TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

TALK MIDLAND

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. 

  1. A New School Model Is Coming to Midland — And Parents Are Paying Attention | #86

    3d ago

    A New School Model Is Coming to Midland — And Parents Are Paying Attention | #86

    What if learning felt more personal, hands-on, and connected to real life? Logan sits down with Rachel Helmreich, co-founder of Opin Academy, to talk about a brand-new educational option coming to Midland this fall. Built around a small classroom model with only 18 students, OPIN Academy is rethinking traditional education with mixed-age learning, life skills, hands-on experiences, outdoor play, and stronger family connection. Rachel shares:  Why she and her partner Cayla started OPIN Academy  How becoming moms changed their perspective on education  The differences between traditional school and micro schools  Why mixed-age classrooms can actually benefit students  The importance of hands-on learning and life skills  How community volunteers will help teach students  Why safety and connection are core values  And what families can expect from this unique new concept This episode is a fascinating look at how education is evolving — and why more families are looking for alternatives.  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 Notes00:00 – What Is OPIN Academy? Introducing Midland’s new micro school 03:10 – Why Rachel & Cayla Started This Motherhood and changing perspectives on education 07:20 – What Makes This Different From Public School Hands-on learning and flexibility 12:45 – The Mixed-Age Classroom Model Why younger and older students learn together 18:10 – Online Curriculum + Real-Life Learning Balancing academics with life skills 24:20 – Building Life Skills Through Community Experts Cooking, gardening, sewing, and more 30:40 – Safety, Licensing, and Parent Communication Why structure matters 36:15 – The Business Side of Starting a School Learning entrepreneurship from scratch 42:30 – Tuition & Accessibility Conversations Why families are interested in alternatives 48:20 – The Vision for the Future Growing beyond one classroom Keywords Rachel Helmrich, Midland MI schools. Micro school Michigan, Alternative education, Private school Midland, Small classroom education, Homeschool alternative, Hands-on learning, Midland parents, Life skills education, Early childhood education, Talk Midland podcast, Education innovation, Midland community

    27 min
  2. Behind the Whistle: The Reality of Officiating Sports | #85

    May 19

    Behind the Whistle: The Reality of Officiating Sports | #85

    One whistle can make half the crowd cheer… and the other half lose their minds. Logan sits down with Kevin Crampton to talk about what it’s really like officiating high school football and basketball across Mid-Michigan. From screaming parents and packed gyms to split-second decisions and playoff pressure, Kevin shares what most fans never see behind the whistle. They discuss:  Why there’s a shortage of referees and umpires  The pressure of making game-changing calls  How officials train and work their way up  The difference between football and basketball officiating  Handling angry coaches, fans, and players  What happens when officials disagree on a call  The mechanics behind officiating a football game  And why sports officials deserve more respect than they get This episode is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the hardest — and most misunderstood — jobs in sports. 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 Notes00:00 – Why Referees Matter More Than People Realize Kevin’s journey into officiating 03:20 – The Referee Shortage Problem Why fewer people want to do it 07:15 – Thick Skin & Tough Crowds Handling criticism from fans and coaches 11:10 – “Blow the Whistle” The importance of decisiveness 15:45 – How Officials Get Started Youth sports to high school progression 20:30 – The Structure of Football Officiating Crews Breaking down each position 27:10 – What Officials Actually Watch During a Play Zones, keys, and mechanics explained 35:20 – How Calls Are Made & Communicated Inside referee decision-making 42:00 – Basketball vs Football Officiating Why basketball is harder 48:10 – Big Games & High Pressure Situations 10,000 fans and playoff intensity 54:45 – Coaches, Fans, and Ejections Handling conflict during games 1:00:30 – Respect for Officials & the Future of Sports What needs to change KeywordsKevin Crampton, Talk Midland podcast, High school sports officiating, Midland Michigan sports, Football referee, Basketball official, Youth sports referees, MHSA officials, Sports officiating shortage, High school football Michigan, Basketball refereeing, Midland MI podcast, Sports leadership, Referee stories, Behind the whistle

    52 min
  3. Caring for Loved Ones Without Burning Out: Inside Midland’s Adult Day Program | #84

    May 12

    Caring for Loved Ones Without Burning Out: Inside Midland’s Adult Day Program | #84

    Caring for a loved one is one of the hardest — and most important — roles someone can take on. Logan sits down with Christin Cardani of Senior Services Midland and Seasons Adult Day Health Services to talk about a powerful but often overlooked resource for families. Christin shares how Seasons provides a structured daytime program for individuals experiencing dementia, cognitive changes, or other conditions — while also giving caregivers something just as important: time. They dive into:  What Seasons Adult Day Health Services actually is  Who qualifies and how the program works  Why socialization and routine matter for cognitive health  How caregivers can avoid burnout  What a typical day looks like for participants  The importance of early intervention  And how this program helps families keep loved ones at home longer This episode is about support, dignity, and giving both seniors and caregivers a better quality of 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 – What Is Senior Services Midland? Overview of programs and services 03:10 – What Is Seasons Adult Day Health Services? A unique program for cognitive care 06:45 – Who the Program Is Designed For Dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s, and more 11:20 – Why Socialization Matters Combating isolation and creating purpose 16:10 – A Day in the Life at Seasons Activities, structure, and engagement 21:30 – Supporting Caregivers Respite care and avoiding burnout 26:45 – Flexibility & Scheduling Options Part-time, full-time, and trial days 31:10 – Early Intervention Benefits Why starting sooner matters 36:20 – Cost & Financial Assistance Options Making care accessible 41:00 – Volunteers & Community Support How people can get involved 45:30 – Keeping Loved Ones at Home Longer Why programs like this matter Keywords Christin Cardani, Senior Services Midland, Seasons Adult Day Health Services, Dementia care Midland MI, Caregiver support services, Adult day programs Michigan, Midland MI podcast, Talk Midland podcast, Senior care resources, Cognitive health programs, Alzheimer’s support Midland, Respite care services, Aging in place support, Caregiver burnout help, Midland community services

    29 min
  4. What’s Really Happening in Congress (And Why It Matters Here) | #83

    May 5

    What’s Really Happening in Congress (And Why It Matters Here) | #83

    What really happens behind the scenes in Congress — and how does it impact Midland? This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Congressman John Moolenaar to talk about everything from local issues to global challenges — and what it means to serve Michigan at the national level. From supporting farmers and small businesses to navigating complex global tensions with China, Congressman Moolenaar shares insight into the decisions shaping our economy, security, and future. They discuss:  What it’s like representing a 20-county district  Challenges facing farmers and small businesses  New tax policies impacting workers and families  The role of government in helping constituents  Global competition with China and national security concerns  Child care challenges and opportunities  What it’s really like to run for Congress  And how growing up in Midland shaped his path to public service This is a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, service, and staying connected to the people you represent. 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 Notes00:00 – What It Means to Serve in Congress Representing Michigan’s 2nd District 03:20 – Redistricting & Representing New Communities Changes after the 2020 census 07:10 – Challenges Facing Farmers Today Rising costs, labor, and policy impacts 12:45 – Helping Constituents Navigate Government VA, IRS, and federal support 18:20 – New Tax Policies Explained No tax on tips, overtime, and benefits 24:30 – How Legislation Actually Gets Passed Behind-the-scenes in Congress 30:15 – U.S. vs China: Economic & Security Concerns Trade, technology, and global competition 38:40 – Why Taiwan Matters Strategic importance and global impact 44:10 – Child Care Challenges in Michigan Access, affordability, and opportunity 50:20 – Running for Congress The realities of campaigning 55:45 – Listening to Constituents Why communication matters 1:00:10 – Growing Up in Midland Family, faith, and community impact KeywordsJohn Moolenaar, Talk Midland podcast, Midland Michigan politics, U.S. Congressman Michigan, Michigan farming issues, Tax policy changes, China economic competition, U.S. trade policy, Midland MI podcast, Government and policy discussion, Child care policy Michigan, Running for Congress, Constituent services, Michigan economic development, Public service leadership

    30 min
  5. A Conversation About Race That Midland Needed to Have | #82

    Apr 24

    A Conversation About Race That Midland Needed to Have | #82

    How one tense moment between two men led to a larger conersation about race in our community Logan sits down with PJ Weaver to talk about an interaction with his neighbor that quickly escalated — and what happened after it went public. But this conversation goes deeper than the moment itself. PJ shares his perspective on: Growing up in Dayton, Ohio and the mindset it shapedHow he handled the situation with composure instead of angerThe reality of race conversations in everyday lifeWhy forgiveness doesn’t mean forgettingThe power of perspective and lived experienceHis journey through basketball and how it shaped his disciplineAnd how he hopes to turn this moment into something positive for the Midland communityThis is a real, honest, and at times uncomfortable conversation — but one rooted in understanding, growth, and moving forward together. 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 – A Week That Changed Everything How the situation unfolded 02:30 – The Neighbor Interaction What actually happened that day 06:45 – When the Conversation Turned The moment it became about race 11:10 – Choosing Composure Over Reaction Why PJ stayed calm 16:30 – Fear, Intent, and Perspective Understanding both sides 21:50 – Growing Up in Dayton, Ohio A different environment and mindset 27:40 – Race, Experience, and Perception How upbringing shapes perspective 33:20 – Sports as a Way Out Basketball, discipline, and opportunity 39:00 – Forgiveness Without Forgetting What that really means 44:30 – Community Response & Going Viral How people reacted 49:50 – Turning Pain Into Purpose Creating something positive Keywords Race conversation podcast, Community discussion Midland MI, Forgiveness and growth, Viral video discussion, Midland Michigan podcast, Social issues conversation, Conflict and resolution, Athlete mindset discipline, Dayton Ohio upbringing, Perspective and empathy, Community healing, Real conversations podcast, Personal growth stories

    52 min
  6. Why Budgeting Isn’t About Cutting — It’s About Freedom | #81

    Apr 21

    Why Budgeting Isn’t About Cutting — It’s About Freedom | #81

    What if budgeting wasn’t about restriction — but about freedom? Logan sits down with Jake Randall of Wild Freedom Financial Coaching to break down how people can go from feeling overwhelmed with money… to being fully in control of it. Jake shares a simple but powerful approach to personal finance — one that focuses on intentional spending, clarity, and building a plan that actually works in real life. They dive into:  Why most people feel lost with their finances  The power of a cash flow plan  Why visibility creates control  How to handle variable income  Emergency funds and debt payoff strategies  Common mistakes people make in their 20s and 30s  How to create financial goals that actually excite you  And how to build long-term freedom with your money This episode is about clarity, confidence, and taking control of your financial future. 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 Notes00:00 – Why Most People Feel Lost With Money Understanding the problem 03:00 – What Is Financial Coaching? How Jake helps clients 06:30 – Visibility Creates Control Tracking income and expenses 10:15 – The Truth About Budgeting It’s not about cutting everything 14:20 – Intentional Spending Explained Using money with purpose 19:40 – Managing Variable Income Planning when income fluctuates 24:30 – Emergency Funds & Financial Security Why it matters 29:10 – Debt Payoff Strategy How to approach it effectively 34:45 – Common Financial Mistakes What people get wrong early on 39:20 – The Power of Simplicity Why simple systems win 44:10 – Financial Goals That Actually Motivate You Dreaming beyond survival 49:30 – Building Long-Term Freedom From structure to flexibility Keywords  Wild Freedom Financial Coaching, Personal finance coaching, Budgeting tips, Cash flow planning, Debt payoff strategy, Emergency fund advice, Financial freedom planning, Midland MI podcast, Talk Midland podcast, Money management tips, Variable income budgeting, Financial coaching services, Intentional spending, Financial habits

    43 min
  7. One moment. One reaction. Millions of views | #80

    Apr 8

    One moment. One reaction. Millions of views | #80

    Erik Swenson joined me on the podcast to discuss his perspective on the recent interaction at the The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe as well as the reaction from a viral video that resulted from it. What do you think of his response? I want to thank Erik for having the courage to sit behind the microphone and face the music. This was not an easy interview. Thank you to all those who have reached out to provide your opinions and perspectives to me in the past few days. I sincerely appreciate all the support and the encouragement. It was a risk for me to insert myself into this drama, but I felt it was the right thing to do for the community I love so much. I also would like to thank J & C Media for producing this episode on such short notice, and I want to thank Dave Clark from the Midland Daily News for your wisdom and counsel on how to handle this delicate situation. Please SHARE this video and FOLLOW our page to join me on a crusade to promote small business in City of Midland, Michigan - Municipal Government. Oh, and go show your support with a cupcake purchase this week! Let's find some good from this as a community! 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 Notes00:00 – Setting the Stage for a Difficult Conversation Why this episode is different 02:10 – What Happened at the Cupcake Shop The moment that went viral 06:30 – Taking Responsibility Owning the mistake and apologizing 11:45 – Emotional Reactions & Anger Why moments escalate 17:20 – The Impact on Others How actions affect people at work 22:50 – The Viral Backlash Social media, reviews, and public response 28:30 – When Accountability Turns Into Attacks Community reactions and online behavior 34:15 – Mental Health & Personal Struggles Therapy, PTSD, and growth 41:00 – Parenting & Setting an Example How this impacts family 47:20 – Supporting Local Businesses The importance of community support 52:30 – Reflection & Moving Forward What can be learned from this Keywords Erik Swenson, Talk Midland podcast, Viral video discussion, Customer service interaction, Small business Midland MI, Accountability and growth, Mental health awareness, Anger management conversation, Community response social media, Supporting local businesses, Midland Michigan podcast, Conflict resolution discussion, Public backlash and consequences, Emotional control and leadership, Real conversations podcast

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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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