In this episode, my best friend and business partner Dyllan Walker makes his third appearance on the show. Dyllan is a Process Safety Engineer, Board Member for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Shoreline Cycling Club, experienced gravel bike rider, passionate advocate for outdoor recreation, and my partner in NOMI Racing. He’s also a dedicated volunteer, community leader, and all-around good human.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including:

• A surprising dog attack in the lake

• The behind-the-scenes effort it takes for volunteers to maintain and build trails for cycling, hiking, and cross-country skiing

• Trail development and the future of our outdoor spaces

• The potential community impact of the rail relocation project

• Life on the road for work, and the funny, sometimes absurd, moments in airports and on airplanes

It’s a mix of community insight, outdoor adventure, and travel stories from one of my favorite people to talk to.

On this episode I sit down with my good friend Kevin Kott - Kevin is the race director of a new event he is leading to help bring awareness and financial funding to help people in our community fighting cancer and the burden of fighting this disease. This event called Run the Town Pink 5K. He is also an avid runner taking on his first ultra Trail event this summer! After receiving his degree from Michigan State University he found his way back home to Manistee Michigan and now helps people get back on their feet as a physical therapist at Munson Hospital. As a side hustle he also is a pretty rad DJ. Good Friend Great human. Enjoy.T

his episode is sponsored by

Watson Motors

Dwelling RealtyTrail

Head Bike Shop.

72 Hour Water Fast... It's a process. enjoy.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show.

To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Just wrapped an incredible conversation with Troy Anderson — a true creative force and all-around fantastic human being.

Troy wears a lot of hats — and wears them well. He’s a photographer, filmmaker, and marketing and sales expert who specializes in visual storytelling across industries. Whether it's professional sports, commercial campaigns, or the art world, Troy captures and produces content that not only meets—but exceeds—his client’s vision.

He currently handles marketing and sales for his family’s award-winning Iron Fish Distillery, contributes live social content for the NHL, and serves as a live content correspondent for the NFL. Troy’s resume also includes work as a freelance camera operator for Fox Sports, video producer and photographer for The Montgomery Code, and director, producer, and videographer for the Clark Park documentary through INFYER LLC.

That’s just scratching the surface. Troy’s passion for storytelling, eye for detail, and positive energy made this a conversation I know you’ll enjoy.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

This one’s for anyone who’s ever asked, “What the hell does a City Manager actually do?” I sat down with Bill Gambill, the City Manager of Manistee, and we went deep. Bill’s a legit pro—master’s degree in Public Administration from Wayne State, decades of experience in government, and the kind of guy who actually knows how cities really run behind the scenes.

We talked about what it's like trying to manage a whole city—budgets, policies, infrastructure, dealing with the public, and yes… even politics. Bill's got sharp analytical skills and a calm, no-BS approach to leadership. He’s not a politician—he’s the guy making the machine run. This episode pulls back the curtain on city government in a way that’s informative, eye-opening, and honestly, pretty damn fascinating.

Whether you’re into community development, politics, leadership, or just curious about how your town actually functions—this one's worth the listen.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

In this episode, I sit down with Janice Davidson — a powerhouse of Northern Michigan’s endurance and nonprofit world. Janice is the founder and owner of North Mitten Events, the former race director of the iconic North American Vasa, volunteer director for Ironman events, and the executive director of the Armory Youth Project. She wears many hats — all rooted in passion, purpose, and people.We talk about what it takes to build and lead community-driven events, the behind-the-scenes grit of coordinating hundreds of volunteers, and how Janice balances it all with heart and humor. From race trails to youth mentorship, Janice brings energy, vision, and a deep love for Northern Michigan to everything she does.Tune in for a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and a few good laughs — with one truly rad human.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

In this episode of The James Beaudrie Podcast, I sit down with David Bottrell — a 7-year law enforcement veteran whose experience spans the roadways of Manistee County to the front lines of Michigan’s war on drugs. David’s career has taken him from patrolling small-town streets to serving as a narcotics detective with the multi-agency S.S.C.E.N.T task force, and even into analytical support roles with the U.S. Army, where he helped track criminal networks.But at his core, David is a road cop. His passion for serving and protecting the innocent, especially by getting dangerous drugs off the streets, shines through in this conversation. We discuss the realities of undercover work, the importance of data in modern policing, and why being on patrol is where he feels most effective and fulfilled.Whether you're curious about the life of a detective, the adrenaline of the road, or the evolving challenges of law enforcement today — this episode offers a raw and insightful look from someone who’s lived it all.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Bush, a retired Grand Rapids police officer with decades of real-world experience. Tom spent years in the VICE unit, worked through the height of the George Floyd protests, enforced policy during the COVID lockdowns, and was part of a tactical team that responded to Hurricane Katrina.

We talk about what it was really like to be a cop during some of the most intense and divisive moments in recent history — not from a political angle, but from the perspective of someone who showed up every day and did the job.

Now in retirement, Tom’s taken on a new mission: teaching, mentoring, and giving back through helping out on occasion with the Criminal Justice program at West Shore Community College, volunteering in his community, and even stepping into classrooms as a substitute teacher.

It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about duty, identity, and what comes after a life in uniform. Tom is a dear friend and I was honored to have him on the podcast. Fucking Rad Human. I really hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did having it.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

This episode was rad. I sat down with Rob Medacco, the Director of Public Safety for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians—a dude who’s not only the top cop for the Tribe but also an absolute freakin' beast in the gym. We’re talkin’ raw strength, discipline, and leadership wrapped into one seriously intense human.

We dive into what it's like leading law enforcement on Tribal land, the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with that role, and how his mindset from powerlifting bleeds into everything—from decision making to crisis response.

This guy commands respect just by walking into a room—but he’s also thoughtful, sharp as hell, and deeply committed to serving his people.

Law. Strength. Culture. Discipline. This one hits hard in every direction.

This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com

This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/

369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455

Brandon Ball—real estate broker, owner of Dwelling Realty Keller Williams, and my friend of 20 years—is back for his third appearance on the podcast. This one’s part real estate, part therapy session, and part bathroom humor.We cover everything from the pros and cons of short-term rentals to the ridiculous rise in housing prices, sprinkle in some talk about high blood pressure (because we're apparently at that age), and debate whether bringing your phone to the bathroom is a necessity or a modern tragedy.Mostly, though, it was a chance for two old friends to catch up, laugh, and talk about life. You’ll feel like you’re just sitting at the table with us. Tap in—it’s a good one.This episode was filmed and recorded in the Watson Motors Studio. Watson Motors is a proud sponsor of the show. To learn more about Watson Motors visit Watsonmotors.com This episode is sponsored by - Dwelling Realty - https://dwellingrealty.com/ 369 River Street Manistee, Michigan 49660 (231) 887-4455