Mission Control Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Season 6 of Mission Control is coming, and this time, I'm flipping the script. For five seasons, we've sat down with nonprofit directors and leaders to talk about their journeys. This year, we're turning the lens on us.2026 marks 25 years of UnoDeuce Multimedia. Twenty-five years of stories, partnerships, pivots, and purpose. So this season, I'm going back to the beginning, having conversations with the people who helped build this thing alongside me.My very first mentor. Our first intern. Our first employee. Key clients who've been in our corner from the early days. And the team that keeps it all moving today.These are the stories you probably haven't heard. The ones that happened before the cameras were rolling.12 episodes. Bi-weekly. Starting in July.You can catch us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Wherever you listen or watch. And if you've been along for any part of this ride, I hope you'll subscribe and cheer us on as we celebrate 25 years of storytelling.See you in the Control Center.

Welcome back to Mission Control, the podcast where nonprofit leaders and community change-makers share their stories, challenges, and wins.

In this episode, host Paul Schmidt, owner of UnoDeuce Multimedia, sits down with Laurie Baumer, President and CEO of the Community Foundation in Greater Lansing. Laurie shares her journey from advertising and government work to leading one of mid-Michigan’s most impactful organizations.

She discusses the Foundation’s mission to build vibrant communities across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, and how bold placemaking projects like Rotary Park and Fish Ladder Music Park transformed Lansing’s riverfront. Laurie also reflects on her early fundraising experiences, her leadership through the pandemic, and how collaboration and trust have fueled long-term community impact.

Whether you’re in the nonprofit sector or simply inspired by local leadership, Laurie’s story is full of insight and heart.

Enjoyed the episode?

• Learn more about Laurie and the work of the Community Foundation at ⁠ourcommunity.org⁠.

• Follow Community Foundation’s latest initiatives on social media — Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube — and get inspired by how local philanthropy is shaping the future of mid-Michigan.

• Subscribe to Mission Control on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more powerful stories.

• Drop your guest suggestions or feedback at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com.

Thanks for tuning in — we’ll see you next time in the Control Center.

Mission Control Podcast: Joseph Yang’s Journey from Club Member to CEO

Contents

• Intro
• Guest Info
• Links
• Summary
• Takeaways
• Quotes
• Episode Breakdown

• Wrap-Up

Intro

Host Paul J. Schmidt speaks with Joseph Yang, the new President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing. A former member, tech lover, attorney, and nonprofit leader, Joseph shares how his path shaped his passion for youth services, innovation, and leadership.

Guest Info: Joseph Yang

• Role: CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Lansing
• Background: Club alum, MSU grad, attorney, community leader
• Years with Club: 21+
• Contact: jyang@bgclansing.org | 517-394-0455 | bgclansing.org

Related Links

• Boys and Girls Club of Lansing
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• UnoDeuce Multimedia

Episode Summary

Joseph discusses his upbringing with the Club, his tech background, his transition into law, and his leadership style. Key themes include accessibility, esports, mentorship, and adapting youth programs to meet the needs of modern youth. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching and gardening.

Key Takeaways

• Club membership remains $10 per year, unchanged for over 20 years.
• Mentorship and lifelong learning are vital for leadership growth.
• Innovation (e.g., esports) helps keep programs relevant.
• Maintaining a balance between personal and professional life is essential.

Notable Quotes

“The Club’s mission is to inspire all youth to reach their potential.”

“It’s still $10 a year. It’s been that way for 21 years.”

“I grew up in a computer lab. That love of tech never left.”

“Being a lifelong learner means knowing your gaps and closing them.”

“We meet kids where they are—traditional programs and now esports.”

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Meet Joseph: Club mission and leadership intro
• 03:26 – Tech Roots: Early coding, Sega, MSU degree
• 09:10 – Law Career: Serving the community in court
• 13:05 – Club Journey: Member to CEO, mentors, leadership
• 24:39 – Vision: Expanding access, adding esports
• 29:23 – Life Balance: Coaching and gardening as outlets
• 31:55 – Wrap-Up: Final thoughts and how to connect

Wrap-Up

Connect with Joseph at jyang@bgclansing.org or visit bgclansing.org. Subscribe to the Mission Control Podcast on YouTube or your favorite platform. Share this story and stay tuned for more inspiring journeys.

Eric Hufnagel of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is leading a statewide data-driven effort to fight homelessness. Learn how MCAH uses coordinated data, policy advocacy, and community partnerships to drive real, systemic change across Michigan.For more on the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness: https://www.mihomeless.org/The Mission: To serve as an inclusive statewide voice to improve systems and support communities to prevent and end homelessness in a way that leaves no one behind.If there is someone you know of whom you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com

In this Season 5 premiere of Mission Control, Paul J. Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia talks with Megyn Forest, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region, about mentorship, nonprofit leadership, and building community through meaningful connection.For more on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region: https://bbbsmcr.org/The Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.If there is someone you know of whom you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com

Mission Control returns for Season 5 with host Paul Schmidt and powerful conversations with nonprofit leaders. Tune in biweekly for inspiring stories from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and more. Available on all major platforms!

Join host Paul Schmidt on this episode of Mission Control as he talks with Kim Renwick, Executive Director of the Shiawassee Community Foundation. Discover her journey from banking to nonprofit leadership, the impact of COVID-19, and the foundation's future goals. For more on the Shiawassee Community Foundation: https://www.shiacf.org/ The Mission: Enriching lives in the Shiawassee County region through strong community relationships and good stewardship of our funds. For good. Forever If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com

On this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, Alex Brace, Executive Director of Small Talk Child Advocacy Center, shares his journey into child advocacy. He discusses the center's mission, leadership challenges, and the importance of creating a positive work environment while addressing sensitive issues. For more on Small Talk Child Advocacy Center: https://www.smalltalkcac.org/ The Mission: Small Talk is dedicated to providing hope, healing, and justice for children and families impacted by abuse in Ingham and Eaton counties. If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com Please Subscribe to Mission Control: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnoDeuceMultimedia Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48rXeAj445PewVH0nyeiis Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control/id1541380912

In this episode of Mission Control, host Paul Schmidt interviews Cameo King, the founder of Grit, Glam, and Guts (GGG). Cameo shares her mission to empower girls aged 12 to 17 with educational and civic learning opportunities while increasing their self-identity and self-awareness. Starting from her career in journalism, Cameo reveals how she transitioned into founding GGG and her motivation behind it. The podcast delves deep into her approach to storytelling, which she uses in her podcast, the Good Girl Podcast, and her work with other non-profits to help them find their voice and communicate effectively. For more on Grit Glam & Guts: https://www.gritglamguts.org/ The Mission: Grit, Glam, & Guts works to transform the lives of underserved girls through the arts, educational and civic engagement opportunities to promote social change, eliminate barriers to success, maximize potential, empower girls to gain higher self-awareness, develop a healthy self-identity, and also recognize and engage in the power of their voice. If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com

In this engaging episode, Paul Schmidt interviews Brian Philson, the leader of Highields, Inc., about his extensive career in juvenile justice and nonprofit leadership career. Brian talks about the origins and mission of Highields, founded in 1962, aiming to provide opportunities to children, youth, and families, helping them become responsible, productive members of society. He shares stories from his early career and the pivotal moments that solidified his commitment to this work. Brian also discusses the significant changes and reforms in juvenile justice over the past decades and how Highfields has adapted its strategies, especially during the pandemic. Balancing his values of faith, family, and fitness with his professional duties, Brian emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner. He shares his experiences managing a team through challenging times.

For more on Highfields, Inc: https://www.highfields.org/ The Mission: To provide opportunities to children, youth and families to become more responsible for their own lives and to strengthen their relationships with others. If there is someone you know of that you would like to hear about their journey, please email us at missioncontrol@unodeuce.com