The Real West Michigan
Do you want a better life? Want to hear secrets and stories about your West Michigan Friends and neighbors? This podcast is dedicated to sharing the adventures, challenges and heartfelt stories of REAL PEOPLE in West Michigan. We explore business, entrepreneurship, real estate, overcoming obstacles and challenges of those building our cities and neighborhoods. LISTEN to your friends and neighbors LEARN their SUCCESS SECRETS, hear VALUABLE INSIGHTS to GROW YOUR SKILLSET, YOUR NETWORK and to be a part of our growing our community from Grand Rapids and beyond!
NOT FROM WEST MICHIGAN? These stories of struggle and success have no borders. Though these REAL PEOPLE are located here in West Michigan, the relevance is global! Enjoy some insight into these adventurous lives!
Episodes
22 episodes
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
In this inspiring episode of The Real West Michigan Podcast, Eldon Palmer sits down with longtime friend, neighbor, and financial advisor Dan Korhorn, founder of Pathway Financial. Dan shares his incredible journey from humble b...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:17:01
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
S1 | E2 Home Staging Strategies with Anna from C2 Interiors: Maximize Home Sales Price and Profit
Unlock the secrets of transforming your living space for a quicker and more profitable sale as we chat with Anna from C2 Interiors, whose 20 years in the business have made her a maestro of house staging. This episode is brimming with her exper...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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31:56
S1 | E1 Unpacking Success with the Founders of SHORT KINGZ MOVING!
Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial success with Ashton and Keegan from Short Kings Moving as they map out their journey from college start-up to West Michigan moving industry leaders. They've mastered the chess game of business growth, shari...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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21:06
