Episodes

  • Beyond the Slogans: The Facts on Who Really Pays on Income Tax Proposal and What it Means for Michigan

    Beyond the Slogans: The Facts on Who Really Pays on Income Tax Proposal and What it Means for Michigan
    Jan 22 2026
    Jim is joined today by a state policy expert and author of a new Tax Foundation study, Jared Walczak, to help move past the rhetoric and focus on the facts of a proposed measure for the November 2026 ballot. Jared is a senior fellow at this nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that’s known for data-driven analysis and earned its reputation for independence and credibility. We’re going to be looking at what the data actually shows for Michigan – who really pays, and what it means for jobs, wages, and competitiveness.
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    29 mins
  • Restoring Balance Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform – Part 2

    Restoring Balance Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform – Part 2
    Jan 13 2026
    Jim leads the exploration on the recently launched Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform as we talk with the organization’s inaugural Director Zach Rudat about the state of our legal climate and what led to more than 30 organizations already jumping on board.

    This episode is part 2 of our special three-part series – “Restoring Balance: Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform.”
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    20 mins
  • Igniting Civics in Michigan: Inside the National Civics Bee

    Igniting Civics in Michigan: Inside the National Civics Bee
    Jan 6 2026
    Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement at the Michigan Chamber, takes you inside an energizing initiative: the National Civics Bee. It’s a fast-growing, nationwide competition that helps middle schoolers strengthen their civic knowledge, think critically about real community issues and build their problem-solving skills.

    Joining her in the discussion are:
    - Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - who oversees this national effort and brings a front-row view of how the Bee is taking off across the country.
    - Thomas Paden, president of the Canton Chamber of Commerce - whose team helped bring schools and students into this year’s competition – and helped Michigan lead the nation in student essay submissions.
    - Ashley Tall, Michigan’s 2025 National Civics Bee state champion - who is now a freshman at Huron High School in Ann Arbor and just represented Michigan on the national stage in Washington, D.C.
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    24 mins
  • Leading with Empathy and Supporting Mental Health in the Modern Workplace – Without Losing Focus on Results

    Leading with Empathy and Supporting Mental Health in the Modern Workplace – Without Losing Focus on Results
    Dec 30 2025
    Becky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on something most leaders are dealing with – whether they say it out loud or not: how stressors or mental health are showing up at work, and what effective leadership looks like in that environment. Joining her in the discussion is Julia Isaacs, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy and Planning for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
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    21 mins
  • What AI means for Your Business – Today, Not Tomorrow

    What AI means for Your Business – Today, Not Tomorrow
    Dec 23 2025
    Amanda Toy, VP of Membership and Partnerships for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion about artificial intelligence or AI – not in the abstract or five years down the road. We’re focused on what AI actually means for your business today, and how small businesses across Michigan are already using it to save time, reduce costs and work smarter.

    Joining her in the discussion are:
    - Chan Park, Head of U.S. and Canada Policy and Partnerships at OpenAI - the company behind ChatGPT
    - Mike Pomerantz, Head of National Policy Engagement for Door Dash
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    25 mins
  • Restoring Balance Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform - Part 1

    Restoring Balance Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform - Part 1
    Dec 11 2025
    Joining Wendy is Sherman “Tiger” Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association, to unpack what makes a fair and balanced legal system – and why Michigan has fallen behind.

    This episode is part 1 of a special 3-part series – “Restoring Balance: Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform.” We’ll be taking a closer look at how Michigan’s legal climate impacts job creation, innovation and the cost of doing business in our state as well as to our families and communities.
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    21 mins
  • HR on the Hot Seat: Top Trends and 2026 Watch List for Michigan Employers

    HR on the Hot Seat: Top Trends and 2026 Watch List for Michigan Employers
    Nov 20 2025
    Jim leads the discussion on the issues shaping Michigan’s economy and the workplaces that drive it. We take a look at one of the fastest-moving parts of doing business in Michigan: HR and employment law and what to watch along with the latest trends. Joining him in the discussion are:

    - John Below, an employment law attorney with Bodman
    - Jodi Schafer, a certified HR professional and the principal/owner of HRM Services
    - Becky Burtka, from our very own Michigan Chamber team, who’ll share some resources to help businesses stay compliant and confident.
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    29 mins
  • Carbon Capture – An Update

    Carbon Capture – An Update
    Nov 13 2025
    Jim leads the discussion on one of the fastest-emerging opportunities for Michigan’s energy and manufacturing future — carbon capture and storage. Michigan’s unique geology and strong industrial base could put our state at the center of a new wave of energy innovation. We’ll unpack what carbon capture is, what it could mean for jobs, investment and energy independence – all while balancing environmental safeguards with economic growth. Joining Jim in the discussion are:

    - Bob Mannes, president & CEO of Core Energy – a leader and early adopter in this space
    - Robert Joerg, director of government affairs for the Michigan Laborers District Council
    - Mike Alaimo, senior director of legislative and external affairs at the Michigan Chamber and our environmental and energy policy lead.
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    28 mins