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Behind the Mitten

Behind the Mitten

By: John Gonzalez
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About this listen

 "Behind the Mitten" is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast and has nearly 700 episodes. In 2025 it celebrates 10 years! It is co-hosted by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman. John is a longtime journalist, social media early adopter and member of the Central Michigan University Journalism Hall of Fame. Amy is a former chef with 20-plus experience, craft beer expert and freelance writer. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten.Copyright John Gonzalez Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Where to celebrate the 4th of July in Michigan this year

    Where to celebrate the 4th of July in Michigan this year
    Jul 3 2025
    This week we bring you 4th of July celebrations from all over the state. We wish every Michigander a safe, happy and joyous holiday this week.

    We have events happening everywhere for the 4th, and each and every year it's hard to choose what to highlight. To kick off the show, John and Amy just talk about thier own traditions and plans for this most American of holidays.

    Stephanie Ware, the executive director for the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau joins us to talk about what is happening in their town nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan. The area, which encompases the twin towns of White Lake and Montague, features breathtaking water views, lots of outdoor activities, and a great sense of community. The parade kicks off at 10am, and Steph shares where the best place to watch is.....and hint hint.....there is ICE CREAM involved.

    Next, we talk with a former guest who creates amazing art installations made of light, David Kronberg from Fresh Coast Light Lab. He and his talented team have put together one of their laser light shows in honor of the our nation's birthday and will be displaying it on the massive, historical Ore Dock in downtown Marquette. Extra cool? They will be doing two displays of this, one on July 3 with fireworks, and one on July 4 without, for our friends with sensory issues.


    Finally, we meet our new favorite guest, Ms. Wendy Woj, who is the first woman to be in charge of the Algonac Pickerel Festival happening July 3-6. This annual event has been happening for 87 years, and while it does include a pretty intense fishing competition, there is something for everyone at this charming fun festival.

    Happy 4th of July Michigan!
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    45 mins
  • Episode 705: Unveiling of Bluegill sculpture in St. Helen, plus fried chicken at Jen's Hen House & Iva's Chicken Dinners (June 21-22, 2025)

    Episode 705: Unveiling of Bluegill sculpture in St. Helen, plus fried chicken at Jen's Hen House & Iva's Chicken Dinners (June 21-22, 2025)
    Jun 27 2025
    Behind the Mitten - Episode 705
    "Celebrating 10 years as Michigan's premier radio show and podcast."

    On this episode, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman travel to St. Helen for the unveiling of “The Fish,” a striking 6-foot Bluegill sculpture installed to represent the natural beauty and identity of the Richfield Township and St. Helen area. It is the first of five unique sculptures to be placed throughout Roscommon County as part of the “Fresh Waters Trail” — a new tourism initiative aimed at celebrating our local waters and attracting visitors to the region. The sculpture was handcrafted by Bob Batchik of Sunfish Woodworks, based in Sylvan Lake, Michigan.

    Gonzo and Amy also make stops at Jen's Hen House in St. Helen, as well as Iva's Chicken Dinners in Sterlling.

    Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    45 mins
  • Episode 704: Wings of Mackinac, Fruits of Summer, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Sip and Sail Cruise (June 14-15, 2025)

    Episode 704: Wings of Mackinac, Fruits of Summer, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Sip and Sail Cruise (June 14-15, 2025)
    Jun 22 2025
    Behind the Mitten - Episode 704
    "Celebrating 10 years as Michigan's premier radio show and podcast."

    On this episode, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman share some segements they recorded earlier in the year. It's what Amy likes to call a "Hodgepodge" show.

    Segment 1: Recorded on Mackinac Island in late April, Gonzo and Amy have a fun interview with Marie Hulett, founder of the Wings of Mackinac - Butterfly Conservatory, who is joined by employee Measha Hannink. Learn more about this Mackinac Island experience at wingsofmackinac.com.

    Segment 2: Recorded at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in April, John and Amy talk to PR rep Charlie Olson regarding the Fruits of Summer pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company in Traverse City. Each slice is full of Michigan grown cherries from Sayler Orchards and blueberries from True Blue Farms and topped with brown sugar crumb topping. Even the sugar and flour are proudly produced in Michigan! Learn more about the pie at gtpie.com.

    Segment 3: In the middle of May, Gonzo and Amy did a whole show called Diversity is Our Strength, promoting a variety of festivals throughout the state. One interview that ran as a podcast was with Dr. Jacoub Mansour, president of the Arab and Chaldean Festival. It was such a fun interview, where Amy may, or may not, have volunteered to attend and show off her belly-dancing skills, that they decided to air the interview on the show. The Arab and Chaldean Festival festival takes place in dowtown Detroit at Hart Plaza on July 26 and 27 and is celebrating its 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. Learn more at arabandchaldeanfestival.com.

    You can also listen to the whole show on our diverse ethnic festivals HERE.

    Segment 4: One of Mackinac Island's hardest-working entrepreneur's is Veronica Dobrowolski, who has been involved with several businesses, including Arnold Freight Company and Sip N' Sail Cruises. In an interview recorded in early May, Gonzo and Amy interview "V" about what fans can expect on the vintage Isle Royale Queen III, a charming 81' vessel featuring multiple outdoor viewing areas and heated interior cabins, onboard restrooms, a full service interior bar & a state-of-the-art sound system. Several cruise options on the Straits of Mackinac await you at sipnsailcruises.com.

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