23 APR 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Gonzo was able to catch up with Danny Ranville of Biere de Mac Brew Works in Mackinaw City. The last time he stopped in (March), the award-winning Fleur de Mac - a Belgian farmhouse ale that was introduced in 2020 as a collaboration with Mackinac State Historic Park - was being brewed. Unfortunately, a Mackinaw City power outage stopped production of the beer, and their was a lot of anxciety over they would have to dump the beer and start over or whether they would be able to finish the process and put it on tap.  Danny tells the story about they were able to finish the beer, which turned out just as good as the day Amy and Gonzo selected Fleur de Mas as Beer of the Year. In fact, Gonzo just tasted it this past weekend (April 22, 2024), and he reports that it is spot on. In fact, Danny was brewing another batch so the beer can be on tap this summer. Fleur de Mac comes in at 9% ABV and uses a special Belgian yeast, which yields an explosion of aromas on the nose and an extremely long dry finish. It's flawless. Taste it for yourself. Learn more about https://bieredemac.com/ Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

22 APR 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Gonzo covers Short's 20th annual Anni Party with Sales Director Kerry Lynch and good friend/Short's sales rep, Ben Darcie. Kerry and Ben say: "We're celebrating TWENTY YEARS of beer liberation with 70+ beers and ciders for your mouth-holes!" The party in Bellaire is April 26 and 27, 2024 and includes great music, big laughs with old friends, and some of the G.O.A.T.'s from the Short's vault. The pre-party begins at 8 p.m. Friday (April 26) with Reggie Smith and Joe Short's band, Braxton Hicks and the Contractions. On Saturday (April 27), the party kicks off at 11 a.m. More bands, more beer! Bands include the Bootstrap Boys, Serita's Black Rose Duo, Stonefolk, DaVeonce & the Funk Gang, Delilah DeWylde, Nick Veine, Aldrich & Co, Brett Mitchell & the Mitchfits, Crosscut Kings, and Hail your Highness. Music starts in the Pub at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Oh, and there is no admisison fee! Yes, it a free party at the pub and across the street at the outdoor band shell. Learn more: https://www.shortsbrewing.com/20party/ Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

22 APR 2024 · SEASON 6, EPISODE 16 On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Gonzo covers Short's 20th annual Anni Party, as well as Biere de Mac's Beer of the Year, Shepherd's annual Maple Syrup Festival and the popular Beer & Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain Resort. Learn more: Segment 1: https://bieredemac.com/ Segment 2:https://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/ Segment 3: https://www.crystalmountain.com/event/beerfest/ Segment 4: https://www.shortsbrewing.com/20party/ Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out. Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

20 APR 2024 · SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODE On this bonus episde of https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Amy and Gonzo talk to Chris Lopez of Black Star Farms. He is a legendary member of the tasting team room, and he is probably one of the most recognizaebale members of the Black Star team. Tucked in the rural farmland and beautiful countryside of the Leelanau Peninsula, you will find https://blackstarfarms.com/ on a unique 160-acre winery estate of the Leleenaw Peninsula. After a 15-minute drive from Traverse City along scenic M-22, a stunning vineyard welcomes you to our original flagship property, which has delighted guests since 1998. Take a trip up north and enjoy a respite in our equestrian-inspired 10-room Inn. The tasting room offers a large selection of internationally award-winning wines and spirits crafted from local fruit. The inspired culinary team will delight you with local farm-fresh cuisine at our https://blackstarfarms.com/inn/, the popular https://blackstarfarms.com/arcturos-dining-series/, or the onsite https://blackstarfarms.com/bistro-polaris/. Enjoy nature with over three miles of onsite hiking trails, multiple outdoor patios, vineyard walks, and strolls past our numerous horse paddocks. The beautiful outdoors, lakes and beaches, small quaint towns, and our team await you. You may also experience selections from our 50+ wines, cider, and spirits at our https://blackstarfarms.com/tasting/, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Traverse City among the rolling hills and spectacular views of Old Mission Peninsula. Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

20 APR 2024 · Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival April 26-28, 2024 Michigan's original maple syrup festival since 1940! Parade starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. http://www.syrupfest.org/?fbclid=IwAR3feFCOlzFIbWppw62rxKWhgkH1LpLLTxjdySzvb36xBSa1K2fwMi-U43Y In this podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman interview Mary Ann Hayes about the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, which is the original maple syrup festival in Michigan and came about in 1940, when local syrup producers gathered in a barber shop to discuss a way to sell their product. The festival is always held during the last full weekend in April. The local syrup producers place themselves throughout the village to sell syrup, candies, crème, and other treats like the ever-popular maple syrup cotton candy. The weekend offers something for everyone — carnival rides, a talent show, arts and crafts, a flea market, two parades, a petting zoo, a princess pageant, various informational displays, games, free entertainment, a pancake derby, arm wrestling, and more! Learn more at https://www.syrupfest.org/. Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

19 APR 2024 · SEASON 6, EPISODE 15 On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Amy and Gonzo attend the annual Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in Kalamazoo to talk to industry experts, learn about trends and introduce you to a Pure Michigan Pie! Segment 1: In the show's opening segment, Amy and Gonzo learn a lot about how Europeans view Michigan as a tourism destination through the eyes - and lovely accents - of Thomas Vogler, who represents Pure Michigan in Germany, and Yolanda Fletcher, our rep in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Segment 2: In the hallways of this year's conference at the Radisson Hotel, Amy and Gonzo bumped into Patty Janes ofhttps://michigancaresfortourism.com/, a 100% volunteer, 100% give-back partnership where tourism professionals come together to help restore Michigan’s historic, cultural and natural attractions. Patty introduced them to Shane Morse of the Department of Natural Resouces. As a park supervisor at Hayes State Park in Lenawee County, he has worked on a variety of projects over the years. He supervised a project at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=440&type=SPRK in Brooklyn near the Michigan International Speedway. He said DNR reps on hands were "just in awe with amount of work that is able to get done" with all the volunteers who showed up. (By the way, Cambridge is the only state park in Michigan that hosts a farmer's market. It takes places on Sundays each summer from May-October.) Segment 3: Scott Graham, executive director of the https://www.mibeer.com/, talks about the impact of Michigan's 400-plus breweries on the state's tourism industry. Michigan ranks as the No. 6 state for craft breweries in the country. Segment 4: https://gtpie.com/ debuted its Fruits of Summer Pure Michigan Pie at the conference, where attendees as well as to BTM's Amy and Gonzo got a sneak preview of it. Grand Traverse Pie Company co-owner Mike Busley tells us about all the fresh Michigan blueberries and cherries that go into the new pie, as well as the power of pie through helping families and children. The pie will go on sale May 6 at all of his stores and Meijer. (Oh, as for the pie....it's yummy. In fact, someone on the Behind the Mitten team had two slices? Can you guess who?) Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out. Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

16 APR 2024 · BEHIND THE MITTEN - MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort is South Haven's only beach front luxury resort! https://www.sleepyhollowbeach.com/index.html in South Haven combines the iconic Art Deco style with 21st century amenities such as our Olympic size heated pool, a variety of sports & recreational activities, and don’t forget our 1,000 feet of private terraced beach with direct stairwell access to magnificent Lake Michigan. Add the most spectacular sunsets on earth and you and your family are in for a once in a lifetime vacation experience! Address: 400 North Shore Drive, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Phone: 269-637-1127 Email: https://sleepyhollowbeach.com More details on https://www.facebook.com/SleepyHollowBeach and their https://www.sleepyhollowbeach.com/index.html Learn more about Behind the Mitten Destinations at https://www.amyandgonzo.com/. Lisent to the award-winning Michigan Assocation of Broadcasters show every weekends on 20+ radio stations across 14 markets in Michigan. Our affiliates https://www.amyandgonzo.com/general-5

8 APR 2024 · SEASON 6, EPISODE 14 On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Amy and special guest host Phil Tower take you to Comerica Park, which just unveiled the second largest video scoreboard in Major League Baseball. They'll tell you want to eat, drink and see at Comerica Park in 2024 as fans flock to downtown Detroit to root, root, root for the Tigers! Segment 1: Amy Sherman and Phil Tower (who is also BTM's executive producer) taste their way around the ballpark, which this season offers delicacies from some of Detroit's top-rated eateries, including Taqueria El Rey, Yum Village, Marrow, Green Dot Stables and others. Segment 2: Comerica Park Chef Mark Szubeczak stops by to tell you what's new, and offers some insider tips, too. Segment 3: Slow's Bar BQ's Brian Perrone, co founder and executive chef, talks about his love for the Tigers, and great BBQ! Listen to his story about why they are offering tasty BBQ Burrito's this season. Segment 4: Along with the incredible, new video scoreboard, fans can enjoy some great giveaways this season, especially on Saturdays. Taylor Olson, Director of Marketing for the Detroit Tigers, gives us all the details. We hope you tune in and start planning your trip to Comerica Park! Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out. Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

1 APR 2024 · SEASSON 6, EPISODE 13 On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Amy and Gonzo take you to Traverse City, which is blessed to have about 50 wineries in the region. To prepare for May, which is Wine Month in Michigan, our friends at Travere City Tourism have created https://www.traversecity.com/traverse-city-uncorked/! Our show this weekend is all about planning ahead for a great time in the Grand Traverse Bay area.  Segment 1: Traverse City "Uncorked" offers a flurry of events and fun all throughout May. We'll tell you all about it with our good friend https://www.facebook.com/trevor.tkach?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUUJxtWGQFLp2XEHeO-fCF9v0MSK-2I5B_PUUETfySHGdRSQTRqxp7uhd21XBLgiQpsW14jypsvsD2z6hRPD4NVCth5V5EyZO1OE8WRNZ2ujO2QtFKA9ch5K2evKT5wUIB36b5K5Oj1UEQncokOkzFVQvhs514Zjqc9c8lRr8pEFQgcflj0IMKd6CacipZV1U8&__tn__=-%5DK-R, who gives us the inside scoop on the digital passport that you JUST have to have for Wine Month. He also lets us in on a cool giveaway that you can get just by visiting a few wineries in the area. Trust us, it's COZY. Segment 2: To make sure you undertake TC Uncorked in the safest, most relaxed fashion possible, we are pleased as punch to have https://www.facebook.com/GrandTraverseTours?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUUJxtWGQFLp2XEHeO-fCF9v0MSK-2I5B_PUUETfySHGdRSQTRqxp7uhd21XBLgiQpsW14jypsvsD2z6hRPD4NVCth5V5EyZO1OE8WRNZ2ujO2QtFKA9ch5K2evKT5wUIB36b5K5Oj1UEQncokOkzFVQvhs514Zjqc9c8lRr8pEFQgcflj0IMKd6CacipZV1U8&__tn__=-%5DK-R join us to share just how easy it is to book a ride around either peninsula. Segment 3: Kyle Brownley of https://www.facebook.com/Chateau-Chantal-143695119031637/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUUJxtWGQFLp2XEHeO-fCF9v0MSK-2I5B_PUUETfySHGdRSQTRqxp7uhd21XBLgiQpsW14jypsvsD2z6hRPD4NVCth5V5EyZO1OE8WRNZ2ujO2QtFKA9ch5K2evKT5wUIB36b5K5Oj1UEQncokOkzFVQvhs514Zjqc9c8lRr8pEFQgcflj0IMKd6CacipZV1U8&__tn__=kK-R (Mission Point Peninsula) stops in to tell us about their plans for the spring and summer, including what new releases we should be looking forward to. Segment 4: Our hosts - Lee Lutes (Winemaking Operations) and Sherry Campbell Fenton (Managing owner) of https://www.facebook.com/blackstarfarms?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUUJxtWGQFLp2XEHeO-fCF9v0MSK-2I5B_PUUETfySHGdRSQTRqxp7uhd21XBLgiQpsW14jypsvsD2z6hRPD4NVCth5V5EyZO1OE8WRNZ2ujO2QtFKA9ch5K2evKT5wUIB36b5K5Oj1UEQncokOkzFVQvhs514Zjqc9c8lRr8pEFQgcflj0IMKd6CacipZV1U8&__tn__=-%5DK-R on the Leelanau Peninsula - also talk about new releases, but also cover the vineyard's culinary offerings year around. WOWZA. We hope you tune in and start planning for an incredible May in Traverse City. Where are we going to be next week? It has to do with baseball!!!!! Stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out! Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/

25 MAR 2024 · SEASON 6, EPISODE 12 On this weekend’s https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten -- Amy and Gonzo take you behind the scenes of a typical travel day when they have to travel from Grand Rapids to Traverse City on an assignment. They make stops in Reed City, Cadillac, Kalkaska and Kingsley. Tune in to this fantastic road trip where they find new favorites, visit old stomping grounds, and meet two excellent sales ladies. Segment 1: We can't wait to share a new place we finally visited, the https://www.facebook.com/HD-Chuckwagon-204953342904621/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZW2ZQuYfufEem1yH8qwpuYZkffU64Mk9wFLP0QTEGP5HsiX2Ii6pUa5F7WeWQgQxYp9DrFGut3kQjxJ3q7BpB71Eq-Y5FhWkeq8CAfH_d2b4zBSuEiWCA3NgqxWXfROM9V6ZW8RXfHhDXw1UpmnYifaQbxDDZPMXBL3KyyLsL_SAaZhUBBAczTNCxIqEjRC3EM&__tn__=kK-R in Reed City on US 10 just off 131. INCREDIBLE DONUTS. We mean INCREDIBLE. They are huge, they are delicious, they are ONLY $3.50. Apple fritters, iced cinnamon rolls, stuffed long johns. Plus, all their bread is homemade, Darla was awesome, and the place was jumping. Segment 2: Cadillac gets a drive-by, with stops for some great Mexican food, a visit to the Cadillac Party Lounge, which is nowhere near as wild as it sounds, and we learn about the infamous KISS Monument in Cadillac. Yes, that would be the rock band and yes, we did say monument, and yes it is in Cadillac. Segment 3: A new-to-us brewery seems to always be on our list, so this time we visit Kingsley Local Brewery, a charming spot that is clearly a community place. Thanks to Rachel Leatherman for taking care of us. While there, we got accosted by two lovely Girl Scouts from Troop 8716, Ally and Payton. You know we walked across the street and got the goods. They were enthusiastically raising money to help the Johnson family, who recently have been facing cancer. These girls were total gems, and just another example of hope for the future. Segment 4: We continue north, and stop in Kalkaska, where if you want a great fish (or sandwiches and burgers) you want to go to the https://www.facebook.com/TroutTownTavern?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZW2ZQuYfufEem1yH8qwpuYZkffU64Mk9wFLP0QTEGP5HsiX2Ii6pUa5F7WeWQgQxYp9DrFGut3kQjxJ3q7BpB71Eq-Y5FhWkeq8CAfH_d2b4zBSuEiWCA3NgqxWXfROM9V6ZW8RXfHhDXw1UpmnYifaQbxDDZPMXBL3KyyLsL_SAaZhUBBAczTNCxIqEjRC3EM&__tn__=-%5DK-R where pre-Covid they even served fresh fish and eggs for breakfast. Later in the day stop at https://www.facebook.com/KalHoLounge?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZW2ZQuYfufEem1yH8qwpuYZkffU64Mk9wFLP0QTEGP5HsiX2Ii6pUa5F7WeWQgQxYp9DrFGut3kQjxJ3q7BpB71Eq-Y5FhWkeq8CAfH_d2b4zBSuEiWCA3NgqxWXfROM9V6ZW8RXfHhDXw1UpmnYifaQbxDDZPMXBL3KyyLsL_SAaZhUBBAczTNCxIqEjRC3EM&__tn__=-%5DK-R for pizza and a little local color, which is always a good call. We'll also share where you can find the largest selection of Short's beer outside the pub, alongside some great grinders. We hope you'll join us as we hit the road this week! Who could we possibly have on the show next week? Who knows! But stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out! Follow John and Amy: Website:https://www.amyandgonzo.com/ Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten TwitterX athttps://twitter.com/BehindTheMitten Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/behindthemitten_/