Behind the Mitten

By: John Gonzalez
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  • Summary

  • "Behind the Mitten" is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and Podcast and has more than 500 episodes. 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
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Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • S6,E37: Vine Wine'd, Canadiana Fest, Donut & Beer Fest, and other great fall festivals (Sept. 14-15, 2024)

    S6,E37: Vine Wine'd, Canadiana Fest, Donut & Beer Fest, and other great fall festivals (Sept. 14-15, 2024)
    Sep 19 2024
    Fall is festival time in Michigan, so we went on a journey to find a few of the more interesting-sounding ones out there and get the story behind the production of these fine community affairs. This week on Behind the Mitten we'll talk fests that focus on doughnuts and beer, running through the grapevines, hawks, and surprise, surprise, even one festival that celebrates all things Canadian.

    Once again back in its hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan's Donut and Beer Festival is happening on October 19 at Homer Stryker Field. Featuring unique donuts from local bakeries, paired up with locally brewed beers, this festival just may be personally made exactly for Gonzo, since it incorporates two of his very favorite things. We learn that this festival typically sells out every year, so plan ahead and get your tickets now.

    Our friends at Fenn Valley Vineyards offer a unique way to enjoy their gorgeous rolling hills and grapevines on Saturday, October 5. The Vine Wine'd welcomes both runners and walkers to enjoy a 5k or a 1k through this beautiful spot. Fenn Valley Vice President Brian Lesperance joins us, and shares that after the race you can congratulate yourself with a glass of wine or cider, and a roast chicken lunch.

    The Huron-Clinton Metroparks encompasses thirteen very popular and very different parks across five counties in the metro Detroit region. We have Danielle Mauter, Chief of Marketing, Huron-Clinton Metroparks join us, and she shares that this fall they have several fun events to attend. The Night of Dragon, a family-friendly take on a Renaissance fair takes place in two parks (Indian Springs and Stony Creek Metroparks) on two different dates. Get the details here: https://www.metroparks.com/dragon/ If you are into birds, how about joining them for the hawk migration across Lake Erie? Happening on September 21 and 22 Hawk Fest features live birds of prey exhibitions as well, get more info here: https://www.metroparks.com/hawkfest/

    Finally, we have a firecracker of a guest who shares her incredible passion for all things Canadian. Channon Mondoux, Event Creative for Canadiana Fest, is putting together what is sure to be a great time. Canadiana Fest is happening Saturday September 21 at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. After hearing her plans, we're just going to say that you don't want to miss this one. From incredible Canadian musical artists, to authentic food and drink, it's going to be a great time, eh!

    Follow John and Amy:
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    45 mins
  • All things Canada: Poutine, Music, Beer and Red Green at Canadiana Fest Sept. 21 in Kalamazoo

    All things Canada: Poutine, Music, Beer and Red Green at Canadiana Fest Sept. 21 in Kalamazoo
    Sep 14 2024
    Canadiana Fest Podcast

    Celebrating the culture, food, music and art of our neighbor to the north in Downtown Kalamazoo Michigan. September 21, 2024 at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site!


    Amy and Gonzo interview event coordinator Channon Mondoux, originally from Windsor, who goes behind the scene of this year's event after they recorded the show segment (which aired Sept. 14-15, 2024). During the podcast she reveals that Pelee Island Winery is the official wine, and, as a chef, she is excited to serve Peameal Bacon - "real Canadian bacon." They will have curling and lacrosse, as well as First Nation entertainers. A Poutine Passport. Authentic country Scottish dancing and more. She calls the all-day event a chance to visit Canadian Disneyland!

    Joining them on the Podcast is Taylor Abfall, who is the Marketing & Communications Coordinator of Discover Kalamazoo, which is one of the big supporters of Canadiana Fest.

    Get more information at wmta.org.

    Or at canadianfest.fun.

    Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    10 mins
  • S6,E36: Respect Marquette County Coalition making a difference; Leave No Trace (Sept. 7-8, 2024)

    S6,E36: Respect Marquette County Coalition making a difference; Leave No Trace (Sept. 7-8, 2024)
    Sep 11 2024
    On Behind the Mitten, we love to take you to special spots all around Michigan. We always hope that you'll find new favorite places to visit, or remember a favorite spot that you just have to get back to. We believe that travel is amazing, and want to make sure that our gorgeous Michigan destinations stay that way for all future visitors.

    Our friends in Marquette completely agree, and as a community, they've come together as a formal group to "inspire locals and visitors alike to respect the local culture and natural resources of Marquette County." The initiative is known as Respect Marquette County and it is the focus of this episode of BTM.

    We kick off the show with Susan Estler from Travel Marquette one of the main sponsors for this initiative, as well as Sven Gonstead, from the Marquette County Planning and Recreation/Big Bay Stewardship Council. The sharp increase in tourism throughout the Upper Peninsula during the pandemic brought many new visitors to the area, which also brought more natural resource destruction and misuse. Through education, the coalition hopes to make visitors more aware of using resources smartly and sustainably.

    Tyler Penrod, the Great Lakes Climate Core program manager for the Superior Watershed Partnership stops by to share some good news for electric vehicle drivers. His group has recently expanded the availability of charging stations throughout the U.P., in addition to their many other important projects. Tyler shares how important it is to maintain proper trail etiquette, including new-to-us knowledge that you've got to go through the puddles people, not around. Muddy boots are a sign of authenticity in MQT.

    Lyn Durant who is the Marquette Township Supervisor shares a few more tips and tricks from the Leave No Trace initiative, which encompasses seven different principles. Planning ahead, visiting during quieter times, and letting friends know where you'll be can all make for a better adventure if something goes wrong. Following the trails, packing everything you bring in back out, and leaving nature the way you found it are more tips to track. Wildlife is awesome to see, but let them be, and from a safe distance, please. If you bring your own animal on the trail with you, please manage them accordingly, and pack out that pet waste too.

    Finally, Hannah Boyd, the communications manager for the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy joins us. The Conservancy, which has over 6500 acres of land in the U.P., has several protected tracts of land in Marquette County, and Hannah shares a few of her favorite hikes to take in the area. She also talks about what makes this community special, and other fun things to do when you visit.

    Big thanks to Kognisjon Bryggeri for hosting our recording session, we appreciate the hospitality.

    Follow John and Amy:
    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten
    Twitter at @BehindTheMitten
    Instagram at @BehindTheMitten
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    45 mins

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