The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show

Hosted by Cumulus Media Detroit

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Episodes

141

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

"The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show" brings together forward-thinking business and political leaders to highlight the people, places, resources, and ideas that are making Michigan a world-class business location.

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60 recent

August 30, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY: Michigan’s Global Automotive Advantage!

Aug. 29, 2026 ~ What does the future of mobility look like—and where does Michigan fit in? On The Michigan Opportunity on WJR 760 AM ’s The Great Voice Company, I spoke with two leaders offering different but complementary perspectives: CEO of Lucerne International, Mary Buchzeiger, on the importance of global supply chains, international partnerships and Michigan’s manufacturing connections; and President of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), Steve Przesmitzki, on the research and technology shaping the next generation of vehicles and mobility. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 22, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ From Community Blueprints to Business Breakthroughs: Building Michigan’s Future

Aug. 22, 2026 ~ On this episode of The Michigan Opportunity, we explore two different perspectives on building stronger Michigan communities and businesses. In one conversation, Partner at Giffels Webster, Jill Bahm, discusses community planning, land development, infrastructure, housing, transportation, and the long-term vision needed to create thriving places for future generations. From downtown revitalization to walkable neighborhoods and economic development strategies, Bahm shares how thoughtful planning helps shape the places where people live, work, and connect. In a second segment celebrating Michigan small businesses, Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Chris Rishko highlights the importance of entrepreneurship before introducing business leaders including President of Equitable Accounting Solutions, Mary Barton, and President of iCOR Solutions Zack Pittman. Their stories showcase how Michigan entrepreneurs are helping businesses grow through financial expertise, advisory services, risk management, and a commitment to supporting fellow business owners. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 16, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ From Power Platforms to Bowling Platforms: Michigan Manufacturing Is Still Rolling!

Aug. 15, 2026 ~ On this episode of The Michigan Opportunity Show on WJR, we bring together two very different Michigan manufacturing stories—with a surprisingly similar theme: building the platforms of the future. In one conversation, Vice Chairwoman of Emotiv Mobility Lori Lancaster, and Strategic Energy Lead at Emotiv Mobility Tony Tomczak, discuss new energy platforms, mobility, electrification, and how Michigan can leverage its manufacturing heritage to compete in the next generation of transportation and energy. In a second conversation, President of MOTIV Bowling Scott Wilbur, takes us inside the world of bowling-ball manufacturing and the technology, engineering, craftsmanship, and Michigan know-how behind a global bowling brand. From electric mobility to bowling balls, from energy platforms to bowling platforms, these are two very different industries demonstrating the same Michigan advantage: we know how to make things—and we're finding new ways to make what comes next. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 9, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ FROM GREAT IDEAS TO GREAT COMPANIES: Michigan's Tech Startup & Venture Capital Opportunity!

Aug. 8, 2026 ~ What does Michigan need to turn more breakthrough ideas into high-growth companies? On this episode of The Michigan Opportunity Show on WJR, we bring together Robert Wolfe of Zeck and Ara Topouzian of the Michigan Venture Capital Association for two conversations connected by one powerful theme: the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Reinventing the Boardroom: Innovation, Startups and the Future of Decision-Making. What if board meetings worked more like modern technology companies? Robert Wolfe, founder of Zeck, discusses entrepreneurship, startup culture, and how technology is transforming leadership, governance, and organizational decision-making. We explore what it takes to build successful technology startups in Michigan, the challenges founders face moving from idea and innovation to commercialization and scale, and the critical role that venture capital plays in providing the fuel for growth. Their perspectives highlight an important opportunity for Michigan: we already have world-class universities, research, engineering talent, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and corporate partners—now we need to connect those assets with more capital, customers, mentorship, and pathways to scale. Michigan's next generation of great companies won't just be invented here—they can be funded, built, and scaled here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 1, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Continues Conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026

Aug. 1, 2026 ~ We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference Detroit Regional Chamber, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan’s future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness. Part two guests include: Joe White, High Speed Rodeo Substack, Matt Elliott, Blue Lakes Ideas, Carmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth Institute, Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan, Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central, Dr. Robert McMahan, Kettering University, and Rachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 25, 202629 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ July 25, 2026

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ July 25, 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 18, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL Conference

July 18, 2026 ~ Michigan is emerging as a major hub where technology, economics, and national security converge. From autonomous vehicles to drones, defense to maritime systems, next-generation security and more. In this special multi-guest episode from the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL Conference, industry leaders and innovators discuss the future of uncrewed systems across air, land, water, and space. Our guests dive into why Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead this rapidly evolving global sector. The conversation explores advanced mobility, defense applications, AI, economic development, manufacturing, and the growing ecosystem shaping the future of autonomous technology. Guests include: Raymond Stemitz, Michigan National Guard, Timothy George, ND Defense, Sean Hilbert, Cobra AERO, LLC, Alissa Roath, National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC), Colleen Hau, Newlab, Jayden Sluiter, Westwood AI, Mark Ignash, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, Michael Robbins, AUVSI. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 11, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ Defense Leadership That Builds Stronger Communities

July 11, 2026 ~ From military service to civic impact and small business, Michigan's leaders are making a difference: Sue Schweim Tellier, JetCo Federal and Colonel Lucas Lanczy, Camp Grayling JMTC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 4, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ Why Michigan? Two Entrepreneurs Share Why They Built Their Businesses—and Their Futures—Here.

July 4, 2026 ~ On this special edition of The Michigan Opportunity Show on WJR, we feature two inspiring conversations with visionary business leaders who have chosen Michigan as the place to build exceptional companies. First, we sit down with Amy Peterson, founder of Rebel Nell, the Detroit-based social enterprise that transforms meaningful employment into lasting opportunity. Amy shares how Rebel Nell empowers women facing barriers to employment by creating beautiful, handcrafted jewelry from reclaimed materials found throughout Detroit. We also welcome President and founder of MAC WORLDWIDE, INC. Katie MacIntosh, who discusses her entrepreneurial path and why Michigan has provided the ideal environment to grow a global consulting and strategic advisory firm. Katie shares insights on leadership, international business, entertainment talent development, and the importance of building strong partnerships that help organizations and communities thrive in an increasingly connected world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 28, 202637 min

The Michigan Opportunity Radio Show ~ Michigan's Regional Advantage: How Traverse City and Detroit Are Driving the State's Economic Future, With Haley Bennett, MSW and Glenn Stevens

June 27, 2026 ~ What do Northwest Michigan and Southeast Michigan have in common? More than you might think. On this special edition of The Michigan Opportunity Show on WJR, we bring together two conversations with leaders who are helping shape Michigan's future through regional collaboration, business growth, and economic development. First, we welcome Haley Bennett of Traverse Connect, to discuss the remarkable growth of the Traverse City region. Haley shares how collaboration between business, government, education, and community leaders is creating opportunities in talent attraction, entrepreneurship, tourism, housing, infrastructure, and year-round economic vitality. Learn why Traverse City continues to be recognized as one of Michigan's most dynamic places to live, work, visit, and invest. We also sit down with Executive Director of MichAuto and Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber Glenn Stevens Jr. Glenn discusses Michigan's leadership in the rapidly evolving mobility and automotive industries, the transition to next-generation transportation technologies, workforce development, and how public-private partnerships are strengthening Michigan's position as the global center for automotive innovation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.