The ROCC Pod: Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce

Hosted by Jon Gay, Lisa Bibbee, Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce

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Aug 2026

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We are excited to launch the first ever podcast for the Royal Oak Michigan Chamber of Commerce, "The ROCC Pod!" This will be a unique podcast with an all-star cast of hosts. Join us, as we get to know our Royal Oak Chamber members on a more personal level. Want to be featured as a guest on our show? Email us! theroccpod@gmail.com

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September 3, 202615 min

MS Society Taste of Generosity Event September 11th

In this episode, we talk with Kristina Guse from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society about multiple sclerosis, the support available for people affected by the disease, and the upcoming MS Taste of Generosity event at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The National MS Society was founded in 1946 and serves people living with MS as well as their families, caregivers, and friends. MS is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can change from day to day. The exact cause of MS is still unknown. Kristina shares how she first joined the organization early in her career and later returned in 2014. Between both periods, she has spent about 18 years with the National MS Society. What began as a job became a major part of her life. She met her husband through an MS Society golf event, and her daughter now volunteers at events as well. Over the years, Kristina has also met many people living with MS, which has made the mission much more personal. We also talk about the MS Navigator Program. People living with MS, family members, caregivers, and others can connect with a navigator by phone, email, appointments, or online chat. The program helps people find information, resources, and support. Kristina then gives us a look at the fifth annual MS Taste of Generosity, happening September 11 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The event features 65 Michigan food and beverage vendors, ranging from established brands like Faygo, Better Made, and Ray’s Ice Cream to smaller businesses trying to introduce their products to new customers. The vendors provide samples rather than selling products. Once guests purchase admission, they can sample everything without buying additional tasting tickets. General admission is $50, while the $100 VIP ticket provides entry an hour early at 5:30 p.m., access to a VIP pavilion, seating, a private bar, swag, and other perks. Kids 12 and under attend free, and the event includes children’s activities. The event raises about $120,000 each year for the National MS Society. Kristina also highlights Red Hatch Chili, Vander Mill Cider, and newcomer Good Energy Protein Bars as examples of participating vendors. Taste of Michigan Website: https://bit.ly/TOG-MI National MS Society Website: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/ (00:00) Intro (00:45) National MS Society and Multiple Sclerosis 101 (02:50) Kristina Guse's Connection to the MS Society (05:28) Supporting Families and Caregivers (06:50) The MS Taste of Generosity (07:10) How Taste of Generosity Started (08:11) Michigan Food and Beverage Vendors (08:52) One Ticket Includes All Sampling (09:23) Family Friendly Admission and Kids Activities (10:53) What VIP Admission Includes (11:44) Local Businesses Supporting the Event (12:29) Favorite and New Vendors Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 27, 202618 min

A Better Way to Think About Financial Planning

How did a college swimmer and circus acrobat become a financial representative? You're about to find out. Today, we sit down with Tripp Crosthwaite of Lifetime Financial Growth, to talk about his path into financial planning and the habits that can help people build a stronger financial foundation. Tripp’s background is anything but traditional. He studied biology at the University of Kentucky, competed as a swimmer, worked in medical device sales in Arkansas, and even spent time performing acrobatics with a circus group. He eventually returned home to Michigan and found a new way to use his problem solving skills by helping people with their finances. Tripp explains the difference between having individual financial advisors and working with a financial planner who sees the full picture. He compares financial professionals to the different people who help maintain a car. One person may handle the tires, another the oil, and another the transmission. In the same way, people may work with insurance professionals, CPAs, attorneys, HR departments, and investment professionals. A financial planner can sit in the middle and help coordinate those relationships. A major focus of the conversation is creating better savings habits. Tripp recommends what he calls “saving by default and spending by decision.” Instead of waiting until the end of the month to save whatever is left, the goal is to make saving an automatic part of the budget. Once that money is set aside, the remaining income can support bills, lifestyle expenses, and the things we enjoy. We also talk about balancing long term goals with living life today. Saving does not mean avoiding every purchase or experience. The goal is to place money into the right buckets so there is room for both future needs and current priorities. Tripp also emphasizes that our ability to earn income may be our most valuable financial asset. A house or investment account may seem like the obvious answer, but those assets still depend heavily on continued cash flow. If an illness or accident prevents someone from working, protecting that income becomes critical. Finally, Tripp explains the relationship between wealth accumulation and wealth distribution. Building wealth requires putting money into the appropriate short term, long term, investment, and cash buckets. Retirement then requires thinking carefully about how those assets are withdrawn. Outside of his financial work, Tripp stays involved with the Royal Oak Chamber through its Ambassador Committee and Young Professional Network. His message throughout the conversation is simple: good financial planning starts with education, strong habits, and better conversations. (00:00) Intro (00:31) Meet Tripp Crosthwaite (00:59) Performing With a Circus Group (03:36) Returning Home to Michigan (04:49) Financial Advisor vs. Financial Planner (06:38) Building Better Financial Habits (08:16) Save by Default, Spend by Decision (10:03) Balancing Saving With Enjoying Life (11:52) Your Most Valuable Financial Asset (13:29) Wealth Accumulation vs. Distribution (14:39) Tripp’s Michigan Happy Place (16:32) Royal Oak Chamber Involvement (17:43) How to Contact Tripp Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 14, 202629 min

What Small Businesses Need to Know About AI, Data Centers and Cybersecurity

Steve Searles, Chief Technology Officer of Liberty Center One, joins us to explain what data centers actually do, how small businesses can make smarter technology decisions, and where AI fits into the picture. Steve also shares his unusual path from aviation into IT, including years flying hot air balloons for RE/MAX before moving deeper into technology. We start with Liberty Center One’s Royal Oak facility and why its location made sense for a data center. The building began as a tool and die facility, giving it the heavy concrete construction needed for electrical systems, cooling equipment, batteries, and servers. Steve also explains that not every data center is the same. A local commercial data center serving manufacturers and automotive suppliers is very different from a massive hyperscale facility built for companies such as OpenAI, Google, or Meta. Liberty Center One focuses on efficiency, including cooling systems that can take advantage of Michigan’s cold winter air. Steve also breaks down what "the cloud" actually means. Data stored in the cloud still lives on physical hardware somewhere. For businesses, the location of that hardware can matter. Manufacturing systems, quality control, and other latency sensitive applications may need servers physically close to the operation. Email and less time sensitive workloads can live farther away. This is one reason more companies are using a multi cloud approach rather than putting everything with one provider. We also talk about AI and how small businesses should approach it. AI works best when there is a specific problem to solve. Steve points to business intelligence, marketing, image generation, and translation as useful applications. One automotive customer can translate large technical manuals almost instantly for teams around the world. At the same time, AI can become frustrating when businesses force it into customer service situations where a human would provide a better experience. Steve describes AI as a force multiplier rather than a replacement for everything people already do. Cybersecurity is another key topic. Steve explains how ransomware enters a business, encrypts files, and demands payment for restoring access. The strongest defense is a clean backup that is separate from the infected production environment. Liberty Center One maintains out of band backups and replication so businesses can recover from a known good copy rather than depend on a ransom payment. Ultimately, Steve comes back to customer service. Small technology companies often use similar hardware and platforms as much larger competitors. Their advantage is responsiveness, flexibility, and the ability for customers to reach an actual person when something goes wrong. Bonus: You'll also hear about the charity work Liberty Center One's CEO and his wife are doing in Royal Oak. Liberty Center One: https://www.libertycenterone.com/ Liberty Center One Sales: sales@libertycenterone.com (00:00) Intro (00:32) Meet Steve Searles of Liberty Center One (01:29) Cincinnati, Skyline Chili and Detroit (02:07) From Aviation and Hot Air Balloons to IT (04:44) Why Not All Data Centers Are the Same (07:11) Making Data Centers More Efficient (08:38) What “The Cloud” Actually Means (11:06) Why the Physical Location of Your Data Matters (12:25) Why Businesses Are Leaving Some Big Cloud Providers (14:23) How Small Businesses Can Use AI (18:17) Jon's Mom's Real World Scam and the Risks Facing Consumers (19:28) How a Ransomware Attack Works (24:09) Should a Business Ever Pay a Ransom? (26:03) Liberty Center One and the Hand In Hand Foundation (26:46) Fishbowl Question: Steve’s Favorite Teacher (28:39) How to Contact Liberty Center One Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 27, 202628 min

How SMART Bus Is Improving Service and Ridership

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, Jon Gay talks with Tiffany Gunter, General Manager and CEO of SMART Bus, about the role public transportation plays in Southeast Michigan and how SMART is working to improve service, access, and perception across the region. Tiffany starts by sharing her career path, which began outside of public service in retail and automotive before a job posting for urban planning led her to SEMCOG. That opened the door to transit work, including time with the Regional Transit Authority, city management in Birmingham, and eventually SMART. SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) serves Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, along with parts of Detroit, through fixed-route buses, paratransit service, community transportation partners, and Flex microtransit. The Flex service works more like Uber or Lyft, giving riders curb-to-curb service through an app. It helps solve the first-mile and last-mile challenge, especially in a region where people may live too far from a bus stop to walk comfortably. Pontiac has been one of the strongest examples, with SMART reaching one million Flex rides across its five pilot zones. SMART is also launching free rides for students beginning May 1. That includes K through 12 students, college and university students, and apprenticeship programs. Tiffany says the program is not just about giving away service. It helps families, builds ridership, and teaches the next generation how to use public transportation. She also explains that higher ridership helps SMART draw more state and federal funding. The conversation also covers SMART’s connection to Royal Oak. Tiffany says Royal Oak has long been a strong transit partner, with a major transit center and access to Amtrak. SMART is preparing a facility assessment through an architectural and engineering contract, and Tiffany sees an opportunity to rethink what the Royal Oak Transit Center could become. Tiffany also talks about the cultural challenge of promoting transit in the Motor City. She says the lack of strong regional transit is not just about car culture or the auto industry. It is also tied to missed political opportunities, regional disagreement, and the fact that Southeast Michigan’s road network gives drivers many options. Still, younger generations are less attached to driving, which creates a chance to build new habits. SMART is also focused on performance. Tiffany describes the “Down with OTP” campaign, a play on Naughty By Nature, where OTP means on-time performance. SMART improved from 62% to 76%, with a goal of 85%. Drivers now track garage-by-garage leaderboards, and Tiffany says the competition has helped build pride and better service. She also points to Wi-Fi, cleaner shelters, ADA improvements, and a 40% ridership increase on Woodward and Gratiot between February 2025 and February 2026. The episode closes with Tiffany sharing how martial arts shaped her leadership style, how her mother became her best friend and source of strength, and how SMART is using social media and augmented reality to help more people understand the system before they even step on a bus. Smart Bus Website: https://www.smartmovesus.org (00:00) Intro (03:22) What SMART Bus is and how it serves the region (05:20) How Flex microtransit works (07:22) Free rides for students beginning May 1 (09:41) SMART’s connection to Royal Oak (11:41) Promoting transit in the Motor City (14:52) Younger generations and changing attitudes about driving (19:34) SMART’s on-time performance campaign (26:40) SMART website, social media, and augmented reality Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 12, 202614 min

Why Storytelling Still Wins in Modern Marketing

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Fossano from Premier Communications Group and talk about what it really means to market in a technology driven world. We start with a fun look at Mike’s life outside the office, including his passion for gardening and making homemade sauces and jams. From there, we shift into the history of Premier Communications Group, which was founded by his father in 1982 as a graphic design firm and has grown into a full service marketing communications agency. We reflect on the company’s 44 year journey and how it has evolved to serve clients across industries including automotive, healthcare, insurance, real estate, and more. Working with a wide range of industries keeps the work fresh and forces us to stay curious. We acknowledge the rapid pace of change in marketing, from the early days of websites to the rise of social media, AI, and tools like ChatGPT. While technology plays a major role, it cannot replace genuine human connection. Strong client relationships, thoughtful listening, and tailored strategies remain at the core of effective marketing. We explore how different platforms serve different purposes. Some clients benefit from Facebook or Instagram, while others in B2B spaces may see stronger results on LinkedIn. We stress the importance of understanding where an audience actually spends time and building a tactical approach around that insight. A major theme of our conversation is storytelling. We talk about how uncovering a company’s history, milestones, awards, and innovations can humanize a brand. Sharing those stories builds trust, credibility, and connection. In a world full of automation and algorithms, we remind ourselves that people want to be seen, heard, and valued. Personalized outreach and thoughtful communication stand out in ways that automated messages do not. We also touch on Premier’s deep roots in Royal Oak and long standing involvement with the Chamber of Commerce. We close with a lighter conversation about Detroit sports and lifelong memories with Mike's late dad, built around baseball. Premiere Communications Group Website: https://premiercg.com/ Mike's Email: mfossano@premierecg.com Phone Number: 248-544-7383 Address: 612 East Fourth Street, Royal Oak. Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 26, 202617 min

Why The Right Colors Change Everything

We open this episode by talking about how seeing ourselves on camera during COVID changed the way many of us think about how we look. We discuss how lighting, color, and cohesion play a bigger role than we realize, and how that realization often becomes the entry point into color analysis. From there, we introduce House of Colour and Dee Pineaut, who joins us to explain what color analysis actually is and where it comes from. We walk through the history of color analysis, starting with early 20th-century art theory and the Bauhaus movement, and then moving into the film industry with the rise of Technicolor. Filmmakers learned that certain colors could make actors look healthier, younger, brighter, or more sinister, and those same principles apply to everyday people. We talk about how color can either harmonize with someone’s natural undertones or fight against them, affecting how vibrant or washed out they appear. We then break down what a typical House of Colour appointment looks like. Natural daylight and an in-person experience are essential, and precision-dyed drapes are used to determine whether someone has warm or cool undertones. From there, we outline the four seasonal palettes—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and what those seasons mean in practical terms. We discuss how finding the right colors simplifies getting dressed, helps wardrobes become more cohesive, and reduces decision fatigue in the morning. We move beyond color into style analysis, where we talk about body shape, clothing cuts, and personality. We emphasize that this process is not about changing someone’s body, but about honoring it and choosing shapes, fabrics, and details that work best for each individual. We highlight how style evolves over a lifetime and how these tools help people adapt through career changes, retirement, weight changes, and life transitions. We also cover the additional services House of Colour offers, including cosmetics, wardrobe edits, personal shopping, and online shopping resources. Dee shares her own journey into this work, explaining how her personal transformation led her to open a House of Colour studio in Royal Oak. We close by talking about client success stories, community involvement through the Royal Oak Chamber, and how listeners can get started on their own color and style journey. More: Dee's House of Colour Website: https://www.houseofcolour.com/stylists/dee-pineau-royal-oak-michigan (00:00) – Intro (01:25) – What Color Analysis Is and Where It Comes From (02:48) – Film, Technicolor, and the Psychology of Color (03:32) – What House of Colour Does (04:51) – What a Color Analysis Appointment Looks Like (06:34) – Favorite Colors vs. Best Colors (08:06) – Why In-Person Analysis Matters (09:13) – Style Analysis and Body Shapes (11:06) – Additional Services: Makeup, Wardrobes, Shopping (13:10) – Dee’s Personal Journey to House of Colour (14:27) – Client Transformations and Success Stories (15:22) – Royal Oak Chamber and Community Involvement (16:26) – How to Get Started with House of Colour Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

February 5, 202624 min

Overcoming Dental Anxiety with Dr. Karassi

We sit down with Dr. Tasneem Karassi of Wellness Family Dentistry to talk about her journey into dentistry, her decision to open a startup practice in Royal Oak, and her passion for patient-centered, whole-body dental care. We start by getting to know Dr. Karassi beyond dentistry, including her long-time love of ceramics and how working with her hands outside the office helps her unwind and stay grounded. That creative background naturally connects to dentistry, a profession that blends precision, artistry, and problem-solving. We explore how and why she chose Royal Oak as both her home and the location for her practice. After working in several offices across the region, Dr. Karassi knew she wanted to build something from scratch that reflected her own vision. With encouragement from fellow local business owners and the right opportunity opening up, Wellness Family Dentistry was born. She shares how the energy, community, and vibrancy of Royal Oak made it the perfect place to plant roots and grow a practice. A major focus of our conversation is dental anxiety. We talk about why so many patients feel nervous at the dentist and how trust, communication, and time are the most important tools in overcoming that fear. Dr. Karassi explains how her office prioritizes education, visual tools, and a calm, spa-like environment to remove the mystery from dental care. From aroma therapy to noise-canceling headphones, everything is designed to make patients feel safe, heard, and unrushed. We also dive into dental insurance and affordability, including options for patients without insurance. Dr. Karassi outlines her one-time new patient special and the Wellness Family Plan, a membership model that focuses on preventive care and transparency rather than insurance limitations. One of the most impactful parts of the conversation centers on airway dentistry and sleep apnea. We discuss how sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed, how it affects the entire body, and how dentists can play a key role in identifying and treating it. Dr. Karassi explains mandibular advancement devices as a non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines and shares real-life examples of how proper diagnosis can dramatically improve patients’ quality of life. We wrap up by talking about pediatric dental care, the importance of starting children early, and how lifelong habits are formed. Dr. Karassi shares how her curiosity and conversations during a two-year gap period ultimately led her into dentistry, a profession she now uses to combine health, wellness, aesthetics, and community impact. Wellness Family Dentistry Website– https://wellnessfamilydentistry.co (00:00) Intro (00:20) Welcome to the ROCC Pod (00:49) Ceramics, Creativity, and Dentistry (01:53) Starting a Dental Practice from Scratch (04:24) Understanding and Treating Dental Anxiety (08:46) Dental Insurance, Membership Plans, and Costs (10:30) Airway Dentistry and Sleep Apnea (15:57) Pediatric Dental Care and Starting Kids Early (18:24) Finding Passion in Dentistry (20:33) Joining the Royal Oak Chamber (21:14) Fishbowl Question & Fun Wrap-Up (22:41) How to Contact Wellness Family Dentistry Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January 22, 202615 min

Michigan Wine, Uncorked: Inside Michigan By The Bottle

In this episode of The ROCC Pod , we sit down with Taylor Simpson, co-owner of Michigan By The Bottle, to explore the evolution of a wine-centric community experience that brings together Michigan’s top vineyards under one roof. Taylor shares how the concept began in 2012 as a blog run by two passionate wine lovers and grew into a network of tasting rooms across Southeast Michigan—including locations in Shelby Township, Royal Oak, and Auburn Hills—with a fourth coming soon to Lake Orion. We discuss what sets Michigan By The Bottle apart: a curated selection from 15 winery partners across the state, giving customers access to wines from every Michigan AVA (American Viticultural Area) without the long drive. Events are central to the experience, from wine and food pairings with winemakers to unexpected offerings like sourdough workshops and Galentine’s gatherings with permanent jewelry. It’s a place where community and curiosity intersect—where wine is the medium, but connection is the goal. Taylor also breaks down her role in the company. Alongside her brother, she acquired Michigan By The Bottle in partnership with Paul and Geoff Hamelin of Verterra Winery. They’ve modernized the business, revamped the wine club to be fully customizable, and launched member-exclusive perks—like curated trips to Leelanau Peninsula wineries. We get into Michigan’s unique wine geography, diving into how the 45th parallel and Lake Michigan’s climate make this state ideal for cool-climate varietals. Taylor explains how lake-effect snow insulates vines during harsh winters, helping Michigan produce high-quality grapes that rival well-known European regions. She even introduces us to less common varietals like Blaufränkisch and Grüner Veltliner, showcasing the diversity in Michigan’s wine scene. The episode wraps on a lighter note with Taylor’s ostrich-riding adventure in South Africa and a fun fishbowl question about naming her dream yacht—spoiler: it’d be something wine-related like Uncorked . We’re proud to spotlight Taylor and Michigan By The Bottle as a vibrant example of entrepreneurial energy and regional pride, all while raising a glass to local flavor. Learn more at https://michiganbythebottle.com/ Email: tasting@michiganbythebottle.com (00:00) - Meet Taylor Simpson (01:03) - Ostrich Riding in South Africa (02:18) - Origins of Michigan By The Bottle (03:56) - Locations & Events (05:30) - Wine Clubs & Member Trips (07:21) - Michigan Winery Selection Process (08:28) - Michigan's Wine Geography Explained (10:01) - Ice Wine and Upcoming Events (10:28) - Unique Wines to Try (12:30) - Royal Oak Chamber Experience (13:20) - Fishbowl Fun: Name Your Yacht (14:28) - How to Connect with Michigan By The Bottle Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

December 18, 202516 min

Baker College's Debt Forgiveness, 1 Year MBA, and More

In this episode, we sit down with Tonya Jennings and Nathan Wright from Baker College (now with a mascot: The Bees!) to explore how the institution is creating new paths for education, especially for returning students, first-gen learners, and working professionals. We kick off with a look at their innovative "Return to the Hive" program, which offers institutional debt forgiveness for former students who left Baker due to unpaid balances. Half the debt is forgiven after one term, and the rest after completing a second semester. This initiative is specifically designed to remove financial barriers and re-engage students who’ve been out of the system for two years or more. We shift into how Baker supports first-generation college students through its "First-Gen Bees" program, which offers guidance and community for both students and staff who are navigating college without the benefit of a parent who’s been through the process. Tonya and Nathan emphasize the college’s “students first” culture, which drives many of their initiatives. The conversation moves to flexible programs like the new Accelerated One-Year MBA. Fully online and built for busy professionals, it allows students to move through coursework every four weeks and earn a degree in a single year. That flexibility extends to their continuing education offerings as well. Baker boasts over 1,400 non-credit courses, covering everything from trade skills like HVAC and CDL training to lifestyle topics like gardening in small spaces. The college also partners with local employers to address skill gaps, such as creating Spanish-for-manufacturing training to help teams communicate more effectively. Looking toward the future, Baker is doubling down on high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. Nursing remains a huge focus with no waitlists across campuses, and AI integration is quickly becoming a staple within programs and classrooms. The staff shares how Baker is embracing AI not as a threat but as a tool to enhance learning and career readiness, ensuring students are equipped to use it ethically and effectively. We also hear about their summer programs for middle and high schoolers, offering structured academic engagement during the break. These camps are expanding and serve as an important on-ramp for future learners. We close with a fun segment on favorite childhood books, giving the audience a peek at the personalities behind the professionals. Baker has campuses in Royal Oak, Owosso, and online. Learn more at www.baker.edu . 00:00 – Return to the Hive Debt Forgiveness 02:11 – What Makes the Program Unique 04:08 – Supporting First-Generation Students 05:17 – Accelerated One-Year MBA 06:08 – Continuing Ed & Trades Training 08:02 – Summer Camps for Youth 09:16 – Workforce Trends & AI Integration 12:26 – AI’s Role in Student Learning 12:52 – Fishbowl Question: Childhood Books 14:55 – How to Connect with Baker College Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

December 4, 202518 min

From Ska to Sanctuary: Genesis The Church

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Pastor Beau McCarthy from Genesis The Church , a unique faith community based here in Royal Oak. We open by dispelling expectations—Beau’s journey began not in seminary, but in a ska band called The Insyderz , where he played bass alongside his co-pastor Nate, who played drums. Their shared roots in music and creativity eventually led them to explore spirituality more deeply, culminating in the founding of a church that embraces art, conversation, and faith. Genesis was locally formed in the early 2000s as an offshoot of Kensington Community Church in Troy. The team, mostly in their twenties at the time, wanted to establish a new kind of church in Royal Oak—one that would evolve with the community. Over the past 25 years, they’ve done just that. Inclusivity stands at the heart of Genesis’ identity. We talk with Beau about how their journey toward inclusion started with a 2010 merger with the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, a congregation founded in 1839. He shares powerful historical examples, including the contributions of Hamlet Harris, a free African-American who helped fund the church’s original land purchase, and stories of Japanese-American and Vietnamese refugee families welcomed by the church during difficult times in American history. Beau openly discusses how Genesis has changed its posture over time, especially around LGBTQ+ inclusion. What began as a more traditional stance has shifted through reflection, repentance, and growth. Today, Genesis is committed to ensuring that every part of their space—from physical accessibility to gender-neutral bathrooms—communicates welcome. Even the way sermons are delivered, from the same level as the congregation, reflects this flat, inclusive posture. We also dive into the church’s aspiration to be a beacon —a place of light, refuge, and good deeds. Beau explains that this vision informs how they walk with each other in both suffering and joy. That idea extends into his personal life too. He and his wife are adoptive parents to two Black sons, and he shares how that experience reshaped their family’s identity and their approach to parenting. Beau wraps up by reflecting on the power of personal stories— both good and bad - and not just as anecdotes, but as guiding narratives that help individuals discover purpose and connection. Whether it’s historical stories or modern journeys, Genesis is a church that honors and grows through storytelling. For those curious about joining or learning more, the church offers a low-pressure environment and multiple ways to connect—online or in person. Website: https://www.genesisthechurch.org/ Pastor Beau's email: beau.genesisthechurch@gmail.com 00:00 - Intro and Ernie Harwell Quote 00:53 - From Ska Band to Ministry 02:35 - Founding of Genesis The Church 04:09 - The Church’s Inclusive Roots 08:44 - Evolving LGBTQ+ Posture 11:31 - Pastor Beau's Transracial Adoption and Identity 15:45 - Reconnecting with the Chamber 16:28 - How to Connect with Genesis 17:47 - Wrap-Up and Resources Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/ Connect with our host: Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.