Hidden in Plain Sight

Nov. 25, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into Detroit’s storied sports tradition on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, tracing the roots of a Thanksgiving ritual that began in 1934. That year, as the city thrummed with auto factories and radio waves, a new roar rose from a patch of turf at the University of Detroit—the Detroit Lions’ first Thanksgiving Day game. Today, Ford Field carries that legacy, built on history both athletic and architectural: its very bricks include remnants of the old Hudson’s department store, once a titan of Detroit commerce and sponsor of the city’s iconic Thanksgiving parade. Tune in for a story of vision, resilience, and the hidden threads that bind Detroit’s past to its present. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Nov. 11, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps back into Detroit’s early days on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, visiting one of the city’s oldest surviving homes: the Moross House. Nestled on East Jefferson Avenue, just a short walk from the Renaissance Center, this modest brick structure has stood since the 1840s—long before the roar of engines or the rise of skyscrapers. Built by French bricklayer Victor Moross and his son Christopher, the house is a rare example of Greek Revival architecture in Detroit, crafted with hand-laid red brick and lime mortar. Tune in for a story of legacy, preservation, and enduring beauty. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Nov. 4, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into the maritime soul of Detroit to uncover a sanctuary that has weathered centuries of change—both literally and figuratively. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the Old Mariners’ Church, a Gothic stone landmark nestled beside Hart Plaza and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Founded in the 1840s through the vision and generosity of Julia Ann Anderson, the church was built to serve Great Lakes sailors in need of shelter, sustenance, and spiritual care. Tune in for a story of maritime legacy, architectural marvel, and the enduring echoes of compassion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Oct. 28, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois journeys into the cultural heart of Detroit to explore a landmark that’s more than just a museum—it’s a symbol of the city’s soul. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, affectionately known as the DIA. From its humble beginnings in 1888 as the Detroit Museum of Art to its transformation into a world-class institution, the DIA has mirrored Detroit’s rise, struggles, and resilience. Tune in for a story of artistic legacy, civic pride, and the quiet power of community action. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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