Max Loves Midland

On this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Matt Smith, a father, veteran, entrepreneur, real estate professional, community leader, and chair of Midland’s America’s 250 Celebration. Matt shares his journey from growing up in Sanford to serving in the Army, building Smitty’s Iron Works, finding a new path in real estate, and giving back through mentorship, veterans advocacy, Leadership Midland, and community service. The conversation centers on gratitude, unity, self-starting leadership, and what it means to help build a place where people choose, stay, and thrive. Matt also previews Midland’s America’s 250 celebration, including a community signing of a 50-foot Declaration of Independence, a public reading featuring voices from across the region, live music from Chemical City Band, the national anthem by Gretchen Shope, and a powerful reminder that history can bring people together. Whether you know Matt through business, service, fitness, real estate, or his community work, this episode is a conversation about purpose, pride in place, and the hope that Midland County can be a catalyst for unity and positive change.

Brandon Morey, Co-Owner of Crepes Et Amis, Iron Dame, and Enjoy! Bakery, alongside his wife Katie, joined the Max Loves Midland Show to share his journey from a nursing student (and small-town skateboarder) to an award-winning entrepreneur helping shape the heart of Downtown Midland. In this episode, Brandon discusses starting with a $20 crepe skillet, building a loyal following at the Midland Farmers Market, and growing that following into three thriving businesses. He opens up about the challenges of the pandemic, the importance of community support, and his latest role as recipient of the MYPros Community Crowdfund for the Downtownsend Terrace project—a collaborative effort to create a vibrant, café-style streetscape benefiting multiple local businesses on Townsend Street. From stories of family and business scaling to his vision for placemaking in both Downtown and the Circle, Brandon’s passion for creativity, collaboration, and Midland’s future is on full display.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Natalia Iakovleva, one of the four owners of Chef Sergey’s Bakery, a European-style bakery nestled in Midland’s Center City. Natalia shares the incredible story of how her family fled Ukraine and, through an unlikely partnership with another refugee family, found hope and purpose by opening a bakery that has quickly become a beacon of community, comfort, and culture. From the classic Ukrainian saying, “bread is the head of everything,” to a deeply rooted philosophy of making everything from scratch, Natalia discusses how bread became not just a product, but a way to nourish lives and bring people together. Hear how Chef Sergey’s was supported through the Midland Area Community Foundation’s impact investing initiative, and how Natalia and her team are creating a new generation of bakers and community builders—right in the heart of the Circle. This episode is a celebration of food, resilience, and the quiet magic that happens when people care deeply for one another.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, we sit down with Penny Miller-Nelson, Superintendent of Midland Public Schools (MPS), to talk about her journey, passion for public education, and the bond proposal currently in front of our community. From her upbringing on a dairy farm in West Branch to her current leadership role in one of the top-performing districts in Michigan, Penny shares her heartfelt perspective on what it means to build a school system—and a community—that truly serves its people. We dive into proposed facility improvements, including new elementary and middle schools, enhanced safety measures, reconfigured learning environments, and expanded preschool and special education spaces. Penny walks us through the "why now" of the proposal, explains the real-world impact on families, and gets candid about the emotions of letting go of old school buildings while building something new. We also explore the academic excellence MPS is known for, the critical role of early childhood education, and how facilities can shape performance, pride, and belonging in a community. From civic engagement and community feedback to the role of arts, athletics, robotics, technical education, and more, this episode is a deep dive into how public schools touch every corner of a city—and how the choices we make today can shape the Midland of tomorrow. Don't miss Penny's insights on leadership, love for learning, and the power of people coming together. For more information on the bond proposal, visit www.midlandps.org. Explore Midland through the lens of its people! Check out more episodes at maxlovesmidland.com.

Join us for a stellar episode of the Max Loves Midland Show as we go to space—well, sort of! This week, we sit down with Alex Woody, Communications Manager for Midland Center for the Arts, to talk about The Infinite, an out-of-this-world immersive experience that brings real astronaut footage from the International Space Station right here to Midland. Alex shares insights on how the Center continues to be a regional arts and culture hub, the impact of accessibility in the arts, and his own journey from Kentucky to Michigan’s thriving creative scene. Plus, we talk about the legacy of the Center, the future of community leadership, and Alex’s top five favorite theater productions. Whether you're a space enthusiast, an art lover, or just looking for something new to experience in Midland, this episode has something for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and head to MaxLovesMidland.com to find your next local adventure! 🚀🎭

Erin Patrice, founder of The Breaking Bread Village, joins Max Loves Midland to share her journey of moving to Midland, Michigan, over 20 years ago and finding her purpose in fostering meaningful dialogue and community connections. She recounts her transition from Cincinnati, the challenges of adapting to a less diverse environment, and the pivotal moments that led her to create The Breaking Bread Village—a platform for open, inclusive conversations that bring people with differing perspectives together. Erin discusses the inspiration behind the initiative, which emerged during the social and political upheaval of 2020, and how it has since evolved into a powerful force for community engagement and understanding. With host Kevin LaDuke, she reflects on the impact of her work, the partnerships that have fueled its growth, and the upcoming Breaking Bread Village live show tour. Through candid storytelling and heartfelt moments, Erin underscores the importance of fostering curiosity, building bridges, and embracing diversity in all its forms.

In this episode, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Mike Williams, the Midland Market President for Isabella Bank. Mike shares his passion for community banking and Isabella Bank's important role in supporting the community. You'll learn about Isabella Bank's support of the revitalization of Midland's Center City District, Mike's involvement with Midland Noon Rotary Club's annual Pancake Dinner (February 20), and Mike's journey of getting connected in Midland after moving here in 2002. Mike also reflects on the milestones of raising his daughters in the Midland Public School system and the sports moments that have stuck with him over the years. Hear how Mike has embraced the "citizen, not just resident" mindset, and get inspired to find your own ways to get involved.