Behind the Mitten

Behind the Mitten

By John GonzalezSociety & Culture
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Behind the Mitten episodes

  • S5,E28: WMTA Photo Contest, John Ball Zoo, Cedar Springs Brewery, Phil Tower (July 15-16, 2023)
    It’s a hodge podge this week, with segments from all over Michigan as we go Behind the Mitten. We’ve got a contest to win, a hippo to visit, a beer to drink, and a great interview with a verifiable radio legend, who shares some important travel tips for those of us who are differently abled.

    We start off with our friends from the West Michigan Tourist Association, who are currently holding their annual summer photo contest. Paige Bodine and Dan Sippel give us all the details on this fun way to share your vision of Michigan. The contest is accepting photos until July 28, and then the public will have a chance to vote on their favorites. Prizes include a weekend on Mackinac Island, and you can enter your photo at: https://www.wmta.org/


    A few weeks ago we visited the new pygmy hippo enclosure at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, where 650-pound Jahari resides in a water paradise. Located just a few blocks from the zoo on the West Side of Grand Rapids is Kusterer Brauhaus, a Bavarian-style beer hall that features both traditional German-style ales and lagers, and a few locally inspired ones too. For the month of July, their Feelgood Tap is pouring their Modern Weissbier and donating part of the proceeds from every pint to John Ball Zoo. Plan a visit to Kusterer at https://grbrauhaus.com/


    Behind the Mitten’s executive producer, Phil Tower is usually on the other side of the microphone, but we were lucky enough to have him join us for two segments. We talk about Michigan travel, some of his favorite spots, and also what it can be like to travel with a disability. Phil is currently the station manager at WYCE in Grand Rapids.



    This show aired July 15-16, 2023.

    BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    45 min
  • Brittney Buti Primeau: Why Crystal Mountain is the perfect Pure Michigan destination
    Why is Crystal Mountain the perfect destination any time, any season?

    John Gonzalez of the radio show Behind the Mitten talks to Brittney Buti Primeau on this Podcast about how Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville offers a great central location if you want to explore the area or just bask in all of the resort's amenities.

    Thompsonville is in a perfect spot! Manistee is nearby to the south and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakesure is to the north. Also, beautiful Lake Michigan is just northwest in Frankfort.

    In addition to an awesome locaton, Crystal Mountain offers great accomodations for all size of groups - from couples on a getaway weekend to family trips, or girlfriends checking out their award-winning spa to nature lovers out on an adventure, the resort and staff is ready to take care of you.

    Foodies will love the great dining options, and adventures can check out Michigan Legacy Art Park for art sculptures and a hike. Also, there's a cool waterpark, chair lift rides all seasons, mountain biking and so much more!

    Oh, and Michigan's first grain to glass distillery, Iron Fish Distillery, is less than 2 miles away.

    LEARN MORE at crystalmountain.com.

    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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.

    BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    11 min
  • S5,E27: Consumers Energy Au Sable River Canoe Marathon 2023: Everything to know! (July 8-9, 2023)
    The 75th Annual Consumers Energy Au Sable River Canoe Marathon takes place July 29 and 30, 2023. This grueling, 120-mile canoe race is legendary for elite paddlers. For the rest of us? It’s been called “the world’s toughest spectator race”, so we knew we had to go behind the scenes and get the scoop. This event is an excellent excuse to head to downtown Grayling, and Behind the Mitten can’t wait to attend. On this week’s show, we get our paddles out and go behind the scenes of this big summer event.

    Our friends at Consumers Energy sponsor this event each year, and Brian Wheeler, Media Relations Manager for Consumers joins us to discuss their involvement through the years, and why this event is so important to both the company and the community. He’s joined by Hilary Wells, Hydro Operations Forager for Consumers, who shares what her role is in managing the areas around the portage sites for the race, as well as her involvement as a volunteer.


    Did you know that the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon attracts racers from as far away as Australia? Neither did we! Or that there are six Consumers hydro dams along the race route that paddlers have to portage? We learn that these clean, renewable energy sources also provide excellent vantage points to watch the race from along the river. We look at some of the interesting facts surrounding this crazy overnight race during segment two.


    For segment three, we are joined by Rae Gosling, owner of the HIdden Nook Bookstore, and former director of Downtown Grayling. She shares what it’s like at the very exciting start of the race, which occurs through the streets of downtown at 9 pm on Saturday night. She also gives some of the details of the week-long lead-up to the marathon during River Fest.


    Finally, we have a really interesting interview with Steve Southard, Director of Media and Communication for the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. He explains all sorts of stuff about the race and its history, including just what HUP All Night means.


    Also, be sure to check out "How It Started" - Episode 1 of the "Au Sable" docuseries about the Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon. It can now be viewed on both Facebook and YouTube.
    You Tube
    AuSable River Canoe Marathon Facebook Page.

    Created in collaboration with the Consumers Energy Production Team, and narrated by Detroit Pistons and Michigan State Spartans announcer George Blaha - "Au Sable", the three-part docuseries - tells the story of the river, the race, and the legends that have shaped the 75-year history of the race. Look for episodes 2 and 3 of "AuSable" which will debut in about the third week of July and August, respectively.





    45 min
  • Trevor Tkach: How Traverse City transformed into a four-season destination (July 5, 2023)
    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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, John Gonzalez talks to Trevor Tkach of Traverse City Tourism during the National Cherry Festival. Not only do they talk about much they had at the Flo Rida concert, they also talk the remaining days of the festival (which continue through July 8). Learn more at cherryfestival.org.

    Also during the conversation they talk about how Traverse City has transformed over the years. Tkach, the former executive director of the NCF, talks about how “shoulder seasons” in tourism have become growing in popularity for Traverse City.

    They also talk about two upcoming events:
    • Party Between the Lines, a new Labor Day event at Turtle Creek Stadium (home of the TC Pitspitters) that will feature two concerts: Nelly/Ashanti (Sept, 2) and REO Speedwagon/Joan Jett (Sept. 3).More details at thefestivalfoundation.org/p/party-between-the-lines
    • September will also bring to the area a one-of-a-kind event that is gaining world-wide attention - the International Fireworks Championship. It features teams from the U.S. Mexico, Germany and France, offering spectacular shows in a competition. "It sold out in 30 minutes," Tkach said. Because of the demand they are looking at ways to allow more people into the show. It takes place Sept. 9, also at Turtle Creek Stadium. Learn more at traversecity.com.
    Also during the podcast, Trevor and Gonzo are joined by Pure Michigan’s Dave Lorenz, who shares his thoughts on what has made Traverse City so successful. He also admits to being a Nelly fan.

    The National Cherry Festival continues through July 8. Learn more at cherryfestival.org.

    Behind the Mitten airs on 19 stations across the state.

    Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    15 min
  • Kat Paye: How the Festival Foundation preserves Traverse City traditions (July 5, 2023)
    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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, John Gonzalez sits down with Kat Paye, the executive director of the National Cherry Festival. They talk about about how the Cherry Festival is off to another great start.

    But they also talk about the Festival Foundation, which produces several events throughout the year, including the Leapin' Leprechaun 5K Race, the National Cherry Festival, Iceman Cometh Challenge and the Cherry T Ball Drop. These events raise money to support several local causes.

    Learn more about the Foundation at thefestivalfoundation.org.

    The National Cherry Festival continues through July 8. Learn more at cherryfestival.org.

    Behind the Mitten airs on 19 stations across the state.

    Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    10 min
  • How Consumers Energy uses 'grass-powered woolen mowers' at WMU Solar Park (July 5, 2023)
    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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.

    This week we spend time at the Western Michigan University Solar Farm, which uses "grass-powered woolen mowers" - a.k.a. sheep - to keep the vegetation in check. It's all part of Consumers Energy renewable energy programs.

    On the podcast, John Gonzalez goes on site to talk to Josh Paciorek of Consumers Energy and Lauren Burns of Tending Tilth, who manages the sheep for Consumers. Some of the sheep even come up to them as they do the interview right in the Solar Park.

    The Western Michigan University solar garden is part of a pilot program on vegetation management for other solar farms. The sheep keep the vegetation trimmed around the solar site’s 3,900 solar panels and 8.5 acres of land.

    Important facts:
    • Consumers Energy’s WMU Solar Garden was completed in 2016 at WMU’s Kalamazoo campus at the Business, Technology and Research Park. It generates up to 1 megawatt of electricity.
    • The WMU Solar Garden was Consumers Energy’s second solar garden. Today the energy provider has three located at Grand Valley State University, WMU, and in Cadillac.
    • Customers enrolled in Consumers Energy’s Solar Gardens program pay as little as $10 a month to support solar projects and receive bill credits based on electricity that’s generated.
    Learn more about Consumers renewable energy programs at consumersenergy.com/residential/renewable-energy.

    This segment aired as part of BTM's show on July 1-2, 2023.

    BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    9 min
  • S5,E26: Fireworks around state, plus backyard displays (July 1-2, 2023)
    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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.

    This week we talk about fireworks - from big city displays to backyard shows, plus we take a moment to visit a cool initiative involving sheep and Consumers Energy.

    Season 5, Episode 26:
    • Amy and Gonzo talk about their love for 4th of July, as well as Gonzo's recent trip to Italy.
    • Consumers Energy is piloting a new initiative to use sheep to help with vegetation management at a Solar Park in Kalamazoo. They call them "grass-powered woolen mowers." Learn more about Consumers renewable energy programs at consumersenergy.com/residential/renewable-energy.
    • Dom Miller from Mackinac State Historic Parks joins the show to tell us how the island celebrates the fourth, including the annual stone skipping contest. Learn more at mackinacisland.org/event-calendar/4th-of-july-on-mackinac-island/.
    • Eric Konopka of the Michgan Fireworks Company in South Lyron tells about the trend in fireworks, and what's popular this season for backyard displays. Learn more at michiganfireworkscompany.com/.

    This show aired July 1-2, 2023.

    BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    44 min
  • S5,E25: Visit Alpena, new brewery in Marquette, Irish pub on Mackinac Island and Scottville Clown Band (June 24-25, 2023)
    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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.

    This week we visit Alpena, Marquette, Mackinac Island and Scottville!

    Season 5, Episode 25:
    • Our good friend Mary Beth Stutzman fills us in on all the grear things to do in Alpena. Learn more at visitalpena.com.
    • No stranger to a road trip with Amy and Gonzo, Jay Clancey of the new brewery Kognisjon Bryggeri in Marquette talks about transitioning his former Cognition Brewery in Ishpeming to a new location on 3rd Street.
    • Andrew Doud, business owner on Mackinac Island, talks about his new venture - Patrick Dound's Irish Pub, which opened for the 2023 season right on Main Street next to Horn's Bar. It served authentic food, as well as Guinness, of course. They even have their own beer on tap, an ale similar to Bass and brewed by Les Cheneaux Brewery.
    • And David Ladd of the Scottville Clown Band stops by the show to give us the history of a band that is celebrating 120 years in 2023. He also talks about where to see them this summer. In fact, they perform in Manistee and Ludington on July 4. See their complete schedule at scottvilleclownband.com/schedule/.
    This show aired June 24-25-11, 2023.

    BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    44 min
  • S5,E24: Let's golf at Treetops Resort in Gaylord (June 17-18, 2023)
    This week we head to Michigan's golf mecca, Gaylord, and record from Michigan's Most Spectacular Resort, Treetops.

    We'll be visiting with our good friend Barry Owens, Treetops General Manager, who always brings a laugh, and great insider tips for all things Treetops.
    Doug Hoeh, Director of Recreation shares what's new golf-wise around the resort. All I wanted to know was how does one achieve the awesome title of director of recreation and all the fun that clearly goes along with that? Turns out that Hoeh is plenty busy 'playing' the 81 holes of golf they have at Treetops on the regular.
    Aaron Beach , Director of Operations, stops by to share some of the different types of accommodations they offer at Treetops, and of course, we have Treetops new and talented Food and Beverage director Greg Jones on to talk about some of the exciting changes you'll see on the menu at the resort this year.

    Plan your trip to Treetops at https://www.treetops.com/
    45 min
  • S5,E23: Why We Love the Soo! (June 10-11, 2023)
    “Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and since 2015 it has published more than 500 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.

    This week we took a quick trip over the Mighty Mac brought us to beautiful Sault Ste Marie, and we share what we found.

    Season 5, Episode 23:

    • Our good friend, and Executive Director of the Sault Ste Marie Tourism and Convention Bureau, Linda Hoath, invited us up to record at Birdseye Outfitters, a fantastic little shop where you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning, work or visit in a comfy setting all day, grab a craft beer later, and even book an outdoor adventure in the area.
    • We have on Birdseye owners Ken and Wilda Hopper to learn more about this special place, what makes the Soo such a fun place to live, and how you can kayak through the locks right alongside a freighter if you are so inclined. Yes, you read that right. Check them out at https://www.birdseyeoutfitters.com/.
    • Stephanie Sprecker just took over as the director of the Soo's Downtown Development Authority, and shares some of her excitement about what is happening throughout downtown. We also learn about one of the biggest days of the year in the Soo, Engineers Day which always happens on the last Friday in June, this year on June 30. It's an incredible opportunity to view and experience the locks up close and personal.
    • And, did we mention that we kick the whole show off with THE Mayor of Sault Ste Marie, Don Gerrie?

    You don't want to miss this one! Get more information about the Soo and plan your trip at saultstemarie.com.

    This show aired June 10-11, 2023.

    BTM airs on radio stations across the state, and you can always find us as a podcast on your favorite streaming service.

    Affiliates:

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI

    *8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

    *10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek

    *10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor

    *4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS "The Bay's Best!" - 1480 AM & 106.9 FM in Tawas / East Tawas

    *7 a.m. Sundays 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

    *Noon Sundays on News, Talk and Sports - 1380-AM WPHM in Port Huron

    *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

    Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.
    45 min

About Behind the Mitten

From the publisher's feed

"Behind the Mitten" is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast and has nearly 700 episodes. In 2025 it celebrates 10 years! It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. John is a…

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