Behind the Mitten

“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

This week's show is presented by the Great Lakes Beer Festival in Midland, which is Aug. 20 at Dow Diamond. More info at https://www.greatlakesbeerfestival.com/.

00:30 - The show opens with an interview with reps from the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon, which is Sept. 15-18 at Heritage Landing. Learn more at https://michiganirish.org/.

11:00 - Learn about the Inland Seas Education Foundation, which is offering public sail opportunities on their 77-foot Inland Seas Schooner on Aug. 17-19 and Aug. 25-27. Learn more at https://schoolship.org/.

12:22 - We talk to Ed Fritz of the Great Lakes Beer Festival in Midland.

22:39 - John interviews the Siev family from Bad Axe, which stars in the documentary film "Bad Axe," which won the Audience Award at the recent Traverse City Film Festival. The film's director, David Siev, filmed his family's story through Covid and how they kept their restaurant together during a tumultuous time in our country's history. The film will be released in November by IFC Films.

33:53 - Bob Lukens of Visit Muskegon joins the show to talk about the things to do in the area, including how to enjoy their 26 miles of beach on Lake Michigan. Learn more at https://visitmuskegon.org/.

This show aired Aug. 6-7, 2022.

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

*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 (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

This week's show starts off with our very good friend, and fellow media personality, Stephanie Adkins, who just recently left her job at TV 9&10 after 20 years of sharing Michigan stories on television. She shares some of her favorite spots that she has visited around the state and gives us an update on her exciting new position with Ebel's General Store in Falmouth.

Then, we catch up with Paul Starr from I'm a Beer Hound to learn about several upcoming beer fests being held in the Lansing region, as well as a pretty cool beer cruise that is being offered once a month through the fall.

Our last guest is the indomitable Sam Reese, Director at Upper Hand Brewery, who is not only an incredible home chef but is also throwing a big BBQ party in Gladstone on Sunday, August 7. Fire on the Mountain is a family-friendly event where you bring the drinks, and they'll provide some amazing BBQ to taste and try in a beautiful setting to benefit the Hiawatha National Forest.

This show aired July 30-31, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this segment, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez talk to Brittney Buti, manager of public relations at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan, about some of the things you can do when visiting this summer.

We learn about some of the cool things, including their Alpine Slide, water park, sculpture park, newly renovated golf course and more. It's a great location to use as a base for touring throughout Northern Michigan.

Learn more about Crystal Mountain at https://www.crystalmountain.com/.

Listen to BTM:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this segment, Amy Sherman of BTM talks to Brittney Buti, manager of public relations at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan, about some of the things you can do when visiting this summer.

We learn about some of the cool things, including their Alpine Slide, water park, sculpture park, newly renovated golf course and more. It's a great location to use as a base for touring throughout Northern Michigan.

Learn more about Crystal Mountain at https://www.crystalmountain.com/.

Listen to BTM:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

This week's show heads all over Michigan, with stops in Thompsonville, Lansing and Grand Rapids.

We learn about some of the cool things you can experience at beautiful Crystal Mountain this summer, including their Alpine Slide and newly renovated golf course. It's a great location to use as a base for touring throughout Northern Michigan.

Then we head to Lansing, to talk with Matthew Bates, whose family owns Harry's Place, a verifiable Lansing institution that is celebrating 100 years with a big party.

Finally, Nate Blury from Drink GR joins us to celebrate National Tequila Day. Not only does he shake up some Michigan margaritas, he also shares some events around the state to honor National Tequila Week.

This show aired July 23-24, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this episode, Gonzo and Amy recap fun things to do in Traverse City during the first segment.

We then visit with Jim Milligan, who share's the story of Fustini's Oils with us, and also explains what makes extra virgin olive oil so special. Learn more at https://www.fustinis.com/.

Our friend Mike Busley from Grand Traverse Pie Company joins us to share what is new with this amazing Michigan-owned company. Learn more at https://gtpie.com/.

We end the show at Mammoth Distillery, and taste a bit of cherry bounce, which is an Amy family favorite. Learn more at https://mammothdistilling.com/.

This show aired July 16-17, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this week's Behind the Mitten, we start off by sharing some upcoming events around Michigan, because while summer might be half way done, there is still lots and lots of events happening.

We talk to Anne Stanton, interim executive of the National Writers Series, which just announced several shows in Traverse City. All programs will take place in person and online throughout the year. Learn more at https://nationalwritersseries.org/.

Then, Johanna Evans joins us to discuss the upcoming Traverse City Film Festival, which is July 26-31, 2022. Learn more at https://www.traversecityfilmfest.org/.

Lastly, Jeff Lobdell of Restaurant Partners talks about the current challenges of the restaurant industry across the state, but said things are settling down as everyone better understands supply issues, the lack of employees and reduced capacities. His company now has 13 restaurant brands in more than 20 locations in West Michigan and the Traverse City area. Learn more about his properties at https://4gr8food.com/.

This week's show is presented by the Great Lakes Beer Festival, which is Aug. 20 at the Dow Diamond in Midland. Learn more at https://www.greatlakesbeerfestival.com/.

This show aired July 9-10, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

This week's show is about holiday traditions as John and Amy reminisce with executive producer Phil Tower about some of their Fourth of July memories.

They also go around the state to check in on other statewide events, including:

Heather Thiede-Champlin, the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Wyandotte, Amy's hometown. They also talk about the upcoming 61st annual Street Art Fair-July 13-16.

Learn more at http://www.wyandotte.net/arts_and_culture/street_art_fair/index.php.

They also talk to Paul Cole, director of the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce and Assistant Director of the Community Center.

Check out their list of Island events, including the annual Beaver Boodle. which is always the first weekend of October. Go to https://www.beaverisland.org/events-new/.

Jay Clancey of Cognition Brewery in Ishpeming joins the show for Above the Mitten, which he talks about the upcoming St. Ignace Heritage Days, July 8-10. More info at https://stignace.com/event/st-ignace-heritage-days/.

Lastly, Bill Wall of Bone Daddy’s BBQ in Midland joins the show with BBQ tips for the summer.

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

This show aired July 2-3, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

This week's show takes us to both Traverse City and the Straits of Mackinac. We kick off with THE National Cherry Queen, Allie Graziano, who tells us what it's like to hold such a prestigious title, while Kat Paye the Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival joins her.

Learn more at https://www.cherryfestival.org/.

Then we hit Mackinac Island to learn about the always fun Sip 'n Sail cruises, which allow you a whole new perspective of the island, plus just a great time in general.

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

The Michilimackinac Historical Society has been gearing up for some major fundraising to support a new museum and initiative in St. Ignace, that will reflect and share the incredible history of this area.

Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MichilimackinacHistoricalSociety/.

Finally, we go back to TC and the Cherry Festival, where we learn about the exclusive ice cream made by Moomers for the party, Cherry Traffic Jam. Also joining in is Ada LeAnn, a Battle Creek native who is a semifinalist on the national television show "American Song Contest," and who will be the Grand Marshall for the 2022 DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade on July 9th.

Learn more about Ada LeAnn at https://adaleann.com/.

Behind the Mitten is presented this month by Bobcat Bonnie's, a Michigan-based restaurant chain whose mission is to provide fresh, value-oriented food with high-quality, inviting service in a fun, unique atmosphere. Locations in Ypsilanti, Corktown Detroit, Partridge Creek (Clinton Township), Toledo, Ferndale, Wyandotte and Grand Rapids. Learn more at https://bobcatbonnies.com/.


This show aired June 25-26, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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 it has more than 400 episodes. It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this Podcast, we visit historical, charming, and downright surprising, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Did you know that in addition to being Michigan's premier Bavarian village, Frankenmuth offers fun activities like kayaking and a ropes course?

We talk to Jamie Furbush and Christie Bierline from the Frankenmuth CVB first to get an overview of the area, then Tim Kraft joins us from Frankenmuth Aerial Park.

Learn more at https://www.frankenmuth.org/

Learn more at https://zipandclimb.com/

Eric Fieldbrandt joins us from FunShip Adventures and talks not just about kayaking the Cass River, but also about joining a boat cruise that comes complete with wine and chocolates.

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

Our good friend Jim Jones who owns Slo' Bones BBQ Smokehaus in town shares some incredible food with us, as well as some legendary Frankenmuth stories.

Learn more at http://www.slobonessmokehaus.com/

Behind the Mitten is presented this month by Bobcat Bonnie's, a Michigan-based restaurant chain whose mission is to provide fresh, value-oriented food with high-quality, inviting service in a fun, unique atmosphere. Locations in Ypsilanti, Corktown Detroit, Partridge Creek (Clinton Township), Toledo, Ferndale, Wyandotte and Grand Rapids. Learn more at https://bobcatbonnies.com/.

Also, special shoutout to the Lakeshore Art Festival, which takes place June 25-26 in Muskegon. Listen at the 10:15 mark for more info or go to https://lakeshoreartfestival.org/.

This show aired June 18-19, 2022.

BTM airs:

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

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

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

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

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

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (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_.