WMKT Special Edition Interviews

State Representative Cam Cavitt joins Nick to talk about the recent budget deal in Lansing and what it means for northern Michigan.

Nick is joined by Ian Murphy, the owner of The Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord. Ian updates us on the status of litigation regarding large-scale solar projects in Otsego and Cheboygan counties.

Dennis Lennox, a consultant, political commentator, and travel writer, joins the show to talk about the ice storm and the response from state officials.

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 State Representative Neil Friske (R107). They discuss the recent victory of keeping AM radio in cars. Neil gives his take on the Mackinac Policy Conference as well as details his new Pro-Life legislation.

Rich and Nick discuss the possibility of Emmet County becoming a 2nd Amendment sanctuary county. But the question is, will it have teeth? IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Nick was notified by Rich Ginop several days after this interview that Sheriff Wallin wanted to retract any statement regarding his support or lack thereof of any resolution that would make Emmet County a "sanctuary county for the 2nd Amendment. Wallin wants to remain "neutral".

Nick is joined by Phil Kerpen, President of American Commitment to discuss the fight in Washington over raising the debt ceiling. Will Republicans stand firm?

Nick is joined by Mark Moyar, the William P. Harris Chair in Military History at Hillsdale College to discuss his new book, Triumph Regained: The Vietnam War, 1965-1968". During the Trump administration, Mark served in the U.S. Agency for International Development as the Director of the Office of Civilian-Military Cooperation.

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.