On Hand

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: 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/podfund See 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/podfund See 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 Weiner, 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/podfund See 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: Want to submit a question or story 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/podfund See 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: 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/podfund See 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. Jamall BuffordBuff1 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/podfund See 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 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 If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See 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 hereSee 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/podfund See 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 If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See 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: Want to submit a question 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/podfund See 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/podfund See 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: 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/podfund See 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/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pop has long been the accepted Midwesternism for a sweet carbonated beverage. But could that be changing? On this episode of On Hand, we dig into the history of the pop vs. soda debate—and take a look at Michigan's linguistic preferences today. GUESTS: That’s What They Say 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/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Parker brings us a summer camp story about a childhood friend's tumble down the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The incident resulted in bloodstained shirts and an ambulance ride. Find last week's episode of On Hand here. Find Ride of Passage, a podcast about Matt Parker's journey across the country on horseback, 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/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We learned what goes into a rescue at the Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, what situations require a rescue, and how to not need one yourself. Plus, a secret hack if you want to experience the "dune drop" in a less intense way. See pictures of the old and new signage hereCheck out our handy travel map hereLearn more about the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive (and #9 Overlook) hereLearn more about the Dune Climb here GUEST: Mike Kohl, preventative search and rescue ranger 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/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chad Livengood is a Michiganian. Like... he's never going to be a "Michigander". It doesn't ring true to his ear, and his employer, The Detroit News, doesn't recognize "Michigander" in it's style guide - it prefers "Michiganian". And it's this commitment to style that landed Livengood at odds with Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Here's Chad's Off Hand story. GUEST: Chad Livengood, politics editor, The Detroit News Now we want to hear from you! Do you have a highly specific Michigan story to tell? Tell us about it! What questions do you have about Michigan? We'll investigate! Submit them here. Or drop us a voicemail, if picking up a phone doesn't freak you out: 734-647-7840 Like this kind of local content? Support Michigan Public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poll after poll shows folks in Michigan prefer to call themselves "Michiganders" rather than "Michiganian". Why, though? Why did we start calling ourselves something so strange? Are we just a bunch of Michi-geese? It all started with a slave-holding senator, his run for president, and a run-in with Abraham Lincoln. We've got the goods answering all your burning Michigan questions, beginning with our statewide identity. GUEST: Jamon Jordan, official historian, City of Detroit Now we want to hear from you! Do you hate being called a Michigander and prefer Michiganian? Tell us about it! What questions do you have about Michigan? We'll investigate! Submit them here. Or drop us a voicemail, if picking up a phone doesn't freak you out: 734-647-7840 Like this kind of local content? Support Michigan Public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team that produces Michigan Public's Stateside introduces a new podcast answering listener questions about our weird and wonderful state! Our first few episodes will answer: To submit your own questions, or share a story, fill out our handy form! To find more On Hand episodes, head to: michiganpublic.org/onhand If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.