Podcasts about mackinac policy conference

The fastest way to lose faith in your country is to let a screen tell you who your neighbors are. We take that head-on, because the gap between media narratives and real life keeps growing, and it is warping how we talk about policy, elections, and each other.Rich Helppie shares what we are building in season seven of The Common Bridge, including the expanded set of “bridges” across healthcare, education, finance, science, and world affairs. He also brings back a fresh read from the Mackinac Policy Conference in Michigan, where he recorded 21 short interviews across party lines. The big surprise is not that people disagree; it is that plenty of serious, practical work is happening while cable news insists everything is hopeless.Then we get specific about what is driving the disconnect. Rich frames it as two P's: the press and polarization. We talk about why outrage coverage spreads faster than nuance, why audiences keep returning to sources that have misled them, and a simple question that cuts through the hype: how many people do you actually know who behave like the villains you are warned about?To ground it, Rich shares a personal story about hitchhiking across the United States and Canada and meeting people from every walk of life, plus three rules he gave students in a commencement speech: work hard, look it up yourself, and take care of people. If you care about media literacy, fact checking, and healthier civic dialogue, this is a practical reset. Subscribe, share this with a friend who feels burned out by politics, and leave a review so more listeners can find The Common Bridge.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO, Corewell Health and Lamont Yoder, president, Corewell Health East, joined Rich Helppie from The Common Bridge Podcast May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how hospitals are always caring for their communities and always advancing the health of the state. To learn more, visit MIHospitals.org.

June 15, 2026 ~ Jeff Donofrio and Lloyd Jackson speak with Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. They discuss the Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan's economic challenges, and the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russ Kavalhuna, president of Western Michigan University joined Rich Helppie from The Common Bridge Podcast May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how leaders in healthcare and education work together to uplift Michigan communities, build the talent pipeline and advance care across the state. To learn more, visit MIHospitals.org.

David Miller, MD, MPH, CEO of Michigan Medicine and EVP for Medical Affairs, University of Michigan joined Rich Helppie from The Common Bridge Podcast May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how hospitals are always caring for their communities and always advancing the health of the state. To learn more, visit MIHospitals.org. To subscribe to The Common Bridge Podcast, visit thecommonbridge.com.

Tonya Darner, Market CEO, UP Health System Marquette & Bell joined Rich Helppie from The Common Bridge Podcast May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how hospitals are always caring for their communities and always advancing the health of the state. To learn more, visit MIHospitals.org. To subscribe to The Common Bridge Podcast, visit thecommonbridge.com.

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined Rich Helppie from The Common Bridge Podcast May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how hospitals are always caring for their communities and always advancing the health of the state. To learn more, visit MIHospitals.org. To subscribe to The Common Bridge Podcast, visit thecommonbridge.com.

MHA Board Chair Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare, joined Rich Helppie from The Common Bridge Podcast May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how hospitals are always caring for their communities and always advancing the health of the state. To learn more, visit MIHospitals.org. To subscribe to The Common Bridge Podcast, visit thecommonbridge.com.

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Continues Conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan's future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness.Part 2 guests include:Joe White, High Speed Rodeo SubstackMatt Elliot, Blue Link IdeasCarmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth InstituteKelly Wolgamott, Pure MichiganCarolina Pluszczynski, Michigan CentralDr. Robert McMahan, Kettering UniversityRachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Heads to the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026The Michigan Opportunity Podcast once again broadcasted from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast featured an outstanding lineup of guests discussing Michigan's future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness.Part 1 Guests include:Tricia Keith, Blue Cross Blue ShieldHilary Doe, MoveDetroitColin Bird, Canadian ConsulRichard A. Bierschbach, Wayne State UniversityLaura Lee McIntyre, Michigan State UniversityStephen Rapundalo, MichBioMary Lewis, Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic

This week's episode includes host Samantha Shriber's coverage of the Mackinac Policy Conference, a yearly gathering of government, business and nonprofit leaders hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber.  MIRS sits down with David Jurcak, president of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. They talk about hiring tourism employees from overseas, concerns around the Shepler's Ferry monopoly and the United States' 250th anniversary (3:19).  U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, the Holly Democrat, also explains why, as a former CIA officer, she sees Chinese cars driving into the country as "surveillance packages on wheels" (27:22).  Also, President Brian Calley of the Small Business Association of Michigan says that 42% of members are one to three years away from no longer being able to offer health insurance due to rate increases (40:39). 

Hosts Saeed Khan talks with guests, veteran lawyers Bill Seikaly and Joel Sklar; labor and community activist Barb Ingalls; veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel.They talk about: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she won't run for president in 2028; could she and Mike Duggan end up being university presidents in Michigan? The Democratic U.S. Senate race; will establishment Democrats back Abdul El-Sayed if he wins the primary? Why does Congresswoman Haley Stevens fudge answers about Israel and AIPAC? State Sen. Mallory McMorrow said her Jewish husband was the target of an antisemitic slur at the Michigan Democratic Convention; MAGA cannibalism in Texas brings victory to a Trump-backed candidate in a Senate primary; politicians and policymakers gather for the Mackinac Policy Conference, which bars journalist Charlie LeDuff; and Schmuck of the Week.

Hosts Vanessa Moss, Allan Lengel, and Jim Nardone talk about the clubby Mackinac Policy Conference, its exclusivity, and how it barred journalist Charlie LeDuff. They also discuss a judge's order to remove President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Grand Prix.

Daily Detroit is on the porch at the Mackinac Policy Conference, and Jer and Devon have a wide‑ranging conversation about Michigan's political future and Detroit's urgency problem. From Governor Gretchen Whitmer's emphatic "no" on a presidential run to the very real possibility she ends up as the top choice for vice president, they unpack what her popularity says about the broader electoral landscape and 2024's lessons for Democrats in a swing state. (That said, after we recorded, she hedged her bets later in the day). On the island, the 2026 governor's race was present (but not in a debate), and we talk about it. Then, they zoom in on one of the most revealing moments of the week: A years‑long legislative delay on the RenCen brownfield deal, even with a billion‑dollar offer on the table and no profit motive. What does it say about how Michigan makes decisions, and we talk about why "maybe" is often worse than "no." The conversation closes with a look at the dysfunction of elected university boards in Michigan in the wake of the resignation of the MSU president, the talent pipeline, and the physical glow‑up on Mackinac Island — from the Grand Hotel to Lake View and Mission Point — as Michigan lives up to its billing as a top national destination.

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's Episode #180 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast!00:00-14:47: AIPAC & Haley StevensPat Johnston shares even more stories revealing how AIPAC is using loopholes to funnel campaign bribes, or "donations," towards the corporate-establishment Democratic Party's pick for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat: Haley Stevens. Pat also talks about how, when the working class is suffering in The Trump Economy and when this nation's national debt keeps rising, the United States keeps shoveling more money and arms to Israel's right-wing government. That might be a good question for Haley Stevens to answer.14:48-26:27: Mackinac Conference Sham; Mop-Up MIWhile corporations wine and dine Michigan's elite political class, working class Michiganders turned-in over 500k signatures to put the "Mop-Up Michigan" ballot initiative on the ballot. Mop-Up Michigan would end utilities, like DTE and Consumers Energy, from making campaign donations. Unlike the useless corporate Mackinac Policy Conference, working class Michiganders are taking power in their own hands by hoping to finally end DTE's and other corporations receiving preferential attention in Lansing. 26:28-34:38: Trump Hurts MI TourismIn the "Last Call, " Pat covers how the Trump Regime is hurting international tourism in the U.S., and especially for Michigan, which shares a border with Canada.34:39-36:47: EndingPlease, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNotes: "AIPAC has become a dirty word in Michigan's U.S. Senate race." By Todd Spangler of The Detroit Free Press "Over 562K signatures filed for proposal to ban campaign spending by utilities, state contractors." By Katherine Dailey of Michigan Advance "Opinion | Time to ban utilities' political spending, lower costs for Michiganders." By Democratic State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky and Christy McGillivray of Voters Not Politicians in Bridge Michigan "Nessel, Michigan Dems push Whitmer to confront Lansing's ‘quid pro quo' political culture." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Ohio data center tax break cost $1.4 billion more than expected in 2025." By Jake Zuckerman of Signal Ohio "Black Michiganders need answers in Michigan U.S. Senate primary | Opinion." By Michael Griffie in The Detroit Free Press "Pro-Israel PAC uses 'loophole' to quietly fund Stevens in Dem primary." By Grant Schwab & Melissa Nann-Burke of The Detroit News Photo of Grand Hotel courtesy: "Grand Hotel 2008" by Drdpw is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #Michigan #MAGA #Republicans #HaleyStevens #AbdulElSayed #MackinacPolicy Conference #MopUpMichigan #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #MichiganSenateRace #Israel #AIPAC #War #IranWar #marginalizedAmericans #WorkingClass #CorporateDonations #DataCenters #tourism #Election2026 #Authoritarianism #Fascism #Democracy #LeftofLansing

Click here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinHere's the Left of Lansing "Friday Short" for May 29, 2026.The Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference is over, and this year proved to be another example of why this corporate-friendly event is useless to working class Michiganders.Pat Johnston explains how it's main goal is to ensure enough MAGA Republicans and Democrats work in "bipartisan" fashion to ensure corporate interests are highlighted.That's otherwise known as business as usual in Lansing. It's time to end this conference on Mackinac Island, and the Mop-Up Michigan campaign to block utilities from donating to politicians might be a major first step in making such an event useless.Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can!leftoflansing@gmail.comLeft of Lansing is now on YouTube as well!Music provided by Wanderbeats. To hear the latest project, visit Space Leopard on various streaming sites, or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@SpaceLeopardClick here to donate $5 on Left of Lansing on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/15494297/joinNotes: "U.S. Senate debate at Mackinac Policy Conference exposes deeper debate over who gets heard." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance "Rogers defends Trump policies while pitching affordability fixes at Mackinac Policy Conference." By Ben Solis of Michigan Advance

May 29, 2026 ~ Rep. Bill Schuette, State Representative for Michigan's 95th District, joins Chris and Lloyd at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Day 2 at the Mackinac Policy Conference brings even deeper conversations as Chris and Lloyd continue broadcasting live from the Grand Hotel. They connect with influential political, business, and civic leaders to unpack the biggest takeaways, emerging priorities, and behind-the-scenes moments shaping Michigan's direction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Trevor Lauer, President and COO of DTE Energy, joins Chris and Lloyd live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ State Senator and GOP Candidate Aric Nesbitt joins Chris and Lloyd live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Senator Joe Bellino joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ State Representative and Speaker of the Michigan House, Matt Hall, joins Chris and Lloyd live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield sits down to chat with Lloyd Jackson at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Senator Winnie Brinks joins Chris and Lloyd live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Bob Riney, President & CEO of Henry Ford Health & Chair of the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, joins Chris and Lloyd to chat about the conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ GOP Candidate Mike Cox joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Eric Lupher, President at Citizen's Research Council of Michigan, joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MichAuto, joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Angelique Power, President and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, joins Chris and Lloyd live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive, Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive and Mark Hackel, Macomb County Executive join Chris and Lloyd live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Ora Hirsch Pescovitz President of Oakland University joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Senator Gary Peters joins Paul W. Smith live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Aric Nesbitt, Michigan Senate Minority Leader, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Day 2 of the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber recaps the Mackinac Policy Conference with Paul W. Smith. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive and Assad Turfe, Deputy Wayne County Executive join Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Rachel Stewart, CEO Gardner White joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Former Attorney General Mike Cox Now Running for Governor as a Republican joins Paul W. Smith live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ David Jurcak, President of the Grand Hotel joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Governor Gretchen Whitmer joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Neil MacKinnon, President Central Michigan University joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ David Coulter, Oakland County Executive joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Katrina McCree, new CEO of THAW, The Heat and Warmth Fund joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 28, 2026 ~ Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel joins Paul W. Smith live from the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 27, 2026 ~ US Senator Gary Peters joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 27, 2026 ~ MSU Provost, Laura Lee McIntyre, joins Chris and Lloyd live at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's Daily Detroit, we start the week with a conversation with State Senator — and Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful — Mallory McMorrow. It's the third in our series of Democratic Senate candidate interviews, and we're focused squarely on what federal power could actually mean for Detroit, Metro Detroit, and Michigan. McMorrow talks about why she first Googled "how to run for office" after the 2016 election, and why she frames governing as a design challenge to build policy that improves people's lives. She talked about an approach to ieconomic development that feels less like "Lucy and the football" and more like real, ground‑up regional growth — including transit as economic development, and keeping young people from leaving the state. From there, the conversation moves to the auto industry and EVs, competition from China, and why she wants incentives that grow talent and clusters of jobs instead of focusing on chasing megaprojects. We also touch on affordability: gas prices, housing, childcare, and McMorrow's push to scale ideas like universal pre‑K, free school meals, more housing production, paid leave, and cracking down on scammy online ads. You'll also hear her vision on healthcare access, expanding Michigan's red flag law approach to the federal level, and supporting Detroit‑grown community violence intervention. And because this is Daily Detroit, they close with some city love — from classic Michigan license plates helping fix roads to her favorite spots around town.  We'll be at the Mackinac Policy Conference all week, so be sure to check your podcast feeds and inboxes for updates.  Constructive feedback as always: 313-789-3211 or dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com. And make sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

Day Break | Strength, Sacrifice, and the Battle for America's Future --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:07 – Mary Holland, Esq., President of Children's Health Defense and longtime health freedom advocate. Holland discusses reports linking a soldier's heart condition to a COVID vaccine she was allegedly required to take while serving in the military. The conversation focuses on vaccine mandates within the armed forces, informed consent, and the rights of military personnel regarding medical decisions. 47:08 – Nick Hopwood, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Peak Wealth Management. Hopwood discusses Memorial Day traditions and boating safety while also covering financial topics including annuities, IPO market activity, and investment strategies. He explains why some investors become trapped in “annuity hell” and discusses the concept of derivative income versus traditional dividend income. 38:08 - Monologue Featuring Ivey Gruber 47:08 – Natalie Dominguez, Title Theft Education Specialist for Home Title Lock. Dominguez discusses a Louisville woman whose home was allegedly stolen through quitclaim deed fraud. She explains how title theft schemes work and why homeowners should monitor property records carefully. 57:17 – Frank Kelly III, CEO of Kelly Benefits and author of Love & Go. Kelly discusses America's growing loneliness epidemic and the broader decline of community and personal connection in modern society. He explains why rebuilding relationships and social engagement is critical for emotional and societal health. 1:16:16 - Monologue 1:24:10 – Congresswoman Kat Cammack, representative for Florida's 3rd Congressional District. Cammack discusses efforts to address workplace sexual misconduct in Congress and reforms aimed at improving accountability and protections for staff members. 1:34:23 – Ryan Duffy, member of the Enbridge Communication Team. Duffy discusses major energy issues facing Michigan ahead of the Mackinac Policy Conference, including energy reliability, security, and the Line 5 tunnel project. He also provides updates on construction progress related to Line 5 infrastructure work in Wisconsin. 1:43:06 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber discusses food ingredients, health awareness, and concerns over harmful additives in modern diets. The conversation also reflects on the passing of legendary NASCAR racer Drew Busch and his impact on the racing community. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... Episode 16 is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/I4UA2LzQQUg

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has abruptly ended his independent run for governor, blowing up Michigan's 2026 race less than six months before voters head to the polls. In this emergency episode of Daily Detroit, Jer, Devon and Norris break down why Duggan says "the numbers just aren't there," how national headwinds shifted after Trump's second-term agenda, and why independents are stampeding away from the GOP this cycle. We get into what Duggan's exit means for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's path to the governor's office, the clown car situation on the Republican side, and how this all reshapes the map heading into the Mackinac Policy Conference. We also kick around some speculation on Duggan's next move — including strong rumors about the presidency of the University of Michigan — and why his "fixer" skill set might be headed from city hall to collegiate head.  As always, be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to shows.