LARA Living Room Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:20:48 -0400 https://laralivingroom.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 LARA Living Room yes dcbbc9b2-75a0-5b31-ae47-74e2b9af4307 LARA Communications episodic false Inside stories and real conversations from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. LARA Living Room explores how regulation works, why it matters, and the people making it happen.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) LARA Communications https://storage.buzzsprout.com/19tsgjek1xm4qgw250f49w2pr8dq?.jpg LARA Living Room https://laralivingroom.buzzsprout.com Anastasha Osborn Day in the Life: A Healthcare Surveyor Day in the Life: A Healthcare Surveyor Go behind the scenes with a LARA healthcare surveyor and discover how their work helps protect patients and ensure quality care across Michigan's healthcare facilities.

]]> Go behind the scenes with a LARA healthcare surveyor and discover how their work helps protect patients and ensure quality care across Michigan's healthcare facilities.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-19569552 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 1245 2 14 full false Yolanda Crosby, Healthcare Surveyor, Bureau of Survey & Certification (BSC) Anastasha Osborn Building a Stronger Public Defense Workforce Building a Stronger Public Defense Workforce Discover how the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is strengthening the public defense system by supporting attorneys, improving training, and building a stronger workforce to better serve Michigan residents.
https://michiganidc.gov/

]]> Discover how the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is strengthening the public defense system by supporting attorneys, improving training, and building a stronger workforce to better serve Michigan residents.
https://michiganidc.gov/

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-19504974 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 1516 2 13 full false Kristen Staley, Executive Director of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Anastasha Osborn Fireworks Safety: Celebrating Responsibly Fireworks Safety: Celebrating Responsibly As fireworks season approaches, learn how the Bureau of Fire Services works to regulate fireworks sales, educate the public, and promote safe celebrations across Michigan.

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/fireworks

]]> As fireworks season approaches, learn how the Bureau of Fire Services works to regulate fireworks sales, educate the public, and promote safe celebrations across Michigan.

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/fireworks

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-19425339 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 1333 2 12 full false Mick Dingman, Fireworks Enforcement Supervisor Anastasha Osborn Going Up: The Work Behind Elevator Safety Going Up: The Work Behind Elevator Safety From office buildings to hospitals, elevators are part of daily life. But what actually keeps them safe? This episode breaks down how inspections work, what experts look for, and why it all matters.

]]> From office buildings to hospitals, elevators are part of daily life. But what actually keeps them safe? This episode breaks down how inspections work, what experts look for, and why it all matters.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-19360920 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 967 2 11 full false Craig LaLonde, Chief Elevator Inspector Anastasha Osborn What It Takes to Make Amusement Parks Safe What It Takes to Make Amusement Parks Safe Ever wonder who makes sure amusement park rides are actually safe? We’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at how LARA inspects rides across Michigan, from big parks to traveling carnivals.

]]> Ever wonder who makes sure amusement park rides are actually safe? We’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at how LARA inspects rides across Michigan, from big parks to traveling carnivals.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-19287507 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 1195 2 10 full false Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Adult Foster Care Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Adult Foster Care What does it take to ensure safe, supportive care for vulnerable populations? In this episode, we explore the role of Adult Foster Care and the systems in place to protect residents and uphold quality standards. Learn how LARA’s work helps create environments where individuals are supported, respected, and cared for.

]]> What does it take to ensure safe, supportive care for vulnerable populations? In this episode, we explore the role of Adult Foster Care and the systems in place to protect residents and uphold quality standards. Learn how LARA’s work helps create environments where individuals are supported, respected, and cared for.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-19208630 Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 998 2 9 full false Larry Horvath, Director BCHS Anastasha Osborn Why Public Service Matters at LARA Why Public Service Matters at LARA In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, we’re sitting down with COO Courtney Pendleton to talk about what public service really means, why it matters, and how LARA’s work impacts people across Michigan every day.

https://2026.ourpublicservice.org/public-service-recognition-week#downloads

]]> In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, we’re sitting down with COO Courtney Pendleton to talk about what public service really means, why it matters, and how LARA’s work impacts people across Michigan every day.

https://2026.ourpublicservice.org/public-service-recognition-week#downloads

]]> Buzzsprout-19134370 Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 975 2 8 full false Courtney Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer Anastasha Osborn Supporting Skilled Trades in Michigan Supporting Skilled Trades in Michigan Skilled trades keep Michigan running. Learn how LARA supports these careers through licensing, public safety, and the MI Trades Partnership, and why now is the time to join the trades.

]]> Skilled trades keep Michigan running. Learn how LARA supports these careers through licensing, public safety, and the MI Trades Partnership, and why now is the time to join the trades.

]]> Buzzsprout-18989992 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 917 2 7 full false Understanding the Michigan Tax Tribunal Understanding the Michigan Tax Tribunal Learn how the Michigan Tax Tribunal resolves tax disputes and what residents and businesses should know about the appeal process.

]]> Learn how the Michigan Tax Tribunal resolves tax disputes and what residents and businesses should know about the appeal process.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18982315 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 1092 2 6 full false Strengthening Service from the First Call Strengthening Service from the First Call In this episode, we explore the important role customer service teams play across LARA and how they help shape the public’s experience from the very first call. From answering questions to guiding callers through complex processes, these teams provide clear, professional, and empathetic support every day.

We also touch on efforts like the Phone Guidelines Workgroup, which are helping strengthen consistency, training, and resources for staff serving on the front lines.

]]> In this episode, we explore the important role customer service teams play across LARA and how they help shape the public’s experience from the very first call. From answering questions to guiding callers through complex processes, these teams provide clear, professional, and empathetic support every day.

We also touch on efforts like the Phone Guidelines Workgroup, which are helping strengthen consistency, training, and resources for staff serving on the front lines.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18901506 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 1090 2 5 full false Strengthening Team LARA Strengthening Team LARA What does recruitment and retention really look like at LARA? In this episode, we spotlight the Regulatory Effectiveness Office (REO) and the work happening behind the scenes to build, support, and retain a strong workforce. Hear how REO is making an impact across Team LARA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-ho-151ab4107/ 

]]> What does recruitment and retention really look like at LARA? In this episode, we spotlight the Regulatory Effectiveness Office (REO) and the work happening behind the scenes to build, support, and retain a strong workforce. Hear how REO is making an impact across Team LARA.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-ho-151ab4107/ 

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18746014 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 908 2 4 full false How Legal Expertise Supports Smart Regulation How Legal Expertise Supports Smart Regulation Legal doesn’t have to mean complicated. In this episode, Host Anastasha chats with Nick, Director of LARA’s Legal Affairs Office (LAO), about how legal expertise supports collaboration, good decision making, and smart regulation. 

]]> Legal doesn’t have to mean complicated. In this episode, Host Anastasha chats with Nick, Director of LARA’s Legal Affairs Office (LAO), about how legal expertise supports collaboration, good decision making, and smart regulation. 

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18662377 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 983 2 3 full false Nick Gobbo, Director, Legal Affairs Office Anastasha Osborn Stories that Define Impact Stories that Define Impact LARA’s impact is often felt in the moments people don’t think twice about. From inspections to licensing, this episode explores how behind-the-scenes work helps keep Michiganders safe and supported.

]]> LARA’s impact is often felt in the moments people don’t think twice about. From inspections to licensing, this episode explores how behind-the-scenes work helps keep Michiganders safe and supported.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18581802 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 493 2 2 full false Impact at LARA: Setting the Tone for 2026 Impact at LARA: Setting the Tone for 2026 Impact is more than a word at LARA. This episode sets the tone for Season Two, introducing LARA’s 2026 Word of the Year and sharing how storytelling will help highlight the real-life difference LARA’s work makes across Michigan.

]]> Impact is more than a word at LARA. This episode sets the tone for Season Two, introducing LARA’s 2026 Word of the Year and sharing how storytelling will help highlight the real-life difference LARA’s work makes across Michigan.

]]> Buzzsprout-18480645 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 524 2 1 full false The Future of the LARA Living Room The Future of the LARA Living Room Director Marlon Brown reflects on the future of LARA communications, the power of storytelling, “One LARA” culture, and the 2026 initiatives driving innovation and engagement.

]]> Director Marlon Brown reflects on the future of LARA communications, the power of storytelling, “One LARA” culture, and the 2026 initiatives driving innovation and engagement.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18365856 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1591 1 15 full false Director Marlon Brown Anastasha Osborn Regulatory Predictions for 2026 Regulatory Predictions for 2026 We’re joined by Director Marlon Brown to explore 2026 regulatory trends, leadership transitions, tech-driven improvements, and insights from the Cutting Red Tape report shaping LARA’s future.

]]> We’re joined by Director Marlon Brown to explore 2026 regulatory trends, leadership transitions, tech-driven improvements, and insights from the Cutting Red Tape report shaping LARA’s future.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18365836 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1687 1 14 full false Director Marlon Brown Anastasha Osborn From Seed to Safety: Michigan’s Cannabis Reference Laboratory From Seed to Safety: Michigan’s Cannabis Reference Laboratory In this episode, Director Claire Patterson shares how Michigan’s Cannabis Reference Laboratory strengthens cannabis testing, recalls, and consumer protection. Setting national standards for safe, trusted products.

]]> In this episode, Director Claire Patterson shares how Michigan’s Cannabis Reference Laboratory strengthens cannabis testing, recalls, and consumer protection. Setting national standards for safe, trusted products.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18213996 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1293 1 13 full false The Role of MOAHR in Michigan Government The Role of MOAHR in Michigan Government Executive Director Suzanne Sonneborn explains MOAHR’s mission as a Type 1 agency: fair hearings, effective rulemaking, and serving the people of Michigan.

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/moahr

]]> Executive Director Suzanne Sonneborn explains MOAHR’s mission as a Type 1 agency: fair hearings, effective rulemaking, and serving the people of Michigan.

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/moahr

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18096181 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1058 1 12 full false Suzanne Sonneborn, Executive Director, MOAHR Anastasha Osborn Understanding FOIA Requests at LARA Understanding FOIA Requests at LARA Learn how LARA processes FOIA requests, why public access to records matters, and how transparency supports trust in state government.

]]> Learn how LARA processes FOIA requests, why public access to records matters, and how transparency supports trust in state government.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-18004018 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 996 1 11 full false Andrea Moua, FOIA Manager Nick Gobbo, Director, Legal Affairs Office Anastasha Osborn Navigating Professional Licensing in Michigan Navigating Professional Licensing in Michigan Learn how professional licensing works in Michigan and why it matters. Deputy Director Bryan Modelski from the Bureau of Professional Licensing explains the process, common mistakes, recent changes, and where to find help.

BPL Bureau website - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl

Professional Licensing Resources - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/resources

BPL Contact - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/resources/contact-the-bureau-of-professional-licensing

]]> Learn how professional licensing works in Michigan and why it matters. Deputy Director Bryan Modelski from the Bureau of Professional Licensing explains the process, common mistakes, recent changes, and where to find help.

BPL Bureau website - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl

Professional Licensing Resources - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/resources

BPL Contact - https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/resources/contact-the-bureau-of-professional-licensing

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17933635 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 1228 1 10 full false Bryan Modelski, Deputy Director, BPL Anastasha Osborn Keeping Michigan Safe: Fire Safety Keeping Michigan Safe: Fire Safety Michigan State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes discusses fire safety, the role of BFS, and efforts to protect Michiganders every day. 

BFS Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs

MI Prevention Website:– https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/miprevention 

]]> Michigan State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes discusses fire safety, the role of BFS, and efforts to protect Michiganders every day. 

BFS Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs

MI Prevention Website:– https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/miprevention 

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17852862 Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 1594 1 9 full false Tom Hughes, Bureau of Fire Services, State Fire Marshal Anastasha Osborn Protecting Michigan’s Health through Licensing and Certifications Protecting Michigan’s Health through Licensing and Certifications Discover how the Bureau of Community and Health Systems and the Bureau of Survey and Certification protect Michigan’s health through licensing, certifications, and inspections.

]]> Discover how the Bureau of Community and Health Systems and the Bureau of Survey and Certification protect Michigan’s health through licensing, certifications, and inspections.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17795832 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1564 1 8 full false Jennie Belden, Director BSC Larry Horvath, Director BCHS Anastasha Osborn A Roadmap to Launching a Business in Michigan A Roadmap to Launching a Business in Michigan Navigate Michigan’s business startup process with expert advice on filing, compliance, and scam prevention.

www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch

State of Michigan Entrepreneurs-Guide

]]> Navigate Michigan’s business startup process with expert advice on filing, compliance, and scam prevention.

www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch

State of Michigan Entrepreneurs-Guide

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17690115 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1399 1 7 full false Alexis Lupo, Corporations Division Director Anastasha Osborn Regulating Cannabis and Liquor in Michigan Regulating Cannabis and Liquor in Michigan Leaders from the CRA and MLCC discuss how they regulate cannabis and liquor to ensure compliance, foster industry growth, and protect the public.

]]> Leaders from the CRA and MLCC discuss how they regulate cannabis and liquor to ensure compliance, foster industry growth, and protect the public.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17620239 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1456 1 6 full false Brian Hanna, Executive Director CRA Kristin Beltzer, Chair MLCC Anastasha Osborn LARA’s Plan to Cut Red Tape LARA’s Plan to Cut Red Tape Explore Michigan’s Cutting Red Tape Report, revealing how LARA is working to reduce licensing barriers, simplify regulations, and help businesses thrive.

View the Cutting Red Tape Report and the Press Release.

]]> Explore Michigan’s Cutting Red Tape Report, revealing how LARA is working to reduce licensing barriers, simplify regulations, and help businesses thrive.

View the Cutting Red Tape Report and the Press Release.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17538186 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1327 1 5 full false Amy Gumbrecht, Director of the Bureau of Professional Licensing Andrew Brisbo, Director of the Bureau of Construction Codes Ben Parker, Manager CSCL Courtney Pendleton, Chief Operating Officer Anastasha Osborn Voices from Across Team LARA Voices from Across Team LARA Hear from employees nominated by their peers in the 2024 LARA Recognition Awards as they share stories about their work and experiences.

]]> Hear from employees nominated by their peers in the 2024 LARA Recognition Awards as they share stories about their work and experiences.

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17477130 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1410 1 4 full false Brenda Davis Brooke Dishaw Carol Shepard Anastasha Osborn How Regulations Work How Regulations Work We break down how laws become rules, who enforces them, and how LARA makes sure they protect the public.

Administrative Rulemaking System (ARS) – https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/

]]> We break down how laws become rules, who enforces them, and how LARA makes sure they protect the public.

Administrative Rulemaking System (ARS) – https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/

]]> Buzzsprout-17390203 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1252 1 3 full false Adam Sandoval, LARA Chief Legal Officer and Deputy Director Paige Fults, Director, LARA’s Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs Anastasha Osborn A Conversation with LARA Director Marlon Brown A Conversation with LARA Director Marlon Brown In this episode of the LARA Living Room, we sit down with LARA Director Marlon Brown to discuss his background and his path to becoming the Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. 

]]> In this episode of the LARA Living Room, we sit down with LARA Director Marlon Brown to discuss his background and his path to becoming the Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. 

]]> LARA Communications Buzzsprout-17318543 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1586 1 2 full false Director Marlon Brown Anastasha Osborn Welcome to the LARA Living Room Welcome to the LARA Living Room In this kickoff episode, LARA Director Marlon Brown introduces the podcast, explains LARA’s mission, and shares what listeners can expect from future episodes.

]]> In this kickoff episode, LARA Director Marlon Brown introduces the podcast, explains LARA’s mission, and shares what listeners can expect from future episodes.

]]> Buzzsprout-17234323 Wed, 28 May 2025 08:00:00 -0400 867 1 1 full false Director Marlon Brown Anastasha Osborn