Discover Montcalm Podcast

About Discover Montcalm Podcast

Welcome to the Discover Montcalm Podcast where we are going to take a look at the communities, the businesses, the attractions and the people that make up Montcalm County. If it happens in Montcalm County, we are here to tell and share the story. Contact Duane at 231-250-9624.

Publisher

Discover Montcalm Podcast

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Aug 2022

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 213 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Montcalm Quality Deer Cooperative

   Community Wildlife Conservation: Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative Effective wildlife management goes far beyond hunting season; it requires year-round education, habitat stewardship, and strong community communication. On a recent episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, guest host Kara Stevens (from M106.3 WGLM) sat down with Jeff Antes (President) and Devin Antes (Secretary) of the Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative (https://montcalmdeercoop.org/) to discuss how their 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supports local land and wildlife. Discover Montcalm Podcast (discovermontcalmpodcast.com) is produced by Duane Weed (https://www.tiktok.com/@duaneweed) at DW Video (https://www.dwvideo.com). (discovermontcalmpodcast.com) From Small Townships to Countywide Impact The cooperative began around 2014 during a statewide movement toward local township co-ops. As several smaller groups formed across Montcalm County, they eventually united under a single umbrella organization, growing into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, the cooperative represents over 200 paid members spanning approximately 16,000 to 18,000 acres, while connecting with over 5,000 local community members across their social media platforms. Beyond Trophy Hunting: Whole-Herd Health Devin Antes highlighted a common misconception about deer cooperatives: “A lot of people feel that it’s all about big bucks and the racks… Deer management is about everything: your does, your age structure, your habitat, and your community.” The group works to balance herd size with the natural carrying capacity of the land. Key focus areas include: Doe Harvesting: Encouraging proper doe management to maintain healthy buck-to-doe ratios and prevent habitat destruction. Habitat Diversity: Teaching landowners how simple tools like hand saws, rakes, and shovels can improve land cover without expensive machinery. Youth & Hunter Safety: Sponsoring free hunter safety courses every July that educate roughly 70 local youth annually. Farmer Partnerships: Working alongside local agricultural producers to address crop damage and promote balanced wildlife coexistence. Feeding Local Families: Venison Donation Program One of the cooperative’s standout community initiatives takes place every December. Rather than sending donated venison statewide, the Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative (click here to follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/montcalmdeercoop)) pays for the processing fees out of pocket. The ground venison—totaling around 400 pounds annually—is donated directly to local food pantries and churches to feed families right in Montcalm County. Getting Involved & Annual Big Buck Night The cooperative hosts open monthly meetings from January through July, welcoming all community members, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts regardless of property size. Their main annual fundraiser, Big Buck Night, takes place every March at the Montcalm County Fairgrounds in Greenville, featuring raffles, door prizes, and local business sponsors. To learn more, become a member, or get involved, visit montcomdeercoop.org (montcomdeercoop.org) or call 616-232-6427. To feature your business, community initiative, or local event on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com?utm_source=gemini) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com?utm_source=gemini). To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com?utm_source=gemini) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com?utm_source=gemini). To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com). Discover Montcalm County: Greenville (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/greenville) Carson City (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/carson-city/) Stanton (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/stanton/) Howard City (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/howard-city/) Lakeview (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/lakeview/) Edmore (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/edmore/) Sheridan (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/sheridan/) Pierson (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/pierson/) McBride (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/mcbride/) Trufant (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/trufant/) Six Lakes (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/six-lakes/) Vestaburg (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/vestaburg/) Crystal (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/crystal/) Gowen (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/gowen/) Coral (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/coral/) Watch or Listen to the Full Episode Check out all the episodes Click Here (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/). Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@discovermontcalmpodcast) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/discovermontcalmpodcast/) Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/id1638352116) Pandora (https://www.pandora.com/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/PC:1001098265) iHeart (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-discover-montcalm-podcast-266034367/) Discover Montcalm is powered by the friends of the podcast It takes a community. Special thanks to: West Michigan Technology and Design Solutions (https://wmtds.com/) WGLM 106.3 FM (https://m1063.com/) DW Video (https://dwvideo.com) Business Growth Engine (https://buildergrowthengine.com/) BluBrry Podcast Platform (https://blubrry.com/) Together, we are building something bigger than a podcast—we are building a digital legacy. What’s New in 2026 We’re not slowing down—we’re expanding. Follow Content Creator Duane Weed on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@duaneweed) On-Location Podcasting We now bring the podcast to your business, capturing your story in your environment. Chatting Local Segments Expanding beyond Montcalm County—while keeping our local roots strong. Tech Tuesdays Practical insights on: SEO Podcasting AI tools Digital growth strategies Your Story is the Fuel When you sit down on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, you’re not just promoting your organization. You’re: Strengthening the community Expanding local reach Creating lasting digital content Helping Montcalm County grow Discover Montcalm Podcast Produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLC Celebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624 Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress? Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan: discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast) Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com (https://www.dwvideo.com) #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative with Jeff and Devin episode 212 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Montcalm-County-Quality-Deer-Cooperative.mp3 (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Montcalm-County-Quality-Deer-Cooperative.mp3) Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. The post Montcalm Quality Deer Cooperative (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/montcalm-quality-deer-cooperative/) first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com).

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors

   Supporting Local Seniors: Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors Navigating senior care and finding available community resources can feel overwhelming, especially during a sudden family crisis. On an informative episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast (discovermontcalmpodcast.com), host Duane Weed (https://www.tiktok.com/@duaneweed) sat down with Diana Farran, Chair of Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors (https://www.facebook.com/groups/119891851453323), along with board member Deb Fountain (President of the Howard City Senior Action Center), to discuss how their organization helps local seniors navigate care options. (discovermontcalmpodcast.com) The Difference Between Commission on Aging and Advocates Many residents confuse the Montcalm County Commission on Aging with Advocates, but they serve distinct roles: Montcalm County Commission on Aging: A government agency with paid staff and volunteers providing direct services like transportation and in-home care for residents aged 60 and older. Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors: An independent 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit focused on education, outreach, and connecting seniors to available programs across the region. Bridging the Communication Gap When a crisis hits—such as a sudden dementia diagnosis, food insecurity, or needing in-home assistance—families often do not know where to turn. Advocates works to bridge that gap by connecting seniors and family caregivers to agencies like EightCAP, local food programs, tax assistance, and Medicare/Medicaid navigation. The organization also gives back directly to local seniors. In 2026, Advocates provided 340 lunch tickets for seniors attending Senior Day at the Montcalm County Heritage Village Festival and distributed informational goody bags. Funding and Getting Involved Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors operates entirely on donations and local fundraising efforts. They distribute educational bookmarks and guides to local libraries, township halls, village offices, and senior centers in Greenville and Howard City. To learn more, volunteer, or support Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors, visit their official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/119891851453323). To feature your business, community initiative, or local event on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com?utm_source=gemini) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com?utm_source=gemini). To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com?utm_source=gemini) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com?utm_source=gemini). To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com). Discover Montcalm County: Greenville (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/greenville) Carson City (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/carson-city/) Stanton (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/stanton/) Howard City (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/howard-city/) Lakeview (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/lakeview/) Edmore (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/edmore/) Sheridan (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/sheridan/) Pierson (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/pierson/) McBride (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/mcbride/) Trufant (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/trufant/) Six Lakes (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/six-lakes/) Vestaburg (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/vestaburg/) Crystal (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/crystal/) Gowen (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/gowen/) Coral (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/coral/) Watch or Listen to the Full Episode Check out all the episodes Click Here (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/). Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@discovermontcalmpodcast) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/discovermontcalmpodcast/) Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/id1638352116) Pandora (https://www.pandora.com/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/PC:1001098265) iHeart (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-discover-montcalm-podcast-266034367/) Discover Montcalm is powered by the friends of the podcast It takes a community. Special thanks to: West Michigan Technology and Design Solutions (https://wmtds.com/) WGLM 106.3 FM (https://m1063.com/) DW Video (https://dwvideo.com) Business Growth Engine (https://buildergrowthengine.com/) BluBrry Podcast Platform (https://blubrry.com/) Together, we are building something bigger than a podcast—we are building a digital legacy. What’s New in 2026 We’re not slowing down—we’re expanding. Follow Content Creator Duane Weed on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@duaneweed) On-Location Podcasting We now bring the podcast to your business, capturing your story in your environment. Chatting Local Segments Expanding beyond Montcalm County—while keeping our local roots strong. Tech Tuesdays Practical insights on: SEO Podcasting AI tools Digital growth strategies Your Story is the Fuel When you sit down on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, you’re not just promoting your organization. You’re: Strengthening the community Expanding local reach Creating lasting digital content Helping Montcalm County grow Discover Montcalm Podcast Produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLC Celebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624 (tel:+12312509624) Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress? Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan: discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast) Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com (https://www.dwvideo.com) #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Connecting Montcalm County Seniors to Vital Services episode 211 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Advocates-for-Montcalm-County-Area-Seniors.mp3 (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Advocates-for-Montcalm-County-Area-Seniors.mp3) Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. The post Advocates for Montcalm County Area Seniors (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/advocates-for-montcalm-county-area-seniors/) first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com).

3. 

   27 Sept 2026

   Who the Heck is Dirks Dirkland

   Behind the Mic with Dirks Dirkland: The Story of Montcalm Mayhem Every community has its unique voices, but few have burst onto the local scene quite like Dirks Dirkland, the self-appointed news correspondent for Montcalm Mayhem (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593307925307). On a hilarious and lighthearted episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast (discovermontcalmpodcast.com) when content creator  Duane Weed (https://www.tiktok.com/@duaneweed) sat down with Ryan—the creator behind the mustache and glasses—to learn how a fun idea filmed on a smartphone turned into a regional social media phenomenon. “Ron Burgundy Lost on M-91” Ryan describes the Dirks Dirkland persona as “kind of like Ron Burgundy got lost on M-91.” Having held the character idea in the back of his mind for years, Ryan finally decided to set up his phone camera and test it out. The response from Montcalm County was immediate. His very first video racked up nearly 50,000 views, launching a run of over 100 videos that cover everything from local sports highlights and community polls to good-natured local humor. Keeping It Light and Positive While traditional news often focuses on accidents or heavy headlines, Ryan made a conscious choice to steer Montcalm Mayhem toward comedy, positivity, and local pride. Whether he is running a county-wide “Pizza War” bracket or poking lighthearted fun at local rivalries, the goal remains simple: get people to laugh and celebrate life in Montcalm County. That positive approach has resonated deeply with locals—so much so that residents frequently recognize Ryan in stores like Meijer and Walmart, even when he isn’t wearing his signature Dirks glasses. Rolling Out the “Mayhem Mobile” Montcalm Mayhem’s rapid growth has caught the attention of community supporters near and far. Former Montcalm County resident Bill Hurt, who now resides in Texas, stepped up to sponsor an official vehicle wrap, officially birthing the “Mayhem Mobile” to help Dirks hit the road for future on-location appearances. Connect with Montcalm Mayhem Residents can follow Dirks Dirkland’s latest videos, participate in local polls, or submit lighthearted news tips directly to the crew: Facebook: Search Montcalm Mayhem (@MontcalmMayhem) Email: montcalmmayhem@gmail.com To feature your business, community initiative, or local event on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com?utm_source=gemini) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com?utm_source=gemini). To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com?utm_source=gemini) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com?utm_source=gemini). To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com (https://dwvideo.com) or chattinglocal.com (https://chattinglocal.com). Discover Montcalm County: Greenville (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/greenville)  Carson City (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/carson-city/)  Stanton (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/stanton/)  Howard City (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/howard-city/)  Lakeview (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/lakeview/)  Edmore (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/edmore/)  Sheridan (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/sheridan/)  Pierson (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/pierson/)  McBride (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/mcbride/)  Trufant (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/trufant/)  Six Lakes (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/six-lakes/)  Vestaburg (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/vestaburg/)  Crystal (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/crystal/)  Gowen (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/gowen/)  Coral (https://discovermontcalm.com/tag/coral/) Watch or Listen to the Full Episode Check out all the episodes Click Here (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/). Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@discovermontcalmpodcast) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/discovermontcalmpodcast) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/discovermontcalmpodcast/) Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/id1638352116) Pandora (https://www.pandora.com/podcast/discover-montcalm-podcast/PC:1001098265) iHeart (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-discover-montcalm-podcast-266034367/) Discover Montcalm is powered by the friends of the podcast It takes a community. Special thanks to: West Michigan Technology and Design Solutions (https://wmtds.com/) WGLM 106.3 FM (https://m1063.com/) DW Video (https://dwvideo.com) Business Growth Engine (https://buildergrowthengine.com/) BluBrry Podcast Platform (https://blubrry.com/) Together, we are building something bigger than a podcast—we are building a digital legacy. What’s New in 2026 We’re not slowing down—we’re expanding.  Follow Content Creator Duane Weed on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@duaneweed) On-Location Podcasting We now bring the podcast to your business, capturing your story in your environment. Chatting Local Segments Expanding beyond Montcalm County—while keeping our local roots strong. Tech Tuesdays Practical insights on: SEO Podcasting AI tools Digital growth strategies Your Story is the Fuel When you sit down on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, you’re not just promoting your organization. You’re: Strengthening the community Expanding local reach Creating lasting digital content Helping Montcalm County grow Discover Montcalm Podcast Produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLC Celebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact Call 231-250-9624 Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. Check out this video! Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress? Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan: discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast) Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com (https://www.dwvideo.com) #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories Who the Heck is Dirks Dirkland Montcalm Mayhelm episode 210 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Who-the-Heck-is-Dirks-Dirkland.mp3 (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Who-the-Heck-is-Dirks-Dirkland.mp3) Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. The post Who the Heck is Dirks Dirkland (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/who-the-heck-is-dirks-dirkland/) first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com).

Inside a recent episode

From Pageants to Paws: Jaylynn Hiler’s Story

Published 19 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And I volunteered there for two and a half years, give or take. And every time I was there, it just filled my cup. I loved going in and seeing the dogs, walking the dogs, spending time with them. That's just like who I am. I love dogs. Everyone that knows me knows that. Before we go, you said ARC. For those that do not know what that stands for, could you please teach us? The ARC of Mecosta County is the Animal Coalition, which is the ARC of Mecosta County, and they do amazing work with the dogs and the cats there. They home both of them, and they're a no-kill animal shelter. Okay. So those dogs and cats stay there for as long as they can without being, yeah. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

72,683

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

72

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

30