Behind the Mitten

John Gonzalez
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

"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.

  1. 3d ago

    Port Huron, Caseville, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Bridgeport: We have a 'yummy' show for you (Aug. 15-16, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast EPISODE 765 Aug. 15-16, 2026 The show includes fun things to do in the Port Huron area, including the opening for the Cheesburger Festival in Caseville (Aug. 14-23). Amy spends the day making a few stops in Spring Lake and Grand Haven. And John gets some mouthwatering doughnuts at Buttercrust Bakery in Bridgeport (near Frankenmuth). Follow John and Amy's adventures on their new Substack page. Just go to amyandgonzo.com to learn more. Want more events and things to do in Michigan? Follow the West Michigan Tourist Association, the official partner of Behind the Mitten. Go to WMTA.org.

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    WILS-AM (1320): Gonzo talks about this weekend's 'Yummy' show (Aug. 13, 2026)

    John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten appears on the Mike Austin Show on WILS-AM (1320) in Lansing to talk about what is in store on this weekend's BTM show. The show includes fun things to do in the Port Huron area, including the opening for the Cheesburger Festival in Caseville (Aug. 14-23). Amy spends the day making a few stops in Spring Lake and Grand Haven. And John gets some mouthwatering doughnuts at Buttercrust Bakery in Bridgeport (near Frankenmuth).

    WILS-AM (1320): Gonzo talks about this weekend's 'Yummy' show (Aug. 13, 2026)

  3. 3d ago

    Taverse City Food & Wine 2026, plus music and travel (Aug. 8-9, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast EPISODE 764 Aug. 8-9, 2026 This episode is all about food, travel and music. That's right up BTM's alley! A big portion of the show is focused on Traverse City Food and Wine, which is back bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever, with 80 events, a fully functional demonstration kitchen, sold-out chef dinners, and rare up-close moments with some of the biggest names in food. Amy Sherman sits down with Whitney Waara, COO of Traverse City Tourism, to unpack why year two of the festival feels like the real breakthrough. From collaboration dinners with multiple chefs to waterfront tastings, market-basket challenges, and the new Open Space Park kitchen built for real cooking, Whitney shares how Traverse City is turning August 19-23 into a choose-your-own-adventure for food lovers. In addition: John Gonzalez checks in with foodie Chad Lamar of Grand Rapids who is a truck driver by day, but uses his travels to explore some of his favorite destinations all over the country. John interviews Chad while in line at Stubburn BBQ in Grand Rapids. And Amy and Gonzo interview bluegrass musician Mark Lavengood, a.k.a. Huggy Bear, who is the master of ceremonies at the first ever (and SOLD OUT!) Ionia Freak Fair (Aug. 28-29). You will learn more about Mark's musical background, what it's like to be on stage with Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass, and his early years, when he played middle school basketball at Comstock Park - with John as his coach. We're not making that up! Follow John and Amy's adventures on their new Substack page. Just go to amyandgonzo.com to learn more. Want more events and things to do in Michigan? Follow the West Michigan Tourist Association, the official partner of Behind the Mitten. Go to WMTA.org.

    Taverse City Food & Wine 2026, plus music and travel (Aug. 8-9, 2026)

  4. Aug 3

    Josh & Jase take Michigan, and Behind the Mitten, by storm (Aug. 1-2, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast. Episode 763 Aug. 1-2, 2026 Josh & Jase Episode On this weekend's show, we look at the popularity of British social media influencers Josh & Jase, and how they have taken Michigan by storm. After arriving last winter and experiencing a good old-fashioned Pure Michigan winter and record snowfall, they returned in late July to soak up the sun and Great Lakes vibes. We go behind the scenes with the duo, revealing how their spontaneous, comment-driven approach fuels their adventure — and why their genuine reactions are contagious. Their journey isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about capturing the soul of Michigan through the eyes of visitors who are seeing it for the first time. It's like how we do things at Behind the Mitten. We loved having them on the show. Thanks, guys. Our Current Stations Fridays • 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron) Saturdays • 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids) • 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing) • 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor) • 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba) • 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas) • 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky) Sundays • 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba) • 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:   -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant   -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City   -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland   -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station-UPS (98.5) — Houghton Lake   -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan • 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

    Josh & Jase take Michigan, and Behind the Mitten, by storm (Aug. 1-2, 2026)

  5. Jul 28

    Marshall Motorfest, Crisp Country Acres, Stubborn BBQ and Sand Lake Microbrewery (July 25-26, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman make stops in Marshall, Grand Rapids, National City and a fun U-Pick farm in Ottawa County. Segment 1-Amy and Gonzo welcome Joe Caron, former mayor of Marshall, and current GM at Schuler's Restaurant & Pub, about the upcoming Classics & Cocktails event at Venue 19Zero9 (July 31) and the 3rd annual Marshall Motorfest (Aug. 1).Segment 2-Amy takes us to Crisp Country Acres in Holland, where co-owner Lindsey Visser tells us about the U-Pick opportunities at their family farm. You can find Crisp Country Acres at the Muskegon Farmer's Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and at the Kalamazoo Farmer's Market on Saturdays. Learn more crispcountryacres.com.Segment 3-Mark and Missy Stubbs, along with daughter, Tyler, operate Stubburn BBQ, a Texas-style BBQ joint that cooks with 100% apple wood in Walker (near Grand Rapids). They open one day week - noon Sundays. Brisket is the top seller (they sell 200 pounds on the weekend), but eveything is lip-smacking good. The sides, rubs and sauces are all made in house.Segment 4- Sand Lake Microbrewery is a hidden gem just north of M-55 between East Tawas and Hale on Sand Lake Road in National City. They have about 7 beers on tap, and other offerings for those who like wine, cider, and hard iced teas. They also have a fun, tiki bar-theme on the patio heavily inspired by co-owners (Brandon and Tammy) and their trips to Key West. They recently celebrated their fifth anniversary. Learn more at sandlakemicrobrewery.com. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

    Marshall Motorfest, Crisp Country Acres, Stubborn BBQ and Sand Lake Microbrewery (July 25-26, 2026)

  6. Jul 25 ·  Bonus

    Amy Sherman previews BTM on WILS with Mike Austin (July 23, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten - Bonus episode (July 23, 2026) Every Thursday, Gonzo and Amy Sherman preview what's on Behind the Mitten on WILS-AM (1320) in Lansing on the Mike Austin Show. On Thursday, July 23, Amy joined in to talk about out our show this weekend, which will feature stops at a brewery in National City, a BBQ joint in Grand Rapids and a U-Pick farm in Ottawa County. Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast since 2015. Listen to the podcast on all popular podcast platforms. When can you listen on the radio? Tune in: Fridays • 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron) Saturdays • 8:00 AM — WBRN 1460 AM / 107.7 FM / 96.5 FM (Big Rapids) • 8:00 AM — WILS 1320 AM (Lansing) • 10:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM (Benton Harbor) • 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba) • 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas) • 5:00 PM — WMIC “The Voice of the Thumb” 660 AM / 95.3 FM (Sandusky) Sundays • 6:00 AM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba) • 7:00 AM — Black Diamond Broadcasting Stations:   -WCFX — CFX Today’s Hits (95.3) — Mt. Pleasant   -WGFN — The Bear (98.1 / 95.3) — Traverse City   -WMRX — Sunny 97.7 — Midland   -WUPS — The Classic Hits Station (98.5) — Houghton Lake   -WWMK — 106.3 MAC FM — Cheboygan • 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids) Find podcasts and more at amyandgonzo.com.

    Amy Sherman previews BTM on WILS with Mike Austin (July 23, 2026)

  7. Jul 24 ·  Bonus

    We're back on the air in Port Huron (July 24, 2026)

    We're excited to announce that Behind the Mitten is returning to WPHM-FM 105.5 in Port Huron! For years, WPHM carried our full weekend show. After some programming changes at the station in April, we're thrilled to be back in a new role as a weekly travel and lifestyle feature on The Paul Miller Show, airing Fridays at 8:10 a.m. We want to sincerely thank Paul Miller and WPHM General Manager Scott Shigley for welcoming us back to one of Michigan's great heritage radio stations. We're grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing stories about the people, places, food, drink and experiences that make Michigan such a special place to explore. Our first segment is now available as a podcast and includes a conversation about the current state of Michigan's craft beer industry and some of the trends we're seeing across the state. Thanks for listening, and if you're in the Blue Water Area, be sure to tune in every Friday at 8:10 a.m. on WPHM 105.5 FM or listen live online at wphm.net. More travel stories are on the way! Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.

    We're back on the air in Port Huron (July 24, 2026)

  8. Jul 21

    Transforming the West Side: AC Grand Rapids, Acrisure Amphitheater and a vibrant restaurant scene (July 18-19, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman explore the west side of Grand Rapids, which has underdone a great transformation over the last decade. But with a new soccer club, AC Grand Rapids, beginning play in 2027, and the new Acrisure Amphitheater opening in 2026, is the area west of the Grand River ready for the infusion of activity? Certainly the excitement of the the World Cup 2026 has helped sparked interest for AC Grand Rapids season tickets as 4,000 people have already put down deposits for the 8,500-seat arena being built right off the US 131 expressway. We talk to about soccer in GR and the support of the west side business community. Segment 1-Amy and Gonzo let people know what to expect from the west sideSegment 2-Christian Van Andel, Director of Business Operations and one of the owners of AC Grand Rapids (Athletic Club Grand Rapids), talks about the level of play for the new team, and more about the new Amway StadiumSegment 3-Christian Van Andel returns with Dave Ringler of the nearby Kusterer Brauhaus, who explains how breweries and local restaurants support the emerging sport of soccer in GR.Segment 4- Rick Muschiana, chef at popular Scandinavian restaurant The Sovengard talks about how his restaurant's seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a menu inspired by the New Nordic movement plays a role in bringing people to the west side. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

    Transforming the West Side: AC Grand Rapids, Acrisure Amphitheater and a vibrant restaurant scene (July 18-19, 2026)
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

"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.

Information

  • Creator
    John Gonzalez
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    817
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Gonzalez
  • Show Website
    Behind the Mitten

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