The James Beaudrie Podcast

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Trucks—a longtime Manistee businessman whose impact on this community spans more than 50 years. While many people know Lee through Jackpine Business Center, that chapter represents just a portion of a much larger and more meaningful story.Lee’s journey began in Baldwin, Michigan, and took him through Central Michigan University and ultimately to the University of Michigan. Along the way, he taught English to students in Nigeria and played a role in early childhood education through Head Start programs—experiences that helped shape the perspective and values he would later bring back home to Manistee.In 1977, alongside his two brothers, Lee helped build what would become Jackpine Business Center. But what stands out most isn’t just the business itself—it’s the decades of relationships, community involvement, and steady presence that Lee has brought to this area.Conversations like this are exactly why I love producing this show. They go beyond business or resumes—they capture the stories, experiences, and wisdom of people who have helped shape our community. To me, episodes like this become a kind of time capsule for Manistee—preserving voices and perspectives that deserve to be heard for years to come.

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Michael Nagle, a historian with over 30 years of teaching experience at West Shore Community College, where he specializes in U.S. History, Western Civilization, and American Government.We begin by discussing his work as an author, including his biographies on Eber B. Ward and Justus S. Stearns, before diving deep into the American Revolution and the origins of the Declaration of Independence.What were the Founding Fathers really thinking? What did the Declaration of Independence actually mean in its time—and how should it be understood today?Professor Nagle breaks down the history of the American Revolution, the political philosophy behind the founding of the United States, and the lasting impact of these ideas on modern America. With decades of experience teaching history, he provides clear, insightful analysis that connects the past to today’s political and cultural landscape.If you’re interested in American history, the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers, or the Constitution, this episode is for you!

Topics Covered:

American Revolution explained

Declaration of Independence meaning

Founding Fathers and political philosophy

Early American history and government

Historical research and writing biographies

How history influences modern politics

Chase Callaway describes himself as an “unprofessional bladesmith,” but his passion for forging knives tells a much deeper story. By trade, Chase is a Journeyman Lineman, working one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs out there—climbing poles, working high-voltage lines, and helping keep the power on when the rest of the world needs it most.

In this episode we dive deep into what it really takes to succeed as a lineman. Chase shares what the journey to becoming a journeyman looks like, the challenges of the trade, and how physical strength, discipline, and mental toughness are essential to the job.

Fitness is a major part of Chase’s life, and we talk about how training and staying in shape directly impacts his performance in such a physically demanding career.

Outside of work, Chase has developed a serious passion for forging knives, teaching himself the craft and embracing the process of shaping raw steel into functional art. What started as a curiosity has grown into a creative outlet that combines patience, precision, and craftsmanship.

This conversation covers work ethic, physical training, skilled trades, craftsmanship, and the mindset required to pursue passions outside of your day job.

If you’re interested in blue-collar grit, strength, and the art of making something with your hands, you’ll enjoy this episode.

Epstein. Aliens. Artificial intelligence. Cartels. Iran. Venezuela. ICE.In this episode, we connect the dots between the Epstein files, UFO disclosure, the rise of AI, the Mexican drug war, global instability and border policy.What is distraction, what is strategy, and what is actually happening behind the scenes?Full breakdown inside.

Jackie Gutowski joins the show to break down her vision for Manistee Performance Gym — a true all-in-one fitness space built to raise the standard for health and performance in our community.This isn’t just another gym. MPG is designed to combine cutting-edge training equipment, tailored workout programming, recovery tools like a sauna and cold plunge, and personalized dietary guidance — all under one roof.We talk about why she decided now was the time to open, what makes MPG different, and how this model can help beginners, athletes, and everyday people train smarter, recover better, and see real results.If you care about your health, performance, or the future of fitness in Manistee, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Travis, a retired U.S. Navy veteran whose life of service didn’t end when he hung up the uniform.

Bill spent his career in the U.S. Navy Seabees—a unique and elite construction force within the Navy. The Seabees (short for Construction Battalions) are trained builders and engineers who construct critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments, often under combat conditions. Their motto, “We Build, We Fight,” speaks to the dual role they play—skilled tradesmen and warfighters when needed.

After retiring from the Navy, Bill and his wife took that same service-first mindset into civilian life by opening Third Coast Boutique in downtown Manistee, Michigan. What started as a small boutique has grown into something much bigger: a platform dedicated to selling veteran-produced products and supporting the veteran community through conscious commerce.

At the heart of Bill’s work is a deeply personal mission—making a real difference in the lives of veterans, especially in the fight against veteran suicide. With an estimated 22 veterans a day lost to suicide, this isn’t just a statistic for Bill; it’s a call to action.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Bill’s long career in the U.S. Navy and his time with the Seabees

• What the transition from military service to small business ownership really looks like

• How Third Coast Boutique is being used as a vehicle for impact, not just profit

• The importance of community, purpose, and connection in saving veterans’ lives

This episode is about service, leadership, and what it means to continue showing up for others long after the uniform comes off.

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Kaminski, founder and owner of Roaming Restrooms, to talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up — and why success almost never looks the way you expect it to when you’re starting out.

Dave shares how Roaming Restrooms began as an idea and evolved into a full-scale business focused on solving a very real problem: the lack of clean, upscale, on-site restroom options for weddings, festivals, and large events. We talk about identifying a niche, building something that goes far beyond a side hustle, and staying committed to a long-term vision even when the path forward isn’t clear.

This conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship — the learning curve, the financial and mental pressure, the wins, the setbacks, and the patience required to keep moving forward. Dave breaks down what it’s like to build a service-based business, create systems as you go, and remain mission-driven while navigating the ups and downs that come with ownership.

Topics covered include entrepreneurship, small business growth, startup mindset, scaling a service business, identifying market needs, and playing the long game as a business owner.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, growing beyond a side hustle, or just want an honest look at what entrepreneurship actually looks like day to day, this episode offers real insight from someone living it.

https://www.roamingrestrooms.com

In this episode of The James Beaudrie Podcast, I sit down with Dwight Silva, a Veteran Marine Corps Officer, entrepreneur, and mission-driven leader.We talk about leadership forged through military service, how Marines transition that mindset into entrepreneurship, and why discipline, accountability, and values matter more than ever in today’s world. Dwight shares how staying mission-focused shapes his approach to business, family, and life — and what it really means to be a good human when no one is watching.This conversation dives into:Marine Corps leadership lessonsTransitioning from military service to entrepreneurshipMission-focused mindset in business and lifeDiscipline, integrity, and personal responsibilityLeading with purpose beyond the uniformIf you’re interested in veteran stories, leadership development, entrepreneurship, or building a life rooted in purpose, this episode delivers real perspective and earned wisdom.

Dan Broadbent is back for round two.| Blood Work | Enclomiphene | Testosterone | Tadalafil | MK-677In this follow-up conversation, I sit down again with my friend and good human Dan Broadbent—owner of Broadbent Photography and a three-time Manistee News Advocate Reader’s Choice Award winner for local photography—to revisit his ongoing health and lifestyle transformation.This time, we go deeper. ( Dan also produced this entire episode using all of his equipment )We revisit many of the same topics from our first conversation, but with more clarity, reflection, and real-world experience behind them. Dan shares why consistent blood work has become a non-negotiable part of his health journey, what he’s learned since our first conversation, and how that information led him to simplify and adjust his approach.We talk about:The importance of understanding your numbers before making changesHow blood work shaped Dan’s decision-makingWhy he moved away from a larger peptide stackHis current, more focused approach utilizing MK-677, Enclomiphene, and TadalafilSustainability, responsibility, and long-term thinking when it comes to health optimizationThis episode isn’t about chasing extremes—it’s about awareness, education, and taking ownership of your health with intention.Please note: Neither the host nor the guest are medical professionals. This conversation is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, supplements, or medical regimen.

Jermaine Sullivan is the Queen. The Mayor of Manistee, Real estate expert and a genuine good human. Local Politics aside on this episode I take the time to get to know my friend just a little better. This was a fun episode. Enjoy.