July 20, 2024 marks the beginning of dystopian classic novel "Parable of the Sower", written by Octavia Butler 30 years ago. 

GUEST:

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, PhD, is Chair of the Joint Program in English and Education at the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education

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Michigan-based horror author Josh Malerman has a new set of psychological scares in his paranormal thriller "Incidents Around The House". Malerman rose to prominence in the horror genre with his novel "Bird Box", which became a Netflix hit.

GUEST:

Josh Malerman, best-selling thriller novelist and author of "Incidents Around The House"

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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A new podcast delves deep into the Republican Party upheaval of the mid-1970s to help shed light on our current political climate. And it all begins with a Michigander we know and love: then-President Gerald Ford. The podcast, made by Nuanced Tales in partnership with WFAE and distributed by NPR, is called "Landslide." We talked to host Ben Bradford about the roots of America's current culture war back through the political campaigns of Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford.

GUEST: 

Ben Bradford, creator and host of the podcast "Landslide"

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Today, a conversation with Johnny Rodriguez, President and CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), a social services center focused on the Latino community in West Michigan. And, a sneak peek at LAUP's 60th annual Fiesta celebration this week (July 15-21) in Holland, Michigan.

GUEST:

• Johnny Rodriguez, President and CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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In the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump this weekend, many people are raising questions about the Secret Service's protocols at the Pennsylvania rally where the shooting occurred. Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade joined Stateside to discuss what she sees as shortcomings in the agency's security measures this weekend, and how those lapses are fueling online conspiracies about what happened.

GUEST: 

Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney and law professor at University of Michigan

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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A new children's book, "The Empty House", creates a fanciful world in which woodland critters take up residence in Michigan cottages during the winter.

GUEST:

Mary Scholl, author of "The Empty House" 

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When thinking about spells and witchcraft, a bar probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in Hamtramck, Michigan, one stands out among the rest. It's the Black Salt Bar, where customers can order a spell kit with their cocktail.

"There are a lot of different cocktail books that exist that play with this idea, but there's never really been a brick and mortar bar" said owner Zoey Ashwood.

When a customer orders a spell kit with their drink, they might get some herbs, gemstones, or a candle and matches. All the spell kits also include a handmade altar and instructions for performing the ritual.

GUEST:

Zoey Ashwood, owner of The Black Salt Bar in Hamtramck, Michigan

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Grand Rapids voters will elect a new mayor this year. Two of the candidates are familiar political names. A third is a military veteran. The fourth describes themself as a neurotic Capricorn who spends their free time “pretending to be a robot and fearing Roko’s Basilisk.” This is a story about the fourth candidate.

GUESTS:

Dustin Dwyer, West Michigan reporter, Michigan Public

Hailey Lynch-Bastion, candidate for Mayor in Grand Rapids

 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer's new book, "True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between," is a brief, but insightful look at the Michigan governor's life and how her experiences have shaped the way she governs. It also sets the stage for a bigger political presence nationally. The co-hosts of It’s Just Politics on Michigan Public, offered their insights on one of the most anticipated political books of the season, and what it tells us about Whitmer’s leadership style and national image.

GUESTS: 

Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Public

Rick Pluta, senior Capitol correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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As vote-by-mail ballots start appearing for Michiganders, there’s an ongoing legal dispute about whose interests should carry representative weight when it comes to drawing legislative districts. Six state Senate districts stand at the center of that debate as they await court approval for their redrawn maps. 

GUESTS: 

Colin Jackson, reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network

Clara Hendrickson, politics reporter for the Detroit Free Press 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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