Tedi Talks

On our Holiday Episode of the Tedi Talks Podcast, Tedi welcomes back to the podcast his very special guest and Senior Elf, Cindy Whittum.  Tedi and Cindy talk all things Christmas, what they like and what they do not like about the holidays.  Tedi and Cindy remind the listeners of their dislike (indifference) to holiday blow-up yard decorations.  Cindy shares with us her favorite holiday traditions and all the work they have done at Whittum Farms to get ready for Christmas.  Tedi was in a mood and reminded us how much he could care less about Christmas and most holi...

On Episode #2 of of the Tedi Talks Podcast, Tedi welcomes his very special guest, Nikki Thompson-Frazier, a Mother, Wife, Author, & Entrepreneur, located in Lansing, Michigan.  Tedi and Nikki talk about her (Nikki) big win at the Clover X Shark Tank Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Nikki shares with us all of the big changes happening with Sweet Encounter Bakery and announces a book signing on Tuesday, December 2nd at Hooked Bookstore, located in East Lansing, Michigan.  Nikki also tells us all about her cook show, The Sweet Life with Nikki, that appears on her YouTube Channel.  You will love the...

On Episode #1 of Season 6 of the Tedi Talks Podcast, Tedi welcomes his very special guest, Dakarai Larriett, an Author, Business Owner & Social Justice Advocate from Birmingham, Alabama. Dakarai and Tedi talk about politics, more specifically his (Dakarai) run for a Senate seat in Alabama.  Dakarai shares with us the story of an unlawful arrest in Benton Harbor, Michigan and how this led to his decision as a candidate for the U.S. Senate.  Dakarai also tells us about his new book: “Don’t Flush: From a False Arrest to a Political Awakening: My Journey to Making a Differ...

On Episode #17 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his very special guest, Kate Snyder, the Founder & CEO of Piper & Gold Public Relations, which is located in Lansing, Michigan.  Kate and Tedi talk about Equality in the workplace, has it really changed over the past 123 years?  Tedi presents Kate with a bunch of data he found when hitting the Googler and Kate responds with here amazing wit and raw, in-your-face moxie.   Kate shares with us her thoughts on why the last Presidential election was not surprising and also gives the younger generation some incredible words of wisdom.  This is a...

On Episode #16 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his very special guest, Kae Kronthaler-Williams, a Global Software Marketing Executive & Author from the State of Massachusetts, USA.  Kae and Tedi talk about her new book 'Not Made for You: How Women in Tech can Challenge Bias, Claim Their Space and Thrive in a System Built for Men' (coming November 2025).  Kae shares with us why she wrote the book and ways her story can help women who are moving-up the corporate ladder.  Tedi and Kae discuss the ongoing issues women face in today's workplace, including biases, gaslighting and inequality.  Kae...

On Episode #15 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his very special guest, Dr. Shivani Gupta, CEO of Fusionary Formulas, Ayurvedic Practitioner and Innovator in Holistic Health, who is located in Boca Rotan, Florida.  Dr. Gupta shares with us what Ayurvedic (ayu-veda) is and the amazing healing powers are of this 3,000 year-old surviving systems of medicine in the world.  Tedi and Dr. Gupta talk about the staggering data on how many people in the U.S. are on one or more prescription drugs and healthier ways we can reduce our dependence on them.  We talk about specialized healing tea...

On Episode #14 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes Domonika Tipton, Founder & Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Uplift & Inspire Counseling and Consulting, located in Lansing, Michigan.  Tedi and Domonika talk all about mental health and why it's so important for us to take good care of ours.  Domonika shares with us some ways we can address everyday stress and why she and her team have a strong passion for helping those in the LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities.  Tedi talks Domonika in to coming back to join him on the TYD Christmas Episode. Another great conversation with an amazing per...

On Episode #13 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes back to the podcast "The Queen of Career Coaching", Marcia Wall, a Career Success Coach located in New Orleans, Louisiana.  This episode is packed with information for those looking for a new career, those who want to change careers and everyone in-between.  Marcia shares with us how we need to define our own success and how we need to find our 'North Star'.  She reminds us that we are in a skilled based economy and how important is to keep reinventing yourself.  Of course, as he always does, Tedi pres...

On Episode #12 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes special guest Laila Marcos-Zissis, a Coach, Communications & Media Consultant,  Podcast Personality, Master Connector & Breast Cancer Survivor, who is located in New Orleans, Lousiana.  Tedi and Laila have a fascinating conversation all about MOTIVATION.  What it is and how we can motivate ourselves.  Laila shares with us some great information on mindfulness and how we can meditate, anywhere we are at.  Tedi, of course, provides a lot of data after hitting the Googler.  Make sure to join us in this very informative conversation!  You can connect with Laila at:

Laila...

On Episode #11 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his friend and colleague, Bernadette Johnson, a Leadership Alchemist, Strategic Innovator, Collaboration Catalyst, Author, Working Genius Certified, and TEDster of Inspired Action Motivates, which is located in Lansing, Michigan.  Tedi and Bernadette talk about what makes a great leader and the different ways leadership presents itself.  Bernadette shares with us her favorite book: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho (link below) and Tedi shares data about the equality (and equity) gap that still exists in the C-level suites found in Fortune 500 companies.  You will love Bernadette's infectious positivity and her pas...

On this Special Episode of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his special guest, Leah Smiley, the President & Founder at the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC) located in Brownsburg, Indiana.  Tedi and Leah have a frank and open discussion about Racism, what it is, how it is harming marginalized communities and what role we can play in dismantling the systems of Racism.  Leah shares with us her definition of Racism (it may surprise some of you) and Tedi provides Leah with a lot of data.  Tedi's favorite quote of the podcast was when Leah said "We have to do...

On Episode #9 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his special guest, Fathy Shetiah, the Founder & CEO at 7C Lingo, a cross-cultural communication, training, and language services organization, which is located in Lansing, Michigan.  Fathy and Tedi talk about what Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in and why it's so important, especially today!  Fathy shares with us the benefits of CQ and how his team can assist individuals and businesses by having a Cultural Assessment done.  Tedi shares some stats on how important CQ is to younger generations.   Make sure to join us in this very informative conversation!  You can conne...

On Episode #8 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes Beth Batts, Founder & CEO of Batts & Associates, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Beth and Tedi talk all about Confidence, what it is and how we can get it.  Beth shares with us how she defines what Confidence is and explains that 'Risk Taking' is a form on Confidence.  Tedi and Beth share their thoughts on how others define what confidence is (based on titles and not necessarily someone being truly confident).  Join us in this fascinating conversation!  You can connect with Beth at:

Website:  https://www.ba...

On Episode #7 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes  Amy Bragagnini a Clinical Oncology Dietitian at Trinity Health Lacks Cancer Center, located in Grand Rapids, MI.   Tedi and Amy talk about healthy eating, what it really means and why it's important.  Amy shares with us some of the mistakes we may be making when it comes to eating healthy.  Tedi and Amy talk about the different foods we can eat at work to give us more energy.   Amy tells us what foods are great to help us nourish our minds (brains).  We also learn that some scientists believe its he...

On this episode of Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes special guest Cindy Brown, Employer Development Manager in the Career Center at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) located in Allendale, MI.  Tedi and Cindy talk about what Etiquette is and why it's not just about having 'Good Manners'.  Cindy provides us with some amazing tips on 'Best Practices' when it comes to dining etiquette (when out to eat with our boss or someone from another country).  Tedi and Cindy also talk about the importance of getting back to professional etiquette after the pandemic and much, much more.  This...

On this episode of Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes special guest Bob Trezise, President & CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) located in Lansing, MI.  Tedi and Bob talk about the economy in the Greater Lansing, MI region and the State of Michigan.  Bob shares with us his 35+ years of professional knowledge when it comes to economics, including what the pending tariffs could mean to our local and state economy.  Tedi learned what tariffs actually are (think of a sales tax).  This is another informative and educational conversation, one you do not want to miss. To learn more...

On this episode of Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes special guest Cindy Whittum, Recruitment and Internship Specialist at the State of Michigan, EGLE.  Tedi and Cindy talk about what it means to be successful.  Tedi shares with Cindy the description of Success (according to Wikipedia.com) and Cindy shares with us what Success means to her.  Cindy and Tedi talk about how Success is defined and what it looks like a different stages of our professional lives. Cindy and Tedi both agree that because you are in an elevated position does not mean you are a 'Su...

On this episode of Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes special guest Cheryl Thacker, a Master Board Certified Coach and the Founder of Successful Coaches.  Tedi and Cheryl talk about what a Certified Coach is and is not.  Cheryl provides us with her many years of wisdom when it comes to what it takes to be a successful coach and how you can help others with your own coaching business.  Tedi and Cheryl discuss the importance of receiving your coaching certification from a reputable organization and why joining the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is vital to bringing credibility to you...

On this episode of Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes special guest Cathy Blatnik, who serves on the Mid-Michigan Autism Association’s Board of Directors as its Treasurer and co-owns a business with her son Dominic called Baked Goods by Dominic.  Cathy shares with us how she and her husband Larry persevered when learning their 20-year-old son, Dominic, was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Epilepsy along with an Intellectual Disability.  Cathy tells Tedi it was a lot of trial and error, as 20-years ago there was not much information available about Autism and ADHD.  Cathy shares with us why h...

On our first ever episode of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes Amina Hedayat Khalil, a Professional Certified Coach, International Keynote Speaker, and Author to name a few things she does.  Amina is the Founder of Audere Interpersonal Intelligence. Tedi and Amina talk about Emotional Intelligence (EI) and how this can help shape and change our lives.  Amina shares with us how the EI Assessment works and what to expect when having a certified coaching session with her.  This is a great conversation, one you do not want to miss. 

Contact Information for Amina Hedayat Khalil:
...

Please note: This episode was recorded prior to the transition to the Today's Your Day Podcast. 

On Episode #11 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes special guest Brian Franklin, Co-Founder of Vows & Speeches, located in Los Angeles, CA.  Brian shares with us that after leaving a long career in political consulting, him and his wife (Nicole), started Vows & Speeches.  Tedi and Brian talk about the many services that Vows & Speeches offers and how they can step-in when others are at a lost for words or struggle with speech writing and giving.  Brian shares with us why DEI is important to h...

On Episode #10 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes back special guest Kimara Mayberry, Founder & Principal Consultant at Platinum Consulting Group, located in Southeast Michigan.  Tedi, true to fashion, kicks of this episode with some stats he found on the Googler, which leads to a fascinating conversation on Gaslighting. Kimara explains what Gaslighting is and how damaging this can be, both personally and professionally, to those who experience it (especially members of a marginalized group).  Kimara shares with us what Code Switching is why this is necessary for a lot of people to use to survive in the workplace.  Kim...

On Episode #9 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes special guest Brigitte Betser, a Franchise Executive, Consultant and Business Ownership Guide, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Tedi kicks-off the conversation after hitting the Googler with some stats on new business startups over the past several years.  Brigitte shares with us how she got started in her career in helping others realize their dream (and this had nothing to do with her biology degree).  Brigitte and Tedi also talk about the benefits of owning your own business and how starting with a franchise is a great idea, especially for those looking for som...

On Episode #8 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes special guest Alan Headbloom, a Trained Teacher, Coach and Published Author, to name a few things that Alan does.  Alan is located in Holland Michigan.  Tedi and Alan discuss how they met (over 19-years ago).  Alan shares with us why he started Headbloom.  Alan explains what cross-cultural communication is and how it can be a bridge, connecting us to other worlds and those who inhabit them.  Tedi and Alan talk about his talk show Feel Like You Belong, which can be found on YouTube (link below).  Tedi and Alan talk about his book...

On Episode #7 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes special guests Lisa Goyette and John Ball, Co-Founders of CH Training & Coaching, located in Southeast Michigan.  Lisa and John tell us how CH Training & Coaching got started and why they have a strong passion for people and seeing others thrive and prosper.  Lisa explains how they transitioned their work in educational sector into coaching and training for those in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.  John shares with us the strong commitment they have to organizational design and organizational health.  This is a great conversation on how two friends were able combine a sh...

On Episode #6 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes special guest Shekina Mitchell, who serves as the Director of Covering Kidz, is a Partner at the FreTail Store, a devoted Minister & Missionary, is to name only a few titles this amazing lady holds. AND, she received the prestigious Cafecito Community Service of the Year Award.  Shekina and Tedi talk about what the FreTail Store is (located in Lansing Mall) and the nonprofit (Covering Kidz) she and her husband run. Shekina shares with us how a trip to Tampa changed her life (and it all started in a bathroom stall at the a...

On Episode #5 of Tedi Talks - the Holiday Special, Tedi welcomes back special guest, Sarah Pierce, the Founder & Owner of 517 Living.  Tedi and Sarah talk about all the great places to buy unique and fun gifts in the Lansing region.  Sarah provides some great intel on pop-up shops, places where we can make our own gifts, some amazing events that are happening during the holiday season, and where we can find all of this (hint, it's on the 517 Living website). Tedi and Sarah talk about using the 517 Living events page to learn what's going on in Lansing and how ot...

On Episode #4 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes back special guest Amy Mollitor, a Certified Life Coach and EFT Tapping Master Practitioner, located in Lansing, MI.  Amy shares with us what Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping) is and the many benefits it offers.  Tedi once again hits the Googler and provides some history on EFT.  Tedi and Amy talk about the many different ways that we can reduce stress at work and with the upcoming holidays.  Amy shares with us how she uses journaling along with taking long walks as a way to reduce stress.  As we deal with everyday stres...

On Episode #3 of Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes back special guest, Amy Jo Weller,  Associate Broker-Realtor at The Weller Real Estate Collective, located in Grandville, MI.  Tedi hit the Googler again and provides several interesting stats about the real-estate market in 2023 here in the U.S.  Tedi and Amy Jo talk about where we are currently at in the real-estate market and what 2025 may look like for those buying and selling a home.  Amy Jo shares with us the importance of having your home sell ready and what we can do to increase the value before putting it on the mark...

On Season #5, Episode #2 or Tedi Talks, Tedi welcomes  Amy Bragagnini a Clinical Oncology Dietitian at Trinity Health Lacks Cancer Center, located in Grand Rapids, MI.   Tedi and Amy talk about food as we prepare for the upcoming holiday season.  Tedi provides Amy with some interesting stats about the consumption of eggnog, ham, pumpkin pie and turkey during the holidays .  Tedi and Amy discuss how we can get past 'food fear' and eat what we want by setting our own expectations and simply enjoy what we like (without guilt).  Our favorite dietician and healthy eater does not disappoint during this fasci...

On the kick-off episode of Season Five of Tedi Talks,  Tedi shares with us where he has been (MIA) and how the podcast, with its new name (well, actually original name), is keeping some of the old format, but bringing in a lot of new and exciting things.  Tedi also provides us with the many things that have been bothering him, including a resurgence of the word 'Karen', rude people and the stress of watching a movie series, plus much, much more.

All in all, it's typical Tedi, but with a shaky voice and and a bit mo...

On Episode #12 of Season Four of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi is flying solo for this short episode on PRIDE.  Tedi shares what PRIDE is, how it all started and why its important (not only in the month of June, but all year round).  Included with this episode is a brief history of how the LGBTQ+ movement got started, it's dark history and ways we can all become stronger Allies and supporters of our Queer brothers and sisters.

Tedi also shares his frustration with those who only recognize PRIDE during the month of June and the responsibilities of...

On Episode #11 of Season Four of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes special guests Lindsey Coffelt, the Owner of Graze Craze located in Okemos & Shelby Township, MI.  Lindsey shares with us how she and her husband, Silas, got into the Graze Craze, opening two stores in Michigan.  She shares with us their passion for providing amazing works of art through the Charcuterie Boards (a.k.a. Grazing Boards) and the many other items they offer at their two stores.  Tedi provides a brief history of Charcuterie and Lindsey shares with us how Graze Craze only uses top quality items and...

On Episode #10 of Season Four of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes special guest Jenny Wagemann, Farmers Market & Breadbasket Food Pantry Manager at the Allen Farmers Market, located in Lansing, MI.  Jenny shares with us all the amazing things happening at the Allen Farmers Market, including information about their popular Veggie Boxes and the Breadbasket Food Pantry.  Tedi provides a brief history of the Allen Farmers Market and Jenny tells us all about the upcoming summer season at the Allens Farmers Market.  We also learn about Jenny's love o hula-hooping and yoga.  This is a fascinating and educational conversation, one...

On Episode #9 of Season Four of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes special guests Shelley Davis-Boyd, Integrare Collaborative, and Amy Mollitor, Intentional Energy Coaching.   Amy and Shelley tell us all about their amazing Podcast Wild Wisdom Her, why they started this and why it's important to them both.  Tedi asks Amy what 'Tapping' is and Shelley shares with her strong passion for helping others succeed.  Both Amy and Shelley, who are both Certified Life Coaches (CLC), share with us how they use their life-skills and past experiences to empower women to success.  This is a fascinating conversation, one you defi...

On Episode #8 of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes back special guest, Sarah Pierce, the Founder & Owner of 517 Living.  Tedi and Sarah talk about 517 Living's 10-Year Anniversary and ways this will be celebrated.  Sarah provides us with an update on all the changes at 517 Living and what to look for and expect in 2024.  Sarah also shares with us the benefits of being part of the 517 Living.com membership directory.  Tedi and Sarah talk about using the 517 Living events page to learn what's going on in Lansing and how others can get connected.    You can learn more about Sarah and 517 Living...

On this episode of Real Talk with Tedi , Tedi welcomes back special guest Elaine Sterrett Isely, Deputy Director of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), located in Grand Rapids, MI.  Tedi and Elaine talk about Earth Day (April 22, 2024) and how we can become better stewards when it comes to caring for our planet.  Elaine provides with great information on what Climate Change is and how we can be part of the solution, and not part of the problem.  Another exciting and educational episode with Elaine, one you do not want to miss.   You can connect with Elaine at:
...

On Episode #6 of of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes special guest Derek Davis, a Cali Sober Bartender and Postpartum Doula, located in Southeast Michigan.  Derek shares with us his journey as a Trans man and why his role as Mr. Trans Michigan 2024 is so important to him and the communities he serves.  We learn what a Postpartum Doula is and what they do and that I am considered 'straight edged'.  Tedi and Derek talk about their love of Sasha Colby and why so many conservatives are threatened by those in the Trans community.  This is  a 'nothing is off t...

On Episode #5 of of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes special guest Nikki Thompson Frazier, Founder & Owner of Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe, which is located in the historic Knapp's Building in downtown Lansing, MI.  Tedi and Nikki talk about how the bakery and cafe got started and why it has a strong focus on those with food allergies. Nikki shares with us the amazing treats and more you can get at Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe and how they are connected with Hollywood.  Nikki provides us with some great advice and resources on how you too can be a small bu...

On this episode of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes special guest  Trevis Gleason, Chef, Published Author & Disability Advocate, located in West Kerry, Ireland.  Trevis shares with us his amazing journey around the world and how this provided some incredible lessons for living well.  We learn about Trevis's new book Living well with Multiple Sclerosis and where the inspiration for writing this came from.  Trevis provides us with some information information on what Multiple Sclerosis is and what it's like to live with MS.  We also learn how we can be strong allies and advocates for those living with MS. ...

On Episode 3 of Season Four of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes back special guest  Shelley Davis-Boyd, President of Integrare Collaborative, which is located in Lansing, MI.  Tedi and Shelley talk about all things Certified Life Coaching, what this is and how it can help us to grow both personally and professionally.  Shelley shares with us her style of coaching and why she enjoys helping others to achieve their life goals.  Tedi and Shelley discuss the importance of having integrity, being honest and presenting as your true authentic self.  You do not want to miss this fascinating conversation.  You can con...

On Episode Two of Season Four of Real Talk with Tedi, Tedi welcomes back special guest Jamie Ashby, the current reigning Miss Trans Michigan USA, of Lansing, MI.    Jamie is back to share with us her journey to the Mr. & Miss Trans USA pageant that took place in November 2023 in Milwaukee, WI.   Jamie and Tedi talk about how she (Jamie) discovered her true self and what it took to get where she is today.  Tedi shares some alarming statistics and Jamie tells us how we can all be better Allies.  You can connect with Jamie at:

Jamie A...