In this episode of The ROCC Pod, we sit down with Taylor Simpson, co-owner of Michigan By The Bottle, to explore the evolution of a wine-centric community experience that brings together Michigan’s top vineyards under one roof. Taylor shares how the concept began in 2012 as a blog run by two passionate wine lovers and grew into a network of tasting rooms across Southeast Michigan—including locations in Shelby Township, Royal Oak, and Auburn Hills—with a fourth coming soon to Lake Orion.

We discuss what sets Michigan By The Bottle apart: a curated selection from 15 winery partners across the state, giving customers access to wines from every Michigan AVA (American Viticultural Area) without the long drive. Events are central to the experience, from wine and food pairings with winemakers to unexpected offerings like sourdough workshops and Galentine’s gatherings with permanent jewelry. It’s a place where community and curiosity intersect—where wine is the medium, but connection is the goal.

Taylor also breaks down her role in the company. Alongside her brother, she acquired Michigan By The Bottle in partnership with Paul and Geoff Hamelin of Verterra Winery. They’ve modernized the business, revamped the wine club to be fully customizable, and launched member-exclusive perks—like curated trips to Leelanau Peninsula wineries.

We get into Michigan’s unique wine geography, diving into how the 45th parallel and Lake Michigan’s climate make this state ideal for cool-climate varietals. Taylor explains how lake-effect snow insulates vines during harsh winters, helping Michigan produce high-quality grapes that rival well-known European regions. She even introduces us to less common varietals like Blaufränkisch and Grüner Veltliner, showcasing the diversity in Michigan’s wine scene.

The episode wraps on a lighter note with Taylor’s ostrich-riding adventure in South Africa and a fun fishbowl question about naming her dream yacht—spoiler: it’d be something wine-related like Uncorked.

We’re proud to spotlight Taylor and Michigan By The Bottle as a vibrant example of entrepreneurial energy and regional pride, all while raising a glass to local flavor.

Learn more at https://michiganbythebottle.com/

Email: tasting@michiganbythebottle.com

(00:00) - Meet Taylor Simpson
(01:03) - Ostrich Riding in South Africa
(02:18) - Origins of Michigan By The Bottle
(03:56) - Locations & Events
(05:30) - Wine Clubs & Member Trips
(07:21) - Michigan Winery Selection Process
(08:28) - Michigan's Wine Geography Explained
(10:01) - Ice Wine and Upcoming Events
(10:28) - Unique Wines to Try
(12:30) - Royal Oak Chamber Experience
(13:20) - Fishbowl Fun: Name Your Yacht
(14:28) - How to Connect with Michigan By The Bottle

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Tonya Jennings and Nathan Wright from Baker College (now with a mascot: The Bees!) to explore how the institution is creating new paths for education, especially for returning students, first-gen learners, and working professionals. We kick off with a look at their innovative "Return to the Hive" program, which offers institutional debt forgiveness for former students who left Baker due to unpaid balances. Half the debt is forgiven after one term, and the rest after completing a second semester. This initiative is specifically designed to remove financial barriers and re-engage students who’ve been out of the system for two years or more.

We shift into how Baker supports first-generation college students through its "First-Gen Bees" program, which offers guidance and community for both students and staff who are navigating college without the benefit of a parent who’s been through the process. Tonya and Nathan emphasize the college’s “students first” culture, which drives many of their initiatives.

The conversation moves to flexible programs like the new Accelerated One-Year MBA. Fully online and built for busy professionals, it allows students to move through coursework every four weeks and earn a degree in a single year. That flexibility extends to their continuing education offerings as well. Baker boasts over 1,400 non-credit courses, covering everything from trade skills like HVAC and CDL training to lifestyle topics like gardening in small spaces. The college also partners with local employers to address skill gaps, such as creating Spanish-for-manufacturing training to help teams communicate more effectively.

Looking toward the future, Baker is doubling down on high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. Nursing remains a huge focus with no waitlists across campuses, and AI integration is quickly becoming a staple within programs and classrooms. The staff shares how Baker is embracing AI not as a threat but as a tool to enhance learning and career readiness, ensuring students are equipped to use it ethically and effectively.

We also hear about their summer programs for middle and high schoolers, offering structured academic engagement during the break. These camps are expanding and serve as an important on-ramp for future learners. We close with a fun segment on favorite childhood books, giving the audience a peek at the personalities behind the professionals.

Baker has campuses in Royal Oak, Owosso, and online.

Learn more at www.baker.edu.

00:00 – Return to the Hive Debt Forgiveness
02:11 – What Makes the Program Unique
04:08 – Supporting First-Generation Students
05:17 – Accelerated One-Year MBA
06:08 – Continuing Ed & Trades Training
08:02 – Summer Camps for Youth
09:16 – Workforce Trends & AI Integration
12:26 – AI’s Role in Student Learning
12:52 – Fishbowl Question: Childhood Books
14:55 – How to Connect with Baker College

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Pastor Beau McCarthy from Genesis The Church, a unique faith community based here in Royal Oak. We open by dispelling expectations—Beau’s journey began not in seminary, but in a ska band called The Insyderz, where he played bass alongside his co-pastor Nate, who played drums. Their shared roots in music and creativity eventually led them to explore spirituality more deeply, culminating in the founding of a church that embraces art, conversation, and faith.

Genesis was locally formed in the early 2000s as an offshoot of Kensington Community Church in Troy. The team, mostly in their twenties at the time, wanted to establish a new kind of church in Royal Oak—one that would evolve with the community. Over the past 25 years, they’ve done just that.

Inclusivity stands at the heart of Genesis’ identity. We talk with Beau about how their journey toward inclusion started with a 2010 merger with the First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, a congregation founded in 1839. He shares powerful historical examples, including the contributions of Hamlet Harris, a free African-American who helped fund the church’s original land purchase, and stories of Japanese-American and Vietnamese refugee families welcomed by the church during difficult times in American history.

Beau openly discusses how Genesis has changed its posture over time, especially around LGBTQ+ inclusion. What began as a more traditional stance has shifted through reflection, repentance, and growth. Today, Genesis is committed to ensuring that every part of their space—from physical accessibility to gender-neutral bathrooms—communicates welcome. Even the way sermons are delivered, from the same level as the congregation, reflects this flat, inclusive posture.

We also dive into the church’s aspiration to be a beacon—a place of light, refuge, and good deeds. Beau explains that this vision informs how they walk with each other in both suffering and joy. That idea extends into his personal life too. He and his wife are adoptive parents to two Black sons, and he shares how that experience reshaped their family’s identity and their approach to parenting.

Beau wraps up by reflecting on the power of personal stories— both good and bad - and not just as anecdotes, but as guiding narratives that help individuals discover purpose and connection. Whether it’s historical stories or modern journeys, Genesis is a church that honors and grows through storytelling. For those curious about joining or learning more, the church offers a low-pressure environment and multiple ways to connect—online or in person.

Website: https://www.genesisthechurch.org/

Pastor Beau's email: beau.genesisthechurch@gmail.com

00:00 - Intro and Ernie Harwell Quote
00:53 - From Ska Band to Ministry
02:35 - Founding of Genesis The Church
04:09 - The Church’s Inclusive Roots
08:44 - Evolving LGBTQ+ Posture
11:31 - Pastor Beau's Transracial Adoption and Identity
15:45 - Reconnecting with the Chamber
16:28 - How to Connect with Genesis
17:47 - Wrap-Up and Resources

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.