Beyond Both Sides: The Quest for Common Ground | Episode 29

Beyond Both Sides: The Quest for Common Ground | Episode 29

Michigan's leaders are heading to Mackinac Island this week for Mackinac Policy Conference with an urgent message and a big question: can urgency and relationship-building happen at the same time? Chris and Allie break down what the Detroit Regional Chamber's "house is on fire" alarm actually demands of conference attendees, why the new format is a genuine improvement, and how to use your three days on the island strategically rather than just socially. Then, Diallo Smith, CEO of Life Remodeled, joins the show. A native Detroiter, Cass Tech graduate, and former ExxonMobil and IBM Consulting professional who came home to build something different, Diallo has transformed vacant buildings into one-stop community hubs serving tens of thousands of people on Detroit's northwest side. He talks about what Michigan's economic crisis looks like from neighborhoods that have been living with distress for decades, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Plus, in Disagree Better: the Grand Rapids Chamber's city commission candidate forum and why that kind of civic disagreement is exactly what local democracy needs more of.

Beyond Both Sides: A Messaging Bill With Legs | Episode 28

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno just introduced legislation to ban Chinese connected vehicles from the American market — what Slotkin called "a driving surveillance package on wheels." The bill is bipartisan, the auto industry supports it, and Allie Walker calls it "a messaging bill with legs." But here's the question Chris Moyer and Allie dig into: is this the move of a region confident it can out-innovate — or one buying time because it's not sure it can compete? Chris pushes back with a scarcity-vs.-abundance frame, and Allie raises the question nobody's asking: if Chinese cars are a national security threat, why are we still letting Chinese-made phones into every American pocket? Then Chris and Allie sit down with Devon O'Reilly — President and CEO of Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford, and newly elected Dearborn City Council member — on the meticulous decade-long restoration of the Ford estate (Thomas Edison laid the cornerstone of the powerhouse, and Clara Ford drove an electric car in the 1910s), the O'Reilly family's three-generation public service legacy, and what he wants the rest of America to know about Dearborn: "Dearborn knows how to get along. The hostility comes from outside." Plus, in Disagree Better: Van Andel Arena turns 30 — and the story of how one public-private bet in the early '90s reshaped downtown Grand Rapids.

Beyond Both Sides: The Delete Button Isn't a Strategy | Episode 27

Mallory McMorrow deleted 6,000 tweets before launching her U.S. Senate campaign. When CNN's KFile surfaced it, she defended herself by invoking authenticity — but the deletion itself was the opposite of authentic. Chris Moyer and Allie Walker unpack the contradiction: why the scrubbing is always the story now, why the old political consultant playbook is dangerously outdated, and the more honest answer McMorrow hasn't given yet. It's a stress test for every executive and organization sitting on a decade of social media history. Then, we talk with Kerry C. Duggan — founder of Energy Security Partners and former White House policy advisor to Vice President Biden — about her "receiver city" thesis: why Michigan and the Great Lakes are uniquely positioned for climate migration, where she lands on Michigan's data center debate, and what it would take for the next clean tech cluster to form here. Plus, in Disagree Better: three counties team up to give every student free SMART bus rides.

Beyond Both Sides: The Cost of Saying No | Episode 26

In this episode of Beyond Both Sides, we go on the road—recording live from the grand opening of a new Sheetz in Novi—to explore a bigger question: what is the cost of saying no to development? Sheetz announced its Michigan expansion in 2022. It took years—and real resistance—to open its first locations. And that’s not unusual. From data centers to housing to retail, Michigan has developed a reputation as a place that is simply hard to build in. We break down why that matters—and what it’s costing the state in jobs, investment, and long-term competitiveness. We’re also joined by Nick Ruffner (Public Affairs Manager) and Justin Mandel (Director of Real Estate) from Sheetz to discuss: * What it’s like to develop in Michigan vs. other states * Why Sheetz is still betting on Michigan with a $500M investment * How communities respond to new development—and what works * What state and local leaders could do differently Plus: * Michigan political updates, including the latest in statewide races * The legacy of former U.S. Senator Don Riegle * Tulip Time and what it says about building a lasting identity

Beyond Both Sides: The Performance of Authenticity | Episode 25

In this episode of Beyond Both Sides, we explore a growing challenge in modern politics: the performance of authenticity. After Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear criticized the use of “advocacy language,” we dig into a deeper question—whether the problem is the words themselves or a broader breakdown in trust between politicians and the public. From “food insecurity” to “hunger,” does changing language actually make leaders more relatable—or just more rehearsed? And is this a messaging issue, or a sign that voters can tell when authenticity is being manufactured? We’re also joined by Trevor Tkach, President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, to discuss: * What makes Traverse City a standout destination * The future of the Pure Michigan brand * How tourism plays a role in Northern Michigan’s recovery after recent flooding * The challenge of balancing growth with community identity Plus: * Updates on Michigan’s statewide races * AC Grand Rapids building toward its 2027 debut * Flood recovery efforts across Northern Michigan