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
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 Manager Ted Dearing talk to Community Matters about the accomplishments and struggles of 2025 while looking ahead at the opportunities for the Cereal City in 2026.
Episode Resources
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 providers and helps answer questions about whether it's a right fit for you.
Episode Resources
South Shore Direct Primary Care Website
395 South Shore Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015
Phone: (2...
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 and Vaping
In this episode, Honalee Johnson of Battle Creek's Substance Abuse Council talks about the organization's efforts to help young people quit vaping - the process of inhaling vapor through a ...
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 unexpected ways to benefit the planet.
Episode Resources
Charitable Union Website
To make a donation to Charitable Union Click Here
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. Frisbie also looks ahead to 2026, discussing ways Michigan can be more competitive in economic and business development.
Episode Resources
Rep. Steve Frisbie House Republicans Website
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 of the services provided at Oaklawn Physical Rehabilitation clinic, as well as resources available depending on whether driver retirement is permanent or temporary.
Episode Resources
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, as well as discusses their adoption process for ensuring a forever home.
Jessica also talks to Community Matters about what happens when animal facilities get the call about a pet hoarding ...
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, services and struggles they face going into the new year.
Episode Resources
SHARE Center Website
ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS
Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) retu...
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.
Episode Resources
Lakeview Ford Lincoln
ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS
Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, a...
The Battle Creek Fire Department is hosting their annual Holiday Toy Drive to support the Salvation Army. Battalion Chief Andre Doser talks to Community Matters about the program and how you can help. Visit any of the six Battle Creek Fire Department stations between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM through December 15 with a new, unwrapped toy to support local families in need.
Battle Creek Fire Department Locations:
BCFD Station 1 -- 19...
The court battle surrounding the zoning of the Blue Oval battery plant continues to unfold in the Michigan Court of Appeals. Robby Dube with Eckland & Blando, who represents the Committee for Marshall - Not the Megasite, talks to Community Matters about the latest developments in the case and helps explain the complex zoning law issues involved and outlines the timeline for a potential decision.
Greensleeves, C’est Noël, and of course, Sleigh Ride are just of a few of the holiday hits you can expect to hear at The Gifts of Christmas, the upcoming holiday concert from the Cereal City Concert Band. Longtime CCCB musician Barb Hibiski talks to Community Matters about their upcoming concert and some of the interesting performances you'll hear from new CCCB Conductor Dr. Doris Doyon.
Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, ...
The Calhoun County Youth Center is looking for your help to make the holiday season a little brighter for their residents. Tori Benden, who oversees operations at the Youth Center, talks to Community Matters about their Angel Tree program. She's joined by staff members James Mode and Nichole Bentley who share some of the useful (and sometimes unusual) items requested as well as how your holiday donations help their residents.
...
(Creating Dementia Solutions 69) Recovery Coach Pros Say Take These Steps to Curb Excessive Drinking
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: Excessive Drinking
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Recovery Coach Jennifer Dillion and Outpatient Clinician Kira Jones from Summit Pointe to understand what steps they recommend to curb excessive dri...
Community Matters highlights upcoming events presented by the Downtown Battle Creek Zine (DBCZ)!
In this update, Nick Buckley shares ideas for local events happening in October and December, 2025.
Episode Resources
Follow DBCZ on Facebook
ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS
Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and aroun...
Established in 1954, The Arc of of Calhoun Country has a long tradition of helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives within their community. Executive Director Clare Tanner talks to Community Matters about how The Arc continues to evolve in providing advocacy and supports for this community.
Episode Resources
The Arc of Calhoun County Website
ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS
The Battle Creek Community Foundation has selected their 2025-2026 Peter J. Christ Leadership Leaders Fellow. Diop Harris II talks about his history with Battle Creek and his journey to becoming this years Fellow. Harris highlights what he hopes to learn and give back to the Battle Creek community along with plans for more civil engagement in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Episode Resources
Battle Creek Community Foundation ...
The world's top brass musicians gather again this December for a special holiday concert at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium. Jerry Rose, Executive Director of the Brass Band of Battle Creek, shares the unique history of the band with Community Matters and what to expect in their upcoming Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 6 @ 7:30 PM.
Episode Resources
Brass Band of Battle Creek Website
Battle Creek Police Department Sgt. Cory Champlin talks to Community Matters about their upcoming Stuff the Truck holiday toy drive, a Toys for Tots event with the Marine Corp Reserves. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation to Target at 5700 Beckley Road on Wednesday, December 3 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM if you'd like to donate.
Episode Resources
Battle Creek Police Department Stuff the Truck Toy Drive
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: Excessive Drinking
In this episode, Recovery Coach Jennifer Dillion and Outpatient Clinician Kira Jones from Summit Pointe discuss what exactly is "excessive drinking" and why it's not a one size fits al...
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