On Hand

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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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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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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When you think about amateur sports, sumo wrestling is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, the traditional Japanese sport has been growing in popularity across the United States, including right here in Michigan. Stateside's Yesenia Zamora-Cardoso headed to a gym in Grand Rapids where modern athletes are finding fun and challenge in the ancient sport. 

GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE:

• Gabe Unick, head of the Grand Rapids Sumo Club

• Kai Pruiett, member of the Grand Rapids Sumo Club

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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How to tend to the crops in your yard when Michigan bakes with summer heatwaves.

GUEST:

Malik Yakini, founder of D-Town Farms and the Detroit People's Food Co-op

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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The longstanding conventional wisdom is that what we call hillbilly music originated in Western Europe. But the truth, as many scholars and musicians have been preaching for years now, is that country music is intimately tied into the experience of African Americans. In fact, one of the most recognizable instruments in the country music genre is the banjo--which made its way to America from West Africa with enslaved people. On today's episode, University of Michigan professor Nadine Hubbs talked about Black Americans' (often erased) influence on country music as we know it today--and how Black artists like Beyoncé are reclaiming a space in the genre. 

GUEST: 
 
Nadine Hubbs, professor of music at the University of Michigan and author of "Rednecks, Queers, and Country Music"

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

 

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Solar Party Detroit started as a idea to power a e-bike with solar power from off the grid. Now, the company owns a fleet of several solar generators that have powered everything from DJ setups to movie screenings. We talk to the co-founders and owners of the company about their experience powering the city's summer celebrations with sunlight. 

GUESTS:

• Ash Arder, co-founder and owner of Solar Party Detroit.

• Diane Cheklich, co-founder and owner of Solar Party Detroit.

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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President Biden's doddering performance at his first debate with Donald Trump this election cycle reportedly has many high up Democratic strategists nervous about the president's prospects. And it again raises the question of who could step in on short notice to run for president.... which brings Governor Gretchen Whitmer's name into the conversation. Is Michigan's governor interested?

GUESTS:

Jordyn Hermani, Capitol reporter for Bridge Michigan

Sam Shriber, political reporter for the Michigan Information & Research Service

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