Podcasts
Transforming Tomorrow Together... Today - Reuse Toolkit
This episode of the Transforming Tomorrow Together Today podcast explores how communities can transition from a traditional “take-make-waste” economy to a more sustainable circular economy by keeping materials in use rather than discarding them. Featuring Michigan State University researcher Abigail Kerrigan, the conversation focuses on a newly developed toolkit designed to help recyclers, governments, and businesses identify and connect with “reuse markets” - the companies that can turn recycled materials into valuable inputs. The episode breaks down key challenges like lack of transparency, weak demand for recycled goods, and system inefficiencies, while highlighting practical strategies and tools to strengthen these connections.
Transforming Tomorrow Together... Today - Conversation with Dr. Kevin Brooks
Transforming Tomorrow Together...Today, or T^4, a podcast produced by the Center for Community and Economic Development at Michigan State University. Where your host, Mary ZumBrunnen, explores the people, ideas, and initiatives shaping stronger, more equitable communities within Michigan and beyond. In each episode, we’ll dive into timely topics related to community and economic development, innovation, and service, and how these efforts contribute to positive change at the local and national level.
The MSU Center for Community and Economic Development is excited to welcome a variety of guests, including students, professionals, community partners, thought leaders, change-makers and researchers who are working on projects that support communities in meaningful ways. Our guests will share insights from their experiences, discuss challenges and successes in their work, and reflect on how their efforts contribute to broader social and economic impact for the development of our shared great spaces in which we live, learn, work and play!
For our first episode of this series, Dr. Brooks is our guest speaker, discussing his new appointment as the CCED Community Engagement Specialist.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Initiatives - Conversation With Kiera Tierney
What is a circular economy, and how would an institute dedicated to this initiative benefit Michigan? On today's episode of Transforming Tomorrow Together, we will be exploring these questions and so much more!
The MSU Center for Community and Economic Development is excited to welcome Kiera Tierney, a research assistant working on Circular Economy who has been working on these initiatives. Kiera will share insights into her work on circular economy, including efforts to pass a Senate bill that would fund the creation of a Circular Economy Institute right here at Michigan State University.
Disclaimer: The views discussed during this podcast are those of the guest, and do not represent the opinions of Michigan State University, or the Center for Community and Economic Development.
Green Zones and Resource Mapping— Conversation With Courtney Luong
On today's episode of our new series, Transforming Tomorrow Together, the MSU Center for Community and Economic Development is excited to welcome Courtney Loung, an AmeriCorps VISTA who is working on Green Zones. Courtney will share insights into her work on Green Zones, focusing on her resource mapping project that identifies wellness metrics for the senior population across Ingham County.
Disclaimer: The views discussed during this podcast are those of the guest, and do not represent the opinions of Michigan State University, or the Center for Community and Economic Development.
MSU CCED MAPPR Project - Conversation With Jayla Simon
In our new series, Transforming Tomorrow Together, the MSU Center for Community and Economic Development will highlight ongoing projects in our office and collaborations with community partners. In this week's episode, we welcome Jayla Simon, a research assistant specializing in Circular Economy and Domicology. Jayla will discuss her MAPPR project, a public opinion survey examining consumer perspectives on recycling, solid waste imports, and support for increasing Michigan’s statewide disposal surcharge.
]If you have topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, let us know at: https://linktr.ee/CircularEconomyMSU.
Disclaimer: The views discussed during this podcast are those of the guest, and do not represent the opinions of Michigan State University, or the Center for Community and Economic Development.
BONUS: An Upcoming Community Benefits Agreements Event with Sam Butler
A conversation with the Executive Director of Doing Development Differently Detroit, Sam Butler, and the Center For Community and Economic Development Director, Dr. Rex LaMore, about community benefit agreements and an exciting upcoming event.
Community Capital: Chris Miller
A conversation about community capital with REI project coordinator, Jenan Jondy and REI Innovation Fellow and Chair of the National Coalition for Community Capital, Chris Miller
Domicology (ABANDONED BUILDINGS, RECYCLED HOUSES & GHOST TOWNS) with Dr. Rex LaMore
What’s inside that boarded up house? Should you explore an abandoned mall? A vacant factory? And how much of an old house ends up in a landfill? The founder of Domicology, Dr. Rex LaMore of Michigan State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development, is an expert on these things and answers any possible question you might have, from ghost towns to hidden house notes, arson, recycling wood, stealing metal and how to leave a better housing situation for future generations. Also: whale poltergeists.
Get to Know the 2022 Innovation Fellows
CCED's research assistant, Emma Gilbert, has a conversation with Tony Willis and David Palmer about both of their innovation fellow projects. Innovation fellows provide on the ground support and coordination to move these concepts to actions implementing new economic development tools, models and policies. Together both these projects aim to build financial resilience in both Detroit and Lansing communities.
Growing a Well- Functioning Homebuyer Ecosystem for Low-Median Income Detroiters- David Palmer
CCED's research assistant, Emma Gilbert, has a conversation with David Palmer about his project "Growing a Well- Functioning Homebuyer Ecosystem for Low-Median Income Detroiters". Palmer addresses specific systems failure in the City of Detroit, and leveraging the tools and building upon the work of others to develop solutions not currently available in the marketplace.