Shows
Symplicity ConversationsEmpowering Women & Impacting Community: Symplicity ConversationsDive into an inspiring conversation with former Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Monica Steimle-App, Senior VP at Rockford Construction.In this episode of Symplicity Conversations, host Catherine Ripley explores the dynamic journeys of these remarkable woman leaders as they discuss the power of community-centered leadership, the importance of meaningful connections, and the impact of women supporting women in business. Discover actionable insights on navigating career transitions, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the art of fostering diverse perspectives. Join us for a thoughtful dialogue on how leadership, legacy, and community intersect to drive s...
2025-06-2450 min
Tribal Economic DevelopmentEstablishing Synergy with Local Government Featuring Rosalynn BlissFormer Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss (2016-2024) joins Tribal Economic Development to discuss how local municipalities and Tribal governments can partner to reach their economic development goals. Topics include the benefits of strategic planning, the criticality of community engagement, and the need to generate sustainable opportunities.Waséyabek is a 100% Tribally-owned holding company that manages the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s non-gaming economic development activities. Follow us on:Our Website: https://waseyabek.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waseyabekFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Was...
2025-04-3034 min
Michigan State News and Info TrackerMichigan's 2024: Sports Triumphs, Economic Promise, and Transformative Changes Reshape the Great Lakes StateMichigan experienced a year of significant developments across various sectors in 2024. The state made headlines with major sports victories, including the Michigan Wolverines winning the college football national championship and the Detroit Lions ending a decades-long drought by winning a playoff game[1].In government and politics, the Michigan Legislature concluded its work for the year with a marathon 30-hour session, passing bills to enhance retirement benefits for corrections officers and addressing staffing shortages in state prisons[2]. Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss stepped down after nine years in office, marking a significant change in local government leadership[2]....
2024-12-3102 minMichigan State News and Info TrackerMichigan Legislature Stalls, Economy Shows Promise as 2024 Draws to a CloseMichigan is wrapping up 2024 with significant developments across various sectors. In politics, the Michigan Legislature has been active, with the Senate approving several bills, including those enhancing retirement benefits for corrections officers to address staffing shortages in state prisons[1]. Meanwhile, the House session ended abruptly due to a lack of quorum, resulting in over 250 bills dying, including proposals on government transparency, gun reforms, and polluter pay[5].Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is stepping down after two terms and nine years in office, marking a significant change in local government[1]. The race for the next leader of the Michigan...
2024-12-2901 minMichigan State News and Info TrackerMichigan Poised for Economic Rebound and Political Transformation in 2024-2026Michigan has seen significant developments across various sectors in recent months. The state's political landscape underwent a notable shift as Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives, ending the Democratic trifecta in Lansing[1]. This change is expected to impact Governor Gretchen Whitmer's ability to advance her agenda in her final two years in office. Despite this, Whitmer expressed her willingness to collaborate with the incoming majority on shared goals such as infrastructure and economic development.On the economic front, University of Michigan economists predict that the state's economy will strengthen in 2025 and 2026, following a slowdown in 2024. The...
2024-12-2802 minMichigan State News and Info TrackerMichigan Lawmakers Wrap Up Year with Significant Legislative Shifts and Economic OutlookMichigan has seen a flurry of legislative activity as the year comes to a close. The Michigan House abruptly adjourned for the year, ending Democratic control of the lower chamber and killing over 250 bills, including proposals for government transparency, gun reforms, and polluter pay[1]. Meanwhile, the Senate continued working late into the night, passing bills such as those enhancing retirement benefits for corrections officers and sending birth control access bills to the governor[2].In local government, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss will step down on December 31 after two terms and nine years in office, marking a significant change...
2024-12-2602 min
Attention to Intention12 Life-Changing Lessons: Top Nuggets from our most Downloaded Episodes of the Year✨ 12 Life-Changing Lessons ✨ Top nuggets from our most downloaded episodes—listen now!---------------------Referenced Episodes:Breaking Free from Perfectionism with Megan Bruneau (Ep. 176)Accessing Your Subconscious with Hypnotherapy with Deanna Smith (Ep. 141) 4 Ways to Ignite Curiosity as a Superpower (Ep. 152)Microtools to Redirect Your Attention to What Energizes You (Ep. 152) Vulnerability & Awareness with Dr. Liz Sweiger (Ep. 139)Being Bold with Leigh Burgess (Ep. 147) Bringing Forward Your Voice with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss (Ep 149)3 Simple Ways to Hear Yourself (Ep 144)Being a Mother in Leadership with Andrea Wilcutt (Ep. 145)Lessons From My Mom (Ep 143) How to Show Up for You...
2024-12-2436 minAttention to IntentionBringing Forward Your Own Voice with Mayor Rosalynn BlissWhen you're intentional on the rooms you stand in & who you stand beside, welcome to a whole new world.When I heard Mayor Rosalynn Bliss speak at one of my favorite hypewomen conferences (Michigan's Women In Hospitality Leadership), I thought to myself she has to get a seat at this table This gift of a woman & true badass, became the first female mayor in Michigan's second largest city, Grand Rapids in 2016. Her father was a brickmason & her mother worked at a local grocery store & how she got the idea to run foe office wa...
2024-04-2349 min
WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)WYCEs Community Connection (05-21-2023) An update on the City of Grand RapidsWe spoke with Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss about city funding, affordable housing funding, public safety, Homelessness, Mental health co- response in policing.
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She was re-elected for a second term in November 2019. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years.
As Mayor, she is committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, working to create a cleaner, healthier and safer community and has a commitment to addressing disparities in our community to make sure that Gra...
2023-10-2515 min
An Honorable ProfessionMayor Rosalynn Bliss on How to Build Equitable CommunitiesIn this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty talks with Rosalynn Bliss, the first female Mayor of Grand Rapids, MI. They discuss her journey from social work to elected office, as well as the challenges she has faced in addressing racial equity, affordable housing, and the city's economy. In addition, Bliss also details her vision for how a mayor can create positive change through accountability, restorative justice, and community empowerment, recognizing the humanity in everyone and meeting constituents where they are. Tune in to also receive a special invitation from the Mayor to experience Grand Rapids' live music scene and...
2023-04-2032 min
SouthpawsSouthpaws 5-20-22Darren and Jack discuss these topics:Several states had primary elections on May 17. We covered some of the results.The Pennsylvania Republican Senate primary between Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund manager David McCormick is too close to call, while progressive John Fetterman won the Democratic Senate primary.Pennsylvania Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano will, by his own admission, end abortion and control elections if he's elected.Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) lost his primary race against a McDonald's franchisee.In Idaho, Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin (R) lost her bid...
2022-05-2058 min
Everyday HumanityLove and Humanity for Our CommunityThis week, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss joins Beth and Dennis to discuss her heart for serving others and how her background in social work and advocacy for affordable housing led to a relationship with Mel Trotter Ministries. Mayor Bliss talks about her deep love for our community and her commitment to wanting our city to be a safe place for everyone to feel loved, have a sense of belonging and access to needed resources.
"Everyday Humanity" is a podcast of Mel Trotter Ministries.
meltrotter.org
Produced by Matthew Grzybowski and Courtney O'Malia
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Sen...
2022-05-0435 min
The Brickwall BreakdownGen Z, Culture, and Art with Mayor Rosalynn BlissTo kick off Season 2 we sit with Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss as she breaks down the negative impact that technology has had on our generation, the importance of play, the culture of status, and finally the culture of art in Grand Rapids. Hope you enjoy!
2022-01-2851 min
Absolute B.S. with Brad and SteveShe Got Style, She Got GraceAs Brad and I round out our third season and nearly 50 recorded stories, we wanted to close this season with our biggest one, yet. It’s a tale of drama…and politics, and what it’s like to make city-affecting decisions, when all you want to do is eat nachos. This time, we share the microphone with the effervescent Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. Join us as we keep things completely informal, showing you that government officials CAN be datable, under what circumstances a ride with O.J. Simpson is ok, and what the least exciting thing about leading a city...
2021-10-131h 05
The RapidianMayor Rosalynn Bliss w/ Friends of GR Parks & Stephanie Adams (City Connection August 2021)Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Stephanie Adams (Executive Director for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks) in conversation on this month's episode of City Connection. A production of GRTV, The Rapidian, & the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.
Topics discussed included: status of COVID-19 in the city, Bliss' thoughts on how to effectively encourage others to get vaccinated, Urban League's new involvement in helping with police/community safety, outdoor summer events, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, goals of accessible parks for all, park activation, expanding tree canopy to 40%, Green Team, Participatory Budgeting, & more.
https://www.friendsofgrparks.org/
h...
2021-08-0450 min
The RapidianGrand Rapids City Planning Department & Master Plan (City Connection)Kristin Turkelson from the City Planning Department joins Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss & host Linda Gellasch in the GRTV studio. Bliss and Turkelson will discuss the City of Grand Rapids master plan, which is to be updated over the next few years. City Connection for June 2021.
To learn more about the GR City Planning Department, visit:
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Planning
City Connection is a production of GRTV & The Rapidian; proud services of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. To learn more about citizen journalism, video/TV production, media literacy, & more you...
2021-06-0855 min
Talking Michigan TransportationSen. Gary Peters makes his case for the Biden infrastructure planThis week, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters joins the podcast to talk about his advocacy for President Biden’s comprehensive infrastructure proposal, The American Jobs Plan. Peters is traveling the state to advocate for the administration’s plan. He was in Grand Rapids Wednesday for conversations with a number of representatives involved in various components of infrastructure, including MDOT Director Paul Ajegba, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Anthony Tuttle of the West Michigan Cybersecurity Consortium, Erin Kuhn of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission and a member of the Michigan Infrastructure Council, and Laurel Joseph of the Grand Vall...
2021-06-0312 minTalking Michigan TransportationSen. Gary Peters makes his case for the Biden infrastructure planThis week, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters joins the podcast to talk about his advocacy for President Biden’s comprehensive infrastructure proposal, The American Jobs Plan. Peters is traveling the state to advocate for the administration’s plan. He was in Grand Rapids Wednesday for conversations with a number of representatives involved in various components of infrastructure, including MDOT Director Paul Ajegba, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Anthony Tuttle of the West Michigan Cybersecurity Consortium, Erin Kuhn of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission and a member of the Michigan Infrastructure Council, and Laurel Joseph of the Grand Vall...
2021-06-0312 minThe RapidianCity Connection May 2021: Jordoun Eatman (Lead Neighborhood Connector) & Mayor Rosalynn Bliss on Neighborhood SummitMayor Rosalynn Bliss is joined in the GRTV City Connection studio by Jordoun Eatman, Project Lead and Lead Neighborhood Connector of the GR Office of Equity & Engagement.
Recorded live Monday May 3rd, 2021. A production powered by the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, GRTV, & The Rapidian.
http://www.grcity.us/
http://www.therapidian.org/
http://www.grcmc.org/
http://www.grtv.org/
http://www.facebook.com/GRNeighborhoodSummit
2021-05-1052 minThe RapidianMayor Rosalynn Bliss & new The Rapid CEO: Deborah Prato (City Connection)Mayor Rosalynn Bliss is joined in the GRTV studio by new CEO for The Rapid, Deborah Prato! Get to know Deborah as she starts her journey with our regions transit authority! City Connection is hosted by Linda Gellasch.
Broadcasted live on Monday April 5th, 2021. Including a Q&A portion where you can connect by submitting your questions/comments for discussion! Email us at: cityconnection@grcmc.org
Learn more about The Rapid at: http://www.ridetherapid.org/
Learn more about what's happening in your city at: http://www.grcity.us/
This production is...
2021-04-0653 min
Fish With FriendsConnie Kellie Day - Connie And Fish Podcast (3-11-21)Today we had a very special guest on the show, the Mayor of Grand Rapids, Rosalynn Bliss. Steve was approached by a co-worker, Andy Rent, about having the Mayor on to declare March 11, 2021 Connie Kellie Day in honor and memory of our beloved Connie. Of course, he jumped at the chance and helped set up the Mayor calling in without Fish knowing. Mayor Bliss joined us to talk about Connie and to read the proclamation of the day. Also on the show, we got a crazy story from a listener about how she had a really awkward kiss moment with...
2021-03-111h 36Fish With FriendsConnie Kellie Day ProclamationGrand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss joined us Thursday morning to surprise Fish and make a very special proclamation.
A little backstory - our dear friend Andy Rent from 100.5 The River talked to his friend Mayor Bliss following Connie's death, and together they decided that they wanted to honor Connie by proclaiming Connie Kellie Day in Grand Rapids.
Steve was in on the surprise, but Fish had no clue what was going to happen.
2021-03-1107 min
The RapidianCity Connection - Mayor Rosalynn Bliss & David Green (GR Communications Director)Mayor Rosalynn Bliss talks with David Green, Grand Rapids' new Communications Director. City Connection is hosted by Linda Gellasch and powered by GRTV & The Rapidian; services of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. Topics discussed include: World of Winter outdoor festival, making GR a more active 4-season city, homeless outreach efforts & partnerships, affordable housing, David Green's background and his thoughts on modern day communications solutions, engaging with community conversation, GR comparisons to Austin, vaccines, City FInances, violence and public safety, jobs programs, and the upcoming State of the City address. Conversation recorded on February 1st, 2021.
http://www...
2021-02-0256 min
The RapidianCity Connection - 2020: A Look Back, And Ahead (w/ Mark Washington & Rosalynn Bliss)City Manager Mark Washington joins Mayor Rosalynn Bliss virtually in the GRTV studio to look back on the year of 2020, and ahead to 2021. Hosted by Linda Gellasch. A production of GRTV, The Rapidian, and the Community Media Center. Conversation recorded Monday December 7th, 2020.
http://www.therapidian.org/
http://www.grtv.org/
http://www.grcmc.org/
http://www.grcity.us/
City Connection is a monthly program where Mayor Bliss or a representative from the city will discuss current local affairs, efforts of City Hall & beyond, as well as respond to citizen questions. A producti...
2020-12-0855 minThe RapidianCity Connection w/ Rosalynn Bliss - Guest: Brandon Davis (OPA)Mayor Rosalynn Bliss returns to the GRTV studio for the August edition of City Connection. Special guest this month will be joining virtually, Brandon Davis (Office of Oversight and Public Accountability). Davis's new role with the OPA serves as a liaison between the community and City on issues related to public safety. Davis is charged with promoting trust, accountability and transparency in public safety. This August edition of City Connection is hosted by Linda Gellasch.
Office of Oversight and Public Accountability
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/opa
https://www.facebook.com/oversightGR/
Recorded live Au...
2020-08-0554 min
West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)Mayor Rosalynn Bliss on Police ReformMayor Bliss talks police reform with Phil Tower.
2020-07-1211 min
The 23 Percent: Women in Government023 Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor of Grand Rapids, MichiganRosalynn Bliss is the mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The first female mayor of Michigan’s second-largest city, Bliss was a social worker before taking the plunge into politics. On today’s episode, she talks about intertwined social work and politics are (“the overall duty is to serve,”) the importance of a meditation practice and revitalizing a historically a blue collar city.
2018-04-2415 min