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. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    A 'kind' beer, plus Mrs. Roper's Romp in Bay City: Gonzo on WPHM (Oct. 9, 2026)

    On Friday, Oct. 9, John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten was a guest on the WPHM-105.5 FM Morning Show with Paul Miller. He talked about what listeners can expect on this weekend’s Behind the Mitten Show: A popular pizza joint in Comstock Park (near Grand Rapids) that sells slices of cheese pizza for $1 on weekdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (CP Pizza)The upcoming Potato Festival in Houghton. (Oct. 24)Kind Ale, a wet hopped IPA from Short’s Brewing that features Brian Tennis of Northern Michigan’s Hop Alliance on the label. (On tap and in six packs across the state for a limited time.)And the upcomning Mrs. Roper Romp in Bay City. (Oct. 17)Listen to Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez this weekend on your favorite radio stations across Michigan: Our Current Stations Fridays • 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron) Saturdays • 5:00 AM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 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) • 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 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 • 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids) Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook and Substack at amyandgonzo.com.

    A 'kind' beer, plus Mrs. Roper's Romp in Bay City: Gonzo on WPHM (Oct. 9, 2026)

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    What's on tap this weekend, plus another silly game with The Flakes (Oct. 8, 2026)

    We talk pizza, Michigan craft beer, Potato Festival and a Mrs. Roper Romp in Bay City, plus play a silly game with the Flakes on 95.3 CFX.

    What's on tap this weekend, plus another silly game with The Flakes (Oct. 8, 2026)

  3. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    A Mrs. Roper Romp in Bay City, plus a Kind Ale from Short's Brewing (WILS, Oct. 8, 2026)

    John Gonzalez of Behind the Mitten was a guest Thursday, Oct. 8 on the Morning Wake-Up on WILS-AM in Lansing. He talked about what to expect on this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show, includung: A popular, local pizza joint in Comstock that sells slice of cheese pizza for $1 on weekdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (CP Pizza)The upcoming Potato Festival in Houghton. (Oct. 24)Kind Ale, a wet hopped IPA  from Short's Brewing that features Brian Tennis of Northern Michigan's Hop Alliance on the lable. (On tap and in six packs across the state for a limited time.)And the upcomning Mrs. Roper Romp in Bay City. (Oct. 17)Listen this weekend on your favorite radio stations across Michigan: Our Current Stations Fridays • 8:10 AM — News/Talk/Sports 105.5 FM WPHM (Port Huron) Saturdays • 5:00 AM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 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) • 1:00 PM — WSGW 790 AM / 100.5 FM (Saginaw) • 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 • 6:00 PM — WOOD 1300 AM / 106.9 FM (Grand Rapids) Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook and Substack at amyandgonzo.com.

    A Mrs. Roper Romp in Bay City, plus a Kind Ale from Short's Brewing (WILS, Oct. 8, 2026)

  4. 5d ago

    Farmer's Creamery in Mio, Amish 365 Blog, and More Fall Festivals (Sept. 19-20, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast Episode 771 Air date: Sept. 19-20, 2026 Michigan travel gets delicious, surprising, and a little bit Amish in this packed episode of Behind the Mitten. Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spotlight fall festivals, a family-run creamery in Mio, and small-town discoveries that make you want to grab a cooler and hit the road. The episode offers a guide to fall fun across the state, from Mackinac Island’s Fudge Festival and Rockford’s 50th annual Harvest Festival to Pentwater’s autumn charm and Port Huron’s Wrigley Barbecue Throwdowns. Amy then introduces us to Junior Weaver at Farmer’s Creamery in Mio—a cooperative of local farm families producing milk, ice cream, cheese, and baked goods. It’s a destination worth remembering, especially if you’re tempted by a scoop of black raspberry ice cream or an Amish hand pie. NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Farmer's Creamery was destroyed by a structure fire, Saturday, Oct. 3. READ HERE: Fire destroys The Farmers’ Creamery on Kittle Road in Mio Also on the show, journalist and Amish expert Kevin Williams of Amish365.com joins us to discuss Michigan’s Amish communities and what makes the Mio area distinctive. Together, the stories reveal how a small northern Michigan town has become a destination for local food, unique shops, and a glimpse into Amish life. This show is perfect for fall travelers, food lovers, and Michigan road-trippers. This episode is packed with ideas for places to visit and people to meet along the way. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.

  5. 5d ago

    Why this Petoskey bookstore turns readers into regulars (Oct. 3-4, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast. On the air for 11 years. Episode 772 What makes an independent bookstore a place readers return to again and again? In this interview segment, Behind the Mitten co-host Amy Sherman talks with Matt Norcross, co-owner of McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey, Michigan. Matt shares how the bookstore builds a welcoming community through personal recommendations, staff picks, its popular weekly email, and events that bring authors and readers together. He also talks about the books capturing readers’ attention and the details that make discovering a new favorite part of the bookstore experience. If you love independent bookstores, Michigan stories, and finding your next great read, join Amy and Matt for a conversation about the people and ideas behind McLean & Eakin. Upcoming Event: Holiday Hype Night 6 p.m., Oct. 24 McLean & Eakin Booksellers, 307 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770 Penguin Random House Reps: Special guest representatives sharing insider information on upcoming and trending book titles.Exclusive Previews: Get a sneak peek at the hottest books hitting shelves for your reading list.Perks: Light refreshments, drinks, and opportunities to purchase or preorder featured books.Learn more about McLean & Eakin at facebook.com/mcleanandeakin. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com. Follow Behind the Mitten on Facebook at facebook.com/behindthemitten.

    Why this Petoskey bookstore turns readers into regulars (Oct. 3-4, 2026)

  6. Oct 2 ·  Bonus

    Amy Sherman shares her love for fall, and Blue Hubbard Squash (Oct. 1, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast. Amy Sherman joins Mike Austin as part of the Morning Wake-Up on WILS-1320AM, Lansing's More Compelling Talk Radio. She talks about what people can expect this weekend on Behind the Mitten, and she also shares  why Blue Hubbard Squash at Bavarian Inn and Zehnder's of Frankenmuth is one of the state's most beloved autumn traditions. They harvest more than 250,000 pounds of squash that they serve at restaurants year round. Listen every  weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state. Affiliates and air times: 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)

    Amy Sherman shares her love for fall, and Blue Hubbard Squash (Oct. 1, 2026)

  7. Sep 28

    Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal, Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, Port Huron history (Sept. 26-27, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast: This weekend Gonzo and Amy Sherman go behind the scenes of two great Michigan events: The Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island (Oct. 2 and 3),And the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City (Oct. 3).Plus, their good friend and historian Andrew Kercher stops by to talk about Port Huron history - bootlegging and the great fires of The Thumb in the late 1800s. He hosts a Bootleggers on the Blue Water cruise on the Huron Lady II on Oct. 10. Segment 1: Amy and John Gonzalez Segment 2: Andrew Kercher of Andrew Kercher Lecture & Tours Segment 3: Steph Castelein of Mackinac Island Tourism Segment 4: Kyle Brownley of Chateau Chantal Listen every  weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state. Affiliates and air times across the state: 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)

    Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal, Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, Port Huron history (Sept. 26-27, 2026)

  8. Sep 25

    Fudge, wine and a little Port Huron History: All coming up this weekend! (WPHM, Sept. 25, 2026)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast. John Gonzalez, Gonzo, previews this weekend's show on WPHM-105.5 FM with Paul Miller. Gonzo talks about: The Fudge Festival on Mackinac Island (Oct. 2 and 3),And the annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City (Oct. 3).He doesn't discuss it with Paul, but if you tune in this weekend, he and Amy Sherman also talk about Port Huron history - bootlegging and the great fires of The Thumb in the late 1800s. Listen this weekend on your favorite radio stations across the state. Our affiliates and air times across the state: 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)

    Fudge, wine and a little Port Huron History: All coming up this weekend! (WPHM, Sept. 25, 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
    837
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Gonzalez
  • Show Website
    Behind the Mitten

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