Michigan Reimagined

Hosted by Chris Buck

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Episodes

436

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Michigan Reimagined tells the stories of people and organizations who are driving Michigan’s economic sustainability. Chris believes that Michigan residents often lead with an apology for the shortcomings of this fabulous state, and he thinks that is unnecessary. Every city has its perks and problems. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have, healthier behavior is finding those doing great work and giving them a platform to share their results. Whether it’s new restaurants, housing stock, talent retention, transportation innovation, tourism, development incentives, placemaking or arts – this state is full of passionate people in action. Hear their stories in 15 minute, deep-dive interviews on Michigan Reimagined.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 41929 min

MSU Foundation and MEDC Host 2nd Annual PitchMI Competition

Chris has said a number of times, Michigan may have the most competitive and effective start-up ecosystems in the country. Two major players in that space are the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State University Research Foundation. Joining him to share the details of the 2026 PitchMi event details - which is fully in swing - is the Director of Portfolio Management at Red Cedar Ventures, Pete Martin!

October 13, 2026Episode 41820 min

Capital Area Manufacturing Council Hosts AI in Manufacturing Summit

Michigan is a state that “makes stuff” - and we’re hell bent to keep it that way. We have massive manufacturers, and we have many thriving small manufacturers as well. One resource available to them is through the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. Joining Chris to discuss their work, and an upcoming event is Executive Director of CAMC, Cindy Kangas!

October 6, 2026Episode 41728 min

Michigan-Based Non-Partisan & Non-Profit Org Educates Public On Ranked Choice Voting

If you feel frustrated by politics, you’re not alone. It feels like our political system is dominated by special interests & SuperPACs. There is a Michigan-based volunteer-run, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to educating the Michigan public about Ranked Choice Voting - or RCV. Joining Chris to share more about their mission is the Executive Director for the Rank MI Vote Ballot Question Committee, Pat Zabawa!

September 29, 2026Episode 41621 min

Rathbun Insurance Achieves a Recovery Friendly Workplace Accreditation via MI Public Health Institute

Life can be hard, and work can be hard. When the pressure gets too high, sometimes people lean on destructive habits to get through the days. Those who fight their way out of those habits can use all the help they can get. Joining Chris to tell a pretty remarkable story of an employer earning a “Recovery Friendly Workplace” status is Partner & President of Rathbun Insurance of Lansing, Laura Stoken, and Program Manager of Michigan Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative from the MI Public Health Institute, Nicki Gabel!

September 22, 2026Episode 41518 min

Samantha Harkins Joins Lansing Parks Foundation & Sets Big Goals

Like most cities, Lansing has a robust park system. But parks don’t just happen - they need to be funded, maintained, and marketed as well. Joining Chris to tell us about complexities of funding a metropolitan park system is the is new Executive Director of the Lansing Parks Foundation, Samantha Harkins!

September 15, 2026Episode 41417 min

Jon Horford Leads Lansing School’s Student Development Program

Lansing has produced a lot of talented people, and talented people are often lured away to chase their dreams elsewhere. Every now and then we get a star to return home. Joining Chris to share the story of Lansing School’s Student Development Program is its founder, Jon Horford!

September 8, 2026Episode 41331 min

Local Remodeling Company Expands Offerings Via Acquisition of Legacy Brand

Custom Built has been offering first class design and home renovations in Michigan for 20 years. Now, as they are hitting their stride, their leaders are here to share big news about the acquisition of a complimentary local business. Joining Chris to share the details are Founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Michael Flory, and Director of Marketing and Sales, Isabelle Braeutigam!

September 1, 2026Episode 41214 min

Rivertown Kayaks Offers Unique View of Lansing’s Riverfront

Outdoor Recreation is a critical component to a vibrant and energized city. Lansing is a river city afterall, so let’s discuss how you can get out on the water! Joining Chris to share the offerings and passion behind Rivertown Kayaks with Co-Founder Paul Brogan!

August 25, 2026Episode 41122 min

DBI Becomes State’s Second Michigan Employee Owned Company Via New Pilot Program

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity - or LEO - and the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership - or MICEO - announced the State’s second company to transition to Employee Owned - and that company is Lansing’s DBI, a local and legacy Haworth furniture dealer. Joining Chris to share what this means and why it’s important are DBI President & CEO Mr. George Snyder, and Vice President and COO Mr. Steve Klaver

August 18, 2026Episode 41016 min

Lansing Chamber Launches THRIVE: Leadership Development for Every Stage

Chris has touted Lansing’s depth and breadth of business support for years. Today’s show is yet another example of ways your business can get the tools it needs to thrive. Joining him to share the details of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new THRIVE series - “Leadership Development for Every Stage” is their Talent Development Manager, Sarah Bakken!