Community Convos

Go a Paddlin' at Picklepalooza

This episode talks about Pickle Palooza, a lively event designed to introduce pickleball to the Lansing area and bring people together through sport. The event has grown into a three-day celebration with activities and tournaments that welcome participants of all ages and skill levels. Overall, it highlights how sports can build community, support healthy lifestyles, and create meaningful connections among neighbors. Mentioned This Episode Website: [https://mipicklepalooza.com/]Picklepalooza [https://mipicklepalooza.com/] Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/9905395479514888/]Picklepalooza at Delta Mills [https://www.facebook.com/groups/9905395479514888/] Website: [https://www.lansingsports.org/picklepalooza/]Lansing Sports - Picklepalooza [https://www.lansingsports.org/picklepalooza/]

Take a Stand Inspires Joy as Resistance

Melissa Kaplan joins Daedalian on this edition of The Convo to preview this year’s Take a Stand! Sit In! event, taking place April 14 and 16. The 2026 theme, “Joy as Resistance,” highlights how creativity can inspire reflection and strengthen community connections through artistic expression, including film, storytelling, and music. Website: Take A Stand! Sit In! - April 14 & 16 [www.takeastand.openlcc.net] Website: Capital City Film Festival [https://capitalcityfilmfest.com/] Facebook: Cute cats with Hats [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083709129607] (Mention during the episode)

Oh, so Sweet! Maple Syrup Festival 2026 at Fenner

On this episode of The Convo, Daedalian is joined by Tina Nguyen, Marketing and Membership Manager at Fenner Nature Center. Tina tells us about the various activities participants can expect, including animal encounters, local artisan vendors, and the famed pancake breakfast featuring Chris Cakes, known for their energetic pancake-flipping antics. This festival, which has been celebrated for over five decades, offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the intricate process of maple syrup production, from tree tapping to sampling delicious treats. Website: Fenner Maple Syrup Festival - March 21st and 22nd [https://mynaturecenter.org/visit/festivals/maplesyrupfestival/ ] Facebook: Fenner Nature Center [https://www.facebook.com/fennernaturecenter ] Instagram: Fenner Nature Center [https://www.instagram.com/fennernature ] Website: Chris Cakes [https://chriscakes.com/ ] YouTube: Chris Cakes on The Food Channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxVW1ChF8l8&t=1s]

Viking Adventures Await at the MI Nordic Fire Festival

The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival is a captivating celebration that merges winter festivities with Viking culture, taking place from February 27th to March 1st at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte. A'me McGill-Austin and Cassidy Brown join us on The Convo to give us the inside story behind the annual festival's array of activities, such as live entertainment, engaging children's events, and even a ceremonial ship burning, which promises to ignite excitement among attendees. Website: Michigan Nordic Fire Festival [https://www.michigannordicfirefestival.com/] Facebook: Michigan Nordic Fire Festival [https://www.facebook.com/minordicfirefestival] Related Podcasts: The Druid Drummer on Front Row, Backstage [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8310225e-f0d3-48f0-9240-6306e47477d4] & PleThorA on Front Row, Backstage [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5ab6db23-d22f-4f8b-8481-c54087f5bed7]

Caring for the Community: Fundraising Events for Those Battling Cancer

TeDen welcomes Lansing local, Leonardo Christian, to talk about two upcoming fundraising events to support patients with cancer. Christian himself is a cancer survivor, with his last treatment being on August 27th, 2025, and he's here to lend his heart, soul, and personality to help others. The first event is a silent auction on Friday, October 24th, at the Michigan Institute for Creative Art (MICA Gallery) with proceeds going to the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center. The second event is Saturday, October 25th, at Sir Pizza's Old Town Pub, where there will be live music and food, and proceeds will go towards helping patients directly. Friday, Oct. 24th Event: MICA Gallery [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-silent-auction-fundraiser-for-u-of-m-sparrow-cancer-patients-tickets-1693922470709] Saturday, Oct. 25th, Event: Sir Pizza's Old Town Pub [https://www.facebook.com/p/Sir-Pizzas-Old-Town-Pub-61574653153631/] If you would like to volunteer or cannot attend but still want to help, please reach out to: Leonardo Christian (517) 885-5412 or ChristianLeonardo839@gmail.com