TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

Hosted by TALK MIDLAND

Business Entrepreneurship

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Aug 2026

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About the show

A podcast with a mission to promote small businesses in the Midland, Michigan community. The show is hosted by Logan Richetti, the managing broker of Modern Realty, the largest real estate brokerage in Midland. He has a passion for supporting small business leaders in our area, and this podcast is a spotlight for their stories. Follow along to learn more as we #talkmidland.

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September 1, 2026Episode 9734 min

Addiction to innovation — how one Midland mom turned rock bottom into patents, prototypes, and a million-view TikTok | #97

Logan Richetti sits down with Carrie Everett — owner of Midland’s award-winning C&A Servicez and the inventor behind the brand-new Safiee cleaning tool container. Carrie shares the full journey: the light-bulb moment while scrubbing a toilet, the prototype built by SVSU’s innovation lab, navigating patent decisions, finding local support through CMURC and the Midland Business Alliance, and her bold vision to take Safiee to market. Her story reveals the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality of turning an idea into a patented product — all while juggling business, motherhood, and sheer determination. But Carrie's entrepreneurial story is only half of her truth. She opens up about addiction, recovery, rebuilding her self-worth, and the unshakable mindset that fuels her today. From being denied a gas station job due to her past to becoming Midland’s top-rated cleaning company and building a viral TikTok presence, Carrie explains how she transformed the same energy that once fed her addiction into a force for creation, action, and impact. This episode is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that the next big idea can be born anywhere — even bent over a toilet with a scrub daddy in hand. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: Facebook: @TalkMidland TikTok: @TalkMidland YouTube: @TalkMidland Apple Music: @TalkMidland Podcast Spotify: @TalkMidland Podcast Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Keywords Keri Everett, C&A Service, Safie, Safie cleaning product, Midland Michigan, Midland small busines, Midland entrepreneurs, Female entrepreneur, Cleaning business, Cleaning products, Product invention, Patent process, Addiction recovery, Entrepreneurship, Saginaw Valley State University, Talk Midland Podcast Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Keri Everett Keri introduces C&A Services and shares the recent recognition her cleaning company received in Midland. 02:30 – What Is Safie? The everyday cleaning problem that sparked Keri’s idea for a brand-new product. 05:00 – Turning an Idea Into a Patent Keri discusses navigating patents, trademarks, attorneys, and decisions she had never faced before. 08:00 – Midland Resources That Helped Make It Possible How the Midland Business Alliance, CMURC, grants, and other local resources helped Keri move forward. 10:30 – Pitching the Idea to Scrub Daddy Keri shares the funny response she received after reaching out to Scrub Daddy early in the Safie journey. 13:00 – The Cost of Manufacturing an Invention What it could cost to turn Safie from a prototype into a product—and how Keri plans to make it happen. 15:30 – Creating the 3D-Printed Prototype at SVSU Inside the local prototype lab that helped turn Keri’s idea into something she could actually hold. 18:00 – Putting Yourself Out There Keri talks about taking risks, being willing to learn, and continuing even when she's nervous. 20:00 – Keri Opens Up About Addiction & Recovery A deeply personal conversation about addiction, treatment, recovery, and how those experiences shaped the person she is today. 23:00 – The Importance of Self-Worth What Keri would tell her younger self about confidence, self-love, and the choices we make. 25:00 – Rejected From a Job to Starting Her Own Business After a background check prevented Keri from getting a job, she decided to create an opportunity for herself—and started cleaning. 27:00 – The Moment Safie Was Born How cleaning a toilet led to the lightbulb moment behind her invention. 29:00 – The People Who Keep Her Motivated Keri shares why the people she's lost continue to motivate her to chase opportunities they never had. 30:00+ – TikTok, Going Viral & What's Next for Safie From a cleaning tip reaching one million views to building an e-commerce site and exploring TikTok Shop and affiliate marketing, Keri talks about her plans to get Safie in front of customers.

August 25, 2026Episode 9642 min

Behind the Menu: The Real Story of O’s Mid & Main | #96

Have you tried O’s Mid & Main yet? Logan sits down with Marc Owczarzak to talk about the story behind bringing O’s Mid & Main to downtown Midland—and everything customers never see when they sit down for dinner. Marc’s journey is anything but typical. After earning an engineering degree and spending decades working professionally, he eventually realized hospitality was where he truly wanted to be. Today, his family operates restaurants in Auburn, Bay City, and now Midland. They talk about the financial and personal risk of opening another restaurant, Marc’s daughter Riley stepping into the family business, building and training a brand-new team, creating consistency in the kitchen, dealing with customer expectations and online reviews, and why hospitality means much more than simply delivering a meal. One of the biggest takeaways? Tell your server when they’re doing a great job. Marc explains that sometimes a few genuine words of encouragement can mean as much as the tip itself. If you love local restaurants, small business, entrepreneurship, or downtown Midland, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Marc Owczarzak The family and story behind O’s 04:30 – From Engineering to Hospitality Why Marc left a long professional career 10:00 – How the Auburn Restaurant Started Taking the first entrepreneurial risk 15:30 – Expanding Into Bay City Building H2O’s and making the career change 21:00 – Why Midland Became the Next Location How the opportunity developed 27:00 – Bringing Riley Into the Family Business A daughter leaving the corporate world for restaurants 33:00 – Building O’s Mid & Main The menu, downtown location, and opening process 39:00 – The Risk Behind Opening a Restaurant Money, staffing, real estate, and uncertainty 45:00 – Finding Your Passion Why Marc believes passion makes taking risks easier 51:00 – Restaurant Consistency Is Harder Than It Looks Getting every meal right every time 57:00 – Managing a New Kitchen & Team Training talented people to work the same system 1:03:00 – Social Media & Customer Expectations How reviews impact restaurants 1:09:00 – A Message for Restaurant Customers Why telling your server “great job” matters Keywords Downtown Midland Michigan, Midland MI restaurants, O’s Pub and Grill, H2O’s Waterside Grill, Midland small business, Restaurant entrepreneurship, Family business, Restaurant ownership, Hospitality industry, Downtown Midland, Customer service, Local restaurants, Talk Midland Podcast

August 18, 2026Episode 9534 min

REPLAY - The Business of People: HR, Fitness, and Community with Ali Huntoon | #95

What does it really take to build a business around people—and do it well? Logan Richetti sits down with Ali Huntoon, founder of Allied HR Solutions and Allied Group Fitness, to unpack the realities of entrepreneurship, employee retention, workplace culture, and why movement is just as important for mental health as it is for physical health. Ali shares how she launched a fractional HR firm at the very start of 2020, why small businesses don’t need full-time HR to do things right, and how thoughtful leadership, communication, and culture-fit hiring can make or break an organization. The conversation also dives into Ali’s second passion—fitness—and how building an inclusive, judgment-free community has transformed the way people experience exercise. This episode is packed with real-world insight for business owners, leaders, and anyone passionate about building healthier workplaces and stronger communities. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Entrepreneurship looks easier than it is 02:15 – Introducing Ali Huntoon & her two businesses 05:10 – Launching Allied HR Solutions in early 2020 09:30 – What fractional HR really means 14:45 – Handbooks, compliance, and modern HR challenges 20:30 – Employee retention, culture, and career pathing 27:40 – Leadership, feedback, and communication 34:50 – Transition to Allied Group Fitness 39:30 – Redefining fitness and mental health 46:10 – Spin, yoga, pound, and building inclusive fitness spaces 52:20 – Community involvement and giving back in Midland 58:40 – Final thoughts on people, culture, and collaboration Key Keywords Fractional HR, Employee retention, Workplace culture, Small business HR, Leadership development, Hiring for culture fit, Employee engagement, Mental health and movement, Group fitness community, Women in business, Entrepreneurship journey, Midland Michigan business, Community leadership, Fitness for beginners, Building strong teams

July 21, 2026Episode 9437 min

Running for Larkin Township Clerk: Mary Draves' Vision for the Future | #94

The decisions made at the township level impact your roads, parks, fire protection, elections, zoning, and future growth—but many people don't know how local government works. Logan sits down with Mary Draves , candidate for Larkin Township Clerk , to discuss her lifelong connection to Larkin Township, her 30+ year leadership career at Dow, and why she's running for office. Mary explains the responsibilities of township government, the role of the Township Clerk, and the challenges facing one of Midland County's fastest-growing communities. From water taps and fire protection to long-term planning and community engagement, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping Larkin Township's future. In this episode: Mary's career at Dow and leadership experience Growing up in a fourth-generation Larkin Township family What a Township Clerk actually does How township government works Water taps and future development Fire protection and long-term planning Why communication with residents matters Supporting local businesses and economic growth The importance of community service Why informed local elections matter Whether you live in Larkin Township or simply want to better understand local government, this episode provides valuable insight into how decisions close to home affect everyday life. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Mary Draves Growing up in a fourth-generation Larkin Township family 04:15 – A 30+ Year Career at Dow Leadership, sustainability, and building experience 10:45 – Family Business & Community Roots Why Midland has always been home 17:30 – Why Run for Township Clerk? What motivated Mary to seek office 24:10 – How Township Government Works Understanding the roles and responsibilities 31:30 – Water Taps & Community Growth Planning for Larkin Township's future 39:45 – Fire Protection & Long-Term Planning Preparing for the next generation 47:20 – Communication with Residents Keeping citizens informed 54:00 – Leadership Through Service Why community involvement matters Keywords Mary Draves, Larkin Township, Larkin Township Clerk, Midland Michigan, Township government, Local government, Elections, Community leadership, Dow, Midland County, Fire protection, Water taps, Economic development, Local politics, Talk Midland Podcast

July 14, 2026Episode 9331 min

Addiction to Hope: One Man's Journey Through the Recovery Pod | #93

This is one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on Talk Midland. Logan sits down inside the Recovery Pod at the Midland County Jail with Johnny Saunders to hear the raw, heartbreaking, and hopeful story of a man who has spent decades battling addiction. Johnny opens up about growing up with parents addicted to drugs, entering foster care, losing his sister, years of addiction, multiple prison sentences, and the choices that brought him back behind bars. But this conversation isn't just about addiction. It's about responsibility, redemption, second chances, and a groundbreaking program inside the Midland County Sheriff's Office that's helping inmates rebuild their lives before they return to the community. In this episode: Growing up in a home filled with addiction Entering foster care as a child How addiction slowly took over his life Multiple prison sentences and life as a career criminal The moment he realized he wanted something different Inside Midland County's Recovery Pod Drug Court and why accountability matters Rebuilding self-worth after addiction The fear of starting over Why hope still exists Whether you've experienced addiction personally, have a loved one who's struggling, or simply want to better understand recovery, this conversation is one you won't forget. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Johnny Saunders Inside the Midland County Recovery Pod 04:20 – Growing Up Around Addiction Life with two addicted parents and foster care 11:00 – Losing His Sister How tragedy fueled addiction 18:30 – From Drug Use to Career Crime The choices that led to prison 27:15 – Hitting Rock Bottom The cycle of addiction and relapse 35:00 – Inside the Recovery Pod How Midland County is doing things differently 44:15 – Drug Court & Accountability Learning responsibility for the first time 52:10 – Preparing for Release The fear of starting over 59:45 – Building a New Future Hope, support systems, and second chances Keywords Recovery Pod, Johnny Saunders, Scott Holzinger, Midland County Sheriff's Office, Addiction recovery, Drug Court, Foster care, Substance abuse, Second chances, Mental health, Criminal justice reform, Recovery program, Midland Michigan, Talk Midland Podcast

July 7, 2026Episode 9225 min

More Than a Car Wash: How Tommy's Express Is Building Community in Midland | #92

What makes someone choose one car wash over another? Logan sits down with Tom Terry , Site Leader at Tommy's Express Car Wash , to talk about bringing a new business to Midland, creating memorable customer experiences, and why putting people first has been the key to their success. Tom shares how Tommy's Express has grown by focusing on exceptional customer service, investing in employees, supporting local organizations, and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Tommy's Express chose Midland What makes their car wash different from the competition The importance of customer service in today's world How they develop future leaders from within Why they believe in giving people second chances The story behind one of their most loyal customers Why community involvement matters to their business How unlimited memberships work What goes into building a successful local business Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone who appreciates great customer service, this episode is full of valuable insights. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Tom Terry How Tommy's Express came to Midland 03:45 – Building a New Business Why Midland was the perfect location 08:30 – What Makes Tommy's Different Hot water, free vacuums, and customer service 14:20 – Creating a Better Customer Experience Memberships, technology, and convenience 20:10 – The Story of Derek A customer who reminds everyone why people matter 26:15 – Why Businesses Open Near Competitors The strategy behind location selection 32:30 – Developing Future Leaders Growing employees from within 39:00 – Giving People Second Chances Building a workplace that cares 46:15 – Community Partnerships Supporting Midland schools and nonprofits 53:00 – Why Customer Service Still Wins Old-school values in a modern business Keywords Tommy's Express Car Wash, Tom Terry, Midland Michigan, Customer service, Small business, Car wash, Leadership, Employee development, Midland Business, Entrepreneurship, Local business, Community involvement, Unlimited car wash, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland MI

June 30, 2026Episode 9132 min

The Swim Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear | #91

Could your child get themselves out of a pool if they accidentally fell in? Logan sits down with Abigayle Bundze of Schieber Swim School 2.0 and the Schieber Swim Foundation to discuss one of the most important life skills a child can learn: water safety. Abbi explains why traditional swim lessons aren't always enough, the difference between learning to swim and learning to survive, and why every child should know how to roll onto their back, float, get to the wall, and climb out safely. They discuss: Why drowning is often silent and happens faster than people realize The difference between self-rescue swim lessons and traditional lessons Why flotation devices can create a false sense of security The biggest mistakes parents make around pools Teaching babies as young as four months old Building confidence after a near-drowning experience Why every child should know how to safely exit a pool The mission behind the Schieber Swim Foundation If you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this conversation could change the way you think about water safety. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Drowning Happens Faster Than You Think Why water safety is so important 03:10 – Meet Abbi Bundze & Schieber Swim School The mission behind self-rescue swim lessons 07:30 – Learning to Swim vs. Learning to Survive The difference every parent should know 13:00 – The Biggest Pool Safety Mistakes False confidence and flotation devices 18:45 – Can Babies Really Learn Self-Rescue? Starting lessons as young as four months 25:10 – Helping Kids Overcome Water Fear Building confidence after a scary experience 32:20 – Why Floating Comes Before Swimming The foundation of self-rescue 39:30 – How Long Does It Take to Learn? What parents can realistically expect 46:00 – Group Lessons vs. One-on-One Lessons Finding the right approach 53:10 – The Schieber Swim Foundation Making life-saving swim lessons accessible for everyone Keywords Schieber Swim School, Abigayle Bundze, Water safety, Swim lessons, Self-rescue swimming, Drowning prevention, Infant swim lessons, Midland Michigan, Child water safety, Pool safety, Swim school, Schieber Swim Foundation, Parenting, Talk Midland Podcast, Swimming for kids

June 23, 2026Episode 9042 min

Midland to Shark Tank: How Trevor Szafranski Landed a Deal and Is Changing Education | #90

Thousands of people cried watching this Shark Tank pitch. Logan sits down with Trevor Szafranski , founder of R1SE: Education & Recreation , to discuss his incredible journey from public school teacher to Shark Tank entrepreneur. Trevor shares the behind-the-scenes story of getting the call from ABC, stepping into the Tank, receiving praise from all five sharks, and ultimately landing a deal with Barbara Corcoran. But this episode is about much more than television. Trevor explains how R1SE is helping students build confidence, supporting overwhelmed parents, and creating environments where kids can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In this episode: The Shark Tank audition and filming process What happened that didn't make it on TV Why Barbara Corcoran was Trevor's first choice How R1SE is transforming before and after-school care The emotional response from families across America The future of franchising R1SE nationwide Supporting students beyond academics Building a mission-driven business Balancing affordability with growth And what's next after Shark Tank This is an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, education, and creating something that truly changes lives. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Trevor Szafranski & R1SE How a teacher became an entrepreneur 04:15 – The Problem R1SE Is Solving Helping students and parents 10:20 – The Call From ABC Getting invited to Shark Tank 16:30 – Behind the Scenes of Shark Tank Preparing for the biggest pitch of his life 24:10 – The Sharks' Reactions What surprised Trevor the most 31:45 – Barbara Corcoran's Offer Why she was the perfect partner 39:20 – The Emotional Response From America Thousands of emails and messages 47:15 – The Future of R1SE Franchising and national growth 55:00 – Building a Mission-Driven Business Purpose before profit 1:02:40 – What's Next for Trevor and R1SE The future after Shark Tank Keywords Trevor Szafranski , R1SE Education and Recreation, Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran, Midland Michigan, Education entrepreneurship, After school programs, Student mentorship, Childcare innovation, Franchising, Small business success, Family support, Talk Midland Podcast, ABC Shark Tank, Educational leadership

June 16, 2026Episode 8949 min

What Most People Don't Know About Firefighters | #89

When everyone else is running away from danger, firefighters are running toward it. Logan sits down with Midland Fire Marshal John Jurek to discuss what it really means to serve our community through fire prevention, emergency response, and public safety. John shares his unique journey into the fire service, inspired by his mother—one of the first female firefighters in Washtenaw County—and discusses everything from fire inspections and firefighter training to major emergencies, floods, and the realities of modern firefighting. In this episode, you'll learn: What a Fire Marshal actually does How businesses are inspected for fire safety The path to becoming a firefighter Why firefighter training never stops What happens when the alarm goes off at 3 AM Midland's fire stations and emergency response system Mutual aid and how departments work together Stories from floods, fires, and emergency situations The future of fire protection in Midland And John's passion for educating the public through social media and YouTube This conversation offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of Midland's most important public safety organizations. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Meet Fire Marshal John Jurek His role with the Midland Fire Department 03:15 – Fire Inspections & Fire Code Enforcement How businesses stay safe 08:20 – Growing Up Around Firefighters The influence of John's mother 13:10 – One of the First Female Firefighters A trailblazing story 18:45 – The Reality of Firefighter Training Why learning never stops 24:30 – How to Become a Firefighter Career paths and certifications 31:20 – Life Inside a Fire Station 24-hour shifts and emergency response 38:10 – Midland's Fire Stations Explained How resources are deployed 44:45 – Fire Department Staffing Challenges Meeting community needs 50:15 – Major Emergencies & Mutual Aid How departments work together 56:20 – The 2020 Flood & Community Response Lessons learned from disaster 1:02:00 – Fire Prevention & Public Education Keeping Midland safe before emergencies happen Keywords John Jurek, Midland Fire Department, Fire Marshal, Midland Michigan, Firefighter career, Fire safety, Fire inspections, Emergency response, Fire prevention, Midland podcast, Public safety, Firefighter training, Mutual aid, 2020 Midland flood, Talk Midland Podcast

June 9, 2026Episode 8831 min

The Secret to a Thriving Backyard Garden Starts Before You Plant Anything | #88

Dreaming of fresh vegetables from your backyard but don't know where to start? Logan sits down with Sara Zielinski , founder of Rooted Fork Garden , to talk about helping Midland families build successful kitchen gardens from the ground up. Sara shares why most gardening failures happen long before the first seed is planted and explains how the right setup can dramatically improve your chances of success. In this episode, you'll learn: Raised beds vs. in-ground gardens The biggest mistakes new gardeners make Why soil matters more than most people realize How to design a garden around what your family actually eats Watering strategies that help plants thrive The health benefits of homegrown food How gardening gets kids excited about vegetables Why succession planting can extend your harvest all season long Whether you're planting your first tomato or looking to improve an existing garden, this episode is packed with practical advice for creating a thriving backyard garden. Stay Connected with Us! Please like, share, and subscribe to the #TalkMidland Podcast to stay updated on future episodes and help spread the word about the amazing people and programs in Midland, Michigan. Follow #TalkMidland on social media for the latest updates and episodes: @TALKMIDLAND Join the conversation and be part of the Midland, Michigan community! #TalkMidland Chapter Notes 00:00 – Why Most Gardens Fail The setup matters more than you think 03:15 – What Is Rooted Fork Garden? Sarah's mission to help families garden successfully 07:45 – Designing the Perfect Garden Starting with your family's goals 12:30 – Raised Beds vs In-Ground Gardens Pros and cons of each approach 18:40 – Soil: The Most Important Ingredient Why healthy soil changes everything 24:20 – Watering Mistakes Most People Make Deep watering vs frequent watering 30:15 – Gardening With Kids Creating lifelong healthy habits 36:10 – Growing More Food in the Same Space Succession planting explained 42:00 – Health Benefits of Homegrown Produce Freshness, nutrition, and flavor 47:30 – Workshops, Coaching, and Garden Consultations How Sarah helps local families 53:20 – Building a Garden You'll Actually Enjoy Creating habits that last Keywords Rooted Fork Garden, Sarah Zielinski, Backyard gardening, Midland Michigan gardening, Raised bed gardens, Vegetable gardening, Kitchen garden, Homegrown vegetables, Gardening tips, Garden planning, Organic gardening, Michigan gardening, Gardening for beginners, Healthy eating, Talk Midland podcast