On Hand

Ask 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.

West 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.

"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.

We 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.

The 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.

In 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.

If you live in Michigan, you’ve probably heard someone say the word “ope” more than once. Linguists suggest that the term dates back to the very first European immigrants in the Midwest region but how. On this episode of On Hand, we go back to where we first learned about words and speak with a language expert about the origins of “ope” and why we use it. GUESTS:  Katie Howell, Kindergarten Teacher at Buchanan Elementary School, Grand Rapids Public Schools Kindergarteners at Buchanan Elementary Betsy Sneller, Linguist at Michigan State University  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.

In the last episode of On Hand we theorized that ranch first collided with pizza in Michigan, and maybe even at a high school in Ann Arbor in 1992. Why not? Well one listener, Junebug Harris, says we got it all wrong. He and his wife, Rio, were both dipping pizza - and everything else - in ranch in their high school cafeterias (Northville and Royal Oak, respectively) in the 1980s. Here's further evidence that Michigan teenagers started the pizza/ranch trend - in the mid 1980s - probably because high school cafeteria food wasn't great, but the ranch was on point. Junebug and Rio are musicians with a rockabilly band in southeast Michigan. Check them out! GUESTS: Sean "Junebug" Harris, Gen X pizza/ranch pioneer Rio Scafone, Gen X pizza/ranch pioneer Arrow, Gen Z pizza/ranch legacy inheritor 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.

There are a couple things we know for sure: 1) Michigan is the chain pizza capital of the world.  2) Michiganders love ranch dressing and all creamy dips.So, then, isn't it logical that the pizza-and-ranch phenomenon started in Michigan? We dip as deep as we can into this tangy question, with a crossover episode from Dough Dynasty, our limited-run series on American chain pizza history.GUESTS: - Wesley Taylor, ranch-with-pizza proclaimer- Scott Wiener, NYC pizza tour leader and pizza historian- Alex Beggs, freelance food writer- Vicki Haber, Hidden Valley Ranch brand experience lead 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.

It turns out that black is not the only unique color you’ll find on Michigan squirrels. We talked to John and Teri Flory about the furry neighbor they called “White Squirrel.” Plus, listener Carolyn Shalhoub tells us about a mischievous squirrel who tried to steal Christmas.   You can find some REALLY cute pictures of White Squirrel here. GUESTS:  John and Teri Flory, Wyoming residents Carolyn Shalhoub, Royal Oak resident  Want to submit a question or story to On Hand? Do it here: Online Submission FormCall us: 734-764-7840Email 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.

Squirrels aren’t a particularly exotic animal. The fluffy rodents are native to 49 out of 50 states. But there’s something that makes Michigan’s squirrels a little different–and it’s their color. Research suggests the state is part of a kind of Great Lakes “black squirrel belt.” On this episode of On Hand, we go looking for black squirrels–and talk to an evolutionary biologist about why Michigan has so many.  (Tile photo by Corey Seeman. Check out more of Corey's black squirrel photos here.)  GUESTS:  Brad Cosentino, Professor of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges Corey Seeman, University of Michigan librarian and squirrel photographer Jerry Wade, Detroit resident Gabrielle Riley, Detroit resident Kenny Stebner, Traverse City resident  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.

One of the reasons the word "Kalamazoo" shows up in so many lyrics is because it's just a fun word to say. Rapper Jamall Bufford writes a freestyle around "Kalamazoo" and talks about creative writing in music. More music from Jamall Bufford, a.k.a. Buff1 GUEST: Jamall Bufford, rapper and lyricist 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.

There are dozens of songs that are titled "Kalamazoo" and more still that mention the southwest Michigan city. It's been that way since the early days of music recording, and "Kalamazoo" continues to find its way into songs. Why, though? We dig into this question, with a multipronged answer that takes us through an American musical legacy. Here's a brief playlist of songs that mention "Kalamazoo" Here's a brief playlist of famous uses of Gibson guitars GUEST: Paul Russell, musician (who wrote a song called "Kalamazoo") GUEST: John Thomas, law professor, historian, and author of Kalamazoo Gals Want to submit a question to On Hand? Have a story about Kalamazoo's musical legacy? 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 EDITOR'S NOTE: In the original version of this episode of On Hand, the song "Sweet Child O' Mine" from Guns N' Roses is used as an example of a Les Paul guitar. Slash's solo, while iconic, was played on a Les Paul replica, rather than a Les Paul.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high-intensity beef between Michigan and Ohio State is well-known as the biggest rivalry in college football. We found a story to remind us that even at the height of the conflict, the two teams' legendary coaches weren't always at war. Jeff Weiss, a Michigander who grew up in Bowling Green, tells the story.  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.

The feud between coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler shaped the way many modern fans think about The Game. But The Rivalry has been fueled by events by much earlier elements, dating back to the founding of the Western Conference in the early 1900s. We trace the history of the rivalry, and the way it's shaped the players and the game.  See archival footage of Ohio State and Michigan here See a timeline here GUESTS: Michael Rosenberg, senior writer for Sports Illustrated; author of War As They Knew It: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, and America in a Time of Unrest Tyrone Wheatley, coach for the Wayne State Warriors football team; former running back for the University of Michigan; former NFL player 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.

In response to our episode on the Michigan Dogman, listener Linda Alice Dewey of Leelanau County wrote to us about her supernatural encounter that originated from a secluded, cemetery in Glen Arbor. The interaction resulted in a spirit driven book written by Dewey and co-authored by a ghost. 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.

Blissfield resident Matt Menchaca put forth this question: is the Michigan Dogman real? On this episode of On Hand we learn the history behind the Michigan Dogman and how one podcaster uses his platform to create a safe place for traumatized witnesses. GUESTS:   Rachel Clark, education specialist with the Archives of Michigan Vic Cundiff, host of Dogman Encounters Radio   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.

In Michigan sometimes when we are driving and we want to turn left we have to turn right  first and it turns out that quirky traffic design can help prevent car crashes. Most people call it a Michigan Left or a Michigan U-Turn. But there are some Michiganders that have another name for it: the Banana Turn.  GUESTS & SIBBLINGS:  April Van Buren, producer for On Hand,Chris Van Buren, attorney living in New York City  Find last week's On Hand episode here.  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.

In Michigan, the left turn isn’t always a left turn. At certain intersections, you find yourself doing something counterintuitive. You turn right first in order to turn left. That's the notorious Michigan Left, but why does it exist? GUESTS: Betty Nelson, 2025 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Kirk Steudle, former head of the Michigan Department of Transportation 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.

For a lot of us, Michigan’s iconic pop brands are tied into special memories from childhood. Maybe your mom would always give you Vernor’s when you had a tummyache. Or you can still remember the Faygo ads that played during your Saturday morning cartoons. Or you have fond memories of the Towne Club pop shop. We talked to one Michigander about the role that pop played in her childhood--and why she still loves those nostalgic flavors today.  GUEST:  Bobbie Bain, lifelong metro Detroiter  Find last week's On Hand episode here.  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.