In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Darren Cools, a Ypsilanti-based illustrator, graphic designer, and author. Originally from Washington state, Darren moved to Michigan in 2020 and has since become a vibrant part of the local creative community.

We learned more about his debut young adult science fiction novel, Light in the Canyon, which explores themes of grief, wonder, and the “space between life and death”. Darren also shares a sneak peek into his ambitious new “solarpunk” series set in a futuristic Ypsilanti (reimagined as Woodruff’s Grove), where rebels on bicycles navigate a world built on radical hope.

Episode Highlights:

* The “Physical Drama” of the West vs. Michigan’s Subtle Beauty: Darren discusses the transition from the waterfalls and cliffs of the Pacific Northwest to the subtle, “quiet” beauty of the Michigan landscape.

* A Lifelong Dream Realized: From writing his first story at nine years old to balancing life as a father of three and a user experience writer, Darren talks about finally claiming his identity as an author in his thirties.

* The Mystery of Wavy Green: The true story of a local headstone in Ypsilanti’s Highland Cemetery that inspired a character in Darren’s upcoming series.

Special Reading:

Listen at [00:19:15] as Darren reads a beautiful, evocative passage from the end of Chapter 7 of Light in the Canyon, where the protagonist, Hailey, stands under a “sky thick with stars”.

Upcoming Events:

* Book Launch Celebration: Join Darren at the Corner Brewery on Thursday, June 25, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The event is free, open to all, and will feature book signings and a short reading.

Preorder & Connect:

* Preorder Light in the Canyon:

* Indie Book Bound

* Barnes and Noble

* Kindle Version

* Follow Darren’s Work:

* darrencools.com

* Darren Cools - Slant Books.

In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Kate Hardy (Founder/Executive Director) and Laura Lukofsky (Administrative Coordinator) of Six Feet Over. After a chance meeting at the Great Beer State Conference, we learn how this Michigan-based nonprofit is changing suicide prevention and postvention by meeting people where they are—whether that’s a punk rock show, a local brewery, or a tattoo shop.

Content warning: This episode contains honest, direct discussions about suicide, loss, and mental health.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

* The “Suck It! Suicide” (SIS) Vibe: Why Kate moved away from clinical, “social worker” language to create a straightforward, “real-talk” outreach program that connects with musicians, artists, and hospitality workers.

* Postvention & The “Lemon Aid” Program: The critical need for emotional and financial support for survivors of suicide loss. Kate and Laura explain the “after-death” costs that families are often unprepared for and how Six Feet Over has worked to fill those gaps.

* Funding the Mission: A candid look at the current challenges facing nonprofits in Michigan and how the community can help keep the “Lemon Aid” program active.

* DIY Ethos: How the punk and metal scenes’ “take care of your own” mentality drives their daily work.

About Six Feet Over

Six Feet Over is a 501©(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to those impacted by suicide and loss in Michigan. Through their outreach program, Suck It! Suicide, they provide a “hard edge with a soft landing” for those who don’t fit the mainstream mold of traditional mental health services.

* Website: www.sixftover.org

* Follow on Social Media: @sixftover / @suckitsuicide

* Get Involved: Inquire about QPR Training for your business or staff to learn the signs and save lives.

“No one is coming to save us. We gotta save each other.” — Laura Lukofsky.

Laura, Tarrah Barshaw (from EPIC Races, Probility Ann Arbor marathon), and Katie getting down on some free pizza!

Laura, during the Great Beer Conference!

In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Kathleen Mennillo, MBA, the CEO of Michigan Audubon. Kathleen shares her path from a nature-loving childhood in Northville to leading the state’s oldest conservation organization.

She shares why birds are the “litmus test” for Michigan’s environmental health, the launch of the Bird City Michigan initiative, and how a business-minded approach is helping conservation thrive in the 21st century. Whether you happen to be a seasoned birder with a “life list” or a backyard observer, this episode has tips on how to protect our feathered neighbors.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

* The “MBA of Conservation”: How Kathleen uses her business background to navigate the challenges of running a statewide nonprofit and executing a multi-year strategic plan.

* Bird City Michigan: The story behind this revolutionary program (supported by Ford Motor Company) that helps communities boost eco-tourism through bird conservation.

* The Economic Power of Birding: Why birding is a $107 billion industry and how Michigan communities can tap into that market.

* Conservation Success Stories: The recovery of the Kirtland’s Warbler and why Michigan is a global destination for seeing this “once-endangered” bird.

* Backyard Action: Simple, zero-cost things you can do today—like “lights out” and window film—to save bird lives.

* The Mystery of the Chimney Swift: Why these birds nest “communally” but only allow one couple to have a nest, and how Michigan Audubon is using recording technology to learn their secrets.

Michigan Birding Experiences Mentioned:

* Kirtland’s Warbler Tours (May 23 – June 30): Held in collaboration with Hartwick Pines State Park. Learn more here.

* Cerulean Warbler Tours: A chance to see the elusive, sky-blue “neck-breaker” warbler in its natural habitat. Tour details here.

* Whitefish Point Bird Observatory: A world-class destination for seeing owls, hawks, and waterbirds in the U.P.

Resources Mentioned:

* Michigan Audubon Website: MichiganAudubon.org

* Bird City Michigan: BirdCity.org

* Birding Apps: Merlin Bird ID and eBird

This isn’t just a story about coffee; it’s a demonstration of Michigan Ingenuity. From Christopher Lasher’s early days driving beer-delivery trucks to his time at Michigan craft beer legends like Dark Horse and Griffin Claw, his journey is an example of the hard work and creativity that define our state. We talk about how a “COVID coffee epiphany” led to the birth of Super Duper Drinks, his unique approach to cold brewing, and the exciting opening of his new dedicated roasting space on Chene Street in Detroit.

Whether you’re a craft beer fan curious about how your favorite beer gets its coffee kick, a DIY-er who loves a story about homegrown ingenuity, or someone tired of drinking terrible hotel coffee, this episode is packed with the kind of grit and inventiveness that makes Michigan special.

What’s In It For You?

* Insider Access: Get the first word on the new Detroit walk-up window opening.

* Pro-Tips: Learn how to earn “Super Duper Points” just by taking photos on your next hike.

* Knowledge: Impress your friends at the next beer fest by explaining exactly how coffee-infused stouts are actually made.

Mentioned in this Episode

* Super Duper Drinks Order some today!

* The Hidden King (Ann Arbor): Home of the legendary Super Duper Cold Brew Martini. Listen to our interview with Mark Wilfong.

* Griffin Claw Brewing Co.: Where the coffee and beer worlds collide.

* Sapia Coffee (Detroit): Christopher’s local spot for cupping inspiration.

Christopher Lasher, Super Duper Coffee

Our stop at Super Duper Coffee during our Dangerous Day with Jay in Detroit

Our first taste of Super Duper Coffee at Hidden King in Ann Arbor

Episode Summary

What does it take to keep the lights burning on Michigan’s west coast? In this episode, Chuck and Brenda explore the world of lighthouse preservation with the team from Lakeshore Keepers. From managing over 300 volunteers to the ‘workcation’ of a lifetime, Amy and Jack share the joys, challenges, and even the funny story of a ‘haunted’ snoring sound that turned out to be a mechanical mystery. Whether you’re a history buff or an aspiring keeper, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sentinels of Lake Michigan.

Key Takeaways

* The Fleet: Lakeshore Keepers manages five distinct historic sites:

* Big Sable Point Lighthouse (Ludington)

* Little Sable Point Lighthouse (Mears)

* Ludington North Breakwater Light (Ludington)

* White River Light Station (Whitehall)

* Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse (Manistee - their newest acquisition!)

* The “Workcation”: Resident volunteers live on-site (often in modern residences with Wi-Fi and laundry) and serve as docents, gift shop keepers, and tower guides.

* Volunteer Impact: With only six staff members, the organization relies on 300+ volunteers to welcome nearly 40,000 guests annually.

* Safety First: Working on a pierhead means respecting the lake. Jack explains why the Ludington North Breakwater Light closes when the northwest winds hit 12–15 mph, causing waves to crash over the pier.

* Preservation Needs: While professionals handle scaffolding and heavy restoration, volunteers support “light painting,” fence maintenance, and general upkeep.

Organizations & Businesses Mentioned

* Lakeshore Keepers: The primary organization dedicated to preserving and promoting West Michigan lighthouses.

* Fayette Historic State Park: Jack’s “Perfect Michigan Day” destination—a historic iron-smelting town in the U.P.

* Big Bay Point Lighthouse B&B: Amy’s favorite U.P. stay overlooking Lake Superior.

* Grand Traverse Lighthouse: Mentioned by Brenda regarding her previous volunteer experiences.

* Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Recommended for its stunning winter scenery.

How to Get Involved

* Become a Keeper: Applications typically go live in the Fall. You can apply for a one-week or two-week stint. Apply Here.

* Day Keeping: Live nearby? You can volunteer for a single-day shift as a “gatekeeper” to help with tours and events.

* Spring Fling (May 1st): A progressive “open house” for volunteers to tour all five residences and decide which light they want to serve at next.

* Donate: Support active restoration projects at Big Sable Point or the general fund via their website.

Chuck and Brenda talk with Ann Arbor’s own Christina Morales Hemenway, founder of Dancingstar Productions. From studying under Marcel Marceau to producing six feature films, Christina shares her journey of creating independent, “uplifting” cinema outside the Hollywood system.

Episode Highlights:

* The Independent Spark: Why a “lost” master tape at a major studio led Christina to embrace total creative independence.

* Michigan Film Scene: A look at the rise and fall of the state’s film incentives and why she insists on filming in Ann Arbor.

* Cinema that Heals: The mission behind “uplifting” films and a moving story of how her movie Angel Moon saved a viewer’s life.

* Universal Chord: Details on her upcoming 1969 period piece starring Sally Struthers, featuring Ann Arbor icons like Iggy Pop and the Big House.

* Mentorship: How her Creative Academy and Presence Coaching help new artists break into the business without making the same mistakes she did.

Resources & Links:

* Stream Her Films: Watch directly at DancingStarProductions.com (where 100% of your rental goes to the filmmaker!).

* Uplifting Film Festival: Join the event on April 26th at Hearsay Brewery.

* Learn the Craft: Check out her film-making and content creator tutorials.

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DancingstarProductions

In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Alex Resnick, the Executive Director of the Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac, Michigan. Alex shares the fascinating history of this century-old landmark—from its Vaudeville roots to its $20 million restoration. You’ll hear how the theater is acting as an economic engine for downtown Pontiac, the addition of a new art gallery, and why you might see the Executive Director mopping floors one minute and booking Grammy-nominated artists the next.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation

* A Storied History: The Strand opened in 1921 for Vaudeville and silent films. It survived the demolition of historic buildings in the 80s (partly due to its stint as a “Triple X” cinema) before being beautifully restored and reopened in 2017.

* More Than a Stage: Under the leadership of the Westberg brothers and the Encore Performing Arts Center, the Strand has transformed into an arts campus. This includes a second-floor rotating gallery and upcoming community education programs for youth and adults.

* Economic Catalyst: Alex discusses how the theater helps drive traffic to local businesses like Fillmore 13 Brewery and helps change the perception of downtown Pontiac.

* The “Marquee” Experience: During the pandemic, the theater stayed alive by putting bands on top of the outdoor marquee to perform for the street—a tradition that continues today with the city’s partnership.

* Upcoming Highlights: Look out for performances by Sierra Hull and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, plus the return of the Pontiac Youth Theater intensive.

Tips for Your Visit

* Parking: Free parking is available near the corner of Wayne and Water Streets (near the Coney Island). Street parking and paid lots are also available.

* Membership: For $400, frequent guests can get a guaranteed parking spot with their name on it, a free drink at shows, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

* Pre-Show Ritual: Alex recommends grabbing the Chicken Club or a pizza and a War Cry IPA at Fillmore 13 Brewery right across the street.

Organizations & People Mentioned

* Flagstar Strand Theatre – The historic heart of downtown Pontiac.

* Encore Performing Arts Center – The nonprofit partner focused on theater operations and programming.

* Fillmore 13 Brewery – Local craft brewery and eatery located across from the theater.

* Paint Creek Center for the Arts – Collaborator for the theater’s gallery installations.

* City of Pontiac – Partner for the Marquee concert series and Juneteenth events.

* Zach Curtis Art – Local artist known for his Pontiac skyline series, painted on salvaged Phoenix Center canvas.