Behind the Mitten

“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 head to the gorgeous Straits of Mackinac, and visit with our friends from the Mackinac State Historic Parks. We recorded the show right at Fort Mackinac on the Island, overlooking the busy harbor. With six different and distinct places to visit in the Straights, MSHP has a little something for every type of traveler.

Season 5, Episode 22:

• Dominick Miller, Chief of Marketing for the parks joins us, and shares a few things not to miss during the 2023 season, including some redesigned exhibits at the Fort.
• Then, Jack Swartzinski, an historical interpreter at Fort Mackinac joins us and gives us the real scoop on what it's like to wear the uniform and fire the muskets all summer. Which by the way, isn't all he does by any means.
• Cassandra Boothroyd then stops by. She coordinates group travel and special events and shares the long history of the Boy and Girl Scouts volunteering on the island.
• Finally, MSHP Executive Director Steve Brisson joins us for a few laughs and a few more fun fort facts.

Mackinac State Historic Parks encompasses Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Fort Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Art Museum, Biddle House, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Plan your visit at mackinacparks.com.

This show aired June 3-4, 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_.

“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast with about 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, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez join Kent & Rob of the "Breakfast Flakes" morning show on WCFX in Mt. Pleasant. They preview this weekend's show, which is about Mackinac State Historic Park. (Listen to the full episode at 7 a.m. Sundays on CFX Today's Hits 95.3 and on the BTM Radio Network. Affiliates and times listed below.)

While on Breakfast Flakes, Gonzo and Amy talk about all the things you can do while visiting the Straits area. On Mackinac Island you can visit Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Art Museum and Biddle House. In Mackinaw City you can see Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park and the Old Mackinac Point Lighhouse.

Learn more at https://www.mackinacparks.com/.

While on the show, Rob and Kent like to include Gonzo and Amy in the topic of the day.

Today they test them to see if they can answer 10 questions (like normal listeners), and possibly win $100. #epicfail

Listen to see how you would have done!

This segment aired June 1, 2023.

Learn more about the Breakfast Flakes wcfx.com/pages/breakfast-flakes.

Listen to Behind the Mitten on the following stations:

*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_.

“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 are all over the state with stops in Traverse City, Ecanaba and Gaylord, as well as some picks for things to do in Michigan this summer from the West Michigan Tourist Associations.

Season 5, Episode 21:

• Kaylie Pomper, marketing manager at WMTA runs down some top events, including Love Ludington Weekend, June 9-11.
• Kat Paye, NCF Executive Director, talks about why you need to visit Traverse City this summer, July 1-8. She also talks about the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which perform July 1-2, and the 30th Anniversary Pow Wow on Monday, July 3. Learn more at cherryfestival.org.
• Ann Jousma Miller of the UP Military Museum in Escanaba leads us on a tour of all the contributions made by those from the Upper Peninsula, including our indigenous community.
• And Barry Owens, General Manager at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, talks golf!

This show aired May 27-28, 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_.

“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 are back on the S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry, and we couldn't be happier....or more excited for another season cruising the waters of gorgeous Lake Michigan.

So just what is it like sailing on the Badger? We'll tell you all about it, including all the cool things you can do on the boat during your trip including that famous BADGER BINGO.

Will Amy do her signature Badger call? You'll have to tune in to find out.

Season 5, Episode 20:

• Shelby Soberalski joins us again to share the history and the FUN. The boat certainly doesn't run by itself and as the last coal-fired passenger steamship left in the United States, it takes a lot of love, but also a lot of knowledge. We have Andy Van Velde, the Badger's chief engineer on to share just what it's like taking care of a living piece of history. We also talk to Captain Mike Martin, who talks about what it's like to navigate the open waters of Lake Michigan.

This show aired May 20-21, 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_.

“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 come to you straight from beautiful Gaylord, where they are ready for you to join them in the all outdoors this summer! Learn more at gaylordmichigan.net.

Season 5, Episode 19:

• Our best buddy and regular guest Mr. Paul Beachnau stops by along with Barry Owens from Treetops Resort, and we talk golf...including where some of their favorite golf holes are in Gaylord.
• Jay's Sporting Goods is an "up North" institution and THE place to go to get outfitted for any adventure, even if it's just getting coffee. Store director Mark Copeland shares the history of this shop and himself, and just some of the things you'll find inside. He also just might share his favorite spots for golf.
• If you are into water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or especially paddle boarding, you don't want to miss Christy Walcott. She has become an avid PB'er in the last few years, and shares her tips on getting into the sport, and why Gaylord is the perfect place to do it.

This show aired May 13-14, 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_.

Behind the Mitten joins our friends at WCFX 95.3 in Mt. Pleasant every Thursday to chat about the upcoming show, and to answer the "question of the day". And that is why you'll hear Amy talking about jalapeno poppers so early in the morning.

“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.

Festival season is off and running across Michigan, and as the weather finally warms up, we look forward to the many incredible fairs and festivals that are back on this summer.

Season 5, Episode 18:

• Nick Nerbonne, BTM's resident ski bunny, stops by to talk more than snow this time. He shares a few of his favorite legacy festivals, like the National Cherry Fest held each July in Traverse City. Nick also works for Pure Michigan, and he reminds us that our trips should always start at Michigan.org.
• We love when someone's personal passion transforms into a festival that everyone can enjoy, and that is exactly what Erin Brains has done. She's a Lansing area foodie, who after moving to Michigan from the West Coast fell in love with our olive burgers. Guess what? She's throwing the first ever Olive Burger Festival at the Lansing Lugnuts stadium on June 24, and she stops by to tell us all about it. Learn more at lansingfoodies.com.
• Two guys who really know festivals join us to complete the show. Mike Szukhent, from Michigan Festivals and Events, and John Schut, from Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibits both stop by and share a few of their favorite festivals from all over the state. Get more info from both of them: Mifairs.com and Michiganfun.com.

This show aired May 6-7, 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_.

“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, Gonzo and Amy talk to Dave Lorenz of Travel Michigan about and the 2023 outlook on tourism, as well as a Return to Summer. He also explains that "if we aren't welcoming to all, we aren't welcoming" and how this is an important focus for the tourism industry in Michigan moving forward. He also shares the most amazing story about a group of fourth graders in Troy who just might be taking over his job one day.

This episode was recorded at the Pure Michgan Governor's Conference on Tourism (April 10-12) in Grand Rapids.

It aired April 15-16, 2023.

Want to know more about travel destinations, events and things to do? Dave reminds us that your trip begins at michigan.org.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten, as well as local radio affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

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

“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, we meet professionals at the Pure Michgan Governor's Conference on Tourism (April 10-12) in Grand Rapids.

Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism stops by for an update from beautiful, and beautifully busy, Traverse City. We've loved watching Trevor develop through the years, from his start at the West Michigan Whitecaps to being the director of the National Cherry Festival, to now running the show in Traverse City. He shares a few hidden spots right in town, as well as discusses what the community has been doing to offset some of the issues that have arisen with being such a popular destination.

This show aired April 15-16, 2023.

Learn more about Traverse City at traversecity.com.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten, including local radio affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

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

“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, we meet professionals at the Pure Michgan Governor's Conference on Tourism (April 10-12) in Grand Rapids.

The segment features Patty Janes, founder of Michigan CARES for Tourism (michigancaresfortourism.com), and Professor in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Grand Valley State University. She shares a little about the CARES program, which brings travel industry professionals together to volunteer on a variety of projects across the state. One project they even completed at the conference: fishing line clean-up kits to help keep boating access sites across Michigan clean and safe.

This show aired April 15-16, 2023.

Learn more about GVSU's Hospitality and Tourism and Management Program at this direct link gvsu.edu.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten, including our radio affiliates, at amyandgonzo.com.

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