The Mitten Channel

Jeffrey LeValley is a gospel composer and songwriter. He discusses a Grammy-winning song he wrote, "Revelations 19:1," recorded by hip-hop artist Kanye West.

The pandemic brought well-known Flint area gospel composer, director, and performer Jeffrey LeValley a gift he could never have imagined. In 2021, a song he wrote, Revelations 19:1, was recorded by hip-hop artist Kanye West. The song won a Grammy Award for West and LeValley, who wrote the song. In previous years, LeValley was Grammy-nominated for his work in gospel music. LeValley also received a lifetime achievement award from BMI for his work in Gospel Music.

LeValley has no shortage of Flint area fans. He wrote and performed a song played for Pope John Paul on his visit to the Detroit area. He has performed with Aretha Franklin, Peabo Bryson, and Lou Rauls, to name a few. He estimates he recorded 275 recording projects in his long musical career.

For over 40 years, Jeffrey has served as the minister of music at the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church in Flint. He also served as the International Minister of Music for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Presiding Bishop for nine years.

During the interview, Jeffrey discusses his life and career. He shares his love of Flint. Jeff LeValley is a Flint music legend. Kirk Franklin provided the music for this podcast (Lift Every Voice and Sing). The outro is Revelations 19:1, performed by the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Choir, featuring Pastor Odis Floyd and Jeffrey LeValley. He directed the choir and wrote the song. 

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• 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.
  
  

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The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

The Sharee Miller murder case is one of Michigan's most notable criminal cases this century. The love triangle that Ms. Miller fostered resulted in the death of her husband, Bruce Miller.

Sharee engaged in a torrid affair with a Kansas City cop. She convinced her then-boyfriend, Jerry Cassady, to come to Michigan and murder her husband, Bruce.

Ms. Miller did so using a litany of falsehoods about her husband abusing her and the love child she was carrying.

Jerry Cassady killed himself, leaving behind a suicide note and a laptop computer. The laptop held a treasure trove of filthy and incriminating evidence of the murder plot. The emails and chats gave the Genesee County jury a road map to convict Ms. Miller for her role in the murder.

In the end, two men died, and Sharee Miller was convicted and imprisoned.

Our guest on this episode is David Nickola, a criminal defense attorney. Mr. Nickola was Sharee Miller's defense attorney at trial.

Back in 2000, former Prosecutor Arthur Busch charged Sharee Miller with murder. The attorneys discuss the case and the ins and outs of the trial. They also share their handling of the jury trial. Attorney Nickola shares insights about his client, the jury's selection, and fascinating tidbits.

The national media extensively covered this case over the past 20 years. ABC 20/20 did a segment on a confession letter Miller sent to the Judge in the case three years ago! At the trial, the Court TV covered the entire trial live. We thought you would enjoy the unfiltered perspectives on this case and this defendant.

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The music heard on this podcast episode is "Flint River Water," is performed by singer-songwriter Colton Ort. Colton wrote this original song to commemorate the Flint Water Crisis. We appreciate his support for Radio Free Flint and for allowing us to use his music in this episode.

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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.
  
  

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The Mitten Channel is a production of Radio Free Flint Media, LLC. © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Genesee County Circuit Judge Duncan M. Beagle's uplifting story of courage and determination to overcome his physical disability.

Genesee County Circuit Judge Duncan M. Beagle will retire at the end of his current term. This is a riveting conversation about the illness that caused him to be unable to use his legs at the age of 43. It is an uplifting story of courage and determination to overcome his physical disability to become one of the most well-liked Judges in Genesee County.

The Beagle family has practiced law in Genesee County for over 120 years! Charles Beagle was the Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney in 1929 during one of the most spectacular Bank crashes in America during the Great Depression. The Industrial Bank was looted in 1929 by its executives, who speculated in the stock market with depositors' funds. Then Prosecutor Beagle charged and convicted 13 of the banks' executives and managers and sent them to Jackson Prison for their crimes. The Flint bank's collapse caused angry depositors to surround the downtown bank, burning and overturning cars and breaking the windows out of the Bank.

John Beagle, Judge Beagle's father, practiced law in Flint for over 50 years. He was at one time an Assistant Prosecutor and an Assistant Attorney General. He was an accomplished trial attorney who handled many high-profile cases.

Judge Duncan Beagle and his grandfather Charles Beagle served as Presidents of the Genesee County Bar Association.

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The music in this podcast was written and produced by Joe Ryan III. The co-star of this performance is Joe's 90-year-old grandmother, Odessa Houston! The song, Flint, Michigan is about the Flint water crisis. Joe Ryan is a Flint native, a recording artist, and a producer for several well-known recording artists. Joe also is involved in producing and recording songs for television and movies. Visit Joe Ryan III's website to see videos, listen to music, and learn more about Joe. The song is played here with his permission.

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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  

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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.

Judge Duncan Beagle of Genesee County is a 3rd generation lawyer. He shares his growing up in Flint, community activities, and accomplishments.

Judge Duncan M. Beagle has lived a remarkable life. Judge Beagle has inspired, mentored, and coached courage and resilience while serving his community.

Judge Beagle's grandfather Charles Beagle was the Genesee County Prosecutor in the 1920s and practiced law for 56 years in Flint. John Beagle, Duncan's father, was also a Flint lawyer who practiced law with distinction for more than 50 years.

The Beagle family has a rich legacy of community service in the greater Flint area. The Beagles have served on numerous community boards and have given richly of their time, talents, and treasure to the people of Flint.

This podcast interview with Judge Beagle covers his life growing up in Flint, community activities, and accomplishments.

The State Bar of Michigan and the Michigan Supreme Court honored the judge for his work on behalf of children in Michigan. He is currently the Chief Judge of the Genesee County Circuit Court. He previously served as the President of the Genesee County Bar Association.

In our conversation, he discusses his family out the spectacular 1929 bank embezzlement case, which his grandfather Charles Beagle handled while the Prosecuting Attorney of Genesee County.

He also discusses what it means to be a Flintstone! Judge Beagle is a self-described sports nut. For over 20 years, he served as a basketball referee for area high school games with future college and professional players. Judge Beagle is a member of the Albion College Alumni Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a baseball player in college.

Judge Beagle attended Flint Schools, including Zimmerman Jr High School and Flint Southwestern High School. He graduated from Albion College with a B.A. and the University of Detroit-Mercy with a Juris Doctorate. He is married to Dana and has a son.

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Subscribe at the Free tier for regular investigative essays and updates.

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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  

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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.

Philip Hagerman started a real estate and venture investment firm, Sky Point Ventures, headquartered in Flint, Michigan. He discusses his $50 million investment in reviving downtown Flint including the historic Capitol Theatre.

Philip R. Hagerman co-founded Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy with his father, Dale Hagerman, in 1975. Diplomat grew to be the nation's largest independent specialty pharmacy, with revenue growing from $25 million in 2005 to over $4 Billion in 2015, recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in healthcare.

The start-up specialty pharmacy, located at the Great Lakes Technology Center, employs over 1,000 in the City of Flint.   Phillip started a real estate and venture investment firm headquartered in the historic Dryden Building in Downtown Flint, Michigan. The Dryden building, constructed in 1901, was home to the original offices of General Motors, formed by  Billy Durant in 1908.

The Fenton, Michigan native has taken a large part in the redevelopment of downtown Flint. Phil has invested an estimated $50 million in Flint, reviving downtown businesses and real estate. Phil played a major role in restoring the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint. During the podcast, he discusses his motivation and vision for Flint's urban spaces and economy. #RustBelt #Flint #HistoricRestoration #Hagerman

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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.

Safetyville, Flint, Michigan, has a special place in the hearts of a lot of Flint area baby boomers. STOP-LOOK-LISTEN. Remember that lesson?

Most remember the miniature Corvettes, T-Birds, and kids' first driver's licenses. Many Flint baby boomers received their first driver's license at Safetyville-Flint.

Safetyville could be found at Kearsley Park. The powered cars were vintage replicas of the Ford T-Bird, and just for good measure, there were a few Corvettes.

I interviewed Len Exline, who is a collector of these miniature cars. Len explains there were just four Safetyville in the USA. Taco Bell used these cars in their commercial and a movie or two.

Many kids in Flint counted the hours down until their visit to Safteyville. Don't miss Safetyville, USA, Part One of this series.

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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  

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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.

Poet Semaj Brown is Flint's Poet Laureate.  Her work in Flint uses poetry to address literacy problems with lead-poisoned children.

Semaj Brown is the first Poet Laureate appointed by the City of Flint.  She delivers a riveting read of a poem she wrote for the people of Flint.

The Academy of American Poets recently recognized her talents as a Poet Laureate.

Semaj works in Flint using poetry to address literacy problems with lead-poisoned children.  Semaj is also an accomplished playwright, published author, and lecturer.

In Flint, her work in the Flint Community School District has been nothing short of amazing.  She has presented her poetry at many colleges and universities across the Midwest, including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Baruch College (NYC), Kent State, and Indiana University, just to name a few.

Semaj Brown is one of the most inspirational guests in Radio Free Flint's history!

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You can learn more about Semaj Brown and her poems by visiting her author's website.

Find Semaj Brown on the website of the American Academy of Poets.

A feature article about Semaj Brown that details her work and background can be located at My City Magazine

The Flint Journal reported that Semaj Brown was honored by the American Academy of Poets by receiving funding for her work with children in the Flint School District:

Flint’s first poet laureate awarded $50K to infuse poetry throughout city with focus on literacy

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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  

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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.

Rico Phillips is a retired, 27-year veteran Flint Firefighter. He is also an inspiration!. In 2019, the National Hockey League honored Rico with its prestigious Community Hero Award. They did so because, in 2010, Phillips started an inner-city hockey program to introduce Flint kids to the sport. Rico shares fascinating stories about growing up in Flint, being bi-racial, and how he decided to become a firefighter.

Ricco discusses his work with children in Flint. He also talks about his work as Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion with the Ontario Hockey League and black NHL players to bridge the gap between urban communities and hockey.

Rico discusses growing up in Flint and the challenges of growing up bi-racial. His mom is from West Germany, and his father is from Flint.

Rico is a well-known community activist in Flint, Michigan. He was a familiar face in area schools for his fire prevention and career development talks with students. For many years, he has been helping to start Back to the Bricks, a famous car event in downtown Flint. His service also included being the community liaison between the Flint Firefighters Union and the community. For 17 years, he was a Vice-President of the Flint Firefighters Union. Rico has also been a hockey referee for 34 years.

He is married to Sandy, a Flint Southwestern High School graduate, and attended C.S. Mott Community College.

Join us on The Mitten Channel on Substack.

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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  

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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.

Tawas Point State Park is located on Lake Huron in Northern Michigan near East Tawas, Michigan.

The state park encompasses 183 acres at the end of a sand spit that forms Tawas Bay. It has been referred to as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest" and is a notable bird-watching site.

Ossineke is a rustic State Forest campground on Lake Huron with crystal clear water and a sandy beach. The area, including Presque Isle, has quiet beaches.

Cheboygan is near Michigan's Inland Waterway, a 38-mile (61-km) channel comprising many streams and Crooked, Pickerel, Mullett, and Burt lakes, with boating and fishing facilities. Cheboygan is an Indian name meaning "Through Passage," this refers to the Indians "passing through" during their fur trading days using the Inland Route to Mackinaw Island instead of the straits passageway.

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• The music "Water" is courtesy of singer-songwriter Barb Barton. The song was written in support of the people of Flint. Some still suffer from the lack of drinking water and lead poisoning.
• Watch a performance of the song Water on the YouTube video
• Visit Barb Barton to listen to her music and videos. She also published a book about Michigan Wild Rice.
• Information on the history, photos, and other visiting info: Tawas Light House and State Michigan
• Visit the Pure Michigan website for other information on Tawas Area.

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The Mitten Channel is a network of podcasts.  

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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.

Michigan Lumber is a Centennial business in the City of Flint. Gerald Haan and his daughter Katie are the third and fourth generation to run the family-owned business.

Gerald also shares his views about Michigan Lumber, Flint, and its future. He also shares his dream of building affordable new single-family housing in the downtown Flint area.

Michigan Lumber is located just beyond the center of downtown Flint. The family-owned business has been working from its original location since its founders came to the Greater Flint area in 1916.

Most observers would assume that any business starting about that time would be tied to the booming automobile factories. This lumber company contributed not only to the building of Flint's auto manufacturing prominence but also to the overall growth of the Flint area.

The company holds the distinction of being the oldest lumber yard in Genesee County, Michigan. Michigan Lumber continues to operate under the philosophy established by their elders to give today's established customers the finest quality lumber products with an underscore of premier service by exceptionally experienced staff.

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• The company address is 1919 Clifford Street, Flint, Michigan, near the intersection of Saginaw and 12th St.
• Learn more about the products and services provided by Michigan Lumber by visiting their website: https://michiganlumber.com/ 

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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.