Total Michigan Cliff Duvernois

Ready to make your own customized wine? Brett Scharnhorst, owner of Vinomondo, a unique winery in Port Huron, Michigan, talks about their unique 'do it yourself' winemaking experience.
Brett shares his journey from working in IT to becoming a winery owner and describes Vinomondo's distinct approach to wine, which allows customers to participate in the winemaking process, from selection to bottling.
The winery provides an extensive range of wine options, sourcing materials globally to cater to all tastes, and emphasizes a no-added-sulfites policy for a better wine experience. Brett also explains the personal history behind his shift to winemaking, reflecting on concerns about his future in IT and a serendipitous opportunity to take over Vinomondo with his wife, Jackie.
The interview touches on the importance of enjoying quality wine, the versatility and fun of the bottling experience at Vinomondo, and how custom wine batches and labels can make meaningful gifts or event features. Brett's story highlights a profound career shift driven by passion, a love for wine, and a desire to offer a unique, interactive wine experience.
Links:
Vinomondo Website: https://vinomondowinery.com/
Vinomondo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031140955789
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Show Notes:
00:00 The Unlikely Journey from IT to Winemaking
03:51 Brett's Personal Journey and Transition into Winemaking
07:11 Exploring the World of Wine: A Personal Transformation
10:27 Vinomondo's Approach to Wine: Breaking the Rules for Better Taste
16:42 The Vinomondo Experience: From First Visit to Bottling Your Own Wine
23:30 The Social Aspect of Wine Bottling at Vinomondo
25:06 How to Experience Vinomondo for Yourself

Sadaat Hossain, owner of the Raven Cafe in Port Huron shares the cafe's evolution under two different visions: one focused on creating a unique establishment and the other on operational excellence. Saadat shares his journey from a sound engineer to a restaurateur, culminating in his acquisition and management of the Raven Cafe, known for its espresso and spirit bar, eclectic live music, and Edgar Allan Poe-inspired ambiance.
The episode explores the cafe's impact on the local music and arts scene, its inclusive community role, and Saadat's deep connection to Port Huron. It highlights the challenges and surprises of running such a distinctive local business, underlining the importance of community and personal passion in entrepreneurial success.
Links:
https://ravencafeph.com/
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Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction to the Love-Hate Relationship with the Industry
00:15 Welcome to Total Michigan: Exploring the Raven Cafe
00:47 The Tale of Two Owners: Vision and Execution at the Raven Cafe
01:26 Meet Sadaat Hossain: From Sound Engineering to Cafe Ownership
04:09 The Transformation of the Raven Cafe: A Renovation Story
14:34 The Raven Cafe's Unique Offerings and Community Impact
15:35 Sadaat's Journey: From Music to Managing the Raven Cafe
23:26 The Raven Cafe's Signature Events and How to Connect
25:33 Conclusion and How to Find the Raven Cafe

What is Yoga? What are the health benefits? Emilee Hartwig, the owner of Happy Dog Yoga Studios. Emilee shares her unexpected journey from aspiring yoga teacher to yoga studio owner, including how she stumbled upon yoga as a new mother seeking physical and mental wellness.
Emilee outlines the evolution of Happy Dog Yoga Studios from its inception in Port Huron in 2015, and its expansion to St. Clair, offering a range of services including yoga classes, Reiki, and massage.
The interview delves into the challenges and surprises of running a yoga business, the importance of modifying yoga poses for each individual, and the fundamental role of intentional breathing in yoga practice. Emilee's story illustrates a personal and professional transformation, underscored by a commitment to bringing yoga's physical and mental benefits to the community.
Show Notes
00:00 The Unexpected Journey to Yoga Studio Ownership
01:20 Discovering Happy Dog Yoga Studios: A Journey of Growth
04:39 Finding Solace and Strength in Yoga
07:13 The Path to Becoming a Yoga Instructor
12:32 Embracing the Challenges and Surprises of Studio Ownership
16:50 The Transformative Power of Yoga: Beyond the Physical
19:59 Breathing: The Essence of Yoga and Self-Care
25:11 How to Connect with Happy Dog Yoga Studios

What's there to do in Port Huron? Plenty! Andrew Kerscher, the Manager of Community Engagement at Port Huron Museums, in Port Huron, Michigan shares his journey from a history-loving high school graduate to his role at the museum, including his time as an interpreter at Mackinac State Historic Parks.
He delves into the unique challenges and rewards of museum work, emphasizing the importance of making history engaging and accessible in short encounters. Port Huron Museums, managing four distinct sites, including the Carnegie Center and Michigan's oldest lighthouse at Fort Gratiot, offers a wide array of historical and cultural exhibitions ranging from maritime history to Thomas Edison's early life.
The episode also touches on Andrew's personal connection to Port Huron, highlighting how his dedication to the town's history and culture influences his work. Andrew also discusses upcoming and rotating exhibitions, like the unique Barbie exhibit, and how the museum aims to impact its visitors positively. The podcast concludes with ways to connect with Port Huron Museums online to learn more about their offerings and events.
00:00 The Art of Engaging Families in Museums
00:23 Welcome to Total Michigan: Discovering Port Huron
01:31 Exploring the Rich History of Port Huron Museums
03:17 Andrew Kerscher: A Journey Through Michigan's History
06:42 The Challenges and Rewards of Museum Work
07:27 Navigating Career Paths in the Museum Field
07:55 From Big City Museums to Hometown History
09:44 Sponsor Break and Audience Engagement
10:18 Exploring Port Huron Museums with Andrew Kersher
10:39 Diving into the Fort Gratiot Light Station
14:34 The Fascinating World of Thomas Edison in Port Huron
19:43 Discovering the Huron Light Ship Museum
21:22 Inside the Carnegie: A Year-Round Cultural Hub
22:57 The Creative Process Behind the Barbie Exhibit
24:19 Connecting with Port Huron Museums Online

What is Michigan's contribution to hockey as a sport? Gary Warwick of Warwick Goalie Mask runs a family-run business based out of Port Huron, Michigan. They specialize in high-end, custom goalie masks.
Gary delves into the history of goalie masks, highlighting how Jacques Plante's introduction of the mask in the late 1950s revolutionized the sport. Gary also shares the Warwick family's journey from construction workers to leading innovators in goalie mask production.
He offers insights into the meticulous process behind crafting a custom mask, emphasizing the importance of measurements, preferences, and the advanced materials used today, including carbon fiber and Kevlar. The discussion also covers the evolution of masks from the basic fiberglass models of the past to the highly customized and protective gear available today, underscored by stories of NHL clients and the impact of goalie coaches on Warwick's business. The episode is a deep dive into the craft of making goalie masks, the history behind it, and the singular importance of this protective gear in the world of hockey.
Links:
Warwick Goalie Mask Website: https://www.warwickmaskcompany.com/
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Show Notes:
00:00 The Evolution of Goalie Masks: A Hockey Legacy
01:02 Introducing Warwick Goalie Mask: A Family Business
01:31 The Art of Crafting Custom Goalie Masks
05:54 A Deep Dive into the Warwick Family History
12:39 Taking Over the Family Business: A New Generation
17:14 The Future of Goalie Masks: Innovations and Customizations
24:53 Connecting with Warwick Goalie Mask

Carol Brooks is the innovative owner of Foundry and the Hallway Entertainment in Port Huron, Michigan. Carol shares her inspiring journey from a photography and history graduate to becoming an entrepreneur who transformed a struggling art gallery into a vibrant hub for art and entertainment.
With a background deeply rooted in her love for photography and history, and a passion to enliven the Port Huron community, Carol ventured into creating the Hallway Entertainment, featuring escape rooms and game shows. She then took over a former nonprofit art gallery, morphing it into Foundry, a dynamic space offering a wide array of art-based activities like pottery classes, cosmic pottery, painting, splat rooms, and more.
Beyond providing entertainment, Foundry also offers immersive experiences with music, dancing, comedy, and various classes, affirming Carol's commitment to making Port Huron a lively place for residents and visitors alike. Carol's story is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship in reviving and reimagining communal spaces for the betterment of society.
Links:
Foundry Website: (Click here)
Escape Rooms at The Hallway Entertainment (Click here)
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:55 The Birth of Foundry: A Home for Art and Entertainment
01:50 Carol's Journey: From Photography to Entrepreneurship
05:46 The Evolution of Escape Rooms
05:55 The Power of Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement
08:15 The Expansion of Foundry: From Pottery to Splat Room
14:16 The Listening Room: A New Dimension of Art
14:29 The Growth and Challenges of Foundry
23:10 The Future of Foundry: Iris Photography and More
24:46 How to Connect with Foundry