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. 14h ago

    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)

  2. 3d ago ·  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)

  3. 3d ago ·  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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  6. 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)

  7. 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)

  8. 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)
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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
    813
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Gonzalez
  • Show Website
    Behind the Mitten

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