“Behind the Mitten” is Michigan’s premiere travel radio show and Podcast, and it has more than 430 episodes. It is co-hosted by veteran journalist John Gonzalez and former chef/beer expert Amy Sherman. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as Best in Category.

On this week's Behind the Mitten, we start off by sharing some upcoming events around Michigan, because while summer might be half way done, there is still lots and lots of events happening.

We talk to Anne Stanton, interim executive of the National Writers Series, which just announced several shows in Traverse City. All programs will take place in person and online throughout the year. Learn more at https://nationalwritersseries.org/.

Then, Johanna Evans joins us to discuss the upcoming Traverse City Film Festival, which is July 26-31, 2022. Learn more at https://www.traversecityfilmfest.org/.

Lastly, Jeff Lobdell of Restaurant Partners talks about the current challenges of the restaurant industry across the state, but said things are settling down as everyone better understands supply issues, the lack of employees and reduced capacities. His company now has 13 restaurant brands in more than 20 locations in West Michigan and the Traverse City area. Learn more about his properties at https://4gr8food.com/.

This week's show is presented by the Great Lakes Beer Festival, which is Aug. 20 at the Dow Diamond in Midland. Learn more at https://www.greatlakesbeerfestival.com/.

This show aired July 9-10, 2022.

BTM airs:

*8 a.m. Saturdays on WBRN - 1460 AM and 107.7 FM in Big Rapids (new affiliate)

*8 a.m. Saturdays on Kalamazoo Talk Radio 1360 WKMI (new affiliate)

*8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-1320 AM in Lansing

*10 a.m. Saturdays 95.3 WBCK-FM in Battle Creek (new affiliate)

*10 a.m. Saturdays on News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM in Benton Harbor.

*1 p.m. Sundays on WSGW-AM (790) and FM (100.5) in Saginaw.

*6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM (1300) and (106.9) in Grand Rapids.

Follow John and Amy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemitten or
Twitter at @BehindTheMitten and Instagram at @BehindTheMitten_.