Podcast
Welcome To Livingston
Hosted by Speakeasy Podcast Network · ENGLISH
Join Don & Angela Putkela on their weekly podcast ”Welcome to Livingston” a podcast dedicated to highlighting the events, people, businesses, and community involvement that make Livingston County a great place to live, work in, and enjoy. As Realtors, Associate Brokers, and owners of the Putkela Group Real Estate Professionals, Don & Angela hope to offer valuable insight into the local market and the buying/selling process.
188episodes
Episodes
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E188: Raising Kids in Livingston County: Activities, Resources & Real Advice from Two Local Parents
Today00:50:44Tap to summarizeDon and Angela are pulling back the curtain on over two decades of raising kids right here in Livingston County. They cover everything from making homemade baby food with produce from local farmers' markets to baby sign language, Montessori, and why getting involved early in your child's school and community pays off in ways you won't fully appreciate until they're teenagers. Along the way, they shine a light on some of the best local resources Livingston County has to offer young families, from the Imagination Station and Genoa Park to the Brighton and Howell library programs, Spicers Orchard U-picks, Home Depot craft days, local 5Ks, and the countless festivals and community events that make this such a great place to grow up. They also share some of their favorite family traditions, including one genuinely special idea for parents with multiple kids that is worth sticking around for. Timestamps 02:29 Homemade Baby Food and Local Resources 06:44 Baby Signs, Books, and Libraries 12:12 The Montessori Impact 18:18 Livingston County Parks and Festivals 29:03 Volunteering with Kids: Lead by Example 42:07 Teen Years, Car Prep, and Social Media 49:00 Community Resources _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 187: How McClements Farm Country Store is Redefining Local Shopping
1w ago00:31:11Tap to summarizeMcClements Farm Country Store recently made the move from its previous location to a prime spot in Downtown Brighton, and owner Elyse Moore is very excited. Don and Angela sit down with Elyse for her second appearance on the podcast to catch up on everything that has changed, grown, and evolved since they last had her on. From freeze-dried candy and Michigan-made gifts to Uncle Peter's pasties, heirloom seeds from M.I. Gardener, and Scottish shortbread from a Redford bakery, the store has become a destination for anyone who wants to shop local and discover products you simply won't find anywhere else in the county. Elyse also shares how the new Main Street location has transformed her connection to downtown events like Stars Hollow, the Brighton Farmers Market, Ladies' Night, and what's coming next, including an exciting new website where you can shop and ship Michigan-made products right to your door. If you haven't stopped in yet, this episode will make you want to drop everything and go. 📍 334 West Main Street, Downtown Brighton Timestamps 01:05 New Location and Product Expansion 06:10 Pasties and Future Online Presence 08:19 M.I. Gardener Seeds and Education 12:28 Community Engagement and Downtown Events 17:58 Defining the Country Store Identity 24:25 Upcoming Events and Website Features Guest Links 🌐 https://www.mcclementsfarmcountrystore.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcclementsfarm 📫 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcclementsfarm _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 186: We Don't Sell Paint. We Sell Time and Trust with Inspired by Design Painting
2w ago00:42:53Tap to summarizeDon and Angela Putkella sit down with Brandon Miller, owner of Inspired by Design Painting, a Brighton-based painting company serving homeowners and businesses of Livingston County. Brandon shares the remarkable origin story behind his business, carrying on the company name as a tribute to the family connection that drives everything he does. Don and Angela dig into what really sets a professional paint job apart, the latest color trends taking over Livingston County homes, and why painting your cabinets might be the most affordable upgrade you can make before selling your house. Brandon also walks through his company's process from first call to finished project, what to expect when you hire a professional, and why Inspired by Design is different. Whether you're a homeowner thinking about a refresh, a buyer imagining what your new space could look like, or a seller trying to get top dollar, this episode is packed with practical insight and a whole lot of local pride. Timestamps 02:51 The Value of Professional Painting 05:58 Color Trends and Interior Design 16:16 Buyer Seller Consultations 20:49 Exterior Painting and Challenges 26:17 Impact and Proactive Painting 31:48 Estimating 36:40 Professionalism, Value, and Contact Guest Links Inspired by Design Painting Phone: 810-775-2864 Interior, exterior, and cabinet painting https://www.inspiredbydesignpainting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspiredByDesignPainting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbydesign_painting/ Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 185: Bountiful Harvest: The Bougie Pantry Serving 25,000 People in Livingston County
3w ago00:45:10Tap to summarizeIn Episode 185 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Yvonne Cavalli and Tina Thalacker from Bountiful Harvest, located in the heart of Brighton, Michigan. What started 15 years ago with a loaf of bread at a local church has grown into a fully volunteer-run organization serving over 25,000 people in 2025, with programs ranging from a client-choice grocery pantry and daily hot meal delivery to a pet food pantry, free laptops for kids, and a clothing pantry stocked with quality donations. With no payroll and no government grants, every single dollar given to Bountiful Harvest goes directly back to the community. Yvonne and Tina share the heart behind everything they do, the dignity they strive to give every person who walks through their doors, and the remarkable ways Livingston County businesses and neighbors show up for one another. If you've ever wanted to get involved or just learn more about what's happening right here in our community, this is the episode for you. 03:06 Addressing Community Needs and Dignity 10:04 Ways to Help and Donate 16:59 The Pet Pantry and Chewy Partnership 22:18 Meat Bingo Fundraiser 24:48 Food Bank vs. Pantry & Impact 32:53 Operational Hours and Healthy Meals 36:06 Needed Donations _____________________________ Guest links Website: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/ Donate Link: https://bountifulharvest-mi.org/make-a-difference/#donate Phone: 810-360-0271 Email: info@bountifulharvest-mi.org Livingston County Association of Realtors - Food Drive - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm May 2nd 2026 Show Links For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) For More Episodes: https://welcometolivingston.podbean.com/ Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information! James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 184: Festivals, Food Trucks, and Fun: Summer in Livingston County
Apr 900:39:31Tap to summarizeSummer in Livingston County is something special, and in Episode 184 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela are breaking down all the events, festivals, and hidden gems that make this community such an incredible place to live and explore. From a once-in-a-century opera at the Howell Opera House to the Michigan Challenge Balloon Fest, Taste of Brighton, Melon Fest, and everything in between, Don and Angela cover the can't-miss moments of the season. Whether you're a longtime local, new to the area, or just thinking about making Livingston County home, this episode is your ultimate summer guide. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Livingston: Community Focus 01:05 Howell Opera House Returns 06:12 Livingston County’s Farmers’ Markets 09:40 Live Music and Downtown Vibes 12:34 Food Trucks and Art Fairs 14:56 Active Lifestyles in Livingston County 20:25 Mount Rushmore of Festivals 26:01 Unique Local Festivals and Events 31:05 Library Sales, Book Clubs, and More 35:10 Embrace Community Events _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 183: Home Warranties: Are They Worth It?
Apr 200:31:19Tap to summarizeBuying a home is exciting — but what happens when the furnace stops working, or the water heater gives out? In Episode 183 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down together to break down everything you need to know about home warranties. From what's covered (and what's not), to how much they cost, how to actually use one, and whether it's even the right fit for you, Don and Angela cover it all. They also share real-life stories from their clients, a few PSAs you'll want to hear before your next repair call, and some surprisingly handy tips for keeping your furnace and air conditioner running smoothly. 00:00 What is a Home Warranty? 03:25 Home Warranty Coverage and Costs 07:48 What is and isn’t Covered? 11:16 AC in Winter & Insurance Differences 14:30 Choosing a Home Warranty Company 19:18 Homeowner Mistakes and Usage Changes 26:19 Home Warranty: Peace of Mind _______________________________________ For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 182: How to Nail Formal Wear with Brighton Tux Shop
Mar 1900:46:56Tap to summarizeGetting dressed up shouldn’t be stressful. In episode 182 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Chris Yockey, manager of the Brighton Tux Shop, to get the inside scoop on everything men’s formal wear. Whether you’re a groom planning your big day, a high schooler heading to prom, or a guy who’s never owned a suit. Chris breaks it all down from the key differences between a suit and a tuxedo, when you should start planning, and how you can still get measured for a suit out of town. This episode is full of information and tips to keep you looking sharp! 4:37 Purchase Process 8:00 Tuxedo Styles 11:51 Prom Ambassador Program 14:40 Out of State Measurements 17:44 Suit vs Tuxedo 21:17 Rental Duration and Damages 29:48 Partnership with Arc of Livingston 31:55 The Brighton Tux Shop Advantage 38:47 The Importance of a Perfect Fit For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest Links Website: https://brightontuxshop.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightontuxshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightontux TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightontuxshop Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 181: Appliance Shopping in Livingston County: Appliance Solutions
Mar 1200:34:11Tap to summarizeIn Episode 181 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Allison and Ben Kellogg, owners of Appliance Solutions, a trusted local appliance store serving Livingston County. If you're replacing kitchen or laundry appliances or building a new home, this episode is packed with expert advice. Allison and Ben explain why homeowners should prioritize accurate measurements when replacing appliances, how appliance sizes have changed over the years, and why new construction offers more flexibility than retrofitting existing spaces. 4:12 Customer Focused Solutions 6:04 Diverse Appliance Brands 8:16 Kitchen Trends and Innovations 11:02 Family Friendly 14:45 Collaborations 18:29 Founding Appliance Solutions 21:17 Appliance Advice and Timelines 25:46 Personalized Service 31:02 Community Involvement For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest Links Appliance Solutions: Website: shopappliancesolutions.com Email: sales@shopappliancesolutions.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appliance_solutions_brighton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Appliance-Solutions/61567926030927/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@appliancesolutionsmi Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Appliance_Solutions_Brighton Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 180: A One Stop Shop: Spirit of Livingston
Mar 500:36:27Tap to summarizeIn Episode 180 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Carol and Danny Maczik. The owners of Spirit of Livingston, a local small business specializing in custom apparel for teams, schools, and organizations across Livingston County. Carol and Danny share the origin story of their business, how they built it into a lifestyle-driven company, and why being local still matters in today’s fast-paced online world. They also discuss their hands-on customer service approach and how creating custom gear helps build lifelong memories for kids and families. 1:06 Origin Story 4:34 The Joy of Varsity Jackets 7:27 In-House Production 12:28 Market Challenges 15:20 The Value of Local 19:01 Understanding Die Sublimation 23:29 One Stop Shop 28:20 Business Legacy For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest Links Spirit of Livingston Email: spiritstore@sbglobal.net Website: spiritoflivingston.com Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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Episode 179: Our County's Silent Superhero: Mrs. T
Feb 2600:31:09Tap to summarizeIn Episode 179 of Welcome to Livingston, Don and Angela Putkela sit down with Sharyn Tormanen, the building secretary at Howell Public Schools who many students know and love as Mrs. T. Beyond her role at the school, Sharyn captures the heart of Howell through her photography. Capturing any and every school event from athletics and clubs to everyday student moments. Sharyn’s impact doesn’t stop there. In her “free time”, she also works with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit, serving on call 24/7, 365 days a year to support families and community members during moments of crisis and grief. This episode highlights her dedication and compassion to helping the community in many ways. 3:04 Sharyn’s Photography Journey 6:04 Favorite Shots 15:23 Sheriff’s Victim Service Unit 20:39 Community Involvement 26:12 Balancing Life and Future Plans For more information on the Putkela Group and how to get connected, visit the links below: Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/PutkelaGroup Website: https://www.welcometolivingston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putkelagroup/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq9hM7gWPlaCw4nG89Wgd9Q Phone: 1-888-PUTKELA (788-5352) Guest Links Sharyn Tormanen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howelltormanen/ School email: tormanes@howellschools.com Personal email: stormanen@gmail.com Sponsor Links Thanks to our amazing sponsor! Visit their social media pages for more information. James Paquette Mortgage Sales Manager Lake Michigan Credit Union - LMCU NMLS ID# 533633 Direct Phone: (810) 263-6000 Cell Phone: (734) 604-2611 Website: https://www.lmcu.org/jamespaquette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamespaquetteLMCU LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesapaquette/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LMCU
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