Squirrels aren’t a particularly exotic animal. The fluffy rodents are native to 49 out of 50 states. But there’s something that makes Michigan’s squirrels a little different–and it’s their color. Research suggests the state is part of a kind of Great Lakes “black squirrel belt.” On this episode of On Hand, we go looking for black squirrels–and talk to an evolutionary biologist about why Michigan has so many. 

(Tile photo by Corey Seeman. Check out more of Corey's black squirrel photos here.) 

GUESTS: 

• Brad Consentino, Professor of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges
• Corey Seeman, University of Michigan librarian and squirrel photographer
• Jerry Wade, Detroit resident
• Gabrielle Riley, Detroit resident
• Kenny Stebner, Traverse City resident 

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One of the reasons the word "Kalamazoo" shows up in so many lyrics is because it's just a fun word to say. Rapper Jamall Bufford writes a freestyle around "Kalamazoo" and talks about creative writing in music.

• More music from Jamall Bufford, a.k.a. Buff1

GUEST: Jamall Bufford, rapper and lyricist

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

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• Email us: [email protected]

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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There are dozens of songs that are titled "Kalamazoo" and more still that mention the southwest Michigan city. It's been that way since the early days of music recording, and "Kalamazoo" continues to find its way into songs. Why, though? We dig into this question, with a multipronged answer that takes us through an American musical legacy.

• Here's a brief playlist of songs that mention "Kalamazoo"
• Here's a brief playlist of famous uses of Gibson guitars

GUEST: Paul Russell, musician (who wrote a song called "Kalamazoo")

GUEST: John Thomas, law professor, historian, and author of Kalamazoo Gals

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Have a story about Kalamazoo's musical legacy? Do it here:

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The high-intensity beef between Michigan and Ohio State is well-known as the biggest rivalry in college football. We found a story to remind us that even at the height of the conflict, the two teams' legendary coaches weren't always at war. Jeff Weiss, a Michigander who grew up in Bowling Green, tells the story. 

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The feud between coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler shaped the way many modern fans think about The Game. But The Rivalry has been fueled by events by much earlier elements, dating back to the founding of the Western Conference in the early 1900s. We trace the history of the rivalry, and the way it's shaped the players and the game. 

• See archival footage of Ohio State and Michigan here
• See a timeline here

GUESTS:

Michael Rosenberg, senior writer for Sports Illustrated; author of War As They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest

Tyrone Wheatley, coach for the Wayne State Warriors football team; former running back for the University of Michigan; former NFL player

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

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• Email us: [email protected]

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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In response to our episode on the Michigan Dogman, listener Linda Alice Dewey of Leelanau County wrote to us about her supernatural encounter that originated from a secluded, cemetery in Glen Arbor. The interaction resulted in a spirit driven book written by Dewey and co-authored by a ghost.

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

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• Email us: [email protected]

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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Blissfield resident Matt Menchaca put forth this question: is the Michigan Dogman real? On this episode of On Hand we learn the history behind the Michigan Dogman and how one podcaster uses his platform to create a safe place for traumatized witnesses.

GUESTS:  

• Rachel Clark, education specialist with the Archives of Michigan
• Vic Cundiff, host of Dogman Encounters Radio

 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

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In Michigan sometimes when we are driving and we want to turn left we have to turn right  first and it turns out that quirky traffic design can help prevent car crashes. Most people call it a Michigan Left or a Michigan U-Turn. But there are some Michiganders that have another name for it: the Banana Turn. 

GUESTS & SIBBLINGS: 

April Van Buren, producer for On Hand,
Chris Van Buren, attorney living in New York City 

Find last week's On Hand episode here. 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

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If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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In Michigan, the left turn isn’t always a left turn. At certain intersections, you find yourself doing something counterintuitive. You turn right first in order to turn left. That's the notorious Michigan Left, but why does it exist?

GUESTS:

• Betty Nelson, 2025 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition
• Kirk Steudle, former head of the Michigan Department of Transportation

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

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If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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For a lot of us, Michigan’s iconic pop brands are tied into special memories from childhood. Maybe your mom would always give you Vernor’s when you had a tummyache. Or you can still remember the Faygo ads that played during your Saturday morning cartoons. Or you have fond memories of the Towne Club pop shop. We talked to one Michigander about the role that pop played in her childhood--and why she still loves those nostalgic flavors today. 

GUEST: 

Bobbie Bain, lifelong metro Detroiter 

Find last week's On Hand episode here. 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

• Online Submission Form

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• Email us: [email protected]

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.