What if the most powerful thing a city can build isn't a building at all, but a connection? In this episode of The BOBcast, Bob Riney sits down with Kim Montague, president and CEO of Albert Kahn Associates, and Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, to explore how design and public space are reshaping Detroit's future. Kim shares the personal story behind her path into healthcare architecture and what it means to lead as the firm's first female CEO, while Ryan reflects on his family's generations-deep ties to the riverfront and the vision driving its continued transformation. Together, they make the case that Detroit's comeback isn't accidental; it's the product of deliberate, community-centered design.

Time Stamps
Introduction and Guest Backgrounds
:20- Bob Riney introduces the podcast and welcomes Kim Montague, President and CEO of Albert Kahn Associates, and Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
:36- Bob highlights Kim's achievements, including her role as the first female CEO of Albert Kahn Associates and her work with the Detroit American Heart Association and Women in Healthcare Michigan.
1:18- Bob also mentions Ryan's family legacy with the Detroit River and his role at Watershed Horizons, focusing on energy and infrastructure solutions.
1:47- The collaboration between Albert Kahn Associates and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is noted, particularly their work on the award-winning Riverfront Design in 2019.

Kim Montague on Healthcare Design and Detroit's Future
2:46- Bob asks Kim about the importance of world-class hospitals like Henry Ford Health's Destination Grand for a city like Detroit.
3:00- Kim discusses the significance of Henry Ford's investment in the community and the firm's long-term presence in Detroit.
3:30- Bob shifts the focus to Ryan, asking about his favorite aspect of the new Detroit Riverfront.
3:42- Ryan emphasizes the connectivity of the riverfront, highlighting the fully connected river walk from the east to the west side.

Ryan Sullivan on Riverfront Transformation
4:11- Bob inquires about the transformation of the Detroit Riverfront from an industrial area to a popular destination.
4:30- Ryan reflects on the historical context of his great-grandfathers' work along the river and the community's pride in the current riverfront.
5:02- Bob asks about the international experiences Kim has had with Albert Kahn and how they can be applied to Detroit.
5:21- Kim shares insights from her time in the Netherlands, Japan, and Brazil, noting the importance of public spaces and healthcare continuum.

Community Engagement and Future Plans
6:10- Bob discusses the design of public spaces and their intended audience, asking Ryan about the community engagement strategies for the riverfront.
6:38- Ryan explains the riverfront's inclusivity, with diverse visitors and purpose-built community engagement strategies.
7:09- Bob asks Ryan about his dream list for the riverfront's future development.
7:28- Ryan mentions upcoming projects like the Renaissance Center development and the WNBA project, predicting significant investment and activation in the next five to ten years.

Kim Montague's Journey and Role Modeling
7:55- Bob asks Kim about her personal connection to healthcare design, leading to her commitment to designing respectful and humanistic spaces.
8:05- Kim shares her story of becoming an architect after failing organic chemistry and her experience with her mother's illness, which inspired her to focus on healthcare design.
9:13- Bob asks Kim about her message to young girls aspiring to break the glass ceiling in traditionally non-welcoming fields.
9:43- Kim emphasizes the importance of persistence, having a great mentor, and mentoring others to achieve personal and professional success.

Detroit vs. New York and Personal Pride
11:02- Bob asks Ryan about his perspective on Detroit compared to New York City, highlighting Detroit's opportunities and creativity.
11:31- Ryan discusses the professional growth and freedom found in Detroit, contrasting it with the crowded and competitive environment of New York.
12:14- Bob asks each guest about their proudest achievements.
12:20- Kim highlights Albert Kahn's roots in Detroit and her personal involvement in the community, mentoring young architects.
13:26- Ryan shares his pride in the opening of Wilson Park, reflecting on his great-grandfathers' contributions to the riverfront and the significance of the project.

Conclusion and Gratitude
14:06- Bob expresses gratitude to Kim and Ryan for their contributions to Detroit and The BOBcast.

What does it take to make 41 saves in an Olympic gold medal game and what can it teach us about leadership? In this episode of The BOBcast, recorded at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, Bob Riney sits down with Commerce Township native and USA Hockey legend Connor Hellebuyck, whose extraordinary performance in the 2026 Winter Olympics delivered America's first men's hockey gold medal since 1980. Connor opens up about the rare mental state he experienced the morning of the gold medal game, the iconic stick save that stopped Canada's best, and the deep belief in himself that shaped his entire journey from Michigan street hockey to the Olympic podium. Connor's story is more than a sports triumph; it's a reminder of the unbreakable passion, community, and pride that defines Michigan and continues to inspire the next generation of champions.

Time Stamps

Connor Hellebuyck's Journey to Olympic Glory
:33- Bob Riney introduces Connor Hellebuyck, highlighting his achievement as the best goaltender at the Winter Olympics and his Michigan roots.
1:59- Connor describes the emotions of skating out for Team USA at the Olympics for the first time, feeling adrenaline and excitement.
2:53- Connor talks about unique experience of playing in front of a mixed crowd at the Olympics, similar to college tournament games.
3:42- Connor shares the special feeling of patriotism and support from USA fans during the Olympics.

The Unique Atmosphere of the Olympics
4:00- Bob and Connor discuss the patriotism and excitement at the Olympics, which is different from an NHL game.
4:51- Connor recalls the morning of the final game, feeling confident and calm, which he attributes to his good performance and team's play.
5:27- Bob and Connor reflect on the iconic stick save in the gold medal game.
6:35- Connor reflects on being named the best goaltender at the Olympics, emphasizing the importance of celebrating with his team.

Team Dynamics and Legacy
7:03- Connor describes the chemistry and grit of the team that captured the gold medal, focusing on the team's unity rather than individual accolades.
7:28- Connor speaks to the significance of the USA winning an Olympic gold in men's hockey since.
7:58- Connor shares his realization of being in the role of a legend, similar to players he idolized growing up.
8:29- Connor talks of the experience of sharing the victory with hockey legends and the overall impact of the win.

Return to Winnipeg and Early Hockey Influences
8:51- Connor talks about the animosity from Winnipeg fans after defeating Team Canada, acknowledging the city's passion for hockey.
9:22- Connor recalls his early hockey influences, including family street hockey games and the hockey boom in Detroit.
10:09- Connor explains his transition to becoming a goalie in street hockey, influenced by his older brother.

Leadership and Future Aspirations
10:53- Connor reflects on the different forms of leadership, emphasizing the importance of confidence and hard work.
11:30- He expresses interest in coaching in the future, drawing from his experience teaching young kids at Puck Masters.
12:25- Connor advises young hockey players to truly believe in themselves and their goals, which shapes their path and work ethic.
13:15- The impact of Michigan's strong hockey culture and the passion of Michiganders for sports is highlighted.

Non-Hockey Interests and Family Support
14:24- Connor shares his hobby of bass fishing tournaments, which might surprise people given his hockey mask at the Olympics.
14:43- He talks about the importance of family support in his journey, while thanking his wife for her role in raising their kids and providing stability.
15:20- Bob praises Connor for his achievements, leadership, and representation of Michigan.

What if the greatest comeback of Kirk Gibson's life had nothing to do with baseball? From iconic World Series moments to a Parkinson's diagnosis that threatened to sideline him, Gibson shares how resilience, purpose, and refusing to quit led to a new mission: helping others live well with the disease. In this episode, Bob Riney leads a discussion with Gibson and Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation, on the groundbreaking Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness, the power of community, and why hope may be the most important medicine of all.

Time Stamps
Kirk Gibson's Introduction and MLB Career Highlights
:34- Bob Riney introduces Kirk Gibson, highlighting his achievements in baseball and his work with the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness.
2:12- Kirk reflects on his MLB career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and being there for teammates.
2:34- Kirk recounts a pivotal moment in 1987 when the Tigers swept the Blue Jays, despite being down by four and a half games with a week left in the season.
3:52- Bob asks Kirk about his favorite stadiums to play at, and Kirk mentions Dodger Stadium and Tiger Stadium as his favorites.

Kirk Gibson's Parkinson's Diagnosis and Personal Journey
4:41- Bob shifts the conversation to Kirk's personal journey, including his diagnosis of Parkinson's in 2015.
4:50- Kirk describes his first symptoms in 2007 and how his condition progressed over the years, leading to his diagnosis in 2015.
5:28- Kirk shares his experience of being ignored by the Diamondbacks due to health concerns and how a friend's doctor eventually diagnosed him with Parkinson's.
6:22- Kirk emphasizes the importance of providing hope and a path to quality of life for those with Parkinson's.

Steve Annear's Role and the Vision for the Center
6:32- Bob introduces Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation and chairman of the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness.
7:05- Steve discusses the vision for the center, which began with Kirk's challenge to do more for people with Parkinson's in Michigan.
7:18- Steve explains the limited availability of care for Parkinson's and the importance of movement-based programs in slowing down the symptoms.
7:55- The center's partnership with an organization in Cleveland called In Motion helped them understand best practices and led to the decision to open the wellness center in 2023.

Kirk Gibson's Leadership and the Center's Impact
8:31- Bob asks Steve about Kirk's leadership qualities, highlighting his relentlessness and focus on filling the gap in care for people with Parkinson's.
8:58- Steve praises Kirk for his dedication and the impact he has on the community, emphasizing the importance of never giving in.
10:13- Kirk discusses the need to prove the center's credibility as a care option and the importance of a preventative approach to Parkinson's.
10:54- Kirk outlines ways people can support the center, including telling others about the center, fundraising, and volunteering.

Kirk Gibson's Take on the Tigers and Final Thoughts
11:35- Bob asks Kirk about his thoughts on the current Tigers team and who he is watching closely.
11:49- Kirk expresses excitement about Kevin McGonigal and other young players in the organization, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
13:13- Kirk reflects on the joy of winning a World Series and the positive impact it has on a city, drawing parallels to the work being done at the center.
13:49- Bob Riney thanks Kirk and Steve for their contributions and leadership, concluding the episode of The BOBcast.