On Hand

Yuval Sharon, Detroit Opera's creative director, is an industry disruptor who’s electrified the company’s repertoire. He directed a production of "Bliss", a 12-hour performance that took place in a decaying palace - the Michigan Building Theater. The company also presented Puccini's "La Boheme" in reverse, flipping the tragedy to begin with death, and end with love. We visited Yuval Sharonat the Detroit Opera House for a peek behind the curtain of this performance season.

GUEST:

Yuval Sharon, Detroit Opera creative director

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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On Nov. 8, Michigan voters will decide whether to put the right to an abortion in the state constitution by voting on Proposal 3. To better understand what's at stake, Michigan Radio got a rare degree of access to Northland Family Planning. For nine days in August and September, we shadowed a doctor and clinic staff through every step of the process.

Today’s story was reported by Kate Wells, and edited by Sarah Hulett and Lindsey Smith. Mixed by Mercedes Mejia, with additional help from Rachel Ishikawa.

Thank you to the many hands at Michigan Radio who helped make this story happen, and thanks especially to the women who agreed to share their personal stories.

Stateside’s executive producer is Laura Weber Davis.

Music from Blue Dot Sessions. Additional music by Brad Gowland.

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Emily Busch is the Democratic candidate running for State Representative in Michigan's 66th district, but she's also mom to a survivor of the Oxford High School shooting. Today, we speak with Emily about the day of the shooting, the growing discord among Oxford families, and her pathway to politics. We hear how Emily's campaign navigates divisive politics in a community still finding a way through its grief and anger.

GUEST:

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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In Dearborn, community members have been at odds with the school board over the availability of books centered on LGBTQ-positive stories in school libraries. In Jamestown, residents harassed librarians at the city’s only public library over young adult books containing LGBTQ-positive themes, accusing them of pedophilia and grooming. Incidents like this have become increasingly common over the past two years.

According to the American Library Association, which has been tracking book challenges for the past 20 years, there were a record-breaking 729 book challenges in 2021. This year, the ALA has already recorded 681 book challenges between January and August.

Debbie Mikula is the Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, and she has an op-ed in the Washington Post about why the uptick has been cause for concern among librarians. She joined the Stateside podcast to explain some of the trends she’s seen, and what happens when a book is challenged.

GUEST:

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Puppets! Detroit Puppet Slam is this weekend. And it's what you think... it's about puppets. But there's so much more behind this theatrical art form. This first Stateside Extra is bit of podcast candy for your weekend. Enjoy!

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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As we inch closer to the midterms, we turn our focus to key Congressional races happening in Michigan. On today's pod, we talk to with state Sen. Tom Barrett. Then guest host Colin Jackson helms the show to talk about the competitive down-ballot races.

GUESTS:

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Quality Scary is a Lansing-based horror film club and comedy series that exists at the weird intersection of frightening and funny. 

Their brand is perfectly illustrated by their fictional ad for the Electronic Dream Phone. Their imagined version of this 90s toy is possessed by some horrifying voice. 

Emily Syrja, Tricia Chamberlain, and Dan Hartley comprise the team behind Comedy Scary. They joined Stateside for a live taping of the show at Lansing Community College.

GUESTS: 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Last Thursday, Michigan State University's President Samuel Stanley announced that he would be leaving the position in 90 days, citing his lose in confidence in the Board of Trustees. So what does this mean for the university and for the upcoming trustee election?

GUEST: 

David Jesse, reporter, Detroit Free Press

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Today we break down what know about the complex web of money and power surrounding former State Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield. We’ll update you on where standing and evolving investigations are in this moment.

GUEST: 

Craig Mauger, reporter, Detroit News

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Getting outside to watch the birds is a great way to slow down and relax in nature. But birding groups haven't always been an inclusive space. On today's pod, we talk about one effort to change that and create a welcoming space for BIPOC birders.

GUESTS: 

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Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

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