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Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden in Plain Sight

By: Cumulus Media Detroit
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About this listen

 Discover the hidden stories behind Southeast Michigan's most iconic landmarks with "Hidden in Plain Sight," hosted by Dr. Robert Livernois. Each episode uncovers fascinating backstories of places folks pass by every day, revealing the rich history and surprising tales that make these locations more than just part of the scenery. Subscribe today to learn the intriguing secrets that lie just beneath the surface of familiar sights!2025 ~ Cumulus Media Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • The Power Behind the Punch

    The Power Behind the Punch
    Oct 21 2025
    Oct. 21, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into the heart of downtown Detroit to uncover the story behind one of the city’s most powerful monuments: the Joe Louis Fist. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the 24-foot-long bronze sculpture suspended over Jefferson Avenue—a tribute to the legendary boxer known as the Brown Bomber. Commissioned by the Detroit Institute of Arts and sculpted by Robert Graham, the Fist is more than a symbol of athletic prowess; it’s a monument to justice, resilience, and Detroit’s fight against racial inequality. Tune in for a story of strength, symbolism, and the enduring legacy of a Detroit icon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 mins
  • Built to Move: The Legacy of Ford’s Piquette Plant

    Built to Move: The Legacy of Ford’s Piquette Plant
    Oct 14 2025
    Oct. 14, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois rolls back the clock to the birthplace of the Motor City’s automotive revolution: the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight. Located in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction, just a few miles up Brush Street from Ford Field, this unassuming brick building helped launch a global industry. Built in 1904, it was Ford Motor Company’s first purpose-built factory—featuring fireproofing innovations, hand-built cars, and a rooftop water tank that was ahead of its time. Today, visitors can walk the same floors where the automotive age began. Listen in for a story of invention, grit, and the Detroit spirit that changed the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 mins
  • 150 Years of Vernors: Detroit's Golden Drink

    150 Years of Vernors: Detroit's Golden Drink
    Oct 7 2025
    Oct. 7, 2025 ~ In this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we dive into the fizzy legacy of Vernors Ginger Ale, a Detroit original with roots stretching back over 150 years. While shoppers stroll past the Lululemon at Woodward and Clifford, few realize they’re standing on the site of James Vernor’s original pharmacy—where America’s oldest ginger ale was born. A Civil War veteran and pharmacist, Vernor left behind a barrel of ginger, vanilla, and spices before heading off to serve. What he returned to was a smooth, golden drink that would become a Midwest icon. From soda fountains to neon signs, and from family-run bottling plants to corporate ownership, Vernors has remained a beloved staple in Michigan. Tune in for a story of invention, nostalgia, and the sweet taste of Detroit history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    4 mins
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