Best MichMash Podcasts (2026)

1
Looking back on the state’s top political stories of 2025 39:05

Play Pause

6d ago39:05

39:05

There were a lot of political stories that happened in 2025 that made the year stand out. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss some of the major stories that had an impact and they look ahead to 2026.

1
Senator Gary Peters discusses why he decided not to run for reelection 21:50

13d ago21:50

21:50

Sen Gary Peters' annoucement about not seeking reelection shocked the political world because of his favorability and success. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow talk with the Senator to hear his reasons behind his decision and they discuss his plans for the remainder of his term. Cheyna and Zach also …

1
Congresswoman Haley Stevens makes her case for US Senate 22:32

20d ago22:32

22:32

Congresswoman Haley Stevens is vying for the US Senate seat in Michigan in a highly contested field. In this episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with the representative to see what makes her different from her opponents.

1
Michigan might be key to control of US Senate and House 33:45

27d ago33:45

33:45

As we get closer to the midterm elections, races for the Michigan US Senate and House seat prove that Michigan is stepping closer in the national spotlight. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss Michigan's swing state power with Reid Wilson, founder and editor of Pluribus News in Washington, D.C. …

1
Members of the Michigan Judicial Council seek overhaul of state court funding 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

Is everyone getting charged the same? This is the question causing members of the Michigan Judicial Council to create a proposal to take the pressure off judges to generate revenue and make the state a more balanced funding partner as well as make sure people are not given debts that they can’t pay. This week on MichMash Cheyna Roth and Gongwer New…

1
A MichMash lookahead at the remainder of 2025 16:20

1M ago16:20

16:20

During this holiday weekend, the MichMash hosts got together to look at issues and stories we should look out for in the month of December. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss topics such as data centers, the Michigan gubernatorial race, and what items on the legislatures to-d…

1
Bipartisan approaches to Violent Crime Clearance Act, Privacy, and more 27:33

2M ago27:33

27:33

Michigan lawmakers are working on bipartisan approaches to ensure crimes are accounted for and other bills aiming to increase privacy for lawmakers. This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben talk with State Senator Stephanie Chang and State Representative Sarah Lightner. They discuss the Violent Crime Clear…

1
State House Speaker Matt Hall wants more H.E.A.T. and less ‘pork’ 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall makes his MichMash debut this week to share his take on recent events involving the Michigan legislature. In this episode, he joins hosts Cheyna Roth and Zach Gorchow to talk about funding, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the state budget, Republican candidates for governor and more.…

1
After mayoral win, is Sheffield the second most powerful Democrat in Michigan? 26:21

2M ago26:21

26:21

Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield had a historic win on Tuesday, becoming the first woman to be elected Mayor of Detroit. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben are joined by BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett and Detroit One Million founder Sam Robinson to discuss how Sheffield might govern in her new role…

1
How does the state budget affect the cannabis industry? 30:38

2M ago30:38

30:38

In this episode, cannabis attorney Lance Boldrey joins the show. He chats with WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben about how the 2026 state budget affects the cannabis industry. Plus, Republican gubernatorial candidates had their first debate this week. We discuss a notable absence and the major themes of the debate.…

1
What are earmarks? A breakdown of the 2026 state budget. 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

Even though Michigan's 2026 state budget was already passed and signed into law, the drama continues as the Senate and House disagree about a bill calling for more transparency with enhancement grants known as "earmarks." This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow explain what earmarks are and what role they p…

1
How are Michigan's 2026 congressional races looking? 24:10

3M ago24:10

24:10

With a little more than a year to go until Michigan's next congressional election, we take a look at the current state of affairs for congressional candidates in Michigan. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben explore who's running in the state's US House and Senate races, and where their fundraising st…

1
Unpacking Michigan's 'Citizen Only' ballot initiative 30:30

3M ago30:30

30:30

Although there are already laws barring non-citizens from voting in Michigan elections, a group is pushing a ballot initiative to have voters show proof of citizenship. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow unpack the issue with supporter Paul Jacob of Americans for Citizen Voting and opponent Melinda Bil…

1
Bonus Episode: Lansing passes the 2026 state budget 3 days late 17:43

3M ago17:43

17:43

Michigan lawmakers passed a state budget early Friday morning for the 2026 fiscal year. In this bonus episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the details of the budget with Crain's Detroit Senior Reporter Dave Eggert.

1
Lansing missed the state budget deadline. Now what? 8:42

3M ago8:42

8:42

We are past the October 1 deadline and an official state budget still hasn't been passed. What does this mean for Michigan? This week on MichMash, Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasben break down whether a budget will pass sooner or later.

1
Bonus Episode: State Budget Update 13:41

3M ago13:41

13:41

There is progress in the state budget and we have the update on the breaking details. As part of the weekly WDET series, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss what is likely in the state budget and how things will look as we approach the October 1st deadline.

1
Recapping the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference 28:30

3M ago28:30

28:30

The Michigan GOP held their biennial leadership conference at Mackinac Island this past weekend. In this episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Baldy Bipartisan's John Selleck to discuss whether the conference is still beneficial for the Michigan Republican party. Plus, Cheyna and Alethia dis…

1
State budget's October 1st deadline looms 29:50

4M ago29:50

29:50

With less than two weeks til the budget deadline, there is still no state budget in sight. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben break down what could be done by October 1st. They sit down with both State Senator Sarah Anthony, the Senate Appropriations chair, and State Representative Ann Bollin, the Hous…

1
Unpacking the dismissed 2020 case against Michigan electors + how state budget affects local governments 25:00

4M ago25:00

25:00

In 2020, 15 Republicans allegedly tried to cast Michigan's electoral votes for President Trump, even through President Biden won the state by 154,000. In this episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow break down how the legal case against these electors unraveled. Then, Executive Director of the Michigan Associ…

1
State budget countdown to October 1 deadline 26:26

4M ago26:26

26:26

As Michigan schools return to classes this week, the uncertainty of the state budget is causing some schools to cut programs just in case there are any issues with funding. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss what needs to be done in order for the legislature to make the October 1 deadline. Th…

1
State budget reaches new phase + Michigan selects new state superintendent 27:35

4M ago27:35

27:35

Nearly two months after the original deadline, House Republicans passed a budget giving the legislature a month to negotiate ahead of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. In this episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss what was included in this version of the budget. Then, they’re joined by Gongwer News S…

1
Changes ahead for Michigan mental health care 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is advancing a plan that could reshape how more than 300,000 Michiganders receive behavioral and mental health services. The proposal involves shifting nearly $5 billion in tax dollars, sparking debate across the state. On this week’s MichMash, hosts Cheyna Roth and Zach Gorchow break down the proposal, ex…

1
Abdul El-Sayed shares why he's running for US Senate + other race updates 29:09

5M ago29:09

29:09

"In this episode of MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben are joined by the former director of Wayne County's Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services, Abdul El-Sayed. He discusses why he's running for Michigan's open US Senate seat what he believes qualifies him for the role. Plus, now that State Represen…

1
Detroit mayoral primary results; Michigan Public Service Commission shake-up 26:41

5M ago26:41

26:41

The 2025 Detroit primary election has concluded, and now we have a two-person sprint to November's general election to determine who will be the city's next mayor. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow breaks down the results with WDET's Russ McNamara. Plus, Gorchow and host Cheyna Roth discuss a shake-up in the Michigan …

1
Former State House Speaker Tom Leonard talks gubernatorial run; state budget updates 23:23

5M ago23:23

23:23

Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial race is underway, and MichMash is talking to all of the major candidates. In this week's episode, WDET host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with former house speaker Tom Leonard to learn why he's running and what sets him apart from other candidates. Plus, Cheyna and Alethia explain the c…

1
Lt. Gov. Gilchrist talks gubernatorial campaign; fundraising updates from other candidates 25:54

6M ago25:54

25:54

This week on MichMash, gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II sat down with WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben to explain why he's running for governor of Michigan and how his engineering background could help. Plus, we take a look at fundraising progress from the rest of the gubernatorial candidates.…

1
Michigan loses deal for major semiconductor plant; new proposal aims to expand bottle bill 23:09

6M ago23:09

23:09

Michigan lost a deal for a massive semiconductor plant this week that was projected to bring about 10,000 jobs to the Flint area. As part of WDET's weekly series, MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben break down Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's reaction to this and the new economic plans for the site. Then later, Gorchow and WDET'…

1
Unpacking the criminal investigation of Fay Beydoun 27:33

6M ago27:33

27:33

An email obtained by The Detroit News revealed this week that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) may have played a larger and earlier role in the grant funding provided to executive committee member Fay Beydoun, who is currently under criminal investigation for allegedly misusing the funds. As part of the weekly series, MichMash, …

1
Is ranked choice voting a better system for Michiganders? 26:42

6M ago26:42

26:42

Michigan-based nonprofit Rank MI Vote is campaigning for signatures to get ranked choice voting on the November 2026 ballot. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben talk with Rank MI Vote Executive Director Pat Zabawa to learn more about this new voting style and why he says it would be better for Michiga…

1
Attempts to oust MSP director continue; higher ed advocate reacts to recent challenges 23:43

7M ago23:43

23:43

Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady II is expected to testify before the state House Oversight Committee this week after ongoing attempts to oust him from the role. This week on MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow explain the brewing tensions surrounding the MSP director. Then later, Michigan Association…

1
MichMash Live (bonus episode): A Michigan politics look ahead 30:08

7M ago30:08

30:08

The political leadership in Michigan will go through some major changes with the multiple elections being held in the next couple of years. This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the future of Michigan politics and who has the best chance to win their respective races in the state. Also, Michiga…

1
MichMash: Live in Ferndale, a Michigan politics rewind 38:26

7M ago38:26

38:26

It has been an eventful year in Michigan politics with the Michigan Legislature dynamically evolving. This week on WDET's MichMash, Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben analyze the major events in a live recording at the Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale. They were joined by Detroit Free Press Politics Editor Emily Lawler and …

1
Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley talks insurance crisis; House passes K-12 budget 27:10

7M ago27:10

27:10

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Michigan House Republicans have unveiled and passed a budget for K-12 schools. In this episode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss what's inside the proposal and the next steps. Then, former Lieutenant Governor of Michigan and President and CEO of the Small Business Asso…

1
Duggan endorsement shakes up Michigan governor's race; Sen. Camilleri advocates for K-12 budget 28:54

7M ago28:54

28:54

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan received a major endorsement that may set him a part from his other gubernatorial candidates. As part of the weekly series MichMash, WDET's Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss how this move influences the rest of the race. Then, Michigan Sen. and Chair of the Senate K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee,…

1
Michigan legislature's budget debates surfaces at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference 21:55

7M ago21:55

21:55

The annual Mackinac Policy Conference has wrapped up for 2025. In this episode of MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sits down with Gongwer reporter Elena Durnbaugh to discuss what was accomplished at this year's conference, and whether the Michigan legislature will make their July 1 deadline for budget negotiations. Then, the two disc…

1
House Dem leader on tension in Michigan Legislature; AG says SOS Benson violated campaign finance laws 28:00

8M ago28:00

28:00

This week on MichMash, Democratic House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) joins the show to talk about ongoing tensions between parties within the Michigan Legislature. Before that, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss news this week that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson violated campaign finance laws when announc…

1
State lawmakers seek to stop cell phone use in school; former AG Mike Cox talks gubernatorial run + more 24:43

8M ago24:43

24:43

This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss bills introduced both in the Michigan House and Senate aimed at curbing distractions in the classroom by limiting cell phone use in class. Also, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox stops by to talk about his motivation behind running for governor.…

1
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow on why she's running for US Senate; potential remote work changes 34:29

8M ago34:29

34:29

In this epsiode of MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow sit down with State Senator Mallory McMorrow to discuss why she’s running for Michigan’s open US Senate seat. Plus, people have grown accustomed to remote work since the pandemic, but is it here to stay? We discuss how remote work has affected s…

1
Sen. Aric Nesbitt on why he's running for governor; Trump marks his 100th day in Michigan 45:00

8M ago45:00

45:00

President Donald Trump marked his 100th day in office on Tuesday by visiting the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, where he announced a new fighter jet mission at the airbase. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow spoke about the base's history and significance to the re…

1
More candidates eye Michigan US Senate Race, health advocates push bill to prevent youth tobacco usage 28:30

9M ago28:30

28:30

The US Senate race is expanding with new candidates announcing recently as well as some potential candidates testing out the waters. As part of the weekly series MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow discuss the current state of the race and who is most likely to come occupy the seat. Then we have Dr. Brittany Tayler of…

1
How can you recycle better? 32:01

9M ago32:01

32:01

As Earth Day approaches, we ask the question: do we recycle correctly? As part of the weekly series MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with Conan Smith from the Michigan Environmental Council. They discuss how we could recycle better.

1
John James joins gubernatorial race; Trump tariffs' effect on Michigan and more 33:29

9M ago33:29

33:29

Michigan U.S. Rep. John James is the latest major candidate to enter the state's gubernatorial race. As a part of the weekly series, MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben discuss the Republican candidate's chance of becoming the next governor of Michigan. They also discuss the bombshell news involving Gov. Gretchen Whitme…

1
State Sen. Mallory McMorrow enters the Michigan Senate race 36:14

9M ago36:14

36:14

State Sen. Mallory McMorrow has become the first major candidate to announce a run for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan being vacated by Sen. Gary Peters. This week on MichMash, Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben sit down with Politico's Deputy Editor, Zack Stanton, to discuss McMorrow's chances of winning the race.…

1
Brinks discusses current legislature, open Senate seat, road funding + more 20:50

10M ago20:50

20:50

It's been more than 100 days since Michigan's 35th district has had representation. When will there be a special election to fill the seat? This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasben sit down with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. She discusses the significance of that seat, the current status of the state legislature, …

1
Genesee Co. Sheriff Chris Swanson on his gubernatorial run, vision for Democratic Party 27:02

10M ago27:02

27:02

This week on MichMash, gubernatorial candidate and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson sits down with Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben to share why he’s running for governor and what he believes the Democratic Party needs moving forward. Plus, Zach and Alethia analyze the recent collaboration — and conflicts — between M…

1
CEO of Michigan Health and Hospital Association says protecting Medicaid protects Michigan 28:30

10M ago28:30

28:30

Medicaid funding has been in the headlines as the Trump administration said they are willing to cut "waste, fraud and abuse" from the program. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow talk with Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters. Peters shares how important Medicaid is for Michigan. Also…

1
Benson on voter citizenship proposal: 'We already do evaluate citizenship' 22:49

10M ago22:49

22:49

A voter citizenship proposal that aims to have voters show proof of citizenship in Michigan was presented at a committee hearing in the state House this week. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the partisan divide this proposal has caused. Plus, Michigan Secretary of State and 2026 gubernatoria…

1
Governor Whitmer's penultimate State of the State, calls for bipartisanship and road proposals 25:31

10M ago25:31

25:31

Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her second-to-last State of the State address and she urged Michiganders toward unity and togetherness. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the major elements of her speech and what stood out the most. And later, we have Denise Donohue from the County Road Ass…

1
Whitmer signs minimum wage bill, House Oversight Committee outlines policy plans 23:35

11M ago23:35

23:35

After some compromise, the Michigan Legislature passes a revised version of the minimum wage/sick leave laws late Thursday. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss what this means moving forward. Plus, Kasben spoke with Michigan House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay Township) abou…

1
Programming Note for February 21st 2025 1:40

11M ago1:40

1:40

Today's episode of MichMash will be delayed until 4:00pm on February 21st to give you the most up-to-date reporting on what's going on at the state capitol in regards to the minimum wage bill. Tuen in this afternoon to check out the brand new MichMash for the week.