Detroit Strange

This week Alex & Jess celebrate Alex's new last minute microphone (after technical difficulties go in the way of recording,) talk essential kitchen appliances and ice skating mishaps. Then Alex tells Jess about the very historical Cass Tech, one of Detroit's best known schools. What famous alum went there? (so many, a few hints: Back to the Future, Seven Nation Army, Grace & Frankie, Miss America, In Living Color, and so many more.) How many times has the building moved? What unique course offerings have been a part of the schools history? Tune in to find out!

Alex and Jess catch up for a few and then we get to our final installment about the history of the Dodge Family and one of the biggest twists yet. Who was Frances Mealbach? What secret did she learn after her father's death? What clues did she uncover to help her get closer to the truth? And what secrets remained hidden? How has the modern state of DNA testing changed the mystery? Tune in and find out!

This week Alex and Jess talk about a few movie and podcast recommendations, talking to themselves, and about the "covid brains" they've developed. Then they dive back into the story of the Dodge family and Jess tells Alex all about the Heirs of John and Horace. Who died in a mysterious way? Who sued their own grandmother? And what record was set by one of the heirs? Tune in to find out!

In this weeks episode Jess and Alex catch up, talk about Alex's construction on his basement, movies that they will defend to the end, Legos, and simple syrup. Then Jess tells Alex all about the History of the Dodge Brothers. There is so much here, this is Part 1 of a multi-part episode. So buckle up this week and learn about why Henry Ford owed them so much money. What kind of trouble the Dodge Brothers tempers got them into. And just how close they were (we hear they wore matching clothes.) All this and more in this weeks episode! And tune in next episode to hear all about their many heirs!

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess talk about drinking by the fire, hot takes on Subway, and what they've been watching. Then Alex tells Jess about the legendary jazz venue, the Blue Bird Inn. Who played there? What's bebop? And how has it's history led to the creation of the worlds first traveling stage? All this and more on this week's Detroit Strange

Happy New Year! This week Alex and Jess talk a few ideas about how to look forward into 2021 (mainly how NOT to make resolutions,) a few movies from their past, and then Jess tells Alex all about the OTHER island that sits in the Detroit River near the city...Peche Island. How do you get there? What ruins are located on the island? Who use to live there? And why is it said to be cursed? All of this and more in this weeks episode, so join us!

On this episode Jess and Alex talk their holiday traditions, Jess's Birthday and how the week between Christmas and new years doesn't exist. Then Alex tunes into The Ghost of Christmas Past and tells Jess about Detroit Christmas traditions throughout the years. Why was it such a fire hazard? What odd meat was in a favorite Christmas pie? What made even the toys dangerous? Tune in and find out!

This week Jess and Alex talk about this time of year, their favorite holiday season exclusive treats, and a little space. Then Jess tells Alex all about the Ford Piquette Plant. What cutting edge technology was put in the building for it's time? What is the "secret experiment room?" And who from the past might still be lingering? Tune in and find out!

Join Alex & Jess as talk a little about delicious foods, high school field trips, and catch up a little before Alex tells Jess all about the Hecker house (the castle located off of Woodward.) Why is there a Chateau near the DIA? When was it built? Where did Mr. Hecker smoke his cigars? Tune in for all this and more!

This week Jess and Alex talk about winter time, the concept of "Hygge," Ikea, and of course a few movies. Then Jess tells Alex all about the majestic force that was Lottie "the Body" Graves Claiborne, a well-known burlesque dancer. How did Lottie end up in Detroit? What sports figure was she married to? Who showed up at her doorstep after being estranged for 20 years? And, what advice did Lottie have for young women? Tune in and find out!