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

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]

Connecting People and Birds with Kathleen Mennillo from the Michigan Audubon

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 [https://www.michiganaudubon.org/kirtlands-warbler-tours/]. * Cerulean Warbler Tours: A chance to see the elusive, sky-blue “neck-breaker” warbler in its natural habitat. Tour details here [https://www.michiganaudubon.org/go-birding/cerulean-warbler-tours/]. * 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 [https://www.michiganaudubon.org] * Bird City Michigan: BirdCity.org [https://www.birdcity.org] * Birding Apps: Merlin Bird ID [https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/] and eBird [https://ebird.org/home] Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe [https://lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]