Livemic Communications Podcast Network
Richard Piet, known to terrestrial radio listeners in Southwest Michigan for years as the genial host of an informative and engaging interview program, founded Livemic Communications in 2021. Livemic helps businesses, non-profits, entrepreneurs share their stories with purposeful podcast engagement tools.
As a media interviewer for more than 20 years, Richard brings his skills to clients' episodes and creates a dynamic back-and-forth where interviewees show their expertise, build trust and audiences, and help them build new relationships.
Learn more at LivemicCommunications.com.
Episodes
700 episodes
(Community Matters 174) A Busy Winter for Snow Plows in Calhoun County
What does it take to keep the roads safe across Calhoun County during a record-breaking winter? Kristine Parsons with the Calhoun County Road Department provides a look behinds the scenes at how they keep roads clear for your daily commute. Par...
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25:18
(Community Matters 174) A Nickel for Your Thoughts... How Does Discontinuing the Penny Affect You?
The U.S. Government recently announced it will stop minting the penny. How does that decision impact you and how you do business? Chris Harris, Chief Financial Officer with Kellogg Community Credit Union, talks to Community Matters to discuss w...
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13:11
(Community Matters 174) Wiggly Tail: Meet Roger! And How to Keep Your Dog Safe on their Snowy Walks
Roger is an adult Shih Tzu mix who is very playful, curious and loves belly rubs and the focus of this month's Wiggly Tail update from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. HSSCM Executive Director Jessica Gilbert tells us all about him...
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12:42
(Community Matters 169) DBCZ Events Report February 2026
From monster trucks to Swan Lake, Community Matters highlights upcoming events presented by the Downtown Battle Creek Zine (DBCZ)!In this update, Annie Kelley shares ideas for local things to do to in February Episode Reso...
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4:52
(Community Matters 173) Snow Days, Incentivizing Attendance and Education from Cradle to College, an Update from Battle Creek Public Schools
There are lots of things that might prevent kids from making it to school, distractions at home, lack of adequate resources, even snow! Dr. Kim Carter, Superintendent at Battle Creek Public School, talks to Community Matters about what they're ...
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34:27
(Community Matters 173) An Step Forward in a Different Type of Aircraft Landing at the Battle Creek Airport
Drones are used in a variety of sectors, and Battle Creek is playing a part in helping expand their reach. Joe Sobieralski with Battle Creek Unlimited talks to Community Matters about new developments related to MICH-AIR, the advanced air mobil...
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18:33
(Community Matters 172) A New Program Designed to Help Underserved Communities Improve Their Financial Literacy
For almost sixty years, the Southwest Michigan Urban League has been providing advocacy, educational programing and social justice services to Battle Creek and Calhoun Country residents. Their latest initiative, made possible by grants from the...
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16:51
(Community Matters 172) Ride Calhoun's Public Transit Model is Rolling - and Modernizing
The Transit Authority of Calhoun County (TACC), also known as Ride Calhoun, is working to change the way residents think about public transit throughout the county. Mallory Avis, Executive Director of Ride Calhoun, talks to Community Matters ab...
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32:00
(Community Matters 171) A Calhoun County Partnership Designed to Get Teens Talking About Youth Violence Prevention
The Calhoun Country Youth Violence Prevention Project, a collaboration between S.A.F.E. Place and Bronson Sexual Assault Services, aims to give teens the tools to talk about dating violence, domestic assault, stalking or trafficking. S.A.F.E. P...
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31:37
(Community Matters 171) After Fifty Years, Scene Magazine Will Publish Final Issue
For 50 years, Scene Magazine has been a key publication in Calhoun County but in February, they will publish their final issue. COO Sherii Sherban talks to Community Matters about its origins, legacy and some favorite moments spanning the histo...
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24:47
(Community Matters 170) A Peak Behind the Scenes of the Battle Creek Battle Jacks with General Manager Sam Connell
It may be a few months away, but the Battle Creek Battle Jacks are already preparing to kick off their 2026 season on May 27 at MCCU Field. General Manager Sam Connell talks to Community Matters about what it takes to make a community-driven en...
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31:02
(Community Matters 170) Sharing Spaces, Sharing Goals: A Conversation about Racial Healing in Battle Creek
The Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (BCTRHT) is hosting The National Day of Racial Healing in Battle Creek on January 20, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Battle Creek. ...
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26:04
(Community Matters 169) DBCZ Events Report January 2026
Community Matters highlights upcoming events presented by the Downtown Battle Creek Zine (DBCZ)!In this update, Annie Kelley shares ideas for local things to do to ease into the new year. Episode Resources
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9:53
(Community Matters 169) What's Ahead for the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners in 2026 with Board Chair Derek King
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Chair Derek King looks back at the work of 2025, a transitional and tough budget year, and ahead at the opportunities in 2026 which include several road projects and renovations at the jail.<...
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17:53
(Community Matters 169) Ford Funding Over $1.3 Million Toward Community Projects Throughout Calhoun County
Ford announced it will be awarding $1.31 million to support community foundation projects in Albion, Battle Creek and Marshall via their Blue Oval Community Engagement Fund. Battle Creek Community Foundation CEO Mary Muliett sits down with Comm...
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21:33
(Creating Dementia Solutions 71) A Look Back at the Lancet List and What's Ahead in 2026 for Miles for Memories
In 2025, Creating Dementia Solutions is looking deeper into what The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care has indicated are ways people can reduce their risk of dementia.Miles for Memories Founder Sher...
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16:50
(Community Matters 168) A Year of Transition for Battle Creek and a Look Ahead to 2026
From new a reimagining of the Beckley Road corridor, changes with the WK Kellogg Company and hiring of a new City Manager, it was a year of transition for Battle Creek. Mayor Mark Behnke, new City Manager Amanda Zimmerlin and Assistant City Man...
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26:37
(Community Matters 168) Direct Primary Care: Is It Right for You?
Battle Creek has a new Direct Primary Care office offering a new model for those needing health care services. Dr. Behram Elami talks to Community Matters about what Direct Primary Care is and how it differs from more conventional health care p...
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21:31
(Creating Dementia Solutions 70) Spotlighting Local Efforts to Help Young People Stop Vaping
In 2025, Creating Dementia Solutions is looking deeper into what The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care has indicated are ways people can reduce their risk of dementia.Among those factors: Smoking an...
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16:34
(Community Matters 167) Work Project Funds and a 2025 Legislative Review with Rep. Steve Frisbie...Plus a Look Ahead to 2026
Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) looks back at his first full year in office in the Michigan House of Representatives, including the struggle to pass the state budget as well as the current attempt to cut up to $645M in work project funds. F...
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23:41
(Community Matters 167) Recycling Isn't Just for Cans and Plastic...You Can Recycle Fabric and Shoes Too!
Recycling isn't just about cardboard, cans and plastic. Charitable Union CEO Teresa Allen talks to Community Matters about their textile recycling program which gives your old, soiled clothes (including athletic shoes) a new life in some ...
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16:57
(Oaklawn Health Matters 14) To Drive or Not to Drive? Knowing When It's Time to Enter Driving Retirement
In this episode of Oaklawn Health Matters, Rene Pere, Occupational Therapist at Oaklawn Hospital, discusses how to know when it's time to turn in the keys and enter driver retirement. Pere talks about Driver Risk Assessment exams, one ...
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18:17
(Community Matters 166) Wiggly Tail: Meet Milton! And What Happens When There are Too Many Pets in the Home
Milton is a grey and white striped kitten who loves to cuddle and is the focus of our Wiggly Tail update from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. HSSCM Executive Director Jessica Gilbert tells us all about him, his perfect environment...
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29:48
(Community Matters 166) The SHARE Center: Helping the Homeless Fight Addiction and Mental Health Issues
For 30 years, the SHARE Center of Battle Creek has been helping the homeless residents struggling with mental health or addiction issues. Robert Elchert, Executive Director of the SHARE Center, talks to Community Matters about their facility, s...
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22:16
(Community Matters 165) Christmas Trees and What's Ahead for Ford Cars in 2026
The Lakeview Ford Christmas tree sale is underway! Vince Pavone and Brad Morris with Lakeview Ford talk about the annual sale that benefits the Harper Creek Optimists Club as well as what's ahead for Ford and the auto industry in 2026.
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14:33