• Mooville Magic: From Farm to Ice Cream Cone
    Nov 22 2024

    More Michigan Magic with Mooville. Eric Westendorp of Mooville, uncovers the evolution of their on-farm creamery and the family's journey from dairy farming to producing award-winning ice cream. Eric shares insights on the challenges of family business dynamics, the unique qualities of their 'Creamline' milk, and their commitment to preserving a farm-to-table experience. Tune in to hear how Mooville has become a staple in Michigan's dairy industry, blending tradition with innovation.

    Links:

    Moo-ville Website: https://www.moo-ville.com/

    Moo-ville Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOOville

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

    00:21 Welcome to Total Michigan

    00:53 Meet Eric Westendorp of Moo-ville

    01:15 The Origins of Moo-ville

    02:39 What is Moo-ville Today?

    06:55 The Ice Cream Journey

    14:10 Challenges and Family Dynamics

    17:20 Community Engagement and Faith

    18:18 Production and Popularity

    23:41 Where to Find Moo-ville Products

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    26 mins
  • The Last Level: Fenton's Game Bar Revolution
    Nov 15 2024

    Dive into the world of Last Level, a unique game bar set up with a nostalgic retro theme. Host Cliff DuVernois interviews Ed McNulty, owner of Last Level in Fenton, Michigan, as they explore the concept behind combining classic arcade gaming with console gaming and social activities. Discover how Ed transitioned from a law enforcement career to owning a game bar, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a diverse entertainment venue.

    Links:

    Last Level Website: https://www.lastlevelfenton.com/

    Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

    Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

    Address:

    14281 N. Fenton Rd

    Fenton MI 48430

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction and Childhood Memories

    00:44 Discovering Last Level

    01:12 What is a Game Bar?

    02:37 The Evolution of Gaming

    05:10 Ed's Background and Career

    06:08 From Police Officer to Entrepreneur

    07:19 Opening the Ninja Warrior Gym

    07:54 Adapting to COVID Challenges

    09:56 Building Last Level

    21:35 The Unique Pricing Model

    23:58 Creating a Social Gaming Space

    26:32 Connecting and Farewell

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    27 mins
  • The Mustard Seed: From Trauma to Triumph
    Nov 8 2024

    What is Radical Hospitality? Leona Sullivan and Amy Bartels Roe from Mustard Seed Shelter discuss the founding and mission of Mustard Seed Shelter, which provides a home for women and children experiencing homelessness in Saginaw. The episode delves into the unique, compassionate approach of the shelter, the support they receive from the community, and the specific programs they offer to help guests transition to stable, independent living. Additionally, details are shared about an upcoming fundraising concert by Stone Street Revival to support the shelter.

    Links:

    Mustard Seed Shelter Website: https://themustardseedshelter.org/

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

    00:27 Personal Story of Loss and Struggle

    04:14 Founding of Mustard Seed

    07:44 Challenges and Early Days

    08:29 Amy's Journey with Mustard Seed

    10:51 Unique Approach and Community Support

    17:17 Future Plans and Community Involvement

    23:47 Upcoming Concert and Final Thoughts

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    26 mins
  • Behind the Brew: How Sozo Coffee Connects Cultures
    Nov 1 2024

    What kind of passion goes into a really god cup of coffee? Rodney Hensley, owner of Sozo Coffee in Ionia, Michigan. Rodney shares his journey from being a traveling musician to starting a coffee roasting company 18 years ago with his wife.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • The importance of building direct relationships with coffee farmers.
    • Ensuring fair compensation, and the commitment to quality in every cup.
    • Insights into the best methods for brewing coffee at home to achieve an exceptional coffee experience.

    Links:

    Sozo Coffee: https://www.sozocoffee.com/

    Sozo Coffee FB: https://www.facebook.com/sozocoffeeroasting/

    Sozo Coffee IG: https://www.instagram.com/sozocoffee/

    Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

    Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Supporting Farmers and Communities

    03:06 The Journey to Starting Sozo Coffee

    04:52 From Hobby to Business

    07:06 Life Before Sozo Coffee

    15:52 The Importance of Direct Trade

    23:24 Brewing the Perfect Cup at Home

    27:38 Where to Find Sozo Coffee

    28:29 Conclusion and Farewell

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    29 mins
  • Dog Grooming Success: Adria Shook's Journey to Business Ownership
    Oct 25 2024

    Adria Shook, owner of Grooming with Adria, shares her amazing story of growing up on a beef farm to becoming a successful dog groomer.

    Key points include:

    - The influence of her entrepreneurial stepdad and community support in her business journey.

    - Strategies for managing customer expectations and handling anxious dogs.

    - The use of technology and future plans for expanding her business into a comprehensive pet care facility.

    Links:

    Grooming with Adria Website: https://www.groomingwithadria.com/

    Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groomingwithadria

    Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

    Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

    Show Notes:

    00:00 The Science Behind a Perfect Haircut

    00:17 Introducing Adria Shook and Grooming with Adria

    01:26 Adria's Journey: From College to Grooming

    02:38 Starting the Business: Challenges and Successes

    05:11 The Rapid Growth of Grooming with Adria

    10:04 Navigating Client Expectations and Policies

    13:24 Finding the Perfect Location for the Business

    15:26 Unexpected Business Boom

    15:43 Training and Expanding the Team

    16:41 Handling Anxious Dogs

    19:24 Grooming Tips for Different Breeds

    24:03 The Role of Technology in Grooming

    25:58 Future Plans and Business Growth

    28:01 Support from the Tribe

    28:42 Contact and Closing Remarks

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    29 mins
  • Finding and Diving Shipwrecks: The Adventures of Tom Farnquist
    Oct 18 2024

    Meet a real life, underwater Indiana Jones! Tom Farnquist, director emeritus of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, shares stories of his passion for underwater exploration and the role of the society in discovering and preserving shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. He shares the challenges and stories behind finding significant shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald and elaborates on the importance of historical research and technology in his work.

    Links:

    Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: https://shipwreckmuseum.com/

    Show Notes:

    00:00 A Diver's Close Call

    00:26 Welcome to Total Michigan

    00:53 Introducing Tom Farnquist

    01:20 The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

    02:41 Tom's Early Life and Diving Passion

    04:09 Diving Adventures and Challenges

    08:26 Forming the Shipwreck Historical Society

    14:31 Finding Shipwrecks: The Process

    21:26 The Edmund Fitzgerald Connection

    23:30 Exploring the Historical Society

    25:42 Conclusion and Farewell

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    26 mins
  • From Military Service to Customer Service: Josh and Angela Fields
    Oct 11 2024

    Want does it take to transform ordinary into extraordinary? Meet Josh and Angela Fields, who run the Fields Farm and Garden in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The couple shares their amazing journey including Josh's career in the Coast Guard, which took them across the U.S., and their eventual decision to settle in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to start a new chapter. They describe embracing the local community spirit and discuss their Full Moon Market events, which have grown to host numerous vendors and attract hundreds of visitors, fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses.

    Links:

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089971741318

    Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

    Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

    Show Notes:

    00:00 A Wild Start

    00:55 Meet Josh and Angela Fields

    01:40 Josh's Coast Guard Journey

    03:16 Angela's Background and Meeting Josh

    05:54 Settling in Sault Ste. Marie

    09:43 Starting Fields Farm and Garden

    12:15 Challenges and Community Support

    17:00 Full Moon Market

    17:44 Event Attendance and Logistics

    18:26 The Origin of the Idea

    19:11 First Event and Initial Challenges

    20:45 Vendor and Food Truck Struggles

    24:07 Growing Popularity and Success

    27:44 Future Plans and Vision

    30:29 Contact and Closing Remarks

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    32 mins
  • Baynes Apple Valley: Turning an Orchard Into an Experience
    Oct 4 2024

    What lengths do you go through to find meaning in your work? Ben Coughlin, the front house manager of Bayne's Apple Valley in Freeland, Michigan. Ben shares the journey of his family buying and transforming the longstanding apple orchard into a thriving community spot that offers more than just apple products, including a live music venue, full-service bar, and a restaurant. The episode explores the challenges they faced, the extensive efforts to revamp the space, and the focus on creating memorable, experiential visits for all guests.

    Links:

    Bayne's Apple Valley Website: https://www.baynesapplevalley.com/

    Bayne's Apple Valley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BaynesAppleValley/

    Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/

    Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichigan

    Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

    00:27 Welcome to Total Michigan

    00:37 Exploring Bayne's Apple Valley

    01:22 The Evolution of Bayne's Apple Valley

    04:46 Family's Journey and Vision

    09:39 Challenges and Changes

    12:40 Creating a Unique Experience

    26:20 Upcoming Events and Community Impact

    29:15 Conclusion and Contact Information

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    30 mins