Truscott Rossman

Chris Moyer, Allie Walker, and Ryan Gajewski share predictions on Michigan’s high-stakes 2026 elections, examining the open races for governor and U.S. Senate, the major candidates, and the policy questions that will shape the state’s future. 

New episodes each week from the team at Truscott Rossman. 

Chris Moyer and Allie Walker look back at the Michigan stories that defined 2025. They revisit the Northern Michigan ice storm that became the state’s largest natural disaster of the year, the tariff shock that disrupted the auto industry, and the early and crowded start to the 2026 governor’s race. They break down Detroit’s historic election of Mary Sheffield as the city’s first woman mayor, the long-debated road funding package that finally passed, and Ford’s late-year pullback from its EV plans. They also examine the growing scrutiny facing the MEDC and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Detroit...

Chris Moyer and John Truscott break down the Michigan stories that may not dominate headlines but will shape the year ahead. They look at Detroit’s fast-moving mayoral transition, the Legislature’s end-of-year push in Lansing, and a new report on Michigan’s strengths — and vulnerabilities — in the auto and mobility sector.

Chris and John also share a history-and-politics holiday gift guide, highlighting books and experiences that bring clarity to a noisy moment. Then Chris is joined by Jer Staes of Daily Detroit to explore how local media is changing, why newsletters and podcasts matter, and what De...

Chris Moyer and Allie Walker dig into three Michigan stories that all point to the same big question: who is steering the state’s future and who is paying for it. They look at the state’s fast-growing data center buildout and the local concerns around water, energy, and community impact. They break down the political heat on the MEDC as Quentin Messer Jr. defends Michigan’s strategy for attracting jobs and investment. And they walk through Sen. Aric Nesbitt’s argument that Michigan cannot “Make it in Michigan” without a major reset of K–12 education. 

In the deep dive, Ch...

This week on Beyond Both Sides, Allie Walker and guest co-host Ryan Gajewski (filling in for Chris Moyer) dig into three Michigan headlines that all circle the same question: who has the power and who benefits? They break down Detroit’s next move on the long-blighted Packard Plant, a Detroit Free Press column on lobbyist perks and political optics, and a new Democratic push to tie tax incentives more tightly to job creation and retention.

Then they dive deep into Michigan’s never-ending redistricting saga — how map-making really works, why “fair” maps may be mathematically impossible, and whether it’s...

Chris Moyer and new co-host Allie Walker break down three major stories shaping Michigan’s future: an aging workforce that is slowing economic growth, a large share of young Detroiters who are thinking about leaving the city, and Michigan farmers facing collapsing exports linked to tariff fallout. Together, these trends show the growing gap between the state’s long-term goals and the daily pressures people are experiencing. 

In the deep dive, Chris and Allie offer practical ways to navigate political conversations at Thanksgiving. They explain how to set the right intentions, avoid persuasion traps, look for common ground...

Chris kicks things off with the big Michigan stories of the week, from a major shift in voter sentiment to Ford’s $1.2B new HQ and a potential development boom in Grand Rapids.

Then Ryan and Allie dive into the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney — his complicated legacy, his influence on today’s GOP, and how leaders evolve in public.

Plus: a surprising moment of political humility from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene sparks a conversation about what it really takes to disagree better.

Smart politics. Honest conversations. No spin. Tune in now. Duration: 00:16:34

John Truscott and Chris Moyer unpack the deal ending the nation’s longest government shutdown, who won, who lost, and what it means for Michigan. They also dig into the state’s worst monthly job losses of the year and ask whether the Michigan Economic Development Corporation can be saved or if reform is the only path forward. 

Then, a deep dive with Ryan Gajewski on how algorithms are shaping what we see, what we believe, and how we talk to each other, and what communicators can do about it. 

Chris Moyer and guest host Ryan Gajewski, Chief Strategy Officer at Truscott Rossman, unpack OpenAI’s massive Michigan investment, the future of economic development in the state, and key local election results. Plus, a deep dive into what Mary Sheffield’s historic election as Detroit’s first female mayor means for the direction of the city.

In this episode, Allie Walker and Ryan Gajewski welcome Ryan back to his old stomping grounds (yes, the red couch lives on).

At the time, he was serving as Community & Partnerships Manager at The Dispatch, where he managed community engagement and podcast production. Before The Dispatch, Ryan spent nearly two years at NBC’s Meet the Press, researching interviews, crafting panel segments, and producing episodes of the Chuck Todd-cast. His path started with the John Carroll–Russert Fellowship at Meet the Press…and, even earlier, a formative internship right here at Truscott Rossman. 

In this episode of Beyond Both Sides, hosts John Truscott and Chris Moyer unpack Michigan’s biggest political stories — from a Lansing court fight and new road-funding taxes to a sweeping legislative transparency package reshaping ethics in government.

Then, they’re joined by Allie Walker, President of Truscott Rossman and Crain’s Grand Rapids 40 Under 40 honoree, for a candid conversation about leadership, communication, and finding common ground in divided times.

Allie shares her path from Capitol Hill to the C-suite, the lessons she’s learned about curiosity and collaboration, and why authenticity is key to leading in today’s f...

In this episode of My First Gig, host Ryan Gajewski and co-host Allie Walker sit down with Michelle, who at the time of recording served as Senior Vice President of Market Growth & Business Attraction at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Since then, Michelle has been promoted to the role of Chief Communications & Attraction Officer, overseeing business attraction and market growth in her expanded capacity at the organization. 

Beyond Both Sides

Smart. Civil. Real.

Hosted by John Truscott and Chris Moyer, two trusted political communicators known for their work in government and public affairs, Beyond Both Sides goes deeper than partisan headlines to explore why the issues shaping Michigan and the nation really matter. Each episode blends sharp analysis, thoughtful disagreement, and practical insight on politics, policy, and communication in the era of the attention economy.

From the latest developments in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and communities across Michigan to the national movements reshaping civic disco...

Hosts Ryan Gajewski and Allie Walker sit down with leadership advisor and author Ken Bogard to dig into the power—and limits—of honesty at work. From managing a dine‑in Pizza Hut at 17 to turning around underperforming restaurants and guiding leadership teams today, Ken’s through‑line is simple: tell the truth, deliver it with love, and never lose who you are.

Before leading one of West Michigan’s premier leadership programs, Megan Rydecki got her start as assistant to the city manager in Wyoming, Michigan — a role that taught her how proximity, curiosity, and consistency can shape a career. 

In our latest episode, Megan joins Allie Walker and Ryan Gajewski to talk about: 

The value of “support” roles early in your career 

Why mid-sized cities are perfect for people who want to make an impact 

The leadership lessons that still guide her today 

Her story is a reminder that leadership doesn’t start...

If you’ve spent any time around Grand Rapids’ food and beverage scene, you’ve probably felt the gravitational pull of City Built Brewing—part neighborhood hangout, part lab for creativity, and fully committed to community. In this episode of My 1st Gig, hosts Ryan Gajewski and Allie Walker sit down at City Built with owner Ed Collazo to trace the winding path that led him here—and the choices (and hard lessons) that keep him grounded. 

Like many of our guests, Ed’s first gig wasn’t glamorous. At 13, he was up before sunrise, riding his bike six miles...

Learn how Katleyn grew from a part-time assistant job in Chicago politics to running statewide campaigns. Katelyn talks about how she "kind of liked" checking petition signatures in her early days of political consulting, how she got a former pawnbroker elected Lt. Governor of Illinois, and why work-life balance was important in her decision to leave that role.

Andy Johnston went from scrubbing dishes at MSU to shaping policy at the Grand Rapids Chamber. Hear how small jobs, strong relationships, and seizing opportunities shaped his path to leadership. 

When John VanderHaagen took his first post-college job, he didn’t expect to be microwaving hot dogs for a mascot to shoot into the crowd. But as a Ticket Sales Account Executive for the Grand Rapids Griffins and Grand Rapids Rampage, John quickly learned that a job in minor league sports means wearing a lot of hats—and sometimes, dodging flying hot dogs.