The Real America Project

A homebrewer chases a Boston lager in his basement and ends up selling a Detroit brewery to Molson Coors weeks before the world shuts down. From there, the story only gets wilder: Mark Reith buys back into Michigan beer with Lansing Brewing Company, revives a century‑old brand, and builds a portfolio that spans lagers, ciders, spirits, and award‑winning non‑alcoholic craft beer. Along the way he discovers the quiet variable that decides a beer’s future on the shelf—dissolved oxygen—and why packaging technology can be the difference between stale in two weeks or bright for months.

We sit down with Mark and Microcanner’s founder, Todd Vriesinga, to connect the dots between passion and process. Mark walks us through the Atwater pivots, the breakout hit Dirty Blonde, and the decision to lean into cans with a smaller footprint and a smarter line. Todd opens his shop doors for a rare tour of the machines behind the machines—CNC precision, a bullet‑fast waterjet, and a team that prototypes same‑day. When supply chains buckled, Microcanner stocked PLCs and motors early, shifted to remote training, and literally flew themselves to customers to keep breweries alive. That mix of foresight and grit reinforces a theme that runs through every segment: quality scales when the details are right.

We also zoom out. The market is changing, not shrinking. RTDs, THC sodas, and NA beer are rising; lagers are having a moment again; and smart brands are building portfolios that flex. Mark keeps LBC rooted in Michigan with MSU Athletics partnerships while using shared infrastructure to take select labels national. Todd keeps Microcanner privately held and relentlessly practical, focusing on low DO, reliable fills, and can‑format versatility that actually pays off at retail.

If you care about craft beer, canning tech, and the decisions that keep small businesses alive, this story hits every note: strategy, engineering, and the human side of work that doesn’t quit. Hit follow, share this with a friend who loves craft beverages, and leave a review to tell us what surprised you most.

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

We explore how a damaged gut microbiome, ultra-processed foods, seed oils, and glyphosate undermine cellular health—and how to rebuild with real food, better fats, and sunlight. We also unpack funding bias in research and why natural compounds still inform modern medicine.

• gut microbiome as immune and nutrient hub
• damage to brush border and absorption limits
• rebuild plan with cleanse, prebiotics, probiotics, epithelial support
• glyphosate as chelator and mineral depletion in crops
• how to read produce labels and prefer organic and heirloom
• real food versus ultra-processed convenience foods
• seed oils driving inflammation and better fat choices
• sunlight, vitamin D, blue light balance and solar callus
• asking who funds the science and why it matters
• nature derived drugs and pharmacognosy examples

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If you have any questions for Dr. Ward, drop them in the link in the comments below
You can find her at drwardsblends.com
Check out her full episode from the first time around. That link is in the description

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

A river can be a runway if you bring the right wings. We sit with Case Visser from Samaritan Aviation to share how a Cessna 206 on floats turns the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea into a lifeline for mothers in distress, snakebite victims, and kids with traumatic injuries. What would take days by canoe becomes 45 minutes by air, and that time delta is the thin line between loss and life.

Case traces his path from West Michigan HVAC tech to mission pilot and mechanic, showing why systems knowledge matters when your landing strip is full of hidden logs, fishing nets, and fast water. We break down how single-pilot operations work with Level One triage, when an OB nurse rides along, and why helicopters—while capable—are too costly to make free care sustainable. Along the way we dig into the quiet backbone of the mission: medicine delivery to 40 outposts, vaccine campaigns that halted polio outbreaks, and national staff who visit patients daily to meet physical and spiritual needs in a hospital without call buttons.

You’ll hear unforgettable stories: a boy with a compound fracture spared an eight-hour ordeal, a spear injury that turns into a lesson about forgiveness, and a boar attack that forces hard decisions in the field. We talk recruitment—commercial instrument pilots, A&P mechanics, and a medical director—as Samaritan opens a second base to serve villages that haven’t seen a nurse in years. We also get personal about thriving on mission: language learning, scratch-cooked meals from market staples, decompression on the ocean, and building a legacy of service that your kids can see.

If you care about humanitarian aviation, global health, and faith in action, this conversation brings the texture, the procedures, and the heart. Fuel a flight, share the story, or consider joining the team. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what moment from this conversation will you remember tomorrow?

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

Professor Tracey Ward brings her 23 years of expertise in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry to discuss how natural medicine can transform our approach to health and reduce pharmaceutical dependency. She explains how her research and clinical experience led to founding Blend, a company creating high-quality natural supplements designed with therapeutic effectiveness as the priority.

• Modern medical education largely omits nutrition and natural medicine due to pharmaceutical industry influence dating back to the 1940s
• Many common "healthy" foods contain harmful additives, GMOs, and chemicals that disrupt our endocrine systems and damage our microbiome
• The microbiome is the "second most important thing in your body besides your brain" with profound effects on overall health
• Cellular regeneration means nobody is "too far gone" - new healthy cells replace damaged ones when we improve our nutrition
• Most supplements on the market contain "pixie dust" amounts of ingredients rather than therapeutic doses
• Dr. Ward's Blend products contain up to 17 complementary ingredients in glass bottles to avoid plastic contamination
• Current Blend products include immune support, bladder support, and kidney stone support with more products planned
• Quality of life improvement is the ultimate goal rather than symptom management through pharmaceuticals

For more information and to purchase Dr. Ward's products, visit DrWardsBlends.com

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

Eldon Palmer brings together the most powerful moments from the Real West Michigan podcast's first four episodes for you to get a taste test! Featuring insightful conversations with local entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders who are making an impact.  Dan Korhorn shares how his farm upbringing shaped his work ethic and business approach. Dan discusses finding balance between family commitments and entrepreneurial demands. Illustrator Liz Donoghue reveals her journey from childhood doodles to professional art.  Liz demonstrates her creative process through artist conch mushrooms and whimsical creations. Cameron Embers explains why rapid iteration beats perfectionism through the clay pot analogy
• Cameron advocates for "teaching the why" behind decisions and embracing imperfect action. Shawn Loney describes how Tapestry Rockford connects community resources with local needs. Shawn explains why staying small and personal allows her organization to maintain its impact. Check out the full episodes on YouTube, Spotify or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. If you're enjoying these conversations, please leave us a rating or review. If you have a story to share or a guest suggestion, drop us a message in the comments. We want to hear what you think!

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

From flour bag naps to award-winning pizza, Dan Uccello's journey embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Moving to America from Italy at age 11 without speaking English, Dan watched his parents build a life from nothing, working seven days a week in a small pizzeria to support their family.

When banks laughed at his 22-year-old ambition to open his own restaurant, Dan persevered through liquor license rejections, surprise fees, and trademark lawsuits. Today, his five Flo's restaurant locations stand as testament to his unwavering determination. His proudest achievement came when he represented America in Italy's prestigious pizza competition, winning "Best Pizza in America" despite his ingredients being lost in transit.

But success hasn't come easily. Dan pulls back the curtain on restaurant economics, revealing the razor-thin 1.02% profit margins his group faced in 2024. "If you don't think a penny matters, think twice," he cautions aspiring restaurateurs, stressing that today's industry requires hands-on ownership and meticulous attention to detail. His implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) transformed his business, allowing him to step into the "owner's box" after years of 90-hour workweeks.

Diversification has been key to Dan's broader success. Beyond restaurants, he's built a substantial commercial real estate portfolio and hard money lending business, where his relationship-focused approach has helped new investors succeed while generating 13% returns. Throughout his ventures, Dan maintains that authentic connections matter more than transactions.

As the restaurant industry faces technological disruption with AI and robotics, Dan believes the hospitality element will always create space for human-centered businesses. His story isn't just about building restaurants but about embracing challenges, rejecting victim mentality, and creating value for others along the way. Connect with Dan on social media for business advice from someone who's lived the entrepreneurial journey from immigrant dreams to business success.

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

Tapestry Rockford collects and distributes clothing, shoes, school supplies, sports equipment, and other essentials to school-aged children in need throughout Rockford and surrounding areas. Founded by Shawn Loney, this local nonprofit transforms donations from the community into a dignified shopping experience where students can select items they need at no cost.

• Began as a personal collection in Loney's basement before expanding to a six-room facility
• Partners directly with schools to identify and serve students in need
• Provides seasonal items like winter coats, Halloween costumes, and sports equipment
• Offers 24-hour turnaround on most requests, with personal delivery to schools
• Operates by appointment to ensure privacy and a positive shopping experience
• Connects families with other resources like photographers for senior portraits and tailors for prom dresses
• Volunteer opportunities available, especially for high school students needing community service hours
• All items are free to clients, with no qualifications or paperwork required
• Creates partnerships with other nonprofits to ensure all donations find appropriate homes

Follow Tapestry Rockford on Facebook and Instagram @TapestryRockford or visit www.tapestryrockford.com to learn about current needs or to schedule an appointment. For donations or questions, email [email protected].

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

“You’re not my oxygen tank anymore.”

That’s what Cameron Embers’ brother told him when their paths began to diverge. From homeschooling to heartbreak, from burnout to breakthrough, Cameron shares how his struggles with anxiety, loss, and identity ultimately led him to build Emberly Digital—a web and software agency with heart.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Cameron’s journey from homeschooled creator to youth pastor to business owner
• The link between fear, failure, and massive action
• Why doing one small thing—like organizing your drawer—can start a transformation
• The emotional cost of leadership and the power of self-care systems
• How to build a business that feels right, not just looks right

Whether you’re stuck in your head, scared to start, or need to rediscover your “why,” this one’s for you.

🔗 EmberlyDigital.com | CameronEmbers.com

🎧 Presented by The Real West Michigan Podcast, powered by The Palmer Group.

✅ 5 Takeaways

1. Fear isn’t the barrier—inaction is. Most things Cameron feared weren’t that hard once he started doing them. It’s the hesitation that hurts most.
2. Failure is your friend. Like the “clay pot” experiment, success is the product of repetition, not perfection. Do it badly until you do it well.
3. Mental health matters. Cameron’s lowest points—including suicidal thoughts—led to the biggest breakthroughs. Meditation, nutrition, and self-awareness were his tools for healing.
4. Don’t wait to perfect your idea—ship the MVP. Shorten your “time to live,” test your concept fast, and improve with real feedback.
5. Build systems that support your state. A successful entrepreneur needs more than strategy—they need a strong story and a powerful internal state.

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

Have you struggled with your CREATIVE PATH?  What happens when an artist allows herself to explore multiple creative paths before finding her true focus? In this captivating conversation, illustrator, mixed media artist, and art educator Liz Donoghue takes us on her winding artistic journey as an artist—from her early love of drawing, through formal training at CCS, to building her brand, Mushabloom Studio. Learn how her work with kids, a move to Mexico, and a random toad under a mushroom helped shape her signature whimsical style. Whether you're a creative or just curious about the path to finding your “one thing,” this episode will inspire you.

For creators and art enthusiasts alike, Liz offers valuable wisdom about finding freedom through focused practice. After years of exploration, she discovered that limiting herself to one medium - mushroom art - actually expanded her creative possibilities rather than constraining them. Through her brand "MushaBloomStudio," she now combines technical skill with playful whimsy, creating unique pieces that carry authentic stories.

Do you struggle with finding your creative focus or appreciating handmade art? Follow Liz's journey on Instagram and Facebook at MushaBloomStudio and discover how concentrating on your unique passion might be the key to unlocking your artistic potential. 

FIND LIZ HERE:

https://www.instagram.com/mushabloomstudio/

🧠5 Listener Takeaways

1. Repetition beats perfection. Like the pottery experiment from Atomic Habits, creating consistently—even imperfectly—leads to growth faster than aiming for perfection.
2. Whimsy has power. Liz discovered her artistic "why" by reconnecting with childhood joy, playful storytelling, and a love for nature.
3. Creativity is in the doing. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or aspiring artist, showing up and making something—even badly—is the gateway to finding your voice.
4. You don’t need art school to be an artist. Liz affirms that hard work, online resources, and community support can be just as powerful as formal education.
5. Discipline creates creative freedom. By narrowing her focus to mushrooms, Liz opened the door to deeper expression, branding opportunities, and meaningful storytelling.

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW

Securities offered through Silver Oak Securities, Inc. (SOSI), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through HBW Advisory Services LLC, a registered investment advisor. Pathway Financial Design LLC, HBW Advisory Services LLC, and SOSI are not affiliated.

In this inspiring episode of The Real West Michigan Podcast, Eldon Palmer sits down with longtime friend, neighbor, and financial advisor Dan Korhorn, founder of Pathway Financial. Dan shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings on a celery farm to running a multi-office financial firm—all while managing partnerships, family life, and most recently, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. He opens up about what it means to live with purpose, face the unknown with faith, and how business, family, and community intersect in times of hardship. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone navigating a tough season, Dan’s story will leave you with perspective, encouragement, and a renewed appreciation for perseverance.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations from West Michigan’s finest.

This episode is brought to you by: ThePalmer.Group - West Michigan's Real Estate Problem Solvers. Whether you want to Buy, Sell, or Build, they are ready to serve.

💡 5 Powerful Takeaways:

1. Purpose > Productivity:
   Even amid a terminal diagnosis, Dan emphasizes the importance of staying busy with purpose—not just for distraction, but to stay alive in spirit as much as body.
2. Hard Work and Grit Still Matter:
   Dan’s path from blue-collar labor to business ownership shows that perseverance and work ethic can still outpace privilege or pedigree.
3. Faith Anchors the Storm:
   Through his cancer journey, Dan finds peace and stability in his faith—crediting his calm outlook and resilience to knowing there's a bigger plan at work.
4. Emotion is the Real Market Volatility:
   In both finance and life, the biggest challenge isn’t numbers—it’s managing people’s emotions. Dan’s advice: stay the course, especially when fear makes you want to flee.
5. Balance Is Seasonal, Not Static:
   Building a business took years of imbalance, long hours, and sacrifice—but over time, Dan learned to design his work around family, not the other way around.

Video Podcast available here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealWestMichigan

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: THE PALMER GROUP real estate team.  The Palmer Group is an energetic team within 616 REALTY led by Eldon Palmer with over 20 years of experience helping people navigate the home buying and selling process in West Michigan. To support the channel and all of our guests, contact [email protected], drop a COMMENT, SHARE, LIKE or SUBSCRIBE to this podcast.

You can also learn more at https://thepalmer.group/   

Whether moving to Michigan or another state, we can help and would love to chat with you over a coffee or your favorite beverage!

HAVE A SUGGESTION?  WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST?  Reach out to [email protected] or send us a DM.

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR 5-STAR REVIEW