The Story Behind the Stories: Kate Milligan’s "1 Girl Revolution"

The Story Behind the Stories: Kate Milligan’s "1 Girl Revolution"

In this episode of the Life in Michigan Podcast, Chuck and Brenda are joined by the visionary Detroit-based storyteller and filmmaker Kate Milligan. Kate takes us through her high-stakes transition from the worlds of PR and traditional media into the heart of impactful non-profit storytelling. As the driving force behind 1 Girl Revolution, she leads a powerhouse multimedia nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and girls everywhere. Discover how she’s shifting global perspectives and sparking real social change through the power of people-focused narratives. In this conversation, Kate discusses: * The Heart of 1 Girl Revolution: How the platform expanded from a simple podcast into an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaking operation. * National Recognition: Her recent experience on The Kelly Clarkson Show and the power of bringing youth advocate Ruby Kate Chitsey into the national spotlight. * Documentary Filmmaking: The emotional and healing biology behind her films, including the Emmy-nominated short The Girl Inside and the community-focused film In Tandem. * Community Impact: A look back at the success of the 2nd Annual “The Power of Her” event in Detroit, which featured local women-owned marketplaces. * The Michigan Quick-Fire Round: Kate’s personal favorites, including her absolute love for Port Sanilac and her go-to summer drink. Links to Organizations Mentioned * 1 Girl Revolution [https://1girlrevolution.com/]: Watch Kate’s documentaries and listen to her podcast. You can also subscribe to her video work directly on the 1 Girl Revolution YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@1GirlRevolution]. * Sixftover.org: Learn more about the mental health and suicide-prevention advocacy work at Six Ft Over [https://www.sixftover.org/]. * The Kelly Clarkson Show [https://www.kellyclarksonshow.com/]: Check out clips and past segments from the national broadcast. * The Dre Project: [https://thedreproject.org/] Explore the local emergency food relief program running pop-up pantries across Detroit. * Two James Spirits: [https://twojames.com/] Discover this Detroit-based craft distillery located in Corktown. * Little Saints [https://littlesaints.com/]: Check out this woman-owned, non-alcoholic mocktail company. * The Congregation Detroit [https://www.instagram.com/thecongregationdetroit/]: Visit this unique community hub, cafe, and bar operating out of a historic Detroit church. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe [https://lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Creating a "Sense of Place" with The Neighborhood Theatre Group

This week on Life In Michigan, Chuck and Brenda Marshall sit down with Kristin Danko (Artistic & Executive Director) and Greg Pizzino (Technical Director) from The Neighborhood Theatre Group (NTG). For over a decade, this scrappy, award-winning ensemble has been doing something incredibly rare: producing 100% original theater, written by locals, for locals. In this fun and conversational episode, Kristin shares her journey from the Chicago theater scene to finding an unexpected artistic home in Ypsilanti. Greg pulls back the curtain on the logistical magic required to run a theater company out of The Back Office Studio—a local co-working space on North Washington Street. You’ll hear how a team of volunteers transforms a functional daytime conference room into an intimate, 44-seat black-box theater by night, and why Greg had to use a hammer and a prayer to invent a “flaming wedding arch” that wouldn’t set off the building’s sprinkler system. They also talk about creative world-building that sets NTG apart. Learn about the Huron Valley Universe—a fictional Michigan college town inspired by Ypsi and East Lansing, where many of their plays are set—and get a sneak peek into their upcoming daytime soap opera parody, San Diego Sunsets, set in the equally mysterious Tree County. Stick around for our Lightning Round to find out where to get the best custom, theater-themed cocktails in town, and meet Winnie, the official NTG dog who sleeps right through live performances! Connect with The Neighborhood Theatre Group * Official Website: ntgypsi.org [https://www.ntgypsi.org/] * Facebook: @neighborhoodtheatregroup [https://facebook.com/neighborhoodtheatregroup] * Instagram: Neighborhood Theatre Group (@neighborhoodtheatregroup) · Ypsilanti, MI [http://instagram.com/neighborhoodtheatregroup/] * Location Partner: The Back Office Studio [https://www.thebackofficestudio.com/] * Patreon Link: patreon.com/ntgypsi [http://patreon.com/ntgypsi] Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe [https://lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Roo Morgan's "Pop-Up" Yoga Business

In this episode of the Life in Michigan podcast, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Kathryn “Roo” Morgan, a yoga therapist and the founder of Eclipse Yoga. Based outside Chelsea, Michigan, Roo left the corporate world to create a judgment-free “pop-up” yoga experience focused on quality of life and functional movement. Episode Highlights * The Origin of “Roo”: Learn how a college job in Australia and a feisty attitude in the banquet industry led to her unique nickname. * Yoga for Everyone: Roo discusses her “No Judgment” policy, welcoming everyone from carnivores to skeptics, and why she avoids using Sanskrit to make yoga more accessible. * Functional Healing: Roo explains her work with fascia release (the “orange peel” of the body) and the Melt Method to help manage chronic pain and stiffness. * Specialized Care: A deep dive into her extensive work with Parkinson’s patients, utilizing yoga therapy and Rock Steady Boxing to delay symptoms and improve motor skills. * The “Retox” Lifestyle: Why she pairs yoga with social events, alcohol, and outdoor fun to reach those who might find traditional studios intimidating. * Outdoor Adventures: From SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) Yoga on local ponds to Full Moon Paddle Camping trips through Michigan’s inland chain of lakes. Connect with Roo & Eclipse Yoga * Website: eclipseyoga.net [https://eclipseyoga.net/] * Social Media: Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eclipse_yoga/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/EclipseYoga.Roo.Jamie] * Services: Roo offers private client sessions, corporate wellness programs, and community events across Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Brighton, and beyond. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe [https://lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

From Illustrator to Novelist: Ypsilanti’s Darren Cools on his Debut "Light in the Canyon"

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 [https://bookshop.org/p/books/light-in-the-canyon-darren-cools/19421dfd68e5ebc7?ean=9781639822270&next=t&next=t] * Barnes and Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/light-in-the-canyon-darren-cools/1149887017] * Kindle Version [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GWSDB6T9?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_7KTBAVVYWZAD6MH8NTQR&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_7KTBAVVYWZAD6MH8NTQR&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_7KTBAVVYWZAD6MH8NTQR&bestFormat=true] * Follow Darren’s Work: * darrencools.com [http://darrencools.com] * Darren Cools - Slant Books [https://slantbooks.org/authors/darren-cools/#:~:text=He's%20completed%20a%20number%20of,band%20of%20rebels%20on%20bicycles]. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe [https://lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Hard Edges, Soft Landings: Suicide Prevention and Postvention with Six Feet Over

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 [https://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! Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe [https://lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]