Advertise on podcast: The James Beaudrie Podcast

Rebecca Amidon is running for Michigan's 32 District State Senate seat. From her Website: "Rebecca Amidon lives nestled in the Manistee National Forest with her husband Ryan and their two children Ace, 6, and Indigo, 3. ​Rebecca has worked in higher education for over 10 years and is currently an adjunct communication professor at Mid Michigan College. She earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Trine University and her undergrad in Media and Public Communication from Purdue University Fort Wayne.  ​Rebecca is an advocate for children and families in North West Michigan serving as a member of the Michigan Northwest Regional Child Care Planning Coalition, and the Early On Steering Committee. Rebecca and her family traveled to Washington DC in 2024 to participate in Strolling Thunder where they were able to speak directly to Michigan lawmakers about the national childcare crisis. Rebecca has served as the Vice Chair of the Manistee County Democratic Party from 2021-2024 and is the current Vice President of a children’s nonprofit, NoMi Forest Explorers, that offers nature-based educational experiences for children of all ages in Manistee County. "

Tyler Huntey is the owner of Huntey's Clubhouse. A child care company that will soon open a location in Manistee Mi. Their Mission "is to provide a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment where children thrive and families feel supported. We focus on giving every child intentional care with an educational approach, preparing them to be the future leaders of tomorrow." Good chat with a Great Human. enjoy!

Kim Cole is running for Michigan's 32nd District State Senate seat. He has worked for the people of Mason Co. Michigan for over 4 decades in Law enforcement. His is currently serving his 4th term as Mason Co. Sheriff. A position he has held since 2012. Good chat with a great human. Enjoy.

It has been a rad summer but now it's time to return to the Pod. Stay tuned, more to come.

Michael Linke is an Entrepreneur and avid outdoors man. Part owner in a family business - Linkes Body shop. - Also heavily involved in the community through volunteering and as a board member in the Manistee County Sport Fishing Association- https://mcsfa.org Great chat with a Good Human. Enjoy. JB.

Michael comes back to plug his new album and then we pivot towards Data centers, AI and everything else that is making us just a bit more crazy. Enjoy.

JP Thornewell is a singer/songwriter and producer living in Northern Michigan. He has worked in music hubs like LA and Chicago. You can listen to his music on Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VWhxDjOf6PfrhfoeLFVYU?si=aq7z1s6dTfGX7UuWWN720A Good conversation. Good Human. Enjoy.

Kyle Nichols owns Trail Head Bikes Shop in Ludington Michigan with his wife Lynnette. He is also co-director of 906 Adventure Ludington Mi. On this episode Kyle walks me through his time as an engineer transitioning to business owner and community leader. Good stuff with a Good Human. Enjoy.

On this episode I provide the "Pros and Cons" of a Data Center. All information was generated using Google AI. I understand I am a consumer and creator of Data. I use AI to help produce my podcast and content. Perhaps I am a hypocrite. I am simply providing information. This is all new to most of us and being informed is part of the process towards learning. Hugs and Kisses. JB.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Trucks—a longtime Manistee businessman whose impact on this community spans more than 50 years. While many people know Lee through Jackpine Business Center, that chapter represents just a portion of a much larger and more meaningful story.Lee’s journey began in Baldwin, Michigan, and took him through Central Michigan University and ultimately to the University of Michigan. Along the way, he taught English to students in Nigeria and played a role in early childhood education through Head Start programs—experiences that helped shape the perspective and values he would later bring back home to Manistee.In 1977, alongside his two brothers, Lee helped build what would become Jackpine Business Center. But what stands out most isn’t just the business itself—it’s the decades of relationships, community involvement, and steady presence that Lee has brought to this area.Conversations like this are exactly why I love producing this show. They go beyond business or resumes—they capture the stories, experiences, and wisdom of people who have helped shape our community. To me, episodes like this become a kind of time capsule for Manistee—preserving voices and perspectives that deserve to be heard for years to come.

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Michael Nagle, a historian with over 30 years of teaching experience at West Shore Community College, where he specializes in U.S. History, Western Civilization, and American Government.We begin by discussing his work as an author, including his biographies on Eber B. Ward and Justus S. Stearns, before diving deep into the American Revolution and the origins of the Declaration of Independence.What were the Founding Fathers really thinking? What did the Declaration of Independence actually mean in its time—and how should it be understood today?Professor Nagle breaks down the history of the American Revolution, the political philosophy behind the founding of the United States, and the lasting impact of these ideas on modern America. With decades of experience teaching history, he provides clear, insightful analysis that connects the past to today’s political and cultural landscape.If you’re interested in American history, the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers, or the Constitution, this episode is for you! Topics Covered: American Revolution explained Declaration of Independence meaning Founding Fathers and political philosophy Early American history and government Historical research and writing biographies How history influences modern politics

Chase Callaway describes himself as an “unprofessional bladesmith,” but his passion for forging knives tells a much deeper story. By trade, Chase is a Journeyman Lineman, working one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs out there—climbing poles, working high-voltage lines, and helping keep the power on when the rest of the world needs it most. In this episode we dive deep into what it really takes to succeed as a lineman. Chase shares what the journey to becoming a journeyman looks like, the challenges of the trade, and how physical strength, discipline, and mental toughness are essential to the job. Fitness is a major part of Chase’s life, and we talk about how training and staying in shape directly impacts his performance in such a physically demanding career. Outside of work, Chase has developed a serious passion for forging knives, teaching himself the craft and embracing the process of shaping raw steel into functional art. What started as a curiosity has grown into a creative outlet that combines patience, precision, and craftsmanship. This conversation covers work ethic, physical training, skilled trades, craftsmanship, and the mindset required to pursue passions outside of your day job. If you’re interested in blue-collar grit, strength, and the art of making something with your hands, you’ll enjoy this episode.

Epstein. Aliens. Artificial intelligence. Cartels. Iran. Venezuela. ICE.In this episode, we connect the dots between the Epstein files, UFO disclosure, the rise of AI, the Mexican drug war, global instability and border policy.What is distraction, what is strategy, and what is actually happening behind the scenes?Full breakdown inside.

Jackie Gutowski joins the show to break down her vision for Manistee Performance Gym — a true all-in-one fitness space built to raise the standard for health and performance in our community.This isn’t just another gym. MPG is designed to combine cutting-edge training equipment, tailored workout programming, recovery tools like a sauna and cold plunge, and personalized dietary guidance — all under one roof.We talk about why she decided now was the time to open, what makes MPG different, and how this model can help beginners, athletes, and everyday people train smarter, recover better, and see real results.If you care about your health, performance, or the future of fitness in Manistee, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Travis, a retired U.S. Navy veteran whose life of service didn’t end when he hung up the uniform. Bill spent his career in the U.S. Navy Seabees—a unique and elite construction force within the Navy. The Seabees (short for Construction Battalions) are trained builders and engineers who construct critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most challenging environments, often under combat conditions. Their motto, “We Build, We Fight,” speaks to the dual role they play—skilled tradesmen and warfighters when needed. After retiring from the Navy, Bill and his wife took that same service-first mindset into civilian life by opening Third Coast Boutique in downtown Manistee, Michigan. What started as a small boutique has grown into something much bigger: a platform dedicated to selling veteran-produced products and supporting the veteran community through conscious commerce. At the heart of Bill’s work is a deeply personal mission—making a real difference in the lives of veterans, especially in the fight against veteran suicide. With an estimated 22 veterans a day lost to suicide, this isn’t just a statistic for Bill; it’s a call to action. In this conversation, we dive into: Bill’s long career in the U.S. Navy and his time with the Seabees What the transition from military service to small business ownership really looks like How Third Coast Boutique is being used as a vehicle for impact, not just profit The importance of community, purpose, and connection in saving veterans’ lives This episode is about service, leadership, and what it means to continue showing up for others long after the uniform comes off.