
A collection of podcasts highlighting current actions and policies throughout Upper Peninsula counties.
Podcasts
A Conversation With UP Rural Health Leader Dennis Smith
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down for a conversation with Dennis Smith. Dennis is the President of Dennis H. Smith Consulting, a firm working in the Rural Healthcare space focusing on Policy, Strategic Planning…
A Conversation with Kerri Schuiling, President of Northern Michigan University
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Kerri Schuiling, President of Northern Michigan University. Topics discussed include NMU’s new mental wellness program, the transition to incoming NMU president Dr. Brock Tessman, childcare for faculty…
A Conversation With Dan Truckey, Director of the Beaumier UP Heritage Center
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Dan Truckey, Director and Curator of the Beaumier UP Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University. Topics discussed include Truckey’s involvement at the Beaumier Center, career paths for…
A Conversation with Steve Young, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at NMU
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down to chat with Steve Young, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Northern Michigan University. Topics covered include NMU’s search for a new President, and the various challenges…
Chatting with Duane DuRay, Airport Manager at Sawyer International Airport
In this episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Duane DuRay, Airport Manager for Sawyer International Airport–the Upper Peninsula’s largest airport. DuRay has served as the Airport Manager since 2012, following his position at Gogebic Iron…
Catching Up With Brian Chapman, Sault Ste. Marie City Manager
David Haynes sits down with Brian Chapman, City Manager for Sault Ste. Marie to catch up on the latest issues surrounding municipal finance and rural government, including the issue of “dark stores” and the importance of intergovernmental work in rural…
Talking to Gina Thorsen, Stormy Kromer President and Co-Owner
David Haynes sits down with Gina Thorsen, President and Co-Owner of Stormy Kromer, one of the most well-known and successful UP brands and manufacturers–most notably for the original Stormy Kromer cap. Thorsen discusses her background having been born and raised…
Discussing the New Office of Rural Development with Gary McDowell
David Haynes sits down once again with Gary McDowell, former U.P. legislator, U.P. resident, and current director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD). In this episode, Gary discusses the newly-created Office of Rural Development, which was…
Cheyenne Marlin, Assistant Director for University of Michigan’s U.P. Scholars Program
Description Transcript David Haynes: Welcome to this edition of Rural Insights Podcasts. We’re delighted you’re with us again, and we are delighted to have a Wildcat, an NMU graduate on with us today. Cheyenne Marlin is the Assistant Director of…
Karen Kovacs, City Manager of Marquette, Michigan
David Haynes sits down with Karen Kovacs, the new City Manager for Marquette. Kovacs was officially appointed as the Marquette City Manager on May 24, 2021 and took office on June 7. The City Manager is the chief administrator for…