Hidden in Plain Sight

Oct. 21, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into the heart of downtown Detroit to uncover the story behind one of the city’s most powerful monuments: the Joe Louis Fist. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the 24-foot-long bronze sculpture suspended over Jefferson Avenue—a tribute to the legendary boxer known as the Brown Bomber. Commissioned by the Detroit Institute of Arts and scul...

Oct. 14, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois rolls back the clock to the birthplace of the Motor City’s automotive revolution: the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight. Located in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction, just a few miles up Brush Street from Ford Field, this unassuming brick building helped launch a global industry. Built in 1904, it was Ford Motor Company’s first purp...

Oct. 7, 2025 ~ In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we dive into the fizzy legacy of Vernors Ginger Ale, a Detroit original with roots stretching back over 150 years. While shoppers stroll past the Lululemon at Woodward and Clifford, few realize they’re standing on the site of James Vernor’s original pharmacy—where America’s oldest ginger ale was born. A Civil War veteran and pharmacist, Vern...

Sept. 30, 2025 ~ In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we explore the David Whitney Building, a historic structure visible from Comerica Park’s third base line. While fans watch the Tigers play, few realize that just beyond the outfield lies the birthplace of one of the nation’s most respected accounting firms: Plante Moran. From its humble beginnings, Plante Moran grew into a billion-dollar c...

Sept. 9, 2025 ~ Detroit’s grit runs deeper than its streets—literally. In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, Dr. Robert Livernois uncovers the Detroit Salt Mines: a sprawling underground network formed 400 million years ago and still active today. From donkeys living underground to tunnels stretching beneath multiple cities, listen to learn how these hidden mines are a story of geology, indust...

Aug. 26, 2025 ~ Nestled in Detroit’s New Center, the Fisher Building rises like a dream carved in stone. In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, Dr. Robert Livernois takes us inside one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—a 1928 Art Deco masterpiece born from the vision of the Fisher brothers and architect Albert Kahn. From its gleaming marble halls and vaulted mosaic ceilings to its hidden tunn...

Aug. 20, 2025 ~ Tucked into a quiet intersection on Detroit’s east side stands a theater with a story that spans generations. In this episode, Dr. Robert Livernois explores the Alger Theater—a 1935 architectural gem that has witnessed the rise of radio legends, the golden age of cinema, and the resilience of a community determined to preserve its past. Listen in to uncover how this historic venue...

Aug. 12, 2025 ~ A peaceful park in southwest Detroit holds the echoes of a powerful protest. In this episode, you'll uncover the story of the 1932 Fort Street Hunger March—where thousands of workers, united across racial and cultural lines, lifted their voices in song. They sang union hymns and spirituals, along with popular tunes of the day, filling the streets with a sound that carried hope, res...

August 5, 2025 ~ Historic Fort Wayne stands today as a quiet witness to centuries of transformation in Detroit. From ancient Native homelands to Civil War training grounds, WWII supply lines, and a safe haven during social upheaval, this star-shaped stronghold has shaped lives without ever firing a shot. Tune in to discover how a place built for battle became a beacon of community and history, hid...

July 8, 2025 ~ Step inside a Detroit landmark that’s been quietly shaping the city for over 170 years—through music, mission, and a whole lot of heart. From secret architectural choices to bells that sing across neighborhoods, this episode uncovers the soulful story of a church that’s more than just stained glass and sermons. You’ll never hear East Jefferson the same way again. Hosted by Simplecas...

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 ~ He coined Detroit’s motto, brought the city its first printing press, and helped found the University of Michigan—yet most Detroiters have never heard his name. Discover the remarkable story of Fr. Gabriel Richard, the priest, pioneer, and public servant who helped Detroit rise from the ashes. His legacy is everywhere… if you know where to look. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...

June 24, 2025 ~ Step into Detroit’s past with a visit to Brooks Lumber, where home runs once landed in the woodpile and history still echoes through the aisles. Discover how this century-old hardware store became an unlikely outfielder for baseball legends and a cornerstone of Corktown’s revival. It’s a story of grit, sawdust, and the sweet crack of a bat echoing through time. Hosted by Simplecast...

June 3, 2025 ~ Step into the groove of Detroit’s past! This week on Hidden in Plain Sight, we uncover the electric history of the Grande Ballroom. From its jazz-age elegance to its rock-and-roll revolution, this iconic venue hosted legends from Chuck Berry to Jimi Hendrix, and John Coltrane to Led Zeppelin. Tune in as we explore how one building became the heartbeat of a counterculture that still...

May 27, 2025 ~ What happens when a wall built to divide becomes a canvas for unity? This episode traces the Birwood Wall’s transformation from a tool of segregation to a symbol of community resilience. Join us as we explore how Detroit residents turned concrete into a chronicle of courage, creativity, and change. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information...

May 20, 2025 ~ Join Dr. Robert Livernois as he explores the intriguing history of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, from its ambitious construction in 1928 to its strategic importance during World War II. Learn how this underwater passage connects two nations and hear about the unique moments that have made it legendary, including a wedding right on the international border! Hosted by Simplecast, an Ads...

May 13, 2025 ~ Ever wondered why Detroit's roads have such unique names like 8 Mile and 10 Mile? Join Dr. Robert Livernois as he uncovers the fascinating history behind Detroit's mile road system, revealing its surprising connection to Paris, France. Discover how a devastating fire and a visionary urban planner transformed the Motor City into a blend of European elegance and American practicality....

April 29, 2025 ~ Explore the captivating history of Detroit's Michigan Central Station in this episode of "Hidden in Plain Sight." Discover how this architectural marvel transitioned from a bustling railway hub to a symbol of Detroit's decline, while uncovering some surprising roles it had assumed along the way. Learn about Ford Motor Company's ambitious renovation project that transformed the sta...

April 22, 2025 ~ In this gripping episode of "Hidden in Plain Sight," uncover the dramatic and mysterious final days of the legendary magician Harry Houdini. Learn about his last performance at Detroit's Garrick Theater and the tragic events that followed, leading to his untimely death. Discover the eerie coincidence of Houdini's promise to communicate from beyond the grave and the unanswered ques...

April 9, 2025 ~ Discover the hidden stories behind Southeast Michigan's most iconic landmarks with "Hidden in Plain Sight," hosted by Dr. Robert Livernois. Each episode uncovers fascinating backstories of places folks pass by every day, revealing the rich history and surprising tales that make these locations more than just part of the scenery. Tune in to learn the intriguing secrets that lie just...