Best MDOT Podcasts (2024)

1
MDOT with Bailee Huether 58:17

3h ago58:17

58:17

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, host Collin Strajack talks with guest Bailee Huethert about personal struggles and recovery, particularly in the context of addiction. Bailee shares her journey into recovery, which began unexpectedly during a work trip away from familiar support structures, leading her to her first recovery …

1
How trails enhance our quality of life and boost the economy 25:14

8h ago25:14

25:14

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Julie Clark, chief executive officer at the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. Clark talks about how she and her family made their way from North Carolina to Traverse City and embraced the northern Michigan outdoors. TART is among many organizations …

1
Rep. Sam Creekmore says Legislature is making progress on public health, mental health reforms 36:33

1h ago36:33

36:33

House Public Health Chairman Sam Creekmore, R-New Albany, tells Mississippi Today's Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance he's hopeful he and other negotiators can strike a deal on Medicaid expansion to address dire issues in the unhealthiest state.By Mississippi Today

1
Slow but steady progress on legislation to protect road workers 32:33

17h ago32:33

32:33

Late last month, a Michigan Senate committee advanced legislation to enable the use of automated technology to enforce speeding laws on segments of roads under construction. Pennsylvania became the latest to join dozens of other states employing the technology, with positive results. This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast revisits the …

1
Medicaid expansion, other issues could make end of 2024 session chaotic 28:32

4d ago28:32

28:32

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison, Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance discuss the biggest issues – Medicaid expansion, school funding and PERS – that could spur contentious final days of the 2024 legislative session.By Mississippi Today

1
As construction season kicks off, a focus on protecting workers 26:11

7d ago26:11

26:11

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast focuses on National Work Zone Awareness Week. An event in Midland on Monday, April 15, will kick off the week with officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan State Police and several industry advocates and others. First, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist…

1
Legislative Session: Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons 26:30

8d ago26:30

26:30

Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about the need for recurring revenue for Mississippi highways, anti-litter efforts, current projects and future projects possible with more funding. Show Intro/Willie Simmons intro – 01:14 Willie Simmons on being Chairman – 01:54 Conversatio…

1
MDOT with Collin Strajack (Host) 40:33

10d ago40:33

40:33

In a candid and heartfelt episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack opens up about his recent struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, shedding light on the inner turmoil that led to a hiatus from the podcast. Collin delves into the challenging OCD loops that trapped him, detailing the compulsive behaviors that disrupt…

1
Inside faith leaders' push to expand Medicaid in Mississippi 33:35

11d ago33:35

33:35

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau sits down with Rev. Dr. Jason Coker, a Baptist pastor who is helping lead a coalition of faith leaders who are advocating for Medicaid expansion. Coker discusses why his own Mississippi upbringing and his faith have inspired him to be a leader in the push for expansion, and how the policy change could help many Mi…

1
Determining which roads to fix 24:23

17d ago24:23

24:23

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features explanations about how Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials prioritize road projects. MDOT Chief Operations Officer Gregg Brunner talks about the factors that go into selection and how planners and engineers strictly adhere to asset management principles. …

1
Legislative Session: State Treasurer David McRae 35:37

16d ago35:37

35:37

State Treasurer David McRae joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about his path to public service, promote the Unclaimed Property Program, provide his thoughts on PERS and much more. Show Intro/ State Treasurer David McRae intro – 01:14 David McRae background/position – 01:42 Highlights/Big projects as the Treasurer - 04:37 Un…

1
Explainer: The Legislature's dueling Medicaid expansion plans 24:47

18d ago24:47

24:47

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau and Bobby Harrison break down the differences in the House Medicaid expansion plan and the Senate Medicaid expansion plan. They discuss where the legislative debate currently stands, where it's headed, and why some powerful leaders are still against expansion.By Mississippi Today

1
In funding Mississippi schools, how important is an objective funding formula? 30:03

28d ago30:03

30:03

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance speak with House Education Vice Chair Kent McCarty, R-Hattiesburg, about his proposal to change the way Mississippi’s K-12 public schools are funded and whether his plan is good for education.By Mississippi Today

1
How Complete Streets support mobility for all 23:28

1M ago23:28

23:28

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about revisiting the state’s Complete Streets policy, adopted by the State Transportation Commission in 2012. Amy Matisoff, whose duties include strategic alignment and outreach for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), explains why she’s spearheading …

1
Legislative Session: State Senator Joel Carter 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

State Senator Joel Carter joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about how he got into politics, updates from the Energy Committee, his favorite place to grab a bite to eat during the session and more. Show intro/State Senator Joel Carter – 01:15 Joel Carter background/Journey to politics – 02:06 The benefit of working in the fo…

1
Title: Two-thirds majority votes key for Medicaid expansion, restoring initiative 27:12

1M ago27:12

27:12

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison, Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance discuss a busy week at the Capitol, where legislators work to garner two-thirds majorities to pass Medicaid expansion and to restore the initiative process. As it turns out, it is the Senate thus far having trouble reaching those two-thirds majorities.…

1
Introducing Created Equal with Stephen Henderson 51:30

1M ago51:30

51:30

Created Equal is about the promise of opportunity and the challenge of inequality from the city that built America — Detroit. Exploring the strings of inequality that run through the American experience, each episode explores the question: How did we arrive at this moment in history? Stephen Henderson hosts, building on familiar themes from Detroit…

1
Here’s how MDOT supports electric vehicle charging 20:52

1M ago20:52

20:52

You may have heard about the federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, funded in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at $1 billion a year for five years. Michigan was fortunate to receive $110 million of those funds. On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Steve Minton, an innovative contracts …

1
MDOT with Zane Landin 1:00:59

1M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, Collin welcomes Zane Landin, a fellow mental health advocate, to discuss a range of topics including mental health, the power of storytelling, and the importance of vulnerability, particularly among men. Zane shares his journey from graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication to beco…

1
Legislative Session: MDOT Executive Director Brad White 20:09

1M ago20:09

20:09

MDOT Executive Director Brad White joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to provide an update on efforts to find recurring revenue for Mississippi highways among other topics. Show Intro/Brad White Intro – 01:15 Brad White speaking tour/goals – 01:50 Plans/Conversations for revenue – 04:35 Brad White on Legislative support – 07:40 Remo…

1
Attorney Rob McDuff provides update on lawsuit to create more Black-majority legislative districts 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance talk with Jackson attorney Rob McDuff about lawsuits involving legislative redistricting and school funding and how newspaper articles led an inquisitive 12-year-old in Hattiesburg to pursue a legal career focusing on civil rights and other social justice issues.…

1
Legislative Session: MDOT Alternative Program Deliveries Division Director Jessica Dilley 24:10

2M ago24:10

24:10

MDOT Alternative Program Deliveries Division Director Jessica Dilley joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to explain the benefits of alternative delivery transportation projects. Show Intro/Jessica Dilley Intro – 01:13 Jessica Dilley history/New Position in MDOT – 03:06 Jessica Dilley on Design Build Projects – 04:10 Design Build Proj…

1
Head of initiative advocacy group optimistic for 2024 session 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance talk with Spence Flatgard, chair of Ballot Access Mississippi about legislation pending in 2024 session that would restore the initiative process, giving citizens right to bypass Legislature and place issues on the ballot. He cites positives and negatives from the perspective of his group with ini…

1
Poll: Michiganders want taxes paid at the fuel pump to go to roads, but it’s not that simple 29:19

2M ago29:19

29:19

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a veteran Michigan pollster discusses a recent survey of active and likely November general election voters that shows an overwhelming number want the taxes they pay at the pump to fix roads and bridges. Michigan is among states with a sales tax on motor fuels. That tax, 6 percent, does not go…

1
Legislative Session: Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby 20:38

2M ago20:38

20:38

Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk his first two months as Commissioner, the future of transportation funding in Mississippi and more. Show into/Charles Busby Intro – 01:15 Charles Busby Update/Project plans – 02:06 Legislature/Relationship with Steve Massengill – 0…

1
Inside the Medicaid expansion debate at the Capitol 32:57

2M ago32:57

32:57

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau, Sophia Paffenroth, Geoff Pender, Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance detail the first earnest debate about Medicaid expansion at the Mississippi State Capitol. They discuss what various proposals would do, who is supporting them, who is opposing them, and what might be on the horizon as the debate heats up.…

1
Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget includes more to enhance opportunity for all 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget include additional funds for MI Contracting Opportunity, a program that supports contractors and suppliers who are socially or economically disadvantaged. The $5 million recommendation represents a renewal of the item in the previous budget, with a $2 million increase. On this week’s…

1
Legislative Session: Commissioner of Agriculture & Commerce Andy Gipson 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to discuss his recent op-ed in support of additional transportation funding, provide updates on The Dixie National Rodeo and more. Show Intro/Andy Gipson Introduction – 01:15 Rodeo update/review – 02:02 Mississippi AG and Outdoor Expo – 03:00 And…

1
MDOT Director Brad White looks down the road at infrastructure funding needs 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

Mississippi Department of Transportation Director Brad White says an influx of “one-time” state and federal money is allowing the agency to again build and widen roads. But he said the agency needs long-term, steady revenue streams to maintain them once they’re built.By Mississippi Today

1
Gordie Howe International Bridge team continues to invest in communities 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with two people who participated in a Feb. 6 announcement by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) of an additional $2.6 million being invested in 13 community projects as part of construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB). First, Heathe…

1
Legislative Session: State Representative Steve Massengill 16:58

2M ago16:58

16:58

State Representative Steve Massengill joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to introduce himself and talk about his new role as House Transportation Committee Chairman. Show intro/Steve Massengill intro – 01:15 Steve Massengill position specifics – 03:14 Steve Massengill districts – 04:14 Differences as Chairman – 04:50 Big projects/Fo…

1
MDOT with Celtic Honey 1:33:04

2M ago1:33:04

1:33:04

Celtic Honey is a traveling independent performer specializing in burlesque, draglesque, Kung Fu. She also guests at anime and comic cons and holds panels on props, Avatar, body painting and makeup, and the most important topic, consent. On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, Collin sits down with the multifaceted performer and arti…

1
Major issues developing during the 2024 session 31:50

2M ago31:50

31:50

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau, Bobby Harrison, and Taylor Vance discuss several major issues that are being debated during the 2024 legislative session. Medicaid expansion, income tax cut, retirement system changes, and felony suffrage restoration are among the topics covered.By Mississippi Today

1
Legislative Session: State Senator Jenifer Branning 15:27

3M ago15:27

15:27

State Senator Jenifer Branning joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to provide updates on transportation-specific legislative happenings and other priorities for the 2024 session. Show intro, introducing State Senator Jenifer Branning – 01:18 Jenifer Branning recap of Legislative Session so far – 02:05 Jenifer Branning addressing new …

1
Senate minority leader hopes Medicaid will be expanded in 2024 31:47

3M ago31:47

31:47

Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, tells Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance that expanding Medicaid, restoring the initiative and helping the Mississippi Delta are topics he hopes will be addressed during the 2024 legislative session.By Mississippi Today

1
MDOT with Cody Fournier 1:12:06

3M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with special guest Cody Fournier, a licensed independent clinical social worker LICSW who currently works with NOCD (www.treatmyocd.com), a platform dedicated to helping people treat their OCD. Our conversation traver…

1
Why the state is asking citizens how to fund transportation 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about the road usage charge (RUC) survey conducted to gauge citizen’s thoughts on funding transportation infrastructure. Jean Ruestman, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Passenger Transportation, explains how the department sought and won a f…

1
Best of: How New Orleans prioritized people over pavement 48:33

3M ago48:33

48:33

Much like I-375 in Detroit, cities around the US are undergoing highway removal projects. But what can we learn from how they engage with the communities who will be affected by the plans? Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes, chief executive with the Ashé Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans, joins Stephen to share what it’s like for the community to be involv…

1
Best of: MDOT explains why it's replacing I-375 with a boulevard 50:04

3M ago50:04

50:04

Continuing our Reckoning 375 series, Jonathan Loree from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) joins Stephen to explain why the department plans to build a road where I-375 currently exists. Then, former Detroit Free Press columnist John Gallagher explains how we got to this point in the project's existence.…

1
Best Of: The impact of I-375's construction on two historic Black neighborhoods 50:59

3M ago50:59

50:59

On this re-aired conversation, we continue our mini-series "Reckoning 375" with a look at the history of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Stephen Henderson is joined by Detroit historian Jamon Jordan and researcher Emily Kutil to take a closer look at the history and culture of Black Bottom and Paradise Valley amid plans to replace I-375 in downto…

1
Legislative Session: Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer Earl Glenn 19:52

3M ago19:52

19:52

MDOT Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer Earl Glenn joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to introduce himself and break down the agency's response to January's winter weather. Show intro, introducing Deputy Executive Director/Chief Engineer Earl Glenn – 01:15 Earl Glenn background/experience – 02:07 Earl Glenn taking over as Chie…

1
Senate Finance chairman breaks down recent economic development projects 40:21

3M ago40:21

40:21

Senate Finance Chair Josh Harkins, R-Flowood, discusses with Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance the passage of the two major projects in consecutive weeks. The key committee chair also says he will consider tax cuts, but reiterated he wants to move cautiously and examine the overall impact of any tax reduction.…

1
MDOT with Cody Fournier, LICSW 1:12:07

3M ago1:12:07

1:12:07

On this episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, we delve deep into the intricate world of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with special guest Cody Fournier, a licensed independent clinical social worker LICSW who currently works with NOCD (www.treatmyocd.com), a platform dedicated to helping people treat their OCD. Our conversation traver…

1
Best Of: Will the state reckon with the construction and rebuild of I-375? 51:59

3M ago51:59

51:59

Beginning with the voices of people who lived in or were connected to Black Bottom and were forced to move due to the construction of I-375, Stephen Henderson and Nick Austin re-air this Detroit Today miniseries — Reckoning 375 — every Friday until late November. In this episode, they listen to recordings from Bert Dearing, Jr. of Bert's Marketplac…

1
Breaking down Whitmer's State of the State address 45:56

3M ago45:56

45:56

From policy proposals to 80s music references, a lot happened at Gov. Whitmer's 2024 State of the State address. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service, longtime political consultant Greg Bowens, and Lauren Gibbons of Bridge Michigan, join Stephen to break down the speech, including the specific policy proposals and what we should expect from Lansing…

1
How Whitmer's proposed caregiver tax credit could help Michigan families 45:01

3M ago45:01

45:01

A new proposed tax credit from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would provide up to $5,000 in relief to caregivers in the state. Advocates suggest the relief would be especially helpful for members of the 'sandwich' generation -- working adults who care for their minor children, while simultaneously serving as the primary caregiver for aging parents and the c…

1
What’s going on with Detroit’s Reparations Task Force? 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

Detroit’s Reparations Task Force has had a bumpy road of late, with three vacancies and inconsistent meetings. So, what’s next with the task force? And, what are they doing to get back on track. Reparations Task Force Co-chair Keith Williams, and the founders of the African American Redress Network discuss the new efforts that are happening to stud…

1
Meet Garrett Dawe, MDOT’s new engineer of traffic and safety 20:48

3M ago20:48

20:48

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Garrett Dawe, who was recently named engineer of traffic and safety at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Dawe succeeds Mark Bott, who is retiring. Dawe talks about what he’s learned in a variety of positions at MDOT, including as a Transportat…

1
The case for small dollar mortgages in Detroit 33:46

3M ago33:46

33:46

Half of Detroit’s residents are renters. On this re-aired episode of Detroit Today, Anika Goss, CEO of Detroit Future City says to increase homeownership in the city, we need banks to support lending for homes priced under $100,000. Goss and Stephen also discussed the barriers to homeownership for Black residents and the importance of homeownership…

1
The ironies of Mississippi's new green energy plant 42:44

3M ago42:44

42:44

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau, Bobby Harrison, and Taylor Vance break down last week's special session in which lawmakers appropriated at least $350 million to close a deal that will bring a new green energy plant to north Mississippi.By Mississippi Today

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