Welcome To Livingston

Welcome To Livingston

By Speakeasy Podcast NetworkSociety & Culture
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Welcome To Livingston episodes

  • Episode 192: Livingston County United Way: Meet the Group Behind 211, Day of Caring & So Much More
    Most people know the name United Way. Almost nobody realizes how deep their roots actually run in Livingston County until they sit down and hear it firsthand.
     
    Don and Angela are joined in the studio by Carrie Newstead, Executive Director of Livingston County United Way, to learn how this organization quietly supports nearly every nonprofit in the county while directly serving thousands of local ALICE families, those working multiple jobs and still barely making ends meet. Carrie breaks down the resources behind 211, the incredible impact of Day of Caring, which brought out 867 volunteers last year for nearly 80 community projects, and the brand-new Power of the Purse event that raised over $21,000 for Great Start Livingston after a major funding cut.
     
    Whether you have five dollars, five hours, or just a little bit of curiosity about how to get involved, this episode will show you exactly where to start.
    Timestamps
    04:45 Day of Caring: Community and Connection
    10:52 Volunteerism: A Two-Way Street
    15:19 Fundraising and Community Engagement
    23:42 Tackling Food Insecurity and Inspiring Giving
    28:42 Get Involved: Volunteer & Donate
    Guest Links
    https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayOfLivingstonCounty/
    https://www.volunteerlivingston.org/
    https://lcunitedway.org/
    Phone: (810)494-3000
     
    Show Links
    For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
     
    • Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
    • Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
    • Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)

      •  

      Sponsor Links
      Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
       
      James Paquette
      Mortgage Sales Manager
      Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
      NMLS ID# 533633
      Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
      Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
       
      Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
      35 min
    • Episode 191: Love Inc.: A Network of Support in Livingston County
      Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is simply pick up the phone and listen. That is exactly where Love Inc. starts, and it is just the beginning of what this remarkable Livingston County organization does for its neighbors every single day.

       

      Don and Angela sit down with Margo and Carrie from Love Inc., a nonprofit connecting people in need to a network of 66 (and growing) church partners across Livingston County. From gas vouchers and career clothing to furniture, diapers, birthday kits, and car repairs, Love Inc. fills the gaps that fall through the cracks of traditional assistance and they do it with an intake call that leaves people going from zero hope to a 9 out of 10.

       

      Margo and Carrie also walk through New Creation, their two-year transformational program that pairs community meals, small group support, mentoring, budget coaching, and free childcare to help neighbors not just get by but truly grow. With classes on affirming potential, faith, and finances, and healthy boundaries, they are building people up from the inside out.

       

      Timestamps
      04:16 Community Collaboration and Support
      10:54 New Creation: Transformational Ministry
      14:39 Key Classes and Volunteer Impact
      18:44 New Programs and Inclusivity
      23:40 Donations and Furniture Ministry
      27:12 Community Support & Outreach
      31:52 Get Involved with Love Inc.
      Guest Links
      Love Inc:
      https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/
      https://www.facebook.com/livingstoncountyloveinc
      https://www.instagram.com/livingstonloveinc/?hl=en

       

      Resell Store:
      https://www.facebook.com/LoveINCResaleStoreLivingston
      https://www.instagram.com/loveincresalestorelc/?hl=en

       

      Golf Outing 2026 Information: https://www.livingstonloveinc.org/golf-outing-2026-1
       
      Show Links
      For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
       
      • Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
      • Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
      • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
      • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
      • Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)

        •  

        Sponsor Links
        Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
         
        James Paquette
        Mortgage Sales Manager
        Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
        NMLS ID# 533633
        Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
        Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
         
        Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
        YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
        37 min
      • Episode 190: Local Dog Lover Gems: Everything Livingston County Has to Offer Your Four-Legged Family Member
        Meet Pepper, the newest Putkela family member!

         

        From dog parks and pet-friendly patios to grooming, boarding, training, and everything in between, Don and Angela walk through everything this county has to offer for you and your pup. They cover hidden gems and new up-and-coming businesses. They also get into the real stuff: introducing a second dog to the household, invisible fences, tick season, training resources through Community Ed, and the remarkable mental health benefits dogs are bringing to local schools through therapy dog programs in both Brighton and Howell.

         

        This one is for every dog owner, dog lover, or anyone thinking about adding a four-legged family member to the mix.

         

        🐾 Want to learn more about pets and real estate in Livingston County? Check out these two previous episodes:
        📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 1
        📺 Pets & Real Estate Episode 2
        Timestamps
        03:38 Livingston County Dog Parks
        09:39 Pet Safety, Boarding & Grooming
        14:00 Dogs in Livingston: Dining & Community
        20:07 Adoption, Training, and Mental Health
        29:53 Enjoying Life with Your Dog
         
        For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
         
        • Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
        • Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
        • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
        • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
        • Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
          • Sponsor Links
          Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
           
          James Paquette
          Mortgage Sales Manager
          Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
          NMLS ID# 533633
          Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
          Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
           
          Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
          Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
          LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
          YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
          33 min
        • Episode 189: Your Party Happened. But Did Anyone Actually Capture It?
          Every great party deserves great photos, and most people don't realize they're missing them until it's too late. This week, Don and Angela sit down with Lannie Stabile, the founder of Party Fly Photography, a one-of-a-kind event photography business built around one simple idea: jump into the fun, make people forget the camera is there, and capture the moments that actually matter.

           

          Lannie shares how a friend's heartbreak over missing photos from her daughter's birthday party sparked the whole business, why she deliberately stays away from traditional portrait photography, and what makes her approach so different from every other photographer you've ever hired.
          Timestamps
           01:29 Party Fly's Concept and Origin
          05:11 Unique Events and Business Value
          09:30 Booking and Event Preparation
          14:49 Memorable Event Experiences
          22:15 Photo Delivery and Archiving
          27:33 Supporting Small Businesses
          Guest Links
          https://partyflyphotography.com/
          https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558605764346#
          https://www.instagram.com/partyflyphotography?igsh=MWRtY3E0dHNscGkyNg%3D%3D
           
          For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:
           
          • Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
          • Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
          • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
          • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
          • Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
            • Sponsor Links
            Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
             
            James Paquette
            Mortgage Sales Manager
            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
            NMLS ID# 533633
            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
            Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
             
            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
            35 min
          • Episode 188: Raising Kids in Livingston County: Activities, Resources & Real Advice from Two Local Parents
            Don and Angela are pulling back the curtain on over two decades of raising kids right here in Livingston County. They cover everything from making homemade baby food with produce from local farmers' markets to baby sign language, Montessori, and why getting involved early in your child's school and community pays off in ways you won't fully appreciate until they're teenagers.

             

            Along the way, they shine a light on some of the best local resources Livingston County has to offer young families, from the Imagination Station and Genoa Park to the Brighton and Howell library programs, Spicers Orchard U-picks, Home Depot craft days, local 5Ks, and the countless festivals and community events that make this such a great place to grow up.

             

            They also share some of their favorite family traditions, including one genuinely special idea for parents with multiple kids that is worth sticking around for.
            Timestamps
            02:29 Homemade Baby Food and Local Resources
            06:44 Baby Signs, Books, and Libraries
            12:12 The Montessori Impact
            18:18 Livingston County Parks and Festivals
            29:03 Volunteering with Kids: Lead by Example
            42:07 Teen Years, Car Prep, and Social Media
            49:00 Community Resources

            _______________________________________

            For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: 
             
            Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
            Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
            Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
             
            Sponsor Links
            Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
             
            James Paquette
            Mortgage Sales Manager
            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
            NMLS ID# 533633
            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
            Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
             
            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

            51 min
          • Episode 187: How McClements Farm Country Store is Redefining Local Shopping
            McClements Farm Country Store recently made the move from its previous location to a prime spot in Downtown Brighton, and owner Elyse Moore is very excited.

             

            Don and Angela sit down with Elyse for her second appearance on the podcast to catch up on everything that has changed, grown, and evolved since they last had her on. From freeze-dried candy and Michigan-made gifts to Uncle Peter's pasties, heirloom seeds from M.I. Gardener, and Scottish shortbread from a Redford bakery, the store has become a destination for anyone who wants to shop local and discover products you simply won't find anywhere else in the county.

             

            Elyse also shares how the new Main Street location has transformed her connection to downtown events like Stars Hollow, the Brighton Farmers Market, Ladies' Night, and what's coming next, including an exciting new website where you can shop and ship Michigan-made products right to your door.

             

            If you haven't stopped in yet, this episode will make you want to drop everything and go.
            📍 334 West Main Street, Downtown Brighton
            Timestamps
            01:05 New Location and Product Expansion
            06:10 Pasties and Future Online Presence
            08:19 M.I. Gardener Seeds and Education
            12:28 Community Engagement and Downtown Events
            17:58 Defining the Country Store Identity
            24:25 Upcoming Events and Website Features
            Guest Links
            🌐 https://www.mcclementsfarmcountrystore.com/
            📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcclementsfarm
            📫 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcclementsfarm
             
            _______________________________________
            For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: 
             
            Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
            Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
            Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
             
            Sponsor Links
            Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
             
            James Paquette
            Mortgage Sales Manager
            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
            NMLS ID# 533633
            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
            Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
             
            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
            32 min
          • Episode 186:  We Don't Sell Paint. We Sell Time and Trust with Inspired by Design Painting
            Don and Angela Putkella sit down with Brandon Miller, owner of Inspired by Design Painting, a Brighton-based painting company serving homeowners and businesses of Livingston County.

             

            Brandon shares the remarkable origin story behind his business, carrying on the company name as a tribute to the family connection that drives everything he does. Don and Angela dig into what really sets a professional paint job apart, the latest color trends taking over Livingston County homes, and why painting your cabinets might be the most affordable upgrade you can make before selling your house. Brandon also walks through his company's process from first call to finished project, what to expect when you hire a professional, and why Inspired by Design is different.

             

            Whether you're a homeowner thinking about a refresh, a buyer imagining what your new space could look like, or a seller trying to get top dollar, this episode is packed with practical insight and a whole lot of local pride.
            Timestamps
             02:51 The Value of Professional Painting
            05:58 Color Trends and Interior Design
            16:16 Buyer Seller Consultations
            20:49 Exterior Painting and Challenges
            26:17 Impact and Proactive Painting
            31:48 Estimating
            36:40 Professionalism, Value, and Contact
            Guest Links
            Inspired by Design Painting
            Phone: 810-775-2864
            Interior, exterior, and cabinet painting
            https://www.inspiredbydesignpainting.com/
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByDesignPainting
            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbydesign_painting/
             

            Sponsor Links

            Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
             
            James Paquette
            Mortgage Sales Manager
            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
            NMLS ID# 533633
            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
            Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
             
            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

            43 min
          • Episode 185: Bountiful Harvest: The Bougie Pantry Serving 25,000 People in Livingston County

            In Episode 185 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Yvonne Cavalli and Tina Thalacker from Bountiful Harvest, located in the heart of Brighton, Michigan.

            What started 15 years ago with a loaf of bread at a local church has grown into a fully volunteer-run organization serving over 25,000 people in 2025, with programs ranging from a client-choice grocery pantry and daily hot meal delivery to a pet food pantry, free laptops for kids, and a clothing pantry stocked with quality donations. With no payroll and no government grants, every single dollar given to Bountiful Harvest goes directly back to the community.

            Yvonne and Tina share the heart behind everything they do, the dignity they strive to give every person who walks through their doors, and the remarkable ways Livingston County businesses and neighbors show up for one another. If you've ever wanted to get involved or just learn more about what's happening right here in our community, this is the episode for you.

            03:06 Addressing Community Needs and Dignity

            10:04 Ways to Help and Donate

            16:59 The Pet Pantry and Chewy Partnership

            22:18 Meat Bingo Fundraiser

            24:48 Food Bank vs. Pantry & Impact

            32:53 Operational Hours and Healthy Meals

            36:06 Needed Donations

            _____________________________

            Guest links

            Website: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/

            Donate Link: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/make-a-difference/#donate

            Phone: 810-360-0271

             

            Livingston County Association of Realtors - Food Drive - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm May 2nd 2026

             

            Show Links

            For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:

            Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup

            Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/

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

            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q

            Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)

             

            For More Episodes: https://welcometolivingston.podbean.com/

             

            Sponsor Links

            Thanks to our amazing sponsor!

            Visit their social media pages for more information!

             

            James Paquette

            Mortgage Sales Manager

            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633

            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611

            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette

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

            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/

            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU 

            46 min
          • Episode 184: Festivals, Food Trucks, and Fun: Summer in Livingston County

            Summer in Livingston County is something special, and in Episode 184 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela are breaking down all the events, festivals, and hidden gems that make this community such an incredible place to live and explore.

            From a once-in-a-century opera at the Howell Opera House to the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest, Taste of Brighton, Melon Fest, and everything in between, Don and Angela cover the can't-miss moments of the season. Whether you're a longtime local, new to the area, or just thinking about making Livingston County home, this episode is your ultimate summer guide.

            Timestamps

            00:00 Welcome to Livingston: Community Focus
            01:05 Howell Opera House Returns
            06:12 Livingston County’s Farmers’ Markets
            09:40 Live Music and Downtown Vibes
            12:34 Food Trucks and Art Fairs
            14:56 Active Lifestyles in Livingston County
            20:25 Mount Rushmore of Festivals
            26:01 Unique Local Festivals and Events
            31:05 Library Sales, Book Clubs, and More
            35:10 Embrace Community Events


            _______________________________________
            For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: 
             
            Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
            Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
            Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
             
            Sponsor Links
            Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
             
            James Paquette
            Mortgage Sales Manager
            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
            NMLS ID# 533633
            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
            Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
             
            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

            40 min
          • Episode 183: Home Warranties: Are They Worth It?

            Buying a home is exciting — but what happens when the furnace stops working, or the water heater gives out? In Episode 183 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down together to break down everything you need to know about home warranties.

            From what's covered (and what's not), to how much they cost, how to actually use one, and whether it's even the right fit for you, Don and Angela cover it all. They also share real-life stories from their clients, a few PSAs you'll want to hear before your next repair call, and some surprisingly handy tips for keeping your furnace and air conditioner running smoothly.

            00:00 What is a Home Warranty?

            03:25 Home Warranty Coverage and Costs
            07:48 What is and isn’t Covered?
            11:16 AC in Winter & Insurance Differences
            14:30 Choosing a Home Warranty Company
            19:18 Homeowner Mistakes and Usage Changes
            26:19 Home Warranty: Peace of Mind

            _______________________________________

            For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: 
             
            Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup
            Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/
            Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q
            Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)
             
            Sponsor Links
            Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.
             
            James Paquette
            Mortgage Sales Manager
            Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU
            NMLS ID# 533633
            Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000
            Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611
             
            Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette
            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU
            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/
            YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

            32 min

          About Welcome To Livingston

          From the publisher's feed

          Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County…