Can business truly be a force for good? In this episode, Cliff DuVernois talks with Gene Pickelman, co-founder of Tri-Star Trust Bank, about Conscious Capitalism — a people-first approach that builds leaders, supports families, and strengthens entire communities. Gene shares how choosing people over profit transformed Tri-Star’s culture and sparked a movement across the Great Lakes Bay Region, proving that purpose-driven business can create impact far beyond the workplace. A powerful conversation about heart, grit, and what leadership can look like when people and profit work together.

Links:

Conscious Capitalism: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/

Tri-Star Trust: https://www.tristartrust.com/

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Step inside the Stomping Grounds Cafe with Annalia, the energetic owner serving up sunshine, sugar comas, and small-town charm in Durand, Michigan. Discover how she went from barista to boss, the wild ride of running a local favorite, and the secret behind their legendary “freak shakes.” Annalia shares the highs, the chaos, and the heartwarming community spirit that keeps her going. You’ll learn what it takes to thrive as a small business owner, and why supporting local matters more than ever. Tune in for inspiration, laughs, and a taste of Michigan’s best coffee culture!

Address:

200 N Saginaw St,

Durand, MI 48429

Links:

Stomping Grounds Cafe (Facebook)

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In the tiny lakeside town of Empire, Michigan, the scent of melted chocolate drifts through the air. But inside Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, co-owner Jody Hayden is doing far more than creating sweet treats — she’s rewriting the story of chocolate itself.

From her early days working with Mayan farmers in Mexico to handcrafting ethically sourced confections in northern Michigan, Jody has built a business that proves indulgence and integrity can coexist. She shares how small farmers across the globe are finally being paid fairly, why some cacao growers have never even tasted chocolate, and how every bar from her shop carries a piece of social change.

Address:

11590 S Lacore St,

Empire, MI 49630

Links:

👉 Website: https://www.grocersdaughter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrocersDaughterChocolate

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Jon Plummer, co-owner of Moomers Homemade Ice Cream in Traverse City, shares how a small family dairy farm blossomed into one of Michigan’s most beloved ice cream destinations. From the national spotlight of Good Morning America to the creation of their signature Cherries Moobilee flavor, Jon shares how Moomers became more than just a place to grab a cone—it’s an experience rooted in family, community, and joy.

• How a family dairy farm in Traverse City grew into Moomers, a nationally recognized ice cream destination.
• Why balancing tradition, family, and innovation is the secret ingredient to Moomers’ lasting success.
• The story behind their signature flavor , Cherries Moobilee—and how customer involvement shaped it into a Michigan icon.

Links:

Website: https://moomers.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moomersicecream/

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Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

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From War to Museum: Welcome to the USS Silversides.

In this episode of Total Michigan, host Cliff DuVernois explores the fascinating history of the USS Silversides, a World War II submarine located at the museum in Muskegon, Michigan. With guest Tom Johnson, a tour guide at the museum, the discussion covers the submarine's service during the war, its remarkable preservation and transformation into a museum, and the unique stories and memories shared by visitors.

Listeners will learn:

• The construction and missions of the Silversides,
• Its journey to becoming a training and museum vessel,
• The personal histories of those who served.

Links:

USS Silversides (Website)

USS Silversides (Facebook)

Address:

1346 Bluff St

Muskegon, MI 49441

For Total Michigan:

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Redemption Hill Ranch is more than a farm — it’s a refuge where hurting hearts find hope. In this inspiring conversation, Sarah Buffman shares how God called her from city life to create a place where horses help people heal mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. From transforming the lives of struggling schoolchildren to helping adults rediscover their worth, Sarah reveals the powerful connection between horses, faith, and personal growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Sarah blends faith and equine therapy to help people overcome trauma and anxiety
• The surprising ways horses reflect our inner world
• A moving story of a child’s life transformed through horse therapy
• How COVID’s impact on mental health inspired new approaches in schools and communities
• Why healing is a process — and the role of resilience in lasting change

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Website: redemptionhillranch.org
• Facebook: Redemption Hill Ranch – Vassar

Address:

2265 Ringle Rd

Vassar, MI 48768

Meet Ken and Wilda Hopper, founders of Bird's Eye Outfitters in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They aren’t just launching kayaks—they’re launching a movement to reconnect people with nature. From kayaking through the Soo Locks to snowshoeing by lantern light, their mission blends outdoor adventure with health and community connection.

• What it’s like to kayak through the Soo Locks (yes, it’s legal!)
• How Bird’s Eye is promoting mental and physical health through trail building and nutrition
• The hidden gems of Chippewa County for adventurers of all levels

Bird’s Eye Outfitters

107 E Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Website: birdseyeoutfitters.com

Facebook: Facebook

Outhouse Consortium (nonprofit)

Website:  outhouseconsortium.org

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What if wine could be simple again?

No jargon. No pressure. Just good wine, made for you—and maybe even by you.

We sit down with Brett Scharnhorst, owner of Vinomondo Winery in Fort Gratiot, Michigan. From his unexpected career shift from IT project management to winemaking, Brett shares how Vinomondo is creating something truly unique: a DIY wine experience where customers can taste, bottle, and label their own creations.

Recently voted Detroit’s Best of the Best for Wine, Vinomondo is more than a winery—it’s a place where community, creativity, and really good wine come together.

Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or someone who's never had a drop, this conversation will leave you curious, inspired, and maybe even ready to craft your own blend.

Address:

4505 Lakeshore Road, Fort Gratiot, Michigan

Website:

vinomondowinery.com

Social Media:

• Facebook: Vinomondo Winery
• Instagram: @vinomondowinery
• X (formerly Twitter): @vinomondowinery

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Xavier DeGroat doesn’t just want awareness—he wants acceptance. Diagnosed with autism at age four, Xavier has faced bullying, misunderstanding, and judgment. But instead of retreating, he built something powerful. In this episode, we dive into Xavier’s story of persistence, courage, and advocacy. From meeting world leaders to launching the nation’s first Autism History Museum, Xavier’s journey is one of bold steps and even bolder dreams.

In this episode, we cover:

• Overcoming bullying and misunderstanding in childhood
• Building the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation
• Starting the first Autism History Museum in the U.S.
• Advocacy, independence, and pushing beyond limits
• Xavier’s vision for autism acceptance in the workplace and beyond

Links:

Website: https://xdafoundation.org

Tour Link: https://xdafoundation.org/museum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xavierautismfoundation

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Before his song You Ain’t Pretty hit the Top 40 on the Billboard country charts, Nate Barnes was clocking in at a nuclear power plant in Michigan. In this revealing interview, Nate shares his journey from small-town South Haven to Nashville’s country music scene—and how faith, family, and trades work shaped every step.

In This Episode:

• Why Nate spent over a decade in skilled trades before pursuing music full-time
• How a spiritual moment during a church service changed his career path
• What it felt like hearing his music on the radio for the first time
• The powerful story behind his new album Holding You
• Why he believes the most honest songs come from hard-earned experience

Links:

Website: https://www.natebarnesmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natebarnesmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natebarnesmusic

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natebarnesmusic

Music Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music