taking a long-term view and seizing opportunities for positive change.

Arn Tellem’s bold voice didn’t miraculously appear overnight. It took a path all his own, from aspiring sports announcer to a successful sports agent, Tellem took his big ideas to the Detroit Pistons where he is the team’s Vice Chair and a key player in shaping Detroit’s future. In this episode, you’ll learn why Tellem shows his emotions, the depth of his commitment to community service in building a better Detroit, and how three key partnerships are shaping his world: on the court, in the community, and in his own home.

1:34 - Arn talks about how he initially thought he could have a career as a sports announcer.

2:03 - An article by Jerry Kapstein first inspires Arn to think about a potential career in sports management.

2:55 - Arn discusses the impact of the movie Jerry McGuire, which was inspired by his success story as a sports agent.

5:19 - At the end of 1988, Arn decides to leave the law firm he's been with for nine years to set up a sports management firm.

7:27 - Arn talks about being inspired by the Pistons commitment to the revitalization of Detroit, and how that factored into his decision to relocate, despite having no historical connections to the city.

8:08 - Arn expresses his admiration for Detroit's sense of community: how people of different backgrounds and beliefs share a desire to make the city a better place.

9:07 - Bob Riney points out the two characteristics of Arn's he most admires: Arn’s willingness to show his emotions, and his confidence in letting people know where he stands politically.

10:32 - Arn tells Bob how he looks out for his clients’ interests 24/7, a principle that he believes has led to his success as an agent.

12:31 - Bob and Arn talk about their marriages to strong, independent women, and how those partnerships have helped both their careers.

14:22 - Arn outlines the Pistons partnership with Henry Ford Health, and how both organizations share a commitment to Detroit's continued revitalization.

18:16 - Arn talks about some of the up-and-coming star athletes in the Pistons’ lineup, and his optimism about the team's future success.