Behind the Mitten

Sometimes, you just need a different perspective, so that's what we got this week on Behind the Mitten. Learn how to embrace winter through the extraordiary experiences of some of our Michigan media friends, including the Rent family, a fun gal named Michelle, and a very famous radio dj from the Port Huron area. 

We recorded our first segment when we were onsite at Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville a few weeks ago during a special media trip with My Winter Trails Council. These trips are always a blast, and it's always a fun to reconnect with friends that you might not have worked with in a while. This was the case when we realized that the Rent family was joining us for winter adventures. Andy Rent is a legendary Michigan radio host, who currently hosts Andy in the Morning on 100.5 The River in Grand Rapids. Andy recently got married to the absolutely lovely Susan Bruce, who is a longtime friend of Amy's family. Together, they are continuing their love of Michigan through travel, and you don't want to miss their suggestions. Plus, learn how Suzy and Amy know each other, and why they both love crock pot skiing. 


Next, we meet a new friend, Ms. Michelle Dunaway. She hosts the Morning Mix on Fox 17 in Grand Rapids each day alongside our longtime friend Todd Chance. She clearly fit right in with us, as she immeaditely was all in on winter adventures, including cross country skiing with us the next morning. Some people just click with you right away, and Michelle did. We hope to have her on again, maybe to share her favorite summer spots. 

Caleb Gordon is one of our biggest supporters, and is always helping us make Behind the Mitten a better show. A graduate of Michigan State University, he is currently the program director at WPHM in Port Huron, as well as working with the Michigan Broadcasting Association. Caleb shares fun things that are happening in Port Huron during these chilly months, including the Silver Sticks Hockey Tournament, local trails for snowshoeing, and ice skating downtown at the McMorran Place. He's also a huge fan of the UP, and shares a few favorites from his travels. 

At the end of the show, we rehash a few things that we've enjoyed over the last month, including a cross country skiing lesson that schooled Amy.

Want a preview of this weekend's "Behind the Mitten" show? John Gonzalez talks to Mike Austin on the WILS Morning Wake-Up Show. Gonzo talks about Iron Fish Distillery, Long Road Distillers and Valentine Distillers.

Hosted by Amy and Gonzo, "Behind the Mitten" is Michigan’s premier travel radio show, airing across 21 stations in 14 markets. Each week, Amy and Gonzo take listeners on a journey through the Great Lakes State, sharing insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Whether you're a local or planning your next Michigan adventure, Behind the Mitten is your go-to guide for discovering hidden gems and iconic destinations.

Tune in to the full show this weekend.

Saturdays:

• 8 a.m. – WBRN (1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM) – Big Rapids
• 8 a.m. – Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI – Kalamazoo
• 8 a.m. – WILS (1320 AM) – Lansing
• 9 a.m. – 92.1 FM WGHN – Grand Haven
• 10 a.m. – News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM – Benton Harbor
• Noon – News, Talk and Sports 1380 AM WPHM – Port Huron
• 4 p.m. – WIOS "The Bay’s Best!" (1480 AM / 106.9 FM) – Tawas / East Tawas

Sundays:

• 7 a.m. – Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:
  • WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) – Mt. Pleasant
  • WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) – Traverse City
  • WMRX - Sunny 97.7 – Midland
  • WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) – Houghton Lake
  • WWMK - 1063 MAC FM – Cheboygan
• 8 a.m. – News, Talk and Sports 1380 AM WPHM – Port Huron
• 1 p.m. – WSGW-AM (790) & FM (100.5) – Saginaw
• 6 p.m. – 95.3 WBCK-FM – Battle Creek
• 6 p.m. – WOOD-AM (1300) & FM (106.9) – Grand Rapids

Tune in for the best of Michigan, one adventure at a time!

Learn more about BTM as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Go to amyandgonzo.com.

Susie & Andy Rent: A Pure Michigan Love Story!

On this special podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spend some time with Andy & Susie Rent, who were married on June 30, 2024 after both experiencing loss, and found each other. "For whatever reasson...we were just brought together. I feel blessed. How did this happen?" Andy says on the Podcast.

Amy calls them GR's "most adorable" couple.

On the show they talk about how much they love Michigan winters.

You can hear Andy on The River from 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays on 100.5. More info here.

Follow the Behind the Mitten adventures on amyandgonzo.com.

Everything you need to know about the DNR's Lighthouse Keeper Program!

On today's podcast, co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman -- celebrating 10 years of "Behind the Mitten," Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast - dive deep into the Michigan Lighthouse Keeper Program!

Special guest Don La Barre from the Michigan History Center and Department of Natural Resources shares insights on this unique volunteer opportunity, where participants can stay at the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse while helping with tours and maintenance. Learn about the application process, what daily life as a keeper entails, and how this program contributes to preserving Michigan’s maritime history.

If selected, teams of four spend two weeks living this summer and fall at the Lighthouse with about 30 hours of work during the week. Cost is $250 per persson.

Key Takeaways:

• Volunteers stay at Tawas Lighthouse for two weeks.
• Teams of four apply together.
• Duties include cleaning, providing tours, and greeting visitors.
• The program supports lighthouse preservation efforts.
• Applications for the 2025 season are due by February 1.

Ready to live the life of a lighthouse keeper? Tune in for all the details and visit Michigan.gov to apply!

Follow Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.

Today she calls in to Paul Miller of WPHM-AM (1380) in Port Huron. 

Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.

As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.

Today she calls in to Mary Ellen Murphy on Grand Haven's Finest WGHN-FM (92.1). 

Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.

As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.

Today she calls in to the Breakfast Flakes on 95.3 WCFX in Mt. Pleasant. 

Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.

"Behind the Mitten" co-host, Amy Sherman talks cross-country skiing, activities at Crystal Mountain, crock pot French fries, and where to get the best winter cocktails on 1320 WILS and the Mike Austin Morning Show.

Tune in to this weekend's show on all of our stations throughout Michigan to hear about our travels. In Lansing the show airs at 8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-AM (1320).

For a complete list of stations and times, go to amyandgonzo.com.

Don’t miss this week’s episode of Behind the Mitten, Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and podcast. Join co-hosts Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez as they broadcast from Stormcloud Brewery in the charming Lake Michigan shoreline town of Frankfort, Michigan.

This episode features:

• Stormcloud Brewery: A Belgian-inspired craft brewery that has won multiple national and international awards. Co-owner and co-founder Rick Schmitt shares the story of how Stormcloud became a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
• Winter Fun in Frankfort: Learn about curling on Stormcloud’s patio, the popularity of curling leagues, and how the sport is growing across the state with insights from Kate Sterken, Executive Director of the Traverse City Curling Club.
• The Garden Theatre: Executive Director Katie Jones discusses the history and community role of this 800-seat theater, which hosts annual film festivals, family-friendly movies, and unique collaborations with Stormcloud Brewery.
• Michigan Craft Beer Spotlight: In celebration of Behind the Mitten’s 10th anniversary, Amy and John bring back a fan-favorite segment highlighting the state’s vibrant craft beer scene.

Catch Behind the Mitten on-air:

Saturdays

• 8 a.m.
  • WBRN (Big Rapids) 1460 AM | 107.7 & 96.5 FM
  • WKMI (Kalamazoo) 1360 AM
  • WILS (Lansing) 1320 AM
• 9 a.m.
  • WGHN (Grand Haven) 92.1 FM
• 10 a.m.
  • WSJM (Benton Harbor) 94.9 FM
• Noon
  • WPHM (Port Huron) 1380 AM
• 4 p.m.
  • WIOS (Tawas/East Tawas) 1480 AM | 106.9 FM

Sundays

• 7 a.m.
  • Black Diamond Broadcasting stations: WCFX-95.3 (Mt. Pleasant), WGFN-98.1 & 95.3 (Traverse City), WMRX-97.7 (Midland), WUPS-98.5 (Houghton Lake), and WWMK-106.3 (Cheboygan).
• 8 a.m.
  • 1380 AM WPHM in Port Huron.
• 1 p.m.
  • WSGW-AM (790) & FM (100.5) in Saginaw.
• 6 p.m.
  • WBCK-FM (95.3) in Battle Creek and WOOD-AM (1300) & FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids.

Check out all of our 670+ episodes at Spreaker.com as we celebrate BTM's 10-year anniversary.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Episode 672
Jan. 18, 2025

Celebrate the magic of Broadway at the Wharton Center with this special bonus episode of Behind the Mitten! Host John Gonzalez sits down with Bobby Hoffman to spotlight "Shucked," the original musical bringing humor, heart, and country charm to East Lansing. Discover what makes this show a must-see event and hear all about its unforgettable music and talented cast.

Plus, Bobby offers a sneak peek at upcoming Broadway hits like "MJ the Musical," "Life of Pi," and "Chicago."

Performances of "Shucked" at the Wharton Center run Jan. 21-26, 2025. Tune in and grab your tickets now at whartoncenter.com.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten and its 10th anniversary season at amyandgonzo.com.