When half the streetlights in Detroit were dark and the city led America in homicide, poverty, and unemployment, Mike Duggan stepped up to lead its transformation. Now, after 12 years of progress as Detroit's mayor, he's taking aim at Michigan's partisan gridlock with an independent run for governor. "Every time the Republicans and Democrats switch control in Lansing, they change the rules," Duggan explains, describing how Michigan's education system has suffered through constant policy whiplash...
Jun 22, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 274
Get ready for two power-packed days of essential conversations when I take over hosting duties at WJR, the Great Voice of the Great Lakes! Mark your calendars for June 23rd and 24th, from 2-4pm Eastern Time, as we spotlight the critical issues shaping Michigan's communities. We'll dive deep into healthcare challenges and opportunities with renowned expert Nate Kaufman, whose insights have guided healthcare institutions nationwide. Michigan's Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist joins us to disc...
Jun 21, 2025•2 min
What does Michigan need in its next governor? Sheriff Chris Swanson believes it's someone who can protect, serve, and unify. The Genesee County Sheriff joins The Common Bridge to outline his vision as a Democratic candidate for Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial race. Drawing from his 33 years in law enforcement and extensive background in education and emergency medicine, Swanson offers a refreshingly practical approach to the state's most pressing challenges. Michigan stands at a crossroads. With d...
Jun 16, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 273
America stands at a crossroads as Marines deploy on the streets of Los Angeles. This gripping analysis examines whether we're witnessing the early stages of a modern civil war or something else entirely. The evidence is sobering: combat-trained Marines entering densely populated urban areas, coordinated opposition with pre-positioned supplies, and definitions of conflict that match our current situation with disturbing accuracy. At the heart of this crisis lies America's immigration dilemma. Mil...
Jun 13, 2025•13 min
What happens when a state that was once the crown jewel of American prosperity finds itself near the bottom in employment, education, and population growth? Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox believes it's time for a dramatic course correction, and he's running for governor to make it happen. The son of immigrants who chose Michigan in the 1950s because it was "the greatest state in America," Cox paints a stark picture of Michigan's decline. Today, the state ranks second-worst in unemploy...
Jun 01, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 272
The $84 billion question haunting American healthcare takes center stage as Nathan Kaufman returns to unpack the bombshell criminal investigation into UnitedHealthcare's alleged Medicare fraud. Drawing from his 48 years of healthcare expertise, Kaufman reveals the troubling mechanics behind how the nation's largest insurer potentially manipulated the Medicare Advantage system through aggressive "upcoding" – artificially inflating patient illness scores to extract higher government payments. This...
May 18, 2025•20 min•Season 6Ep. 271
The global economy stands at a crossroads as tariffs reshape international trade, and few understand these seismic shifts better than Bill Michels, returning to The Common Bridge with crucial insights on what's happening at our ports, in manufacturing, and throughout supply chains worldwide. Shipping containers sit idle at major ports like Los Angeles and Houston as businesses hesitate to import goods, unsure what tariffs they'll face. "Tariffs are breaking the shipping model," Michels explains....
May 04, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 270
Professor Jesse Kaufman returns to The Common Bridge to deliver a sobering assessment of the Ukraine-Russia war three years after the invasion began. What started as a discussion about territorial disputes has revealed itself as something far more fundamental: Russia's existential denial of Ukrainian nationhood. Kaufman shatters common misconceptions about the conflict, explaining that contrary to popular belief, NATO expansion didn't trigger the war. Rather, Ukraine sought NATO protection only ...
Apr 20, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 269
A refreshing voice cuts through the noise of gender politics as Larry Shell, a self-described "TERG" (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Gay), shares his journey from recognizing his homosexuality in sixth grade to finding his authentic voice in today's complex discussions about gender and sexuality. Larry's story begins in 1970s Chicago where, unlike many of his peers, he recognized his same-sex attraction early. "I understood what the culture was saying and I understood who I was and I chose me and de...
Apr 06, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 268
Fierce nonpartisanship meets listener curiosity in this mailbag episode where Richard Helppie tackles tough questions spanning economics, social policy, and political comparisons with refreshing candor. When a listener asks whether recent stock market gyrations prove Trump's policies are "all wrong," Helppie cuts through the binary thinking to explore how markets react primarily to uncertainty rather than specific ideological positions. "The stock market doesn't like uncertainty and if one thing...
Mar 21, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 267
Dr. James Baker delivers a masterclass in scientific clarity as he breaks down what we truly know about COVID-19, vaccines, and our healthcare system's deepest challenges. With decades of experience as a physician, immunologist, and vaccine researcher, Dr. Baker provides a refreshingly honest assessment that cuts through political noise with precision and expertise. The conversation begins with a fascinating explanation of how vaccines helped accelerate natural immunity during the pandemic: "Wha...
Mar 09, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 266
Author and educator Paul Cumbo joins us to shed light on the contemporary challenges faced by young men in a rapidly evolving world. He offers a treasure trove of encouragement and practical advice drawn from his two decades of experience. Our conversation navigates the complex terrain of building self-knowledge, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships, underscoring the indispensable need for strong role models and a solid moral foundation. As parents, teachers, and mentors focus on nu...
Feb 24, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 265
Ready to challenge your perspectives on government efficiency and economic resilience? Join us for a compelling conversation with Kerry Killinger, co-author of "Nothing is Too Big to Fail," as we question the true impact of federal workforce reductions on national unemployment and explore the potential fallout from dismantling entire departments like the Department of Education. With Washington, D.C. possibly facing significant consequences, we navigate the complex dynamics of federal employment...
Feb 09, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 264
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Feb 09, 2025•1 min
In this conclusion of the conversation that began with Episode 262, prepare to rethink everything you know about the American healthcare landscape as we sit down with esteemed guests Dr. Barry Meisenberg and Dr. Matthew Nathan. With candid insights, they help us untangle the chaotic initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual pivot towards evidence-based interventions. Discover how government programs played a double-edged role in sustaining physician practices, and why the term "...
Jan 26, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 263
How can we transform the U.S. healthcare system into one that prioritizes both patient-provider relationships and equitable access to care? Join us for a compelling conversation with healthcare visionaries Dr. David Harlan, Dr. Barry Meisenberg, and Admiral Matt Nathan as we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. Learn from Dr. Harlan's call for a shift towards chronic disease management and health promotion, while Admiral Nathan scrutinizes how business practices shape healthcare deliv...
Jan 13, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 262
What if the biggest infrastructure overhaul in the U.S. since the interstate highway system is happening right now? Join us on the Common Bridge as we sit down with Professor Rick Geddes from Cornell University, a leading expert with an eye-opening perspective on the future of infrastructure policy. Professor Geddes enlightens us on the sweeping changes brought by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Chips and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. These legislative initiatives...
Dec 29, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 261
Unlock the secrets of healthcare economics with renowned expert Nate Kaufman of Kaufman Strategic Advisors. Join us as we explore the powerful role played by UnitedHealthcare—the largest private healthcare conglomerate in the U.S. Discover how UnitedHealthcare shapes insurance coverage, pharmacy benefit management, and healthcare services. We'll examine the complexities of employer-sponsored healthcare and discuss the ethical dilemmas tied to profit incentives in healthcare spending. Nate's insi...
Dec 14, 2024•35 min•Season 6Ep. 260
I thought it might be interesting to revisit an insightful episode from The Common Bridge Vault, recorded one year ago this week, featuring prospective Democratic Presidential candidate Dean Phillips. During our fascinating discussion, Dean expressed concern about President Biden's declining cognitive health and emphasized the need for action within the Democratic Party. I believe you’ll find this conversation very interesting in retrospect. Here is the introduction in it’s entirety- Welcome to ...
Dec 02, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 259
Curious about how a fascination with radio as a child can shape a career? Join us as Chris Renwick of WJR Radio in Detroit shares his captivating journey from growing up in Pennsylvania and Michigan to becoming a respected voice on the airwaves. Chris walks us through his educational background and early career, highlighting key moments that fueled his passion for broadcasting. Through his story, we gain insight into the evolving media landscape and the shifting ways people consume news and info...
Nov 18, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 258
What if the media's portrayal of presidential candidates is more fiction than fact? Rich Helpe tackles the disillusionment with the upcoming U.S. presidential election, challenging listeners to rethink the stories they consume. By illustrating a fictional scenario of media misreporting, Rich exposes how sensationalism breeds division and misinformation. He calls for a revolution in journalism, urging citizens to abandon biased sources in favor of platforms that uphold investigative integrity and...
Nov 04, 2024•9 min•Season 6Ep. 257
Robert Greenfield returns with his insightful perspectives, sparking a compelling discussion that spans continents and topics. Discover how Detroit's remarkable resurgence is a testament to effective local governance and community-driven efforts, with key figures like Roger Penske and Dan Gilbert leading the charge. Explore how the city's revitalization highlights the power of strategic leadership and community resilience, offering a beacon of hope and a model for urban recovery worldwide. On th...
Oct 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 6Ep. 256
Chris Bray, a distinguished voice from Substack, joins me to unravel the complex world of media, politics, and narratives. We begin by tracing his journey from the constraints of traditional journalism to the freedom of expression he found on Substack, a platform where diverse voices flourish and challenging conversations take center stage. Our dialogue paints a stark picture of the declining trust in mainstream media, highlighting how narrative-driven reporting, exemplified by interviews like M...
Oct 20, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 255
This is an episode repeat from December, 2020 that we think is even more relevant today. Can blockchain technology transform the future of voting in the United States? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Khalil Byrd, a leading voice in political technology, as we explore the intricacies of the nation's voting system. Khalil breaks down the current state of voting, highlighting the system's trust-based foundation, insufficient funding, and the diverse rules across states. We tackle the ...
Sep 29, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 254
What does it take to build a just and equitable society from the ground up in a region scarred by historical ethnic conflicts? Join us as we sit down with Jarmo Feliks Helppikangas, a member of the European Commission's team in Kosovo and a former Finnish police chief and prosecutor. Jarmo shares his invaluable perspective on the monumental task of establishing Kosovo's judicial and policing systems, reflecting on its complex history under Turkish rule, the Ottoman Empire, and as a former provin...
Sep 17, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 253
Is the media shaping your opinions more than you realize? Join us for a lively viewer mailbag session where we dissect the intricate relationship between policy, media, and public discourse. Hear our take on the actions of both Republicans and Democrats, including Trump's refusal to concede the election and the Democrats' strategic use of lawfare. We'll also unpack Mark Zuckerberg's revelations about Facebook's censorship, making a strong case for the need for honest media and independent thinki...
Sep 01, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 252
What happens when you combine the insights of a seasoned healthcare executive with pressing issues in U.S. healthcare policy? Join us as Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Hospital Association, breaks down the complexities of the Affordable Care Act, the impact of Medicaid provider taxes, and the evolving landscape of healthcare as we approach a crucial election season. Discover how Michigan's innovative policies, like allowing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to work independently...
Aug 18, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 251
Is the newly signed California law by Governor Gavin Newsom protecting children or pushing a controversial transgender agenda? In this eye-opening episode, investigative journalist and author Gerald Posner returns to the Common Bridge to unpack the complexities of the transgender ideology and its impact on minors. We confront the tribalism that often taints these debates and stress the urgency of evidence-based discussions. Dive deep as we scrutinize the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hor...
Aug 04, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 250
What if a shocking assassination attempt shattered your perception of national security? Rich's discussion with his producer, Brian Kruger, zeroes in on the Secret Service's chaotic response and the shooter's seemingly amateurish execution. The episode also contrasts the divergent media narratives spun by CNN and Fox News, suggesting possible motives behind their differing coverage. Shifting gears, they dissect the recent dismissal of the Florida records case and its far-reaching implications fo...
Jul 15, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 249
Can cybercriminals paralyze a healthcare system with just a few keystrokes? Find out in this compelling episode of the Common Bridge, where Rich Helppie sits down with Dan Dodson, CEO of Fortified Health Security. We go beyond the headlines to explore the motivations driving cybercriminals to target healthcare institutions. With digital records and interconnected systems at the heart of modern healthcare, even a minor security breach can have devastating consequences. Dan sheds light on the urge...
Jul 07, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 248
