Oct. 21, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into the heart of downtown Detroit to uncover the story behind one of the city’s most powerful monuments: the Joe Louis Fist. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the 24-foot-long bronze sculpture suspended over Jefferson Avenue—a tribute to the legendary boxer known as the Brown Bomber. Commissioned by the Detroit Institute of Arts and sculpted by Robert Graham, the Fist is more than a symbol of athletic prowess; it’s a monument to justice, resilience, and Detroit’s fight against racial inequality. Tune in for a story of strength, symbolism, and the enduring legacy of a Detroit icon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Oct. 14, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois rolls back the clock to the birthplace of the Motor City’s automotive revolution: the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight. Located in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction, just a few miles up Brush Street from Ford Field, this unassuming brick building helped launch a global industry. Built in 1904, it was Ford Motor Company’s first purpose-built factory—featuring fireproofing innovations, hand-built cars, and a rooftop water tank that was ahead of its time.

Today, visitors can walk the same floors where the automotive age began. Listen in for a story of invention, grit, and the Detroit spirit that changed the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Oct. 7, 2025 ~ In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we dive into the fizzy legacy of Vernors Ginger Ale, a Detroit original with roots stretching back over 150 years. While shoppers stroll past the Lululemon at Woodward and Clifford, few realize they’re standing on the site of James Vernor’s original pharmacy—where America’s oldest ginger ale was born. A Civil War veteran and pharmacist, Vernor left behind a barrel of ginger, vanilla, and spices before heading off to serve. What he returned to was a smooth, golden drink that would become a Midwest icon. From soda fountains to neon signs, and from family-run bottling plants to corporate ownership, Vernors has remained a beloved staple in Michigan. Tune in for a story of invention, nostalgia, and the sweet taste of Detroit history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Sept. 30, 2025 ~ In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we explore the David Whitney Building, a historic structure visible from Comerica Park’s third base line. While fans watch the Tigers play, few realize that just beyond the outfield lies the birthplace of one of the nation’s most respected accounting firms: Plante Moran. From its humble beginnings, Plante Moran grew into a billion-dollar company with offices across the U.S. and around the world. It was the only accounting firm chosen to help investigate the Enron collapse, and it’s consistently ranked among the best places to work. Listen here for a story of vision, values, and a legacy that started with one desk and a dream. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Sept. 9, 2025 ~ Detroit’s grit runs deeper than its streets—literally. In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, Dr. Robert Livernois uncovers the Detroit Salt Mines: a sprawling underground network formed 400 million years ago and still active today. From donkeys living underground to tunnels stretching beneath multiple cities, listen to learn how these hidden mines are a story of geology, industry, and resilience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Aug. 26, 2025 ~ Nestled in Detroit’s New Center, the Fisher Building rises like a dream carved in stone. In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, Dr. Robert Livernois takes us inside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—a 1928 Art Deco masterpiece born from the vision of the Fisher brothers and architect Albert Kahn. From its gleaming marble halls and vaulted mosaic ceilings to its hidden tunnels and rooftop secrets, the Fisher Building tells a story of ambition, resilience, and artistic brilliance. Discover how this “cathedral of commerce” became a cultural hub, survived war and economic hardship, and continues to pulse with the spirit of Detroit nearly a century later. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Aug. 20, 2025 ~ Tucked into a quiet intersection on Detroit’s east side stands a theater with a story that spans generations. In this episode, Dr. Robert Livernois explores the Alger Theater—a 1935 architectural gem that has witnessed the rise of radio legends, the golden age of cinema, and the resilience of a community determined to preserve its past. Listen in to uncover how this historic venue continues to shape the city’s cultural landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

Aug. 12, 2025 ~ A peaceful park in southwest Detroit holds the echoes of a powerful protest. In this episode, you'll uncover the story of the 1932 Fort Street Hunger March—where thousands of workers, united across racial and cultural lines, lifted their voices in song. They sang union hymns and spirituals, along with popular tunes of the day, filling the streets with a sound that carried hope, resilience, and a demand for dignity. Click in to discover how this historic moment still resonates through Detroit’s landscape and legacy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

August 5, 2025 ~ Historic Fort Wayne stands today as a quiet witness to centuries of transformation in Detroit. From ancient Native homelands to Civil War training grounds, WWII supply lines, and a safe haven during social upheaval, this star-shaped stronghold has shaped lives without ever firing a shot. Tune in to discover how a place built for battle became a beacon of community and history, hidden in plain sight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

June 15, 2025 ~ Buckle up for a ride down Detroit’s most storied street! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating legacy of Livernois Avenue—from its French colonial roots and ribbon farms to jazz legends, Motown magic, and the golden age of used cars. If you’ve ever driven Livernois and wondered about its name or its soul, this episode reveals the rich history hidden in plain sight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.