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

    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)

  2. Jul 16

    Michigan Craft Beer Month: City Built, Cedar Springs, Kusterer, DrinkGR, The Beer Truck (July 11-12, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate Michigan Craft Beer Month with City Built Brewery and Kusterer Brauhaus in Grand Rapids, Cedar Spring Brewery in Cedar Springs and good times with Nate Blury of DrinkGR and Dan Miller of The Beer Truck. Segment 1-Edwin Collazo of City Built BrewingSegment 2-Dan Miller of The Beer Truck and Dave Ringler of Kusterer Brauhaus and Cedar Springs BrewingSegment 3-More with Dan and DaveSegment 4-Nate Blury of DrinkGR social clubLearn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

    Michigan Craft Beer Month: City Built, Cedar Springs, Kusterer, DrinkGR, The Beer Truck (July 11-12, 2026)

  3. Jul 6

    How Detroit Sports played a major role in the city's revival (July 4-5, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman share how  Detroit sports played a major role in the city's revival. Segment 1-Benita Douglas, Detroit Welcome Center Travel CounselorSegment 2-Ken Hayward, Visit Detroit's Chief Operating OfficerSegment 3- Brush Park Bodega; the revitalization of neighborhoodsSegment 4-Comerica Park Beer Hall; a great gathering spotLearn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

    How Detroit Sports played a major role in the city's revival (July 4-5, 2026)

  4. Jul 6

    Celebrate America 250 all season long at Mackinac Parks (June 27-28, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman share how you can celebrate America 250 all season long at Mackinac State Historic Parks. Segment 1-Phil Porter, Historian and Director Emeritus of Mackinac State Hstoric ParksSegment 2-Dominick Miller, marketing director, Mackinac State Historic ParksSegment 3-Gonzo and Amy talk about America 250 events.Segment 4-More with Phil Porter, War of 1812Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org. Learn more about Mackinac State Historic Parks at mackinacparks.com.

    Celebrate America 250 all season long at Mackinac Parks (June 27-28, 2026)

  5. Jul 6

    From Port Huron to Muskegon, with stops in Beulah and Marshall (June 20-21, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman travel from Port Huron, to Beulah, to Marshall, to Muskegon. Segment 1-Great Lakes Freighter Captain George HaynesSegment 2-Five Shores Brewery, BeulahSegment 3- Postal Museum in MarshallSegment 4-Pigeon Hill Brewery, MuskegonLearn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

    From Port Huron to Muskegon, with stops in Beulah and Marshall (June 20-21, 2026)

  6. Jul 6

    A Spotlight on Michigan BBQ (June 13-14, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate Michigan BBQ with experts from around the state. Segments 1 and 2-Steve Seige of Zero Day BBQ Boot Camp, Zero Day Veteran Powered Food Truck and Zero Day BBQ ConsultingSegment 3-Earl Bovia of Bay City Bills and River Rock in Bay City.Segment 3-Tom Driscoll, manager at Norm's Market in Richville (Michigan's Thumb)Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org. Learn more about Zero Day BBQ Boot Camp at https://www.facebook.com/p/Zero-Day-BBQ-Boot-Camp-61551056700227/

    A Spotlight on Michigan BBQ (June 13-14, 2026)

  7. Jul 6

    American History comes alive at Mackinac State Historic Parks (June 6-7, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman visit Mackinac Island to learn more about how Fort Mackinac played a role in American History. Segment 1-Dominick Miller, Mackinac State Historic Parks, Chief of MarketingSegment 2-Maverick Sharpe, historical military interpreterSegment 3-Alice Hill, museum store clerk, starting her 23rd seasonSegment 4-Craig Wilson, chief curator at Mackinac State Historic ParksLearn more about the parks at Mackinacparks.com. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

    American History comes alive at Mackinac State Historic Parks (June 6-7, 2026)

  8. Jul 5

    Ready for Summer 2026? Places to visit in Michigan (May 30-31, 2026)

    In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman prepare for summer by checking in to some of their favorite destinations around the state. Segment 1-White Lake and HollandSegment 2-Calhoun CountySegment 3- Mt. Pleasant, and John Ball Zoo in Grand RapidsSegment 4-Traverse City and LansingLearn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Keep up to date on events throughout the state at WMTA.org.

    Ready for Summer 2026? Places to visit in Michigan (May 30-31, 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
    810
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Gonzalez
  • Show Website
    Behind the Mitten

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