In Part 1 of this episode, Chris sits down with Kenny Briggs to hear the powerful story of his early life marked by trauma, courage, and resilience. Growing up in Pontiac, Michigan, Kenny faced unimaginable hardship after losing his mother at a young age and being forced into survival on the streets. He recounts the moment that changed everything—speaking out to stop a horrific crime, even when it meant standing against his own family—and the unlikely path that led him to a new life in Canada, where mentors and a supportive family helped him begin rebuilding his future.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Amy Shindorf, owner and “chief taster” of Four Leaf Brewing. Amy shares how she transitioned from working as an environmental and natural resource specialist to launching a thriving craft brewery in historic downtown Clare. She discusses the entrepreneurial journey behind building Four Leaf Brewing, her focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, and the next chapter as she works to open a new brewery in Mt. Pleasant with her husband now joining the business full-time.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Shari Buccilli, owner of Buccilli's Pizza and president of the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce. Shari shares her lifelong connection to the food and hospitality industry, the legacy behind her family’s pizzeria—celebrated for over 50 years—and her deep commitment to the Clare community. From small-business leadership to local festivals and civic pride, the conversation highlights how strong local roots, entrepreneurship, and community spirit continue to shape the heart of Clare, Michigan.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Shannon Cooper-Toma — educator, author, and philanthropist — to discuss her decades-long commitment to literacy and student success. From serving as a teacher and principal to now working as a literacy coach with Iosco County RESA, Shannon shares the heart behind co-authoring the Benson’s Adventures children’s book series, supporting at-risk readers, and creating scholarship opportunities that continue to impact students across Michigan.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Rebecca Amidon for an eye-opening conversation about Michigan’s child care crisis. Through real-life perspective as a working parent, Rebecca sheds light on the true cost of care, the shortage of available spots, and the economic impact on families and businesses across the state.

In this episode, Chris Swanson sits down with Zack Peterson, founder of the Midland Dad Club. A relative newcomer to Midland — and to the journey of fatherhood — Zack shares why he started a space where dads can connect, support one another, and navigate the joys and challenges of being a present father. This conversation highlights the importance of community, vulnerability, and building strong families from the ground up.

Chris Swanson sits down with Emily Bush to discuss her experience as a parent during the Oxford High School shooting.

Chris Swanson sits down with Anna to discuss her fight for transparency, her FOIA requests, and her push to hold local government accountable.

Chris Swanson sits down with Carl Maddox to explore his decades of incarceration and the journey into his new life of freedom.

We are back for part 2 with Jimmy Greene.

Chris Swanson sits down with Jimmy Greene to talk about purpose, standing up for the little guy, and why building meaningful work with your name on it matters.

This week, we return to our conversation with Donna Hughes Clarke for part two.

In Part 1 of her story, Donna Hughes opens up to Chris Swanson about her journey through drug addiction, the challenges of life in prison, and the first steps she took toward recovery. This episode is a candid and powerful look at resilience, redemption, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life from the hardest places.

In this episode, Chris Swanson sits down with Karianne Martus, market manager and community builder, to discuss what it takes to support local entrepreneurs and keep a farmers market thriving. Karianne shares her journey, the behind-the-scenes work of managing a market, and why strong local spaces matter for small businesses and the communities they serve.

In this episode, Chris Swanson sits down with Jennifer Johnson, PhD researcher at Michigan State University, to address the difficult but necessary conversation surrounding suicide and suicide prevention. Together, they explore the realities behind the data, the warning signs often overlooked, and the importance of education, intervention, and community support. This discussion is grounded, informative, and focused on saving lives through awareness and action.

Episode 3 features a conversation with Jeron Dotson, who recounts his upbringing, the season of living out of a hotel while balancing school after his mother’s home flooded, and the grit it took to build his Flint restaurant, The Poke Bowl. Chris Swanson explores Jeron’s journey of resilience, community impact, and the drive behind his success story.

Gubernatorial candidate Sheriff Chris Swanson sits down with Andrew Keller, Mid-Michigan’s residential and luxury real estate expert, to hear his story and the lessons behind his success.

Sheriff Chris Swanson, Michigan gubernatorial candidate, sits down with Dan Glass, President of Teamsters Local 332, for a candid conversation about leadership, public service, and the future of Michigan's workforce.