Episodios

  • S6,E21: Fireworks, pizza and ice cream - Why Bay City is Awesome! (May 25-26, 2024)
    May 30 2024
    On this week's episode of Behind the Mitten, we head to beautiful Bay City and meet up with a few friends who help us explore the city like a local. We've had a long time connection with this town on the sunrise side of the state, each of us for different reasons. The common denominator has always been the people of Bay City, and on this show, you get to meet a few of our favorites.

    We start off with a little background about our personal connections to this nautical city, then we bring on our friends from D'Angelo's. Kellie and Dave Baranowski were first work acquantances of Gonzo, and then quickly became friends, which does tend to happen when you've visited their establishment for multiple food searches. D'Angelo's is known for thier award-winning pizzas, incredible hamburgers, fantastic fries......and one of the largest vegan menus in all of Michigan. Surprise! Who knew?

    Kellie and Dave share some of their favorite things to do in the area when they have a rare day off. Of course, they recommend visiting a few other restaurants in town, including Bay City Bill's and Mussell Beach Drive-In. We introduced these business owners to each other years ago, and since then, they've all become not just friends, but relentless supporters of each other. So......we decided to just have them on too.

    Earl Bovia owns Bay City Bill's, a charming little joint where you can get a great Bloody Mary, as well as some local chit chat, and even check out a mini-replica of the Might Mac Bridge made by one of the bridge workers himself. We know, it seems like a lot, but for some reason it all just works perfectly in Bay City. Earl and Gonzo spent a few Detroit Lions games together this year, so we have to talk about that. We also discuss the upcoming Bay City Fireworks Festival, which happens 4th of July weekend, and which Earl is president of. He gives us the downlow on this event, and possibly his take on the Lions 2024 season.

    Last, but never least, our great friends from Mussell Beach Drive-In, Catie Belfry and Liz Larner, stop by to talk about this iconic Michigan gem. We never know where to start when we are here, do we go with a classic big breakfast complete with pancakes and eggs? Or do we do the Michigan lunch dance with some of the best coney dogs in the state? Or do we say let's just go for the gold and get a huge cone of ice cream? It's all possible at this family-owned spot, and what a family they are.

    We are always excited to get back to Bay City, why don't you join us?

    Follow John and Amy:
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    45 m
  • Mission Point Resort presents The McCartney Years 2024
    May 22 2024
    SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

    Welcome to another exciting episode of Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast, bringing you the best of the Great Lakes State since 2014. With over 600 episodes under our belts, we're thrilled to have you join us for a special treat from the enchanting Mackinac Island.

    This Week's Destination: Mission Point Resort
    We took a delightful trip to the iconic Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, a place where history and luxury blend seamlessly. This week, we were in for a spectacular musical experience with none other than Yuri Pool and his incredible show, The McCartney Years.

    Guest Spotlight: Yuri Pool of The McCartney Years
    Yuri Pool is the mastermind behind The McCartney Years, a world-renowned tribute act that brings the legendary music of Paul McCartney to life with stunning authenticity. Known for their spellbinding performances and attention to detail, The McCartney Years have captivated audiences around the globe, and now, they’ve brought their magic to Mackinac Island.

    Episode Highlights:
    1. A Chat with Yuri Pool: We sat down with Yuri to discuss the inspiration and dedication behind The McCartney Years. Yuri shared how his love for Paul McCartney's music and his uncanny resemblance and voice have driven him to create a show that’s as close to the real thing as possible."It's an authentic, live concert experience of Paul McCartney's music from the Beatles to Wings,” Yuri explained. “What you're going to see is a show that goes back in time. It's almost as if you see Paul McCartney live in the 1970s. We perform on many of the original instruments that they played at the time. The lighting, the stage clothing, the harmonies, everything is live. Nothing is pre-recorded. And it's as if you step back in time and enjoy the music again or for the younger generation (they get to) enjoy it for the very first time.”
    2. Behind the Scenes: We got a sneak peek into what it takes to recreate the magic of McCartney's 1970s tours. From vintage instruments to era-specific stage setups, Yuri and his band leave no stone unturned to ensure an immersive experience.
    3. The Show Experience: Live at the Mission Point Resort Theatre, The McCartney Years deliver a dynamic, mesmerizing performance that’s family-friendly and accessible with tickets priced at just $25. Whether you're a long-time fan of Paul McCartney or discovering his music for the first time, this show is a must-see.
    BUY TICKETS

    Why You Should Visit:
    Mission Point Resort isn’t just about luxurious accommodations and beautiful views; it’s also becoming a cultural hub on Mackinac Island. The collaboration with The McCartney Years is a testament to the resort's commitment to bringing top-tier entertainment to its guests. So, pack your bags and make your way to Mackinac Island for an unforgettable musical journey! Learn more about Mission Point Resort at missionpoint.com.

    Stay Connected:
    Make sure to subscribe to Behind the Mitten on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates on our latest episodes and Michigan adventures. Thanks for tuning in, Behind the Mitten fans! We’ll catch you next time with more stories from the heart of Michigan.

    Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to Behind the Mitten to find out!

    Follow John and Amy:
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    11 m
  • S6,E20: Original Murdick's Fudge, Doud's Market, Mackinac House, Sip N Sail (May 18-19, 2024)
    May 19 2024
    This weekend's show has us back on beautiful Mackinac Island. How lucky are we?We'll take you along with us as we kick off the show in the most Mac Island way possible.....by making fudge! Our good friend Carnell at Original Murdick's Fudge welcomed us onto the fudge floor and let us give it a try, live on the air.Let's just say it is not as easy as these professionals make it look.Fudge making is both an art, and a science, and something that truly takes years to master. Knowing how the ingredients will react to different temperatures in both the air and on the marble slab, understanding the alchemy between butter and sugar, knowing the exact time and temp to pour the brittle....this is science. Having that perfect flick of the wrist while turning the fudge to get that perfect level of creaminess? That is the art.One of our favorite fudge artisans opens the show this week, our very good friend Carnell Samuel. He's been making magic at Orginal Murdick's for 24 years now. He shares his journey from his homeland of Jamaica to the island with us, and why he loves the island now. As always, he's "FRESH IN".Nicole and Andrew Doud run multiple businesses across downtown, all while raising the three nicest little boys you'll meet on the island, including their oldest son. Louie Doud, who recently has been "working" over at Original Murdick's Fudge, is already well on his way to master fudge maker. Andrew shared a bit about what it's like raising their boys on the island on the show, and you definitely want to hear why Louie has been fired from Doud's, and now must find work across the street. Doud's Market has a storied history, both on-island and off. Doud's is America’s oldest grocery store and has been serving the locals, residents, and visitors of Mackinac Island since 1884. Stroll through their aisles to find not just delectables like rotis chicken, freshly baked pizza by the slice, hot coffee, marinated steaks, prepped veggies, wines, beers, and assembled meals.......but also tons of pictures documenting the long history of this bustling center of the island.We ALWAYS buy a lottery ticket when we are at Doud's....tune in to find out why.Also, be sure to stop by Patrick Doud's Irish Pub right up the street for a perfectly poured pint, some fish and chips, and a big helping of Irish hospitality. Named for Andrew's great-grandfather, the pub honors his memory with pictures of the many buildings that "Mackinac's contractor" built across the island. Well worth a stop, for every reason.We visited The Mackinac House a luxury boutique hotel located just steps away from Main Street, but in a whole new world on Market Street, and chatted with general manager Alyssa. Removed just enough from the hustle and bustle of a busy summer day downtown, this charming inn offers 19 stunningly beautiful rooms to enjoy. The hard-working staff is ready to welcome you with a generous breakfast, plus yummy snacks throughout the day. Guests feel welcome to relax on the porch and watch the carriages go by, or use the inn as a base for exploring the island.We could spend days lounging on this porch."Inspired by a love of Mackinac Island and the simple delights that make it home, Nicole Doud took a leap of faith and opened Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island in May 2009. She had little retail experience at the time, but Nicole knew her weekend shopping trips to cute stores and small towns with mom growing up had to count for something. Things like using a cash register were eventually learned, but traveling the country and our beautiful state for unique gifts was something Nicole knew how to do by heart.Now entering its fifteenth year, Little Luxuries has blossomed into a charming gift shop that’s filled to the brim with home accents, body products, stationery, accessories, handmade goods, and more. We carry more than 200 vendors from across the country. Our store celebrates the spontaneous discoveries that happen when you slow down, stroll around, and embrace life’s simple joys."This is the store where you can wander around for hours, and always find something incredibly cute on the next shelf. Unique gifts galore, special island mementos, gorgeous goods from around Michigan....they have tchotchkes for any and all. Plus the staff is top-notch!We think that the Sip N' Sail Cruises is one of the coolest things you can do on the island, whether it is your first visit, or number one hundred.Since 2015, The Isle Royale Queen III has been owned by partners Veronica Dobrowolski, Co-Owner and CEO of Arnold Freight Company and Andrew and Nicole Doud, owners of Doud's Market and Little Luxuries retail stores. This historic ship used to sail on Lake Superior starting in the 1950s, ferrying people to Isle Royale. She made her way to Mackinac Island and now welcomes guests seven days a week in season.There are multiple cruising options, and something for everyone, from young to old. The classic Sip N' Sail Sunset Cruise is a favorite, hop...
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    45 m
  • S6,E19: All Outdoors in Gaylord, Michigan (May 11-12, 2024)
    May 13 2024
    SEASON 6, EPISODE 18

    On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez --

    It's kind of like our second home, but we are always excited to see what is new and happening in gorgeous Gaylord. Our number one guest co-host Paul Beachnau from the Gaylord Visitor's Bureau joins us this week, along with his co-worker, and paddle board enthusiast Christy Walcott. We love catching up with them about what is going on in Gaylord, and of course, they don't disappoint.

    Our first stop was at a brand-new coffee shop located downtown Gaylord, Brennan's. Ryan and Patty Kennedy opened this charming new spot recently, and you'll often find them working alongside their two young sons. Grab a latte, or freshly baked sweet, or maybe a pound of roasted coffee during your visit, and then head on out to tour and shop downtown.

    We head just a quick two minutes out of town to hook up with the North Central Trail and learn more about this extensive system. Local Gaylord resident Megan Rinck joins us to share what she loves about being all outdoors in Gaylord. She is a pretty serious athlete, enjoying everything from biking and hiking to extreme triathlons. We talk e-bikes, where to hike in Gaylord, and how she has totally taken over the winter Alpenfest in Gaylord.

    On our way back to town, we stopped at Jay's Sporting Goods, which has locations in both Claire and Gaylord. We had a pretty awesome time visiting with the general manager of Jay's, Mark Copeland. It was a wild time while we were there, Mark had us try out e-scooters (crazy ass good fun!), shoot a bow and arrows (this is much harder than it looks, but they'll coach you through it) and try out a crossbow (amazingly accurate). We'll tell you how you too can also fully experience Jay's, which is truly one of Michigan's premier sporting goods supply stores.

    We've been friends with Jordan Auwure for a few years now, and are always excited to hear what he is up to. He's one of those local heroes, who is so passionate about his local community that he is always cooking up something new for everyone to enjoy. This summer he'll be kicking off the summer music concert series in downtown Gaylord on May 10. Jordan shares some of the work he's been doing to get ready, as well as what to expect during this summer series.


    Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.

    Follow John and Amy:
    Website: amyandgonzo.com
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    45 m
  • Mackinac Island Carriage Tours 2024 Podcast
    May 7 2024
    SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

    On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez -- we visit Mackinc Island.

    Our travel mode for the day? A carriage ride with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. We want to thank our incredible driver Kaitlyn Mann for transporting us from West to East, and to all points in between. We felt like royalty driving around in the rain in the wicker wedding carriage! This special podcast with Kaitlyn shares what it's like to be a carriage driver on the island, why the horses are a big part of her life, and what she loves about living on Mackinac.

    Oh, and you get to meet her horses, Julian and Bubbles.

    Learn more about Mackinc Island Carriage Tours at mict.com.

    Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.

    Follow John and Amy:
    Website: amyandgonzo.com
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    10 m
  • Soft Parade Vodka Podcast 2024
    May 7 2024
    SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

    On this special Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez podcast -- Gonzo and Amy sit down with the creators of Soft Parade Vodka, Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville and Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire.

    Kerry Lynch, directore of sales for Short's, and Richard Anderson, a co-owner of Iron Fish, talk about this Pure Michigan collaboration that is made with all natural ingredients and Michigan fruit - blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries.

    This is the second year of the collaboration, which is available now in local stores across Michigan for a limited time.

    Learn more at ironfishdistillery.com.

    Get a list of cocktail drinks at ironfishdistillery.com/softparadecocktails.

    Learn more about Shorts at shortsbrewing.com.

    Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.

    Follow John and Amy:
    Website: amyandgonzo.com
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    10 m
  • S6,E18: A new season on Mackinac Island includes the return of iconic destinations (May 4-5, 2024)
    May 6 2024
    SEASON 6, EPISODE 18On this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez -- We are headed back to the island, Mackinac Island that is, and we couldn't be happier. Mackinac Island is one of our state's very special vacation spots, and we take you behind the scenes and all over the island to share all that is new for the 2024 season. We would like to thank Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, and our incredible driver Kaitlyn Mann, for transporting us from West to East, and to all points in between. We felt like royalty driving around in the rain in the wicker wedding carriage! Tune in to our special podcast with Kaitlyn about what it's like to be a carriage driver on the island, why the horses are a big part of her life, and what she loves about living on Mackinac. (LISTEN HERE.)We kick off this week with Steph Castelein from the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, who gives us an island "overview". We talk about a new development at Arch Rock which will help out weary trekkers, a fun new spot to play some old school video games, plus get updates on remodels that happened all over the island throughout the winter months.One major remodel, that has completely transformed a long-standing favorite, happened out on the West Bluff, at Stonecliffe Inn. Closed for the last two years, the Inn has undergone $40 million dollars in renovations, additions, and improvements. We get to hear all about it from Bethany McCann, the director of sales at the resort. We also got to tour the Inn, and let me tell you, it is totally fantastic. The wallpaper! The tiles! The themed rooms! New restaurants! New pool! New family cottages! It's awesome, and you don't have to stay at the Inn to experience that view from the bluff. We'll tell you just how to do that during this segment.We hopped back into our wedding carriage in a an absolute downpour and headed just a little ways down the road to that big, gorgeous wedding cake looking out over the straits, the Grand Hotel. The property was just awakening from it's winter work, and it's always fun to see what transformations have taken place. Our interview with Jeff Hess, senior VP of operations at the hotel, confirms that the new ownership team is just as in love with this beauty as Michigan is. We talk about some of the historically accurate renovations they've been working on, and ways to visit the Grand even if you aren't an overnight guest.Finally, it was back out in the rain (thankfully cozy warm under the extra blankets Katelyn provided) and headed back down to Main Street and out to East Bluff, where you are greeted by the incredible Great Lawn at Mission Point Resort. The Ware family took a big leap of faith when they purchased the resort in 2014, but Liz and her brother Mark, along with support from their father Denny, had a vision and weren't afraid of hard work. Together, they've transformed the resort into a world-class destination. This summer, look for updated menus with delicious new items from Chef John Clements at both the Round Island Kitchen and at the very lovely Chianti. Insider tip: DO NOT MISS his pimento cheese dip. We also talk about the exciting new musical show that Mission Point is hosting all summer long at the Mission Point Theater. The McCartney Years is an international touring act featuring the music of the Beatles, Wings and Sir Paul, all brought stunningly to life by Yuri Pool, who will transform and perform each Wednesday through Sunday all season. This historically accurate show sounds incredible, and something totally new to enjoy with friends of all ages this summer.Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    45 m
  • Makers Trail Festival 2024: Everything you need to know (St. Joe Today Podcast)
    May 2 2024
    SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE

    Makers Trail Festival, June 8, 2024, Weko Beach in Bridgman

    On this special Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez podcast, Gonzo and Amy spend some time with friends at St. Joe Today at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conferece in April in Kalamazoo.

    They were able to get all the details about the Makers Trail Festival, June 8 on Weko Beach in Bridgman, which is an event that "will be popping corks, tapping kegs and pouring your favorite spirits ’til sunset," according to Daniele Crevier, events and operations manager at St. Joe Today.

    The party from 1-7 p.m. on Lake Michigan features the area's premier wine, beer, cider and spirit makers all in one place, as well as live music.

    Learn more at: makerstrailfestival.org

    Tickets are $10/person until 11:59 p.m. on May 31; $20/person June 1-7 and at the Gate (June 8); Children 12 & Under are FREE

    Paul Knapp
    At the end of the interview (at 9:57 marrk), Daniele introduces Gonzo and Amy to Paul Knapp, the new executive director at St. Joe Today, who is just getting his toes wet in new the job. You'll love listening to his excitement for his new role. Gonzo and Amy guess what line of work he did before taking over as executive director. Gonzo said he worked with horses, and Amy said he was in logistics. He called it a "career pivot." Tune in to find out.

    We hope you enjoy this Bonus Podcast.

    Where are we going to be next? We don't know. But tune in to find out.

    Follow John and Amy:
    Website: amyandgonzo.com
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    TwitterX at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    15 m