John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman talked to Michigan craft beer educator Ben Darcie, who is once again leading his popular Grand Rapids Beer Tasting Classes. The 9-week class schedule begins Aug. 4, 2014 at Harmony Brewing in Grand Rapids. Classes are held once a week. There is no cost to register; however, it costs $10 once you attend the class and includes group tastings each week. Darcie will be teaching alongside a panel of professional brewers and homebrewers that changes weekly to suit the topic of the week! More details at Eventbrite.com. Search "XPB" Register for the first class at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/xpbgrbtc-week-1-introduction-water-malt-hops-yeast-tickets-11905438487?aff=eac2

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExperienceBeer/

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman talked to Michigan craft beer educator Ben Darcie, who is once again leading his popular Grand Rapids Beer Tasting Classes. The 9-week class schedule begins Aug. 4, 2014 at Harmony Brewing in Grand Rapids. Classes are held once a week. There is no cost to register; however, it costs $10 once you attend the class and includes group tastings each week. Darcie will be teaching alongside a panel of professional brewers and homebrewers that changes weekly to suit the topic of the week! More details at Eventbrite.com. Search "XPB" Register for the first class at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/xpbgrbtc-week-1-introduction-water-malt-hops-yeast-tickets-11905438487?aff=eac2

Bobby Benser, who owns several businesses on Mackinac Island, is celebrating the 127th anniversary of Original Murdick's Fudge on Mackinac Island. The first 127 customers will receive a free slice of fudge on July 27, 2014. Murdick's also is offering free shipping on orders through July 31. John Gonzalez also talked to Bobby about the new Pink Pony Ale at the Chippeaw Hotel's Pink Pony. Go to www.originalmurdicksfudge.com for more details.

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman are leading a bus trip to the Microwbrew & Music Festival, Aug. 22 and 23, from Grand Rapids to Traverse City. Cost is $100 per person, which includes VIP ticket to the festival and round trip accommodations on a deluxe Motor Coach. John and Amy talked to event organizer Sam Porter of Porter House Productions. More details at http://promotemichigannews.blogspot.com/2014/07/deluxe-motor-coach-trip-now-available.html

Amy Sherman of the "Great American Brew Trail" joined John Gonzalez on his "Going Gonzo Show" podcast. The show was recorded July 22, 2014. The two of them are co-hosting a motor coach bus trip to the Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival on Aug. 22-23, 2014. The roundtrip tour departs from Grand Rapids and returns to GR each day. More details at http://promotemichigannews.blogspot.com/2014/07/deluxe-motor-coach-trip-now-available.html

John Gonzalez appeared on "The Ron Jolly Show" to talk about MLive and his job of traveling the state looking for Michigan's Best. John is in town for the 88th National Cherry Festival. He was on the air July 4, 2014. More on the Ron Jolly Show at http://wtcmradio.com/programs/ More on the National Cherry Festival at http://www.cherryfestival.org/ More on Michigan's Best at http://www.mlive.com/michigansbest/

John Gonzalez spoke with New York Times Best selling author Doug Stanton, a native of Traverse City who is the founder of the National Writers Series. Appearing during the National Cherry Festival will be author Diana Gabaldon, who is know for her wildly popular Outlander series. The speaking engagement/conversation is July 7, 2014 at the City Opera House. More details at http://nationalwritersseries.org/ More details about Doug Stanton at dougstanton.net

John Gonzalez recorded this podcast on June 5, 2014, while driving SB on I-75 near Grayling, Michigan. His producer Judi put it online. National Doughnut Day 2014 is Friday, June 6.

John Gonzalez catches up with his producer, Judi. They have not talked a lot since he has been on the road searching for Michigan's Best Doughnut for MLive. This podcast was recorded March 28, 2014.

John Gonzalez interviewed Steven Curtis Chapman, who is on his "The Glorious Unfolding" tour with The Afters and Josh Wilson. He performs March 13, 2014 in Grand Rapids and March 14 in Flint.