Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The Mitten Channel
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The Mitten Channel
The Mitten Channel episodes
- Is What's Good for GM Good For Me?This essay challenges the long held notion that what's good for General Motors is good for America. Alongside his personal story, being raised in a GM company town, Arthur Busch explores the values learned in a troubled rust-belt factory town. He examines what happens to the American dream when a General Motors company town incorporates corporate values.---This episode is sponsored by· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app---Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/support22 min
- Sports Broadcaster Recalls Flint's Best Athletes #20007FlintTom Skinner has spent decades broadcasting Flint area athletic events. His remarkable career has made him one of the best known sports broadcasters in Mid-Michigan and beyond. Tom figures that in his career he has broadcast over 1,700 athletic contests. His journey in broadcasting has been his passion. He is a regular at MHSAA football and basketball events Mid-Michigan. Tom shares his observations about some of the greatest athletes and coaches to ever play or coach in the Flint area. hTom Skinner has spend decades broadcasting Flint area athletic events. His remarkable career has made him one of the best known sports broadcasters in Mid-Michigan and beyond. Tom figures that in his career he has broadcast over 1,700 athletic contests. His journey in broadcasting has been his passion. He is a fixture in the broadcast booth at MHSAA sponsored high school football and basketball events Mid-Michigan. Tom shares his observations about some of the greatest athletes and coaches to ever play or coach in the Flint area. Tom has served on the Boards of the Greater Flint Hall of Fame, The Whaley Home, and various state and national sports broadcasting organizations. But none of his community service has aroused his passion like helping the students at Montrose high school learn the fine art of sports broadcasting. His students have been recognized nationally with prestigious awards of excellent. It is often said that if you would like to be excellent at something follow your passion. Flint native, Tom Skinner has done just that.--- 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.
35 min - Roller-coaster Economics: Flint's Housing Story
Barry Simon is the longtime former executive director of the Metropolitan Flint Builders Association. Barry Simon is an expert in housing and the economy. Barry shares his view on the history of the Flint economy since the 1960's to today. His insights reveal why Flint and surrounding area has been able to weather several recessions.
Barry Simon is a respected observer of the economics of the Flint area. For many years he published a popular newsletter about trends in the Southeastern Michigan economy and housing industry. Barry Simon is an expert at forecasting local economic conditions and trends in Southeast Michigan.
Barry has a Masters and Bachelors degrees from Eastern Michigan University in Economics. He is a Flint Southwestern graduate and lived in the Flint area most of his life until he retired and moved to Florida.
---This episode is sponsored by· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app---Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message36 min - JFK, Coors, Golf: Flint's Trailblazer Leo Seide #20006Leo Seide, has been an affable pioneer in Michigan business, politics, civil rights, golf and real estate development. He is truly a Flint treasure. Leo was the "father" of the PGA Carling Open convincing the Carling Brewing Company to sponsor a PGA Tournament in 1957. A young Arnold Palmer played in the tournament at the Flint Golf Club. The Carling Open later became the Buick Open and moved to Warwick Hills Golf Club, Behind the scenes, Leo Seide was was a respected voice in political circles at all levels. He was a close friend and adviser to former Michigan Governor John Swanson. In 1962, he was responsible for organizing a rally for President John F. Kennedy in Flint. He personally convinced the Coors brewing family, of Golden, Colorado, to introduce their products in Michigan. Leo represented the National Beer Wholesalers Association of America before Congress on various issues including legislation affecting the development of franchising laws in his industry. Leo Seide served as a member of the Board of the Flint Community Schools. He was a trailblazer in civil rights, being invited to be first Jewish member of the exclusive Flint Golf Club, a membership he held for 50 years. Leo was part of the Greatest Generation of Michigan. He fought in the fox holes of Italy for three years during World War II. Leo is the epitome of civility and kindness. Leo's story about his home town is riveting.. He speaks of the rise of a great American city, Flint, Michigan. A city which during his lifetime earned the status of having the highest income per capita of all American cities. Listen closely if you want to learn the lessons of entrepreneurship, remarkable vision and risk taking. Leo Seide represents the values, resilience and toughness of Flint, Michigan. Leo's story about his home town is riveting.. He speaks of the rise of a great American city, Flint, Michigan. A city which during his lifetime earned the status of having the highest income per capita of all American cities. Listen closely if you want to learn the lessons of entrepreneurship, remarkable vision and risk taking. Leo Seide represents the values, resilience and toughness of Flint, Michigan. View the Award Ceremony for PGA Golf Professional Paul Harney, who racked up his first PGA Tour win at the Flint Golf Club in 1957. (click the following link) https://fb.watch/1i_HqBiWBA/--- 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.
31 min - Jeff Natchez, DO: A Detroit Tiger Baseball Dream
In 1971, Flint optometrist Jeff Natchez was a 6th round draft choice of the Detroit Tigers. He was scouted and signed by legendary Detroit Tigers General Manager Bill Lajoie. Jeff spent 5 years in the Tigers minor league system. Jim Leyland, former Tigers manager, was Natchez' first minor league manager in 1971- Leyland was 26 years old and in his first year as a manager at the time. Jeff played with some of baseball's future stars, including Tigers catcher Lance Parrish and Tigers legend Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. Following his baseball career, Natchez became a Doctor of Optometry and practiced in Reno, Nevada before returning to Flint. In this podcast, Jeff recounts his experiences in the Tigers farm system, as well as what is was like growing up in Flint. Jeff also shares stories of playing on the sandlots of Flint, including having NFL Hall of Famer Paul Krause as his supervisor during summer baseball at Freeman School.--- 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.
40 min - Memphis Music with Flint Roots: Mark Parsell the PromoterMark Parsell operates South Main Studio, in Memphis, Tennessee. His studio attracts recording artists from across the globe. He is also known as the "Mayor" of South Main. After 27 years as a sales & advertising executive Mark entered the music business with the same promoter's flair of his late father, Vern Parsell a pioneering automobile dealer. Mark's career in Flint, Michigan gave him the grit and determination needed to launch a second career in the recording business. His stories of the history of radio and television advertising in Mid-Michigan are full of humor. He also reveals himself as a "chip off the old block" with his flair for promotion.Entertaining and insightful, Mark Parsell provides insights into a side of television advertising the viewers never see.---This episode is sponsored by· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app---Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message32 min
- Fore! Golf Talk with Pro Harry Barrett
Flint Golf Club Professional-Emeritus Harry Barrett is a legend in Michigan. He retired after 50 years serving as a golf teaching pro. He has worked with some of the best names in golf over his long career. His work has helped develop some of the best Michigan based pros and amateurs. He spends his time now helping high school golf aspirants. Harry twice played the PGA's Buick Open on a sponsor's exemption. He discusses the history of the Flint Golf Club, its founders and shares insights on what makes the course special. The Flint Golf Club has been host to the PGA Carling Open in the 1950's. It also hosted Michigan Pro and Amateur championships and many others. There is a reason that PGA golfers, weekend duffers and others love this course. Harry Barrett is one of those reasons.
---This episode is sponsored by· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app---Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message34 min - Ode to John PrineOde to singer/songwriter John Prine who died this week. John Prine's music spoke of the culture of the Southern migrants who left the coal mines and their rented farms in places like Kentucky and Tennessee. He left a rich legacy of songs that document all aspects of life in America. His powerful lyrics put in the company of the best songwriters like Bob Dylan, Robert Earl Keen and Neil Young. His work describes the life that the people of Flint, Michigan and other rust belt towns where southern migrants settled. Grammy Award winner John Prine's humor and searing insight into the dreams and disappointments of those who found themselves in their own country trying to reconcile two cultures.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message
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.
13 min - Americana tribute to Working People of Flint #20003Singer Dan Hall and songwriter David Norris share stories of nearly 40 years authoring songs about the Great Lakes and the American labor movement. Their important work has been featured on PBS documentary specials about the UP and Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. Their work has been part of the Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Michigan and the Flint Labor Museum. Dan and David, both with Flint, Michigan roots, have written some of the best Great Lakes Americana songs. Their work documents the struggles of working people and culture of Michigan. They share with you the song sit-down strike ballad "1937" as a tribute an to honor the life of Ruben Burks, the former Secretary-Treasurer of United Automobile Workers Union who passes away this week. Also found in this episode is "The Wheelsman" a song about the people who lived and lost their lives on the Great Lakes.To view this interview on YouTube click the link below:https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=291413381856906YouTube Videos of Dan Hall Performing his songs "1937": https://youtu.be/BYjJxstGl7YThe Wheelsman: https://youtu.be/n_pkyrefzvAInformation on the Flint Sit-down Strike:https://youtu.be/mZ7v1FQJTiQThank you Dan Hall and David O. Norris for your brilliant work in preserving the culture of your hometown Flint, Michigan. Your efforts will guarantee that generations to come will have a history to visit and understand. It was the working people that you sing about that made America great !--- 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.
38 min - Dr Doris Suicu Talks About Coronavirus
Michigan physician, Dr Doris Suicu shares her thoughts, opinions and observations about the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Suicu is a long-time Flint area physician and activist for crisis and emergency centers to better serve the people of Michigan. She shares her thoughts about what people can do to better themselves while out in the public. She also discusses the difference between the deadly coronavirus and seasonal flu. She also shares her thoughts on why there is a growing disparity between African-Americans and other groups contracting this virus. The conversation concerns the health and welfare of each citizen and the medical community's ability to handle the crush of people so critically ill.
---This episode is sponsored by· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app---Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radiofreeflint/message37 min
About The Mitten Channel
From the publisher's feed
The Mitten Channel is a Michigan podcast and media network created by former Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch.
We produce original programs that blend legal expertise,…
investigative storytelling, and deep Michigan history — including true crime analysis, environmental investigations, employee rights, and rich biographies rooted in Flint’s working-class culture.
Our mission is to preserve Michigan stories, examine the systems that shape our communities, and give voice to the people who define our industrial past and future.
Mitten Channel Podcast Shows: Radio Free Flint, Flint Justice, The Mitten Works, Mitten Environmental and The Mitten Biography Project
To listen to full audio podcast interviews visit https://www.radiofreeflint.media
Our mission is to preserve Michigan stories, examine the systems that shape our communities, and give voice to the people who define our industrial past and future.
Mitten Channel Podcast Shows: Radio Free Flint, Flint Justice, The Mitten Works, Mitten Environmental and The Mitten Biography Project
To listen to full audio podcast interviews visit https://www.radiofreeflint.media
Radio Free Flint is a production of the Mitten Channel where you can find podcast shows Mitten Environmental, Flint Justice, The Mitten Works.