Life In Michigan Podcast

Life in Michigan: The People Behind the Places
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Michigan is more than a place—it’s a way of life. Through candid conversations with the people who call it home, we uncover the passion, creativity, and resilience that make the Great Lakes State special. Subscribe and join us for inspiring stories from across Michigan! lifeinmichigan.substack.com

  1. Sep 20

    Live with Chuck Marshall

    Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

    Live with Chuck Marshall

  2. Sep 18

    Dining on the Deck at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor

    This week we’re chatting with Gilda Johnson, owner of Lake Forest Golf Club. She shares her unique journey into the golf industry, discusses the secret to their from-scratch dining scene at Ellsworth Food & Spirits, and explore why local wildlife seems to love the course just as much as the golfers do. From Banking Suits to Hot Dogs & Beer Gilda reflects on her journey from growing up in Argentina to earning her BA and MBA at the University of Michigan. She opens up about her sudden late-90s pivot from corporate banking to running a newly built golf course—a shift she describes as going “from wearing suits, high heels, and pantyhose to serving hot dogs and beer.” From Dairy Farm to 18-Hole Sanctuary Discover the story behind the land itself: how a historic turn-of-the-century dairy farm at Ann Arbor-Saline and Ellsworth Roads evolved into Lake Forest Golf Club, complete with its original carriage house and landmark silo. Elevating the Vibe with Chef Blake Reetz Learn how Lake Forest created Ellsworth Food & Spirits and brought in local culinary legend Executive Chef Blake Reetz (formerly of Ann Arbor’s EAT) to craft a from-scratch, approachable menu—featuring everything from elevated power bowls to homemade sweet corn ice cream. Breaking Barriers & Building Community With women making up only about 15% of Michigan golf course owners, Gilda shares what it’s like navigating customer assumptions, leaning on industry mentors like Kathy Aznavorian of Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, and fostering a collaborative culture among local business owners. Wildlife, Stargazing, & The Perfect Michigan Day From over 60 bird species spotted via the Merlin Bird ID App to cozying up by outdoor fire tables under the Ann Arbor night sky, Gilda breaks down why golf courses make great wildlife habitats—and reveals her ultimate way to unwind on a Michigan morning. Links & Organizations Mentioned in This Episode * Lake Forest Golf Club * Ellsworth Food & Spirits * Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) * Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Cente * Barton Hills Country Club: bartonhillscc.com * Merlin Bird ID App by Cornell La * Kensington Metropark Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

  3. Sep 4

    Elevating the Trade: How Two Michigan Cosmetologists Are Reinventing Cosmetology School

    In this episode of the Life In Michigan Podcast, we sit down with Liz Hannold and Katie Eifler—the powerhouse team behind the Professional Academy of Cosmetology in historic downtown Marshall, Michigan. Liz and Katie share how they connected, what drove them to open a cosmetology academy in the 1867 Eagle Block building, and why they’re on a mission to bring high-level professionalism and real-world business skills back to the trade. They also give us a peek behind the scenes of their own show, the Oh Hair No! podcast, share how a major American Express Main Street Grant helped fund their recent building expansion, and reveal their ultimate Michigan day trips! Links & Resources Mentioned * Business & Education: * Professional Academy of Cosmetology (PAOC) * Oh Hair No! Podcast on Apple Podcasts * Main Street America / Amex Shop Small Grants * Local Spots & Attractions: * Choose Marshall Chamber & Tourism * Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub * The Copper Athletic Club Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Aug 21

    Crafting Community, Midwest IPAs, and "Day with Jay" Adventures with Brewer Jay Green!

    Get ready, Michigan craft beer fans! In this episode of the Life In Michigan podcast, we sat down with one of our favorite beer friends, Perrin Brewing’s resident “Beer Ninja,” Jay Green. From cleaning out mash tuns at Tri-City Brewing nearly 18 years ago to scaling up batches in Perrin Brewing Company’s Comstock Park facility, Jay gives us an insider look at Michigan’s craft scene. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * The Story Behind the “Beer Ninja”: How a joke job title at Tri-City turned into a lifelong moniker for whipping out tap wrenches and jumping in wherever help is needed. * 100% Pure Michigan Brews: Jay breaks down the creation of Perrin’s new Great Lakes Grown IPA—a “Midwest Cowboy IPA” recipe originally crafted as a tribute brew for Cowboy Doug, made with local grains from Great Lakes Malting Company in Traverse City and fresh hops from Top Hops Farm in Goodrich. * Local Fruit: Why living right near the Fruit Ridge north of Grand Rapids gives local brewers unmatched access to fresh apple cider and agricultural abundance. * Reliving the “Day with Jay” Road Trips: * Enjoying ciders and cheese plates at Pux Cider Taproom in Grand Rapids. * The surprise “Who Is Jay Green?” welcome sign set up by Mark at The Hidden King in Ann Arbor. * 906 Day with Jay, plus beers Blackrocks Brewery and Ore Dock Brewing Company. * Supporting Diversity in Brewing: The legacy of Fermenta collaboration days and how organizations like the Pink Boots Society continue to empower women and non-binary professionals in craft beverages. Events to Mark on Your Calendar: * Perrin’s huge annual Backyard Bash in Comstock Park on Sept 12th! * The Pro-Am competitions hosted by the Beer City Brewers Guild. * Why the Michigan Brewers Guild UP Beer Festival in Marquette remains Jay’s absolute favorite festival of the year. Shoutouts to New Spots: Jay gives a quick nod to the newly opened taproom for Our Brewing Company in Grand Rapids! “As I always say, my favorite beer is the one shared with friends.” — Jay Green Catch up on our previous Day with Jay adventures (in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Marquette), and let us know in the comments: Where should our next “Day with Jay” beer crawl head? Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Aug 12

    Live with Chuck Marshall

    Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

    Live with Chuck Marshall

  6. Aug 7

    Surviving and Thriving in Michigan’s Ever-Shifting Craft Beer Scene

    What does it take to survive and thrive over nearly two decades in the ever-shifting Michigan craft beer scene? In this episode, we sit down with Michigan brewer Adam Beratta from Kickstand Brewing Company to try to answer that question. From his early days learning the ropes under industry mentors at Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery and Great Baraboo Brewing Company, to award-winning tenures at 51 North Brewing and Axle Brewing Company, Adam brings an insider’s perspective to the craft beverage landscape. Now celebrating Kickstand’s 10-year milestone in Commerce Township and preparing to open their second location in New Hudson (taking over the former Draught Horse Brewery space), Adam opens up about what keeps a community taproom strong. Our conversation covers: * Industry Realities: The reality of current craft beer market corrections, shifting consumer habits, and competing against regional giants like Founders Brewing Co. and Bell’s Brewery. * Taproom Strategy: How full-service food, delicious beer, and tight quality control (down to meticulous draft line maintenance) build lasting customer loyalty. * Changing Palates: Why craft drinkers are moving from heavy IPAs toward crisp lagers, mocktails, and alternative beverages—and how small breweries stay adaptable. Beer Links * Kickstand Brewing Company – Serving hand-crafted beers, spirits, and full-service dining in Commerce Township, MI (with a second facility opening in New Hudson). * Michigan Brewers Guild – Supporting and promoting Michigan’s craft beer community through statewide festivals and advocacy. * Imperial Beverage – Kickstand’s Michigan-based wholesale distributor bringing local craft beer to taps and shelves statewide. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

  7. Jul 24

    Liz Barney’s Magical Full Moon Potlucks

    In this episode of the Life In Michigan Podcast, we sit down with our friend Liz Barney. She is the visionary and community organizer behind Ann Arbor’s beloved Open Spoon gathering. But that is just the start. She is a filmmaker, photographer, writer, and so much more. From her hilarious recap of growing up in what she lovingly calls the “Amish Mafia” to her transition from special education teacher to backcountry adventure photographer, Liz’s journey is a masterclass in following your gut and building spaces where people truly feel seen. We talk about why she stepped away from structured storytelling events to build a magical community-led potluck at the Washtenaw Food Hub. Plus, stay tuned for an epic breakdown of her perfect Michigan day, complete with a hidden lake and the ultimate Ann Arbor people-watching spot. What We Cover in This Episode: * The “Amish Mafia” & Doomsday Prepping: Liz shares hilarious and wild stories from her strict religious upbringing on a farm in Stockbridge, Michigan, including everything from mandatory floor-length dresses to her dad’s government-fueled doomsday-prep style. * From MSU to Hawaii Surf: How earning a special education degree at Michigan State University led to a ten-year career pivot in Oahu and the Big Island, trading the classroom for mountain climbing, hiking, and surf photography. * The Cold War Mystery of Lieutenant Steeves: The crazy story behind Liz’s first official paid photography gig—hauling a 50-pound pack through the Sierra Nevadas with Adventure Science to hunt for the missing ejection seat of a notorious 1950s military pilot. Read more about it here. * The Philosophy of Open Spoon: Why gathering under the full moon at the Washtenaw Food Hub to share unstructured, unjudged personal stories is the perfect antidote to the isolation of modern algorithms. * The Lightning Round & Perfect Day: Liz builds her dream 24 hours in Michigan, featuring an early trip to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, a quiet pour-over on the docks at Bandemer Park, swimming in a spring-fed Pickerel lake, and local hard cider at Bill’s Beer Garden. “In a world where everything is about performing for an online audience that isn’t even around you, I love that Open Spoon is a space where everyone puts down their phone, and your experience actually matters.” — Liz Barney A Few of Fer Films: Island Cowgirls shares the stories of two cowgirls on opposite sides of Hawaiʻi Island, dedicated to caring for their family ranches. In Claudia, A reclusive psychotherapist’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her favorite client isn’t who she thinks she is. In Toast of the Town, directors Mike Hensel & Liz Barney give viewers a look into the closing days of Angelo’s restaurant, an Ann Arbor institution. Links: * Connect with Liz: Liz Barney Photography & Stories * Gather with Liz: Open Spoon Ann Arbor * Liz’s Substacks: Root Camp and Field Notes of A Whimsic * The Venue: Washtenaw Food Hub * Community: CreativeMornings Ann Arbor * Expeditions: Adventure Science * Liz’s Coffee Picks: Hyperion Coffee Co. & RoosRoast Coffee * Ann Arbor Spots: Bandemer Park & Bill’s Beer Garden * Local Brews: Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Jul 10

    Why Everyone is Choosing Marshall, Michigan

    We love it when a casual conversation over a bowl of soup turns into a full podcast episode. After chatting with Amy Peterson at the first-ever Soup Showdown at Dark Horse Brewing Co., we knew we had to bring her—and Marshall’s resident historian, Alena Guenther—onto the show. In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse duo from Choose Marshall to talk about why this iconic town is a national treasure trove of historic hospitality, incredible festivals, and a few quirky surprises you won’t find on a standard travel brochure. Whether you are a seasoned Michigan road-tripper or planning your very first getaway to Calhoun County, this episode is your ultimate guide to exploring the area like a local. In this episode, we cover: * From the UP to Marshall: How Amy went from the snowy Upper Peninsula to marketing a historic southern Michigan gem (plus the status of her current exotic pets). * The Honolulu House Secrets: Alena pulls back the curtain on why a 19th-century Chief Justice built a tropical, Hawaiian-inspired villa in the middle of Michigan, and on the hidden architectural quirk that casual tourists completely miss. * Car Shows & Magic Tricks: Behind the scenes of the high-octane Marshall MotorFest (featuring classic cars with a modern EV twist) and the global legacy of the American Museum of Magic. * The Best-Kept Secret in Town: Why you need to book an appointment to head underground into Marshall’s incredible Postal Museum. * A Sassy Office Dog & Doggy Bars: Why one of their rescue dogs got “evicted” from the visitor center, and where you can take your pup for a treat at a downtown biscuit bar. Places & Events Mentioned in This Episode: * Plan Your Visit: Choose Marshall * History & Tours: Marshall Historical Society & Honolulu House Museum * Food & Drink: Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub & Dark Horse Brewing Co. * Unbelievable Exhibits: American Museum of Magic * Underground History: The Marshall Postal Museum (Call Choose Marshall to schedule an exclusive tour!) Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe

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About

Michigan is more than a place—it’s a way of life. Through candid conversations with the people who call it home, we uncover the passion, creativity, and resilience that make the Great Lakes State special. Subscribe and join us for inspiring stories from across Michigan! lifeinmichigan.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Life in Michigan: The People Behind the Places
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Life In Michigan
  • Show Website
    Life In Michigan Podcast

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