* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) all support manscaping — even though only one of them admits to actually doing it. Joey Zuver refuses to be dragged into such tawdry talk.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  ML fails in his audition for The SOD Apprentice for starting the show late, even though he had a good excuse: Waiting for the Detroit City Council to say something — anything! — about one of their colleagues who was recently charged with misconduct in office.* The new felony charge against Detroit City Councilmember Gabe Leland has ML waxing nostalgic, as he takes a look back at his tumultuous relationship with the men of the Leland family. It started with Leland’s father, Burton, praising ML for his Kwame Kilpatrick’s exposes. But things changed, as ML explains to anyone who takes the time to listen to a long story that is not so badly told.* After exposing daddy’s lies, ML turned to baby. First, he revealed that Detroit City Councilman Gabe Leland voted for about $2 million in city deals with companies run by his then-girlfriend. Then ML broke the news that a Detroit businessman wore a wire for the FBI after Leland allegedly demanded a bribe. Finally, ML uncovered how the feds tried to resolve there bribery case against Leland by shipping it off to state court.* Reporters and photographers can spend days and days on surveillance, roasting in hot vehicles or freezing while posted up behind a post. Other times, it pays to be in the right place at the right time. That’s how ML got some incriminating video and photos of Leland spending time where he probably shouldn’t have. Now ML is telling the inside story behind this story.* ML tells the behind the scenes story of how he outsmarted Leland to make this encounter happen.* What trip down memory lane would be complete without another horror story about ML’s time at Local 4? So listen and get another tale of woe.* Shawn delves into changes in news coverage philosophy, looking back at a time when newspapers were shifting resources to suburban coverage — and what may have motivated them. A lively discussion ensues.* THE GREAT DEBATE: He’s b-a-a-a-c-k! POTUS is reviving his COVID-19 briefings. The boys debate whether this is a good thing for Trump — and America.* GEEK OF THE WEEK:  It’s tough to look tough while wielding a rifle while wearing a pink polo shirt. And even having a pistol-packing mama at your side won’t help much.

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) […]

* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) ask a politician to help them save money. Joey Zuver just plans to saves the day. Again.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  Les garçons célèbrent le jour de la Bastille. (To those of you who are less French than our fair city, which started as a French trading post, that means: “The boys celebrate Bastille Day.”)* ML asks listeners to help the show encourage a personal grooming company to sign on as a sponsor by making a purchase at www.manscaped.com and using promo code ML for a 20% discount and free shipping. DO IT NOW!* Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan makes just his second local podcast appearance, zooming into the Soul of Detroit nearly 10 years after trekking out to Franklin to appear on the first incarnation of the Drew and Mike Podcast. ML marks the occasion with a gratuitous jab at Dave Bing, resurrecting speculation about Bing’s true residency during his time as mayor.* Duggan provides quick tips on how to save hundreds on your auto insurance. If you want a more detailed plan, check out his presentation on Facebook. * ML asks Duggan why he abandoned his plan to create an insurance company. * Marc asks Hizzoner who loses under the state’s auto insurance reform plan. * Like an idiot, ML provides insurance companies an excuse for jacking up rates by pointing out that lots of cars get broken into or stolen in Detroit. Duggan says ML is missing the bigger point.* Hizzoner walks the boys through some of the more complicated twists and turns that could save you a grand — or cost you a bundle. Here’s the short version: If you have a relative in your house who isn’t on your health insurance, you better stay with your old auto insurance. But you can save a bundle if an unrelated person who isn’t on your health insurance lives in your house. (We TOLD you it was complicated!)* ML shares some stories about the recently departed bridge, trucking and real estate mogul Manuel “Matty” Moroun. As Shawn notes, OF COURSE there’s a Kwame Kilpatrick angle. * It turns out the world is listening — and responding — to issues first broached on the Soul of Detroit. ML counts them down.* THE GREAT DEBATE:Politicians are debating whether kids should go back to school in the fall. Politicians are rarely a font of wisdom. So the boys decide to help clear the fog. * GEEK OF THE WEEK: The Number One men’s tennis player says he’s the victim of a witch hunt. ML shows him no love, taking the game, set and match!* THIS WEEK IN SOFT HISTORY: Ronald Reagan said: “Trust, but verify.” Professor Jennings says: “Listen, but don’t expect to find this stuff in any history book.”* ROOM 7609: Ultravox warns folks who disregard the Soul of Detroit that they will “Reap the Wild Wind.” Then ML slips in a Smiths reference. * HARD OUT: Find out how you can sponsor the show and get a one-of-a-kind token of our appreciation. For a donation fo $20 or more via the link on our homepage,

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) […]

* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) have a stable connection this week. And we hope that’s a reference to their internet hook-up. Joey Zuver continues to be our rock.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  Before he even introduces the podcast line-up, ML whines that he still has not been called up to play for his neighborhood softball team. He’s a five tool player: Run, hit, catch, throw, Allen wrench.* There has been SO MUCH conflicting information on the novel coronavirus, known to some as COVID-19, that the boys called in Kristen Jordan Shamus (Twitter @KristenShamus) of the Detroit Free Press to cut through all the noise.* Does the coronavirus come with long-lasting after effects? Why did experts advise against masks before recommending masks? Why are more people getting the bug but fewer people are dying? What should we believe about hydroxychloroquine? What’s this about someone using Klondike bars as a prophylactic? Kristen breaks it down.* After nearly 300 eggheads said they are concerned COVID-19 might be airborne, Marc asks Kristen whether she would feel safer hanging out indoors or with the mostly-maskless gang at Diamond Lake. What did she say? C’mon! You know you have to listen to learn!* Turns out there are some flags Shawn likes! Listen and learn.* THE GREAT DEBATE: The media has done a GREAT JOB covering the coronavirus, at great risk to their own health. So why aren’t we hearing more about whether New York City really needed all those ventilators they requested? That’s just one of the questions the boys debate as they take a hard look at why some issues that were once front page stories have miraculously disappeared — just like that novel coronavirus thingee was supposed to.* GEEK OF THE WEEK: We keep the competition stiff, but the guy in the video below still manages to run away with this week’s prize — after calling Brooklyn 9-1-1.* THIS WEEK IN SOFT HISTORY: Professor Jennings somehow stays on track as the lunatics try to take over the asylum.* ROOM 7609: You’ll recognize the voice you hear singing “Are Friends Electric” for Tubeway Army. But do you know his real name. Or how he got his stage name? Or what science fiction story inspired this song — and a cinematic classic? The answers are waiting next to Gideon’s Bible on the nightstand in Room 7609. Check in to check it out.* HARD OUT: Find out how you can sponsor the show and get a one-of-a-kind token of our appreciation. For a donation fo $20 or more via the link on our homepage, www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, we will record a message meant JUST FOR YOU. We call it “cam-e-soul.

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) […]

* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) overcome technical difficulties. Mostly. Joey Zuver is not responsible for anything that went wrong.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  Michigan Journalist of the Year Tresa Baldas joins the boys to discuss her report in the Detroit Free Press about how a gathering at a college bar in East Lansing turned the Grosse Pointes into a COVID-19 hotspot.* Zorro. The Lone Ranger. The Gimp from “Pulp Fiction.” What do they have in common? They all wore masks. The boys wonder why so many other people are still hung up about doing their part to keep the virus from spreading.* Tresa teases everyone with a sneak peek at her next coronavirus exclusive.* The Free Press recently picked some of the greatest finishes of all times — and it turns out ML was at most of them. Shawn and Marc also witnessed some of those moments, with Shawn getting close enough to punch Ron Artest in the pills. To find out whether he landed a blow, you’ll have to listen.* THE GREAT DEBATE: Police almost ran over protesters who hopped on a cop car Sunday night. What starts as a debate over who went too far turns into a discussion of whether police should stop providing an escort and just let the marchers take their luck with Detroit traffic. Take a look at the dash cam video here and here.* GEEK OF THE WEEK: Everybody likes dead presidents. Well, maybe not EVERYBODY. Find out which former POTUS we name GOW.* THIS WEEK IN SOFT HISTORY: Those who forget history — or forget to change the channel — are doomed to hear Matt crack jokes about it.* ROOM 7609:  A listener recommended Erasure as a great choice for LGBT Pride Month. And, since the show was recorded on June 30, they technically checked into the NuWave suite just before pride month ended. Either way, “Love to Hate You” is such a great tune that it deserves to be played in July, too.  * SO YOU SAY: We’ve got LOADS of listener feedback. And not all of it is bad! Check it out.* HARD OUT: Find out how you can sponsor the show and get a one-of-a-kind token of our appreciation.

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) […]

* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) put their arrested development on hold — temporarily. Joey Zuver keeps bail money handy … just in case.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  Boy, we sure hope everyone who was mad that protest organizer Tristan Taylor was on last week stuck with us long enough to catch Detroit Police Chief James Craig this week! If not, please reach out to remind them every story has at least two sides — and this is one of the rare places you’ll get both sides!* Marchers say police were disrespectful and tried to provoke them. They never mentioned that some of their chants and actions were disrespectful toward police and provocative. ML asks the chief what he makes of this apparent irony.* ML, who was found at fault after police officers slammed him up against a wall in a church, asks the chief whether he sees value in having an independent party review complaints against police. The chief delivers perhaps the longest “no” in broadcast history.* Yes, he went there. Chief Craig said white officers accused of excessive force face a greater presumption of guilt than Black officers.* Marc asks the chief if he has problems with unions trying to protect bad officers. His answer might surprise you.* The chief says defunding police would take de fun out of living in a big city that would have fewer cops — and more danger. But he does see some merit with part of the call for changing the way departments operate.* Shawn asks the chief whether police have become too militarized. The chief says police are not the military. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to give up some of the gear.* Marc asks the chief to weigh in on the Atlanta PD killing of Rayshard Brooks and gets a detailed and nuanced answer. SPOILER ALERT: The chief says it’s not nearly as clear-cut as the George Floyd killing in Minneapolis.* The chief realizes — too late! — that he’s spending his morning with a couple guys in a basement!!!* Kwame Kilpatrick did NOT get the longest sentence in U.S. history. ML discusses his look at the OTHER guy who got 28 years — and the challenges each crooked pol is battling as they try to get out of prison 20 years early due to the coronavirus crisis. * Shawn took former Detroit Tiger Aubrey Huff to task for his diatribe against people who wear masks. Among the many people who read and responded to Shawn’s excellent work was … Aubrey Huff! Listen and get the behind-the-scenes story of how that went down.* THE GREAT DEBATE: There’s no debate here that the Washington Redskins should change their nickname. But what about the Central Michigan University Chippewas? Illinois Fighting Illini? Florida State Seminoles? Atlanta Braves? Or Ole Miss Rebels — who came, oh so close, to closing Admiral Ackbar as their mascot.

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) […]