Behind the Mitten

We're excited to announce that Behind the Mitten is returning to WPHM-FM 105.5 in Port Huron!

For years, WPHM carried our full weekend show. After some programming changes at the station in April, we're thrilled to be back in a new role as a weekly travel and lifestyle feature on The Paul Miller Show, airing Fridays at 8:10 a.m.

We want to sincerely thank Paul Miller and WPHM General Manager Scott Shigley for welcoming us back to one of Michigan's great heritage radio stations. We're grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing stories about the people, places, food, drink and experiences that make Michigan such a special place to explore.

Our first segment is now available as a podcast and includes a conversation about the current state of Michigan's craft beer industry and some of the trends we're seeing across the state.

Thanks for listening, and if you're in the Blue Water Area, be sure to tune in every Friday at 8:10 a.m. on WPHM 105.5 FM or listen live online at wphm.net.

More travel stories are on the way!

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman explore the west side of Grand Rapids, which has underdone a great transformation over the last decade. But with a new soccer club, AC Grand Rapids, beginning play in 2027, and the new Acrisure Amphitheater opening in 2026, is the area west of the Grand River ready for the infusion of activity?

Certainly the excitement of the the World Cup 2026 has helped sparked interest for AC Grand Rapids season tickets as 4,000 people have already put down deposits for the 8,500-seat arena being built right off the US 131 expressway.

We talk to about soccer in GR and the support of the west side business community.

• Segment 1-Amy and Gonzo let people know what to expect from the west side
• Segment 2-Christian Van Andel, Director of Business Operations and one of the owners of AC Grand Rapids (Athletic Club Grand Rapids), talks about the level of play for the new team, and more about the new Amway Stadium
• Segment 3-Christian Van Andel returns with Dave Ringler of the nearby Kusterer Brauhaus, who explains how breweries and local restaurants support the emerging sport of soccer in GR.
• Segment 4- Rick Muschiana, chef at popular Scandinavian restaurant The Sovengard talks about how his restaurant's seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a menu inspired by the New Nordic movement plays a role in bringing people to the west side.
  

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

Behind the Mitten
Episode 753

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel podcast and radio show since 2015. 

On this podcast, they talk to:

Segment 1: Steph Castelein, managing director of Mackinac Island Tourism, who tells us what is new in 2026.
Segment 2: The owners of Big Little Wines in Suttons Bay.
Segment 3: The founders and their inspirational story at St. Clair Butterfly Foundation.
Segment 4: Organizers of the four annual running races on the Island at runmackinac.com.

Follow updates for Behind the Mitten on Facebook and our new Substack for news and updates at amyandgonzo.com.