Podcast
On Hand
Hosted by Michigan Public · EN
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
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Your Stories: Tales from the Coney
Mar 1300:09:50Tap to summarizeOne listener shares memories of going to Angelo's Coney Island through the pages of his journal. Also: Patti Smith's Lafayette meet-cute, and your emails. Have a story for us, or a question about oh-so-Michigan things?Bring it on! Here's our easy-to-use submission form.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Where did the coney dog come from?
Mar 600:19:43Tap to summarizeAsk 10 different Michiganders where the best coney is and you'll get 10 different answers. But where does this dog with meat sauce come from, and why do we call our diners Coney Islands? We dig into the debate about who does coney dogs best, and dig deep into the coney history. GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE: Damon Smith, coney enthusiast, TikTok and IG content creator, westside Detroiter with an opinion Katherine Yung, journalist and co-author of a book called Coney Detroit Joe Grimm, journalist and co-author of Coney Detroit Got a late-night Coney Island story? A family coney dog tradition? Want to submit a question to On Hand or a story about Michigan's political history? 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 Coney picture: Flickr user Steven Depolo/FlickrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Your Stories: Debating pot with my GOP congressman
Feb 2700:08:13Tap to summarizeWest Michiganders Kate Lynnes once ran as a Democratic candidate for Congress against GOP incumbent Rep. Vern Ehlers, in an era when the district was deep red. Lynnes and Ehlers had a fine and cordial repertoire, but during a debate their distinct positions on whether medical marijuana should be legal made their political differences glaringly obvious. GUEST ON THIS EPISODE: Kate Lynnes, west Michigan resident and former Democratic candidate for Congress Want to submit a question to On Hand or a story about Michigan's political history? 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/podfundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Is Jackson the birthplace of the Republican Party?
Feb 2000:24:53Tap to summarize"Under the oaks" of Jackson, Michigan, is a birthplace of the Republican Party. But is it THE birthplace? Ripon, Wisconsin, lays claim to the founding of the political party started by abolitionists. But the Jackson Historical Society has the receipts in favor of our Michigan community. GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE: Maurice Imhoff, president, Jackson Historical Society Linda Hass, author and vice president, Jackson Historical Society Want to submit a question to On Hand or a story about Michigan's political history? 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/podfundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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You Stories: A backyard bird buffet
Feb 1300:10:25Tap to summarizeWe recently dug into how the robin become Michigan's state bird, and why it hasn't changed in nearly 100 years. Today, we reveal the result of our state bird poll, and hear from a listener who witnessed the circle of life unfold among the bird gathering at her neighbor's backyard pond. GUESTS: Tracey Walker, West Michigander 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/podfundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Why is the Robin Michigan's state bird?
Feb 600:22:30Tap to summarizeThe American Robin is our state bird - but why? You can find Robins everywhere, including most states in the U.S. So should we reconsider our state bird and pick something more unique to Michigan? Like, say, the Kirtland's Warbler? A debate! Vote in the On Hand state bird poll here! Check out our other state symbols here Read about the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, a nonprofit devoted to protecting the species GUESTS: April Campbell, retired M.D. and bird enthusiast based in Ann Arbor Jen Owen, former director for the Michigan State Bird Observatory and center coordinator for Corey Marsh Ecological Center. Frances Heldt, archivist for the Archives of Michigan Cover photo by Lester Graham 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/podfundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Your Stories: The Michigan accent
Jan 3000:08:33Tap to summarizeIn the last episode of On Hand, we dug into why people in Michigan say “ope.” And we found that “ope” likely traces back to European immigrants who settled in the Midwest—long before Midwesternisms were ever a thing. Since then, we’ve heard from a few of you who say our Michigan way of speaking is about much more than just “ope". Today, we’re diving into the Michigan accent, in all its glory. GUESTS: Sue Merritt, a Michigander-turned-Californian-turned-Michigander again Laurie Van Ark lives in Holland, and her family’s roots in Michigan go back to 1866 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/podfundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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