Sandy Baruah is President & CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and in this episode, he joins Bob for a candid conversation about leadership, relationships and the future of Michigan. Drawing on his experience in Washington, D.C. and years spent navigating the intersection of business, policy and economic development, Sandy shares how those experiences prepared him to lead one of the nation’s most influential regional chambers. Bob and Sandy also discuss the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference and this year’s theme: A Quest for Common Ground. From economic competitiveness and talent retention to collaboration across industries and ideologies, the conversation explores what it will take for Michigan to move forward. It’s a thoughtful, timely discussion about leadership, trust, civic responsibility, and why relationships still matter more than ever.

Time Stamps
Sandy Baruah's Journey and Role at the Detroit Regional Chamber
:17- Bob Riney introduces Sandy Baruah, highlighting his role as President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber since 2010.
1:58- Sandy shares his experience working in Washington, DC, starting at 20 years old for a US Senator and later for Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
3:02- Bob asks Sandy about the impact of his Washington experience on his current role, to which Sandy responds that it taught him perspective and when to push and when not to.
3:21- Sandy reflects on his introverted nature and wishes he had been more social during his time in Washington.

Defining Success at the Mackinac Policy Conference
3:36- Bob inquires about Sandy's definition of a successful Mackinac Policy Conference.
3:48- Sandy hopes that attendees leave with new perspectives and open to new ideas, reducing polarization in American society.
5:25- Bob and Sandy discuss the strategic choice of the island, which isolates attendees from their daily routines, promoting focused engagement.

Excitement for Gary Sinise's Participation
6:36- Bob asks Sandy about the speakers he is most excited to hear at the conference.
6:49- Sandy expresses his enthusiasm for Gary Sinise, who will bring a different perspective to the conference, focusing on patriotism and veterans' issues.
7:10- Bob and Sandy agree that finding common ground on supporting veterans is crucial.
8:04- Sandy highlights the importance of relationships in policy and business, and the potential for attendees to form new connections and friendships.

Themes and Goals for the Mackinac Policy Conference
8:28- Bob and Sandy discuss the theme of "common ground" and its relevance in today's polarized society.
8:54- Sandy hopes that attendees will return with a renewed commitment to finding common ground on various challenges facing Michigan.

Future Prospects and Collaboration
10:14- Sandy discuss the importance of accountability and big ideas in driving Michigan's future prosperity.
10:54- Sandy compares the adoption of new technologies to policy change, emphasizing the importance of early adopters and fast followers.
11:34- Bob encourages local and national listeners to pay attention to the conference and its impact on Michigan's future.

From small-town Michigan to the global stage, Jeff Daniels has built a career defined by remarkable range, making audiences laugh in "Dumb and Dumber" as much as he moves them in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Despite decades of success across film, television, and theater, his connection to Michigan has remained constant, shaping both his life and his work.

In this episode, Jeff reflects on why he chose to stay rooted in his home state, how he navigates roles across genres, and the discipline behind performances in projects like "Gettysburg" and "The Newsroom." He also shares insights from portraying complex historical and political figures, along with his experience in his upcoming film, "The Brink of War," which revisits the pivotal Reagan-Gorbachev meeting during the Cold War's Reykjavik Summit in 1986.

Blending humor, craft, and perspective, Jeff discusses storytelling as both an art and a responsibility, from delivering a famous Aaron Sorkin monologue to writing and performing his own music. The conversation ultimately reveals an artist grounded in authenticity and purpose, embodying the same resilience and forward-looking spirit that continues to define Michigan and Detroit’s future.

Time Stamps

Jeff Daniels' Family Adventure and Introduction to The BOBCast
:00- Jeff Daniels shares a humorous anecdote about forgetting his wife at a truck stop while driving an RV to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
:20 Bob Riney highlights Jeff’s diverse career in film, television, and theater, including his roles in "Dumb and Dumber," "The Martian," "Terms of Endearment," and his Emmy-winning performance in "The Newsroom."

Jeff Daniels' Commitment to Michigan
1:52- Bob asks Jeff about his decision to stay in Michigan, despite opportunities in other states.
2:07- Jeff explains that Michigan has always felt like home, even when he was in New York for work and that his wife's family roots in Marquette and their annual visits to the Upper Peninsula.

Jeff Daniels' Diverse Roles and Challenges
2:56- Bob inquiries about Jeff's favorite roles, and Jeff mentions playing Chamberlain in "Gettysburg" as a significant challenge.
3:50- Jeff shares a story about rehearsing with his co-stars, including playing golf to bond with his on-screen brother.
4:48- Jeff discusses the political nature of his roles, such as playing Will McAvoy in "The Newsroom," and how Aaron Sorkin's writing is influenced by real-life political insights.
6:39- Jeff recounts the process of learning and delivering a pivotal speech in "The Newsroom," which was added to the script at the last minute.

Jeff Daniels' Leadership and Social Issues
8:35- Bob asks Jeff about his role as a leader and his opinions on social and political issues.
8:48- Jeff expresses a desire to be on the right side of history and mentions the importance of common decency and the rule of law and reflects on his upbringing and the values instilled by his parents, which guide his actions today.

Jeff Daniels' Upcoming Movie “The Brink of War”
9:38- Bob asks Jeff about his upcoming movie which portrays the 1986 summit between Reagan and Gorbachev.
9:54- Jeff describes the process of recreating the summit in the same house where it originally took place, with the support of the people of Reykjavik, and shares his experience of preparing for the role of Reagan, including listening to Reagan's speeches for months.

Jeff Daniels' Versatility and Musical Journey
11:55- Bob asks Jeff about his favorite genre and the joy he finds in different aspects of his career.
12:09- Jeff expresses his love for live theater and performing with an acoustic guitar, describing it as a natural and creative experience.
12:46- Jeff discusses his one-man show, which includes writing, directing, and performing, and the impact of his song "Road Signs."
12:55- Jeff shares a humorous story from his song "Recreational Vehicle," which is part of his live show.

Jeff Daniels' Final Thoughts and Bob Cast Conclusion
14:01- Bob reflects on Jeff's versatility, leadership, and depth of thinking, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by leaders in healthcare and other industries.

Dr. Rana Awdish is one of Detroit’s most remarkable medical voices, helping redefine what compassionate care looks like at Henry Ford Health and beyond. After surviving a near-fatal medical crisis that took the life of her unborn child, she returned to medicine determined to change how doctors connect with patients and families. Now a physician leader, author of the bestselling memoir In Shock, and national voice on empathy in healthcare, she is helping shape a culture where healing means more than clinical outcomes. In this episode, she shares with Bob Riney how her experiences are helping transform the way clinicians interact with and provide care for patients.

Time Stamps

Dr. Rana Awdish's Journey and Impact on Healthcare
:15- Bob introduces Dr. Rana Awdish, highlighting her roles, achievements, and upcoming book "Aftershock."
1:56- Dr. Awdish shares her critical illness experience during her fellowship, which led her to focus on emotional and psychological aspects of patient care.
3:08- Bob and Dr. Awdish discuss the importance of teaching communication skills in medicine, beyond just medical knowledge.
3:42- Dr. Awdish emphasizes the need for physicians to be fully human and emotionally connected to their patients, which was previously discouraged.

Challenges and Receptivity in Advocating for Change
4:18- Dr. Awdish talks about the common critique that her advocacy takes too much time, which she refutes by showing that it actually increases efficiency.
4:48- Bob inquires about the reaction of Henry Ford Health to Dr. Awdish's reflections on the organization in her first book.
5:42- Dr. Awdish recounts the advice from her attorney and the decision to stand by her unedited work, which led to a positive response from the organization.
6:39- Bob expresses pride in Henry Ford Health's willingness to embrace change for the betterment of patients and communities.

Blending Work and Life Post-Trauma
7:03- Bob observes that Dr. Awdish has found a synergistic balance between work and life, which she attributes to her gratitude for recovery.
7:22- Dr. Awdish shares a memory of driving back to work after her illness, feeling grateful for the opportunity to care for patients and maintain a sense of gratitude.
8:19- Bob and Dr. Awdish discuss the importance of communication in the relationship between providers and patients, which can significantly impact outcomes.
8:40- Dr. Awdish provides examples of how rephrasing medical communication can redistribute power and respect to patients and their families.

Evolution of Medical Education and Nurse-Physician Partnership
9:26- Bob asks about the progress of medical schools in providing contemporary learning experiences that align with Dr. Awdish's teachings.
9:38- Dr. Awdish notes that medical schools are improving, with more intentional team-based training and selection of students with high emotional intelligence.
10:00- Bob inquires about the evolving role of nurses in partnership with physicians, which Dr. Awdish praises for their whole-person care approach.
10:12- Dr. Awdish highlights the importance of nurses in providing comprehensive care and integrating various inputs into the medical care plan.

Upcoming Book "Aftershock" and Personal Healing
11:28- Dr. Awdish discusses her motivation for writing "Aftershock," which focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of healing beyond medical care.
11:41- She reflects on her initial reliance on medicine for healing and the importance of taking responsibility for emotional healing and recovery.
12:06- Dr. Awdish hopes that the book will inspire patients and doctors to recognize the body's healing potential and the importance of stories in the healing process.
12:50- Bob expresses gratitude for Dr. Awdish's impact on medicine and her role in evolving healthcare practices at Henry Ford Health.