Behind the Mitten

On this show, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman broadcast from Bonobo Winery on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. May is Wine Month, and Jennifer Case from Traverse City Tourism stops by to tell us about some cool deals. Also, we hear from Jillian Manning of Grand Traverse Resort about golfing opportunities, as well dining options and things to do with kids. Speaking of kids, we meet the very enthusiast Ty Schmidt about the bike advocacy group NORTE in Traverse City. And Todd Oosterhouse of Bonobo Winery picks Wine of the Week. Tune in.
*This show aired May 5-6, 2018 on radio stations across Michigan.

Segment 1: Jenn Case of TC Tourism and Todd Oosterhouse of Bonobo. More info at https://www.traversecity.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 9:38): Jillian Manning of GT Resort. More info at https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/

Segment 3 (Listen at 18:37): Ty Schmidt of NORTE. More info at https://elgruponorte.org/

Segment 4 (Listen at 28:38): Todd Oosterhouse of Bonobo. More info at https://www.bonobowinery.com/

On this episode of "Behind the Mitten," John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman make a stop at 12 Corners Winery in Benton Harbor as part of the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail. This show aired April 28-29, 2018 on radio stations across the state. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at http://behindthemitten.com/

Show Notes:
Segment 1: Joe Herman of Karma Vista Vineyards and Lauren Kneibes of Lazy Ballerina Winery stop by as guests.
More info on Karma Vista at https://www.karmavista.com/
More info on Lazy Ballerina at http://www.lazyballerinawinery.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:13): Dave Miller of White Pine Winery stops by, as well Lauren from Lazy Ballerina, to fill us in about they have going on.
More info about White Pine Winery http://whitepinewinery.com/

Segment 3 (Listen at 20:00): Lauren and her cousin Melanie Owen talk about their history of wine making in the area. Lazy Ballerina celebrates its third anniversary in June 2018.

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:54): Colleen Ryan of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Fest stops by to tell us about their big wine festival on June 16, 2018. Also, Dave Miller of White Pine Winery returns, and Gloria Oberstiet and Grand Gryfinndorf of 12 Corners Winery helps us pick WINE OF THE WEEK!
More info on the Wine Festival at https://www.lakemichiganwinefest.com/
More info on the Wine Trail at http://miwinetrail.com/
More info on 12 Corners at http://www.12corners.com/index.cfm

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman guest on West Michigan Live with Justin Barclay and bring along David Ringler of Cedar Springs Brewing. Why? Well, he makes great German-inspired beer and great pretzels, just in time for National Pretzel Day.

On this episode of "Behind the Mitten," John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman visit Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay on the Leelanau Peninsula. They learn all about the wine, its new menu and the deals for May, which is Wine Month in Michigan. This episode aired April 21-22, 2018 on multiple radio stations across the state.

Segment 1: We meet up with Lorri Hathaway -- aka the Wine Goddess -- of LP Wines that tells us about all the cool things you can experience during Wine Month in May. Also, Lee Lutes, the head winemaker at Black Star Farms, tells what kind of wines they're making and why they love the Leelanau Peninsula.
More on LP Wines at https://www.lpwines.com/
More on Black Star Farms at http://www.blackstarfarms.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:30): Black Star Farms also offers plenty of dining options with Chef Jack Wenz; he tells us about what you can experience. Also, Sherry Campbell of Black Star Farms, also stops by to tell us about several events, including those for its 20th anniversary.

Segment 3 (Listen at 18:34): During Wine Month in May, the Traverse City has many events and tastings. We talk to Chris O'Non of Sips and Giggles, and Lorri Hathaway tell us about some great deals, including how to get free wine tastings at all 40 wineries if you stay at a participating hotel.
More on Sips and Giggles at https://www.lpwines.com/sips-giggles/
More on Hotel deals at https://www.traversecity.com/traverse-city-uncorked/

Segment 4 (Listen at 28:57): Chris Lopez, the tasting room manager at Black Star Farms, takes on a wine tasting. Plus we do Wine of the Week!

Learn about the Traverse City wine scene at http://traversewinecoast.com/

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten/

On this episode of Behind the Mitten, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez visit Big Rapids, Michigan to explore some of the things to do in the area. They broadcast from Schuberg's Bar and Grill, known for its famous Schu-burgers. This episode aired April 14-15, 2018 on multiple radio stations across Michigan.

Show Notes

Segment 1: Carleen Rose of the Old Pioneer Store & Emporium tells us about the area. She is a great ambassador for the region. She even does historic tours of downtown. She talks about how the town got its name from the lumbering era.
More on the Old Pioneer Store https://www.facebook.com/oldpioneerstore.emporium/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:03): Carleen Rose returns with Sandra Braden of Downtown Big Rapids.
More on Downtown Big Rapids at https://www.facebook.com/BigRapidsDowntownBusinessAssociation/?fref=ts

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:47): Clinton Zimmerman of Red Fox Market is our guest.
Learn about Red Fox at https://www.facebook.com/Redfoxmarket/

Segment 4 (Listen at 30:02): Jenn Rumsey of Schuberg's tells about the famous burgers, and Sandra returns, too. Oh, and we do BEER of the WEEK.
Learn about Schuberg's at https://www.facebook.com/schubergs/

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten/

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of the weekend radio show "Behind the Mitten" visit with Justin Barclay of West Michigan Live on WOOD Radio (1300 AM and 106.9 FM). They talk about this weekend's show, which airs at 10 p.m. Saturday, April 21 on WOOD.

On this weekend's show, John and Amy visit the Leelanau Wine Peninsula in Traverse City at Black Star Farms. They talk about upcoming events, such as Sips and Giggles, and May Wine Month in Michigan. Find awesome overnight packages that include free wine tastings and more. Info at https://www.traversecity.com/.

Also, learn more about Behind the Mitten at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten/.

BTM also airs on these stations:
6 a.m. Saturdays on Newstalk 580WTCM-AM in Traverse City wtcmradio.com
8 a.m. Saturdays on More Compelling Talk Radio 1320-AM WILS in Lansing 1320wils.com
10 a.m. Saturdays on WSGW-AM 790 in Saginaw wsgw.com
Noon Saturdays on WPHM-1380 AM in Port Huron wphm.net
4 p.m. Saturdays on WIOS-AM 1480 in Tawas City wiosradio.com
10 p.m. Saturdays on 106.9 FM-Grand Rapids. woodradio.com
10 p.m. Saturdays on Newsradio WOOD 1300-AM-Grand Rapids. woodradio.com
7 a.m. Sundays on The Edge 104.9 WBXX-Battle Creek 1049theedge.com
Noon Sundays on Newstalk 580 WTCM-AM in Traverse City wtcmradio.com
Noon Sundays on Talk Radio 1360 WKMI-Kalamazoo wkmi.com
3 p.m. Sundays on SuperTalk 1570-WWCK Flint supertalk1570.com
6 p.m. Sundays on WLDN-FM 98.7 in Ludington
6 p.m. Sundays on WMLQ-FM 97.7 in Manistee
7 p.m. Sundays on WIOS-AM 1480 in Tawas City wiosradio.com

On this episode of Behind the Mitten, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman record for the from Michigan Tourism Conference 2018 in Grand Rapids. This episode aired on April 7-8 on multiple radio stations across the state.

Segment 1: Mary Beth Stutzman, president & CEO of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, returns to the show. John and Amy visited the Alpena area on Episide 149. Listen here at https://www.spreaker.com/user/michigangonzo/btm-episode-148-heres-why-you-need-to-vi
Learn more about Alpena at http://www.visitalpena.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:00): Tracy Padot, vice president of marketing communications at the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau, talks about the many great neighborhoods you can experience. Of course we talk food, beer and spirits, too.
Learn more about Lansing at http://www.lansing.org/

Segment 3 (Listen at 18:53): President and CEO Deanna Richeson of Check in Michigan announced at the conference the name change from the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. She explains what Check in Michigan means to everyone.
Learn more at https://www.checkinmichigan.org/
Read the MLive story at http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/03/michigan_lodging_and_tourism_a.html

Segment 4 (Listen at 28:50): Jessica Shepherd from MLive joins John and Amy to talk about her recent article about the most beautiful places to visit in each of Michigan's 83 counties. And she helps pick Beer of the Week, which comes from Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. (Jolly Pumpkin recently opened in Grand Rapids.)
Read Jessica's article at http://www.mlive.com/expo/erry-2018/03/96dbb2a742/the_most_beautiful_place_in_ea.html
Read the MLive story about Jolly Pumpkin at http://www.mlive.com/expo/erry-2018/03/3a9d026241/take_a_look_inside_jolly_pumpk.html

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at http://behindthemitten.com/

On this episode of Behind the Mitten, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman record for the from Michigan Tourism Conference 2018 in Grand Rapids. This episode aired on March 31-April 1 on multiple radio stations across the country.

Segment 1: Patty Janes of Michigan Cares for Tourism, a statewide volunteer effort by tourism professionals to clean up/restore historic sites and support the industry.
Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganCaresForTourism/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:22): Want to know what's new at Grand Hotel for the 2018 season. Ken Hayward, the executive vice president and managing director of Grand Hotel, stops by to tell us what's going on. He also shares some tips on the best times to visit.
Learn more at https://www.grandhotel.com/

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:18): Tim Hygh, the executive director Mackinac Island CVB, offers highlights of the upcoming season, including the annual Lilac Festival where John and Amy will return as the parade emcees.
Learn more at https://www.mackinacisland.org/

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:33): Paul Beachnau, ‎the executive director of the ‎Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, is a favorite guest. He talks golf, elk and all things at outdoors. Oh, and they also do Beer of the Week.
Learn more at https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at http://behindthemitten.com/

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman broadcast from Looking Glass Brewing Company in Dewitt, Michigan. The brewery was originally a church and built in 1930. The stained glass remains. The goal is to be "family friendly and community driven," said co-owner Joel Dillingham.

On the show assistant brewer Nate Calery gives us a little more insight into the beers developed by head brewer and co-owner Lee Streeter. And we talk food with Melood Abugasea of Big Guy Foods, who is renting the kitchen space. You will find brisket, mac and cheese, poutine and more.

This episode aired March 24-25, 2018.

Learn more about Looking Glass at https://www.facebook.com/LookingGlassBrewingCo/

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at http://behindthemitten.com/

On this Podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman broadcast from City Built Brewing Company in Grand Rapids. Guests tell you of all the things to do in the area for Spring Break 2018. This episode aired March 17-18, 2018 on radio stations across the state.

Segment 1: Courtney Sheffer of the West Michigan Tourist Association runs down some events in the area. Also, Edwin Collazo of City Built gives us some background on one of GR's newest breweries.
More info at https://www.wmta.org/
More info on City Built at https://citybuiltbrewing.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:01): Mary Rottschafer, Critter Barn
More info at http://www.critterbarn.org/site/c.ihKMIWPDIqE/b.4103393/k.8407/Family_Fun__Handson_Animal_Education_Farm__Holland_Michigan.htm

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:49): Kate Moore-Grand Rapids Public Museum
More info at http://www.grpm.org/

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:40): More with Edwin of City Built as well as Raul Alvarez, who is a Chief Synergist. Plus, Beer of the Week--Fluffy Unicorns on Nitro. A Pineapple and Vanilla Imperial Pale Ale with Lactose Sugars and Ground Unicorn Horn (6.6% ABV).
More on Raul at https://twitter.com/chiefsynergist

More on Behind the Mitten at http://behindthemitten.com/