Behind the Mitten

BONUS PODCAST

Co-host of "Behind the Mitten" Amy Sherman shares where she and Gonzo will be this weekend, and all of the fun stuff coming up to do around Da Mitt including BASEBALL!!!!

Amy also runs down what's new at Comercia Park, and Gonzo shares info about his family baseball podcast. This segment aired on April 10 on WILS-AM in Lansing on "The WILS Morning Wake Up" show with host Mike Austin.

Listen to Amy and Gonzo at 7:40 a.m. Thursdays on WILS-1320 AM.

Behind the Mitten is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and podcast, celebrating 10 years of covering the great state of Michigan. Hosted by former chef/social media influencer Amy Sherman and longtime journalist John Gonzalez, the show airs on 21 radio stations and is listened to by more 200,000 listeners each weekend. The show has nearly 700 podcast episodes and is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, Spreaker and wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow their adventures at amyandgonzo.com.

EPISODE 694: Behind the Mitten Road Trip -- Bay City to Frankenmuth

In this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate 10 years of exploring Michigan's Great Lakes State. They embark on a road trip from Bay City to Frankenmuth, visiting local attractions like Tummyache candy store and John's Bar. The conversation highlights the importance of community, local businesses, and upcoming festivals in Frankenmuth, including the opening of a new water park. The hosts share their love for Michigan's culture, food, and the joy of road trips.

Segment 1: The trip begins at Tummy Ache Candy Store in Bay City, and Amy and Gonzo meet Starr Henning, who co-owns the store with her husband, Michael, and they also operate an ice cream truck called "Starshine." It's a fun first stop!

Segment 2: Amy and Gonzo introduce you to the charmingly awesome John's Bar & Party Store located in Munger right on Hwy 15. When we say right on the highway, it's a house that is just steps from the corner of Tuscola and Munger Roads, on your way south to Frankenmuth. Owner Kellie Brown, who co-owns the bar with her mom Mary Ann, and who's parents previously owned it, welcome everyone in this unssuming house/restaurant/bar. Local beef meets that famous griddle for the perfect flavorful sear, pick your patties and toppings and Kellie will get to work like the pro that she is. Everyone here is friendly and welcoming.

Segment 3: After their stop at John's Bar, they travel about 15 miles south to Frankenmuth to visit Amy Zehnder Grossi at Michigan on Main, which is a sister restaurant to Bavarian Inn. It's a familiar stop because Amy and Gonzo were good friends of martriarch Dorothy Zehnder, a true Michigan treasure who passed away in 2023 at age 101. As president of Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Amy Zehnder Grossi shares what's new, including the just-opened Bavarian Blast, one of Michigan's biggest water parks. 

Segment 4: The night ends with a wine and charcuterie experience at Prost! in Frankenmuth. It feels like a big-city restaurant in the Bavarian-themed village. It has a cozy fireplace and lively atmosphere.

That completes our Bay City to Frankenmuth road trip!

Chapters

00:00 -- Celebrating Michigan's Great Lakes State
01:11 -- Road Trip Adventures: Bay City to Frankenmuth
02:55 -- Exploring Tummyache: A Candy Wonderland
12:54 -- John's Bar: A Local Favorite
23:08 -- Frankenmuth: A Home Away From Home
25:45 -- Bavarian Inn: A Family Tradition
28:56 -- Exciting New Developments: Water Park Coming Soon
29:48 -- Festivals in Frankenmuth: Celebrating Community
33:27 -- Prost: A Cozy Wine Bar Experience

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

On this special podcast of "Behind the Mitten," co-host John Gonzalez checks in with good friend Paul Beachnau of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau about a two-day ice storm in Northern Michigan that has completely devasted the area. Thousands of people across the region remain without power in freezing weather, with some roads still blocked due to downed trees and powerlines. On Monday (March 31, 2025), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Otsego, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Mackinac and Alpena counties in order to help with response and recovery efforts. Paul took time to talk to us after a day of helping neighbors clear debris.

PHOTO: Eileen Tussey

Released by the Gaylord Tourism Bureau on April 1, 2025

As you may know, Gaylord and much of northern Michigan was hit by an ice storm that started on March 29th. Most of our community has been without power since that time. If you plan to travel to the area in the next few weeks, please call ahead first to ensure you will have power and access to your lodging.

There are many trees and powerlines down, but the amazing linemen and first responders are working tirelessly to restore everything. We appreciate their efforts more than words can say!

Please bear with us as we work on clearing our roads and trails; the cleanup may take some time. We’re optimistic that our community will come together, just like before, to reclaim Gaylord as the outdoor wonderland we all love.

Thanks for your patience and support! Stay tuned for updates on our progress—we can’t wait to welcome you back!

Stay up to date at gaylordmichigan.net.

EPISODE 693: Behind the Mitten Road Trip -- Clare to Lewiston

In this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate a decade of exploring Michigan's hidden gems. They embark on a road trip adventure, visiting various local businesses, including Buccilli's Pizza in Clare, R & J's Best Choice Marketplace in Houghton Lake, and Jack's Place in Roscommon, where they highlight the importance of community and local flavors. The episode also features the Lewiston Hotel & Bar, showcasing its award-winning fish fry and new menu items, emphasizing the unique experiences Michigan has to offer.

Segment 1: Co-owner Shari Buccilli of Buccilli's Pizza in Clare tells the story how her husband's family moved from Detroit and started the award-winning pizzeria in 1973 with only $1,500. 

Segment 2: Our next stop is at R&J’s Best Choice Marketplace of Houghton Lake where we meet Joycelyn Alexander, who tells us more about this "Pure Michigan" destination that features products from all over the state, including a variety of their top-selling Feta cheese. Amy calls herself "a Feta girl" and wants to enter the annual contest in December to win a year's worth of Feta. Last year they sold 14,730 pounds of the cheese.

Segment 3: A few years ago we traveled all over the state looking for great fish frys. We found one at Jack’s Place in Roscommon, known for fresh Alaskan cod and a cool A-frame bar. The fish is never frozen and flown in every week. We stopped in again, only to discover that Amy happen to know new co-owner Jason Christensen, who is originally from Amy's hometown in downriver Detroit. We learned more about how Jason and his partner Ashley Reynolds came to own the bar. And of course, we had to try the fish again. It was fabulous. 

Segment 4: Another one of our favorite fish frys was at the Lewiston Hotel & Bar, and it, too has new ownership. It was our final stop for the show. We sat at the bar and talked to Troy Willett, who tells us how he and his wife, Crissy, bought the bar a few years ago and updated it with a new menu, including gyros, poutine, more Mexican food items and the "Lewie Burger," a half-pound cheese burger that has become a top-seller. But the perch fish fry still brings them in because it's still the same, Troy said. They also offer 12 modest, very clean hotel rooms, making it a great place to spend the night. Prices are very afforable.

That completes our Clare to Lewiston road trip!

Chapters
00:00 - Celebrating a Decade of Michigan Adventures
01:14 - Road Trip Excitement: The Journey Begins
02:38 - Exploring Clare: St. Patrick's Day Festivities
04:01 - Buccilli's Pizza (Clare): A Local Favorite
10:30 - Michigan Maple Festival: Sweet Traditions
12:51 - R & J's Best Choice Market (Houghton Lake): Michigan Goods Galore
20:57 - Jack's Place (Roscommon): Fresh Fish and Community Vibes
35:41 - The Lewiston Hotel (Lewiston): A New Chapter in Hospitality

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Co-Host of "Behind the Mitten" Amy Sherman shares where she and Gonzo will be this weekend including road trippin', the CMU "Celebrate Life" Pow-Wow, candy shops, John's Bar, Prost! in Frankenmuth, wiener dog races, and more on 1320 WILS.

In this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate a decade of exploring Michigan, focusing on Mount Pleasant and Central Michigan University. They discuss the community's growth, the importance of Indigenous culture, and the upcoming 36th annual Celebrating Life Pow wow. The conversation highlights local attractions, culinary experiences, and the vibrant campus life at CMU, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the community and the diverse opportunities available for visitors and students alike.

Guests include:

Segment 1 - Chris Rowley, Executive Director of the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cassandra Chippeway, Content and Communications Coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant CVB, who talk about the city's relationship to Central Michigan University and Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.

Segment 2 - Kasey Perez, Director for the Office of Indigenous Affairs at Central Michigan University, who joins the podcast to discuss details about the 36th annual Celebrating Life Pow wow March 29 and 30. Perez is a tribal member of the Hannahville Potawatomi Community and former student at CMU.

Segment 3 - Dr. Paula Lancaster, Provost and Executive VP at CMU, who fills us in on academics, enrollment and why this is a great time be a Chippewa. Prior to serving as the university’s lead academic officer, she was Dean of the CMU College of Education and Human Services and a professor of teacher education, and she has more than 20 years of higher education experience. 

Segment 4 - Chris and Cassandra of the Mt. Pleasant CVB, who rejoin the show to talk about the local food scene, as well as the things to do like hiking, tubing and golfing.

Chapters

00:00 - Celebrating a Decade of Michigan Adventures
01:14 - Returning to Mount Pleasant: A Homecoming
02:27 - Exploring Mount Pleasant's Community and Culture
04:51 - Indigenous Heritage and Culinary Delights
09:10 - The Upcoming Celebrating Life Powwow
21:06 - Central Michigan University: A Hub of Learning
25:05 - Transformative Experiences at CMU
33:10 - Mount Pleasant: A Destination for All Seasons

Learn more about Central Michigan University at cmich.edu.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

On the WILS Morning Wake-up Show today (March 20, 2025), John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten shares the birth of BTM, tribal food and culture, CMU events, and what is Bell's doing with Oberon Day. And he also entertain's WILS host Mike Austin's idea for a new feature... Mike's Bites.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Learn more about Mike Austin's show The Morning Wake-up at 1320wils.com.

Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten appeared on the CFX Breakfast Flakes, March 20, 2025, to preview this weekend's show, which is all about Mt. Pleasant. She also talks about the upcoming Celebrating Life Pow wow at Central Michigan University, which is March 29-30..

Learn more about the event at cmich.edu.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Behind the Mitten - Episode 691

On this weekend's show, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spend time in one of their favorite Michigan cities - Bay City!

Segment 1: We kick things off with newly elected mayor of Bay City, Christopher Girard. (Man, does this guy have some energy! We love him.)

Segment 2: We also stop at some of our favorite restaurants, including Krzysiak House Restaurant, to talk to owner and long-time friend, Donny. This is a must stop for incredbile Polish meatballs and honey fried chicken. We approve as some of the best fried chicken in Michigan.

Segment 3: Amy and Gonzo also get to tour the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame Museum with founder/curator Gary Johnson, who shares his passion for Michigan rock history and the significance that Bay City plays in it. Not only was Madonna born in Bay City, but so was early punk with ? and the Mysterians known for the classic "96 Tears." Framed albums, memorabilia, posters, tons of great photos and a cool theater with a video series on the history of Michigan Rock and Roll are all inside. Fun fact: Johnson said the auto industry had a huge impact on the Michigan rock scene, which makes Michigan very unique. The museum opened March 12, 2022. It is located at the Bay County Historical Museum. 

Segment 4: It gets a little emotional with the Larner family because both Amy and Gonzo were so close to the matriarch, Jackie Larner. We sit down and talk to the family, whose goal it is to honor their mom's legacy since passing away in September of 2021. The famous Mussell Beach Drive In near the State Park and continues to make some of the best onion rings, burgers and coney dogs in the state. All fresh and homemade, just the way mom taught them.

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast celebrating is 10th anniversary in 2025. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

Behind the Mitten - Episode 690

On this weekend's show, Gonzo and Amy Sherman check in with some of their favorite tourism professionals around the state for what Amy calls, "missives from Sault Ste. Marie, Manistee and Gaylord."

Segment 1: Before we talk to those tourism professionals, Amy asks John Gonzalez (Gonzo) questions about his recent trip to Italy, where he rode on a gondola, ate pizza (of course!) and visited many holy sites, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Segment 2: Our good friend Christy Walcott joins the show to talk about the fun things to do in Gaylord during the "shoulder season," that's when the tourism industry transitions from winter to spring. She recommends hunting for morel mushrooms. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is a perfect spot to look for morels (sandy soil near tall trees such as elm, ash, poplar or fruit trees). The season typically runs from late April to mid-June. Learn more at gaylordmichigan.net.

Segment 3: In Sault Ste. Marie, our friend Linda Hoath is a self-proclaimed  "boat nerd" and super excited for a new freighter season when the first ships go through the Soo Locks. Opening Day is March 25. The observation deck will open at 12:01 a.m. Check out this video! Learn more about the Soo at saultstemarie.com.

Segment 4: Are you into fishing? The steelead are running in Manistee and Sammie Lukaskiewicz of the Manistee Tourism Bureau fills us in on all the details. She also talks about how women are getting more into the sport. Learn more at visitmanisteecounty.com.

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast celebrating is 10th anniversary in 2025. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.