Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Drumright.
Hi Luke, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
3-2-1 Connection began in 2022 as a television talk show on Midland Community Television (MCTV) with a simple goal: to create meaningful conversations that bring people together and highlight the strengths, stories, and experiences of individuals and non-profits. The program was built on the belief that connection has the power to strengthen communities and improve well-being. The name “3-2-1 Connection” is a nod to Trisomy 21, the genetic condition commonly known as Down syndrome. The crew, Luke Drumright, Amanda Brown, and Adam White all have Trisomy 21.
What started as a local television show has grown into a broader community storytelling platform. Today, 3-2-1 Connection operates independently, producing the “3-2-1 What’s Your Story?” podcast, creating “3-2-1 On the Road” promotional features for local businesses, nonprofits, and community events, and providing a home for Amanda Brown’s book-review series, “3-2-1 Amanda Tube.” Through every project, the mission remains the same: sharing stories that connect people, celebrate strengths, and build a stronger sense of belonging.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We have most definitely been on a steep learning curve since 2022. The 30 minute shows at MCTV included three 10 minute interviews, and that was a lot of transitions for the crew and guests.
While at MCTV, the crew also did some coverage of live events such as Inclusion Day at the Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball stadium, and the Dow Championship – LPGA golf tournament. Those events were challenging because we were new to the process of producing and editing. Also, there was not a lot of opportunity to do re-takes.
Since then, we have joined forces with an amazing co-host, Jennifer Woods, for the “3-2-1 What’s Your Story” podcast. As a Behavior Analyst Jennifer is uniquely qualified to help Luke navigate hosting a podcast. Jennifer and Luke worked together to design it’s structure. They do research and pre-interviews to prep for each guest. Jennifer allows Luke to lead whenever possible. She models how to ask good questions, transition between the questions and ask follow up questions. Jennifer has helped Luke navigate podcasts that are more free flowing with 1 or 2 guests. Luke is good at off the cuff questions, so she has to make changes on the fly. One big success is a bonus section of movie related questions called “Cinema Lightning Round.” Luke loves movies, and finds this part of the podcast an excellent way to connect with the guests.
As an outlet for Luke to give back to the community and to practice his skills, Luke periodically seeks out local events, businesses, or non-profits to promote. These “3-2-1 On the Road” commercials are short and to the point. These have proven a great way to connect with the community and have given Luke more repetitions in front of the camera. For World Down Syndrome Day, (March 21) 3-2-1 Connection did a week long campaign that was designed to bring awareness while celebrating local businesses.
Amanda’s love of books made the creation of “3-2-1 Amanda Tube” easy. She was already independently creating book bites for family and friends. Through her online presence she has truly found her voice.
Adam has an amazing job with the City of Midland, so his time with 3-2-1 is more limited. But he continues to be a huge asset when he is able to participate.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Adam, Luke and Amanda were all included in general education K-12 classrooms in Midland. With that came the confidence necessary to audit classes at Saginaw Valley State University, where they worked, lived and participated in campus extracurriculars. They each succeeded and grew exponentially from the experience.
At SVSU, Amanda took several classes, and some of them reinforced her love of poetry and photography. Now, she sells her photography art with “Simply Special Photography By Amanda”. She also volunteers at the MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland. It was an obvious choice that Amanda would become the Chief Photographer, and Graphics Operator for 3-2-1 Connection.
While at MCTV Adam was the Lead Cameraman for 3-2-1 Connection, operating high level equipment. At SVSU, Adam took classes, played intramural football and worked at the Marketplace and with the SVSU Maintenance Department. The experience with the maintenance department highlighted Adam’s natural strengths. When he left SVSU, he was hired by the City of Midland Parks and Recreation Department, He is a permanent part-time employee and is thriving in his job.
At SVSU, Luke took communications classes and earned his Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor Certifications. He played cymbals in the SVSU Marching Band, and worked at the Marketplace. Luke’s experience at SVSU gave him the confidence to obtain his CPR certification. He now works for the Aquatics Department at Greater Midland Community Center.
After his exposure to communications classes, Luke became interested in Journalism. He worked with a mentor, Trisha Fenby, to do interviews for the local Neighboring Committee. Amanda took photos and the articles were published in the local newspaper, The Midland Daily News. But writing was not Luke’s strength. So with support from Trisha, Kevin LaDuke from the Midland Foundation, and the entire staff at Midland Community Television (MCTV), Luke developed into a talk show host. 3-2-1 Connection provides a platform for Luke, Amanda and Adam to have a voice, build skills, and make community connections.
How do you define success?
Success is feeling proud when you reflect on what you’ve accomplished and how it has positively impacted others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @321Connection
- Facebook: @321Connection
- Youtube: @3-2-1connection4
