The Mitten Channel

By The Mitten ChannelSociety & Culture Documentary History Personal Journals

The Mitten Channel episodes

August 15, 20201970's Flint and Other Tall Tales: Jon Harpst
Jon Harpst is a colorful figure in Flint's history. Jon was instrumental in the beginnings of the Bobby Crim Road Race and getting it to locate in Flint. He shares the early history of what has become one of the best long distance running events in America. Jon was the campaign manager for Flint's first elected Mayor, the late James Rutherford. He also served in the Rutherford administration as Director of Governmental Relations. He was the chief lobbyist for the City of Flint during some tumultuous times. John gives a detailed account of Mayor Rutherford and what kind of man he was and what made him tick.Jon Harpst played a crucial role in the re-development of Flint in the 1970's and 1980's. The Rutherford years were considered productive as the Mayor and his team lead efforts to develop the airpark at Bishop Airport, built River Village, Windmill Place, the Flint IMA, the Hyatt Regency and many other projects still visible in Flint today. He describes a City on the move and one that had persistent conflict. In his humorous way he describes the colorful characters he had to work with to advance the interests of the City of Flint. If you are a Flint history buff you will like this interview. And if you like good banter and lots of humor join Jon Harpst and myself as we discuss the good ole days.For more information on the late Mayor James Rutherford:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Rutherford#:~:text=Law%20enforcement-,James%20W.,Rutherford%20served%20for%20two%20terms.A Time of Transition for Flint: 1970'shttp://www.mycitymag.com/flint-through-the-decadespart-7-a-time-of-transition-1970-1979/Tran--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
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Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
59 min
August 09, 2020Super Lawyer Tom Pabst on Whistleblowers, Police Misconduct and Civil Rights
Tom R. Pabst has dedicated his legal career to obtaining justice for the underdog, the weak, the powerless and those without a voice. He is recognized by his peers as one of the best trial attorneys in Michigan. He has obtained over a dozen million dollar jury awards for his clients in his career.As a trial attorney, Tom R. Pabst is recognized by Judges as being in the top 5% of attorneys in Michigan. Trial experience includes over 80 major trials with substantial verdicts in the following areas of law: wrongful discharge, civil rights, Whistleblower Protection Act, Federal Constitutional rights, personal injury, medical malpractice and commercial litigation.He was recognized as a 2011 “Leader in the Law” in Michigan and a Michigan “Super Lawyer” since 2007. He was elected by his peers as President of the Genesee County Bar Association (1994-95), President of the Flint Trial Lawyers Association (1991-1994) and Chairperson of the Bench and Bar Committee.Attorney Tom R. Pabst has been practicing law since November, 1977, having both a law degree and a master’s in tax degree (with an all-A average) from Wayne State University. He practices law in Flint Township, Michigan.Website of Tom R. Pabst:http://tomrpabstpc.com/attorneys--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
1 hr 1 min
August 06, 2020State Rep Tim Sneller: Memories from a 30-Year Career in the Michigan Legislature #20036
With over three decades of experience, broad knowledge of both state and local government, and deep roots in the community, Representative Tim Sneller has hit the ground running in the Michigan House of Representatives and is working hard to serve his home community.Currently, Tim is serving his second term in the House of Representatives, representing the 50th House District, which includes the cities of Grand Blanc and Burton, as well as Grand Blanc and Mundy townships. He currently serves on the Energy Policy and Insurance committees, as well as the Democratic Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee.Tim grew up in Genesee County, graduating from Bentley High School in Burton. He went on to work at the Flint General Motors Truck and Assembly Plant following graduation and became an alternate committeeman and a proud member of UAW Local 598. While employed at the shop, Tim began his studies at the University of Michigan - Flint, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.Following an internship in the Michigan State Senate, Tim left GM and began his 30 plus year public service career as legislative aide to State Representative Bob Emerson. He continued his service to Genesee County residents by joining the staff of State Senator John Cherry, later working with him during his transition to Lt. Governor for the State of Michigan. During this time, Tim resumed his studies at U of M - Flint, adding a secondary teaching certification to the B.A. degree he completed in 1985.Tim then turned his focus to the Michigan House of Representatives, working for the citizens of Burton, Grand Blanc, Mundy Township, Davison, Flint, and other areas in Genesee County while working as legislative aide to State Representatives Charles Smiley, Rick Hammel, Lee Gonzales and Brenda Clack. During this time, he also substitute taught social studies and history for two years in middle schools throughout Genesee County. For More Information about Representative Tim SnellerRep Tim Sneller's Website:http://www.timsneller.com/https://housedems.com/tim-sneller/dVideos Representative Tim Sneller https://youtu.be/CD9Ir56Ix_Ehttps://youtu.be/E78eLsq8I8Ihttps://youtu.be/2A9x1-11u5g--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
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Subscribe at the Free tier for regular investigative essays and updates.
Or choose the Premium tier for deeper analysis, forensic breakdowns, and exclusive content for paid subscribers.
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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
35 min
July 29, 2020Judge Herman Marable on his Career, Efforts to Help Kids in the Flint area
Judge Herman Marable has served 20 years on the 68th District Court bench. Over that time he has been active in helping high school students through his charitable initiative : Judge Marable's Student of the Month. He describes how he has helped mentor Flint area youth to attend college and set goals for themselves. His program has worked in conjunction with James Madison College at Michigan State University to introduce Flint area students to the requirements of college. Judge Marable also shares his concerns about how juries in Genesee County are selected. The Courts have long sought to have a broad cross section of jurors representative of the entire community. However, the inclusion of minorities and some senior citizens who don't have access to the internet and technology are not able to complete their juror questionnaires leaving them out of the pool of potential jurors. This poses a problem for the community as in some cases no minorities serve at all on Genesee County juries and thus don't reflect the community as a whole.Lastly, Judge Marable shares with us his personal story of his family and growing up in the Flint area. If you want to learn more about Judge Marable here are some links for you to follow:Facebook Profile:https://www.facebook.com/JudgeHermanMarableJr/Profile of Judge Marablehttp://www.mycitymag.com/leading-by-example-honorable-herman-marable-jr/?fbclid=IwAR1uU3sK03CLyu2uvvX5F5k-brg8lRMns_3Uv_0hx-IIX1MqLQRNMYStoqEStudent of the Month Programhttp://legalnews.com/detroit/1428345/Judge Marable on Debt Collection & Garnishmenthttp://legalnews.com/detroit/1472019/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
Join us on The Mitten Channel on Substack.
Subscribe at the Free tier for regular investigative essays and updates.
Or choose the Premium tier for deeper analysis, forensic breakdowns, and exclusive content for paid subscribers.
Visit TheMittenChannel.Substack.com and choose your tier today.

The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
37 min
July 26, 2020From Flint Sandlots to the Michigan's Big House and the NFL: The Paul Staroba Story
From Flint Sandlots to the Big House and the NFL: The Paul Staroba Story”
Radio Free Flint with Arthur Busch
In this episode of Radio Free Flint, host Arthur Busch sits down with Flint native and Greater Flint Sports Hall of Famer Paul Staroba to trace his journey from sandlot football on the east side of Flint to the University of Michigan and the National Football League.
Staroba reflects on:
🏈 Growing up in Flint’s working-class neighborhoods
Backyard games, empty lots, and neighborhood rivalries that shaped his toughness, alongside three older brothers who made sure he learned to compete.
🏫 Parochial school days at St. Leo’s and St. Matthew’s
How small Catholic schools and the old Flint Area Parochial League produced big-time talent and lifelong friendships.
👨‍🏫 Coach Jack Pratt’s belief and quiet prophecy
The legendary St. Matt’s coach who took Staroba to the Big House as a kid, told him he belonged there, and kept telling him he could play big-time football when nobody recruited Class D schools.
💙💛 Life as a Wolverine under Bump Elliott and Bo Schembechler
What it was like to play split end and punt for Michigan, lead the Big Ten in receptions, catch touchdowns in the Big House, and survive Bo’s brutal winter conditioning and “those who stay will be champions” culture.
🏆 Big Ten success & Flint Sports Hall of Fame
How good teammates, great coaching, and Flint’s competitive sports environment led to all-league honors and a place in the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame.
🏟 The NFL years: Browns, Redskins, Packers
Adjusting to pro speed, punting in Cleveland, nearly knocking off the undefeated Miami Dolphins, and punting in a snowstorm at Soldier Field for the Green Bay Packers.
✊ The 1975 NFL players’ strike & being arrested on a picket line
Staroba tells the story of staying on strike, picketing with Chicago Bears players, getting hauled off in a paddy wagon in front of his pregnant wife, and why, looking back, he doesn’t regret standing with the players.
🍺 Life after football: 35 years in the beer business and family
How leaving the NFL early opened the door to a long career back home, raising a family, staying rooted in Flint, and keeping deep friendships with teammates.
🌆 What made Flint special
Staroba reflects on GM plants, working-class parents, city parks, Atwood Stadium, Ballenger Park, and why Flint’s blue-collar culture prepared him for everything that followed.
This is a rich conversation about coaching, character, work ethic, union solidarity, and Flint’s sports legacy—told through the life of one of the city’s most accomplished athletes.
🎙 Listen, share, and learn more at:
www.radiofreeflint.media

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Or choose the Premium tier for deeper analysis, forensic breakdowns, and exclusive content for paid subscribers.
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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
36 min
July 23, 2020#32 Schools & Pandemic: Michigan State Rep Sheryl Kennedy Discusses the Plan
State Representative Sheryl Kennedy (D-Davison) is a member of the Genesee County state legislative delegation. Her career is off to an amazing start being named to a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee where she serves on subcommittees for School Aid & Education, Corrections and Agriculture. Sheryl spent a career in education as a teacher in the Davison School District and later as a school administrator in Oakland County. She has earned the trust of her colleagues as well as Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She shares her impressions of Michigan government, her first 18 months in office and how she goes about the work of a state legislator. Sheryl is a sixth generation resident of the Davison area of Genesee County, Michigan. She attended Davison High School where she was involved in the performing arts. She went on to obtain a PHd from Oakland University in Education Administration. She talks about fixing the roads in Montrose, trying to fix the education system by making college available and affordable for all citizens and how to deal with COVID 19. She was recently appointed to a special group by Governor Whitmer to develop some guardrails for the reopening of schools in Michigan after the COVID 19 shutdown. Her efforts to make schools safe for all is commendable. Based on her first 18 months in office, it is clear that she is a budding star in the Michigan Legislature with her passion for education and drive to accomplish her goals. She has rose quickly to prominence in the legislature because of her competence and obvious skills at working well with others. For more information on State Representative Sheryl Kennedy and how to contact her visit : https://housedems.com/kennedy For other information go to: https://www.electsherylkennedy.com/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
Join us on The Mitten Channel on Substack.
Subscribe at the Free tier for regular investigative essays and updates.
Or choose the Premium tier for deeper analysis, forensic breakdowns, and exclusive content for paid subscribers.
Visit TheMittenChannel.Substack.com and choose your tier today.

The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
45 min
July 22, 2020 Voter's Guide: Flint's Diana Phillips Candidate for State Rep District #34
Professor Diana Phillips has taken an unusual path toward politics in her effort to serve as State Representative for the 34th District. She is the owner of the Knob Hill Bed & Breakfast in the City of Flint. Diana recently retired from Kettering University after 39 years. She served as the Chemistry Program Director and later as the first head of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. She also worked as a Sr Engineer at IBM. As a single mother of two children, she had begun her graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Five years later, as a mother of four children, including a set of two year old twins, I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry. Diana is very involved in community and neighborhood organizations. She worked with a group of her Mott Park neighbors to care for Flint's Mott Park Golf Course. She has been involved in business and community service activities for many years. As a candidate for the state legislature she intends to work for the people of Flint by seeing better and fairer educational funding, fixing the roads and better availability of health care for Flint residents. Diana is running in the Democratic Primary election on August 4, 2020. Listen in to the podcast to learn more about Diana Phillip's qualifications and positions on the issues of the day.
For more information on Diana please go to her website: https://phillips4michigan.com/
She can also be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diana-A-Phillips-for-34th-District-State-Representative-113296673766454/
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40 min
July 19, 2020#31 Murals & Graffiti: Flint Public Art Project
Flint Public Art Project a non-profit group has helped fuel the creation of over 100 new murals in the City of Flint. This year, the goal for 2020 is to add between 60 to 75 more and artists are needed to make that vision a reality. Local and international muralists have come to Flint and transformed many parts of the city with beautiful and thoughtful murals. This projects has evolved into a activity for those who want to tour the city. Each mural has a computer code enabled to give touring visitors the backstory of the mural, the artist and other information concerning.Sandra Branch who leads this project along with others in the group have not just transformed blight but they have mentored graffiti artists and those charged with vandalism giving them a new and positive avenue of expression. Sandra also has engaged projects in area parks by painting basketball and tennis courts, using area schools to engage in art education as well as cleaning up blight. Sandra Branch is a former police officer, a Flint native, a graduate of Bentley High School, and has bachelor and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan-Flint. Her enthusiasm and dedication to do something positive for the Flint area is remarkable. Listen in and enjoy a fascinating and uplifting story about Flint, Michigan Flint Public Art Project. Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/flintproject/Map & Locations of Flint Area Murals: https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2018/11/artists_aim_to_enrich_lives_he.htmlNews Articles and Television Coverage:https://www.flintside.com/features/flint-murals-070820.aspxhttps://www.abc12.com/content/news/Flint-Public-Art-Project-looks-to-add-60-murals-artists-encouraged-to-apply-568405901.htmlhttps://www.flintside.com/features/waveofnewmuralspositionFlintasoneofworldstopdestinationsforstreetart.aspx--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
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Or choose the Premium tier for deeper analysis, forensic breakdowns, and exclusive content for paid subscribers.
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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
41 min
July 16, 2020Harry Barrett FGC Golf Teaching Pro
The Flint Golf Club has a place in Michigan history. It been host to the PGA Carling Open in the 1950's. It was where the legendary Arnold Palmer made his debut on the PGA tour. It also hosted Michigan Pro and Amateur championships. There is a reason that PGA golfers, PGA Tour Officials, weekend duffers and others love this course. Harry Barrett is one of those reasons. He has worked with some of the best names in golf (Amy Alcott, Ken Venturi, Greg Reynolds, etc) over his 50 year career as a teaching pro. Harry Barrett is also a legend in Michigan golf circles. Harry discusses the history of the Flint Golf Club. He shares his stories about its members and traditions. Those traditions included the C.S. Mott family, Jerry Rideout, also known as the Father of the Buick Open, and many others. Harry helped develop some of the best Michigan based golf pros and amateurs. He spends his time now helping kids learn the game of golf. Harry played the PGA Buick Open twice, on a sponsor's exemption. According to the Flint Journal, "The club was founded by an impressive group of Flint A-listers whose names still label streets and landmarks around the city. The original board of directors and members were J. Dallas Dort, A.G. Bishop, C.M. Begole, Colonel B. Burr, C.S. Mott, W.A. Smith, W.C. Durant, K.T. Keller, John J. Raskob and Alfred Sloan -- some of the same people who were instrumental in the start of General Motors." Its original location was in Atlas Township when it started as the Flint Country Club in 1910. The board of directors moved it to the current location in Flint and opened for play in 1919 to be closer to, at that time, a more prosperous area. Join us for a lively discussion and a few laughs about the good old days. This podcast is a re-release broadcast. Learn more about the history of the Flint Golf Club https://flintgolfclub.com/--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
Join us on The Mitten Channel on Substack.
Subscribe at the Free tier for regular investigative essays and updates.
Or choose the Premium tier for deeper analysis, forensic breakdowns, and exclusive content for paid subscribers.
Visit TheMittenChannel.Substack.com and choose your tier today.

The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.
👉Subscribe to The Mitten Channel

Join us for the full experience. Subscribe to The Mitten Channel on Substack to receive our latest narrative essays, audio stories, and deep-dive reporting directly in your inbox.

Explore Our Series:

Radio Free Flint: Narrative storytelling and community perspectives on industrial resilience.
The Mitten Works: Essential history and analysis of labor and economic policy.
Flint Justice: Critical insights into the legal and institutional challenges facing our state.

Visit our Mitten Channel website for our complete library of podcasts, videos, and articles.

The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.
34 min
July 12, 2020 Flint's Political Rebellion
Flint's blue collar workers have long led America's political rebellions. History tells us exactly why.
My latest podcast examines Flint's blue collar voting history in Presidential elections since 1968. History reveals the common themes that attracted disaffected Flint's southern auto migrants to the presidential campaigns of Gov. George Wallace, Mayor Donald Williamson and President Donald Trump. The alienation of Flint's disaffected auto workers has consequences for America's political stability. Listen to learn more.
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21 min

About The Mitten Channel

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The Mitten Channel is a Michigan podcast and media network created by former Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch.

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