Behind the Mitten

On this Podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman visit Fenton, which is home to Crust, a baking company, named Michigan's Best Bakery on March 1, 2018 by MLive. This episode aired March 10-11 on radio stations across the state. Host was the Fenton Brewery & Winery.

Show Notes:
Segment 1: John and Amy talk to Shelly Day of the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce, who talks about how the city was named -- in a poker game, no kidding -- plus how she helped us pull off the surprise to name Crust as Best Bakery. Also during the segment, Erika Rice of Dr. Wax Orthodontics in Linden talks about some community events.
Learn more about Dr. Wax at https://waxortho.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/waxortho
Learn about the chamber at http://www.fentonchamber.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:14): Shelly Day of the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce joins us again, and talks about how walkable the community is, and Amy talks about how "cute" it is downtown. Joining us is Will Stiverson of E-Core Energy Services, which helps company's get refunds from public utilities. His family has been in the area since 1952 and shares a lot about the area's growth and revitalization of downtown Fenton. And he shares info about the St. John Applefest, which is in September.
Learn more about E-Core at http://www.ecoreservices.com/
Learn more about St. John Applefest at https://www.fentonbecloser.com/1/Fenton_MI/applefest.asp

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:33): John and Amy are joined by Dawn Placek of Fenton Area Resource and Referral, which helps those in need, and also the Legacy Realty Professionals; and Doug Fairbanks of the Hartland Insurance Agency.
More info on F.A.R.R. at https://www.farrnetwork.org/
More on Hartland at https://www.hartlandinsurance.com/

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:25): Holly Nachtigal of CRUST...a baking company in Fenton talks about how excited they were to win the award as Michigan's Best Bakery. The artisan bakery makes about 120 products -- all by hand. Also, Matt and Ginny Sherrow of the Fenton Winery & Brewery talk about their expansion. They just celebrated the winery's 10-year anniversary. They keep about 14 beers on tap and the full production winery also features about 10-15 wines. They make some incredible pizzas, too. They also operate a banquet facility on site. BEER OF THE WEEK is the Pub Stout, a dry stout. (Growler fills are only $11 in March.)
Learn more about CRUST on MLive at http://www.mlive.com/expo/erry-2018/03/7a89a7f918/michigans_best_bakery_is_crust.html and on their website at https://crustandbeyond.com/
Learn more about the Fenton Brewery & Winery at https://fentonbrewery.com/

More info about Behind the Mitten at http://behindthemitten.com/

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman talk about what it's like to be on Behind the Mitten.

On this weekend's show, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez cover all things Traverse City. They recorded at the newly opened TC outlet of Mammoth Distilling, which is located in the up and coming Warehouse District. Colleen Paveglio of Downtown TC lets us know about all sorts of cool events happening this spring, including the May 5 ArtWalk. Lorri Hathaway, BTM's resident Wine Goddess shares things to do on both peninsulas. Our good friend Jenny Jenness from TC Tourism also has events galore, plus lodging packages for the spring. And guess what? We do a cocktail of the week. Minds blown.

Segment 1: We are joined by Collin Gaudard of Mammoth Distilling http://mammothdistilling.com/traverse-city/
And Colleen Paveglio of the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority http://www.downtowntc.com/about-downtown/dda

Segment 2 (Listen at 9:59): More with Colleen Paveglio. Hashtag #tcmi and #downtownTC

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:03) Lorri Hathaway of the Traverse City Wine Coast http://traversewinecoast.com/

Segment 4 (Listen 29:07): We welcome our friend Jenny Jeness of TC Tourism https://www.traversecity.com/
And Collin Gaudard of Mammoth, who makes us the MammHattan, which is our Cocktail of the Week. Instead of Sweet Vermouth, the cocktail features Mammoth's Cherry Bounce, a barrel-aged cherry liqueur, as well as the Woolly Rye, Bitters and Orange.

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

This show originally aired March 3-4, 2018 on radio stations across the state.

On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, we visit Alpena, Michigan.

This episode aired on radio stations across the state on Feb. 24-25, 2018.

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

Segment 1: We learn more about the area from Mary Beth Stutzman of Alpena: Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. http://www.visitalpena.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:42): Zach Irving is bringing film and Podcasts to area with Michigan Micro Adventures.
https://www.facebook.com/michiganmicroadventures/
https://www.facebook.com/NEMBasementTapes/

Segment 3 (Listen at 20:15): Local music is rocking in Alpena! We interview Chris Crown of Chris Crown and the Get Down Band.
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisCrownandFriends/

Segment 4 (Listen 30:46): Tommy Doud of Thunder Bay Trails Association, plus Blake of Austin Brothers Beer Company stops by for Beer of the Week, "Murk Twain," a NE-style IPA.
https://www.facebook.com/Thunder-Bay-Trails-Association-280512814292/
https://www.facebook.com/austinbrosbeerco/

On this episode of Behind the Mitten, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman stop by the West Michigan Golf Show to talk about vacation ideas and getaways in the Golf Mecca of Gaylord with Pine Cone Accommodations, and they also learn about Ferris State University's PGA Golf Management Program.

This show aired Feb. 17-18, 2018 on stations across Michigan.

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

Segment 1: Sandy Mattingly of Pine Cone Vacation Rentals in Gaylord hosts John and Amy at her booth. She books everything from tee times at 15 local golf courses to accommodations to excursions for big and small groups. Learn more at http://www.pineconevacations.com/

Also, Judy Mason of Michaywé Pines Golf Course talks about all the amenities you can experience at their clubhouse. More details at http://www.michaywe.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:43): J.T. Aure of the Gaylord Country Club reveals a name change is coming soon as Gaylord Golf Club, offering 18 holes and is open to the general public. It is the oldest golf club in Gaylord. On the beverage/food side, golfing includes on-course service where golfers can have food and beer delivered to anywhere on the course. More info at http://www.gaylordcountryclub.com/

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:48): Tom McGee, the director of Golf at Grand Traverse Resort, stops by to talk about being a popular vacation spot for local golfers, as well as out of state golfers that fly into the Traverse City airport and go from "Runway to Fairway." Grand Traverse Resort is known for having 3 Golf Courses, including The Bear, one of the Top 20 most challenging golf courses in the country, according to Golf Digest. After a 10-year hiatus, this year marks the return of the Michigan Open (June 11-14, 2018). More info at https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/

Segment 4 (Listen 29:51): John and Amy learn about Ferris State University's PGA Golf Management program from director Aaron Waltz. "Many of our grads tell us they have never worked a day in their lives," he said. Over the course of its 43 years, Waltz said Ferris has graduated 1,900 professionals, and 1,000 are still active in the industry. Students must have an 8 handicap to be accepted into the program, he added. Learn more at
http://ferris.edu/business/program/pga-golf-management/

Also stopping by is Corey Crowell, general manager of the Indian River Golf Club, who offers an 18-hole course between Burt Lake and Mullet Lake. "It's a beautiful area," he said. More info at http://www.indianrivergolfclub.com/

Beer of the Week is from City Built Brewery, a New England-style IPA called PolyHopoury (6.4% ABV), and one of the Grand Rapids brewery's top sellers. More info on City Built at https://citybuiltbrewing.com/

On this episode of "Behind the Mitten," John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman broadcast from Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven.

This episode aired Feb. 10-11, 2018 on radio stations across Michigan.

Show Notes:
Segment 1 – Learn more about Visit Grand Haven from rep Stefanie Herder.
More info at http://visitgrandhaven.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:26) – Ottawa County Parks & Recreation/Jessica VanGinhoven
More info at http://www.miottawa.org/parks/

Segment 3 (Listen at 20:00) – Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl/Benji Stone and Grace Glessner
More info at https://www.mulliganshollow.com/

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:22) – Grand Haven Main Street DDA's Diane Sheridan talks about things to this winter, and Beer of the Week -- Beer Me -- comes from Odd Side Ales from tap room manager Reid Warber (Listen at 34:50 mark).

More on Odd Side Ales at http://oddsideales.com/
More on Grand Haven Main Street DDA at https://downtowngh.com/

More on Behind the Mitten at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten/

On this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman travel to Petoskey to experience the Inn at Bay Harbor.

This show aired Feb. 3-4, 2018 on radio stations across Michigan.

Segment 1: Michael Costello, President and General Manager of the Inn at Bay Harbor, stops by to give an overview of what guests can expect on their next visit.

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:11): Bryan Banfield, Director of Food & Beverage at Inn at Bay Harbor, offers great dining and food experiences at Vintage Chophouse and Wine Bar, The Sagamore Room, Inn Café, and seasonal Cabana Bar. He also provides Beer of the Week from Beards (Serendipity Porter), which is located in Petoskey. He has a wine dinner on Feb. 28, and a Beer Dinner on March 28.

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:34): Wendie Keen, Vice President of Spas, tells us about their newly renovated Spa and Salon. Guests can enjoy Spa Socials each Thursday from 4-6pm. (Plus, Amy and Gonzo talk about their spa experiences, including the Petoskey Hot Stone Massage.)

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:54): Erin Ernst, Director of Marketing & Communications, tell us about Wintertime at the Inn, which offers plenty of amenities including a Ski Suite located at Boyne Mountain stocked with beverages, flat-screen, etc. And a complimentary shuttle service to Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District. We also learn about the Michigan Wine Experience in April (Bay View Wine Trail has 9 stops), as well as the upcoming Sparkle event, which is Mother’s Day weekend, and celebrates sparkling wine and Michigan wines.

Learn more about the Inn at Bay Harbor an Autograph Collections Hotel at https://www.innatbayharbor.com/

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

On this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman check into some of their stops around the state. On this show they cover Stormcloud Brewing Company, The Sovengard restaurant in Grand Rapids, Petoskey's upcoming Winterfest and talk to Casey Webb, the new host of "Man vs. Food."

This episode aired Jan. 27-28, 2018 on radio stations across Michigan.

Show Notes:

Segment 1: Brian Confer, head brewer and co-owner of Stormcloud Brewing, talks about their recent expansion. Learn more at http://www.stormcloudbrewing.com/

Segment 2 (Listen at 10:23): The Sovengard is one of Amy's favorite restaurants in Grand Rapids. Find out why! More info at http://www.sovengard.com/

Segment 3 (20:04): Diane Dakins from Petoskey Area CVB talks about local things to do and their upcoming Winterfest, Feb. 15-18, 2018. More info at https://www.petoskeyarea.com/

Segment 4 (Listen at 30:31): Brian Confer of Stormcloud returns to talk about the Stormcloud Film series (through March, 2018) and of course, Beer of the Week (Whiled Away IPA, their flagship beer that will be canned this year).

Additionally, Casey Webb of the Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food" (Listen at 35:58) talks about his Season 2 finale, which will air Feb. 12, 2018. On the finale he visits three Michigan restaurants. Find out where! More info at http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/man-v-food-1

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

On this episode of Behind the Mitten, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spend a day in Gaylord, Michigan, which is known for "all things outdoors." This episode aired Jan. 20-21, 2018 on several radio stations across Michigan.

Station affiliates at http://behindthemitten.com/listen-to-behind-the-mitten-here-our-affiliates/

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

Segment 1: Paul Beachnau of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau talks about why he loves to "embrace winter" with everything from winter rafting to snowshoeing and snowmobiling to skiable feat adventures you can experience. He also talks about why Gaylord is the "snowbelt" of Michigan and averages more than 141 inches of snow of the year. Paul introduces us to his friend Jerry Beattie from the Sled Shed, known for all the accessories you need for snowmobiling.
Learn more about Gaylord at https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/

Segment 2 (10:22): Paul returns to the show with Jerry and talks about all the cool accessories for snowmobiles. Learn more about the Sled Shed at http://www.sledshed.net/index.htm

Segment 3 (20:11): Bob Wilson of the Otsego Club in Gaylord, which has been around since 1939, is excited it is opening to the public for the first this season. He says "it's Narnia, it's magical." He also serenades us with his voice. Learn more about the Otsego Club at http://www.otsegoclub.com/

Segment 4 (30:36): Paul returns with his friend Barry Owens, the general manager of Treetops Resort in Gaylord, which recently underwent a major, multi-million dollar renovation. Treetops is know for its multiple ski runs, cross country skiing, skiable feast, and recent upgrades at the main lodge and Inn. Also, food and beverage director Gabe Bober comes by for Beer of the Week from Short's Brewery (Dr. Thrillride). Learn more about Treetops at http://treetops.com/

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten talk Goulash with Fredi the Pizzaman, expansion news at Iron Fish Distillery and Beer of the Week from Aberrant Ales in Howell.

This showed aired on radio stations across Michigan, Jan. 13-14, 2018.

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

Segments 1 and 2: John and Amy learn about the famous Goulash that Fredi the Pizzaman is making in Melvindale, a suburb of Detroit. They also talk about their love for sports, as well as New York style pizza and those tasty fries. Fredi the Pizzaman is located at 17900 Allen Rd., Melvindale, MI 48122. He is open from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 am-3 p.m Saturdays; and closed Sundays. More info at http://www.fredithepizzaman.com/home.html

Segment 3 (Listen at 19:47): John and Amy talk to Iron Fish Distillery co-owners Richard and Sarah Anderson about big plans this year to expand their kitchen and barrel room. Iron Fish is a farm distillery in Thompsonville, Michigan. Learn more about Iron Fish at https://ironfishdistillery.com/

Segment 4 (Listen at 29:30): John and Amy stop at Aberrant Ales in Howell. They talk to head brewer Adam Stout, who moved to the area from Colorado. The brewery offers a full food menu, plenty of beers on tap, and a variety of styles. Beer of the Week is the West Coast IPA (6.6% ABV/77 IBU), which almost drinks as a Double IPA, according to Amy. It has a very tropical, fruit presence, too. The brewery is debuting a Corn Hole League from Jan. 23-March 20. Sign up before Jan. 21, 2018. More info at https://www.aberrantales.com/home