TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

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

    4D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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. 

Information

  • Creator
    TALK MIDLAND
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti
  • Show Website
    TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

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