* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Joe convene in the sterile confines of Red Shovel HQ to infect the minds of dozens — maybe even hundreds — of listeners!* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  ML is concerned about how political party membership seems to influence how people view threats to the public. Then troublemaker Marc asks whether the media is to blame for Corona-virus mania. The Ivy League cancelled its basketball tournament. They’re the smart folks, right? Marc, Shawn and ML discuss whether they’re showing that they have big brains — or small balls.* Has the Corona virus taken us to the point where the public is finally tuning out the President? Marc says yes. Shawn says no. ML says the base has not lost its faith.* ML posits that the effort to dismiss concerns about the Corona virus along political party lines may get short-circuited because of which politicians are self-quarantining themselves.* Marc wonders whether the media are inflaming fears for business reasons. ML and Shawn — card-carrying media members — say no. Listen for yourself and decide who’s right. Or left. (Boy, it gets confusing when politics gets mixed in, doesn’t it?)* Marc reveals some personal details about the person who cuts his hair, inadvertently providing insights into why his rug looks the way it does.* ML — the great unifier — wonders whether the nation’s proclivity for viewing things based on their position on the political spectrum will be cured by the Corona virus. (Hey, a guy can hope, can’t he?)* Shawn — unsolicited — speaks out in favor of dutch oven-ing. (ML and Shawn hope his wife is not listening — even though we could use the download…and, no, that’s not a euphemism for Shawn’s unorthodox style of courtin’.)* ML desperately tries to turn the conversation to the podcast’s FIRST EVER live broadcast, which will run from about noon to about 2 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day (3/17) at the Cadieux Cafe on ML’s beloved East Side. Even though Shawn and Marc STILL want to talk about the Corona virus, George Carlin, washing your hands, POTUS and a bunch of other VERY DISTRACTING TOPICS, ML perseveres and hopes you’ll come join us and some special guests, including his friend and former colleague Devin Scillian. (But first there is a long discussion of the state of men’s rooms. Seriously – and sorry in advance.) Then they discuss why ML’s friend and former colleague Huel Perkins can’t join the fun.* ABOUT THAT LIVE BROADCAST … After we’re done yakkin’, we’ll be hanging out, selling hockey jerseys, t-shirts, stickers, signed Kwame Sutras and pressing the flesh with anyone who doesn’t seem to be infected. The Cadieux Cafe will have live music throughout the afternoon and evening and is located at 4300 Cadieux Road. For more information, visit http://www.cadieuxcafe.com. There’s free parking, great food and even better beer. * THE GREAT DEBATE: Shawn is planning to cover the Big 10 Men’s Basketball Tournament and March Madness. Unless they cancel the games. The boys share their varied views on what the honchos should do. (Spoiler alert: ML agrees with King James.)* GEEK OF THE WEEK: Bill Clinton provides his most outrageous — and perhaps most accurate — explanation of why he hooked up with an intern in the Oval Office. In this case, the truth doesn’t set him free; it makes him our Geek of the Week.

Detroit City FC Founder and CEO Sean Mann (Twitter @mrseanmann/Facebook Sean Mann/www.detcityfc.com) joins M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), […]

* Detroit City FC Founder and CEO Sean Mann (Twitter @mrseanmann/Facebook Sean Mann/www.detcityfc.com) joins M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) to tell some behind-the-scenes stories about the state of the Beautiful Game in Detroit* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Detroit City FC adds a WOMEN’s team to help bring soccer fans together — but ends up exposing a rift between Marc and Shawn!* While Shawn and Marc spar, ML and Sean extol the virtues of women’s soccer, which has been more successful and offers more opportunities than the men’s game.* Sean reveals how DCFC’s bid to go pro last year crumbled — then was saved! — without anyone really noticing. IT’S ANOTHER SOD EXCLUSIVE!  * Before you try to start your own pro sports league, you should hear Sean’s story about dealing with clowns like the d-bag from the desert.* Sean discusses how DCFC transitioned from plucky amateurs to continent-crossing pros. There’s more costs, more travel — yet the ticket price remains the same as always! Sean explains that, too.* Is the key to DCFC’s success the low cost, the amenities, the quaint confines of Keyworth? Sean says it’s the atmosphere — THANK YOU, NORTHERN GUARD!!!* For the second year in a row, ML warns Sean “don’t screw it up!” That admonition worked last year. Here’s hoping it works again in 2020!* THE GREAT DEBATE: A middle school has a policy that says you cannot refuse to dance with someone who asks you to cut a rug. The goal is to make sure no one feels left out. Two meanies don’t like the policy while one of the boys, who, like Billy Idol, was often dancing with himself, sees some merit in the policy. Find out who’s who!* GEEK OF THE WEEK: A philandering, jealousy-crazed, n-bomb dropping judge says she’s not a racist and respects everyone – except maybe the spouse she cheated on for 8 years – is this week’s geek. Listen to find out who she is – and how she caused trouble among the boys in the basement.* ROOM 7609: In honor of Sean and DCFC, ML books New Order and their  1990 World Cup song into the NuWave suite, then the triumvirate offers their take on a surprisingly upbeat and poppy tune from the Manchester Four.* HARD OUT: Please be sure to let our sponsors know you heard them on the podcast! We can’t go on without continued sponsor support, and they really do keep track of referrals from loyal listeners. So if you need a mortgage,

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) encounter “The Wrath of Shawn” when Shawn Windsor […]

* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) encounter “The Wrath of Shawn” when Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) makes his triumphant return!* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML’s dream comes true when an old-time Detroit beer becomes a sponsor. Listen to find out who makes the brew.* ML teases an upcoming event. Download to find out where to meet the Soul of Detroit crew when they hit the road on St. Patrick’s Day.* Shawn and the boys discuss Shawn’s very special column in the Free Press. * First, the Spartans. Now, the Wolverines. Campus sex abuse scandals are erupting across the country. ML, Marc and Shawn draw the line separating rivalry from reality, with a nod to The Only Colors. * More updates this week! Marc asks about the status of ML’s often-wounded wheels, The Black Beauty, aka Truthmobile III, and ML reveals where he’ll be working next week. Listen and learn!* ML tells some behind the scenes stories about how far two imperfect politicians went to try to keep him from asking them questions. Here are some of the stories the politicians didn’t want to talk about: One about Rep Bettie Cook Scott disappearing and one about Detroit City Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda-Lopez’s dilapidated home. * THE GREAT DEBATE: NBC Sports Network has tapped an all-women’s crew to produce and broadcast an NHL game on International Women’s Day. Is it progress — or pandering? The boys battle it out.* GEEK OF THE WEEK:  Our winner is a killer who beat a murder rap who is now suing presidential candidates for honoring his victim.* ROOM 7609: They were art school students who pressed 500 LPs that inspired a cult following. Now they’ve checked into the NuWave Suite to perform “Watching Trees.”* HARD OUT: Please be sure to let our sponsors know you heard them on the podcast! We can’t go on without continued sponsor support, and they really do keep track of referrals from loyal listeners. So if you need a mortgage, consider Hall Financial and tell them ML sent you. If you’re looking for a deal on a Ford, please visit Szott Ford and let them know ML sent you! Looking for a new career? Check out our friends at Northwestern Tech. And when it’s time to kick back, reach for a nice cold Altes!

As a reporter at The Detroit News, Darci McConnell (Twitter @darcimc/Facebook Darci E. McConnell) saw through Kwame Kilpatrick’s baloney. Now, […]

* As a reporter at The Detroit News, Darci McConnell (Twitter @darcimc/Facebook Darci E. McConnell) saw through Kwame Kilpatrick’s baloney. Now, as the founder, president and CEO of McConnell Communications she puts up with two new fools: Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick). Meanwhile, Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) ditches the show to do some “wet work” for “The Company.”* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML is update CRAZY – getting us up to speed on three crucial matters. See if you can match the issue with the clue: 1-Clark Park Outdoor Charity Hockey Game results 2-Tenant search for East Lansing rental 3-Employment status:: A. Awaiting results of drug test B. Winner! C. Strippers need not apply* ML, Marc and Darci take a deep dive into the controversy stemming from the coverage of Kobe Bryant’s death, including whether it was appropriate to mention a sexual assault allegation that was just about the only blemish on his amazing NBA career.* The conversation centers on CBS News anchor Gayle King’s interview of WNBA star and Bryant friend Lisa Leslie — and the ensuing ferocious attacks on King.* Marc asks ML and Darci to rate King’s performance as a journalist in the interview. A discussion over when is the right time to mention problems when discussing the death of a newsmaker.* Darci reflects on her time as a hard-hitting City Hall reporter at The Detroit News and how Kwame Kilpatrick tried to get her to give him a break based on their race.* Snoop Dogg’s threats to King shocked some — including a former UN Ambassador, who made some threats of her own. Darci weighs in on whether Snoop Dogg’s apology cut the mustard.* As a former obituary writer, ML opines on whether monumental figures should get a pass on their transgressions.* It’s getting deep in here: ML, Marc and Darci discuss the details of the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, rape culture, Bryant’s apology to his accuser — and more.* ML makes an appeal to anyone willing to listen that trying to shut down a discussion by keying on what people look like, where they’re from or who they worship is not the way to build a better society.* Darci says keep it simple: Was a report fair, balanced and did the reporter try to hear from all sides? Then she opines on whether this whole debate will make us better.* ML invites Darci back — then she slips in a “Go Blue!” Will that be a deal breaker? Subscribe to the podcast to find out …* THE GREAT DEBATE: When Shawn’s away, the mice play — nicely. Which is why The Great Debate gets put on hold until next week.* GEEK OF THE WEEK: A Texas school district is “Poth Proud” of its decision to come down hard on a 16-year-old who grew his hair long to honor (and maybe provide a wig to) his 11-year-old sister after she lost her locks due to illness.* ROOM 7609: Julian Cope returns to the NuWave s...

M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) breaks news on the biggest story in the world — just by looking […]

* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) breaks news on the biggest story in the world — just by looking at his phone! But first, Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) question whether ML is on the RIGHT meds. Jim Comparoni (Twitter @JimComparoni) of SpartanMag.com dials in to this hornet’s nest.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Jim shares what it was light to ride the lightning — giving us an inside look of his effort to keep up with the latest rumors on the Michigan State football coaching search.* Marc asks Jim about his process for separating rumors from truth. * Jim reveals how he gets some of his inside information — then reveals how a kid’s Snapchat conversation turned out to be more accurate than anything reported on the Spartan coaching search.* ML — in the middle of the damn show! — breaks major news before anyone else on the face of the planet. Even Jim does a double-take!* Shawn delivers some bad news for Spartan fans. DAMN SHAWN! (Did we mention he lives in ANN ARBOR …?)* Jim provides some insights on the news gathering process — and how he thinks it’s ok to share some grapevine juice in one spot even if he’ll only serve fine wine on the front page of SpartanMag.com.* Listen and learn how reporters — and civilians — track charter flights.* ML BLOWS JIM’S MIND WITH A WORLD EXCLUSIVE REPORT. (Scoopsville! Looks like The Kid’s still got it!)* THE GREAT DEBATE: Two odd little states play an outsized role in picking the next president of the United States. ML worked in one of those states for nearly 5 years. He vigorously battles Shawn’s effort to ALTER THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY! (Wow!) Oh, Marc weighs in, too.* GEEK OF THE WEEK: A Major League pitcher turns into a major league bitcher.* ROOM 7609: The quintessential guest checks in — a band that received no acclaim with a great tune that achieved no acclaim. And did we mention that this week’s solution is the only NuWave tune ever produced in da UP, eh?* HARD OUT: Please be sure to let our sponsors know you heard them on the podcast! We can’t go on without continued sponsor support, and they really do keep track of referrals from loyal listeners. So if you need a mortgage, consider Hall Financial at Hall Financial | Mortgage Lender | Home Refinance Experts and tell them ML sent you. And if you’re looking for a deal on a Ford, please visit New 2020 Ford & Used Car Dealer in Holly, MI – Szott Ford and let them know ML sent you!* REPRESENT! Show your Soul of Detroit pride with great merchandise, ranging from our super groovy hockey jerseys, t-shirts, stickers and signed copies of “The Kwame Sutra: Musings on Lust, Life and Leadership from Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.” Each copy includes a smart aleck inscription penned personally by ML! Open your heart, open  your wallet at www.drewandmikestore.comFind out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com,

Charlie LeDuff (Twitter @Charlieleduff/Facebook Charlie LeDuff) and M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) are reunited — or is it […]