Poll after poll shows folks in Michigan prefer to call themselves "Michiganders" rather than "Michiganian". Why, though? Why did we start calling ourselves something so strange? Are we just a bunch of Michi-geese? It all started with a slave-holding senator, his run for president, and a run-in with Abraham Lincoln. 

We've got the goods answering all your burning Michigan questions, beginning with our statewide identity. 

GUEST: Jamon Jordan, official historian, City of Detroit

Now we want to hear from you!

Do you hate being called a Michigander and prefer Michiganian? Tell us about it!

What questions do you have about Michigan? We'll investigate! Submit them here.

Or drop us a voicemail, if picking up a phone doesn't freak you out: 734-647-7840

Like this kind of local content? Support Michigan Public.

Poll after poll shows folks in Michigan prefer to call themselves "Michiganders" rather than "Michiganian". Why, though? Why did we start calling ourselves something so strange? Are we just a bunch of Michi-geese? It all started with a slave-holding senator, his run for president, and a run-in with Abraham Lincoln. We've got the goods answering all your burning Michigan questions, beginning with our statewide identity.&nbsp; GUEST: Jamon Jordan, official historian, City of Detroit Now we want to hear from you! Do you hate being called a Michigander and prefer Michiganian? <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Tell us about it!</a> What questions do you have about Michigan? We'll investigate! <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Submit them here.</a> Or drop us a voicemail, if picking up a phone doesn't freak you out: 734-647-7840 Like this kind of local content? <a href="https://michiganpublic.secureallegiance.com/wuom/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=PODCAST&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=7n6oFUxVPW20BxRi5EeOVezWDeZ%2beA1M">Support Michigan Public</a>.

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

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