Max Loves Midland

Lawfully Theatrical With Patrick Schefsky

In this episode of Max Loves Midland, the Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, sits down with Patrick Schefsky, a lawyer with Poznak Dyer Kanar Schefsky Thompson, PLC. 
Highlights include Schefsky sharing his background, from his legal expertise to his theatrical pursuits, and how these two worlds intersect in his work. He discusses the emotional aspects of his practice, particularly in family law, and how he maintains empathy while navigating the complexities of the legal system. Schefsky also reflects on his childhood in Midland, his father's influence, and his return to the community as an adult. Schefsky's passion for Midland shines through throughout the conversation as he shares his vision for the community's future and his involvement in various local organizations. This episode offers a glimpse into the life of a multifaceted Midland resident and his commitment to improving his community.
Timestamps: [0:00 - 10:00] The show begins with Pat Schefsky's introduction and background, including his multiple awards and official titles. Kevin LaDuke welcomes him and they discuss Pat's everyday attire and his birthday. [10:00 - 20:00] The conversation shifts to Pat's legal and theatrical background, including his lawyer work and involvement in local theater productions. They discuss the intersection of his legal and theatrical skills and how being theatrical is essential in litigation. [20:00 - 30:00] Pat talks about the emotional aspects of his work, particularly in family law and divorce cases. In his cases, he describes the challenge of maintaining empathy while being rational and efficient. [30:00 - 40:00] Pat explains how he views the law as a system that combines common law and human behavior, resulting in a "sausage of justice." He reflects on his father's influence and the assumption that he would become a lawyer. [40:00 - 50:00] Pat shares his childhood memories in Midland, including his family's moves to California and Texas. He discusses his father's influence on his life, a shared sense of humor, and public speaking skills. [50:00 - 60:00] Pat talks about his return to Midland and his early theatrical interests inspired by his father. He reflects on the stigma around theater and choir in the late 90s and how it influenced his decision to avoid participating. [60:00 - 70:00] Pat describes his college experience at Albion College, emphasizing the small class sizes and his involvement in a fraternity. He shares how he met his wife, Elizabeth, during his senior year. [70:00 - 80:00] Pat discusses participating in various community organizations, including the Children's Grief Center and Family Children's Services. He shares his experience as an MC for events and his love for the Midland community. [80:00 - 90:00] Pat shares his passion for video games, including his favorite games like "GoldenEye" and "Lay Emperor." He discusses his current gaming setup and his interest in strategy and first-person games. [90:00 - 100:00] Pat expresses his hope for continued support from Dow and the development of downtown Midland. He emphasizes the importance of having more local restaurants and the economic viability of the Great Lakes Bay Region.

People Retention Through Connection With Marybeth Penkala

Marybeth Penkala joins Max Loves Midland's Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, to explore the role of a young professional in the community and how the MYPros (Midland Young Professionals) group is approaching talent, attraction, and retention in Midland County. 
The highlights of this episode are stories about Marybeth's journey to the role of Director of Membership and Partner Engagement at the Midland Business Alliance, her involvement with the Midland Young Professionals (MyPros) group, which aims to attract and retain talent in the area, Marybeth's leadership in crowdfunding initiatives through MyPros to support local businesses, and Marybeth's involvement with various community organizations in Midland as she hopes the community will continue to grow as an inclusive and caring community that supports people, especially the youth, rather than passing judgment.
Timestamps: [:00:00 - 0:10:00] Introduction to Midland Business Alliance and Marybeth Penkala's role [0:10:00 - 0:20:00] Discussion of Midland Young Professionals (MyPros) group and its importance [0:20:00 - 0:30:00] Explanation of MyPros crowdfunding initiatives and community involvement [0:30:00 - 0:40:00] Marybeth's personal background and family life in Midland [0:40:00 - 0:50:00] Reminiscing about favorite childhood TV shows [0:50:00 - 1:00:00] Marybeth's hopes for Midland's future and inclusivity. 

Enjoy Life Art With Jazz Benitez

Jazz Benitez joins Kevin LaDuke to talk about art, inclusion, and Ashman Plaza! 
Highlights include a discussion about the role of art in overcoming challenges and pushing beyond comfort zones. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of embracing identity and creating art that reflects one's experiences. Kevin and Jazz also discuss the significance of public art and murals in Midland, highlighting their power to inspire and bring people together.
Timestamps: 
[0:00 - 10:00] Host Kevin LaDuke introduces the episode and his guest, local artist Jazz Benitez. Jazz discusses their diverse roles within the Ashman Plaza community, including working at Live Oak. Jazz opens up about their artistic journey and overcoming challenges to embrace their identity as an artist. [10:00 - 20:00] Jazz shares details about their public art murals around Midland, which have become visible parts of the community. Jazz reflects on finding a sense of community and identity in Midland after moving from California. [20:00 - 30:00] Jazz discusses other art projects they've worked on in the Great Lakes Bay region and beyond. Jazz talks about enjoying Midland's parks and nature with their dog. [30:00 - 40:00] Jazz shares information about the Blue Light venue. Jazz expresses their hopes for the continued growth and inclusivity of the Midland community.

Fashionable Flipping With Brandon Lewis, The Dapper Agent

Brandon Lewis joins the Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke, to talk about all things real estate, fashion, and Midland! 
 
Highlights include Brandon's personal branding as the "Dapper Agent" and his journey growing up in Midland, Michigan, including his experiences with sports, family, and community involvement. He shares his transition from working at Dow to becoming a real estate agent, using social media and humor to promote his business. The conversation also covers the housing and growth challenges in Midland, as well as Brandon and Kevin's shared passion for sneaker culture and the legacy of Michael Jordan. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of authenticity, community, and celebrating diversity in Midland.
 
Timestamps: 
[0:00 - 10:00] Brandon Lewis discusses his personal branding as the "Dapper Agent" and his experiences growing up in Midland, Michigan after moving from Flint. He talks about the cultural shock of being one of the few Black students in his school and how basketball helped him connect with the community. [10:00 - 20:00] Lewis shares stories about his family, including his mother homeschooling him and his transition from working at Dow to becoming a real estate agent. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and giving back to the Midland community. [20:00 - 30:00] The conversation shifts to Lewis' real estate career and his approach to marketing and connecting with clients. He discusses the housing needs and growth in Midland, as well as the city's appeal as a location. [30:00 - 45:00] Kevin LaDuke and Brandon Lewis bond over their shared love of sneaker culture, reminiscing about their experiences at the Midland Mall and going through a "draft" of their top 5 favorite sneaker releases. [45:00 - 60:00] The hosts discuss Michael Jordan's legacy and impact on basketball and culture, as well as the Detroit Pistons' recent struggles. They conclude by discussing their hopes for the continued growth and inclusivity of the Midland community.

Home At The Ballpark With Brad Tunney, Voice Of The Great Lakes Loons

Brad Tunney, Voice of the Great Lakes Loons and Manager of 100.9 The Mitt, discusses people development and retention with Max Loves Midland Tour Guide, Kevin LaDuke. 
The key highlights of this episode include Brad Tunney's 10-year career as the voice of the Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball team, his passion for broadcasting and the importance of the Loons ballpark and radio station to the Midland community, his unique experiences creating an engaging atmosphere for fans, his unexpected journey from youth soccer player to professional baseball broadcaster, his high school broadcasting experiences and the unique setup of the Loons, the benefits of living in Midland including proximity to other cities, his NBA fandom and the Detroit Pistons, his favorite baseball announcers, the strong leadership and teamwork at the radio station and ballpark, and Tunney and LaDuke's desire to develop a new community space in Midland.
Timestamps:
[0:00 - 10:00] Brad Tunney discusses his 10-year career as the voice of the Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball team, including the pressure of speaking in front of a live audience and his journey to Midland, Michigan. [10:00 - 20:00] Tunney shares his passion for broadcasting and how he found potential for full-time work in Midland, as well as the importance of the Loons ballpark and radio station to the local community. [20:00 - 30:00] Tunney talks about developing his deep voice for broadcasting and the unique experiences he creates for fans, including recognition from kids and a fun atmosphere in the broadcast booth. [30:00 - 40:00] Tunney and LaDuke discuss the value of radio broadcasting in creating unique experiences for fans at the ballpark, as well as their own experiences as only children. [40:00 - 50:00] Tunney recounts his unexpected journey from youth soccer player to professional baseball broadcaster, including his naivety about baseball terminology and rapid learning. [50:00 - 1:00:00] Tunney shares his high school broadcasting experiences and career progression, as well as the unique setup of the Great Lakes Loons and its radio broadcast. [1:00:00 - 1:10:00] Tunney and LaDuke discuss the benefits of living in Midland, including proximity to other cities and airports, as well as their NBA fandom and the Detroit Pistons. [1:10:00 - 1:20:00] The two discuss their favorite baseball announcers and the importance of developing local talent in sports broadcasting. [1:20:00 - 1:30:00] Tunney and LaDuke reflect on the leadership and teamwork at the radio station and ballpark, as well as their desire to develop a new community space in Midland.

What is Max Loves Midland With Annie Stout & Kevin LaDuke

Join Kevin LaDuke and special guest Annie Stout for the inaugural episode of the Max Loves Midland Show! Discover the story behind this community-focused initiative and learn about Annie's journey as a local artist and business owner.
Highlights: Hosts Kevin LaDuke and Annie Stout dive into the origins of this community-focused initiative and Annie's journey as a local artist and business owner. Listeners will learn about the power of public art in transforming spaces and building community in Midland, as well as the mission of Max Loves Midland to connect 80,000+ community members. The hosts also engage in a fun music draft, sharing their top albums from 2000-2006 and discussing how Max Loves Midland is making a real impact on individuals' lives, such as connecting a person with physical disabilities to community resources. Ultimately, Annie shares her hopes and dreams for Midland's future as an inclusive community where everyone thrives.
Timestamps: [0:00 - 10:00] Kevin LaDuke and Annie Stout discuss the origin of Max Loves Midland and its mission to connect the 80,000+ people in the Midland community. They talk about the significance of the Tridge bridge and the "Tridge Song" that serves as the show's theme. [10:00 - 20:00] Annie Stout shares the story of her business, Paper Heart Design Co., and how she got involved in the Ashman Plaza community. They discuss the importance of public art and community engagement in Midland.[20:00 - 30:00] Kevin LaDuke and Annie Stout engage in a fun music draft, each sharing their top 5 albums from 2000-2006. They reminisce about their musical tastes and experiences during that era [30:00 - 40:00] Annie Stout shares examples of how Max Loves Midland has directly impacted individuals in the community, such as connecting a person with physical disabilities to community resources.[40:00 - 45:00] Kevin LaDuke and Annie Stout discuss their hopes and dreams for Midland's future as an inclusive community where everyone thrives.