The James Beaudrie Podcast

On this episode, I sit down with Rachael Edmondson — known on Instagram as fitnurserach — someone who brings a refreshing level of honesty to the world of health and fitness. Rachael doesn’t hide behind filters, lighting tricks, or curated perfection. She shares her workouts, her meals, and her real thoughts on lifting, nutrition, and daily habits in a way that speaks to the everyday person trying to feel better and live stronger.

We talk about what consistency really looks like, how to build a healthier relationship with food and training, and why authenticity matters now more than ever. If you’re looking for practical, no-nonsense insight into taking care of your body without the noise and gimmicks, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Nate and I talk about philosophy and stoicism — We break down how these ideas apply to everyday life, especially when you’re surrounded by nonstop political noise.

From there, we get into the state of modern politics: the “right vs. left” tribal mindset, the way social media pushes people into emotional extremes, and how political targeting online is shaping the way Americans think, argue, and even vote. No sugarcoating — just an honest look at how divisive things have become and why it feels like everyone’s being pushed to pick a side.

It’s a grounded, straightforward conversation about thinking better, reacting less, and navigating a world that feels engineered to make you angry.

Nate is co-host of the Podcast Manistee County Democrats on YouTube.

In this episode I respond to voicemails, and text messages from you! Want to be apart of the show. Send me a question in text or leave a voicemail. I will play and read your messeges on the show and provide a response. should be fun. I hope... Hugs and kisses. JB. 

On this episode, I sit down with Christina Cobb. We talk about gratitude, photography, and what it means to navigate life in today’s world. I’ve known Christina for over three decades, but until recently, our conversations hadn’t gone much further than a simple “hello.”

So, I reached out and asked if she’d be up for catching up—on the podcast—and she said yes. What followed was an honest, nostalgic, and uplifting conversation about the past 30 years and the people we’ve become.

Christina is a genuinely rad human, and this episode was a reminder of how powerful reconnection can be.

# 151 Jared Funk - Chef ~ Resturaunt Owner ~ Entrepreneur

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Jared Funk — owner and creative force behind Chef Jared & Company. Jared isn’t just a chef; he’s a genuinely good human who pours heart and intention into everything he does. His food is simple, made from scratch, and crafted with precision and love.From his early days in the kitchen as a kid to cooking in restaurants across the country, Jared’s journey has always been about expressing creativity through food. His philosophy says it all: “Go slow. Grow slow. Do what you love.” For Jared, money isn’t the goal — it’s simply the byproduct of passion, patience, and purpose.

Madelyn Fitzsimmons is back for round two. She’s the powerhouse behind Millennial Decor and Trophies Café in downtown Manistee, and this time we just sit down and catch up. No big agenda — just a real conversation about running local businesses, dealing with the ups and downs of the current culture, and what life looks like when you’re trying to balance it all.

It’s one of those easy, honest talks that reminds you why these small-town entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of their communities. Madelyn’s sharp, funny, and not afraid to tell it like it is.

Kick back, grab a coffee, and listen in — this one feels like hanging out with a friend who’s out there actually doing it.

Dr. Christa Johnson is a Doctor of Chiropractic and the owner of Johnson Adult & Pediatric Chiropractic in Manistee, Michigan. Beyond her practice, she is an accomplished triathlete who has competed in more than twenty full-distance Ironman races and countless half-Ironman events. Most recently, she raced at the Half Ironman in Frankfort, Michigan—a race I also participated in—where her outstanding performance helped secure her qualification for the 2026 Ironman World Championships in France.

In this episode, we dive deep into Christa’s journey through Ironman and endurance sports. We cover her training strategies, planning and preparation, equipment choices, nutrition, and most importantly, her passion for the sport. This conversation is packed with valuable insights, and Christa’s energy and dedication shine through at every turn. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just curious about the Ironman lifestyle, this episode is full of knowledge and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Michael Guzikowski returns to the podcast for his second appearance—and this time, we dive into his passion for music. Beyond being a dedicated driving instructor, husband, and father, Michael is also a hip hop artist with an album released in 2019 and another on the way soon. We talk about what drives his creativity, how music has shaped his life, and the process of putting together his upcoming project. Our conversation also branches into some of today’s cultural issues, offering fresh perspectives and plenty of thought-provoking moments. Whether you’re here for the beats, the stories, or the real talk, this episode delivers all three. Here is the link to his album - https://open.spotify.com/album/7ll5F4TeuTlgIXQS4j36oP?si=PMpus-2-Q0OVnvY0u9Di6Q

This episode is supported by:

Dwelling Realty

Trail Head Bike shop

and is proudly filmed in the Watson Motors Studio.

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.