TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

TALK MIDLAND
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    2D AGO

    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
  2. The $200M Plan to Restore Sanford, Wixom, and More | #79

    MAR 31

    The $200M Plan to Restore Sanford, Wixom, and More | #79

    In 2020, the dams failed — and everything changed overnight. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Kayla Stryker of the Four Lakes Task Force to walk through the full story behind Midland’s lake restoration — from devastation to rebuilding. Kayla shares what happened when the dams failed, how entire communities were impacted, and what it’s taken over the last several years to bring the lakes back. They dive into:  The moment the dams failed and the aftermath  Why the dams weren’t properly maintained  How the Four Lakes Task Force stepped in  The massive process of rebuilding four dams  Funding, grants, and the true cost of restoration  What’s reopening in 2026 and what comes next  And what this means for homeowners, property values, and the future of the region This episode is about resilience, leadership, and rebuilding something a community thought it lost. 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 – The 2020 Dam Failure What it was like when the lakes drained overnight 04:20 – The Devastation Across Midland County Homes, businesses, and community impact 09:15 – How the Four Lakes Task Force Began From Sanford Lake Preservation to a larger mission 14:40 – Why the Dams Failed Ownership, maintenance, and hydropower economics 20:10 – What Happened After the Failure Condemnation and public ownership 25:30 – The Plan to Rebuild the Lakes Feasibility studies and early decisions 31:45 – Engineering & Permitting Challenges Designing for a 5,000-year flood 38:20 – The Cost of Rebuilding Hundreds of millions and funding strategy 44:10 – Grants & Funding Success Over $200M secured to support the project 49:30 – Construction Strategy & Local Contractors Breaking projects into smaller bids 54:45 – Timeline for Lake Returns Sanford, Secord, Smallwood, and Wixom 1:00:10 – What This Means for Midland’s Future Community, recreation, and property values Keywords Kayla Stryker, Four Lakes Task Force, Midland Michigan dam failure, Sanford Lake restoration, Wixom Lake rebuild, Midland flood 2020, Dam reconstruction Michigan, Talk Midland podcast, Michigan infrastructure, Lake restoration project, Midland MI real estate impact, Dam engineering and funding, Public infrastructure projects, Michigan lakes recovery, Community rebuilding efforts

    52 min
  3. From Midland to Rwanda: Bringing Mental Health Where It’s Needed Most | #78

    MAR 24

    From Midland to Rwanda: Bringing Mental Health Where It’s Needed Most | #78

    Most nonprofits focus on food, water, and shelter — but what about mental health? Logan sits down with Krista McCowen, founder of Ubuntu Wellness, a nonprofit bringing mental health services to Rwanda. After witnessing the deep emotional and generational trauma still present decades after genocide, Krista felt called to do something different — to address the mental health needs that often go overlooked. They dive into:  Why mental health resources are limited in Rwanda  What it’s like delivering therapy across language and cultural barriers  Training local organizations to support emotional health  The realities of planning international service trips  Stories of resilience, forgiveness, and healing  The emotional toll of being a therapist  And why mental health matters everywhere — not just at home This is a powerful conversation about service, purpose, and what it really means to help people. 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  Buzzsprout00:00 – Why Mental Health Is the Missing Piece The need beyond basic resources 03:10 – What Is Ubuntu Wellness? How the nonprofit started 07:45 – The Reality of Mental Health in Rwanda Limited resources and growing need 12:30 – First Trip Experience & Culture Shock What it’s like on the ground 18:20 – Training Local Organizations Teaching emotional regulation and awareness 23:40 – Planning a Trip Across the World Logistics, travel, and challenges 29:15 – The Bridge Story A moment that shows the reality of the work 33:50 – Rwanda’s Genocide & Lasting Trauma Understanding generational impact 40:10 – Forgiveness & Healing Stories Victims and perpetrators working together 46:30 – Funding a Nonprofit How these missions are supported 52:00 – Life as a Mental Health Counselor The emotional weight of the profession 57:40 – The Stigma Around Therapy What’s changing and what’s not 1:03:10 – The Future of Mental Health Access Expanding care beyond borders Keywords Rwanda mental health, Talk Midland podcast, Midland MI podcast , Therapy and counseling, Global mental health, Nonprofit work Africa, Trauma and healing, Genocide recovery Rwanda, Mental health awareness, Counseling services, Service trips Africa, Faith and service work

    36 min
  4. New Public Charter School coming to Midland! | #77

    MAR 17

    New Public Charter School coming to Midland! | #77

    Imagine deciding to open a brand new public school in your community. Logan sits down with Sara Ladwein, President of the Board for Founders Grove Classical Academy, to talk about the vision behind Midland’s newest charter school set to open in Fall 2026. Sara explains how a group of local parents came together to launch a tuition-free public charter school using the Hillsdale classical curriculum, what makes classical education different, and why more families across the country are looking for alternative education options. They discuss: -How charter schools actually work -Why Founders Grove will be tuition-free -The philosophy of classical education -Teaching logic, rhetoric, and reasoning -Why parents nationwide are exploring new education options -The challenge of launching a school from scratch -And the long road to opening day If you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in the future of education in Midland, this episode offers a fascinating look at what it takes to build something entirely new. 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 – The Challenge of Opening a Public School What it really takes to start a school from scratch 02:10 – What Is Founders Grove Classical Academy? Overview of Midland’s newest charter school 05:15 – Charter School vs Public School Understanding how the system works 08:45 – Why the Hillsdale Curriculum The philosophy behind classical education 13:10 – Teaching Students How to Think Logic, rhetoric, and reasoning in education 17:50 – Why Parents Are Seeking Alternatives The national shift after the pandemic 22:30 – How Charter Schools Are Funded Why Founders Grove will be tuition-free 26:15 – The Years of Work Behind Launching a School Fundraising, staffing, and planning 31:40 – Visiting Ivywood Classical Academy The school that inspired the Midland project 36:00 – Teaching History Through Context and Reason Balancing facts, perspective, and understanding 42:15 – Why Logic Is Missing From Many Classrooms Helping students reason through information 47:50 – Finding the Right Building for the School The search for a location in Midland KeywordsCharter schools explained, Classical education curriculum, Hillsdale curriculum, Midland MI podcast, Talk Midland podcast, Public charter school Michigan, Alternative education options, Education reform discussion, Teaching logic and rhetoric, Midland charter school, Parenting and education choices, Future of education Midland

    46 min
  5. AI Is Coming — Will Communities Benefit or Get Left Behind? | #76

    MAR 10

    AI Is Coming — Will Communities Benefit or Get Left Behind? | #76

    AI doesn’t run on magic — it runs on massive data centers. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Daniel Dimitroff of The Continuum to unpack the real infrastructure behind artificial intelligence — and what it could mean for our region. Daniel explains how the global race to build AI data centers is creating trillions of dollars in development, why communities across the country are debating their impact, and how the Great Lakes Bay Region could position itself to benefit responsibly. They dive into: What data centers actually doWhy AI infrastructure requires massive energy and landThe economic opportunities and concerns communities faceHow development can strengthen the tax base and infrastructureDaniel’s vision for leveraging technology to create real social changeThe future of healthcare technology and AIRenovating Midland’s historic Odd Fellows building downtownThis episode explores the intersection of technology, economic development, and community responsibility — and asks a bigger question: How do we make sure innovation benefits everyone? 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  Chapters00:00 – The Honor of Connecting People Authenticity and community relationships 02:15 – What Data Centers Actually Are Understanding the infrastructure behind AI 06:30 – Why AI Is Driving Massive Data Center Demand Trillions of dollars flowing into development 10:40 – Environmental Concerns: Energy, Water & Land Common fears surrounding data centers 15:10 – Michigan’s Opportunity in the AI Economy Why the region could play a role 19:30 – How Data Centers Impact Local Communities Taxes, infrastructure, and economic growth 24:45 – Why Communities Are Pushing Back Public skepticism and regulation challenges 29:15 – The Jobs Debate Why data centers create fewer permanent jobs 34:10 – Leveraging Data Centers for Social Good Daniel’s vision for community investment 39:20 – AI and the Future of Healthcare Technology Remote monitoring and data-driven healthcare 44:50 – Capitalism, Innovation, and Responsibility Balancing progress with humanity 50:30 – What the Great Lakes Bay Region Could Become Daniel’s long-term vision 55:00 – Renovating Midland’s Historic Odd Fellows Building Reviving one of downtown’s oldest buildings KeywordsTalk Midland podcast, AI infrastructure, Data centers explained, Artificial intelligence economy, Midland Michigan podcast, Great Lakes Bay Region development, Technology and economic development, Future of AI infrastructure, Data center impact on communities, AI and healthcare technology, Michigan economic growth, Tech development Midwest, Odd Fellows building Midland, AI future economy

    38 min
  6. The Car Ride Home: How Parents Shape Their Athlete’s Mindset | #75

    MAR 3

    The Car Ride Home: How Parents Shape Their Athlete’s Mindset | #75

    Your kid won’t remember the score. They’ll remember the car ride home. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Kelsey Gustafson, founder of The Mental Ascend, to talk about the mental side of sports — and why it matters more than most parents realize. From 13-year-olds quitting at record rates to high-achieving athletes beating themselves up after games, Kelsey explains why confidence isn’t just a feeling — it’s built through habits, preparation, and emotional regulation. They dive into: Why confidence comes from competenceThe real reason kids drop out of sports at 13The damage of doubling down after a bad gameHow parents can reshape the “car ride home”Why “better to suck than skip” builds resilienceMental blocks, performance anxiety, and pressure momentsAnd what happens when identity becomes tied to performanceIf you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or former athlete — this one will hit home. Because when you take the jersey off, you’re still a person. 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  Chapters  00:00 – When You Take the Jersey Off, You’re Still a Person Identity beyond sports. 04:30 – From College Athlete to Mental Performance Coach How The Mental Ascent was born. 09:15 – The 13-Year-Old Dropout Spike Why kids are walking away from sports. 15:40 – Confidence Isn’t a Feeling Why confidence comes from competence. 21:10 – The Car Ride Home Conversation What kids actually remember years later. 28:45 – High-Achieving Athletes & Self-Criticism Why the best performers are often the hardest on themselves. 36:20 – Parents Living Through Their Kids Pressure, praise, and unintended consequences. 44:10 – Mental Blocks & Performance Anxiety How athletes get stuck — and how to rebuild. 52:30 – “Better to Suck Than Skip” Building habits that create resilience. 59:50 – Preparation Over Emotion You don’t fall to feelings — you fall to preparation. 1:07:15 – Practical Tools for Parents & Athletes What you can start doing today. Keywords The Mental Ascent,Youth sports mindset, Mental performance coaching, Sports psychology, Confidence in athletes, Parenting young athletes, Performance anxiety, Midland MI podcast, Talk Midland, Resilience in kids, Athlete mental health, Car ride home conversation, Youth sports dropout, Building confidence through habits

    47 min
  7. From Army Colonel to Blueberry Farmer: Why Food Security Matters More Than You Think | #74

    FEB 24

    From Army Colonel to Blueberry Farmer: Why Food Security Matters More Than You Think | #74

    Food security isn’t just about what’s on your table — it’s about national security. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Laura Varhola, retired U.S. Army Colonel and co-owner of Russell Blueberry Farm and Nursery in Freeland, to talk about a life that took a 180-degree turn. After a decorated military career serving in Korea, Africa, Germany, and the Pentagon — including senior defense roles in Ethiopia and Tanzania — Laura and her husband retired from the Army and returned home to take over her family’s 80-acre blueberry farm. What may seem like a simple agricultural story is anything but. Laura shares: Why food security was a driver of instability in East Africa How pandemics and supply chain disruptions changed the way she views local farming Why Michigan is one of the most important agricultural states in the country The realities of running a multi-generational blueberry farmThe challenges of labor, imports, and rising input costsWhat most people don’t understand about “organic” vs. imported produce And how leadership lessons from the military apply directly to farmingThis episode blends leadership, agriculture, national security, and community in a way you don’t hear every day. It’s a story about service — just in a different uniform. 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  Chapters00:00 – Food Security Is National Security Why access to food drives stability worldwide  05:30 – From East Lansing to the U.S. Army ROTC scholarship and beginning military service 12:00 – Leading 400+ Soldiers as a Young Officer Early leadership lessons in Korea and the 101st Airborne 20:45 – Civil Affairs & Africa Assignments Working in Ethiopia and Tanzania and the connection between food and instability  32:15 – Returning Home to Freeland The decision to take over the 80-acre family blueberry farm  41:30 – Michigan’s Agricultural Power Why Michigan is #2 in crop diversity and #1 in highbush blueberries  50:10 – How Blueberries Actually Grow Bush vs. tree, 75-year-old plants, and 5–7 year maturity cycles  1:00:25 – The Reality of Running a Farm Today Labor shortages, imports, fertilizer costs, and invasive species  1:10:40 – Organic vs. Imported Produce Why words matter in agriculture  1:18:00 – Leadership Lessons That Transfer Anywhere From military command to managing a farm operation Keywords  Russell Blueberry Farm, Midland MI, Freeland Michigan, Talk Midland Podcast, Food security, National security and agriculture, Michigan blueberries, Northern highbush blueberries, Michigan farming, Veteran entrepreneur, Women in leadership, Army Colonel, Local food systems, Sustainable agriculture

    44 min
  8. $100 Million in Sales and a Bet on Downtown Midland | #73

    FEB 17

    $100 Million in Sales and a Bet on Downtown Midland | #73

    There’s no way to outwork a math problem — but you can outthink one. This week on Talk Midland, Logan sits down with Nate Heyboer— real estate investor, developer, and CEO of a $100M+ employee-owned company — to talk about what it actually takes to build at scale. From growing up on a dairy farm in Jamestown to launching DHE Plumbing, to converting the company into an ESOP (employee-owned), Nate shares how diversification, discipline, and long-term thinking shaped his approach to business. The conversation dives into: Scaling a company to 220+ employeesWhy employee ownership changes everythingFixing the skilled trades pipelineWorkforce housing and why it doesn’t “pencil” without incentivesThe real story behind major downtown Midland acquisitionsHow development actually works — from first idea to breaking groundNate doesn’t sugarcoat it. Development is a puzzle. Financing is tight. Cash flow matters. Municipal buy-in is critical. And sometimes you get chased in a parking lot at your first planning meeting. But at the center of it all is a simple philosophy: “Treat people right. Work together. For me to win, no one else has to lose.” This episode is about business, risk, leadership, and what it really means to invest back into 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  Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – “You Can’t Outwork a Math Problem”  Why business fundamentals matter more than hustle. 04:30 – Growing Up on a Dairy Farm  Early lessons in work ethic and responsibility. 10:15 – Starting DHE Plumbing  How Nate built the foundation of his company. 18:40 – Scaling to 200+ Employees  What changes when growth accelerates. 26:10 – Transitioning to an ESOP  Why employee ownership reshaped the company. 34:25 – The Skilled Trades Shortage  Why workforce development is a real issue in Michigan. 42:50 – Workforce Housing in Midland  Why projects don’t “pencil” without incentives. 51:30 – Financing Development Projects  How deals actually come together. 59:45 – Downtown Midland Acquisitions  The strategy behind recent investments. 1:08:20 – Working With Municipalities  Why alignment with city leadership matters. 1:16:10 – Risk, Leadership & Long-Term Thinking  How Nate evaluates opportunities. 1:22:45 – “For Me to Win, No One Else Has to Lose”  The philosophy behind collaboration. 🔑 Keywords Nate Heybour, Talk Midland Podcast, Midland MI development, Downtown Midland, DHE Plumbing, Employee Owned Company, ESOP business model, Midland real estate investor, Michigan skilled trades, Workforce housing Midland MI, Commercial development Michigan, Small business leadership, Midland entrepreneurs, Real estate development strategy, Local business growth

    44 min
See All (80)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 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. 

Information

  • Creator
    TALK MIDLAND
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti
  • Show Website
    TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

You Might Also Like