Driving America's Next Manufacturing Revolution: How United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) is Shaping the Future of the U.S. Auto Industry

Our guest is Steve Przesmitzki, President of USCAR, the collaborative research organization founded by Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. For more than three decades, USCAR has brought together automakers, suppliers and government partners to conduct pre-competitive research that advances manufacturing, electrification, propulsion systems, sustainability, and more that will define the next generation of transportation.

Steve brings a remarkable career spanning industry, government, and research. A Professional Engineer with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT, Steve has devoted his career to advancing transportation technology, energy innovation, and American industrial competitiveness.

From Lab to Launch: How the University of Michigan is Powering the Next Generation of Innovation

On this episode we're joined by Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact at the University of Michigan (U of M). Kelly leads one of the nation's premier university innovation ecosystems, transforming cutting-edge research into successful startup companies, breakthrough technologies, and real-world solutions that drive economic growth. 

Kelly shares her unique journey from scientist to nationally recognized innovation leader. She breaks down programs such as the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N) and  the new Michigan Innovation Alliance—a statewide collaboration among Michigan's leading research universities working together to increase commercialization, entrepreneurship, talent development, and investment across the state.

Sports are more than competition; they are a catalyst for economic development, community pride, and national visibility.

The Detroit Sports Commission works year-round to attract elite amateur and professional sporting events that generate tourism, create jobs, showcase world-class venues, and strengthen Southeast Michigan's economy. On this episode we're joined by Dave Beachnau, Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Local Organizing Committee for the 2027 NCAA® Men's Final Four®. 

Dave talks about leading the local planning, coordination, and execution for the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four at Ford Field, working closely with the NCAA, civic leaders, and more. As a previous Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission, he discusses how metro Detroit continues to shine as one of America's premier destinations for major sporting events.

How 3 Michigan small businesses are innovating and making an impact

In this episode – with the help of Chris Rishko, Managing Director of Small Business and Talent at MEDC, we spotlight three Michigan small businesses recognized at the 2026 Michigan Celebrates Small Business. These Michigan small businesses are a reflection of the strength, innovation, and resilience in the state’s small business ecosystem: 

• Equitable Accounting Solutions, led by Mary Barton, offers personalized accounting and advisory services to empower entrepreneurs.
• Chris Casteel with Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics, is a dedicated practitioner, advocate, and leader in the limb loss community.
• iCOR Solutions, led by Zack Pittman, provides high impact business insurance consulting and strategic risk solutions. 

Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) continues to champion Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit by honoring small business leaders and the partners who support them including: the Michigan Small Business Development Center, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Association of Michigan, the Small Business Advocate and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Rolling Growth Forward: How Motiv Bowling Is Investing in Muskegon and Michigan

In this episode, Scott Wilbur of Motiv Bowling discusses how his family came together to grow their business presence while supporting Michigan manufacturing, local jobs, and community engagement. Scott also shares insights into the culture behind Motiv Bowling, the company’s commitment to quality and performance, and the importance of giving back to the Muskegon region that has supported its success. From entrepreneurship to manufacturing, we talk about how West Michigan remains an important place to build, invest, and grow a business.

Reinventing the Boardroom: Innovation, Startups and the Future of Decision-Making

What if board meetings worked more like modern technology companies? Robert Wolfe, founder of Zeck, discusses entrepreneurship, startup culture, and how technology is transforming leadership, governance, and organizational decision-making. 

Robert shares insights from building Zeck, lessons from the startup ecosystem, and why simplifying collaboration and communication is becoming essential for institutions navigating rapid change. Wolfe is also the founder of Moosejaw and CrowdRise, and calls Michigan home.

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Continues Conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026

We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan’s future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness.

Part 2 guests include:

• Joe White, High Speed Rodeo Substack
• Matt Elliot, Blue Link Ideas
• Carmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth Institute
• Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan
• Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central
• Dr. Robert McMahan, Kettering University
• Rachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Heads to the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast once again broadcasted from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan’s future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness.

Part 1 Guests include:

• Tricia Keith, Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Hilary Doe, MoveDetroit
• Colin Bird, Canadian Consul
• Richard A. Bierschbach, Wayne State University
• Laura Lee McIntyre, Michigan State University
• Stephen Rapundalo, MichBio
• Mary Lewis, Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic

What happens when entrepreneurship, creativity, and social impact come together in Detroit? Grit and a purposeful brand

On this episode, Amy Peterson, CEO and Co-Founder of Rebel Nell, shares the remarkable story behind building a purpose-driven brand that transforms layers of fallen Detroit graffiti into one-of-a-kind jewelry. She shares how creating meaningful employment opportunities for women overcoming barriers to employment, became the company’s mission. Amy also discusses entrepreneurship, love of sports, Detroit’s creative energy, and how innovation and community impact can work hand in hand. 

Michigan is emerging as a major hub where technology, economics, and national security converge. From autonomous vehicles to drones, defense to maritime systems, next-generation security and more. 

In this special multi-guest episode from the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL Conference, industry leaders and innovators discuss the future of uncrewed systems across air, land, water, and space. Our guests dive into why Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead this rapidly evolving global sector.

The conversation explores advanced mobility, defense applications, AI, economic development, manufacturing, and the growing ecosystem shaping the future of autonomous technology. 

Guests include:

• Raymond Stemitz, Michigan National Guard
• Timothy George, ND Defense
• Sean Hilbert, Cobra AERO, LLC
• Alissa Roath, National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC)
• Colleen Hau, Newlab
• Jayden Sluiter, Westwood AI
• Mark Ignash, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
• Michael Robbins, AUVSI