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Behind the Mitten

Behind the Mitten

By: John Gonzalez
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About this listen

 "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.Copyright John Gonzalez Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Episode 699: Summer golf, dining options, Ladies Golf School and more at Treetops Resort (May 10-11, 2025)

    Episode 699: Summer golf, dining options, Ladies Golf School and more at Treetops Resort (May 10-11, 2025)
    May 12 2025
    Episode 699: Summer golf, dining options, a special school for women and more at Treetops Resort (May 10-11, 2025)

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and podcast, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Co-hosted by Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, the show has released nearly 700 episodes and been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as best weekend speciality show. It airs on 22 radio stations over 15 markets in Michigan. More information on amyandgonzo.com.

    This weekend they spotlight Treetops Resort in Gaylord, which was recently named Resort of the Year at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. General Manager Barry Owens speaks on leadership, the emphasis on overall guest experience and introduces two key members of his team who make Treetops Michigan’s Most Spectacular Resort.

    Learn more at treetops.com.

    Segment 1: GM Barry Owens talks about the start of a busy golf season and creating lasting memories. He also emphasizes some of the priorities that make Treetops successful - attention to detail, which “is crucial in guest services,” as well as learning from mistakes.

    Segment 2: Treetops Director of Recreation Doug Hoeh stops by the podcast to talk about how driven his team is to maintain all 81 holes on five golf courses, as well as some of the new initiatives like Ladies Golf School that coincides with National Women’s Golf Day (June 1). Ladies Golf School is a multi-day experience (June 1-July 9) designed for all levels. Learn more at https://www.treetops.com/summer/golfing/golf-academy/ladies-golf-academy/.

    Segment 3: We celebrate Michigan's vibrant culinary scene with Brian Smith, the new Food and Beverage Director at Treetops Resort. We discuss the new menu offerings, including award-winning dishes and local partnerships, as well as the upcoming launch of a signature beer, Legendary Tees. Yes, it’s our Beer of the Week! Brian adds that the new menu focuses on quick, hearty options for guests, such as bourbon pork belly and tater kegs, which are liked a loaded baked potato in a tater tot. The conversation also highlights the importance of local ingredients and catering to diverse dietary preferences, all while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of Gaylord, Michigan.

    Segment 4: Barry Owens returns to the show to talk about Treetops’ major award as Resort of the Year by the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association during the Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Wednesday, April 16 in Novi, Michigan. The annual MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognizes outstanding members of all roles within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism and creativity while going above and beyond their role to contribute to the positive image of the industry. Owens said he was humbled by the recognition, but added “it was great validation for what we've been doing” and showed the “importance of having passionate staff" when you're in the hospitality industry.

    Learn more about Treetops at https://www.treetops.com/.
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    45 mins
  • Episode 698: On Mackinac Island to celebrate 10 years of Behind the Mitten (May 3-4, 2025)

    Episode 698: On Mackinac Island to celebrate 10 years of Behind the Mitten (May 3-4, 2025)
    May 8 2025
    We couldn't be more pleased to celebrate our ten year anniversary back where it all began, on beautiful Mackinac Island.

    We recorded our very first radio broadcast on the island at the Grand Hotel way back in 2015, when we were the only people staged at a tiny table in a grand ballroom, welcoming our first guests into a truly lovely, historic space. We hope that we have lived up to the expectations that our first location had for us, after over seven hundred episodes as Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast, we hopt that we have.

    So, back to our roots, and back to one of our favorite spots ever, Mackinac Island.

    We know how lucky we are, getting to go back to the island each year for the last decade, during every season, and all kinds of weather. We truly think of it as another home, and love being welcomed back each year.

    We kick off this show with Tim Hygh, who is the big cheese at Mackinac Island Tourism, and a good friend. If you've been wondering what's been happening with the ferry situation, need to know about scheduling your trip, or want to know how the island handled the recent ice storm, you don't want to miss this interview.

    Next, we visit with Jeff Hess from the Grand Hotel, to hear all what is new at this historic, iconic resort. Look for a rebrand at the Gate House, gorgeous new carpet throughout the parlor, and a cool new spot located downtown Mackinac for the first time.

    Also, be sure to check out our extra podcast from the absolutely amazing Grand Hotel hisotrian Bob Tagitz here,

    Then it's Steph Castelin, and I'm going to apologize about misprouncing her name during her segment....please note my fly fishing friends.....it is CAST-a-LINE. She's Time's right-hand gal at the tourism bureau and we love getting her insider scoop on what is happening around the island this year. She highlights the big anniversary that Mackinac State Historic Parks is celebrating this year, plus new offerings downtown, and gives us an update on the beautiful lilacs around the island after the storm. Hot tip: they're all good.

    Finally, we reconnect with Liz and Mark Ware, the dynamic brother and sister duo behind the magic that has been happening at Mission Point Resort over the last few years. We learn that the Paul McCarthy Experience is back again, the gardens are blooming, and there is a brand new Lilac Lounge opening on site. It's quintessential Mackinac at Mission Point, pull up an adiorndack chair and chill out with us.

    Thanks for listening for ten years to Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast. We're glad to know you!
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    45 mins
  • Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel historian Bob Tagatz on what chages to expect in 2025 (May 3, 2025)

    Mackinac Island: Grand Hotel historian Bob Tagatz on what chages to expect in 2025 (May 3, 2025)
    May 3 2025
    BONUS PODCAST, May 3, 2025

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast, which can can be heard on the weekends on 21 radio station across 14 markets in Michigan. Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman are celebrating 10 years and nearly 700 episodes.

    On this podcast, they returned to Mackinac Island and Grand Hotel, which is where they recorded their very first show 10 years ago.

    On this special podcast, Grand Hotel historian Bob Tagatz takes Gonzo and Amy Sherman on a tour of all the changes guests will find in the 2025 season, including some new colors, new wallpaper, remodled bar, new carpet in the dining room and much more.

    Learn more about Grand Hotel at grandhotel.com.

    Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    21 mins

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