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
  • Episode 697: Beer & Brat Festival, Michigan BBQ, and a summer of grilling (April 27-28, 2025)

    Episode 697: Beer & Brat Festival, Michigan BBQ, and a summer of grilling (April 27-28, 2025)
    May 3 2025
    Behind the Mitten - Episode 697

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast. It airs on 21 radio stations across 14 markets in Michigan. Co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman are celebrating 10 years and nearly 700 episodes in 2025.

    On this weekend's show, it's all about grilling season!

    Segment 1-Matt Smith of Pit Stop Catering in Grand Rapids talks about Michigan's unique style of BBQ.

    Segment 2-Brittany Buti Primeau of Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville talks about the popular Beer & Brat Festival, which this year is celebrating its 18th season. This year's event is May 24. More details at crystalmountain.com.

    Segment 3-    Barry Owens of Treetops Resorts in Gaylord talks about Grill on the Hill, which brings out about 12 teams competing in a BBQ competition at the bottom of the Treetops ski hill. The festival also includes beer and wine. It is May 3, 2025. More info at treetops.com.

    Segment 4-    Andy Walcott of Gaylord joins the show to talk about competing at local competitions, including styles and techniques. He has competed for several years at Grill on the Hill. He also picks a Beer of the Week, Snowbelt Brewery's My Chest Hurts IPA.

    Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
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    45 mins
  • Episode 696: Behind the Scenes at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism

    Episode 696: Behind the Scenes at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism
    Apr 23 2025
    This week's show comes direct from the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, which we were lucky to attend this past week. We loved reconnecting with friends in the industry, while learning all about what is new across Michigan.

    We kick off with the the Pure Michigan queeen herself, Kelly Wolgamott. She's the Vice President of our tourism arm here in Michigan, which is run by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Kelly was named VP just last year, and has been making her mark every since. She shares some of the trends she sees unfolding this summer season across Michigan.

    Next, we have the very no-nonsense Jess Loding on to talk about the super cool non-profit organization Michigan Cares for Tourism. Each year this group tackles a renovation or restoration project somewhere in Michigan, and have had over 5500 volunteers from the tourism industry join them on their projects over the years. This September, they'll be doing work at Tawas State Park, and Behind the Mitten will be in attendance. We can't wait.


    Julie Pingston from Choose Lansing then joins us to talk about accesible travel, and some of the projects they've worked on in the greater Lansing area. One thing we learn: until you have experienced compromised travel, you kind of have no idea how important inclusivity in travel is.

    Finally, we ge to meet one of the keynote speakers at the conference, Matt Rodbod from Taste Magazine. It's always interesting to get an "outsiders" perspecitve of Michigan, and that is just what Matt provides. We loved learning what a national perspective of Michigan looks like, and it's not exactly what we thought.

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    45 mins
  • Episode 695: What's new at Comerica Park, including special promotions, food menu and ballpark activities (April 12-13, 2025)

    Episode 695: What's new at Comerica Park, including special promotions, food menu and ballpark activities (April 12-13, 2025)
    Apr 15 2025
    EPISODE 695: Batter up! What's new at Comerica Park

    This weekend on "Behind the Mitten," it’s ALL about baseball — and we had a blast getting a sneak peek of what’s new at Comerica Park with the Detroit Tigers! Amy Sherman sat down with Chef Mark and Chef Maggie to talk about the incredible new food coming to the ballpark this season (spoiler: it’s delicious).

    We’ll also fill you in on the special themed weekends and giveaways the Tigers have planned — some really fun stuff you won’t want to miss if you're heading to a game this year! Plus, we met some of the awesome local Detroit restaurants bringing their flavors to the stadium.

    On top of that, John's son Zak joins us on the show to talk about what baseball means to their family. They share some Tigers predictions, and chat about their own little podcast project, Big League Dreaming. Love that they can connect over this game they all grew up with.

    Catch us every weekend on Behind the Mitten, Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and podcast. We air on 21 stations across 14 markets in Michigan, and you can listen in at any of these times:

    Saturdays:
    8 a.m. — WBRN (Big Rapids), WKMI (Kalamazoo), WILS (Lansing)
    9 a.m. — WGHN (Grand Haven)
    10 a.m. — WSJM (Benton Harbor)
    Noon — WPHM (Port Huron)
    4 p.m. — WIOS (Tawas / East Tawas)

    Sundays:
    7 a.m. — WCFX (Mt. Pleasant), WGFN (Traverse City), WMRX (Midland), WUPS (Houghton Lake), WWMK (Cheboygan)
    8 a.m. — WPHM (Port Huron)
    1 p.m. — WSGW-AM & FM (Saginaw)
    6 p.m. — WBCK-FM (Battle Creek), WOOD-AM & FM (Grand Rapids)

    And of course — you can catch us anytime on your favorite podcast app!

    More info (and adventures) at amyandgonzo.com.

    #GoTigers

    #BehindTheMitten #DetroitTigers #BaseballSeason #GoTigers
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    45 mins
  • WILS Morning Show: Amy Sherman shares what's new at Comerica Park (April 10, 2025)

    WILS Morning Show: Amy Sherman shares what's new at Comerica Park (April 10, 2025)
    Apr 11 2025
    BONUS PODCAST

    Co-host of "Behind the Mitten" Amy Sherman shares where she and Gonzo will be this weekend, and all of the fun stuff coming up to do around Da Mitt including BASEBALL!!!!

    Amy also runs down what's new at Comercia Park, and Gonzo shares info about his family baseball podcast. This segment aired on April 10 on WILS-AM in Lansing on "The WILS Morning Wake Up" show with host Mike Austin.

    Listen to Amy and Gonzo at 7:40 a.m. Thursdays on WILS-1320 AM.

    Behind the Mitten is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and podcast, celebrating 10 years of covering the great state of Michigan. Hosted by former chef/social media influencer Amy Sherman and longtime journalist John Gonzalez, the show airs on 21 radio stations and is listened to by more 200,000 listeners each weekend. The show has nearly 700 podcast episodes and is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, Spreaker and wherever you get your podcasts.

    Follow their adventures at amyandgonzo.com.
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    11 mins
  • Episode 694: Road trip show - Bay City to Frankenmuth (April 5-6, 2025)

    Episode 694: Road trip show - Bay City to Frankenmuth (April 5-6, 2025)
    Apr 7 2025
    EPISODE 694: Behind the Mitten Road Trip -- Bay City to Frankenmuth

    In this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate 10 years of exploring Michigan's Great Lakes State. They embark on a road trip from Bay City to Frankenmuth, visiting local attractions like Tummyache candy store and John's Bar. The conversation highlights the importance of community, local businesses, and upcoming festivals in Frankenmuth, including the opening of a new water park. The hosts share their love for Michigan's culture, food, and the joy of road trips.

    Segment 1: The trip begins at Tummy Ache Candy Store in Bay City, and Amy and Gonzo meet Starr Henning, who co-owns the store with her husband, Michael, and they also operate an ice cream truck called "Starshine." It's a fun first stop!

    Segment 2: Amy and Gonzo introduce you to the charmingly awesome John's Bar & Party Store located in Munger right on Hwy 15. When we say right on the highway, it's a house that is just steps from the corner of Tuscola and Munger Roads, on your way south to Frankenmuth. Owner Kellie Brown, who co-owns the bar with her mom Mary Ann, and who's parents previously owned it, welcome everyone in this unssuming house/restaurant/bar. Local beef meets that famous griddle for the perfect flavorful sear, pick your patties and toppings and Kellie will get to work like the pro that she is. Everyone here is friendly and welcoming.

    Segment 3: After their stop at John's Bar, they travel about 15 miles south to Frankenmuth to visit Amy Zehnder Grossi at Michigan on Main, which is a sister restaurant to Bavarian Inn. It's a familiar stop because Amy and Gonzo were good friends of martriarch Dorothy Zehnder, a true Michigan treasure who passed away in 2023 at age 101. As president of Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Amy Zehnder Grossi shares what's new, including the just-opened Bavarian Blast, one of Michigan's biggest water parks.

    Segment 4: The night ends with a wine and charcuterie experience at Prost! in Frankenmuth. It feels like a big-city restaurant in the Bavarian-themed village. It has a cozy fireplace and lively atmosphere.

    That completes our Bay City to Frankenmuth road trip!

    Chapters

    00:00 -- Celebrating Michigan's Great Lakes State
    01:11 -- Road Trip Adventures: Bay City to Frankenmuth
    02:55 -- Exploring Tummyache: A Candy Wonderland
    12:54 -- John's Bar: A Local Favorite
    23:08 -- Frankenmuth: A Home Away From Home
    25:45 -- Bavarian Inn: A Family Tradition
    28:56 -- Exciting New Developments: Water Park Coming Soon
    29:48 -- Festivals in Frankenmuth: Celebrating Community
    33:27 -- Prost: A Cozy Wine Bar Experience

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