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Over the past century Michiganders have ping-ponged between Democratic and Republican candidates for president and statewide elected positions. Home of the Reagan Democrat, bellwether for both Obama and Trump. Why is it like this, though? In this episode, a conversation about the kitchen table issues that speak to Michiganders, regardless of Party. GUEST ON THIS EPISODE: David Dulio political science professor at Oakland University Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sound engineer Mike Fotias recalls his first underground techno party, Detroit's growing warehouse rave scene, and the evolution of its sound.Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Detroit created the musical genre of techno in the early 1980s. It's not the first musical innovation to come out of the city; it enjoys part of a rich musical heritage from Detroit. So how did the history of artistry help inform the birth of techno? And how did Detroit's electronic music influence the world?  This episode was produced by Sam Beaubien.  GUEST ON THIS EPISODE: Carl Craig, Detroit musician and techno pioneer   Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last episode, we dug into the fiery foundation of the Keweenaw Peninsula. That’s right, some of Copper Country’s most beloved landscapes–and Lake Superior itself–were shaped by a 1.1 billion year old rift volcano. And On Hand listener Kate Lynnes' love of the Keweenaw runs almost as deep as that rift volcano.   GUEST:  Kate Lynnes from Muskegon Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula might not be the first spot you think of when someone says "volcano," but maybe it should be! Around 1.1 billion years ago, a rift volcano started producing massive amounts of lava. That volcano (with the help of some glaciers around 10,000 years ago) formed some of the Upper Peninsula's most iconic landscapes--including Lake Superior!  GUESTS:  Erika Vye, geosciences research scientist at the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech University Daniel Lizzadro-McPherson, geospatial research scientist at Michigan Tech University Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, we took a crash course on the history of the pasty: a savory pocket of dough filled with beef, potato, and rutabaga. The dish has become distinctly regional food in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Today, we shared the story of one particular recipe that made its way into thousands of homes, and the writer that helped make it happen. Cover image: The emerald ring gifted to writer Kathy Gibbons by the owner of Lehto's Pasties. Photo courtesy of Kathy Gibbons. GUEST: Kathy Gibbons, Traverse City-based writer Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When tourists visit the Keweenaw Peninsula two things become evident: the strong influence of Finnish immigrants on the local culture, and prevalence of pasties. But while both have been embraced as part of the local culture, they carry different, but parallel, origin stories! Today, we dig in on the Cornish origins of this iconic regional dish. GUESTS: Trisia Narhi, co-owner at Roy’s Pasties and Bakery in Houghton Roy Narhi, co-owner and baker at Roy’s Pasties and Bakery in Houghton Yvonne Lockwood, folklorist, retired curator of folklife for the Michigan State University Museum, co-founder of the Michigan Traditional Arts Program Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Superman in southeast Michigan to a Jersey Mud sundae in the Upper Peninsula, Michiganders know how to enjoy a scoop. GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE: Mary Jean Raab, Washtenaw Dairy Nate and Nova Wilson Dale Iverson Want to submit a story or a question to On Hand? Do it here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Superman ice cream feels like a force of nature in Michigan. Food and Wine Magazine recently named it the most Michigan-y ice cream flavor. But is it from here? GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE: Lilly Kraai, Hudsonville Ice Cream Mark Harvey, Archives of Michigan      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Submit your stories and questions to On Hand! Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] We're looking for: 1) Pasty stories! Is there a recipe that you grew up making, and still love to share? Or maybe you successfully completed the Keweenaw pasty trail, and lived to tell the tale? 2) Keweenaw Peninsula stories! Maybe you have an annual camping spot up there that has the absolute best views. Or maybe you’ve weathered the winter up there, and have a story of survival to share? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A couple from Muskegon, who started dating in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, shared the story behind the special rocks that became a symbol of their love.  GUESTS:  Maggie and Ben Reinhard Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many a Michigander, Petoskey stones are way more than just a cool looking rock. They’re a physical reminder of happy memories of Michigan summers past. The Petoskey shares a name with the Northern Michigan city, but their distribution–and the story they tell us about our state’s ancient history–is a lot bigger. On this episode of On Hand, we talk to a couple of rockhounding experts about everything you need to know about our state stone.  GUESTS:  Scot and Jennifer Wack, co-authors of Rockhounding: A Beginner’s Guide to Rock Hunting Around Lake Michigan and co-owners of the NorthPort Trading Post Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener shares his story about the lessons in tenderness, abundance and connection a forgotten cherry tree gave him.  GUEST: Andrew Harmon originally from Rockford, MI but spent many of his young adult years living in Grand Rapids. He now lives in Boston, MA.  Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come July, cherries are everywhere here. Sweet. Sour. Deep maroon, golden yellow and even blush pink. Michigan is the second largest grower of cherries in the nation and we're home to the National Cherry Festival. But why? In this episode we tell you the story of our favorite little stone fruit, the cherry. How did it get here? And how did Michigan become synonymous with cherries? GUESTS: Chris Reiser, president for the Peter Dougherty Society.Nikki Rothwell, 2025 Cherry Industry Person of the year and Michigan State University's extension specialist in tree fruit integrated pest management. Jim Eckerle, farmer and owner of Eckerle Farms in Leelanau County & Suttons Bay.Zach Eckerle, grandson of Jim Eckerle and future owner of Eckerle Farms. Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several of you reached out to argue for adding Lake St. Clair as a 6th Great Lake (or 5th if you count Huron and Michigan as one). On this episode, we hear about one man's love for this "heart-shaped" lake — and the song it inspired him to make. Plus, a story about life in the straits of Mackinac. LYRICS: Lake St Clair (Make Her Great) By Guy Sferlazza   In a world that rewards hate She has always been great And worth more than a billion billion billion billionaires   She surrounds us with her love How many years and still she’s young Mother Earth produced the jewel of Lake St Clair   We didn’t have to make her great She’s the heart of all these lakes See it for yourself if you dare   When the sun is coming up There’s an ocean full of love From sea to shining sea, And she is there   All the service to this land all generations the grand lake Of the sweet fresh water sea Bathed in beauty   We, the people shall decide Make it plain in broad daylight That’s a great lake that you may have never seen   We proclaimed her a great lake on this very day come out and see her here There’s no compare   In this crazy mixed up world. Take a break from the absurd find out what she’s worth Great Lake St Clair.   GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE: Guy Sferlazza, Shelby Township resident and musician Candace Smith, owner of Tours Around Michigan Cover image credit: Adam Yahya Rayes Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission Form Call us: 734-764-7840 Email us: [email protected]   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.