The Real West Michigan
The Real West Michigan Podcast brings you powerful, personal conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, community builders, and go-getters from all walks of life. Hosted by Eldon Palmer, each episode dives into honest stories of resilience, reinvention, purpose, and passion—stories that resonate far beyond geography.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, a fresh perspective, or a reminder that extraordinary people are doing meaningful work in everyday places, this show is your invitation to listen, learn, and be moved.
Real stories. Real people. Real impact.
Episodes
27 episodes
Blending Science and Nature: Secrets of Nutritional Supplements, Tracey Ward PhD., Founder, Professor, Research Scientist
Professor Tracey Ward brings her 23 years of expertise in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry to discuss how natural medicine can transform our approach to health and reduce pharmaceutical dependency. She explains how her research and clinical...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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52:21
You Missed It! Hair on Fire, No Clothes, Mushroom Artist, Facing Fears. Highlights from Episodes 1-4 S2
Eldon Palmer brings together the most powerful moments from the Real West Michigan podcast's first four episodes for you to get a taste test! Featuring insightful conversations with local entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders who are m...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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24:00
The Pizza Journey: From Italy to Michigan's FAVORITE PIZZA!
From flour bag naps to award-winning pizza, Dan Uccello's journey embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Moving to America from Italy at age 11 without speaking English, Dan watched his parents build a life from nothing, working seven ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:30:31
How this Mom on A Mission is Improving Lives of the Youth in her Community and YOU CAN TOO!
Tapestry Rockford collects and distributes clothing, shoes, school supplies, sports equipment, and other essentials to school-aged children in need throughout Rockford and surrounding areas. Founded by Shawn Loney, this local nonprofit transfor...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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45:23
Cameron Embers: From Anxiety and Loss to The Power of Iteration, Fear, and Focus
“You’re not my oxygen tank anymore.”That’s what Cameron Embers’ brother told him when their paths began to diverge. From homeschooling to heartbreak, from burnout to breakthrough, Cameron shares how his struggles with anxiety, los...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:17:28
An Artist's Dilemma - From Pet Portraits to Mushroom Art: Liz Donoghue’s Whimsical Journey
Have you struggled with your CREATIVE PATH? What happens when an artist allows herself to explore multiple creative paths before finding her true focus? In this captivating conversation, illustrator, mixed media artist, and art educator L...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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56:13
Faith, Finance, and Fighting Cancer: The Story of Dan Korhorn
Securities offered through Silver Oak Securities, Inc. (SOSI), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through HBW Advisory Services LLC, a registered investment advisor. Pathway Financial Design LLC, HBW Advisory Services LLC, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:14:17
ICYMI S1|EP 13-16 with Scott Hays, Brent Case, Crystal Barnett and Sam VerMerris
Discover why Grand Rapids is quickly becoming a business haven as Brent Case from the Right Place reveals the secrets behind employee retention and local business expansion in West Michigan. Learn about the strategic advantages like workforce a...
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14:42
S1 | EP9-12 Food Hugs, Kindness, Alcoholism, Comedy, Soapstone Meta Horizon Worlds & Figuring Things Out
Join us as we uncover the heartwarming story of Chef Jenna, whose vibrant personality and unwavering kindness have touched countless lives. From delivering meals to exhausted frontline workers to creating "porch treats" that brought joy to her ...
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Season 1
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13:07
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In Case You Missed It: Highlights from Episodes 5-8 with Michelle Crumback, Scot Kellogg, Bob Hein and Santiago Estrada
Ever wondered how one can rise from the depths of despair to find ultimate success? Michelle Crumback’s story is one for the books, as she takes us through her incredible journey from homelessness to becoming a cherished jeweler who values ever...
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10:18
S1 | E16 Crystal Barnett on Battling Addiction and Transforming Lives with A Mother’s Touch
What if the key to a better life for single mothers battling addiction lies in one woman's journey through her own personal hell and back? Meet Crystal Barnett, founder of A Mother's Touch, who shares her powerful story from a challenging child...
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Episode 16
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59:06
S1 | E15 Scott Hays on Wrestling Shoplifters Behavioral Assessments & Optimizing Talent in Business
What if you could transform your leadership style and revolutionize your team's productivity with just a few simple insights? Join us as we chat with Scott Hays from Synergistic Systems, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring police of...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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45:52
S1 | E14 Sam VerMerris, Award-Winning Student Filmmaker From Script to Screen with Evening Broadcast
What if a childhood TV hero could shape your future career aspirations? Meet Sam VerMerris, a budding filmmaker from Rockford, Michigan, who turned his fascination with "MacGyver" into a passionate journey through the world of filmmaking. Sam r...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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22:09
S1 | E13 Fighting for Country and West Michigan Business: Brent Case in The Right Place
In this episode, we chat with Brent Case, VP of Business Development at The Right Place. Brent takes us through his career journey, from his military service and education at Central Michigan University to his pivotal role in economic developme...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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39:10
S1 | E12 Katie DeBoer on The Riddles of Life: Balancing Business, Family, and Community Service
Ever wondered how to juggle multiple demanding roles while making a significant impact in your community? In this episode, we sit down with Katie DeBoer, a remarkable woman who wears many hats – owner of a residential construction busin...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:16:29
S1 | E11 Unemployed Alcoholic Aaron Sorrels on The Soapstone Comedy Club, Recovery & Contentment
Can humor and recovery reshape your entire life? Whether you're a comedy enthusiast or curious about the metaverse, this episode offers a compelling blend of personal narrative and innovative vision. Join us for an engaging chat with Aaron Sorr...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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52:22
S1 | E10 Filmmaker Scott McCambridge: Crafting Stories, Editing Big Screen Movies and his Filmmaking
What drives a filmmaker from capturing simple moments with friends to crafting intricate documentaries and high-profile series? Meet Scott McCambridge, a local filmmaker and video editor, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this epi...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:08:16
S1 | E10a BONUS EPISODE: DEER CAMP 86 Theatrical Release with Filmmaker and Editor Scott McCambridge
Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at the making of Deer Camp 86, the horror comedy hitting theaters on May 31st! Our guest, accomplished editor Scott McCambridge, takes us through the thrilling journey from initial edit to final...
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11:57
S1 | E9 Manhattan Roots, Grand Rapids Heart: Chef Jenna’s Story of Family, Food and Love!
Join host Eldon Palmer as he sits down with the inspiring Chef Jenna Arcidiacono to discuss her incredible journey from Manhattan to San Francisco and eventually Grand Rapids, MI with a few lessons and adventures on the journey! Chef Jenna shar...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:31:48
S1 | E8 Surviving Saginaw: Gangs, Guns & Grace - The SANTIAGO ESTRADA story
In this episode, we sit down with "Santi", Santiago Estrada, who shares his incredible journey from growing up amidst gang violence in Saginaw to finding redemption through the Marine Corps and a profound spiritual awakening. Santiago's story i...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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54:40
S1 | E7 Rap Battles and Real Estate. Growing up and Growing a Phenomenal Brokerage with Scot Kellogg
From the tranquil soundscapes of rural Wyoming, Michigan, to leading a bustling real estate empire, Scot Kellogg's journey epitomizes the essence of determination, innovation, and the sheer force of pursuing one's dreams. In this captivating ep...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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29:26
S1 | E6 Navigating 25+ years of Change in the Mortgage Industry with Bob Hein
Discover the secrets of thriving in the mortgage industry from someone who's seen it all. Bob Hein of Mercantile Bank joins us to share his unexpected journey from sports enthusiast to economic whiz and eventually, a mortgage maestro. His story...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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41:29
S1 | E5 Diamonds and Determination: The Sparkling Success of Michelle Crumback's Jewelry Journey
When Michelle Crumback, my personal friend, client and an all-round beacon of resilience and tenacity in the jewelry industry, graced our studio, she brought with her a treasure trove of insights that shimmer just as brightly as her exquisite d...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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28:14
S1 | E4 The Business of Beer and Board Games - House Rules Board Game Lounge
Ever dreamt of pairing a strategic board game with a cold pint? Nathan Murray, one of the two brains behind House Rules Board Game Lounge, shares his entrepreneurial journey from the humdrum of small-town existence to the bustling energy of Gra...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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23:21
S1 | E3 An Authentic Journey of Grit and Growth with Josh Pulsifer
When you hear Josh Pulsifer's story, it's like watching a tree firmly rooted in rocky soil flourish against the harsh elements. As our guest from Transnation Title, Josh shares an intimate portrait of his ascent from the grips of poverty to the...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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40:23
