Hope in Action: Lansing’s New Podcast Shining a Light on Community Change

There’s something powerful about hearing people talk passionately about the work they do. Not polished-for-TV passion. Real passion. The kind that comes from showing up every day for a community, building relationships, and helping others without needing the spotlight.

That’s exactly what Hope in Action is all about.

Created by UnoDeuce Multimedia and hosted by Sheri Jones and Paul Schmidt, Hope in Action is more than just another podcast. It’s a new community-centered platform focused on uplifting nonprofit organizations, celebrating collaboration, and highlighting the positive stories happening throughout Lansing and beyond.

And honestly? It feels like the kind of project this community needs right now.

More Than a Podcast

From the jump, Sheri and Paul make it clear—Hope in Action isn’t built to be surface-level content.

Yes, it’s a podcast. Yes, it’s a half-hour program. But it’s also a place for longer conversations, deeper storytelling, and authentic moments that don’t always fit neatly into quick social clips.

The show will stream online and also air through the Lansing Public Media Center, giving these stories even more room to breathe and connect with people.

“We’re talking about our inaugural podcast,” Sheri says early on. “Not just a podcast, also a half-hour program.”

That distinction matters. Because Hope in Action isn’t trying to chase trends. It’s trying to build connections.

Inside the Hub Where Collaboration Happens

The series launches from UnoDeuce Multimedia’s studio inside “The HUB,” a collaborative space operated by Child and Family Charities. And this place is busy—in the best way possible.

Right now, the Hub houses 19 nonprofits all working side-by-side, sharing ideas, resources, and support. That environment became the spark for Hope in Action itself.

The concept was simple: if all these incredible organizations are already doing meaningful work together, why not create a platform that tells those stories? Not just the stories happening inside the HUB, either. The vision stretches outward into the entire Lansing community—featuring nonprofit leaders, community organizers, advocates, and collaborators making a difference every day.

A Different Theme Every Month

Instead of random conversations each episode, Hope in Action organizes its content around a monthly theme. Topics could include youth empowerment, mental health, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, or community outreach.

Each month, up to three organizations will join the conversation to discuss:
– Current programming
– Upcoming events
– Community impact
– Stories worth celebrating
– Ways people can get involved

It keeps the show focused while also allowing a wide range of voices to be heard. And because these conversations are rooted locally, they feel personal—not corporate.

Sheri Jones and Paul Schmidt Bring the Energy

If you know Sheri Jones, you already know she has a way of making people feel comfortable almost instantly. Her warmth and curiosity help bring out honest conversations, while Paul’s production background and storytelling instincts keep everything moving naturally.

Together, the dynamic works. There’s a genuine excitement behind what they’re building, and that energy comes through immediately.

“This is a relationship-building space,” Paul explains during the launch episode. “It’s collaboration. It’s really lifting up others.” That line pretty much captures the whole spirit of the project.

Partnerships Matter

Hope in Action also highlights something Uno Deuce has always understood well—great storytelling rarely happens alone.

One of the program’s key collaborators is LAFCU, which stepped in as an early supporter of the show and even helped inspire the name itself. That partnership reflects the larger goal of the project: bringing organizations together around a shared mission of community impact.

Because when nonprofits, businesses, media creators, and community leaders work together, good things happen. Simple as that.

Built for Community Interaction

Hope in Action isn’t designed to be one-way communication. Sheri and Paul want people involved.

That means:
– Submitting local events
– Sharing nonprofit stories
– Recommending organizations
– Engaging through social media
– Supporting causes highlighted on the show

The program will also feature event calendars and updates tied to each month’s theme, helping viewers connect directly with opportunities happening in the community.

In other words, this isn’t just content to consume—it’s content meant to activate people.

Why This Matters

There’s no shortage of negative headlines these days. That’s part of why Hope in Action feels refreshing. It’s not ignoring challenges. It’s simply choosing to spotlight the people actively working to solve them.

The volunteers. The nonprofit teams. The community builders. The organizations creating impact quietly every single day.

Those stories deserve attention too. And in classic Uno Deuce fashion, the approach stays grounded in authenticity, conversation, and community-first storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Hope in Action arrives at the perfect time—a reminder that good things are happening all around us if we take the time to look. With Sheri Jones, Paul Schmidt, UnoDeuce Multimedia and a growing network of community partners leading the way, this new program feels less like a media launch and more like the beginning of a movement centered on positivity, collaboration, and real human connection.

The stories are here. The people are here. Now the spotlight is too.

And honestly? We’re ready to tune in.