Hosted by Chris Buck
Episodes
438
Latest episode
Nov 2026
Language
EN
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.
Home Ownership is a challenge, and Michigan's ability to retain talent after graduation is also a focus. Hear how Lansing 5:01 - in partnership with MSHDA and MSUFCU - are focusing on both with the newly launched Spartan Root Down Payment Assistance Program. 5:01. President Samantha Harkins shares the details!
Chris is joined by Sarah Jennings, Princiapl of Maner Costerisan, to discuss Maner’s long standing tradition of giving back through its annual Maner Cares Day of Impact.
Michigan has thousands of thriving small businesses, but one is growing rapidly and fostering economic development around the state, and that’s Triterra. Joining Chris to share a new project type filling their books, and how a national publication has recognized Triterra’s growth, is CEO and Visionary, Don McNabb!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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Ann Carden
Holly Jean Jackson
