MI PEOPLE
MI PEOPLE is a laid-back podcast about the people doing cool things in Michigan—from business owners and community builders to local characters you just need to meet. Hosted by Mike Lamentola of Michigan Media House, it’s part conversation, part inspiration, and never boring. No forced hustle talk. No awkward small talk. Just real chats with real people doing real things around here.
Episodes
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 11 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
This week, Mike sits down with Chuck and Brenda Marshall—retired U of M pros turned creators of Life in Michigan, a blog-turned-local institution highlighting Michigan’s beer, bands, trails, and hidden gems.
From blogging about cold weather runs to launching a full-blown nonprofit art/music showcase (Gig: The Art of Michigan Music), these two have documented the heart and ...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 10 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
This week, Mike catches up with Michigan comedian Andy Beningo, a seasoned stand-up with over 3,500 performances under his belt—including cruise ships, theaters, and appearances on Gotham Comedy Live and Dry Bar Comedy.
They chat about Andy’s journey from open mics at Central Michigan University to performing around the world, raising a family while touring, and starring i...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 9 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
This week, Mike catches up with Stelios Stylianou, founder of the Down River News Network. Stelios shares how his passion for filmmaking, music, and community storytelling led him to create a fast-growing local media platform connecting and uplifting the Downriver Michigan area.
🎥 Highlights from this episode:
- How Stelios turned a love for video and creativity into a pl...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 8 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
In this episode, Mike sits down with Eze Enriquez—creative entrepreneur, visual storyteller, and founder of Eze Creative. Eze shares his journey from early creative endeavors to establishing a successful creative agency, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way.
Eze delves into the importance of authenticity in branding, the power of storytelling i...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
In this episode, Mike sits down with Blake Wyant, a Grass Lake local, real estate dynamo, and former restaurant industry veteran. Blake shares his fascinating journey—from flipping burgers at 18 to becoming a head chef, and now thriving as a top real estate agent with Reinhart Realtors, closing millions in sales across Michigan.
Blake’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and com...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 6 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
This episode is extra special because Mike sits down with Marla Moore, the owner of Ann Arbor Music Academy—and also his amazingly talented wife. Marla shares what it takes to run a thriving music school, how she’s built a strong community of students and instructors, and why helping others find their voice is her life’s work.
With over 100 students walking through the doors ever...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 5 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
In this episode, Mike sits down with Weston Barnes, owner of Mr. MOCKS, a Michigan-based company making high-quality hammocks, bug nets, and outdoor gear. Weston shares the story of how he started sewing hammocks as a teenager, turned his passion into a business, and now supplies collage students, campers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts with top-tier gear.
🏕️ Highlights fr...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 4 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
This week, Mike sits down with Chad Houghton, owner of UGQ Outdoor, a Jackson, Michigan-based company crafting some of the best outdoor gear on the market. From backpackers and hammock campers to tent campers and carside adventurers, UGQ’s quilts and gear help people stay warm and comfortable in the wild. Chad shares insights on running and growing a business in a niche industry...
In this episode, Mike sits down with Steve Caro, the owner of Great Lakes Yurt Co., a Grass Lake-based business crafting and shipping handcrafted yurts across the country. Steve shares how a simple carpentry project turned into a thriving business and why more people are choosing yurts for off-grid living, Airbnbs, and unique homes.
🌲 Topics Covered:
- How Steve got into building yurts and grew his company
- The rise of yurts in the ...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 2 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
This week, Mike catches up with Clint Laster, owner of Flawless Auto Finish in Livonia, Michigan. From his early days in the auto body industry to becoming a business owner and fitness enthusiast, Clint shares his journey of balancing entrepreneurship with personal growth.
💪 Highlights from this episode:
- How Clint’s fitness journey transformed his focus, discipline, and ...
🎙️ Welcome to Episode 1 of the MI PEOPLE Podcast! 🎙️
We’re kicking things off with a bang as Mike sits down with his cousin and creative soulmate, Tony Lamentola from Taylor, Michigan. From playing in bands to creating comic books and goofy videos, Tony and Mike have always shared a passion for creativity—and today, they dive deep into the wild world of artificial intelligence, overthinking, and what it all means for our dail...
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