On Hand
On Hand
Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special. To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand If you like what yo…Social links:
Follow the podcast:
Your Stories: The White Squirrel of Wyoming
It turns out that black is not the only unique color you’ll find on Michigan squirrels. We talked to John and Teri Flory about the furry neighbor they called “White Squirrel.” Plus, listener Carolyn Shalhoub tells us about a mischievous squirrel who tried to steal Christmas. You can find some RE…
08:32
Why is Michigan a black squirrel hotspot?
Squirrels aren’t a particularly exotic animal. The fluffy rodents are native to 49 out of 50 states. But there’s something that makes Michigan’s squirrels a little different–and it’s their color. Research suggests the state is part of a kind of Great Lakes “black squirrel belt.” On this episode of …
19:49
Your Stories: What rhymes with "Kalamazoo"?
One of the reasons the word "Kalamazoo" shows up in so many lyrics is because it's just a fun word to say. Rapper Jamall Bufford writes a freestyle around "Kalamazoo" and talks about creative writing in music. More music from Jamall Bufford, a.k.a. Buff1 GUEST: Jamall Bufford, rapper and lyricist …
08:15
Why is "Kalamazoo" in so many songs?
There are dozens of songs that are titled "Kalamazoo" and more still that mention the southwest Michigan city. It's been that way since the early days of music recording, and "Kalamazoo" continues to find its way into songs. Why, though? We dig into this question, with a multipronged answer that ta…
25:45
Your Stories: Meeting Bo and Woody
The high-intensity beef between Michigan and Ohio State is well-known as the biggest rivalry in college football. We found a story to remind us that even at the height of the conflict, the two teams' legendary coaches weren't always at war. Jeff Weiss, a Michigander who grew up in Bowling Green, te…
05:02Clean
Why are Michigan and Ohio State football rivals?
The feud between coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler shaped the way many modern fans think about The Game. But The Rivalry has been fueled by events by much earlier elements, dating back to the founding of the Western Conference in the early 1900s. We trace the history of the rivalry, and the w…
19:33
Your Stories: A Glen Arbor Ghost
In response to our episode on the Michigan Dogman, listener Linda Alice Dewey of Leelanau County wrote to us about her supernatural encounter that originated from a secluded, cemetery in Glen Arbor. The interaction resulted in a spirit driven book written by Dewey and co-authored by a ghost. Want …
06:00
Is the Michigan Dogman real?
Blissfield resident Matt Menchaca put forth this question: is the Michigan Dogman real? On this episode of On Hand we learn the history behind the Michigan Dogman and how one podcaster uses his platform to create a safe place for traumatized witnesses. GUESTS: Rachel Clark, education specialist …
25:09
Your Stories: The Banana Turn
In Michigan sometimes when we are driving and we want to turn left we have to turn right first and it turns out that quirky traffic design can help prevent car crashes. Most people call it a Michigan Left or a Michigan U-Turn. But there are some Michiganders that have another name for it: the Bana…
07:40
Why do we do the Michigan left?
In Michigan, the left turn isn’t always a left turn. At certain intersections, you find yourself doing something counterintuitive. You turn right first in order to turn left. That's the notorious Michigan Left, but why does it exist? GUESTS: Betty Nelson, 2025 School Bus Driver International Safet…
15:22