In the last episode of On Hand we theorized that ranch first collided with pizza in Michigan, and maybe even at a high school in Ann Arbor in 1992. Why not?

Well one listener, Junebug Harris, says we got it all wrong. He and his wife, Rio, were both dipping pizza - and everything else - in ranch in their high school cafeterias (Northville and Royal Oak, respectively) in the 1980s.

Here's further evidence that Michigan teenagers started the pizza/ranch trend - in the mid 1980s - probably because high school cafeteria food wasn't great, but the ranch was on point.

Junebug and Rio are musicians with a rockabilly band in southeast Michigan. Check them out!

GUESTS:


Sean "Junebug" Harris, Gen X pizza/ranch pioneer


Rio Scafone, Gen X pizza/ranch pioneer


Arrow, Gen Z pizza/ranch legacy inheritor

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

Online Submission Form

Call us: 734-764-7840

Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

In the last episode of On Hand we theorized that ranch first collided with pizza in Michigan, and maybe even at a high school in Ann Arbor in 1992. Why not?
Well one listener, Junebug Harris, says we got it all wrong. He and his wife, Rio, were both dipping pizza - and everything else - in ranch in their high school cafeterias (Northville and Royal Oak, respectively) in the 1980s.
Here's further evidence that Michigan teenagers started the pizza/ranch trend - in the mid 1980s - probably because high school cafeteria food wasn't great, but the ranch was on point.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/junebugharris/?hl=en">Junebug</a> and <a href="https://rioscafone.bandcamp.com/track/train-to-glory">Rio</a> are musicians with a rockabilly band in southeast Michigan. <a href="https://epk.rioandtherockabillyrevival.com/index.php/band-bio/">Check them out!</a>
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>
Sean "Junebug" Harris, Gen X pizza/ranch pioneer
</li>
<li>
Rio Scafone, Gen X pizza/ranch pioneer
</li>
<li>
Arrow, Gen Z pizza/ranch legacy inheritor
</li>
</ul>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Your Stories: Gen X dipped everything in ranch

There are a couple things we know for sure:

1) Michigan is the chain pizza capital of the world. 

2) Michiganders love ranch dressing and all creamy dips.

So, then, isn't it logical that the pizza-and-ranch phenomenon started in Michigan? We dip as deep as we can into this tangy question, with a crossover episode from Dough Dynasty, our limited-run series on American chain pizza history.

GUESTS:

- Wesley Taylor, ranch-with-pizza proclaimer
- Scott Wiener, NYC pizza tour leader and pizza historian
- Alex Beggs, freelance food writer
- Vicki Haber, Hidden Valley Ranch brand experience lead



Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

Online Submission Form

Call us: 734-764-7840

Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

There are a couple things we know for sure:
1) Michigan is the chain pizza capital of the world.&nbsp;
2) Michiganders love ranch dressing and all creamy dips. So, then, isn't it logical that the pizza-and-ranch phenomenon started in Michigan? We dip as deep as we can into this tangy question, with a crossover episode from <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/dough-dynasty">Dough Dynasty</a>, our limited-run series on American chain pizza history. GUESTS:
- Wesley Taylor, ranch-with-pizza proclaimer - Scott Wiener, NYC pizza tour leader and pizza historian - Alex Beggs, freelance food writer - Vicki Haber, Hidden Valley Ranch brand experience lead 
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Did ranch + pizza start in Michigan?

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 REALLY cute pictures of White Squirrel here.

GUESTS: 
John and Teri Flory, Wyoming residents
Carolyn Shalhoub, Royal Oak resident 

Want to submit a question or story to On Hand? Do it here:

Online Submission Form

Call us: 734-764-7840

Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

It turns out that black is not the only unique color you&rsquo;ll find on Michigan squirrels. We talked to John and Teri Flory about the furry neighbor they called &ldquo;White Squirrel.&rdquo; Plus, listener Carolyn Shalhoub tells us about a mischievous squirrel who tried to steal Christmas.&nbsp;&nbsp;
You can find some REALLY cute pictures of White Squirrel&nbsp;<a href="michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-12-05/your-stories-the-white-squirrel-of-wyoming">here.</a>
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>John and Teri Flory, Wyoming residents</li>
<li>Carolyn Shalhoub, Royal Oak resident&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Want to submit a question or story to On Hand? Do it here:
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a> Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Your Stories: The White Squirrel of Wyoming

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 On Hand, we go looking for black squirrels–and talk to an evolutionary biologist about why Michigan has so many. 

(Tile photo by Corey Seeman. Check out more of Corey's black squirrel photos here.) 

GUESTS: 
Brad Cosentino, Professor of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Corey Seeman, University of Michigan librarian and squirrel photographer
Jerry Wade, Detroit resident
Gabrielle Riley, Detroit resident
Kenny Stebner, Traverse City resident 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

Online Submission Form

Call us: 734-764-7840

Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Squirrels aren&rsquo;t a particularly exotic animal. The fluffy rodents are native to 49 out of 50 states. But there&rsquo;s something that makes Michigan&rsquo;s squirrels a little different&ndash;and it&rsquo;s their color. Research suggests the state is part of a kind of Great Lakes &ldquo;black squirrel belt.&rdquo; On this episode of&nbsp;On Hand, we go looking for black squirrels&ndash;and talk to an evolutionary biologist about why Michigan has so many.&nbsp;
(Tile photo by Corey Seeman. Check out more of Corey's black squirrel photos <a href="michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-12-04/black-squirrels">here</a>.)&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Brad Cosentino, Professor of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges</li>
<li>Corey Seeman, University of Michigan librarian and squirrel photographer</li>
<li>Jerry Wade, Detroit resident</li>
<li>Gabrielle Riley, Detroit resident</li>
<li>Kenny Stebner, Traverse City resident&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Why is Michigan a black squirrel hotspot?

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

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:


Online Submission Form


Call us: 734-764-7840


Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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.
<ul>
<li>More music from <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1NvpVQtJUEiiftzX1bMA49?si=ncRGlGfrRSOf8W2se5uzEg">Jamall Bufford</a>, a.k.a. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5bBEAb0OfNmdXbinRi8WXk?si=-xEIjvthRgm4H0blVAluow">Buff1</a></li>
</ul>
GUEST: Jamall Bufford, rapper and lyricist
<hr>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
</li>
<li>
Call us: 734-764-7840
</li>
<li>
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Your Stories: What rhymes with "Kalamazoo"?

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 takes us through an American musical legacy.
Here's a brief playlist of songs that mention "Kalamazoo"
Here's a brief playlist of famous uses of Gibson guitars

GUEST: Paul Russell, musician (who wrote a song called "Kalamazoo")

GUEST: John Thomas, law professor, historian, and author of Kalamazoo Gals

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Have a story about Kalamazoo's musical legacy? Do it here:


Online Submission Form


Call us: 734-764-7840


Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

EDITOR'S NOTE: In the original version of this episode of On Hand, the song "Sweet Child O' Mine" from Guns N' Roses is used as an example of a Les Paul guitar. Slash's solo, while iconic, was played on a Les Paul replica, rather than a Les Paul.

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 takes us through an American musical legacy.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ewEhp9zqBY8YYcwhk4gEH?si=1d05e403b9754227">Here's a brief playlist of songs that mention "Kalamazoo"</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4yMVbhSiWD2sXXQblyfdW7?si=bba8c5c59287469c">Here's a brief playlist of famous uses of Gibson guitars</a></li>
</ul>
GUEST: Paul Russell, musician (who wrote a song called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4mqc-oAims">Kalamazoo</a>")
GUEST: John Thomas, law professor, historian, and author of <a href="https://kalamazoogals.com/">Kalamazoo Gals</a>
<hr>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Have a story about Kalamazoo's musical legacy? Do it here:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
</li>
<li>
Call us: 734-764-7840
</li>
<li>
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>
EDITOR'S NOTE: In the original version of this episode of On Hand, the song "Sweet Child O' Mine" from Guns N' Roses is used as an example of a Les Paul guitar. Slash's solo, while iconic, <a href="https://www.musicradar.com/news/guns-n-roses-sweet-child-o-mine-song-story-slash-interview">was played on a Les Paul replica</a>, rather than a Les Paul.

Why is "Kalamazoo" in so many songs?

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, tells the story. 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
Online Submission Form
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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, tells the story.&nbsp;
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a></li>
<li>Call us: 734-764-7840</li>
<li>Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Your Stories: Meeting Bo and Woody

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 way it's shaped the players and the game. 
See archival footage of Ohio State and Michigan here
See a timeline here

GUESTS:

Michael Rosenberg, senior writer for Sports Illustrated; author of War As They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest

Tyrone Wheatley, coach for the Wayne State Warriors football team; former running back for the University of Michigan; former NFL player

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:


Online Submission Form


Call us: 734-764-7840


Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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 way it's shaped the players and the game.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/umosu/index.html">See archival footage of Ohio State and Michigan here</a></li>
<li><a href="michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-11-12/why-are-michigan-and-ohio-state-rivals">See a timeline here</a></li>
</ul>
GUESTS:
Michael Rosenberg, senior writer for Sports Illustrated; author of War As They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest
Tyrone Wheatley, coach for the Wayne State Warriors football team; former running back for the University of Michigan; former NFL player
<hr>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
</li>
<li>
Call us: 734-764-7840
</li>
<li>
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Why are Michigan and Ohio State football rivals?

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 to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
Online Submission Form
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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 to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a></li>
<li>Call us: 734-764-7840</li>
<li>Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Your Stories: A Glen Arbor Ghost

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 with the Archives of Michigan
Vic Cundiff, host of Dogman Encounters Radio

 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
Online Submission Form
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Rachel Clark, education specialist with the Archives of Michigan</li>
<li>Vic Cundiff, host of Dogman Encounters Radio</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul data-stringify-type="unordered-list" data-list-tree="true" data-indent="0" data-border="0">
<li data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0"><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions" data-stringify-link="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Online Submission Form</a></li>
<li data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">Call us:&nbsp;<a href="tel:7347647840" data-stringify-link="tel:7347647840" data-sk="tooltip_parent">734-764-7840</a></li>
<li data-stringify-indent="0" data-stringify-border="0">Email us:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:onhand@michiganpublic.org" data-stringify-link="mailto:onhand@michiganpublic.org" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu">onhand@michiganpublic.org</a></li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund" data-stringify-link="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund" data-sk="tooltip_parent">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Is the Michigan Dogman real?

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 you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund

On Hand

The Stateside Podcast is taking a summer break as producers prepare a new podcast project that's all about Michigan. You can download or stream the new Stateside On Air podcast, which is the full daily show broadcast on Michigan Public. Stay subscribed here for our relaunch at the end of summer. 

The Stateside Podcast is taking a summer break as producers prepare a new podcast project that's all about Michigan. You can download or stream the new <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stateside-on-air/id1823967218">Stateside On Air</a> podcast, which is the full daily show broadcast on Michigan Public. Stay subscribed here for our relaunch at the end of summer.&nbsp;

Do you have the stuff to be a Great Lakes lighthouse keeper?

There is something special about strawberry season in Michigan: that brief moment of the year when we trade the pale gigantic plastic clamshell berries for the sweet, deep red jewels of in-season strawberries. On this episode, Chef Abra Berens is back with a recipe that gives those summer strawberries the respect they deserve. 

GUEST: 

Abra Berens, cookbook author and culinary director at Granor Farm 

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

There is something special about strawberry season in Michigan: that brief moment of the year when we trade the pale gigantic plastic clamshell berries for the sweet, deep red jewels of in-season strawberries. On this episode, Chef Abra Berens is back with a recipe that gives those summer strawberries the respect they deserve.&nbsp;
GUEST:&nbsp;
Abra Berens, cookbook author and culinary director at Granor Farm&nbsp;
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Chef Abra Berens on what to do with your summer strawberries

Whitefish populations in the lower Great Lakes have been declining for decades. Bridge Michigan environment reporter Kelly House joined Stateside to discuss what’s threatening the iconic fish, and what could be done to save them.

GUEST:

Kelly House, Environment Reporter at Bridge Michigan

Whitefish populations in the lower Great Lakes have been declining for decades. Bridge Michigan environment reporter Kelly House joined Stateside to discuss what&rsquo;s threatening the iconic fish, and what could be done to save them.
GUEST:
Kelly House, Environment Reporter at Bridge Michigan

Could whitefish disappear from Lake Michigan and Lake Huron?

This summer, the Scripps Howard Fund gave Detroit Free Press reporter M.L. Elrick an award for his column “On Guard”, in which he publishes all manner of exposes, in the muckraking tradition. 

Back in 2009, Elrick and his colleague Jim Schaefer shared a Pulitzer prize for covering corruption in the administration of then-Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. 

Elrick is also the creator of a student journalism project called Eye on Michigan at MSU.

GUEST:

M.L. Elrick, journalist, Detroit Free Press

This summer, the Scripps Howard Fund gave Detroit Free Press reporter M.L. Elrick an award for his column &ldquo;<a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/5026771002/ml-elrick/">On Guard</a>&rdquo;, in which he publishes all manner of exposes, in the muckraking tradition.&nbsp;
Back in 2009, Elrick and his colleague Jim Schaefer shared a Pulitzer prize for covering corruption in the administration of then-Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.&nbsp;
Elrick is also the creator of a student journalism project called Eye on Michigan at MSU.
GUEST:
M.L. Elrick, journalist, Detroit Free Press

M.L. Elrick on local journalism and the state of newspapers

Marker 02

Around the world in 499 days

For a pilot, ejecting mid-flight is always a bad scenario.

Lt. Kegan "Smurf" Gill narrowly escaped from a fighter jet traveling 695 miles per hour, approaching the speed of sound. It’s the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history.

“I have a very clear linear memory, right up to the point where I pulled the ejection handle, and after that I have no linear memory,” he said about the experience. “But over the course of the years, I'd gotten a lot back in flashbacks, which were often night terrors. So maybe not the most pleasant way to remember something, but that gave me some insights into what had happened.”

A former Naval fighter pilot, Gill flew a training exercise off the East Coast in 2014 when his F/A-18 ran into trouble. His subsequent injuries, including head trauma, changed his life forever.

Gill wrote about the experience and aftermath in his new book “Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Ejection.”

For a pilot, ejecting mid-flight is always a bad scenario.
Lt. Kegan "Smurf" Gill narrowly escaped from a fighter jet traveling 695 miles per hour, approaching the speed of sound. It&rsquo;s the fastest survived ejection in naval aviation history.
&ldquo;I have a very clear linear memory, right up to the point where I pulled the ejection handle, and after that I have no linear memory,&rdquo; he said about the experience. &ldquo;But over the course of the years, I'd gotten a lot back in flashbacks, which were often night terrors. So maybe not the most pleasant way to remember something, but that gave me some insights into what had happened.&rdquo;
A former Naval fighter pilot, Gill flew a training exercise off the East Coast in 2014 when his F/A-18 ran into trouble. His subsequent injuries, including head trauma, changed his life forever.
Gill wrote about the experience and aftermath in his new book &ldquo;Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Ejection.&rdquo;

Rising from the wreckage: Kegan Gill's Phoenix Revival

Everything you hear on Stateside is made possible by listener support. Please become a member today and help keep Michigan Public strong.

In the wake of the U.S. military airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, an Iranian-American scholar at the University of Michigan-Dearborn reflects on how public perception of Iranians has evolved alongside U.S. relations with the country over the years. 

GUEST:

Camron Amin, professor of Middle East Studies and Iranian Diaspora Studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

Everything you hear on Stateside is made possible by listener support. Please <a href="https://michiganpublic.secureallegiance.com/wuom/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=MIPUBLIC&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=b1Y0FDLwbp7fXW9MXTKftW3L5BYddGq6PVAl6UEf65g%3d">become a member</a> today and help keep Michigan Public strong.
In the wake of the U.S. military airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, an Iranian-American scholar at the University of Michigan-Dearborn reflects on how public perception of Iranians has evolved alongside U.S. relations with the country over the years.&nbsp;
GUEST:
Camron Amin, professor of Middle East Studies and Iranian Diaspora Studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

How Iranian American identity has shifted with global politics

As the weather heats up in Michigan, so does the excitement of the Ann Arbor District Library's 15th annual Summer Game. We talked to AADL library director Eli Neiburger about the origins of the beloved tradition and how it's changed through the years.

If you're already a Summer Game fan, we've got a treat for you! Enter the word 'STATESIDE' as a summer game code to earn 500 points. You can also text the code to (734) 327- 4200 to be signed up for the game and start earning points.

GUEST: 

Eli Neiburger, director of the Ann Arbor District Library 

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

As the weather heats up in Michigan, so does the excitement of the Ann Arbor District Library's 15th annual Summer Game. We talked to AADL library director Eli Neiburger about the origins of the beloved tradition and how it's changed through the years.
If you're already a Summer Game fan, we've got a treat for you! Enter the word 'STATESIDE' as a summer game code to earn 500 points. You can also text the code to (734) 327- 4200 to be signed up for the game and start earning points.
GUEST:&nbsp;
Eli Neiburger, director of the Ann Arbor District Library&nbsp;
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Ann Arbor's summer reading game goes way beyond books

The Detroit Tigers are the best in baseball right now. Yes, that's right. 

GUEST:

Rogelio Castillo, Tigers beat writer and podcaster

The Detroit Tigers are the best in baseball right now. Yes, that's right.&nbsp;
GUEST:
Rogelio Castillo, Tigers beat writer and podcaster

Why are the Detroit Tigers so good?

Movement, Detroit’s long-running techno music festival made its way back to the city last month. Dynamic sounds and energetic tempos could be felt miles away from Hart Plaza as massive crowds danced their way through Memorial Day Weekend.

Headlining this year’s festival was Carl Craig, a Detroit music producer, DJ, and founder of the record label Planet E Communications. Last year, a documentary film that chronicles the artist's life, Desire: The Carl Craig Story, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. This year, the film was screened at a pre-party to the music festival, ringing in the vibrant celebration of techno.

“Most people don’t get a chance to see their lives before their eyes until a near-death experience. So I’m totally happy to see these things. These friends, family members, everyone in front of my face,” said Craig.

GUEST ON THIS EPISODE:


Carl Craig, music producer and DJ from Detroit

[Get Stateside on your phone: subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or YouTube Music today.]

Movement, Detroit&rsquo;s long-running techno music festival made its way back to the city last month. Dynamic sounds and energetic tempos could be felt miles away from Hart Plaza as massive crowds danced their way through Memorial Day Weekend.
Headlining this year&rsquo;s festival was Carl Craig, a Detroit music producer, DJ, and founder of the record label Planet E Communications. Last year, a documentary film that chronicles the artist's life, Desire: The Carl Craig Story, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. This year, the film was screened at a pre-party to the music festival, ringing in the vibrant celebration of techno.
&ldquo;Most people don&rsquo;t get a chance to see their lives before their eyes until a near-death experience. So I&rsquo;m totally happy to see these things. These friends, family members, everyone in front of my face,&rdquo; said Craig.
GUEST ON THIS EPISODE:
<ul>
<li>
Carl Craig, music producer and DJ from Detroit
</li>
</ul>
[Get Stateside on your phone: subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stateside/id575168668">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5BrzIl1aMHFqpzmCBZdyyJ">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CdkzitYcA3byWrx-fK8zJIDTA074LqO">YouTube</a>, or <a href="https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CdkzitYcA3byWrx-fK8zJIDTA074LqO">YouTube Music</a> today.]

Detroit techno artist Carl Craig celebrated in new documentary

Here you'll find an archive of our former daily Stateside podcast from Michigan Public.

Here you'll find an archive of our former daily Stateside podcast from Michigan Public.

Stateside Daily Archive

From the start of the pandemic through March 2024, more than 44-thousand [ 44,728] Michiganders died after contracting COVID-19. These losses left many surviving family members drifting, as the rest of the world seemed to pick up and move on. We tap into our nation's long history with family and community collapse, and think about addressing grief head-on.

 

From the start of the pandemic through March 2024, more than 44-thousand [ 44,728] Michiganders died after contracting COVID-19. These losses left many surviving family members drifting, as the rest of the world seemed to pick up and move on. We tap into our nation's long history with family and community collapse, and think about addressing grief head-on.
&nbsp;

Revival: How COVID changed families

Five years ago, the COVID-19 Pandemic shut doors and changed lives faster than we could learn its name. And amid uncertainty, people looked for answers, even if their searching brought consequences as serious as the virus itself. On this episode of Revival, we delve into the uncertainty that fueled the formulation of conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequences of misinformation.

GUESTS: 

Amy Simon, an associate professor of Holocaust studies and European Jewish history at Michigan State University

Melissa May Borja, associate professor of American culture at the University of Michigan and founder of the Virulent Hate Project

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

Five years ago, the COVID-19 Pandemic shut doors and changed lives faster than we could learn its name. And amid uncertainty, people looked for answers, even if their searching brought consequences as serious as the virus itself. On this episode of <a href="/podcast/stateside/2025-03-26/revival-conspiracy-theories-behind-covid-19">Revival</a>, we delve into the uncertainty that fueled the formulation of conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the consequences of misinformation.
GUESTS:&nbsp;
Amy Simon, an associate professor of Holocaust studies and European Jewish history at Michigan State University
Melissa May Borja, associate professor of American culture at the University of Michigan and founder of the <a href="https://virulenthate.org/">Virulent Hate Project</a>
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Revival: How pandemics fuel racist conspiracy theories

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of business and work. In this episode of Revival, we explore how businesses adapted during these unprecedented times

GUESTS: 

Robert Berkhofer, professor of medieval history at Western Michigan University

Jermale Eddie, former owner of Malamiah Juice Bar 

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of business and work. In this episode of Revival, we explore how businesses adapted during these unprecedented times
GUESTS:&nbsp;
Robert Berkhofer, professor of medieval history at Western Michigan University
Jermale Eddie, former owner of Malamiah Juice Bar&nbsp;
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Revival: How COVID-19 changed business and work

Everyone reacted to the isolation of the first years of COVID a little differently. But there's evidence to suggest that Americans are becoming more solitary. This type of reaction isn’t new. In fact, it can even be found across the world in 12th century Japan. On this episode of Revival, we bring you the story of a Japanese aristocrat who withdrew from the world in response to rampant disease and natural disasters. And then, we have a story of a group of neighbors in Grand Rapids who were inspired to draw toward each other during the pandemic. 

GUESTS: 

Erin Brightwell, associate professor at the University of Michigan 

Grand Rapids neighbors Rae Bunce, Dot and Cal Hekman, Karen Brown, Susan Buist, Sally Wackerly, Josh Brinks, Barb and Joe

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

Everyone reacted to the isolation of the first years of COVID a little differently. But there's evidence to suggest that Americans are becoming more solitary. This type of reaction isn&rsquo;t new. In fact, it can even be found across the world in 12th century Japan. On this episode of Revival, we bring you the story of a Japanese aristocrat who withdrew from the world in response to rampant disease and natural disasters. And then, we have a story of a group of neighbors in Grand Rapids who were inspired to draw toward each other during the pandemic.&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
Erin Brightwell, associate professor at the University of Michigan&nbsp;
Grand Rapids neighbors Rae Bunce, Dot and Cal Hekman, Karen Brown, Susan Buist, Sally Wackerly, Josh Brinks, Barb and Joe
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Revival: COVID changed how we gather

"Revival" is a Stateside special podcast series, marking five years since our state went on lockdown over the COVID-19 virus. Today we look at how COVID changed our healthcare system, and we reflect on how pandemics have historically impacted medicine in other societies.

GUESTS:

Saeed Khan, associate professor, Wayne State Unviersity

Christina Hanson, hospital nurse in Marquette

"Revival" is a Stateside special podcast series, marking five years since our state went on lockdown over the COVID-19 virus. Today we look at how COVID changed our healthcare system, and we reflect on how pandemics have historically impacted medicine in other societies.
GUESTS:
Saeed Khan, associate professor, Wayne State Unviersity
Christina Hanson, hospital nurse in Marquette

Revival: How COVID changed healthcare

Life can change in a matter of days. It’s been true throughout history, every time infectious diseases strikes. Stateside brings you a podcast special examining the changes in health care, social gatherings, disinformation, work life, and families Michiganders have been living with since 2020.

Life can change in a matter of days. It&rsquo;s been true throughout history, every time infectious diseases strikes.&nbsp;Stateside brings you a podcast special examining the changes in health care, social gatherings, disinformation, work life, and families Michiganders have been living with since 2020.

On Hand

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