Podcast
ML Soul of Detroit
Hosted by ML Elrick · EN
News, views, inside stories -- long AND short -- all well-told.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Skubal Knows - July 28, 2026
2d ago00:44:31Tap to summarizeML Elrick's stil off enjoying the breathtaking views of Lake Como, Italy, and Shawn Windsor out in Chicagoland covering Big Ten Media Days, the mic is passed for a high-energy deep dive into Detroit Tigers fandom.Joining the show today is Detroit’s ultimate positive energy generator: Teebs! aka @skubalknows.STRAIGHT DOPE: Who is Teebs? The Backstory of a SuperfanFrom the Classroom to Comerica: Surprising to some, Teebs is a middle school gym teacher (formerly math). He brings the exact same high-octane, ultra-positive energy to his students that he brings to the front row behind the dugout.How It All Started: Born out of the quiet, social-distancing crowds of 2021, Teebs started sitting right behind the dugout. While others were booing late-career struggles, Teebs was clapping—catching the eye of Kirk Gibson, local media, and the players themselves.The Strategy: Outfitted in roughly 50 to 100 jerseys (layered up like the Michelin Man to peel them off according to the batting lineup) and packed with hand-made signs, Teebs explains how 90% of baseball is mental—and why generating good vibes for players is his primary mission.2. The Tarik Skubal Trade Talk & Union RealityParasocial or Pure Loyalty? Teebs clears up his connection to Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. From receiving game-used wristbands during Skubal’s injury rehab to exchanging dugout smiles, Teebs believes Skubal genuinely cares about Detroit and his teammates.The Trade Deadline Crunch: With the August deadline looming, Teebs gives a inside look from his dugout seat, placing the odds of Skubal re-signing in Detroit at 50/50. He discusses Skubal’s role as a union representative, the Tigers' offensive lineup needs, and sitting with the Illitch family during home games.Playoff Mentality: Why keeping Skubal gives Detroit its best shot at a deep October run right now.GEEK OF THE WEEKLeody Taveras (Baltimore Orioles): While groundskeepers tried to trap the Comerica Park squirrel properly, Taveras decided to take matters into his own hands—scooping up the squirrel with his glove and tossing it into the air. For throwing a wild animal on live TV instead of grabbing a bigger towel, Taveras takes home this week’s title.ROOM 7609Continuing ML’s theme of songs that sound better live than in the studio:Jack White – "Fell in Love with a Girl" (Live at Pine Knob, July 25): Fresh off running into Teebs at Pine Knob over the weekend, the show highlights Detroit’s modern-day rock icon. While BranDon admits to a little "Seven Nation Army" fatigue, Jack White’s live rendition of this White Stripes breakthrough hit proves why his concerts feel like a holy experience.SPONSORS & PROMOTIONSLuke Nowacki at Pinnacle Wealth Strategies (Omaic Wealth): Planning for the future, building your wealth, or funding a 529 plan for the next 17 years? Get yourself a crumb of the pie. Contact Luke Nowacki at 248-663-4748.Detroit City FC (DCFC): Head out to Keyworth Stadium for the next match or catch them on the road. Visit DetCityFC.com/tickets and use promo code SOUL for special deals on tickets.Cadieux Cafe: Feather bowling, steamed mussels, Belgian beers, and live music. Check out their full lineup at CadieuxCafe.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Wieners & Best - July 21, 2026
1w ago00:54:30Tap to summarizeUniversity of Michigan’s secrecy, the World Cup’s American moment, and why complaining after making $160 million earns you Geek of the Week.STRAIGHT DOPE:With ML Elrick vacationing in Italy, Shawn is back & joins Marc for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with the University of Michigan's refusal to release its $12 million Jenner & Block culture report and expands into a larger discussion about transparency, leadership, and why institutions often create bigger problems by trying to hide smaller ones.Check out Shawn's column here.Marc and Shawn debate whether U-M Athletic Director Warde Manuel allowed the athletic department to become too insulated, discuss the lingering fallout from the Connor Stalions and Matt Weiss scandals, and examine why delaying the report only fuels speculation.The conversation shifts to the FIFA World Cup, where both hosts celebrate the tournament's energy while questioning the politics, halftime spectacle, and America's unique role as host.They also touch on Detroit City FC's hot streak, upcoming travel, television recommendations, classic films returning to theaters, and wrap things up with a Geek of the Week that targets one very wealthy sitcom star complaining about his dream job.SponsorsLuke Nowacki – Pinnacle Wealth StrategiesCadieux CaféDetroit City FCComing Next WeekShawn heads out on the road for:Big Ten Football Media Days in ChicagoTigers road trip through Sacramento, Seattle, and San FranciscoMeanwhile, ML Elrick remains on assignment in Italy, leaving Marc to hold down the fort until the full Soul of Detroit crew reunites.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Spartan Soap Opera - July 14, 2026
2w ago01:22:34Tap to summarizeChaos and college sports go together like Shawn and surgery stories, so we invite David Harns of Spartans Illustrated to help us keep up with the latest twists at MSU, while Marc tells ML there's "nothing to see" at U-M.STRAIGHT DOPESPECIAL OFFER: Get 15% off Detroit City FC tickets by entering promo code SOUL at check out when you buy tickets at http://www.detcityfc.com. David Harns of Spartans Illustrated drops in to help sort out the mess in East Lansing -- including why Spartan athletics insiders described outgoing Athletic Director J Batt as a "total dick." Read all about it here.Batt took another job as AD at Kentucky -- but is still on the job at MSU. How is that possible? David does his best to unravel that ball of yard for ML and Marc.Legendary MSU AD Mark Hollis -- who retired in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal -- is interested in returning to East Lansing. David discusses why, and how that might work.Life at the top at MSU is a lot like a soap opera -- call it "As East Lansing Turns." First, MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz quits. Then AD J Batt takes another job. Then Guskiewicz plans to name an interim AD. Then Guskiewicz decides not to leave after all. Then Batt doesn't change his mind. Then Guskiewicz names an interim AD. Then Batt stays on the job. Make sense?ML asks David to explain Spartan Ventures, For Sparta and all the other ways money is flooding into college athletics while fans like him wonder who is REALLY running the show.Was Dusty May's decision to leave U-M the best thing to happen to Tom Izzo? David weighs in.Will Pat Fitzgerald and Spartan football win more than 3 games? David -- and Marc -- weigh in.Brian Robillard returns to hype Lawlapalooza, the annual music fest for a good cause at The Magic Bag on Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Find out more here: https://www.lawlapalooza.org/ ML watched a lot of debates last week -- so you wouldn't have to! Get his take on what he calls "Shark Week for Nerds" here.Shawn makes a surprise visit to the studio to talk about all of his surgeries -- and ruin ML's appetite. Ol' Shawner is also back on the job! Catch his latest column here.Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal: Detroit Free Press Subscription Offers, Specials, and DiscountsPlease support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on PatreonGEEK OF THE WEEKA pitcher who wants to be an all-star who is instead skipping the all star game because of "disrespect" is this week's geek.ROOM 7609Listener Kim meets Listener Paul's challenge to name a live version of a song that is better than the studio version -- and adds her own twist by booking The Killers and Johnny Marr into the New Wave suite to perform "This Charming Man." Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comOUR BENEFACTORSDebbie is our newest Soulmate! Did you know you can make one payment to support the show for a whole year? That's what Debbie did. Try it -- you just may like it!For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soulmate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroitFEEDBACKWe welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comDONATE OR SPONSOR USSupport us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!LISTEN AND LEARNFind out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCHSubscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found! When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Michigan Mystery - July 7, 2026
3w ago00:59:06Tap to summarizeOne of Detroit's most notorious crimes inspires a murder mystery set Up North. Author Bryan Gruley joins ML and Marc to explain how.STRAIGHT DOPESPECIAL OFFER: Get 15% off Detroit City FC tickets by entering promo code SOUL at check out when you buy tickets at http://www.detcityfc.com. LIMITED TIME OFFER: Our summer merchandise sale ENDS TONIGHT, TUESDAY July 7 at 8 pm. Look great while supporting the show! Get your gear here.ML is glad to be back in the studio, even after quaffing some Hoegaarden last night at one of the only bars in America where some of the patrons were cheering for Belgium in the World Cup. ML's Free Press colleague Neal Rubin "captured the spirit of the thing" in his latest column. Read it here.Bryan Gruley is a legendary Detroit News reporter who now writes mystery novels based in Northern Michigan. His new book, "River Deep," comes out today and he zooms in to tell us how the deaths of the DeLisle children influenced what is the second novel of his "Bitterfrost" series. Larry DeLisle was convicted of murdering his children when he drove the family station wagon in the Detroit River. But did he really do it? Bryan weighs in on a nearly 40-year long debate that still rages even among people who covered the case.ML says one of his favorite things about Bryan's books is trying to identify the real life events that serve as pivotal plot points. The DeLisle case is one of them in "River Deep." The Todd Bertuzzi incident was one in "Bitterfrost." ML describes how he would incorporate the Manoogian Mansion party rumor into a mystery ... if he ever gets around to writing one.Everyone seems to think they have a book in them -- and not just in the back pocket of their jeans. Bryan talks about what it takes to write a book. Aspiring authors take heed!Bryan is coming to town to talk about his books and meet fans. Check out his website http://www.bryangruley.com to find out where to meet him, as well as learn more about his work and buy some of the second-greatest swag available!Eli Wulfmeier of Leroy From the North zooms in to talk about his upcoming gig at the Cadieux Cafe. The band will be there Thursday, July 9, rocking out in the bier garten. Learn more about the band and get tickets at http://www.leroyfromthenorth.com. More information at http://www.cadieuxcafe.com Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal: Detroit Free Press Subscription Offers, Specials, and DiscountsPlease support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on PatreonGEEK OF THE WEEKFireworks after a game are a great idea -- as long as you don't fire them into the crowd. That's why Angel City FC is this week's geek.ROOM 7609Listener Bob takes on Listener Paul's challenge to name a live version of a song that is better than the studio version, pleasing Marc by booking Radiohead into the New Wave suite to perform Joy Division's "Ceremony." Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comOUR BENEFACTORSAlbuquerque Joe is our newest Soulmate! Did you know you can make one payment to support the show for a whole year? That's what Cousin Jim and new Soulmate Ryan did. Try it -- you just may like it!For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soulmate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroitFEEDBACKML and Marc tackle Bob's question about whether big or little colleges are better. We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comDONATE OR SPONSOR USSupport us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!LISTEN AND LEARNFind out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCHSubscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found! When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful! Get podcast news on Facebook at “M.L. Elrick” and InstaGram at ml_elrick and, if the @elrick account ever gets unhacked, on X.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Motel Hell - June 30, 2026
Jun 3000:59:03Tap to summarizeML Elrick and the crew dive deep into one of the most tragic, surreal, and downright chaotic chapters in Metro Detroit crime history: the 1987 Bungalow Motel shootout in Inkster.Michigan Journalism Hall of Famer and former Detroit Free Press colleague Joe Swickard breaks down his firsthand coverage and rare jailhouse interviews with a family operating on a completely distorted wavelength.STRAIGHT DOPE:The Bungalow Motel Standoff (1987): What started as two police officers serving a routine warrant for a bad check exploded into a nightmare. Alberta Easter—a manipulative con woman in severe debt—and her three fiercely loyal sons (Roy, William, and George Lemons) ambushed the police. The encounter tragically claimed the lives of three officers: Sergeant Ira Parker, Daniel Dubiel, and Clay Hoover.The Killer’s Perspective: Joe Swickard recalls sitting in a sweltering, steel-box jail cell with Roy Lemons, who spun a wild tale of "divine intervention," bullets miraculously missing him, and the devil entering the room when the police sergeant arrived.A Fatal Fantasy: Despite running out of ammo and starting a massive hours-long standoff amidst a raging thunderstorm, Alberta Easter spent her time trying to call celebrities, Motown executives, and even President Bush to negotiate her surrender. The family ultimately received natural life sentences without parole.The Shaggy Dog Story: On a lighter note, Joe Swickard shows off his "Maxwell Medallion" for being named Dog Writer of the Year, explaining a heartwarming Michigan program where incarcerated women train shelter dogs for adoption.GEEK OF THE WEEK: The guys riff on the current state of college sports, taking aim at the chaos surrounding NIL and the transfer portal, and calling out the coaches and administrators making millions while complaining about the system.ROOM 7609:The show spins an ultra-rare vinyl track from 20 years before the massacre: "Fascinating Girl" by George Lemons, released on Alberta’s failed "Gold Soul" record label. ML details how Alberta tried to scam her way into taking over a Detroit recording studio, only to flee with the equipment when the deal collapsed.Community Note: ML highlights an upcoming candlelight vigil to honor the fallen officers of the Bungalow Motel incident, as well as Officer Kenneth Woodmore. The memorial takes place on Thursday, July 2nd at 8:00 PM at the Inkster Police Department.Support the Soulmates: This episode is brought to you by our fantastic sponsors: Luke Nowacki at Pinnacle Wealth Strategies, the Cadieux Cafe (check out the summer music lineup in the beer garden!), Detroit City FC (use promo code SOUL for 15% off tickets), and Artisan Interiors.Head over to mlsouldetroit.com to grab the extended merchandise swag sale before it’s gone!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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The Love Bus - June 23, 2026
Jun 2301:15:30Tap to summarizeBus workers playing hooky for nookie expose deeper problems with Detroit's transportation agency, as Detroit's Inspector General Kamau Marable tells ML and Marc.STRAIGHT DOPESPECIAL OFFER: Get 15% off Detroit City FC tickets by entering promo code SOUL at check out when you buy tickets at http://www.detcityfc.com. LIMITED TIME OFFER: Our summer merchandise sale runs through June. 30. Look great while supporting the show! Get your gear here: https://fabricatedcustoms.com/collections/custom-apparel-for-soul-of-detroit-pre-orderWatch a Detroit bus driver and her supervisor hook up after she pulls her coach over during their shift, an incident that revealed deeper problems with the Detroit Department of Transportation. See it here.Read all about the problems in ML's latest On Guard column.The Kwame Kilpatrick scandal prompted Detroit voters to create an Inspector General to help clean up city government. Kamau Marable is Detroit's third inspector general and he joins ML and Marc to talk about the OIG's investigation into the Detroit Department of Transportation.Kamau explains why workers fooling around on a bus is just a symptom of bigger problems at DDOT. He also discusses the importance of having a watchdog people can turn to with their complaints.Kamau and ML explain why it takes so long to do an investigation, addressing one of the top criticisms of their reports on problems at DDOT.Marc asks Kamau if he has all the resources he needs to do his job. Kamau's response should concern everyone who cares about good government.ML's column on DDOT problems got an answer that Kamau and his team have been waiting on for months -- and they're not happy about it.To learn more about the Inspector General -- or to share a tip -- visit https://www.detoig.org/John Rutherford of the Cadieux Cafe drops in to reflecting on the passing of the late, great Matty Lee, who seemed to know everyone in Detroit's entertainment scene. Matty passed suddenly last week.John gives an update on his efforts to book Paulie Shore and Corey Feldman at the Cadieux. He also teases some great acts coming to the beer garden -- which has ML thinking about a possible Soul Night 2026.Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal: Detroit Free Press Subscription Offers, Specials, and DiscountsPlease support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on PatreonGEEK OF THE WEEKSorry, Tommy, ML tried to resist making Dusty May this week's geek. Come to think of it, he DID resist. Kinda. Listen and learn.ROOM 7609Listener Paul challenges you to come up with a live version of a song that is better than the studio version, and gets us started with "Rise" from Public Image Ltd. at Glastonbury 2013. Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comOUR BENEFACTORSDid you know you can make one payment to support the show for a whole year? That's what Cousin Jim and new Soulmate Ryan did. Try it -- you just may like it!For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soulmate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroitFEEDBACKML reads some of the most hilarious Facebook posts on his DDOT investigation. BTW, what's a "grib?" We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comDONATE OR SPONSOR USSupport us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!LISTEN AND LEARNFind out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCHSubscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found! When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Out of Order - June 16, 2026
Jun 1601:43:09Tap to summarizeErika Erickson makes a big splash with a story about a pool party gone wild before ML discusses the disastrous Detroit judge back on the ballot.STRAIGHT DOPESPECIAL OFFER: Get 15% off Detroit City FC tickets by entering promo code SOUL at check out when you buy tickets at http://www.detcityfc.com. Marc returns from vacation to find a full house -- Erika, ML and a lawyer trying to knock disgraced former Detroit Judge Kahlilia Davis off the ballot.Erika has been busy! After winning an Emmy for her investigation into a troubled home for girls, an ALLEGED scammer she exposed is in court and she tells us all about the crazy pool party in Birmingham where girls twerking and doing each other left neighbors feeling a bit, er, uncomfortable.ML had never heard of Swimply, the AirBnB-like service that allows you to rent a private pool. Erika says the rental has rules that were clearly ignored when way more people than expected crowded into a quiet neighborhood for a pool party that looked a lot like an episode of Girls Gone Wild. See for yourself by hitting this link.Marc cues up some classic drops from Kahlilia Davis, the 36th District Court judge who Fox 2's Rob Wolchek put in the Hall of Fame back in 2017 after he caught her goofing off when she should have been in court. Davis is back in the news because she is hoping to get elected to the Detroit court that she didn't spend much time at the first time she was elected.ML has been writing about Davis' antics for years, and attorney Ryan Hill drops in to explain why he went court to keep her off the ballot. He thought the case was closed figurately, but didn't find out until he literally closed the case that Davis was going to succeed.A funny thing happened after the judge in Hill's case convinced him to dismiss the case with prejudice -- meaning he can't bring it back if something popped up. Hill tells us about one of the most confounding cases he's ever had.From running sores to a demand for a heavy-duty toilet, Davis had all kinds of excuses for not coming to work. ML tells some of the tales -- along with revealing what she said to a woman she beefed with at a local gym.Get the latest on the Davis debacle in ML's most recent On Guard column. Just hit the link: Disgraced former Detroit judge could be back on the ballotLooking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal: Detroit Free Press Subscription Offers, Specials, and DiscountsPlease support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on PatreonGEEK OF THE WEEKSocial Security is in trouble, AI is taking over, and Congress is arguing over meaningless crap that raises your blood pressure. That's why they're this week's Geek.ROOM 7609Jerry Vile and Mr. Magoo set ML straight on the Australian bands influenced by Detroit rock before The Victims visit the New Wave suite to perform "Television Addict." Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comOUR BENEFACTORSCome hang with us! For a $500 donation, you can join us in the studio and sit in on a show. For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soulmate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroitFEEDBACKML and MSU take a lot of guff this week before ML sets the record straight on an EMU hot take from a couple weeks ago. We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comDONATE OR SPONSOR USSupport us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!LISTEN AND LEARNFind out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCHSubscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found! When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful! Get podcast news on Facebook at “M.L. Elrick” and InstaGram at ml_elrick and, if the @elrick account ever gets unhacked, on XBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Ghost Buildings of the Motor City - June 9, 2026
Jun 900:50:23Tap to summarizeDan Austin's back with us to explore the vanished history of the city's skyline, mourning the mid-century losses of landmarks like Old City Hall, the old Federal Building, and the Lafayette Building. Austin explains that post-war economic decline and the pressure to compete with modern suburban office parks drove city leaders to trade historic craftsmanship for uninspiring modern boxes.STRAIGHT DOPE: Since Marc is off sneaking a well-deserved break, we are treating our loyal listeners to a very special bonus episode.We are sitting down with Dan Austin, the grand poobah of Detroit architecture history and the mastermind behind HistoricDetroit.org. For two decades, Dan has been keeping the story of our city's skyline alive, and today, we’re digging into the great, long-lost landmarks of Detroit—the buildings that are gone, but we damn well wish were still standing.Before letting the expert talk, ML had to lay out my own Mount Rushmore of demolished Detroit classics. These weren't even knocked down by Bobby Ferguson, but if Kwame Kilpatrick had been mayor in the mid-century, Bobby probably would have taken the sledgehammer to these himself:Old City Hall (Demolished 1961): The absolute number one on the list. Sitting right where One Kennedy Square is today, it was a gorgeous Beaux-Arts twin to the old Wayne County Courthouse down Cadillac Square. It was replaced by a sunken park that became a haven for pigeons, lunch-goers, and folks the Free Press would call "unhoused."The Federal Building / Old Post Office (Demolished 1930s): Located at Shelby and Fort, this 1891 masterpiece had a beautiful, dark Gotham/Transylvania vibe, complete with water-barfing dragon downspout gargoyles. It was torn down during the WPA era to provide jobs and make way for the Levin U.S. Courthouse.Tiger Stadium & Olympia Stadium: Two cathedrals of Detroit sports history that were ultimately replaced by... a whole lot of nothing special.The Architecture Post-Mortem with Dan AustinDan brought his own historical heavy artillery to the table, breaking down why Detroit spent decades trading world-class craftsmanship for mid-century modern "ugly ass" boxes.The "Mad Men" Era Decline: Dan explains that in the 1950s and 60s, Detroit was competing with the glittering new office parks of Southfield. City leaders didn't want Detroit to look like a dead city living in the past, so they traded gorgeous chandeliers for fluorescent lighting, tearing down history just to look "new."The Majestic Building (Demolished 1962): Designed by the legendary Daniel Burnham (the genius behind Chicago’s World's Fair), this northwest corner of Michigan and Woodward landmark featured literally a football field's worth of interior marble. Mayor Louis Miriani allowed it to be leveled for an office tower and an underground parking garage.The Lafayette Building (Demolished 2009): A unique, V-shaped building designed by C. Howard Crane (the same guy who did the Fox Theatre and Olympia). Dan personally fought to get it on the National Register of Historic Places, but the city leveled it anyway out of panic over a vacant building sitting across from the newly renovated Book Cadillac.The American Motors Headquarters (Demolished 2022-2023): Down in District 7 on Plymouth Road, this towering Art Deco plant was recently clear-cut. While the new manufacturing jobs are great, Dan notes they easily could have preserved the historic facade as a shield instead of putting a giant, windowless box right against the neighborhood sidewalk.What About the Ren Center?We couldn't talk Detroit architecture without addressing the concrete elephant on the riverfront: The Renaissance Center.Dan and ML pull no punches on John Portman's 1977 fortress. While it's the most iconic fixture on our skyline, it was originally built like a concrete Death Star that sucked the economic life out of the rest of downtown Detroit (killing off buildings like the Lafayette). It’s a confounding, un-navigable mess where form definitely did not follow function.Now that GM is skating out to Warren and Dan Gilbert's new Hudson's tower, what do we do with it? You can't convert it to apartments (the windows don't open, and the plumbing is an absolute nightmare). Dan's expert verdict? If you aren't going to save all four outer towers, take the whole damn thing down and completely open up the Detroit riverfront.Geeking Out on Detroit Rock History & TriviaThe Yorba Hotel: The infamous southwest Detroit hotel immortalized by the White Stripes. It was recently shut down by the city due to severe code violations, but its prime location in Hubbard Farms means there's a strong chance it will be salvaged for proper, high-quality low-income housing.The Grande Ballroom: The holy grail of rock history and the birthplace of the MC5 and The Stooges. The church that owns it put a tarp over the collapsed roof, but with a gutted interior and a $5 million asking price just to buy the property, saving it would require a miracle—and about $40 million.The Albert Kahn "Fraud": Did Albert Kahn actually design every single detail of his iconic buildings? Short answer: No. He was a visionary who revolutionized industrial architecture, but he had a massive team—including associate architect Ernest Wilby and artist Géza Maródi (who did the heavy lifting inside the Fisher Building)—to crunch the numbers and draw the individual floorplates.Our Soul-Sustaining SponsorsThis show doesn't happen without the people who keep us coming back week after week. Please support the businesses that support the Soul of Detroit:Luke Nowacki of Pinnacle Wealth Strategies: Whether you want to talk retirement goals, secure a college savings plan, or set up a Roth IRA for your kids, Luke provides a conversational style that leaves you completely satisfied. Call or text Luke at 248-663-4748. Get yourself a crumb from the pie, and he’ll make it all about you, sweetheart.Detroit City FC: Catch Le Rouge playing at Keyworth Stadium! On June 10th at 7:30 PM, the men's team faces El Paso Locomotive FC—featuring Danny Rojas of Ted Lasso fame making his competitive return to the pitch. Head over to detcityfc.comsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Hello, Galli! - June 2, 2026
Jun 201:09:31Tap to summarizeBrad Galli left WXYZ to start his own sports reporting venture. He drops in to explain how it will work ... and to make ML, Shawn and Marc feel old.STRAIGHT DOPESPECIAL OFFER: Get 15% off Detroit City FC tickets by entering promo code SOUL at check out when you buy tickets at http://www.detcityfc.com. After 15 years of bringing you the news from Broadcast House, former WXYZ-TV sports director Brad Galli will bring you the news from his house -- or wherever the story takes him now that he has launched his own sports channel. He tells us why it was time to leave Channel 7. Brad promises -- we have it on tape! -- not to start a podcast. But the Brad Galli Show will be available on just about every other platform. You can check out and subscribe to his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@BradGalliShow Barry Sanders, Jahmyr Gibbs, Dusty May, Alan Trammel and Lou Whitaker are just some of the local sports legends Brad features as his new venture launches.Shawn is appalled that anyone would suggest he might break wind on air -- a couple weeks after going on and on about his gassy gut. Brad isn't sure how his flatulent friend would play on his new show.Appointment viewing -- when you sit down and watch the news during dinner -- is dying. Hear how Brad says he'll handle breaking news when it happens.ML says anchor jobs are overrated -- while everyone else is watching their kids' games and plays, you're stuck behind a desk or at the studio. Brad says getting to coach some of his kids' games inspired him to take a chance and create a gig that lets him enjoy being a dad more.What's more fun; sitting in a warm, dry, studio -- or being in the middle of the story? ML and Brad opine. Shawn interrupts.Marc asks whether Brad will keep going live on big sports events after the network cuts away, like when the Wolverines and Buckeyes tussled in the Horseshoe. Listen and learn Brad's plan.ML is back from Mackinac, where he got the answer to the burning question on everyone's mind: Would former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan show up at the Grand Hotel to face all the big shots who plowed beaucoup bucks into his failed campaign to be elected governor of Michigan as an independent?Democrats running for the U.S. Senate met for a debate at the Grand Hotel, but one of them didn't meet with reporters. Find out who in ML's latest "On Guard" column.Looking for a great gift for a friend, relative or even someone you don’t particularly like? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal: Detroit Free Press Subscription Offers, Specials, and DiscountsPlease support the show by becoming a Soulmate. For as little as $5 a month, you can enjoy benefits like early access to new episodes, the video version of the show, no insertion ads and access to our monthly bonus episode. Sign up here: Get more from ML Soul of Detroit on PatreonGEEK OF THE WEEKRobert Van Winkle is this week's geek, geek, baby! ROOM 7609Steve wasn't sure he nailed it, but he sure did by booking Detroit-inspired Australian band Hoodoo Gurus into the New Wave suite to perform "I Want You Back." Please send us your suggestion for a song — along with a great story — to mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comOUR BENEFACTORSCome hang with us! For a $500 donation, you can join us in the studio and sit in on a show. For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soulmate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show! Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroitFEEDBACKRobert plucks the EMU Eagles for their feel-good golf team that may be more than meets the eye, Janet wants the lowdown on which of Michigan's top Democrats may lead its top universities, and Grace suggests that "ML" stands for "Mega Lapdog." We welcome all your questions, comments – and constructive criticism – at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.comDONATE OR SPONSOR USSupport us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!LISTEN AND LEARNFind out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCHSubscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found!When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful! Get podcast news on Facebook at “M.L. Elrick” and InstaGram at ml_elrick and, if the @elrick account ever gets unhacked, on XBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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Duggan Ducks Out - May 26, 2026
May 2600:59:27Tap to summarizeMackinac politics, Mike Duggan’s surprise exit, Muskegon memories, Memorial Day reflections, and why Michigan never stops being complicated.STRAIGHT DOPE:SPECIAL OFFER: Get 15% off Detroit City FC tickets by entering promo code SOUL at check out when you buy tickets at www.detcityfc.com.ML broadcasts from an unlikely luxury retreat — his mother-in-law’s porch in Muskegon, complete with toast and tea — before heading north to the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, where politics, influence, and ambition collide on Michigan’s most famous island.The big story: Mike Duggan’s sudden exit from the governor’s race. Real ML's column about it here.Why Duggan walking away shocked Michigan political insidersThe Detroit Regional Chamber’s heavy investment in Duggan — and whether it leaves them politically exposedQuestions about polling, money, and whether Duggan simply saw numbers he couldn’t overcomeSpeculation surrounding federal scrutiny over Detroit demolition programs and whether outside pressures matteredWhy Duggan’s political instincts — and his obsession with numbers — may explain the move better than conspiracy theoriesThen comes the question Michigan power brokers are quietly asking: What’s next for Duggan? The conversation explores whether Duggan could become the next president of the University of Michigan — despite lacking the traditional academic résumé. ML argues universities increasingly need operators, fundraisers, and fire-fighters as much as scholars. The episode also wanders — as Soul of Detroit always does — through:Mackinac Conference politics and Charlie LeDuff’s absence from the islandWhy campaign money and influence remain difficult to untangle in MichiganThe Tigers’ struggles and whether fans are approaching frustration or indifferenceMuskegon’s transformation from paper-mill town to hidden Michigan gemHockey, beaches, and why west Michigan keeps surprising peopleThen the tone shifts. A Memorial Day reflection brings the conversation back to sacrifice, loss, and the lasting cost of war. ML shares a personal story connected to a family member lost in Vietnam — a reminder that Memorial Day isn’t about celebration, but remembrance. There’s also time for:Movie talk (Project Hail Mary)The strange disappointment of seeing famous landmarks in real lifeTheater nostalgiaGEEK OF THE WEEK:Coachella and it's legal threats against a local animal charity event.ROOM 7609:Howard Jones, ‘80s music memories, and the curse of aging New Wave hairstyles.OUR BENEFACTORS:Come hang with us! For a $500 donation, you can join us in the studio and sit in on a show. For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Soulmate by joining our Patreon supporters club and get perks by supporting the show!Use this link: https://www.patreon.com/MLSoulofDetroitDONATE OR SPONSOR US:Support us on Patreon or make a donation via Venmo or PayPal at mlsoulofdetroit.com. Or drop us a line at mlsoulofdetroit@gmail.com to find out how cheap and easy it is to advertise on our show!LISTEN AND LEARN:Find out more about the podcast at www.mlsoulofdetroit.com, where you’ll find previous episodes and so much more!SUBSCRIBE/SHARE/RATE/WATCHSubscribe to the podcast at iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever quality podcasts are found! When you check out the podcast, remember to rate it (even if you hate it)!!! Your endorsement is very powerful!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ml-soul-of-detroit--5780647/support.
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