Behind the Mitten

John Gonzalez

"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. Upper Peninsula Road Trip: Stops in St. Ignace, Moran, Rudyard and Sault Ste. Marie (April 4-5, 2026)

    2D AGO

    Upper Peninsula Road Trip: Stops in St. Ignace, Moran, Rudyard and Sault Ste. Marie (April 4-5, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten - Michigan's premier radio show and podcast Episode 746 On this weekend's Behind the Mitten show, Amy and Gonzo go on a road trip from St. Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie with stops along the way, including: St. Ignace at the Boardwalk Coffee House, where they talk about things to do in St. Igance this summer, including all the popular bridge crossings.King’s Fish Market & Restaurant in Moran, where they talk to a fifth generation family that runs this popular smoked fish destination. (Owner Theron King also operates a boat engine museum and repair business that raises money for charity. Check out the video.)Pure Country Restaurant in Rudyard, where Amy and Gonzo learn more about one of Michigan’s Best Breakfast spots.And then at the new Black Rock Bar & Grill at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie, where this newest location of this Michigan-based steakhouse group is elevating the dining experience and giving visitors another reason to visit Da Soo. (Yes, the freighters are already crossing the Soo Locks.) We also spend time with our friend Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.Learn more about Behind the Mitten on Amy and Gonzo's Substack page at amyandgonzo.com.

    45 min
  2. Spring Break in Michigan: From South Haven to Frankenmuth, and Detroit to Kalamazoo (March 28-29, 2026)

    MAR 30

    Spring Break in Michigan: From South Haven to Frankenmuth, and Detroit to Kalamazoo (March 28-29, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast. Episode 745 It's spring time, Michigan! And many of us are headed to a tropical climate or at least somewhere without snow, as our friends in Northen lower peninsula or the Upper Peninsula are experiencing right now. On this episode, BTM co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman take you all across Michigan to discover the diverse attractions that make Michigan a fantastic spring break destination. Segment 1: Jamie Furbush from the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau shares the best of Frankenmuth's festive attractions, culinary delights (and not just chicken dinners), hidden gems, plus cool waterparks. Segment 2: McKenna Dole of Discover Kalamazoo highlights the city's vibrant art scene and family-friendly activities that make it a top spring break destination. She also highlights the very popular Air Zoo, known as a world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum with over 100 air and space artifacts. Segment 3: Brigid Avery from Aquinas College, Amy's alma mater, discusses the unique experiences and cultural offerings students at Aquinas discovered on a multi-day trip to metro Detroit. Learn more about Brigid and her role at Aquinas College HERE. Segment 4: Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today, reveals the scenic beauty and local events in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area, perfect for a spring getaway. Follow Behind the Mitten adventures on our new Substack page at amyandgonzo.com.

    45 min
  3. Biere de Mac, Short's Brewing, Tres Amigas and Watermark - Michigan craft beer (March 21-22, 2026)

    MAR 23

    Biere de Mac, Short's Brewing, Tres Amigas and Watermark - Michigan craft beer (March 21-22, 2026)

    What's new in Michigan craft beer? Gonzo and Amy have the latest: Segment 1-Biere de Mac Brew Works, Mackinaw City - Gonzo and Amy talk to co-owner Danny Ranville, who is excited about a new summer season, as as well a special appearance by Gonzo and Amy who will speak at 6:30 p.m. March 25 at the brewery. Segment 2-Kerry Lynch of Short’s Brewing talks about new releases and April 25th Short's Anni Party! Segment 3-Manda Sue Geiger joins from Rochester Mills Brewing to talk about Tres Amigas release. Segments 4-Chad Mason of Watermark Brewing in Stevensville talks about about the brewery's recent pick as the No. 1 beer garden by USA Today's 10 Best.   Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

    45 min
  4. Celebrating Life CMU Powwow; Mackinac Island ready for new season (March 14-15, 2026)

    MAR 17

    Celebrating Life CMU Powwow; Mackinac Island ready for new season (March 14-15, 2026)

    On this weekend's show, Gonzo and Amy learn more about the 37th annual Celebrating Life Powwow at Central Michigan University (March 21-22), and get opening date information for a new season on Mackinac Island. Segment 1- Steph Castelein, managing director, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. A soft opeing is planned April 24, and the official opening (complete with ribbon cutting) is May 1. More details at https://www.mackinacisland.org/season-updates/ Segments - 2 & 3 - CMU's Annual "Celebrating Life" Powwow, March 21-22 at John G. Kulhavi Events Center | McGuirk Arena on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. More details at cmich.edu. We talk to Cassandra Chippeway, content and communications coordinator, Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau - http://www.meetmtp.com/ And Shay Hale of CMU's Office of Indigenous Affairs, which sponsors the Powwow each year. Segment 4 - Amy and Gonzo.

    45 min
  5. Grand Traverse Pie Pi Day Podcast 2026

    MAR 14 ·  BONUS

    Grand Traverse Pie Pi Day Podcast 2026

    The best way to celebrate Pi Day is self explanatory really, you should probably go on out there and EAT the pie, right? That's what we'd do here at Behind the Mitten, and what we will be doing this March 14 2026 on Pi Day. We are heading straight to what might be the greatest pie in all the land, Grand Traverse Pie Company. How and why did Pi Day start and how can you celebrate it properly this year? For the answer, we turned to Chris Perras, Vice President of Grand Traverse Pie Company. Turns out he's an expert on both pi and pie. Grand Traverse Pie Company is celebrating "three delicious decades" in 2026, which is pretty sweet is so many ways. We discuss GT Pie's new special flavor that will be arriving this April in partnership with Pure Michigan, the importance of buying local, and what Chris' favorite flavor of pie is. And we will also tell you how to get a FREE SLICE OF PIE on March 14, Pi Day.

    11 min
  6. WILS: Gonzo talks CMU Powwow, Mackinac Island opening, Amy's cooking classes & TapTalk (March 12, 2026)

    MAR 14 ·  BONUS

    WILS: Gonzo talks CMU Powwow, Mackinac Island opening, Amy's cooking classes & TapTalk (March 12, 2026)

    John Gonzalez was a guest on Thursday on the "Morning Wake Up" on WILS-AM with Mike Austin. Gonzo previews this weekend's show, which is a look at the 37th annual Celebration of Life CMU Powwow in Mt. Pleasant, as well as a sneak peak at what to expect on Mackinac Island this season. Gonzo also talks to host Mike Austin about signing up for one of Amy's cooking classes in Grand Rapids, and he also invites listeners to Mackinaw City where Gonzo and Amy will be leading a TapTalk at 6:30 p.m. March 25 at Biere de Mac Brew Works. Admission is free. Come join the fun. Listen to this weekend's show on all of our affiliates. 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/Sports 1380 AM WPHM (Port Huron) • 12:00 PM — News/Talk 600 and 93.5 WCHT (Escanaba) NEW AFFILIATE • 4:00 PM — WIOS “The Bay’s Best!” 1480 AM / 106.9 FM (Tawas / East Tawas) • 5:00 PM — WMIC 95.3 FM, 660 AM - The Voice of the Thumb (Sandusky) NEW AFFILIATE Sundays • 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 • 8:00 AM — News/Talk/Sports 1380 AM WPHM (Port Huron) • 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids)

    11 min
  7. It's still winter in the U.P. and across Northern Lower Peninsula (Feb. 28-March 1, 2026)

    MAR 14

    It's still winter in the U.P. and across Northern Lower Peninsula (Feb. 28-March 1, 2026)

    This weekend we debut our show in Escanaba on our first radio affiliate in the Upper Peninsula. A huge shout out to our good friend Caleb Gordon, who helped us get connected to WCHT-AM and FM as part of the Radio Results Network family. Segment 1: Gonzo and Amy talk about the things they still want to do this winter, Segment 2: Rosy’s Diner is a popular hangout for breakfast and a burger in Escanaba. We talk to co-owners Andy and Myra Fields, who are also active members of the community. Any is the high school girl's softball coach. He talks about how difficult it is for UP schools to play a spring sport when there is so much snow. Segment 3: Mick of Snow Snake Ski & Golf in Harrison talks about the fun they have each year at this hidden gem just north of Mt. Pleasant. Segment 4: Gonzo and Amy  preview events taking place in March all over the state. Learn more about our show at amyandgonzo.com where you can subscribe to our new Substack page to keep up on all of our adventures.

    45 min
  8. St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2026: Bay City, Clare and Port Huron (March 7-8)

    MAR 14

    St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2026: Bay City, Clare and Port Huron (March 7-8)

    This week's episode takes us all over Michigan in search of wee bit o' the Irish, and share a few fun St. Patrick's Day celebrations around the state. Slainte! We will visit our beloved Bay City and learn a healthy way to celebrate this holiday.  The Bay City Races offer multiple runs and walks so everyone can find a way to participate. We talk with Elizabeth Mayfield from the Bay City Runners Club. We head to Clare to talk to our friends Tim and Kasey Veenkant at the Timeout Tavern Clare where we inadvertantly ended up there on St. Patrick's Day in 2025. (How did that happen?) And we meet Artemus Whitmore of Tailgators Sports Bar in Port Huron, who is one of the main organizers of the annual Pub Crawl. Segment 1-Gonzo and Amy Intro the show. Segment 2-Bay City Races-Elizabeth Mayfield, secretary of the Bay City Runners Club Segment 3-Clare St. Patrick’s Day, Tim and Kasey Veenkant, owners of the Timeout Tavern Segment 4-Port Huron Pub Crawl-Artemus Whitmore, Tailgators Sports Bar, organizer of this year's Pub Crawl Learn more about our show at amyandgonzo.com where you can subscribe to our new Substack page to keep up on all of our adventures.

    45 min
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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
    792
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Gonzalez
  • Show Website
    Behind the Mitten

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