Behind the Mitten

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman recently spent some time in Coldwater, Michigan, where they learned more about things to do in the area, which is rich in Michigan history and outdoor activities. This show aired May 21 on radio stations across the state of Michigan. Segment 1: Debra Yee, executive director of the Coldwater Country CVB, and Dennis Babjack, president of the Coldwater Lake Association....

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman recently spent some time in Coldwater, Michigan, where they learned more about Adventure Zone and local festivals from the Coldwater Area Chamber. On this weekend's show (which aired May 21, 2016), they talked to Matt Stritzinger, owner of Adventure Zone and Dickey's Barbecue Pit, and Nichole Steel, executive director of the Coldwater Area Chamber. Matt talks about th...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman recently spent some time in Coldwater, Michigan, where they learned more about Little River Railroad and the Saulk Trail Trading Post On this weekend's show (which aired May 21, 2016), they talked to Geri and Terry Bloom, who co-own both businesses. Terry speaks passionately about why people are enamored with steam locomotives. And Geri talks about the jewelry, model...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman recently spent some time in Coldwater, Michigan, where they learned more about two historic treasures: The Capri Drive-In, and Tibbits Opera House. On this weekend's show (which aired May 21, 2016), they talked to Susan Magocs, co-owner of the Capri and board president of the Coldwater Country CVB, and Christine Delaney, executive director of the Tibbits. More on the...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman recently spent some time in Coldwater, Michigan, where they discovered more than 100 lakes, including two chains of lakes, in Branch County. On this weekend's show (which aired May 21, 2016), they talk to Debra Yee, executive director of the Coldwater Country CVB, and Dennis Babjack, president of the Coldwater Lake Association. More info on Coldwater Country: www.face...

On this podcast, John Gonzalez of MLive and the radio show "Behind the Mitten" talks to actor Elizabeth Stanley about "Bridges of Madison County." The Broadway musical will be at the Wharton Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Performances are May 19-22, 2016. Ticket information at: http://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/the-bridges-of-madison-county Based on the best-selling novel by ROBERT JAM...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of MLive and Behind the Mitten offer a weekly Top 5 list of things to do each weekend. It airs Friday mornings on WOOD Radio. Here is the list for May 20-21: 5. World Expo of Beer takes place this weekend, Friday and Saturday at (May 20-21) at Heritage Park in Frankenmuth. The Expo is one of Michigan's largest beer sampling events with nearly 300 different beers avail...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten spend the weekend on Mackinac Island as part of the Chippewa Hotel Michigan Craft Beer Weekend. Segment 1: Chris Shepler of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry. More info Shepler's: https://www.facebook.com/sheplersferry/ Segment 2: Business owner Bob Benser talks about new projects, as well as the Island history. He co-owns the Chippewa Hotel, Origin...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten go to Mackinac Island where they participate in the Chippewa Hotel Michigan Craft Beer Weekend at the Pink Pony. They talk to Chuck Olson of the Wawashkamo Golf Club, as well as Brian Bailey of the Chippewa Hotel. And they do BEER of THE WEEK, which is Blackrocks 51K IPA. More on Wawashkamo: http://www.wawashkamo.com/ More on the Chippewa Hotel: h...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten talk to Phil Porter, who is the director of Mackinac State Historic Parks on Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City. Phil talks about the Island's rich history, and all the things you can do with a family park pass for the season. More on Mackinac Parks: http://www.mackinacparks.com/ More on Behind the Mitten: https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten?f...

Bob Benser, a business owner on Mackinac Island, talks to John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman about what's new this year's on America's favorite vacation summer place. He is a co-owner of the Chippewa Hotel, as well as Original Murdick's Fudge, Island Slice and a few other ventures. He said there are high hopes for 2016 season, which is already at 5-6 percent ahead of last year in advance bookings. More...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman interview Chris Shepler of Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry. They talk about the upcoming 2016 season, as well as its new vessel -- The Miss Margy. The Miss Margy is an all-aluminum 85-foot ferry manufactured for Shepler's Ferry by Moran Iron Works in Onaway. More info Shepler's: https://www.facebook.com/sheplersferry/ More on the Miss Margy: http://www.mlive.com/lansi...

Amy Sherman of MLive interviews Jamie Dionne, who performed the National Anthem at the 2016 Fifth Third River Bank Run in Grand Rapids. More info: http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2016/05/search_through_the_fifth_third.html#incart_river_index #incart_gallery

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten and MLive.com spent some time on Mackinac Island for the debut of the new Make It Mackinac Mac and Cheese. It's a new product available at local retailers that features lobster mac and cheese. Segment 1: On the show they talk to Tim Hygh, executive director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau about what visitors can expect for the 2016 season. M...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten recorded a quick podcast (May 4, 2016) to thank listeners, sponsors and those behind the scenes that make their show possible every week. Behind the Weekend was awarded "Best in Category" at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for Special Show or Personality (on May 3, 2016). More info on Behind the Mitten at https://www.facebook.com/behindth...

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez traveled to Lansing for the Pure Michigan Tourism Conference where industry professionals talked about the state's incredible growth in the travel industry. Here they talk to Tracy Padot of Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau. More info: http://www.lansing.org/

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten get ready for a few big events, including the Fifth Third River Bank Run (May 14), as well as the upcoming Bill Engvall show (May 13) as part of Tulip Time (May 7-14). Segment 1: John and Amy talk about their recent search for Michigan's Best Bloody Mary. Segment 2: John and Amy talk to Scott Stenstrom of the Fifth Third River Bank Run (Listen at...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten talk to Patty Janes of Michigan Cares for Tourism about a special project to restore historic sites around the state. More info: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganCaresForTourism/

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten interview comedian Bill Engvall, who performs May 13, 2016 at Tulip Time. The Season 17 contestant on Dancing with the Stars talks about his Top 4 finish, and how he survived week after week. He also talks about why he had to cancel his 2015 appearance at Tulip Time. More info on Bill's show: http://www.tuliptime.com/events/bill-engvall/ More info...

John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman of "Behind the Mitten" interview Brian Bailey of the Chippewa Hotel and Pink Pony, which is getting ready for a Michigan Craft Beer Weekend May 6-7. Only a handful of tickets remain. More info: http://www.chippewahotel.com/MichiganCraftBeerWeekend.cfm

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez traveled to Lansing for the Pure Michigan Tourism Conference where industry professionals talked about the state's incredible growth in the travel industry. Segment 1: John and Amy talk to Lorri Hathaway of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail in the Traverse City area. More info: http://www.lpwines.com/ Segment 2: Tracy Padot of Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bur...

On a recent edition of Behind the Mitten, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez talk to their buddy Ben Darcie of Experience Beer West Michigan. His 9-week beer education classes begin April 25 at Harmony Hall in Grand Rapids. More info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExperienceBeer/

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez recorded their show at Railtown Brewing in Dutton (south of Grand Rapids). Segment 1: They talk to the owners about the brewery's history, and also an upcoming benefit. https://www.facebook.com/railtownbrewing/?fref=ts Segment 2: The show also includes interviews with Brian Bailey of the Chippewa Hotel and Pink Pony, which is getting ready for a Michigan Craft Beer We...

Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez recorded this weekend's Behind the Mitten show at New Holland Brewing, which was hosting malt houses, hop farms and other industry reps to brew a special beer, "The Hollander," for Tulip Time. (This show aired April 9-10, 2016.) Show Notes: Segment 1: They talk to Beervangelist Fred Bueltmann of New Holland about how the craft beer and spirits industry has given Michi...