As AI transforms industries, the law is racing to keep up. In this episode of Expert Connexions, we’re joined by Attorney Lindsey Mead of Foster Swift to explore the U.S. Copyright Office’s latest report on AI and copyright.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
✅ What “authorship” really means in the age of AI
How to protect your content if you use AI to brainstorm or create
✅ Where the legal gray areas begin (and how to avoid risk)
✅ What businesses should include in contracts & policies today
Don’t let legal gray areas become business risks, you need to know where the law stands and where it’s going.

ARTS ROLL-CALL: Barb Whitney–finding hope and joy through the grit

Welcome to episode 29 of Arts Roll Call, a podcast for the arts curious. Join host Robin Miner Swartz as she interviews artist and arts educator, Barb Whitney. They talk about her artist life, her work in arts administration and arts education and look at the changes and growth of the arts scene in Greater Lansing.

About Arts Roll Call
Arts Roll Call pulls back the curtain to explore the lived experience of artists and arts organizations in the Greater Lansing region. Presented by Arts Council Greater Lansing and hosted by local celebrity Robin Miner-Swartz, this podcast was created to give the Council’s members an opportunity to share their thoughts and talk about the role of the arts and why they are important to the region and the community. Whether you are from the Greater Lansing area or not, if you are a lover of arts and culture, you will enjoy getting a peek into the creative minds of these leaders and makers in the arts. For more information on the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, visit lansingarts.org. This production is sponsored by UnoDeuce Multimedia and Miner-Swartz Editing & Consulting. Please Note: The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host, producers or the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

From Digital Nomad to Global Change-Maker 🌍

Meet Victoria Levinsohn, a passionate entrepreneur who is turning the world into her workspace, one volunteer project at a time.

In today’s episode, Victoria shares how she blends her marketing expertise with a love for adventure and volunteering in communities around the globe.

She’s answering the question: “How do visionary entrepreneurs build businesses that go beyond profit and create long-lasting impact?” through the stories she’d lived.

What can entrepreneurs learn from Victoria’s unique journey?
✅ Social Media for Social Good: Using your skills to amplify voices and causes you care about
✅ Building Community Across Continents: The power of volunteering and real-world connections in today’s business landscape
✅ Creativity Beyond Borders: How to incorporate adventure and giving back into your business model

Tune in to hear how Victoria’s travels, nonprofit work, and creative initiatives are shaping a better world — and how you can incorporate some of her values into your own entrepreneurial journey.

Every community needs moments that unite people around a shared purpose—moments that create real impact. That’s the heart behind the *35 Hours of Giving* campaign, a fast-paced, online movement that proves small donations can lead to significant, lasting change.

The concept is simple but powerful: for just 35 hours, the community rallies together on social media to support two local organizations doing vital work—**CASA for Kids** and **The Davies Project**. With quick, easy donations and widespread sharing, this campaign creates a wave of generosity that strengthens support systems for children and families in need.

Unlike typical fundraising campaigns that stretch on for weeks, *35 Hours of Giving* thrives on momentum. The idea is to make giving accessible and approachable for everyone. No gift is too small. Whether someone donates $5, $25, or $100, their contribution becomes part of a collective force for good. It’s this grassroots energy that makes the campaign special—neighbors, friends, coworkers, and local businesses all chipping in to build something meaningful together.

One of the key focuses of this campaign is sustainability. While immediate support is essential, the ultimate goal is long-term impact. That’s why this year’s campaign emphasizes **building the endowment**—a permanent fund that generates ongoing financial support for these organizations. Endowments function like a savings account for the future, where only the interest is spent, ensuring the organization can continue to serve the community year after year.

**CASA for Kids** (Court Appointed Special Advocates) ensures that children involved in the legal system have a consistent, caring adult to advocate for them. These volunteers give a voice to children who may otherwise be overlooked. Every donation helps train and support CASA volunteers to keep standing up for kids in difficult situations.

Meanwhile, **The Davies Project** focuses on assisting local families with children who face serious medical needs. From providing rides to doctors’ appointments to connecting families with critical resources, The Davies Project removes barriers that many families face when dealing with medical crises. Every dollar donated helps them continue offering these life-changing services.

The real beauty of *35 Hours of Giving* lies in its accessibility. People can give, share, or spread the word on social media. Local businesses often jump in to match donations, friends challenge each other to give, and supporters share heartfelt stories about why the campaign matters to them.

When the 35 hours wrap up, the impact continues. Funds raised help ensure both CASA for Kids and The Davies Project can keep doing their essential work—not just today, but for generations to come.

In a time when so many people are looking for a meaningful way to contribute, the *35 Hours of Giving* campaign offers a clear, collective call to action. It reminds us that when a community comes together, even for a short time, the results can be powerful, personal, and deeply inspiring.

Match Day is a momentous occasion for every medical student—a day filled with emotions, surprises, and the start of a new journey. At the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), Match Day 2025 was no exception. It marked the beginning of exciting transitions as students learned where they would be continuing their medical training and launching the next chapter of their careers.

For MSUCOM students, Match Day is more than just an announcement. It’s the culmination of years of rigorous academic work, countless clinical hours, and personal dedication. Each student receives their residency match, discovering where they will spend the next several years refining their skills and stepping into their roles as physicians.

One student was thrilled to match with their first choice at McLaren Macomb, an institution known not only for its excellence in medicine but also for its holistic and patient-centered approach. These values align closely with MSUCOM’s osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes whole-person care and community impact.

Another student shared their excitement about heading south to the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. The shift from Michigan to Louisiana represents a significant cultural and professional change—one that offers a broader understanding of regional healthcare needs and patient diversity. This adaptability and eagerness to embrace new environments reflect the dynamic nature of today’s medical professionals.

Surprises are always part of Match Day, and this year was no different. One student expressed astonishment after matching at Dartmouth Health Medical Center, a prestigious institution offering incredible learning opportunities. Another celebrated their placement at Kettering Health Dayton, proud to join one of the nation’s oldest osteopathic hospitals—an environment that perfectly blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

Throughout all the excitement, one sentiment echoed loud and clear: pride in being a Spartan. Regardless of where they matched, MSUCOM students carry with them the values instilled during their time at Michigan State University.

“Go Green. I’ve always been proud to be a Spartan and I’m ready to be an MSU alumni and take that wherever I go,” one student shared. This sense of pride and belonging extends beyond graduation, becoming a lifelong connection that supports them in every step of their journey.

Match Day is not only a celebration of personal achievement, but also a reflection of MSUCOM’s commitment to excellence. The college’s partnerships with diverse healthcare institutions across the country create unmatched opportunities for students to train in various settings, serve different patient populations, and develop skills tailored to their passions and goals.

As these students step into their roles as residents, they bring with them a solid foundation of education, compassion, and resilience. They are the future leaders of medicine, equipped to serve their communities with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.

MSUCOM Match Day 2025 was a day of dreams realized, paths discovered, and futures launched. The entire Spartan community stands behind these new doctors, proud of how far they’ve come—and excited to see how far they’ll go.

For more updates and inspiring stories from MSUCOM, follow the college’s official channels.

The Mission Control podcast returns for Season 5 with an inspiring and insightful conversation between host Paul J. Schmidt, owner and creative video strategist at UnoDeuce Multimedia, and Megyn Forest, Executive Director and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region. This episode delves into the heart of nonprofit leadership, examining Megyn’s journey, her leadership philosophy, and the transformative power of mentorship.

Megyn Forest began her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters years ago as a volunteer Big Sister in Kalamazoo. Her early experiences helping young people build confidence and connection sparked a lifelong passion for mentorship and community development. These bonds often extend far beyond the formal program, evolving into lasting friendships that span years—something Megyn highlights as a central part of the organization’s mission.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters believes in the inherent potential of every child in our community,” Megyn says. “We help develop that potential by creating mentorships and supporting lifelong friendships.”

Before her role in nonprofit leadership, Megyn worked in injury prevention at Borgess Hospital, where she cultivated a strong background in healthcare administration, community education, and public speaking. Her transition to the nonprofit sector was both intentional and deeply personal, driven by a desire to have a broader impact in her community. She went on to earn a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership from Western Michigan University, equipping her with the skills and perspective needed to lead complex organizations with empathy and strategy.

Throughout the podcast, Megyn shares how her leadership style emphasizes asking the right questions, understanding team dynamics, and fostering inclusive collaboration. These values became even more crucial when she took on her current role at Big Brothers Big Sisters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating this transition involved implementing hybrid work models and maintaining team cohesion through regular weekly check-ins and fostering authentic connections.

Under Megyn’s leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region continues to expand its community presence. One highlight is the annual 5K run, a major fundraising event that not only generates essential support but also fosters community engagement. With over 200 participants last year, the event exemplifies how mission-driven organizations can rally people around a shared purpose.

Megyn also reflects on the concept of “work-life harmony”—a mindset that prioritizes being fully present in both work and home. As a CEO and mother, she embraces the dynamic nature of leadership and personal life, saying, “I joke around, but I think I mean it honestly, that I am a better mom when I’m a better CEO.”

This episode of Mission Control is a compelling look at what it takes to lead with heart, purpose, and a vision for lasting change. Megyn Forest’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone navigating leadership in the nonprofit world or seeking to make a more profound impact in their community.

To hear more from Megyn and other inspiring nonprofit leaders, subscribe to the Mission Control podcast, produced by UnoDeuce Multimedia, on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions, contact [missioncontrol@introduced.com](mailto:missioncontrol@introduced.com).

What happens when universities, business leaders, and local organizations come together to fuel innovation? A thriving startup ecosystem that’s reshaping the future of the entrepreneurial movement!

517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week is in full swing, bringing together some of the brightest minds in Michigan’s business and startup community.
But what’s really driving this transformation, and why does it matter beyond this week?

🎙️ In today’s episode, host Julie Holton Smith sits down with Harrison R. Leffel-Jones to explore the real impact of 517EI Week and what it means for the future of business in the Lansing region.

✔️ How organizations like Michigan State University, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing Regional SmartZone, and local partners are unlocking funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities
✔️ The resources available to startups — from funding to mentorship to strategic partnerships
✔️ The long-term impact of 517EI Week on businesses, startups, and the regional economy

Learn more about 517EI: https://www.517ei.com/

Think AI can’t pick up on tone, sarcasm, or frustration? Think again!

Craig Tucker is redefining emotional intelligence in tech. He’s answering the big question: Can artificial intelligence act more human and understand emotion?

He believes it can, and he’s proving it with VERN AI — a patented Emotion Recognition System.

In this episode, host Julie Holton Smith talks with Craig about how emotion-sensing AI is used in real time to decode tone, detect bias, and improve how we connect at work, in business, and beyond. As a founder, Craig opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, building VERN AI, leading with purpose, and why empathy belongs in every conversation, human or machine.

✔️ The tech behind VERN AI’s patented speech emotion recognition
✔️ Real-world use cases that show the power of emotional context
✔️ How AI tools like VERN AI can be used for crisis response, education, and DEI
✔️ Why human-centered design and emotional intelligence in tech is the future of customer service
✔️ Craig’s mission to make technology more accessible and inclusive

From chatbots to corporate training, the possibilities are endless when AI learns to listen on a deeper level.

📢 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve in tech, leadership, and purpose-driven innovation!

About Our Host, Julie Holton Smith
Julie is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and communications expert who helps businesses and nonprofits amplify their impact. As the Founder and Principal Strategist of mConnexions and host of Expert Connexions, she brings insightful conversations with purpose-driven leaders to help you grow and lead with intention. Learn more: www.mconnexions.com

About Craig Tucker & VERN AI
Craig Tucker is an entrepreneur and innovator committed to using AI for social good. As the founder of VERN AI, he’s created a platform that uses speech analysis to detect emotional cues, helping industries better understand, support, and serve their communities. Learn more: www.vernai.com

This video was a beginning-to-end illustration of how Your Home Solutions Experts does what they do best. They add insulation quickly and efficiently in a few hours and walk the client through the process. Special thanks to 517 Visuals for the collaboration.

Welcome to episode 28 of Arts Roll Call, a podcast for the arts curious. Join host Robin Miner Swartz as she interviews artist Theresa Rosado, founder and executive director of Casa de Rosado. They talk about Theresa’s journey as an artist and founder of Casa de Rosado and the importance of sharing culture and history through the arts.