Open Mike Podcast

70 - 60 Days In Star Tells All On Life as an Undercover Inmate, Exposes Corruption in Prison System

What type of person would willingly allow themselves to be incarcerated for 60 days? As a former Corrections Officer and Military Intelligence Officer, Mark Din is no stranger to high-stakes situations. However, nothing could have prepared him for life on the inside when he agreed to be locked up for A&E’s hit reality TV series, 60 Days In. This week’s episode of Open Mike explores the gritty realities of the American prison system as seen through the eyes of an inside operative whose expe...

69 - Former Wolf of Wall Street Millionaire On Losing His Fortune, Freedom and What He’s Doing Now

Stacks of money. Excess of drugs. Sex with models. These are tropes found in most Martin Scorsese films. They were also staples of Richard Bronson’s actual life. Today, he is CEO of 70 Million Jobs, which does the honorable work of helping people with criminal records find employment.  But, in the 1980s, he was leading a lavish, hedonistic lifestyle as partner of Stratton Oakmont, the former brokerage house The Wolf of Wall Street was based on. In this salacious, ultimately moving episode ...

68 - This Team of Experts Can Be the Difference Between Freedom and Life Behind Bars for the Accused

In a nation where up to 10% of incarcerated people may be wrongfully convicted, how do you determine who’s innocent and who’s guilty? Dr. Burton Bentley is an emergency medicine physician who helmed a company called Elite Medical Experts. Its mission is to provide expert medical opinions in complex litigation in the hopes of avoiding such miscarriages of justice. This fascinating installment of Open Mike examines the nuanced, sometimes convoluted systems that necessitate third-party interv...

67 - Award Winning Reporter Shares Story of America’s Biggest Drug Bust That All Started in Detroit

Jake Halpern is a prolific journalist, storyteller, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Ned Timmons is a former FBI agent who spearheaded investigations in the 1980s that led to the indictments of the world’s most dangerous drug smugglers. Together, they’ve collaborated on Deep Cover, a podcast detailing one of Ned’s undercover missions that unwittingly led to the U.S.’s invasion of Panama. In this compelling episode of Open Mike, Jake and Ned discuss the creative journey they underwent dur...

66 - Michigan QB Devin Gardner Talks Football and the Amazing Life Lessons it Has Taught Him

Devin Gardner was the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan from 2012 to 2014. He has since played for both the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers before leaving the NFL. He now works as a commentator for Fox Sports and runs the Young Go-Getters which works to develop aspiring quarterbacks with a dream to go far. In this episode of the Open Mike Podcast, Devin goes through the highlights of his football career and explains the choices he made along the way. They dis...

65 - Candidate for State Rep Shares Allegations of Theft and Fraud at the Ballot Box

Brenda Hill is a candidate who ran to represent Michigan’s District 10 in the State House. She was on track to win until there was a sudden and suspicious surge in votes for her competitor, Mary Cavanagh. Brenda and her friend, City Charter Commissioner Nicole Small, suspect fraud. In this episode of the Open Mike podcast, Brenda and Nicole explain what they believe really happened in this crazy election. They dive into Mary Cavangh’s background and how someone who didn’t campaign could wi...

64 - Can this Detroit Dad Reduce Crime by Convincing Men to Start Helping Raise Their Children?

Michael Phillips Jr. and Romell Holmes run the Fathers First Movement in Detroit. Their organization works to encourage men to be active participants in their children’s lives. A relatively new group, Fathers First has made great strides very quickly in the Detroit community. In this uplifting episode, Michael and Romell talk about the need they saw in their community and how they are working to fulfill it. Mike and his guests share advice from their own experiences as fathers. The Fathers...

63 - Detroit Crime Reporter Exposes Justice System for Imprisoning Innocent People

George Hunter is a seasoned journalist at the Detroit News who has been covering crime stories for over 20 years. A Detroit Native, he is the author of many true crime novels as well as host of the popular podcast Sins of Detroit, a show that looks at wrongful convictions that started with investigations by the Detroit Police Department. In this episode of the Open Mike Podcast, George discusses what he believes to be the worst wrongful conviction case he’s ever covered- that of Davontae S...

62 - Fighting for Justice and Reform on the Front Lines in the Battle Against Wrongful Convictions

Chantá Parker is the Managing Director of the Wayne County Neighborhood Defense Service (NDS). The NDS was hired this past fall to provide better legal defense for citizens who can’t afford a private lawyer. They have an excellent track record in Harlem and are working to help bring justice to Detroit. In episode 62 of the Open Mike Podcast, Chantá explains the origns of the NDS and how they were chosen to help Detroit. Mike asks her about what changes they’ve seen already and what they ar...

61 - Want Real Auto Insurance Reform? Candidate for State Rep Gives a Crash Course in What’s Needed

60 - Is the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission doing enough to protect the innocent?

John Shea is the commissioner of the An Arbor branch of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and an expert on public defense. He has been in private practice since 1988 and specialized in criminal defense. John is an advocate for better indigent defense statewide as well as an excellent lawyer. In this episode, Mike dives further into his discussion about the criminal justice system by learning about the progress being made in Michigan. John explains the origins of the MIDC, the need f...

59 - A White Couple Pulls a Gun on a Black Family at Local Chipotle- Both Lawyers Make Their Case!

Chris Quinn and Terry Johnson represent the Hill and Wuestenberg families who are on opposing sides of a prominent felonious assault case. Jillian and Eric Wuestenberg, are a white couple who allegedly pulled guns on the Hills, a black family, in the parking lot of a Chipotle. A video of the incident, filmed by one of the Hill daughters, went viral soon after. On this episode of Open Mike, Chris and Terry tell Mike their respective sides of the story. Chris claims this incident is proof of...

58 - National Group Aims to Stop Incarceration and Combat Economic Disparities in the Bail System

Megan Diebboll and Asia Johnson are Bail Disruptors who work with The Bail Project in Detroit. They interview candidates and provide up to $5,000 in bail to those who cannot afford it. Megan and Asia are working to end the bail system, which they believe is ineffective and discriminatory against poor Americans. In this episode of Open Mike, Megan and Asia explain the purpose of the Bail Project and how they got involved. They address the claims that bail guarantees court attendance and spe...

57- Right to Fair Trial? National Expert Exposes Serious Concerns in Courts All Across America

David Carroll is a nationally recognized expert in court system reform and the delivery of good counsel services. He works with the Sixth Amendment Center to ensure that people accused of crimes have access to adequate legal representation. In this episode of Open Mike, David tells Mike about the Michigan Justice system’s recent improvements after a report that his organization made on the state. They also discuss the inherent problem of bail and how court-appointed lawyers are too overwor...

56 - Candidate for Oakland County Prosecutor on Criminal Justice Reform, Wrongful Convictions & More

Karen McDonald is a new candidate running for Oakland Country Prosecutor in 2020 against the 12-year incumbent prosecutor, Jessica Cooper. She has experience working in the prosecutor’s office and as a judge in Oakland County Circuit Court. Karen is dedicated to reforming our criminal justice system and keeping Oakland County safe. On this episode of Open Mike, Karen explains how her stances on important issues differ from her opponents’. She answers questions about wrongful convictions, u...

55 - Michigan’s New No-Fault Auto Insurance Law - What Driver's Should Know

Lawyer Marc Mendelson has worked at the Mike Morse Law Firm for 17 years. In this episode, Marc joins Mike to explain Michigan’s new No-Fault law that goes into effect in July 2020. They go over who the new law really benefits and why consumers are unlikely to receive the savings they were promised. Marc also points out that Motorcyclists will now be forced to play a game of chance with their benefits. Having seen how quickly medical bills can burn through insurance money, Mike passionately ...

54 - Law Professor Reveals the Problems with Our Justice System and Why Wrongful Convictions Happen

University of Michigan Law Professor Eve Primus is the founder and director of the school’s MDefenders- a group which educates aspiring public defenders. She is a highly acclaimed lawyer whose work has been cited by the US Supreme Court. Having worked with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender and written about structural reform in the criminal justice system, Professor Primus is an expert on the systemic problems that have led to so many wrongful convictions. In this episode of the O...

53 - Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality’s Plan to Fix Unjust System

Director of the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality, Chris White, recently joined Mike and Kevin to discuss the recent protests around the country. Chris has been an activist for 36 years with several Detroit organizations. He also teaches classes on political science and business. Chris’ organization has recently been involved with advising Detroit protestors on their demands and conduct. Mike and Kevin ask Chris about the killing of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and what flaws in the...

52 - Chris Hansen Returns with Updates on Onision, Dahvie Vanity, and What’s Next

Emmy award winning television journalist Chris Hansen has returned for his second appearance on Open Mike. Raised in Southeast Michigan, Chris is well known for his segment on Dateline NBC: To Catch a Predator. He has been continuing to give a voice to victims through his YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/chrishansen In this episode, Chris updates Mike on the allegations regarding Youtuber Onision, and he brings to light the horrific claims made against Dahvie Vanity, a hairstylist a...

51 - Hall of Fame TV Reporter Shares Horror Stories of Innocent People Wrongfully Incarcerated!

Bill Proctor is a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was a reporter with WXYZ news for 33 years and founded “Proving Innocence,” a project to help support people who have been wrongfully convicted after exoneration as well as investigative work. He now works directly with people who need help proving their innocence. Check out https://www.seekingjusticebp.com for more. Mike and Kevin talk to Bill to discuss his long career of helping those wronged by the ju...

50 - Juror Convicts Man of Rape Only to Find Out He Was Innocent, Victim & Juror Together on Open Mike

Ken Wyniemko is back for the first-ever part two episode on OpenMike. Ken served nine years in prison for a rape and burglary he didn’t commit. In this episode, Ken is joined by Jerry Innes who was a juror that voted to convict Ken in his original case. Jerry appeared in the Netflix special “The Innocence Files” and has become a friend of Ken’s despite being a reason Ken went to prison for nine years. This episode is full of unbelievable coincidence and forgiveness. Mike and Kevin ask ques...

49 - Pistons Bad Boy Rick Mahorn On Basketball History And Unrest In America

“The baddest of the bad boys,” Rick Mahorn needs no introduction in the Detroit community. He was instrumental in the 1989 Detroit Pistons National Championship. Since his retirement from basketball, he has become a figure in the Detroit community and has stuck around to raise his children in a city that has become his home. Kevin and Mike talk to Rick on this episode about his basketball career, the national championship, and discuss the state of the NBA today. Rick also shares his though...

48 - Detroit Chief Of Police James Craig On The Detroit Protests

In another timely episode of OpenMike, Detroit Chief of Police James Craig joins Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz to talk about the current Detroit protests. They discuss curfews, the state of violence throughout the protests in Detroit, and the murder of George Floyd. Chief Craig talks about his early days on the police force and feeling unwelcome as a black man and the inspiration from his father to change the institution from within. He was one of the first police chiefs across the country to c...

47 - Police Use Teargas, Rubber Bullets, Handcuffs On Reporters Covering George Floyd Protests

In a special live episode, Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz talk to two Detroit reporters who are in the middle of the Detroit anti-racism protests, BridgeDetroit Senior Reporter, Louis Aguilar and Detroit News Reporter, Christine MacDonald. MacDonald was detained on May 31st briefly due to filming an arrest. She highlights how reporters can be targeted by cops because the cops believe they are reporting negatively about them. They talk about their experience in the crowds and their opinions on ci...

46 - Michigan State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo on the Kwame Kilpatrick Prison Release Controversy

Sherry Gay-Dagnogo is a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 8th District since 2015. She was a former Detroit Public School science teacher and has served as the Urban Education Advisory Reform chair for the House. She is a mother to her son and is known for being outspoken and honest. Sherry joins OpenMike again for an honest discussion on Kwame Kilpatrick. She addresses the recent rumors regarding Kwame’s release and gives insider details on the s...

45 - An Innocent Man in Prison for 9 Years & the Prosecutor Who Put Him Away!

Ken Wyniemko served nine years in prison for a rape he did not commit. A former bowling manager and General Motors employee, Ken believes he was targeted by Clinton Township police. Ken has since been exonerated for this crime and the real rapist has confessed after Ken’s own legislation reform caught him. Ken now works with the Innocence Project to help other innocent men and women get out of prison. Carl Marlinga is a Macomb County judge and was the Prosecutor at the time of Ken’s sentenci...

44 - Mike Morse Law Firm Returned $2M PPP Money - Experts Weigh In!

In this episode, Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz sit down with Crain’s Detroit Reporter Chad Livengood and Detroit businessman Dennis Archer Jr. to talk about Mike’s recent announcement to return the $2 million his firm received through the Payroll Protection Program. Mike answers questions about why he applied for the loan and what business looks like two months into the pandemic. Dennis shares his thoughts on the PPP loan program, Mike’s decision to give it back, how relationships with your b...

43 - Attorney Gives Inside Scoop on University of Michigan Sexual Abuse Case Involving Athletes

Mike Cox is a former prosecutor and served as Michigan’s 52nd Attorney General. He obtained both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Michigan after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He currently runs a private practice firm which takes clients with a wide variety of case types. In this episode, Mike Morse and Kevin Dietz sit down with Mike Cox to learn more about his career and talk about his current work. Mike Cox represents over fifty “John Doe” sexual abuse claims ag...

42 - America’s Top Motivational Speaker Helps You Survive COVID-19 Isolation

Josh Linkner is a renowned speaker, entrepreneur, jazz guitarist, and “Creative Troublemaker.” He is the founder of 5 tech companies which have combined sold for $200 million dollars and has helped launch and grow 100 start-ups. A New York Times Best-Selling author and recipient of a US Presidential Champion of Change award presented by Barak Obama; Josh is more than just an average businessman. He is currently working as the Founder and Partner of Detroit Venture Partners and as Chairman an...

41 - Editor’s Inspiring Account of Frontline COVID-19 Heroes & Signs of Dept Cuts as Crisis Continues

Joel Kurth is a veteran journalist who worked at the Detroit News for over 17 years and has spent the past three years as managing editor at Bridge Magazine, a publication focused on Michigan’s diverse people, politics and economy. Joel recently joined Mike and Kevin Dietz on Open Mike to discuss Governor Whitmer's response to Coronavirus, how the pandemic has impacted the newspaper industry, and why he believes racial disparities played a role in the state being hit so hard. He also share...

40 - COVID-19 Forcing Funeral Homes to Take Drastic Actions as Stunned Families Grieve in Isolation

As COVID-19 claims the lives of many of the elderly in Michigan and around the world, funeral homes are being forced to put new rules in place to appropriately respond to the crisis. Paddy Lynch, third generation owner and operator of Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, recently joined Mike and Kevin Dietz on Open Mike to give an exclusive look into what funeral homes and the families of the recently deceased are experiencing as they carry out funeral services and mourn their loved ones with r...

39 - Former NFL Star Survives COVID-19 & Meets Trump / Whitmer

Today we were joined by Mark Campbell a former tight end for the University of Michigan. After playing ten years in the NFL, Mark went into healthcare and is now CEO of Medkinect, a medical testing and supplies company. Mike and Kevin discuss Marks very recent trip to the White House, his battle against COVID-19, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer's strategy in locking down parts of the economy. https://www.instagram.com/the.one.mark.campbell/

38 - Quarantine Crime Update with Police Chief Robert Shelide

Shelby Township Chief of Police and former President of the Southeast Michigan Association of Chiefs Robert Shelide gives Mike and Kevin Dietz an update on how COVID-19 is impacting crime in his precinct, how his staff is responding to non compliance with the Stay-At-Home order, and he shares his own personal run-in with a burglar at his home.

37 - Coronavirus Updates with Detroit Police Chief James Craig

Mike and Kevin Dietz were recently joined by Detroit Chief of Police James Craig to get updates on his recent COVID-19 diagnosis as well as what the Detroit Police Department is doing to protect their officers and the Detroit community. Chief Craig shares what the DPD did early on to make sure there was no disruption in service, particularly with their communication center that handles emergency calls. He also talks about Detroit’s crime rate since the Stay-at-Home order was put in place, an...

36 - COVID-19's Impact on the City of Detroit with Dennis Archer Jr.

Dennis Archer Jr. wears many hats - he’s the CEO of Ignition Media Group, a leading integrated marketing agency; founding partner of Archer Corporate Services (ACS); and majority owner of Central Kitchen + Bar, a thriving new restaurant in downtown Detroit. Archer is also involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations serving as the former Chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors among other roles. Dennis recently sat down with Mike and Kevin to give his take on the...

35 - Kid Jay, Detroit's Positive Rapper

Jason O'Banner, better known by his artist name Kid Jay, is an up-and-coming rapper from Ypsilanti, Michigan who's trying to inject more positivity into the hip-hop space. Kid Jay recently sat down with Mike to discuss the beginnings of his rap career, and how he started recording songs after kids would gather around him in high school and ask him to freestyle for them. He talks about why he doesn't swear in his music, how he aims to set a positive example for younger musicians, and he even ...

34 - Love Island's Elizabeth Weber & Alexandra Stewart Tell Unheard Secrets and Give Couples Updates

Get ready for an exclusive inside look at CBS's Love Island! Elizabeth Weber is a small town Michigan native who was recently crowned the winner of Love Island USA Season 1. She and Season 1 runner-up Alexandra Stewart recently sat down with Mike and Kevin Dietz to go behind the scenes of Love Island and tell us what most people don't know about the show. While most people see Love Island as light-hearted and comedic, Elizabeth and Alexandra explain how most contestants come on to find real ...

33 - Coronavirus Update with Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper recently sat down with Mike and Kevin Dietz to share how the Oakland County Prosecutor's office is responding to the Coronavirus panic. Jessica also addresses many of the current myths surrounding the Coronavirus and the legal system such as prisoners being released and a potential "shutdown" of the corrections system altogether. She also discusses the many online Coronavisus scams that are currently circulating and how to avoid them!

32 - Wrongfully Convicted Man Opens Up About Exoneration After 15 Years Behind Bars

In 2003, Aaron Salter was convicted of murdering a 26-year-old man he had never met and was sentenced to life without parole. After fighting to prove his innocence for 15 years, Salter was exonerated in 2018 when the Wayne County Conviction Unit re-investigated the case and found Salter had been mistakenly identified by a witness. Today, Salter is an activist on a mission to free others who have been wrongly convicted. He recently sat down with Mike and Kevin to tell his unbelievable story...

31 - The Financial Impact of COVID-19 with Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner

Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Mike to give updates on the financial effects of COVID-19, the support that’s being given to people and businesses facing financial difficulty, and how you can best be prepared. In short - don't panic!

30 - Manuel Noriega's Billion-Dollar Detroit Drug Operation, with Former FBI Agent Ned Timmons

Ned Timmons is a former FBI agent who specialized in drug crimes, having led investigations in the 1980s that resulted in the indictment of over 300 drug smugglers. While working undercover in the Cayman Islands, Timmons was part of the investigation that discovered hundreds of millions of dollars worth of marijuana and cocaine being smuggled into the US, and that led to the indictment of Manuel Noriega and the US invasion of Panama. In his conversation with Mike and Kevin, Ned breaks down...

29 - Dean Glazer on MMA, Boxing, and Going for the Pros

Dean Glazer is an up-and-coming MMA fighter and boxer who began his athletic journey as a top high school wrestler, and is now training to be a professional fighter. In this episode of Open Mike, Dean breaks down why he became interested in martial arts, his training, how he prepares for fights, and his plans to make it to the pros.

28 - Expert Heart Health Tips and Coronavirus Updates with Dr. Joel Kahn

Dr. Joel Kahn is a world-renowned cardiologist based out of Detroit who is known for his holistic approach to heart health, and who's been featured on The Doctors, Dr. Oz, The Joe Rogan Experience, and other programs. Dr. Kahn recently sat down with Mike and Kevin Dietz for his second round of #OpenMike, this time discussing how to have the healthiest heart possible, updates on the coronavirus, and how to best prevent yourself from getting it. Plus, Kevin finally got his first CAT scan!

27 - State Rep Sherry Gay-Dagnogo on Her Efforts to Have Kwame's Sentence Commuted, Running for Mayor and More!

State Rep Sherry Gay-Dagnogo recently made national headlines when she hand-delivered a letter to President Trump asking for former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's release from prison, a letter that was signed by elected officials and community figures from across Michigan. In her conversation with Mike, Sherry talks about her effort to have Kwame's sentence commuted, the reason she wants to be Mayor of Detroit, Michigan's recent No-Fault law changes, and the controversy around her home b...

26 - Michigan's Marijuana Laws Explained with Michael Komorn

Michael Komorn is a veteran criminal defense and cannabis law attorney and podcaster who's been on the forefront of the marijuana legalization effort in the United States for years, representing cannabis patients, caregivers, physicians and business owners both in and out of the courtroom. He's supported many landmark pieces of cannabis legislation in Michigan including the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA), the Michigan Marijuana Facilities Act (MMFLA), and the Adult Recreational Use Ac...

25 – Detroit News Personality Charlie Langton

Charlie Langton is a lawyer and one of Detroit’s favorite media personalities, appearing on FOX 2 WJBK and WWJ Newsradio 950. In this episode of Open Mike, Charlie shares why he got into the media biz after a 20-year career as a practicing lawyer, how Kwame Kilpatrick played a role in this career transition, and his take on Kwame’s sentence and the likelihood of him getting pardoned. Charlie also remembers back to when he first met Mike and the impact that had on him as well as law firms a...

24 - Stanley Cup Champion Darren McCarty

Darren McCarty is a four-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Detroit Red Wings. During his time in the NHL, McCarty became known for his now legendary hockey fights, earning the unofficial title of “Enforcer”. In his conversation with Mike, Darren discusses his legendary fight with Claude Lemieux, what it was like winning four Stanley Cups, his battle with addiction, and how cannabis has helped turn his life around.

23 - Packzi Day Vodka with Detroit City Distillery Founder Michael Forsyth

Michael Forsyth is the founder of Detroit City Distillery, a local brewery and spirits manufacturer in Detroit's famed Eastern Market. Michael and his childhood friends created the distillery out of their desire to enjoy local, small-batch spirits, resulting in this incredibly unique distillery in the heart of Detroit. In this episode, Michael shares the story of how they came up with the idea for Packzi vodka, gives Mike and Kevin a crash course on bourbon, and he even breaks out a bottle...

22 - Decades of Detroit Controversy Explored with Sharon McPhail

Sharon McPhail served as a member of the Detroit City Council from from 2002-2006, serving as chief council for the city of Detroit. She has also served as President of the National Bar Association as well as Vice President of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP. She recently sat down with Mike to explore the many controversies that took place in Detroit during her time on City Council, and to give insight into the investigation, arrest, and conviction of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

21 - Steve Dolunt on Investigating Kwame Kilpatrick

Steve Dolunt is a former Assistant Chief in the Detroit Police Department who served in the department for years before being transferred to Internal Affairs. Once he began working in this department, he was one of the first members of the Detroit Police Department to view the memos related to Kwame Kilpatrick's illegal activities. In this episode of Open Mike, Steve discusses his investigation into the now infamous former Mayor of Detroit, and gives insight into the investigation he hasn'...