Episode 704: Wings of Mackinac, Fruits of Summer, Arab and Chaldean Festival, Sip and Sail Cruise (June 14-15, 2025)

Behind the Mitten - Episode 704
"Celebrating 10 years as Michigan's premier radio show and podcast."

On this episode, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman share some segements they recorded earlier in the year. It's what Amy likes to call a "Hodgepodge" show.

Segment 1: Recorded on Mackinac Island in late April, Gonzo and Amy have a fun interview with Marie Hulett, founder of the Wings of Mackinac - Butterfly Conservatory, who is joined by employee Measha Hannink. Learn more about this Mackinac Island experience at wingsofmackinac.com.

Segment 2: Recorded at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in April, John and Amy talk to PR rep Charlie Olson regarding the Fruits of Summer pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company in Traverse City. Each slice is full of Michigan grown cherries from Sayler Orchards and blueberries from True Blue Farms and topped with brown sugar crumb topping. Even the sugar and flour are proudly produced in Michigan! Learn more about the pie at gtpie.com.

Segment 3: In the middle of May, Gonzo and Amy did a whole show called Diversity is Our Strength, promoting a variety of festivals throughout the state. One interview that ran as a podcast was with Dr. Jacoub Mansour, president of the Arab and Chaldean Festival. It was such a fun interview, where Amy may, or may not, have volunteered to attend and show off her belly-dancing skills, that they decided to air the interview on the show. The Arab and Chaldean Festival festival takes place in dowtown Detroit at Hart Plaza on July 26 and 27 and is celebrating its 52nd year. The event is the largest Arab and Chaldean cultural event in North America and features everything from traditional dancing to live performances, cultural events, and plenty of delicious food. Dr. Mansour shares what to expect at this family-friendly event. Learn more at arabandchaldeanfestival.com.

You can also listen to the whole show on our diverse ethnic festivals HERE. 

Segment 4: One of Mackinac Island's hardest-working entrepreneur's is Veronica Dobrowolski, who has been involved with several businesses, including Arnold Freight Company and Sip N' Sail Cruises. In an interview recorded in early May, Gonzo and Amy interview "V" about what fans can expect on the vintage Isle Royale Queen III, a charming 81' vessel featuring multiple outdoor viewing areas and heated interior cabins, onboard restrooms, a full service interior bar & a state-of-the-art sound system. Several cruise options on the Straits of Mackinac await you at sipnsailcruises.com.

Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.