Episodes

  • Episode 683: Amy Sherman talks about the Michigan restaurant life with Mike Austin (Feb. 6, 2025)

    Episode 683: Amy Sherman talks about the Michigan restaurant life with Mike Austin (Feb. 6, 2025)
    Feb 6 2025
    "Behind the Mitten" co-host, Amy Sherman talks about the life of Michigan restaurant owners on 1320 WILS and the Mike Austin Morning Show. This weekend's BTM show is all about the restaurant scene in Corktown.

    Tune in to this weekend's show on all of our stations throughout Michigan to hear about our travels. In Lansing the show airs at 8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-AM (1320).

    For a complete list of stations and times, go to amyandgonzo.com.
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    9 mins
  • Episode 682: The Spirits of Winter with Iron Fish, Valentine, Long Road and Traverse City area distillers (Feb. 1-2, 2025)

    Episode 682: The Spirits of Winter with Iron Fish, Valentine, Long Road and Traverse City area distillers (Feb. 1-2, 2025)
    Feb 3 2025
    Behind the Mitten: Episode 682 - The Spirits of Winter

    The spirits of winter are here, and they sure are delicious!

    This week we visit with some of our favorite craft distilleries from around Michigan, to learn more about this segment of the beverage industry.

    Segment 1: We'll take you to Traverse City to check out the tasting rooms that have popped up all over town, with each one having its own special feel and flavor. Thanks to Mike Kent of Traverse City Tourism for being on the show. Liste of TC area distillers at traversecity.com.

    Segment 2: Sarah Anderson from Iron Fish Distillery is always a great guest, and her cocktails aren't so bad either. She'll share some of the new offerings they have this winter, including their bourbons which are finally ready.

    Segment 3: Jon O'Connor, co-owner of Long Road Distillers and president of the Michigan Crafts Distillers Association, stops by to talk about trends in the industry, including the exploding popularity of cocktails-in-a-can.

    Segment 4: Finally, we reconnect with our friend Rifino Valentine from Valentine Distilling Co.. in Ferndale.We've always loved his Michigan-made vodka, and were pleased to learn that his bourbons and whiskeys are pretty fantastic, too.

    Drink local this weekend on Behind the Mitten!

    Follow all of our adventures and get the latest podcast at amyandgonzo.com.

    #drinklocal
    #behindthemitten
    #puremichigan
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    45 mins
  • Episode 681: Winter through the eyes of Michigan media-FULL PODCAST (Jan. 25-26, 2025)

    Episode 681: Winter through the eyes of Michigan media-FULL PODCAST (Jan. 25-26, 2025)
    Jan 31 2025

    Sometimes, you just need a different perspective, so that's what we got this week on Behind the Mitten. Learn how to embrace winter through the extraordiary experiences of some of our Michigan media friends, including the Rent family, a fun gal named Michelle, and a very famous radio dj from the Port Huron area.

    We recorded our first segment when we were onsite at Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville a few weeks ago during a special media trip with My Winter Trails Council. These trips are always a blast, and it's always a fun to reconnect with friends that you might not have worked with in a while. This was the case when we realized that the Rent family was joining us for winter adventures. Andy Rent is a legendary Michigan radio host, who currently hosts Andy in the Morning on 100.5 The River in Grand Rapids. Andy recently got married to the absolutely lovely Susan Bruce, who is a longtime friend of Amy's family. Together, they are continuing their love of Michigan through travel, and you don't want to miss their suggestions. Plus, learn how Suzy and Amy know each other, and why they both love crock pot skiing.


    Next, we meet a new friend, Ms. Michelle Dunaway. She hosts the Morning Mix on Fox 17 in Grand Rapids each day alongside our longtime friend Todd Chance. She clearly fit right in with us, as she immeaditely was all in on winter adventures, including cross country skiing with us the next morning. Some people just click with you right away, and Michelle did. We hope to have her on again, maybe to share her favorite summer spots.

    Caleb Gordon is one of our biggest supporters, and is always helping us make Behind the Mitten a better show. A graduate of Michigan State University, he is currently the program director at WPHM in Port Huron, as well as working with the Michigan Broadcasting Association. Caleb shares fun things that are happening in Port Huron during these chilly months, including the Silver Sticks Hockey Tournament, local trails for snowshoeing, and ice skating downtown at the McMorran Place. He's also a huge fan of the UP, and shares a few favorites from his travels.

    At the end of the show, we rehash a few things that we've enjoyed over the last month, including a cross country skiing lesson that schooled Amy.
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    45 mins
  • Episode 680: Gonzo talks Michigan spirits on 'WILS Morning Wake-Up' with Mike Austin (Jan. 30, 2025)

    Episode 680: Gonzo talks Michigan spirits on 'WILS Morning Wake-Up' with Mike Austin (Jan. 30, 2025)
    Jan 30 2025
    Want a preview of this weekend's "Behind the Mitten" show? John Gonzalez talks to Mike Austin on the WILS Morning Wake-Up Show. Gonzo talks about Iron Fish Distillery, Long Road Distillers and Valentine Distillers.

    Hosted by Amy and Gonzo, "Behind the Mitten" is Michigan’s premier travel radio show, airing across 21 stations in 14 markets. Each week, Amy and Gonzo take listeners on a journey through the Great Lakes State, sharing insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Whether you're a local or planning your next Michigan adventure, Behind the Mitten is your go-to guide for discovering hidden gems and iconic destinations.

    Tune in to the full show this weekend.

    Saturdays:
    • 8 a.m. – WBRN (1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM) – Big Rapids
    • 8 a.m. – Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI – Kalamazoo
    • 8 a.m. – WILS (1320 AM) – Lansing
    • 9 a.m. – 92.1 FM WGHN – Grand Haven
    • 10 a.m. – News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM – Benton Harbor
    • Noon – News, Talk and Sports 1380 AM WPHM – Port Huron
    • 4 p.m. – WIOS "The Bay’s Best!" (1480 AM / 106.9 FM) – Tawas / East Tawas
    Sundays:
    • 7 a.m. – Black Diamond Broadcasting stations:
      • WCFX - CFX Today's Hits (95.3) – Mt. Pleasant
      • WGFN - Classic Rock The Bear (98.1 & 95.3) – Traverse City
      • WMRX - Sunny 97.7 – Midland
      • WUPS - The Classic Hits Station (98.5) – Houghton Lake
      • WWMK - 1063 MAC FM – Cheboygan
    • 8 a.m. – News, Talk and Sports 1380 AM WPHM – Port Huron
    • 1 p.m. – WSGW-AM (790) & FM (100.5) – Saginaw
    • 6 p.m. – 95.3 WBCK-FM – Battle Creek
    • 6 p.m. – WOOD-AM (1300) & FM (106.9) – Grand Rapids
    Tune in for the best of Michigan, one adventure at a time!

    Learn more about BTM as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Go to amyandgonzo.com.
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    12 mins
  • Episode 679: Meet Susie & Andy Rent - A Pure Michigan love story (Jan. 28, 2025)

    Episode 679: Meet Susie & Andy Rent - A Pure Michigan love story (Jan. 28, 2025)
    Jan 28 2025
    Susie & Andy Rent: A Pure Michigan Love Story!

    On this special podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spend some time with Andy & Susie Rent, who were married on June 30, 2024 after both experiencing loss, and found each other. "For whatever reasson...we were just brought together. I feel blessed. How did this happen?" Andy says on the Podcast.

    Amy calls them GR's "most adorable" couple.

    On the show they talk about how much they love Michigan winters.

    You can hear Andy on The River from 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays on 100.5. More info here.

    Follow the Behind the Mitten adventures on amyandgonzo.com.
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    10 mins
  • Episode 678: Tawas Point Lighthouse Keeper Program explained (Jan. 26, 2025)

    Episode 678: Tawas Point Lighthouse Keeper Program explained (Jan. 26, 2025)
    Jan 27 2025
    Everything you need to know about the DNR's Lighthouse Keeper Program!

    On today's podcast, co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman -- celebrating 10 years of "Behind the Mitten," Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast - dive deep into the Michigan Lighthouse Keeper Program!

    Special guest Don La Barre from the Michigan History Center and Department of Natural Resources shares insights on this unique volunteer opportunity, where participants can stay at the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse while helping with tours and maintenance. Learn about the application process, what daily life as a keeper entails, and how this program contributes to preserving Michigan’s maritime history.

    If selected, teams of four spend two weeks living this summer and fall at the Lighthouse with about 30 hours of work during the week. Cost is $250 per persson.

    Key Takeaways:
    • Volunteers stay at Tawas Lighthouse for two weeks.
    • Teams of four apply together.
    • Duties include cleaning, providing tours, and greeting visitors.
    • The program supports lighthouse preservation efforts.
    • Applications for the 2025 season are due by February 1.
    Ready to live the life of a lighthouse keeper? Tune in for all the details and visit Michigan.gov to apply!

    Follow Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    12 mins
  • Episode 677: Amy Sherman and Paul Miller on WPHM in Port Huron (Jan. 24, 2025)

    Episode 677: Amy Sherman and Paul Miller on WPHM in Port Huron (Jan. 24, 2025)
    Jan 24 2025
    As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.

    Today she calls in to Paul Miller of WPHM-AM (1380) in Port Huron.

    Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.
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    5 mins
  • Epsisode 676: Amy Sherman on WGHN in Grand Haven (Jan. 24, 2025)

    Epsisode 676: Amy Sherman on WGHN in Grand Haven (Jan. 24, 2025)
    Jan 24 2025
    As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.

    Today she calls in to Mary Ellen Murphy on Grand Haven's Finest WGHN-FM (92.1).

    Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.
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    2 mins