In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, host Collin Strajack talks with guest Bailee Huethert about personal struggles and recovery, particularly in the context of addiction. Bailee shares her journey into recovery, which began unexpectedly during a work trip away from familiar support structures, leading her to her first recovery …

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about how she got started in politics, THUD Bill funding, her January 6 experience, the link between strong transportation infrastructure and economic growth and development and much more. Show intro/Cindy Hyde-Smith intro – 01:12 Relationship with MDOT Executi…

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Julie Clark, chief executive officer at the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. Clark talks about how she and her family made their way from North Carolina to Traverse City and embraced the northern Michigan outdoors. TART is among many organizations …

Late last month, a Michigan Senate committee advanced legislation to enable the use of automated technology to enforce speeding laws on segments of roads under construction. Pennsylvania became the latest to join dozens of other states employing the technology, with positive results. This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast revisits the …

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast focuses on National Work Zone Awareness Week. An event in Midland on Monday, April 15, will kick off the week with officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan State Police and several industry advocates and others. First, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist…

Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about the need for recurring revenue for Mississippi highways, anti-litter efforts, current projects and future projects possible with more funding. Show Intro/Willie Simmons intro – 01:14 Willie Simmons on being Chairman – 01:54 Conversatio…

In a candid and heartfelt episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack opens up about his recent struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, shedding light on the inner turmoil that led to a hiatus from the podcast. Collin delves into the challenging OCD loops that trapped him, detailing the compulsive behaviors that disrupt…

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features explanations about how Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials prioritize road projects. MDOT Chief Operations Officer Gregg Brunner talks about the factors that go into selection and how planners and engineers strictly adhere to asset management principles. …

State Treasurer David McRae joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about his path to public service, promote the Unclaimed Property Program, provide his thoughts on PERS and much more. Show Intro/ State Treasurer David McRae intro – 01:14 David McRae background/position – 01:42 Highlights/Big projects as the Treasurer - 04:37 Un…

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about revisiting the state’s Complete Streets policy, adopted by the State Transportation Commission in 2012. Amy Matisoff, whose duties include strategic alignment and outreach for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), explains why she’s spearheading …

State Senator Joel Carter joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about how he got into politics, updates from the Energy Committee, his favorite place to grab a bite to eat during the session and more. Show intro/State Senator Joel Carter – 01:15 Joel Carter background/Journey to politics – 02:06 The benefit of working in the fo…

Created Equal is about the promise of opportunity and the challenge of inequality from the city that built America — Detroit. Exploring the strings of inequality that run through the American experience, each episode explores the question: How did we arrive at this moment in history? Stephen Henderson hosts, building on familiar themes from Detroit…

You may have heard about the federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, funded in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at $1 billion a year for five years. Michigan was fortunate to receive $110 million of those funds. On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Steve Minton, an innovative contracts …

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, Collin welcomes Zane Landin, a fellow mental health advocate, to discuss a range of topics including mental health, the power of storytelling, and the importance of vulnerability, particularly among men. Zane shares his journey from graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication to beco…

MDOT Executive Director Brad White joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to provide an update on efforts to find recurring revenue for Mississippi highways among other topics. Show Intro/Brad White Intro – 01:15 Brad White speaking tour/goals – 01:50 Plans/Conversations for revenue – 04:35 Brad White on Legislative support – 07:40 Remo…

MDOT Alternative Program Deliveries Division Director Jessica Dilley joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to explain the benefits of alternative delivery transportation projects. Show Intro/Jessica Dilley Intro – 01:13 Jessica Dilley history/New Position in MDOT – 03:06 Jessica Dilley on Design Build Projects – 04:10 Design Build Proj…

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a veteran Michigan pollster discusses a recent survey of active and likely November general election voters that shows an overwhelming number want the taxes they pay at the pump to fix roads and bridges. Michigan is among states with a sales tax on motor fuels. That tax, 6 percent, does not go…

Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk his first two months as Commissioner, the future of transportation funding in Mississippi and more. Show into/Charles Busby Intro – 01:15 Charles Busby Update/Project plans – 02:06 Legislature/Relationship with Steve Massengill – 0…

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget include additional funds for MI Contracting Opportunity, a program that supports contractors and suppliers who are socially or economically disadvantaged. The $5 million recommendation represents a renewal of the item in the previous budget, with a $2 million increase. On this week’s…

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to discuss his recent op-ed in support of additional transportation funding, provide updates on The Dixie National Rodeo and more. Show Intro/Andy Gipson Introduction – 01:15 Rodeo update/review – 02:02 Mississippi AG and Outdoor Expo – 03:00 And…

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with two people who participated in a Feb. 6 announcement by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) of an additional $2.6 million being invested in 13 community projects as part of construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB). First, Heathe…

State Representative Steve Massengill joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to introduce himself and talk about his new role as House Transportation Committee Chairman. Show intro/Steve Massengill intro – 01:15 Steve Massengill position specifics – 03:14 Steve Massengill districts – 04:14 Differences as Chairman – 04:50 Big projects/Fo…

Celtic Honey is a traveling independent performer specializing in burlesque, draglesque, Kung Fu. She also guests at anime and comic cons and holds panels on props, Avatar, body painting and makeup, and the most important topic, consent. On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, Collin sits down with the multifaceted performer and arti…

State Senator Jenifer Branning joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to provide updates on transportation-specific legislative happenings and other priorities for the 2024 session. Show intro, introducing State Senator Jenifer Branning – 01:18 Jenifer Branning recap of Legislative Session so far – 02:05 Jenifer Branning addressing new …

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with special guest Cody Fournier, a licensed independent clinical social worker LICSW who currently works with NOCD (www.treatmyocd.com), a platform dedicated to helping people treat their OCD. Our conversation traver…

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about the road usage charge (RUC) survey conducted to gauge citizen’s thoughts on funding transportation infrastructure. Jean Ruestman, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Passenger Transportation, explains how the department sought and won a f…

Much like I-375 in Detroit, cities around the US are undergoing highway removal projects. But what can we learn from how they engage with the communities who will be affected by the plans? Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, chief executive with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans, joins Stephen to share what it’s like for the community to be involv…

Continuing our Reckoning 375 series, Jonathan Loree from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) joins Stephen to explain why the department plans to build a road where I-375 currently exists. Then, former Detroit Free Press columnist John Gallagher explains how we got to this point in the project's existence.…

On this re-aired conversation, we continue our mini-series "Reckoning 375" with a look at the history of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Stephen Henderson is joined by Detroit historian Jamon Jordan and researcher Emily Kutil to take a closer look at the history and culture of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley amid plans to replace I-375 in downto…

MDOT Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer Earl Glenn joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to introduce himself and break down the agency's response to January's winter weather. Show intro, introducing Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer Earl Glenn – 01:15 Earl Glenn background/experience – 02:07 Earl Glenn taking over as Chie…

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with special guest Cody Fournier, a licensed independent clinical social worker LICSW who currently works with NOCD (www.treatmyocd.com), a platform dedicated to helping people treat their OCD. Our conversation traver…

Beginning with the voices of people who lived in or were connected to Black Bottom and were forced to move due to the construction of I-375, Stephen Henderson and Nick Austin re-air this Detroit Today miniseries — Reckoning 375 — every Friday until late November. In this episode, they listen to recordings from Bert Dearing, Jr. of Bert's Marketplac…

From policy proposals to 80s music references, a lot happened at Gov. Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service, longtime political consultant Greg Bowens, and Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan, join Stephen to break down the speech, including the specific policy proposals and what we should expect from Lansing…

A new proposed tax credit from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would provide up to $5,000 in relief to caregivers in the state. Advocates suggest the relief would be especially helpful for members of the 'sandwich' generation -- working adults who care for their minor children, while simultaneously serving as the primary caregiver for aging parents and the c…

Detroit’s Reparations Task Force has had a bumpy road of late, with three vacancies and inconsistent meetings. So, what’s next with the task force? And, what are they doing to get back on track. Reparations Task Force Co-chair Keith Williams, and the founders of the African American Redress Network discuss the new efforts that are happening to stud…

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Garrett Dawe, who was recently named engineer of traffic and safety at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Dawe succeeds Mark Bott, who is retiring. Dawe talks about what he’s learned in a variety of positions at MDOT, including as a Transportat…

Half of Detroit’s residents are renters. On this re-aired episode of Detroit Today, Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership…

Sports stadiums and teams get millions and even billions of dollars of tax breaks and that begs the question: Should Detroit and other cities be luring sports teams if they have to give up a lot of money in order to do so? Bill Shea, a sports business journalist and novelist, and David Berri, a sports economist and professor at Southern Utah Univer…

The Detroit Lions are going to the second round of the playoffs, and it has a lot of people really excited. Tim Alberta, best-selling author and staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, received national acclaim for his article, “The Thrill of Defeat”, which highlights how his life was shaped by watching the Detroit Lions lose. Tim joins Stephen to …

A new report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlighted a growing opportunity gap between African American students in the state and their white peers. How much of that is simply about poverty? And, how can we help close it? Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti joins Stephen to discuss. Then, Brookings Instit…

Amusement taxes are common way for cities to capture revenue from sporting events, but not in Michigan. Could a new tax provide much-needed funding for city services? Eric Lupher, Robin Boyle and Charles Ballard join Stephen to discuss the renewed push for implementing amusement taxes in Detroit.Oleh WDET

Mississippi Speaker of the House Jason White joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about his path to public service, outline legislative priorities, namedrop some of his favorite Mississippi eateries and more. Show intro, introducing MS Speaker of the House Jason White - 01:36 Jason White's background - 02:30 Overview of Jason …

Why does America still have a problem with homelessness, and why has the issue been getting worse more recently in both the city and our country? Journalist Nushrat Rahman and Tonya Hogan, a formerly homeless individual in Detroit, explore the issue locally. Then, scholar and author Gregg Colburn joins Stephen to discuss why homelessness is fundame…

Ben Hagarty is a video director, cinematographer, and podcaster from Cedar Falls, Iowa.On this episode (recorded 1/8/24), Ben and I discuss his journey to success as a creator who has worked with some of the biggest artists, celebrities, and brands in the world. His journey is inspiring to say the least. When it comes to his work ethic, networking …

Ben Hagarty is a video director, cinematographer, and podcaster from Cedar Falls, Iowa. On this episode (recorded 1/8/24), Ben and I discuss his journey to success as a creator who has worked with some of the biggest artists, celebrities, and brands in the world. His journey is inspiring to say the least. When it comes to his work ethic, networking…

Detroit's NAACP President Reverend Wendell Anthony joins Stephen to discuss Dr. Martin Luther King's impact in Detroit as well as his relationship to the NAACP. Then, we take a listen to Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech in Detroit, where he first gave it.Oleh WDET

State lawmakers have done a lot to reform its juvenile justice system, but advocates want to see more done to help rehabilitate, rather than simply punish, young people who’ve done harm. Advocates from the ACLU of Michigan, in addition to a state senator and law professor join Stephen to discuss the reforms that have happened in this space, and wha…

A court recently ruled that some of Michigan’s state House and Senate maps violated the Voting Rights Act and made it harder for Black Detroiters to achieve proper representation. The Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission -- the body that created the state's maps -- has voted to appeal this decision, but the claim suggests a lot o…

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, MDOT’s coordinator for snow plowing and other maintenance on state routes in four west Michigan counties talks about preparations for heavy snow in the forecast for this weekend. Kurt Fritz, who coordinates maintenance on state trunkline (I, M and US routes) in Mason, Oceana, Muskegon and Otta…

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's Land Value Tax Plan would change the way the city values houses and the land. But is it a good idea? Nick Allen suggested the solution to the mayor and joins Stephen to make the case for the plan. Alex Alsup also joins the show to discuss if it will force land speculators in the city to behave any differently. This episo…