Behind the Mitten

SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

On this bonus episode of Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, our dynamic duo chats with BTM webmaster Jeff Bailey, who tells how he got into the hobby of making his own maple syrup. He started from the base of not knowing how to identify a maple tree to actually making something he gives away as gifts to friends. He will make you laugh.

This segment aired March 16-17, 2024.

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Website: amyandgonzo.com
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TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
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SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, our dynamic duo travel the state to bring you everything you need to know about Michigan Maple Syrup, including how a newcomer approaches it and how the professionals do it.

On this bonus podcast, they stop by the Detroit suburb of Northville, which may seem like an unlikely place to celebrate all-things maple syrup, but each year in March, the popular Maybury Farm hosts families on the weekends to take them to the sugarbush for an immersive experience. We talked to Diana Wallace, executive director of the Northville Community Foundation & Maybury Farm about why you may want to visit Northville this weekend. Tours continue through March 30. Learn more at mayburyfarm.org.

This episode aired March 16-17, 2024.

Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, our dynamic duo travel the state to bring you everything you need to know about Michigan Maple Syrup, including how a newcomer approaches it and how the professionals do it.

Their first stop is at Maple Row Sugarhouse in Jones (Southwestern Michigan) where they are celebrating the Michigan Maple Syrup Festival with everything from pancakes, to activities for kids and all things maple syrup. We talk to co-owner Christy Olson, who operates the farm with her husband Daniel and their seven kids. The festival continues this weekend, March 23 and 24. Attendees will also enjoy a reenactment camp to show how maple syrup was made back in the pioneer days. More details at maplerowsugarhouse.com.

This episode aired March 16-17, 2024.

Follow John and Amy:
Website: amyandgonzo.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast with more than 600 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and longtime chef & beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this podcast, Amy Sherman join the Paul Miller Show (March 22. 2024) on WPHM in Port Huron to preview this weekend's BTM show, which is all about a recent roadtrip on U.S. 131 from Grand Rapids to Traverse City.

Learn more about the Paul Miller Show at wphm.net.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

And make sure to listen to this weekend's Behind the Mitten on the following stations:

Saturdays

*8 a.m. WBRN - 1460 AM, 96.5 FM & 107.7 FM in Big Rapids 
*8 a.m. Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI 
*8 a.m. WILS-1320 AM in Lansing 
​*9 a.m.  92.1 FM WGHN in Grand Haven (ADDED Feb. 3, 2024)
*10 a.m. 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek
*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor
​*Noon Saturdays News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron (NEW TIME)
*4 p.m. WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

Sundays

*7 a.m. on the following Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:
-WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) in Mt. Pleasant 
-WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) in Traverse City
-WMRX - Sunny 97.7 in Midland
-WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) in Houghton Lake
-WWMK - 1063 MAC FM in Cheboygan

*8 a.m. News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron (NEW TIME)
*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw
*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids

SEASON 6, EPISODE 11

On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, our dynamic duo travel the state to bring you everything you need to know about Michigan Maple Syrup, including how a newcomer approaches it and how the professionals do it.

Segment 1: We stop at Maple Row Sugarhouse in Jones (Southwestern Michigan) where they are celebrating the Michigan Maple Syrup Festival with everything from pancakes, to activities for kids and all things maple syrup. We talk to co-owner Christy Olson, who operates the farm with her husband Daniel and their seven kids. The festival continues this weekend, March 23 and 24. Attendees will also enjoy a reenactment camp to show how maple syrup was made back in the pioneer days. More details at maplerowsugarhouse.com.

Segment 2: Our friend and BTM webmaster Jeff Bailey joins the show, who tells how he got into the hobby of making his own maple syrup. He started from the base of not knowing how to identify a maple tree to actually making something he gives away as gifts to friends. He will make you laugh.

Segment 3: The Detroit suburb of Northville may seem like an unlikely place to celebrate all-things maple syrup, but each year in March, the popular Maybury Farm hosts families on the weekends to take them to the sugarbush for an immersive experience. We talked to Diana Wallace, executive director of the Northville Community Foundation & Maybury Farm about why you may want to visit Northville this weekend. Tours continue through March 30. Learn more at mayburyfarm.org.

Segment 4: The state is blessed to have several outstanding maple syrup festivals, including the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival in Vermontville, just southwest of Lansing. Along with great maple syrup, this community event that dates back to the 1940s includes a flea market, pancake derby, talent show, an arts and crafts show and a grand parade. We talked to Mary Ann Hayes of Maple Manor about what makes this community festival so popular and why thousands of people descend on this tiny town every year. This year’s festival is April 26-28. More details at syrupfest.org.

Who could we possibly have on the show next week? Who knows! But stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out!

Follow John and Amy:
Website: amyandgonzo.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

SEASON 6, EPISODE 10

Nestled on the shores of our lovely Lake Michigan, most know and adore Grand Haven as a fabulous summer beach destination. And boy, IS IT! Strolling the boardwalk on a warm sunny day, with a breeze off the great lake, maybe a drippy cone in your hand, and thoughts of the Tip A Few Tavern for a cold one later dance across your brain. Grand Haven is truly a Pure Michigan summer beach destination, but it offers a completely different experience in the off-season.

This week we explore this beachside town, talk both winter and summer, and introduce you to some familiar spots as well as a whole new area that you just have to check out.

We'll head to the East End Association of Grand Haven and visit both Burzurk Brewing Co and The Unicorn Tavern. They've helped to make this neighborhood a destination, and we get the "behind the mitten" scoop on both.

And since summer IS just around the corner, we get all the details on Grand Haven State Park, and how to score a reservation at one of Michigan's most popular camping sites. Plus, we will talk to the real, live Captain Kirk of Top Shelf Fishing about what it's like to take a charter fishing boat out on Lake Michigan.

Who could we possibly have on the show next week? Who knows! But stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out!

Follow John and Amy:
Website: amyandgonzo.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

#behindthemitten
#GrandHaven
#visitgh

We are always intrigued to hear what others have to say about our beloved Michigan, whether it is current residents, former citizens, or visitors from afar. We are always especially interested to hear the take that travel experts have on Michigan, what they notice, what they love, what they might see in our future.

We were pleased as punch to confirm an interview with Pauline Frommer for our Season 6, Episode 7 show. Yes, of that Frommer family, the kind of kings of travel publications. We were interested to hear some of her experiences around Michigan as a travel expert, and what she sees trending in the next few years.

She did not disappoint. Frommer is the Co-President of FrommerMedia, Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, author of the best-selling "Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City" and "Frommer's New York City Day by Day", and co-host of "The Travel Show" You see what I'm saying? This woman is an expert.

You can listen to the entire podcast, which includes additional guests Matt DeWitt, Mary Ellen Murphy, and actor Jeff Daniels.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s6-e7-michigan-bucket-list-with-jeff-daniels-pauline-frommer-and-more-feb-17-18-2024--58694549

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Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
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Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

https://www.amyandgonzo.com/

We set out to make a Michigan Bucket List show and ended up with a guest list that is all over the map and book-ended by two well-known names, one in the travel industry, and one for abiding while creating an incredible theatrical destination for all to enjoy.

We were pleased as punch to confirm an interview with Pauline Frommer. Yes, of that Frommer family, the kind of kings of travel publications. We were interested to hear some of her experiences around Michigan as a travel expert, and what she sees trending in the next few years. She did not disappoint. Frommer is the Co-President of FrommerMedia, Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, author of the best-selling "Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City" and "Frommer's New York City Day by Day", and co-host of "The Travel Show" You see what I'm saying? This woman is an expert.

Then we turn closer to home, and visit with our friend, and radio legend, Mary Ellen Murphy. This award-winning DJ hosts The Morning Show on WGHN in Grand Haven. Passionate about the Tri-Cities region, which also includes Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, Mary Ellen shares her thoughts on 'beach time' plus what she loves about this area. One thing I love about Mary Ellen is her fantastic studio at WGHN, which looks directly out over the Channel and boardwalk in GH. You can see what she sees on their live camera link here. Pro beach-going move: check out their OTHER cam for live beach conditions, so you know before you go.


An old friend then calls in, all the way from Savannah Georgia. We first met Matt DeWitt at the bar he used to own in Ishpeming, a little gem of a spot called Brogie's that served one hell of a Bloody Mary. May have been named a top glass by a couple of food writers we know. Anywho, Matt has been having quite an adventure the last few years, working for that crazy baseball team, the Savannah Bananas. We get to hear all about what that's been like, plus what he misses most about the Upper Peninsula. It may, or may not, be a certain sausage.

EDIT: I almost forgot! Matt and his wife EV have started a new website, crabrankoons.com. They rank crab rangoons and all derivatives. Yes, you cannot make this up. These are the people we love at Behind the Mitten.

Finally our last interview, and yes, it's a big one. Jeff Daniels took time to chat with little old us about his incredible Purple Rose Theatre.

"Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for theatre artists to define our collective Midwestern voice. It is a place for emerging talent and seasoned professionals to learn more about and to practice their craft; a place for patrons of the arts to laugh, cry, and perhaps even learn something new," according to their website.

We learned it is so much more than that, not just to Daniels, but to the Chelsea community that has been truly transformed by its presence over the last thirty years. Daniels' passion for theatre and acting is pretty evident, but what I found most interesting is that The Purple Rose focuses on laughter, the best medicine, and developing hilarious plays from the ground up, all to bring some much-needed joy to our world. How awesome is that?

Their newest play had me giggling just reading the summary. Directed by Rhiannon Raglan, and written by David MacGregor, "The Anti Christ Cometh" premiers to the world on March 22 and runs at the theatre through May 25.

"The Antichrist Cometh is a comedy about a happily married man who discovers that he might be the Antichrist. Will he be able to enjoy a small dinner party with his loving wife, former college roommate, and his roommate’s devoutly religious fiancée? Or will their home-cooked meal usher in the Apocalypse?"

Daniels goes a little bit deeper with us, and let me say, this sounds like quite the dinner party, and one you don't want to miss. Remember, it's a comedy! Chelsea is a charming, lively downtown with great restaurants and shopping, so when you go to a show, plan on making a day of it.

It was a pleasure talking with Mr. Daniels, who at the end of the day, is just another Michigander like the rest of us. It's his passion for this project, for the Purple Rose and all that it might mean, that sets him apart. We salute his years of hard work building this Michigan gem. Daniels is also a big Lions fan and attended a few games this year, so you know we had to ask him about that.

Who could we possibly have on the show next week? Who knows! But stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out!

Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
Instagram at @BehindTheMitten

Fenn Valley Vineyards has been creating unique Michigan wines and ciders for over fifty years, nestled in the rolling green hills of Fennville in beautiful southwest Michigan. Behind the Mitten made a recent jaunt that way, about 45 minutes south of our world headquarters in Grand Rapids. We sat down with Brian Lesperance, Vice President of Fenn Valley, and winemaker Matt Jannette to get the scoop on all that's happening at Fenn Valley, plus some wine-tasting do's and don'ts.

First, let's go way back to 1973 when Fenn Valley was founded. The owners located the perfect section of land just the right distance from our lady Lake Michigan, which helps to provide the temperate weather that is just right for growing grapes. Lesperance explains the true importance of the lake, plus what "terroir" means, to kick off the show.

Head winemaker Matt Jannette came back home to Michigan after a stint out on the West Coast working for a really big vineyard. He's been making his mark at Fenn Valley for a while now, tweaking systems and techniques to make the very best wine possible. We learn how he got started, and what he loves about making wine. Hint: he's a Sparty!

Both Lesperance and Jannette join us for segment three, where we talk fun things to do at the vineyard, which is family-friendly, and open year-round. Fenn Valley hosts a few really big events each year, including their upcoming New Release weekends. Held the second and third weekends in April, this is like the deal and experience of the spring. This year join them at the vineyard April 13 & 14, and April 20 & 21where you'll get to try the six new wines for 2024, each paired with a special small taste of food from the culinary team. For only $15. Seriously!

We end the show with a wine tasting, and we get some great tips on do's and don'ts when you are doing one. I also just remembered that by the end of the show, we had both agreed to participate in The Vine Wine'd, a stunning 5K through the vineyards at Fenn Valley on October 5. Plan on joining us, and plan a visit to this beautiful corner of our state soon.


Follow John and Amy:
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
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BONUS PODCAST

On this Podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate National Sauna Week (Feb. 18-24, 2024) with executive director of the national Finlandia Foundation, Tommy Flanagan. He tells us all about it, including that the Upper Peninsula is considered part of the U.S. Sauna Belt. He also discusses proper sauna etiquete. Congrats to Debbie Paver of Calumet, who created the winning entry in the first National Sauna Week poster contest.

Finlandia Foundation National is the leading independent source of support for Finnish culture in the United States,

LISTEN TO THE FULL SHOW EPISODE HERE. It aired on Feb. 24-25, 2024.

Photos courtesy of Finlandia Foundation National and Debbie Paver.

Don't miss out on the latest in travel, things to do and events throughout the state at amyandgonzo.com.

Follow John and Amy:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
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