Welcome To Livingston

Speakeasy Podcast Network
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  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 201: Gleaners: Making Sure Nobody in Livingston County Has to Choose Between Gas and Groceries

    Food insecurity exists in Livingston County. It is more common than most people realize, and it looks nothing like what most people imagine.   Don and Angela welcome back Katie Choat, Senior Director of Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeast Michigan, for her second appearance on the show. Katie was last on in Episode 88 when she was just finding her footing in the role and the difference between then and now is remarkable. The passion is undeniable.   In this conversation, Katie walks through everything Gleaners does for Livingston County, from their client choice pantry where guests shop like a grocery store, to the Wednesday fresh market where volunteers load up banana boxes with fresh produce, eggs, and milk for drive-up pickup. She covers their 17 pantry partners across the county, monthly school food mobiles in Fowlerville, Howell and Pinckney, and a remarkable collaboration with Trinity Health that brings a community health worker right into the pantry one day a week.   The numbers are staggering. Nearly 2 million pounds of food were distributed in Livingston County alone last year. 200 appointments every single day at Shared Harvest. And 70% of their shelf-stable inventory comes directly from community food drives.   Whether you want to donate, volunteer, host a food drive, or simply know that the resource exists if you ever need it, this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Gleaners’ Purpose 05:45 Reaching the Community and Fresh Markets 11:00 Getting Involved Through Volunteering and Donating 16:45 Community Partnerships and Impact 22:00 Accessing Services Guest Links https://www.gcfb.org/ https://donor.gcfb.org/page/mowdownhunger 5924 Serling Drive, Howell, MI 48843 https://www.facebook.com/Gleanersfan/ https://www.instagram.com/GleanersFoodBank/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gleaners/   For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 201: Gleaners: Making Sure Nobody in Livingston County Has to Choose Between Gas and Groceries

  2. Sep 24

    Episode 200: 200 Episodes of Welcome to Livingston: A Look Back at the Community We Love

    This week, Don and Angela step back from their usual format to celebrate this milestone with a clips episode! Looking back at the small businesses, restaurants, health and wellness companies, nonprofits, events, and personal moments that have defined Welcome to Livingston across 200 weeks of showing up for this community.   From a $26,000 toilet to wood-fired pizza, from nonprofits serving 25,000 neighbors a year to events drawing 50,000 visitors to downtown Brighton, from their kids taking the stage in middle school theater productions to their son breaking down how to choose a college, this episode is a love letter to Livingston County and everyone who has been part of the journey.   Don and Angela also share what this show has meant to them personally, why giving small businesses a free voice has always been at its heart, and what they are looking forward to in the next 200 episodes.   If there is an episode you loved that did not make the highlight reel, they want to hear about it. Reach out at angela@putkelagroup.com or find them wherever you listen to podcasts.   Timestamps 00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes of Livingston 04:43 Spotlighting Local Small Businesses 11:24 Culinary Gems of Livingston County 15:58 Health, Wellness, and Fitness Highlights 20:47 Impactful Nonprofits and Community Support 26:15 Celebrating Local Festivals and Events 32:08 Personal Reflections and Family Involvement 36:38 Looking Toward the Future   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 200: 200 Episodes of Welcome to Livingston: A Look Back at the Community We Love

  3. Sep 17

    Episode 199:  Live from Downtown Brighton: Smokin' Rock-N-Blues Fest

    This week, Don and Angela are recording live on location at the Smokin' Rock-N-Blues Fest in Downtown Brighton. Music in the background, ribs on the grill, people waving as they walk by, and all the good vibes that make this community so special.   In between festival sights and sounds, Don and Angela take a walk down memory lane through all the Downtown Brighton businesses they have featured over nearly 200 episodes, from Running Lab and Ivory Vines to Great Harvest Bread, Culture Beer and Cheese, Lake Michigan Credit Union and more. If you have ever driven past any of these and wondered what was inside, this episode is your sign to stop in.   Fair warning: you will be hungry by the end of this one. Timestamps  04:38 Shoutout to local downtown businesses 08:33 Festival vibes and social districts 13:45 More local events   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 199:  Live from Downtown Brighton: Smokin' Rock-N-Blues Fest

  4. Sep 10

    Episode 198: Hell, Michigan: The Quirky Livingston County Destination You Need to Visit

    This week Don and Angela are going to hell. Literally.   Adam and Evelyn Aberline, longtime Livingston County residents and friends of the Putkelas, recently became the new owners of Hell, Michigan, the quirky little hamlet just outside of Pinckney that draws visitors from as far as England, Scotland, and Oregon. In just a few weeks of ownership, they have already hosted four weddings, welcomed five ash scatterings, had sixty Mustangs show up unannounced, and learned that waffle cones are harder to make than they look.   Don and Angela sit down with Adam and Evelyn to hear the story behind the purchase and what they are doing to breathe new life into one of Livingston County's most beloved and recognizable destinations. This one is funny, heartwarming, and a little bit unexpected — just like Hell itself. Timestamps 04:30 Shopping, Ice Cream, and Mini Golf 08:32 A Community Destination for Everyone 12:15 Hosting Events and Engaging Locals 16:15 Life as New Small Business Owners   Guest Links https://www.gotohellmi.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gotohellmichigan/ https://www.instagram.com/gotohellmi/   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 198: Hell, Michigan: The Quirky Livingston County Destination You Need to Visit

  5. Aug 20

    Episode 197: Back to School in Livingston County: Everything Parents Need to Know This Fall

    Summer is winding down, and Livingston County is about to shift into a whole new gear. This week, Don and Angela talk about everything families and community members should know heading into the new school year.   They cover which districts start before Labor Day and why, the return of free lunches for all students, school-of-choice options you may not know exist, and the alternative schools quietly changing outcomes for students who need a different environment to thrive. Don also draws on his experience as a former high school teacher at the Bridge Alternative School in Brighton to explain why these programs matter more than most people realize.   They also get into the big sports news! This is the final year for the KLAA conference, with Howell, Brighton, and Hartland all moving to the Southeast Conference together next school year, and they make a strong case for getting out to a Friday night football game if you haven't in a while.   Want to hear directly from the high school principals of Brighton, Howell, and Hartland about their schools and programs? Don and Angela sat down with all three last summer: 🎧 Howell High School Principal — Episode 147: https://youtu.be/zfJZm-l1jQM 🎧 Brighton High School Principal — Episode 151: https://youtu.be/CObnS7q130s 🎧 Hartland High School Principal — Episode 153: https://youtu.be/GeT3NIh4jmM Timestamps 05:05 Navigating Back to School Logistics 09:28 Understanding School of Choice Options 13:36 Alternative Education and Learning Resources 17:13 High School Sports and Community Spirit 22:00 Athletic Conference Changes and Supporting Kids 27:01 Fall Festivals and Local Events   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 197: Back to School in Livingston County: Everything Parents Need to Know This Fall

  6. Aug 13

    Episode 196: Farm Bureau Insurance: The One Hour a Year That Could Save Your Family Everything

    Most people have insurance. Very few people actually know what it covers, and that gap can cost a family everything on the worst day of their lives.   Don and Angela sit down with Blake Williams of the Herndon Family Agency Farm Bureau Insurance right here in Brighton to talk about the real conversations families need to be having about their coverage. Blake shares the deeply personal reasons he got into insurance. They dig into the most common gaps Blake sees: from homeowners who renovate without updating their policies, to Michigan drivers who opted into lower PIP limits without understanding what they gave up, to young families who assume life insurance through work is enough. Blake also walks through coverage most people never think about.   Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, a new parent, or someone who has never sat down with a local insurance agent, this episode will make you want to pick up the phone.   Timestamps 01:16 Personal Motivations and Insurance Basics 05:12 Identifying Common Gaps in Coverage 08:48 The Value of Educated Insurance Planning 12:22 Navigating Claims and Specialized Coverage 15:11 Bundling Policies and Business Insurance 18:44 Understanding Life Insurance Options 24:13 Planning for Life’s Unexpected Events 29:15 Proactive Planning Guest Links https://chamber.howell.org/list/member/herndon-family-agency-farm-bureau-insurance-18840 https://www.michfb.com/insurance/find-an-agent/geoffrey-herndon-210-s-east-st-ste-1 Phone: (248)486-4160   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 196: Farm Bureau Insurance: The One Hour a Year That Could Save Your Family Everything

  7. Aug 6

    Episode 195: Many Bidets: The One Home Upgrade Nobody is Talking About Enough!

    Most people have heard of bidets. Very few have actually tried one. And almost nobody knows there is a showroom right here in Livingston County where you can walk in, try seven different models, and leave with one the same day.   Don and Angela sit down with Daniel Johnson, founder of Many Bidets, to talk about the business he started back in 2013, long before the 2020 toilet paper shortage made bidets a household conversation. What began as a personal health solution for Daniel has grown into the only bidet showroom in the United States where customers can try before they buy, drawing visitors from as far as California, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.   They dig into everything from entry-level seats starting at $300 to a $26,000 toilet that truck drivers reroute their deliveries just to use, the health and mobility benefits most people never consider, and why a bidet could actually extend the life of your septic system.   Whether you are curious, skeptical, or just ready to upgrade, this episode will change the way you think about one of the most visited rooms in your home.   Timestamps 04:44 Bidet Education and Showroom Experience 08:44 Addressing Customer Needs and Concerns 12:48 Installation and Functional Considerations 16:21 Bidet Technology and User Customization 22:02 Health, Sustainability, and Practical Benefits 26:08 Connecting with ManyBadays Guest Links https://www.manybidets.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23867106469&gbraid=0AAAAADqtcK8VkVGY1Tunc-cEWwDwJycxH&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-MDTBhCgARIsAKAkdlQolJzyQM38f79uUxXbqwq-hTIUoXdpRWy8pPHwS_P5dw-Z1GroeGwaAnetEALw_wcB https://instagram.com/manybidets https://facebook.com/manybidets https://youtube.com/@ManyBidets   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 195: Many Bidets: The One Home Upgrade Nobody is Talking About Enough!

  8. Jul 16

    Episode 194: Selling Your Home: The Photo Day Secrets That Could Make or Break Your Sale

    Think selling your home starts with a sign in the yard? Think again. It starts with the photos, and most sellers have no idea how much preparation goes into making those photos work hard for them.   This week, Don and Angela pull back the curtain on one of the most important and underestimated parts of the home-selling process: photo day. From decluttering and matching light bulbs to moving furniture away from fireplaces and hiding evidence of pets, they walk through everything a seller needs to know before the photographer arrives. They also share some insider tips most agents never mention.   Whether you are thinking about selling soon or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with practical, honest advice from two realtors who have been through photo day hundreds of times. Timestamps 03:08 Preparing Your Home for Photos 08:25 Lighting Tips and Pet Prep 12:18 Furniture Placement and Staging 17:15 Timing and Seasonal Considerations 22:24 Advanced Photography and Strategy 28:15 Final Tips for Photo Day Success 32:16 We're Here to Help   Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below:   Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352)   Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information.   James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611   Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU

    Episode 194: Selling Your Home: The Photo Day Secrets That Could Make or Break Your Sale
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.

Information

  • Creator
    Speakeasy Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Speakeasy Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    Welcome To Livingston