WMKT Special Edition Interviews: Recent Episodes
MacDonald Garber Broadcasting
Nick is joined by Wid Lyman, a reporter from Border Hawk News. They discuss border crossings under the Trump administration, the immigration riots, and Trump’s recent flip-flopping on policy.
Nick is joined by Eric Marvin, the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Sports Commission. They discuss the Great Lakes Championship that took place over the weekend and other events the commission is involved with.
Nick is joined by Congressman Bill Huizenga; they discuss the Congressional Baseball Game, the Big Beautiful Bill, and the Clarity Act.
Nick is joined by Stephanie Dettloff, the Execuitve Director of the Northeast Michigan Family Resource Center.
Nick is joined by Brenden Bourdreau, the Executive Director of Great Lakes Gun Rights. Brenden updates us on three gun control bill packages, what they are, and where they are in the legislative process.
Nick is joined by State Representative Parker Fairbairn, R-107. They discuss a bill he cosponsored that would allow school districts to offer Hunter Safety courses in schools and a bill that would allow coyote hunting year-round.
Nick is joined by William M. Briggs, the Statistician to the Stars. They discuss how intelligence shouldn't be measured. What issues can follow when you blindly trust the experts. Faults of direct democracy, and whether AI is actually intelligent.
Nick is joined by Ambassador Francis Rooney, who served as Ambassador to the Holy See during the Bush administration. He shares his thoughts on the historic election of an American Pope and tells us about his personal relationship with Robert Prevost, who is now Pope Leo XIV.
Nick is joined by John and Amy Flynn, whose contracts were recently not renewed at Harbor Springs High School, for coaching boy's and girl's basketball. The Flynns are fighting for their jobs, saying they were wrongfully let go. This is their story.
Nick is joined by Will Hupman, the Vice President of Downstream Policy at the American Petroleum Institute. There is currently a rule that allows thirteen states, led by California, to essentially ban gas-powered cars. The House has recently rescinded the rule, and now we wait on the Senate's decision.
Nick is joined by State Representative Ken Borton to discuss the DNR's continued efforts to lease state-managed land to solar companies.
Nick is joined by Larry Behrens, spokesman for Power the Future, telling us why he thinks the Trump Administration needs to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve ASAP!
Nick is joined by Brent Bolin, Executive Director of Top of Michigan Trails Council, to provide an update on ice storm cleanup on the restoration of the Little Traverse Wheelway's "miracle mile".
Nick is joined by Compass North's Program Supervisor, Samantha Morrison, to talk about what they do to help homeless teens in Northern Michigan.
Ian Murphy, owner of the Iron Pig Smokehouse locations in Gaylord, joins the show to discuss the ice storm and a lawsuit seeking to shut down a solar energy project in Otsego County.
Dennis Lennox, a consultant, political commentator, and travel writer, joins the show to talk about the ice storm and the response from state officials.
State Representative Cam Cavitt (R 106) joins the show to discuss Governor Whitmer's trip to Ireland and the UK, why the DNR Director should not be going, and the proposed DNR license fee hikes.
Nick is joined by Cadillac City Manager Marcus Peccia to discuss the ongoing PFAS contamination issue in private wells. They discuss the city's long-term plan and his recent trip to Lansing to raise awareness and request funding.
Nick is joined by Brenden Boudreau, the Executive Director of Great Lakes Gun Rights to discuss the latest in landing concerning your 2A rights!
Nick is joined by Jim Baumann, the editor of the Boyne Citizen to discuss the recent firing of Boyne City's City Manager Michael Cane.
Nick is joined by Phil Kerpen, President of American Commitment to discuss why he thinks the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should be shut down, as well as how good of a job DOGE is doing.
Nick is joined by Dennis Lennox, consultant, and political commentator to recap Friday's First District GOP Caucus and how to move the Michigan GOP forward with new leadership.
Nick is joined by State Representative Parker Fairbairn (R107) to discuss the bills passed last night to amend pending paid sick time, minimum wage, and tipped wage law.
Nick is joined by State Senator John Damoose to talk about the latest development in Lansing on the tipped credit and minimum wage. Where do they go from here?
Nick is joined by Paul Winfree the President and CEO of the Economic Policy Innovation Center to discuss the national debt and the future of Trump's economy.
Daniel Turner the Founder and Executive Director of Power the Future joins the show to discuss the early days of energy liberation under the Trump administration.
Nick is joined by travel writer and contributor to the Christian Post Dennis Lennox who is in New Orleans. The pair discuss how the city is recovering from the New Year's Day terrorist attack.
Nick is joined by Scott Greenlee, he is running to serve as the next Chairman of the Michigan GOP.
Nick is joined by State Representative Ken Borton to learn more about the proposed Solar Array that would replace 420 acres of trees in Hayes Township in Otsego County.
Nick is joined by Phil Kerpen, President of American Commitment to discuss what he hopes to see from the early days of the Trump administration.
Nick is joined by State Representative Ken Borton (R105) to discuss the crazy ending to the 2024 House Session and what to watch out for in 2025 with Republicans in control.
Nick is joined by Larry Behrens, spokesman for Power the Future to discuss his most recent op-ed in the Washington Times and why he thinks Trump should declare an energy emergency when he takes office.
Nick is joined by House Republican Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus to discuss his upcoming constitutional amendment that would ensure only citizens vote in Michigan elections.
Nick is joined by Brenden Boudreau the executive director of Great Lakes Gun Rights to discuss the latest on the gun control bills in the Michigan House and Senate.
State Senator John Damoose joins the show to discuss a bill package that would add regulations to charter schools.
Brenden Boudreau the Executive Director of Great Lakes Gun Rights joins the show to discuss recently neutered Senate bills that would have stripped your CPL rights.
Nick is joined by Jeff Clayton the Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition to discuss a pair of bills that would lead to potentially dangerous changes to the criminal justice system in Michigan.
Consultant and political analyst Dennis Lennox joins the show to recap the election last night.
Kristin Jarden the CCAMPIS advisor at North Central Michigan College joins the show to discuss how the college is helping parents students continue their education to reach their goals.
Dennis Lennox joins the show to discuss what to watch for in the final week before Election Day.
Nick is joined by Phil Kerpen, President of American Commitment to discuss a lawsuit he hopes will prove the American Association of Pediatrics changed their back-to-school policy in 2020-21 over political pressure and not science.
Larry Behrens the communications director for Power the Future joins the show to talk about the failure of the Inflation Reduction Act and what Harris' lying about that spending means for the election.
The CEO of the Cherry Capital Airport Kevin Klein joins the show to get us updated on all of the logistics of Trump's rally at the airport on Friday October 25th at 7:30.
Ron Armstrong from Stand Up Michigan joins the show to talk about the importance of the Michigan Supreme Court race.
Eileen McNeil, president of Citizens for Traditional Values joins the show to talk about how they are mobilizing voters.
State Senator John Damoose joins the show to talk about the recently passed House Bill that will send $125 million dollars to school districts for school safety and mental health care for students. He gives his take on whether this was good policy or pure politics.
Joseph Solis-Mullen, Libertarian candidate for US Senate joins the show to talk about his campaign and the biggest issues facing Michigan.
Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director of Power the Future joins the show to discuss Kamala Harris' energy policy and how she flip-flopped her stances during the debate.
Wid Lyman a reporter with Border Hawk News joins the show to share an update on the southern border, illegal immigrant crime across the country, and why border security should be a top three issue heading into the November election.
Mark Lucas the Executive Vice President of the Article 3 Project joins the show to talk about the campaign they launched to hold Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson accountable to election integrity.
Dennis Lennox, a consultant and political commentator joins the show to discuss the latest news, polls, and policy updates in the presidential election and how they will have an impact on Trump's chances in November.
A recording of the full Mackinac Island City Council meeting as they voted to approve the temporary suspension of the Mackinac Island Ferry Company (Star Line).
Ian Murphy the owner of the Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord joins the show to discuss the Michigan Supreme Court's decision to impose the original 2018 minimum wage changes that were adopted and amended by the Legislature.
Vinnie Vernuccio, President and Co-founder of the Institute for the American Worker joins the show to discuss the fallout from Teamsters Union President Sean O'Brien's speech at the RNC convention.
Nick is joined by Tammy Doernenburg, the Director of Planning and Zoning in Emmet County. They discuss recent changes made to the zoning ordinance and the county's relationship with the townships.
Dennis Lennox, GOP strategist, political consultant, and travel writer joins the show to discuss everything from the UK elections to the choices for Trump's VP and if Biden stays on the ticket!
Larry Behrens, spokesman for Power the Future, joins the show to argue why they would be election deniers if the DNC replaces Biden on the ticket.
State Representative Ken Borton joins the show to reintroduce himself and give us an update on his campaign.
Lisa Ashley, the Administrator of Bay Bluffs in Emmet County joins the show to share an update on renovations at the facility and a revamped end-of-life care section they are offering after Hiland Cottage Hospice House closed earlier this year.
Nick is joined by Brenden Boudreau, the Executive Director of Great Lakes Gun Rights to discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling that removed the ban on bump stocks, the chance of a state law banning bump stocks, and the resolution to make the AR-15 the official rifle of Michigan.
The restaurant industry is hurting according to a new report, and COVID polices are to blame. We speak with Ian Murphy, owner of the Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord to get his perspective on the matter.
State Representative John Roth joins the show to catch up on his campaign for re-election in the 104th House District.
Parking in downtown Petoskey has been a hot topic for decades. Chris Struble, owner of Arlington Jewelers joins the show to share his perspective on how parking operates in Petoskey.
State Representative Neil Friske joins the show to discuss the new immigration reform package his caucus introduced.
Congressman Jack Bergman joins the show to reintroduce himself to the voters and to share his thoughts on pressing issues.
Nick is joined by Lloyann Curtis, the president of the new Impact 100 Little Traverse Bay Chapter to talk about what the organization is all about and an upcoming event!
Nick is joined by Scott Walter author of the new book, ARABELLA: The Dark Money Network of Leftist Billionaires Secretly Transforming America.
Callie Barr, a Democrat running for Michigan's first Congressional District joins the show to introduce herself and talk about her campaign.
Ian Murphy, the owner of the Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord joins the show to discuss their recent court victory over the government.
Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation joins the show to discuss the attempt by employees at Brown Motors in Petoskey to break free from mandatory union dues.
Brendan Boudreau, the executive director of Great Lakes Gun Rights joins the show to discuss a pair of bills in the the Michigan Legislature that would severely limit places where CPL holders can carry. Also, New York is looking to ban one of the most common guns in the US.
Phil Kerpen, President of American Commitment joins the show to provide an update on Biden's EV mandates. While the MSM may have reported weeks ago they were going to be curtailed, the impact will be just as severe as ever for everyday Americans.
Parker Fairbairn, a Republican running for the 107th State House seat joins the show to introduce himself and share why he is running for office.
Josh Saul joins the show, he is a Republican running for Congress in Michigan's First Congressional district. He shares why he is running for office and what issues voters he has spoken with are bringing up most frequently. All that and more on today's show!
Dr. Bob Lorinser is running for Michigan's 1st Congressional seat as a Democrat. He joins the show to talk about his background, why he is running, and the issues that matter to the voters.
State Representative Cam Cavitt (R106) joins the show to give us his background, why he is running, and what the issues voters are most concerned with in the 106th.
Dennis Lennox, political consultant and GOP strategist joins the show to discuss any progress that has been made under new MI GOP leadership. Also, population issues are getting worse in Michigan, does anyone care and what are things other states doing that Michigan could possibly try to copy?
Dean Clancy, a senior health policy fellow at Americans for Prosperity joins the show to talk about how Bidenomics is driving health care costs higher. He also highlights specific legislative solutions to give patients more choice and control while reigning in prices.
The owner/operator of Studio 8 Hair Lab in Traverse City, Christine Geiger joins the show to discuss the saga of her infamous Facebook post, pending lawsuits, and the fight over the First Amendment.
Jodi Decker, A Democrat, is running in the 107th State House race. Learn more about Jodi and the issues she seeks to tackle in Lansing.
Todd Smalenberg joins the show. He is running in the Republican primary in the 106th. He gives his background, why he is running, and what issues the voters are concerned about.
Phil Kerpen, president of American Commitment joins the show to discuss if the economy is truly doing better as some numbers indicate, or if relief is just temporary and surface level.
As part of our August Primary Coverage, we are meeting the candidates in the field. Today, State Representative Neil Friske (R107).
In this episode of the Special Edition Interviews Nick is joined by the co-founder and co-owner of Beards Brewery in Petoskey, Ben Slocum. What did Beards do to survive the pandemic and what do they plan to do to prepare for a potential recession? Why are Beards and Ben personally so involved in the Petoskey community and what does the future hold for the company? Join us for all the answers to those questions and more as we celebrate Beard's 10th anniversary.
The war in Ukraine continues to rage with no end in sight Joining the podcast today is Ambassador Francis Rooney who served as the ambassador to the Holy See from 2005 to 2008 under President Bush. He also represented Florida’s 19th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021. Ambassador Rooney recently wrote an op-ed in The Hill discussing how he believes a Soviet-era isolationist approach to Russia will be the way to end the war and keep Russia from being a threat. We discussed that and much more in this episode!
Education and schools have been a topic on the mind of many Americans, particularly parents. Whether that be school safety, school choice, curriculum, and parental involvement. St. Micheals High School in Petoskey has a unique way of looking at and handling education. I had the current headmaster, Dr. Richard Brake, and incoming headmaster Andrew Moe on the show to discuss their alternative and classical educational approach.
We're back from a quick break! On this episode of the Special Edition Interviews Nick sat down with 2022 Republican gubernatorial hopeful Kevin Rinke. Kevin and Nick discussed his proposal of eliminating the state income tax, his plan for road repairs, and his response to the alleged signature fraud among his fellow candidates. Throughout the episode, Kevin seeks to make himself stand out in the crowded Republican primary and gives his qualifications to be the next governor of Michigan.
Another candidate for the House 107th District (R) Neil Friske joined the show today. Nick asked Neil several questions about his stances on abortion, energy, and school choice. They also talked about what Neil thinks should be done with Michigan roads, and why he believes abolishing the state income tax is a good idea.
On today's show, Nick is joined by Dr. Bob Lorinser, a Democrat from Marquette who is running for Michigan's first congressional district against Jack Bergman. Dr. Bob spent a few years as a US Diplomat for the Department of State, across the globe. We discussed his time serving there, and key issues such as abortion and the 2nd Amendment.
Nick is joined by Dr. Scott Ladeur, the political science professor at North Central Michigan College. In his most engaging interview yet, Nick and Scott dive deep into the war in Ukraine: why Scott thinks the war started and how he thinks it will end.
Nick sat down in studio with Parker Fairbairn. Parker is running for the House 107th district seat. They discuss his age, credentials, and issues that Parker believes are the most impactful on the northern Michigan region. Paker is holding an opening event on April 14th from 6-7:30 at the Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery. You can rsvp at 231-242-3379.
Line 5 is a topic that divides many northern Michigan residents and I wanted to get to the bottom of what is going on with Line 5 and what the proposed alternatives are. I brought on the Policy Director of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Jennifer McKay for an in-depth and investigative discussion. I left no stone unturned and if the environment, energy, or prices of gas are issues you care about, and you want the truth, you won't want to miss this episode!
Nick sat down with Lou Kasischke, a survivor of the 1996 Mount Everest tragedy. Lou is a Harbor Springs local who has had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and his local community. They discuss the Everest expedition, what went wrong, and what went right that allowed Lou to survive.
Nick talked with Winter Vinecki; while she has a lot of accolades to her name, you will likely know her as a member of the Team USA Freestyle and Aerials teams. She holds two world records for being the youngest person to run a marathon on seven continents and the first mother-daughter duo to run a marathon on seven continents. Winter also has won gold at the 2021 Moscow World Cup. They discuss her time growing up in Gaylord, the importance of athletics and the outdoors, her athletic feats, and much more! Winter competes for her late father who passed away from prostate when she was nine. She dedicates her career to him and has a charity raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research. If her story touches you, you can find more about her charity Team Winter and donate at the website below. http://teamwinter.org/
Nick sat down in-studio with Jonathan Scheel. Jonathan has served as a public servant in a variety of positions and is now seeking election in the House 107th race. Jonathan gives his insight into roads and infrastructure, Line 5, affordable housing, and the importance of local government.
Nick was able to have a phone call with Jack Bergman, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General and U.S. Representative for Michigan's 1st district. The General gave his thoughts on a variety of topics, such as Line 5, the national debt, and Ukraine.
Nick sat down with 107th District Representative John Damoose. John is running for the Senate's 37th seat. They discuss Line 5, redistricting maps, Lee Chatfield, and mental health in Northern Michigan.
Nick interviews Tess Ware. The new business reporter for the Petoskey News-Review. Tess gives her credentials and background and what she is most excited about covering in the Petoskey area.
WMKT and WMBN morning news host Nick Rhudy interviews Triston Cole. Triston was the former Michigan House Majority Leader. He is currently running for the Michigan State Senate 37th district seat. Nick and Triston discuss redistricting, Triston's campaign, and the Lee Chatfield scandal.