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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.

Matthew Thomas is a fellow MSU Spartan and the Founding Managing Partner of Bourgeois VC, a data-centric venture capital firm he created in 2024 with a $12 million thesis-driven fund focused on helping founders leverage the power and agility of the data layer and hybrid cloud technologies. Matthew combines deep technical expertise in data science, AI/ML, and financial analysis with extensive entrepreneurial experience, having previously founded Bond Shop Club, a luxury retail omni-channel platform that was recognized as a top startup to watch by Built-In News.
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The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University empowers students to lead lives of impact through entrepreneurship. With an education-first approach, we equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community they need to create meaningful change.

MSUCOM’s Class of 2026 Steps Into the Future on Match Day
There are moments in life that feel like everything is leading up to a single second—and for medical students across the country, that moment is Match Day. For the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026 at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, that moment arrived on March 20 in a room filled with anticipation, nerves, and a whole lot of heart.

Held at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace, the event wasn’t just about opening envelopes. It was about celebrating years of sacrifice, late nights, early mornings, and a relentless commitment to something bigger than themselves—caring for others.

The Moment Everything Changes

Before the envelopes were opened, there was a pause. A breath. A chance to reflect. Leaders and faculty stepped forward to remind students just how far they had already come. Susan Enright encouraged the class to stay grounded, no matter where their paths would lead. The message was simple but powerful: the destination matters, but the purpose matters more.

Then came the signal. Envelopes ripped open almost in unison. Cheers erupted. Tears followed. Music filled the room. In an instant, uncertainty turned into clarity.

For these students, Match Day wasn’t just a milestone—it was a launchpad.

By the Numbers: A Class Ready to Serve

The results told a story of excellence and dedication:

– 97% of the class—254 out of 263 students—successfully matched through the National Resident Matching Program
– 72% will stay in Michigan for their residency training
– Students matched into 29 different specialties
– 39% are entering primary care fields

That last number matters. A lot.

At a time when communities across Michigan—and the country—are facing shortages in primary care, this class is stepping into one of the most critical areas of medicine. Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN—these are the front lines of healthcare, and MSUCOM continues to show up where it counts.

Why Michigan Matters

One of the most striking takeaways? The majority of students are staying close to home. And that’s not by accident.

Where physicians complete their residency often shapes where they build their careers. With 72% remaining in Michigan, the Class of 2026 is directly contributing to the health and well-being of communities across the state.

Even more, 44%—112 future physicians—will train within the MSUCOM Graduate Medical Education Alliance, a network that includes 28 hospitals and six federally qualified health centers. That means these students aren’t just learning medicine—they’re learning it in the communities that need them most.

More Than a Match: It’s a Mission

Dean Joyce deJong summed it up best. Match Day isn’t just about placement—it’s about purpose.

These students didn’t just study medicine. They lived it. They worked alongside faculty, community physicians, and mentors. They served patients across Michigan. They learned what it means to care—not just clinically, but compassionately.

And now, they carry that forward. Because wherever they matched—big city hospitals, rural clinics, specialty programs—they’re bringing the same mindset: show up, do the work, and make a difference.

Diversity in Path, Unity in Purpose

The Class of 2026 didn’t follow a single path—and that’s exactly what makes it strong.

Students matched into a wide range of specialties, including:

– Anesthesiology
– Neurology and child neurology
– Pathology
– Obstetrics and gynecology
– Family medicine

There were also standout achievements across the board:

– 100% match rate for D.O.-Ph.D. MSTP students
– 100% match rate for military students
– 100% match success for couples participating in the match
– 86% match rate for international students

Different journeys. Different goals. Same commitment to care.

The Energy in the Room

If you’ve never experienced Match Day, it’s hard to fully explain. It’s equal parts celebration, relief, and reflection. Parents hugging their kids. Friends jumping up and down. Faculty watching with pride as years of mentorship come full circle.

It’s loud. It’s emotional. It’s unforgettable. But underneath all of that energy is something deeper—a shared understanding that this is just the beginning.

What Comes Next

After the envelopes are opened and the celebrations wind down, reality sets in. There are new cities to move to. New teams to join. New challenges waiting.

Residency is where the classroom meets real life. It’s where knowledge turns into action. Where students become physicians. And for the MSUCOM Class of 2026, that next chapter is already in motion.

Why This Story Matters

This isn’t just a story about medical students. It’s a story about communities gaining doctors. Families gaining caregivers. Patients gaining advocates.

It’s about a system that, when it works well, connects passion with purpose. And it’s about a group of individuals who chose a path that isn’t easy—but is absolutely essential.

Final Thoughts

Match Day is a finish line—but it’s also a starting line. For the Class of 2026 at MSUCOM, it marks the transition from learning about medicine to living it every single day. They’re heading into hospitals, clinics, and communities ready to make an impact. Ready to listen. Ready to care.

And if there’s one thing that stands out, it’s this: the future of healthcare isn’t just in good hands—it’s in committed, compassionate, and community-driven hands.

The 14th Annual Deucey Awards: Celebrating Lansing’s Most Inspiring Stories and Creative Community Voices

There’s something special about the Deucey Awards every single year, but the 14th Annual Deucey Awards Livestream hit differently. Maybe it was the energy. Maybe it was the record-breaking vote totals. Or maybe it was the fact that this year marked not only the 14th Deucey Awards, but also 25 years of UnoDeuce telling stories across Lansing and beyond.

Whatever the reason, one thing became crystal clear during this year’s livestream: community storytelling matters. From accessibility advocacy and youth mentorship to emotional wellness and campus innovation, the 2025 Deucey Awards showcased organizations doing meaningful work and using video to bring those stories to life.

And honestly? The competition was intense.

As votes poured in from supporters, families, coworkers, and entire communities rallying behind their favorite nominees, categories tightened into nail-biters. Some races were separated by just a handful of votes, proving how invested people were in these stories and the organizations behind them.

“Absolutely bananas. More votes than we’ve ever gotten in this awards situation.”

A Celebration Bigger Than Awards

The Deucey Awards have always been about more than trophies. They’re about recognizing creativity, highlighting impact, and giving organizations a platform to share what makes their mission important.

This year’s livestream added even more excitement with upgraded production, behind-the-scenes conversations, and a deeper look at the people behind the videos. Every nominee brought something unique to the table, and the result was a showcase filled with emotion, innovation, and authentic storytelling.

Small Business Superstar: Able Eyes

Able Eyes captured the Small Business Superstar category with 52% of the vote.

Able Eyes focuses on accessibility through immersive virtual tours that help individuals with disabilities explore spaces before ever stepping inside. Their work spans parks, universities, businesses, and public institutions, helping users evaluate accessibility features at their own pace.

Think about how valuable that is for someone navigating physical disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or invisible challenges like anxiety. Instead of walking into an unfamiliar environment blindly, users can explore everything beforehand—from ramps and entrances to bathroom layouts and counter heights.

“You can turn and look at counter heights or how high a paper towel dispenser is.”

This year’s featured project highlighted Abrams Planetarium, combining interactive virtual tours with narrative-driven video storytelling. The addition of video created a richer experience, helping visitors not only understand the layout, but also feel connected to the mission and atmosphere behind the space.

For Able Eyes founder Evan Winters, the collaboration opened up new creative possibilities and reinforced how impactful visual storytelling can be.

Most Inspirational Video: Positive Somebody

If there was one category that pulled at emotions the hardest, it was Most Inspirational Video.

Positive Somebody dominated the category with an overwhelming 74% of the vote, and it’s easy to see why. The nonprofit focuses on teaching children emotional regulation, positive coping skills, and healthy mental wellness practices through hands-on tools and educational programs.

At the heart of the organization is founder Jenny’s own story. Growing up with trauma and undiagnosed ADHD, she understood firsthand how difficult emotional regulation could be without proper support.

Rather than allowing those experiences to define her negatively, she transformed them into a mission to help children develop the tools she wished she had growing up. “We just want kids to know that they can have a positive life through positive coping and emotion regulation.”

The organization’s Positive Pack program continues expanding into schools, equipping kids with practical wellness tools while encouraging healthy conversations around mental health.

And the video itself? It became more than promotional content. It evolved into a fundraising tool, a sponsorship driver, and a powerful way to communicate the organization’s purpose in a deeply personal way.

Most Entertaining Video: MSU Landscape Services

The closest race of the night belonged to the Most Entertaining Video category, where MSU Landscape Services edged out the competition by just one vote.

One. Vote.

That razor-thin margin perfectly captured the excitement surrounding this year’s livestream.

Representing one of the largest university landscape operations in the country, MSU Landscape Services manages over 5,300 acres across Michigan State University’s campus. Their responsibilities stretch far beyond mowing lawns—covering snow removal, river management, seasonal displays, sustainability efforts, and long-term campus planning.

“Anything outdoors on campus is kind of under our purview.”

What made the winning video resonate was its ability to spotlight the expertise, dedication, and pride behind the scenes. Instead of simply showing landscaping work, the story focused on the people doing it and the impact they have on campus life every day.

The response inside MSU leadership was immediate, sparking interest in creating additional departmental storytelling projects moving forward.

Most Outstanding Video: Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region

Closing out the night was the biggest category of all: Most Outstanding Video.

In another incredibly tight race, Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region secured the win for the second consecutive year, finishing just seven votes ahead of the runner-up.

Their video centered around mentorship, connection, and the power of consistent support between “Bigs” and “Littles.” But what truly elevated the project were the firsthand stories shared by the children themselves.

“To hear our Littles say they have better relationships with peers and family members…really inspiring.” Those authentic moments transformed the video from a simple organizational spotlight into something much more powerful—a reminder of how life-changing mentorship can be.

The organization continues growing through community partnerships, fundraising events, and outreach efforts designed to create lifelong relationships that positively shape children’s futures.

More Than Just Videos

At its core, the Deucey Awards represent something bigger than content creation. They celebrate people who care deeply about improving lives, strengthening communities, and telling stories worth sharing.

This year’s winners highlighted accessibility, emotional wellness, mentorship, education, and innovation—all through the lens of authentic storytelling. And judging by the record-breaking engagement, Lansing showed up in a big way to support them.

As Uno Deuce enters its 25th year, one thing remains unchanged: great stories connect people. Whether it’s a nonprofit helping kids, a business improving accessibility, or a university department shaping campus life, every organization honored during the Deucey Awards reminded viewers why local storytelling still matters.

And if this year’s livestream proved anything, it’s that the community is more than ready for what comes next.

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Todd Martin Youth Leadership

Last but certainly not least, our final nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Todd Martin Youth Leadership!

Step inside TMYL (Todd Martin Youth Leadership) and see how this powerful program is shaping the next generation through mentorship, leadership development, and a community that shows up long after the game ends. From first swings to lifelong connections, this story captures how consistency, support, and real relationships create impact that extends far beyond the court.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Hands Across the Water

Our third nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Hands Across the Water!

Discover the story of Hands Across the Water (HATW)—a nonprofit changing lives for over 26 years. From foster care support and family reunification to behavioral health services, HATW empowers children and families to thrive. Hear inspiring stories, learn how the community can help, and see why real relationships make the difference.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region

Our second nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region!

This video highlights the life-changing impact of mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Hear firsthand how teens and kids grow through connection, support, and shared experiences that inspire lasting change in both mentor and mentee.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Outstanding Video Nominee: Tri-County Office on Aging

Our first nominee for the Most Outstanding Video of the Year Deucey Award is Tri-County Office on Aging!

Tri-County Office on Aging supports independence, dignity, and connection for older adults across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. From Meals on Wheels and congregate dining to in-home care and caregiver support, TCOA is strengthening the Lansing community one relationship at a time.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Entertaining Video Nominee: MSU Landscape Services

Our final nominee for the Most Entertaining Video of the Year Deucey Award is MSU Landscape Services!

Behind the scenes at Michigan State University, a dedicated grounds crew works year-round to keep the campus safe, beautiful, and welcoming for the entire Spartan community. From innovative sustainability efforts to early-morning maintenance and storm response, their work quietly supports every step of the MSU experience.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/

14th Annual Deucey Awards Most Entertaining Video Nominee: Choose Lansing

Our third nominee for the Most Entertaining Video of the Year Deucey Award is Choose Lansing!

Located on Lansing’s north side, the Capital City Family BMX facility is the perfect location for next your BMX event. It offers the only USABMX sanctioned track in the region and a newly added pump track. Amenities include convenient access to water, restrooms, electronic scoreboard system, concessions and more.

Watch the video and VOTE!: https://www.unodeuce.com/deucey-awards/