Right Down the Street with Mayor Bryan K. Barnett

As we wrap up Women's History Month, join Mayor Bryan Barnett as he sits down with Ann Echols, recently sworn-in Assistant Chief/Fire Marshall for the Rochester Hills Fire Department to talk about her new role, what drew her to the profession, and what it’s like to be the City’s first female Chief and Fire Marshal. 
Later Mayor Barnett is joined by Samantha Lawrence, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm Museum Archivi...

If you love the Detroit Lions and you love cake... you're sure to love this episode of Right Down the Street!

Locals have known for decades what extraordinary baked goods are produced by Heather Tocco and her team at the Home Bakery in Downtown Rochester, Michigan. Their most recent windowfront cake creation, a life-size replica of Amon-Ra St. Brown in his iconic upside down pose, has wowed the nation and drawn droves...

Mayor Barnett talks with Paul Glantz,  co-founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment Inc., and the driving force behind the development and operation of metro Detroit’s Emagine theatres. Listen as they chat about the importance of customer service, having something for everyone, and where Paul sees the movie theater industry heading in the next 5-10 years.

Rochester Hills IS Innovative by Nature and the "Preeminent...

A distinguished Michigan business leader, Tony Michaels has been at the helm of The Parade Company since 2009. Now serving as the iconic non-profit organization’s CEO and President, Tony has found his passion in delighting generations of families by putting on massive events like America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade presented by Gardner White, Ford Fireworks and Hob Nobble Gobble presented by Ford, and the Strategic Staffing Solutions...

For many, September brings forth feelings of new possibilities and new beginnings, none more so for our two distinguished guests Dr. Jim Schwarz, superintendent of Avondale School District, and Mr. Nick Russo, superintendent of Rochester Community Schools. Join Mayor Barnett as he sits down for an insightful talk about the current national teacher shortage, why relationship building is the key to so many things in life, finding pur...

Life conspires to bring you where you're supposed to be. And life has conspired to bring Melissa Weisse across the pond to Leader Dogs for the Blind. Serving now as the organization's CEO and President, Melissa has found her passion in helping people create pathways to greater independence. She and Mayor Barnett discuss everything from art and puppies to fundraising and philanthropy. Enjoy this look into what it is like t...

Father-son duo, Garth and Klint Pleasant, join Mayor Barnett on this special Father's Day episode. Garth Pleasant had a long and distinguished career as the head coach of Rochester Christian University's men's basketball team, leading the program from 1973 to 2010. Klint Pleasant followed in his father's footsteps, serving alongside Garth as an assistant coach before taking over the reins of the program. With 53...

Rochester Community Schools have dominated MHSAA Division 1 Competitive Cheer for the last decade, with the three RCS high schools taking turns at the top. At the state competition last month, Stoney Creek took the title, Adams came in second, and defending state champion, Rochester, was two-tenths of a point behind in third. The head coaches from all three schools join Mayor Barnett to talk about the sport of competitive cheer and...

Mayor Barnett is joined by three former NHL players, Craig Wolanin, Steve Guolla, and Dave Legwand. They all have a Detroit-Rochester Hills area connection and are not just great athletes, they are great members of our community. Wooly, Gooey and Leggy reminisce with entertaining stories about their unique journeys, NHL memories, and their pure love of the game. If you like hockey, your hometown, or dropping your gloves and scrappi...

In this special "Lead with Impact" segment, Mayor Barnett invites New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to share her story. She was the first woman to be elected as Mayor of New Orleans in the city's 300 year history. Now in her second term of office, she has more than proven her commitment to the place her heart calls home. She firmly believes the best is yet to come for her city and residents. Mayor Cantrell discusses ...

It’s not every day you get to swap stories, cheer on the Detroit Lions, and predict the future with a superhero. But Mayor Barnett did just that with none other than Equalman. Erik Qualman, also known as Equalman, was raised in Rochester Hills and has gone on to be a Digital Leadership expert, sharing his insight as a bestselling author, teacher, and motivational keynote speaker. Erik has a sharp vision of the direction and global ...

Imagine your entire hometown downtown painted in holiday lights, each historic Main Street building lit in a different bold hue. That was the vision Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority, had for Downtown Rochester, Michigan. With a mission to draw people in to make memories and boost business for the city’s independent local shops, the Big Bright Light Show was born. Eighteen years la...

Lions Radio Analyst, Former NFL Offensive Tackle, and recent Pride of the Lions inductee, Lomas Brown, shares stories with Mayor Barnett about players, coaches, successes, struggles, teamwork and more. Lomas had an incredibly long career playing in the NFL, including 11 seasons playing for our Detroit Lions. He spent years physically clearing the way for his teammates to run the ball down the field and he still seeks to protect his...

The Ilitch name is synonymous with Detroit, and the Ilitch family’s impact has rippled across Michigan and echoes around the world. What began with a dream and one small Little Caesar’s restaurant, grew into a multifaceted business empire, encompassing the Detroit Tigers, the Red Wings, Fox Theatre, Olympia Entertainment and so much more.
 
Denise Ilitch, the eldest of Mike and Marian’s seven children, has taken to heart th...

You know him as a steady and trusted pillar of Detroit television news, reporting without fear or favor at WXYZ-TV for 35 years. But do you know his nickname, his newest hobby or the most difficult stories he managed? Proud Rochester Hills resident, Dave LewAllen, discusses with Mayor Barnett the evolution of media over the decades, the key values he holds as a news journalist and reporter, and the impact one person can make. Toss ...

Rochester Hills’ Stoney Creek Village has lived out the “it takes a village” concept in remarkable ways for 200 years. The first families to settle in our city in 1823 are much like the ones who live here today. Traits like an innovative spirit, a strong work ethic and
persevering through obstacles characterize them. Values like education, faith, and living in community define them. Historian, Pat McKay,  and village resident, ...

Mayor Barnett sits down with two of the most important women in his life - his mom and grandma - in this special Mother’s Day episode. Topics include values passed down through generations, “how I met your father,” embarrassing stories about Chris, vacations on a budget, and the importance of family to keep you grounded. 

Rochester Hills IS Innovative by Nature and the "Preeminent Place to Live, Work and Raise a Famil...

Exceptional companies create a brand that elicits an emotional connection. Disney is one of them, and long-time Rochester Hills resident, Janelle Tischer, is one of their key strategists. As the Vice President, Category Strategy, at the Walt Disney Company, Janelle excels at building partnerships and anticipating what’s next. She also pours her boundless energy into mentoring the next generation and finding meaningful ways to give ...

March Madness is upon us and college basketball is on everyone’s mind. Mayor Barnett sits down with Oakland University’s head basketball coach, Greg Kampe, and three stars from this season’s team: Jalen Moore, Trey Townsend and Blake Lampman. The nation’s longest tenured coach at a Division 1 school, Coach Kampe wants his team to succeed on the court and off. He sets the pace when it comes to loyalty, passion, giving back to the co...