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  • SPECIAL POD WITH JACOB MANSOUR

    SPECIAL POD WITH JACOB MANSOUR
    2025/05/31
    We recently did a show about the incredible festivals we have throughout Michigan celebrating our diversity. In addition to the great guests we had on that show, we also interviewed Dr. Jacoub Mansour the President of the Arab and Chaldean Festival.

    The festival takes place in dowtown Detroit at Hart Plaza on July 26 and 27 and is celebrating it's 52nd year. The event is the largest Arab and Chaldean cultural event in North America and features everything from traditional dancing to live performances, cultural events, and plenty of delicious food. Dr. Mansour shares what to expect at this family-friendly event.

    You can also listen to the whole show on our diverse ethnic festivals here.
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    11 分
  • Episode 701: Our Diversity is our Strength (May 24-25, 2025)

    Episode 701: Our Diversity is our Strength (May 24-25, 2025)
    2025/05/31
    Michigan is a land of many people, representing many different nationalities and cultures. And ope, do we love our festivals here. Put this magical concoction together and we put on some of the best ethnic festivals in the country right here in the Mitten, and these fun events reinforce our believe that our diversity here in Michigan is our strength.

    We start off this episode of Behind the Mitten with our good friend Raul Alvarez, CEO of GTSD Organization, Chief Synergist, President of the West Michigan MSU alumni group, and an incredible advocate for diversity in all of its forms. We talk about why it's important to be seen and celebrated, and how ethnic festivals are vital parts of our communities.

    Gaby Cordova, director of engagement for the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, joins us. The center puts on the annual Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival each year, which is one of the largest in Michigan. This year''s festival is being held August 1-3.

    We then are joined by Mackinac Island friends who serve on the board of the Straights Pride organization. Philip Rice, hails from Grand Rapids and has been involved with the Mackinac Island Pride Festival for nine years. He is also the music director for the very talented and very popular Mackinac Island Community Theatre. Kyrsten Cavazos is also involved with the Theater and serves as the Straights Pride board Vice President, she is originally from Adrian. There are events happening throughout the month of June throughout the area, see the full listing here.

    Finally, Teesha Montague, the event coordinator for the Ann Arbor African American Festival, joins us. This event is celebrating it's 28th year and is happening June 7 in downtown Ann Arbor. Teesha shares some of the fun things to expect at the festival, including some incredible musical performances, a vibrant kids corner, and lots of dancing.
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    45 分
  • Amy Sherman talks about Memorial Day Weekend cook outs, plus Mackinac Island fudge (WILS-AM, May 22, 2025)

    Amy Sherman talks about Memorial Day Weekend cook outs, plus Mackinac Island fudge (WILS-AM, May 22, 2025)
    2025/05/23
    Each week, Amy and Gonzo appear on "Behind the Mitten" affiliate WILS-AM in Lansing as part of Mike Austin's "The Morning Wake Up."

    This week Amy talks about Memorial Day Weekend cooking (what is she making, or not?), as well as the art of making fudge on Mackinac Island.

    LISTEN NOW!

    Learn more about "The Morning Wake-Up" on WILS-AM (1320) at https://1320wils.com/podcasts/the-wils-morning-wake-up

    BTM airs at 8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS.

    "Behind the Mitten" is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast. Overall it airs on 22 radio stations across 15 markets. Learn more at https://www.amyandgonzo.com/
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    14 分
  • Episode 700: Mackinac Island Main Street bustling with fudge, little luxuries and an awesome Irish pub (May 17-18, 2025)

    Episode 700: Mackinac Island Main Street bustling with fudge, little luxuries and an awesome Irish pub (May 17-18, 2025)
    2025/05/19
    Episode 700 - Original Murdick's Fudge on Mackinac Island

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast. Celebrating 10 years, co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman travel the great state of Michigan, taking you to tasty restaurants, must-visit breweries/wineries/distilleries, get away travel destinations and more. They share the stories that make Michigan awesome.

    On this episode they travel to Mackinac Island for a taste of fudge and Main Street businesses.
    • Segment 1: Meet their good friend Susan Wilcox Olson, who brings along Original Murdick's Fudge master fudgemaker Carnell Samuels, who for the second season is working side-by-side his 14-year-old son Zarrien Samuels.
    • Segment 2: Want to know how Island business owner Andrew Doud recruited a former college buddy to leave California to help him open Patrick Doud's Irish Pub? We talk to Dave Pantano, co-owner of the pub about how he fell in love with Mackinac Island.
    • Segment 3: One of the Island's coolest boutique shops is Little Luxuiries where you will find many Michigan-made products, as well as what Amy Sherman calls, awesome "tchotchkes." We talk to GM Ashley Nixon about what you can find at Little Luxuries.
    • Segment 4: Our friend Susan returns with Erin McMullen, a manager at Original Murdick’s Fudge, where we talk about the gift packages you can purchase year around, as well as new flavors. We even have time for "Beer of the Week," which is Patrick Doud’s Irish Ale.
    Learn more about Original Murdick's Fudge at https://www.originalmurdicksfudge.com/
    Learn more about Patrick Doud's Irish Pub at https://www.patrickdoudspub.com/
    Learn more about Little Luxuries at https://littleluxuriesofmackinac.com/
    Listen to Behind the Mitten on these 22 radio station across 15 markets in Michigan. https://www.amyandgonzo.com/general-5
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    45 分
  • Episode 699: Summer golf, dining options, Ladies Golf School and more at Treetops Resort (May 10-11, 2025)

    Episode 699: Summer golf, dining options, Ladies Golf School and more at Treetops Resort (May 10-11, 2025)
    2025/05/12
    Episode 699: Summer golf, dining options, a special school for women and more at Treetops Resort (May 10-11, 2025)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and podcast, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Co-hosted by Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, the show has released nearly 700 episodes and been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as best weekend speciality show. It airs on 22 radio stations over 15 markets in Michigan. More information on amyandgonzo.com.

    This weekend they spotlight Treetops Resort in Gaylord, which was recently named Resort of the Year at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. General Manager Barry Owens speaks on leadership, the emphasis on overall guest experience and introduces two key members of his team who make Treetops Michigan’s Most Spectacular Resort.

    Learn more at treetops.com.

    Segment 1: GM Barry Owens talks about the start of a busy golf season and creating lasting memories. He also emphasizes some of the priorities that make Treetops successful - attention to detail, which “is crucial in guest services,” as well as learning from mistakes.

    Segment 2: Treetops Director of Recreation Doug Hoeh stops by the podcast to talk about how driven his team is to maintain all 81 holes on five golf courses, as well as some of the new initiatives like Ladies Golf School that coincides with National Women’s Golf Day (June 1). Ladies Golf School is a multi-day experience (June 1-July 9) designed for all levels. Learn more at https://www.treetops.com/summer/golfing/golf-academy/ladies-golf-academy/.

    Segment 3: We celebrate Michigan's vibrant culinary scene with Brian Smith, the new Food and Beverage Director at Treetops Resort. We discuss the new menu offerings, including award-winning dishes and local partnerships, as well as the upcoming launch of a signature beer, Legendary Tees. Yes, it’s our Beer of the Week! Brian adds that the new menu focuses on quick, hearty options for guests, such as bourbon pork belly and tater kegs, which are liked a loaded baked potato in a tater tot. The conversation also highlights the importance of local ingredients and catering to diverse dietary preferences, all while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of Gaylord, Michigan.

    Segment 4: Barry Owens returns to the show to talk about Treetops’ major award as Resort of the Year by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association during the Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Wednesday, April 16 in Novi, Michigan. The annual MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognizes outstanding members of all roles within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism and creativity while going above and beyond their role to contribute to the positive image of the industry. Owens said he was humbled by the recognition, but added “it was great validation for what we've been doing” and showed the “importance of having passionate staff" when you're in the hospitality industry.

    Learn more about Treetops at https://www.treetops.com/.
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    45 分
  • Episode 698: On Mackinac Island to celebrate 10 years of Behind the Mitten (May 3-4, 2025)

    Episode 698: On Mackinac Island to celebrate 10 years of Behind the Mitten (May 3-4, 2025)
    2025/05/08
    We couldn't be more pleased to celebrate our ten year anniversary back where it all began, on beautiful Mackinac Island.

    We recorded our very first radio broadcast on the island at the Grand Hotel way back in 2015, when we were the only people staged at a tiny table in a grand ballroom, welcoming our first guests into a truly lovely, historic space. We hope that we have lived up to the expectations that our first location had for us, after over seven hundred episodes as Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast, we hopt that we have.

    So, back to our roots, and back to one of our favorite spots ever, Mackinac Island.

    We know how lucky we are, getting to go back to the island each year for the last decade, during every season, and all kinds of weather. We truly think of it as another home, and love being welcomed back each year.

    We kick off this show with Tim Hygh, who is the big cheese at Mackinac Island Tourism, and a good friend. If you've been wondering what's been happening with the ferry situation, need to know about scheduling your trip, or want to know how the island handled the recent ice storm, you don't want to miss this interview.

    Next, we visit with Jeff Hess from the Grand Hotel, to hear all what is new at this historic, iconic resort. Look for a rebrand at the Gate House, gorgeous new carpet throughout the parlor, and a cool new spot located downtown Mackinac for the first time.

    Also, be sure to check out our extra podcast from the absolutely amazing Grand Hotel hisotrian Bob Tagitz here,

    Then it's Steph Castelin, and I'm going to apologize about misprouncing her name during her segment....please note my fly fishing friends.....it is CAST-a-LINE. She's Time's right-hand gal at the tourism bureau and we love getting her insider scoop on what is happening around the island this year. She highlights the big anniversary that Mackinac State Historic Parks is celebrating this year, plus new offerings downtown, and gives us an update on the beautiful lilacs around the island after the storm. Hot tip: they're all good.

    Finally, we reconnect with Liz and Mark Ware, the dynamic brother and sister duo behind the magic that has been happening at Mission Point Resort over the last few years. We learn that the Paul McCarthy Experience is back again, the gardens are blooming, and there is a brand new Lilac Lounge opening on site. It's quintessential Mackinac at Mission Point, pull up an adiorndack chair and chill out with us.

    Thanks for listening for ten years to Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast. We're glad to know you!
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    45 分
  • Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel historian Bob Tagatz on what chages to expect in 2025 (May 3, 2025)

    Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel historian Bob Tagatz on what chages to expect in 2025 (May 3, 2025)
    2025/05/03
    BONUS PODCAST, May 3, 2025

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast, which can can be heard on the weekends on 21 radio station across 14 markets in Michigan. Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman are celebrating 10 years and nearly 700 episodes.

    On this podcast, they returned to Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel, which is where they recorded their very first show 10 years ago.

    On this special podcast, Grand Hotel historian Bob Tagatz takes Gonzo and Amy Sherman on a tour of all the changes guests will find in the 2025 season, including some new colors, new wallpaper, remodled bar, new carpet in the dining room and much more.

    Learn more about Grand Hotel at grandhotel.com.

    Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    21 分
  • Episode 697: Beer & Brat Festival, Michigan BBQ, and a summer of grilling (April 27-28, 2025)

    Episode 697: Beer & Brat Festival, Michigan BBQ, and a summer of grilling (April 27-28, 2025)
    2025/05/03
    Behind the Mitten - Episode 697

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast. It airs on 21 radio stations across 14 markets in Michigan. Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman are celebrating 10 years and nearly 700 episodes in 2025.

    On this weekend's show, it's all about grilling season!

    Segment 1-Matt Smith of Pit Stop Catering in Grand Rapids talks about Michigan's unique style of BBQ.

    Segment 2-Brittany Buti Primeau of Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville talks about the popular Beer & Brat Festival, which this year is celebrating its 18th season. This year's event is May 24. More details at crystalmountain.com.

    Segment 3-    Barry Owens of Treetops Resorts in Gaylord talks about Grill on the Hill, which brings out about 12 teams competing in a BBQ competition at the bottom of the Treetops ski hill. The festival also includes beer and wine. It is May 3, 2025. More info at treetops.com.

    Segment 4-    Andy Walcott of Gaylord joins the show to talk about competing at local competitions, including styles and techniques. He has competed for several years at Grill on the Hill. He also picks a Beer of the Week, Snowbelt Brewery's My Chest Hurts IPA.

    Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    45 分