Episodes

  • Bells, Bricks, and Benevolence ~ The Story of Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church
    Jul 8 2025

    July 8, 2025 ~ Step inside a Detroit landmark that’s been quietly shaping the city for over 170 years—through music, mission, and a whole lot of heart. From secret architectural choices to bells that sing across neighborhoods, this episode uncovers the soulful story of a church that’s more than just stained glass and sermons. You’ll never hear East Jefferson the same way again.

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    6 mins
  • Detroit’s Forgotten Founder: The Man Behind the Motto
    Jul 1 2025
    Tuesday, July 1, 2025 ~ He coined Detroit’s motto, brought the city its first printing press, and helped found the University of Michigan—yet most Detroiters have never heard his name. Discover the remarkable story of Fr. Gabriel Richard, the priest, pioneer, and public servant who helped Detroit rise from the ashes. His legacy is everywhere… if you know where to look.
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    6 mins
  • Home Runs and Hardware: The Brooks Lumber Story
    Jun 24 2025
    5 mins
  • The Mayor Who Fought Monopolies with Potatoes
    Jun 17 2025
    June 17, 2025 ~ What do community gardens, streetcar fares, and a Civil War shoemaker have in common? A whole lot more than you'd think! In this episode, we uncover the legacy of Hazen Pingree – the man immortalized in bronze at Grand Circus Park – whose bold ideas and relentless drive helped shape the Detroit we know today.
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    5 mins
  • The Temple That Rock Built
    Jun 10 2025
    June 10, 0205 ~ What do secret ballrooms, Motown legends, and Jack White have in common? They are all a part of the history of Detroit’s Masonic Temple! This towering, mysterious monument hides stories of music, resilience, and rock ‘n’ roll salvation. Listen in to uncover how this architectural giant became the heartbeat of a city’s soul, hidden in plain sight.
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    7 mins
  • The Ballroom That Rocked Detroit
    Jun 3 2025
    June 3, 2025 ~ Step into the groove of Detroit’s past! This week on Hidden in Plain Sight, we uncover the electric history of the Grande Ballroom. From its jazz-age elegance to its rock-and-roll revolution, this iconic venue hosted legends from Chuck Berry to Jimi Hendrix, and John Coltrane to Led Zeppelin. Tune in as we explore how one building became the heartbeat of a counterculture that still echoes with rebellion today.
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    5 mins
  • The Wall That Couldn’t Divide
    May 27 2025
    May 27, 2025 ~ What happens when a wall built to divide becomes a canvas for unity? This episode traces the Birwood Wall’s transformation from a tool of segregation to a symbol of community resilience. Join us as we explore how Detroit residents turned concrete into a chronicle of courage, creativity, and change.
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    5 mins