Max Loves Midland

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with longtime Midlander John Metcalf, a designer, volunteer, storyteller, and community builder whose life journey stretches from rural Ohio to Japan and ultimately to Midland, Michigan. John shares how his early love of art and reading led him into industrial design, how living and working in Japan shaped his worldview, and how that experience eventually connected him to Midland through a career in exhibit design and a deep commitment to community life. The conversation explores John’s work through Good Design Group, his passion for museum storytelling, his involvement with the Midland-Handa Sister City relationship, and his volunteer leadership with Public Arts Midland and MCTV. Along the way, he reflects on the power of cultural exchange, the importance of civic participation, and why Midland has felt like home for nearly three decades. It is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about design, belonging, creativity, and what it means to invest in a place and its people.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Rhiannon Gonzales, Midland Destination Ambassador for Go Great Lakes Bay, to talk about what it means to love where you live and help others discover it, too. From the Midland Visitor Center on Main Street to regional gems like Dow Gardens, the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, Dow Diamond, the Midland Center for the Arts, and so many local favorites in between, Rhiannon shares how tourism strengthens communities, why residents are some of the best ambassadors a place can have, and how the Great Lakes Bay Region continues to shine through its people, small businesses, and shared sense of pride. The conversation also explores Rhiannon’s personal journey from growing up in the region to building her career in hospitality and tourism, her love for Midland’s welcoming energy, and her hopes for a future rooted in inclusivity, momentum, and community support. Whether you are a lifelong local or seeing Midland through a fresh lens, this episode is a reminder that when we champion the places we call home, we help create communities where people want to visit, stay, and thrive.

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Patrick McElgunn, director of the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise at Northwood University, to talk about entrepreneurship, placemaking, family life, and why Midland continues to be a community worth investing in. Patrick reflects on growing up in Midland, leaving, and ultimately finding his way back to build a life with his wife Shannon and their three children. Along the way, he shares how his journey took him from coaching lacrosse and launching a basement equipment business to supporting entrepreneurs through the Small Business Development Center, co-owning Grove Tea Lounge, and now helping students and community members bring ideas to life through the Northwood Idea Center. The conversation also explores the impact of the MYPros Community Crowdfund, the importance of creating welcoming third spaces, and Patrick’s hope that future generations will see Midland not as a place to leave behind, but as a place to return to, invest in, and help shape for years to come.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Ben Marsh, co-founder of Creation Coffee, third generation Midlander, husband, and new dad, to talk about the unexpected journey that turned a college coffee hobby into one of Michigan’s largest coffee roasting operations. As Creation Coffee approaches its 10 year anniversary, Ben shares the origin story behind the business, from discovering a “life changing cup of coffee” in college to roasting beans in a garage with a $2 popcorn popper found at a Midland thrift store. What started as a way to make better coffee on a college budget quickly evolved into selling bags to friends and family, then to customers at the Midland Area Farmers Market, and eventually into a growing company with wholesale partnerships, multiple café locations in Midland, Saginaw, Frankenmuth, and Mount Pleasant, and a fifth location on the way through franchising in Wisconsin. Throughout the conversation, Ben reflects on growing up in Midland, leaving to pursue a career in advertising in cities like New York, Richmond, and Los Angeles, and ultimately returning home to build something tangible and meaningful in the community that raised him. Kevin and Ben also explore how Creation Coffee became more than just a coffee company, touching on the role local businesses play in shaping community culture, creating opportunities for young people, and helping Midland become a place where talent can stay and thrive. Ben shares stories about the early days of the business, partnerships with other local coffee pioneers, the importance of the Midland Farmers Market as a launchpad for entrepreneurs, and the unexpected responsibility that comes with leading a growing team. As Creation has expanded into roasting, equipment distribution, and multiple cafés, Ben says one of the most rewarding parts has been creating meaningful jobs and empowering employees to grow their skills and careers. The conversation also dives into Midland life outside of coffee, from childhood bike rides across town and legendary backyard wiffle ball tournaments to the joy of raising a family in a walkable community with access to trails, parks, and local gathering spaces. Ben even maps out his ideal day in Midland, featuring stops at Creation Coffee, Downtown Midland, the Tridge, Pizza Baker, the Chippewa Nature Center, Veedu Cuisine, Witchcraft Taproom, and Nord Social. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who cares about the future of Midland, this episode highlights how passion, community support, and a little curiosity can grow into something much bigger than expected. Ben closes the conversation by sharing his hopes for the future of Midland, envisioning a community known for its thriving food, beverage, and hospitality scene, where locally owned businesses continue to grow and collaborate to make Midland a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.

This Week on the Max Loves Midland Show: Jennifer “Jen” Acosta (Housing Forward) What does it really take for Midland to be a place people choose to stay, build a life, and thrive? This week, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Jennifer “Jen” Acosta, a hockey mom, poms mom, real estate developer, and one of the leading voices behind Housing Forward, an initiative working to expand attainable housing, livability, and long-term opportunity across Midland County. Jen’s story starts with a choice. With roots in Michigan and experience beyond it, she and her family intentionally chose Midland over a more “transient” lifestyle elsewhere because they wanted deep roots, strong schools, and a community where people know each other and show up for each other. From there, the conversation opens into what Jen calls being “an urbanist at heart,” and why neighborhood design, walkability, safety, and comfort for all ages are not “nice to have” features but building blocks of a resilient community. Kevin and Jen dig into the bigger housing realities shaping Midland’s future, including how household needs have changed, why “housing choice” matters, and why employers are now asking a question economic developers can’t avoid: how many housing starts do you have? They also talk about the mismatch between the homes we primarily have and the households we’re becoming, along with what it means when residents want options beyond the traditional two-lane road of “single-family only” or “large multi-family only.” You’ll also hear Jen break down: What Housing Forward is and why it exists Why housing is as essential to a community’s future as roads and schools How can thoughtful development strengthen neighborhoods and often increase home values? What “missing middle” housing can look like in real life, including multi-generational solutions that support caregiving and help families build wealth Why local ownership matters for community wealth building and long-term stability How Midland can reduce commuter risk and retain talent when nearly 19,000 people work in Midland but don’t live here What everyday residents can do to support smarter housing solutions, starting with curiosity and asking better questions Plus, Jen shares a few fun snapshots along the way, including the sports parent lifestyle, her love of baking, a “Midwest nice” moment that stuck with her husband, and her ideal spring day in Midland (yes, it starts with crepes and coffee). If you care about Midland’s future, talent retention, livability, and what it will take to build a community of opportunity and choice over the next decade, this episode is for you. Learn more about Housing Forward: find information through the Midland Business Alliance website, and follow along on Facebook and LinkedIn. Mark your calendar: Jen also shares details about the Regional Housing Summit on March 4 at the Midland Center for the Arts. It’s free and open to the public, with online registration available. And as always, for a full schedule of what’s happening around Midland County, visit MaxLovesMidland.com and explore the community calendar. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode of the Max Loves Midland Show.

Holly Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Midland County, joins Kevin to share how her journey from the creative industry into nonprofit leadership has shaped her life. The two stress the importance of this year's United Way Community Campaign. She explains that United Way is an impact organization that listens, uses data, and convenes partners. Hence, resources reach people efficiently, and she underscores that campaign dollars are the how, not the what. The 2025 community campaign runs primarily from early September through early November. This year's goal is $ 4.4 million to fund programs aligned with Midland's most pressing needs. Holly invites everyone to take part by giving what they can, volunteering, or lending their voice, and she notes that current matching opportunities can double individual gifts at unitedwaymidland.org.

Join Kevin LaDuke for a heartfelt conversation with Gary Billotti, Outreach Coordinator for the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition, as we explore how a one-time skeptic of Midland became one of its most dedicated champions. Gary reflects on growing up in Metro Detroit. This career took him from the YMCA and DuPont to leading Health and Human Performance at Dow. This journey deepened his passion for community connection, mental health, and collaboration across sectors. We dig into Welcome2Midland, a new ambassador initiative helping newcomers and longtimers plug into local life through personal introductions, starter kits, and genuine relationships. We highlight Neighboring Week and how simple acts like a block party build the confidence and belonging that keep people here. Gary shares family stories, favorite Midland days, and hopes for a community where opportunity and access reach every neighbor.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Kevin LaDuke sits down with Terri Johnson, President and CEO of Greater Midland, to explore the organization's incredible impact on our community. From leading programs in childcare, corporate wellness, and active adult fitness to nationally-recognized events, Terri highlights how Greater Midland touches the lives of nearly 80% of Midland County residents. She shares her journey from her early career at Dow to her leadership at Greater Midland, reflects on raising a family in Midland, and talks about what it means to build a welcoming, thriving community for every generation.

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Lily Kelsey, Conservation Outreach Coordinator for Little Forks Conservancy, to talk about her journey from growing up in Flint to finding her calling in Midland. Lily shares how athletics, time spent outdoors, and the Flint water crisis shaped her passion for conservation and community work. She explains the mission of Little Forks Conservancy, the importance of protecting rivers and natural spaces, and how conservation is about both preserving land and building connections with people. From favorite preserves and kayaking spots to the role of collaboration, diversity, and accessibility in nature, Lily paints a picture of why Midland is such a unique place for outdoor recreation and community engagement.

Brandon Morey, Co-Owner of Crepes Et Amis, Iron Dame, and Enjoy! Bakery, alongside his wife Katie, joined the Max Loves Midland Show to share his journey from a nursing student (and small-town skateboarder) to an award-winning entrepreneur helping shape the heart of Downtown Midland. In this episode, Brandon discusses starting with a $20 crepe skillet, building a loyal following at the Midland Farmers Market, and growing that following into three thriving businesses. He opens up about the challenges of the pandemic, the importance of community support, and his latest role as recipient of the MYPros Community Crowdfund for the Downtownsend Terrace project—a collaborative effort to create a vibrant, café-style streetscape benefiting multiple local businesses on Townsend Street. From stories of family and business scaling to his vision for placemaking in both Downtown and the Circle, Brandon’s passion for creativity, collaboration, and Midland’s future is on full display.

Recorded live from Main Street during River Days 2025, this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show features a heartfelt conversation between host Kevin LaDuke and Dennis Pilaske, Executive Director of the Chippewa Nature Center. Dennis shares his 28-year journey with the Nature Center, his rural upbringing in Michigan’s Thumb, and how his love for nature and music have shaped his work and life in Midland. The two discuss community transformation, the importance of outdoor access, and how music, mentorship, and meaningful partnerships create deep connections across generations. With reflections on biking the rail trail, kayaking the rivers, and raising a family rooted in music and service, Dennis paints a vivid picture of why he believes in the power of living where you are and investing in what makes a community thrive.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Natalia Iakovleva, one of the four owners of Chef Sergey’s Bakery, a European-style bakery nestled in Midland’s Center City. Natalia shares the incredible story of how her family fled Ukraine and, through an unlikely partnership with another refugee family, found hope and purpose by opening a bakery that has quickly become a beacon of community, comfort, and culture. From the classic Ukrainian saying, “bread is the head of everything,” to a deeply rooted philosophy of making everything from scratch, Natalia discusses how bread became not just a product, but a way to nourish lives and bring people together. Hear how Chef Sergey’s was supported through the Midland Area Community Foundation’s impact investing initiative, and how Natalia and her team are creating a new generation of bakers and community builders—right in the heart of the Circle. This episode is a celebration of food, resilience, and the quiet magic that happens when people care deeply for one another.

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, we sit down with Cailey Brown, Forensic Interviewer and Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Coordinator at the Midland Child Advocacy Center (CAC), to talk about one of the most important — and often unseen — support systems in our community. Cailey shares her story of growing up in small-town Merrill, Michigan, her unexpected path into the world of psychology, and how that journey led her to a career in child advocacy and direct service work. We explore what the CAC is, how it operates at the intersection of prevention and intervention, and why its collaborative approach is so vital for families navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives. Cailey pulls back the curtain on what a forensic interview actually looks like, how prevention education plays a role in keeping kids safe, and what it means to truly support children and families in moments of crisis. We also talk about Midland — her initial perceptions of the community, how they’ve changed over the past three years, and what she hopes to see in Midland’s future. Plus, Cailey gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the CAC’s annual Arts & Advocacy event on May 1 at Creative 360 — a night that brings together art, conversation, and community support for a critical cause. This episode is a reminder that sometimes, the quietest work happening in a community is also the most powerful.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, we sit down with Penny Miller-Nelson, Superintendent of Midland Public Schools (MPS), to talk about her journey, passion for public education, and the bond proposal currently in front of our community. From her upbringing on a dairy farm in West Branch to her current leadership role in one of the top-performing districts in Michigan, Penny shares her heartfelt perspective on what it means to build a school system—and a community—that truly serves its people. We dive into proposed facility improvements, including new elementary and middle schools, enhanced safety measures, reconfigured learning environments, and expanded preschool and special education spaces. Penny walks us through the "why now" of the proposal, explains the real-world impact on families, and gets candid about the emotions of letting go of old school buildings while building something new. We also explore the academic excellence MPS is known for, the critical role of early childhood education, and how facilities can shape performance, pride, and belonging in a community. From civic engagement and community feedback to the role of arts, athletics, robotics, technical education, and more, this episode is a deep dive into how public schools touch every corner of a city—and how the choices we make today can shape the Midland of tomorrow. Don't miss Penny's insights on leadership, love for learning, and the power of people coming together. For more information on the bond proposal, visit www.midlandps.org. Explore Midland through the lens of its people! Check out more episodes at maxlovesmidland.com.

In this episode of Max Loves Midland, we’re hanging out with Jacqueline Leapheart—someone who seems to have her hands in everything great happening in Midland. Whether you know her from Adoption Option Inc., WindowStill Real Estate, her uplifting TikToks at Joy with Jax, or one of her other many community endeavors, Jacqueline brings nonstop energy, passion, and a deep love for Midland. We talk about her journey growing up, what keeps her so involved, and why she’s always rocking something red. From her cheerleading days at Dow High to her work supporting kids and families, Jacqueline shares stories that will make you laugh, think, and appreciate the power of showing up for others. She even gets into her love for The Infinite at Midland Center for the Arts, her obsession with shark movies, and what it’s like tutoring a student who keeps her on her toes. This one’s full of heart (and heart-shaped glasses).

Join us for a stellar episode of the Max Loves Midland Show as we go to space—well, sort of! This week, we sit down with Alex Woody, Communications Manager for Midland Center for the Arts, to talk about The Infinite, an out-of-this-world immersive experience that brings real astronaut footage from the International Space Station right here to Midland. Alex shares insights on how the Center continues to be a regional arts and culture hub, the impact of accessibility in the arts, and his own journey from Kentucky to Michigan’s thriving creative scene. Plus, we talk about the legacy of the Center, the future of community leadership, and Alex’s top five favorite theater productions. Whether you're a space enthusiast, an art lover, or just looking for something new to experience in Midland, this episode has something for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and head to MaxLovesMidland.com to find your next local adventure! 🚀🎭

In this special 20th episode of The Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Tonia West from The ROCK Center for Youth Development to explore her journey as a “boomerang” who returned to Midland and found a renewed sense of community. Tonia shares her experiences growing up as a military kid, her path from journalism to wellness and education, and how she’s making a difference as a Discover You Coach. Through her work, she’s empowering students with skills in resilience, communication, and self-worth—lessons she continues to apply in her own life. She also discusses the importance of social-emotional learning, her family's deep ties to the area, and her vision for a more connected, inclusive Midland. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about belonging, personal growth, and the power of community.

Erin Patrice, founder of The Breaking Bread Village, joins Max Loves Midland to share her journey of moving to Midland, Michigan, over 20 years ago and finding her purpose in fostering meaningful dialogue and community connections. She recounts her transition from Cincinnati, the challenges of adapting to a less diverse environment, and the pivotal moments that led her to create The Breaking Bread Village—a platform for open, inclusive conversations that bring people with differing perspectives together. Erin discusses the inspiration behind the initiative, which emerged during the social and political upheaval of 2020, and how it has since evolved into a powerful force for community engagement and understanding. With host Kevin LaDuke, she reflects on the impact of her work, the partnerships that have fueled its growth, and the upcoming Breaking Bread Village live show tour. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt moments, Erin underscores the importance of fostering curiosity, building bridges, and embracing diversity in all its forms.