Behind the Mitten

Cereal Fest, plus Calhoun County Fun 2026

Behind the Mitten Podcast May 22, 2026 Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier travel radio show and podcast with nearly 800 episodes since launching in 2015. It is co-hosted by Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez. BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - On this special podcast, they explore Calhoun County's signature event - Cereal Fest, a mainstay in the community and known for celebrating the Cereal City's history as the birthplace of the breakfast cereal industry. John and Amy feature Annie Kelley, Communications Director of the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, who talks about the upcoming (June 13) Cereal Fest. Every June, Battle Creek draws crowds from all around with tons of activities, entertainment, and of course, cereal! Best of all, the cereal is free! * Free cereal for all visitors—sit at the world's largest breakfast table and enjoy a nostalgic meal. * Live entertainment including music and performances. * Animal shows featuring exotic animals (a highlight for kids and animal lovers). * Miniature golf and bounce houses for kids, and suitable activities for adults. * Food and craft vendors showcasing local flavors and products. In addition to Cereal Fest, Annie talks about other family attractions to enjoy in the area such as Binder Park Zoo and Full Blast Water Park. Other highlights: * Cornwall's Turkeyville: A charming venue offering craft booths and delicious food, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. * Schuler's Restaurant & Pub: Enjoy hearty Michigan comfort food at this local favorite in nearby Marshall. * Station 66 Ice Cream: Located near the zoo, this retro gas station turned cafe serves incredible ice cream—ideal for ending your day on a sweet note. Visit the official website BattleCreekVisitors.org [https://riverside.com/editor/58aaccef-27e9-4044-b84a-48874c7d2821/6a1063cee1aedc09f7d472a6] for event details, schedules, and accommodations.

The St. Clair Butterfly Foundation

This special edition podcast features an incredible story that led to the creation of a unique non-profit organiztion. In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we share the inspiriation that is The St. Clair Butterfly Foundaiton. [https://www.scbf.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR0Qf5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFidWx1QWdIRHhjbG9KaFp4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl9KYGYbXOUhzQgXZZRLqAVshoavl_eFB_8jx3xOBu0ctQX_rpex8uK0fm_q_aem_JDwUPFu_4gHqnA46d7jUCg] We met with founders Chip and Lisa St. Clair recently, and learned more about this community organization. The Butterfly Foundation is a "neuroscience-based framework that strengthens how systems function under pressure." The work that the foundation undertakes works with structural systems that are already existing and in place, say a police force or a classroom, The work centers on stabilizing these envirionments, in an effort to reduce aggressive behaviors and disciplinary actions. Professionals who have been helped by their outreach are able to respond with clarity in the face of sometimes overwhelming circumstances.  Chip shared the story of his traumatic past with us, and the reasons why he and Lisa started the organization. The couple, who met when they were in high school, have been professional writers for their careers, and have been spearheading The Butterfly Foundation for 19 years. Over 40,000 people have been positively influenced by their programs and outreach, both here in Michigan and nationwide.

Amy Sherman previews our road trip show on WILS with Mike Austin (May 14, 2026)

Amy Sherman previews this weekend's show with an appearance on the Morning Wake Up on WILS [https://1320wils.com/] with host Mike Austin. Amy talks about our road trip show recorded while traveling southbound on I-75 from Mackinaw City to Indian River with stops at a cool coffee shop in former train depot and popular restaurant in the Sturgeon River Valley in Wolverine.

Mackinac Island Show 2026 (May 9-10, 2026)

Opening week on Mackinac Island! Our friends at the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau [https://www.mackinacisland.org/stay/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=726784779&gbraid=0AAAAADp_BxeBs-cAOHIKTno558Oa7J-kc&gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo2sHwLiNpyFrXwAJdo_Fr8VR7DwOhafmer8qdp7LgkrxLQ682Aw7RRoC6fQQAvD_BwE]invited us to join them on the island as they kicked off the 2026 summer season and welcomed everyone back home to Mackinac. We spent a few days enjoying the island as she reopened for business, and recorded our show at the lovely Bicycle Street Inn. [https://bicyclestreet.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17458059782&gbraid=0AAAAAorXH8o9iBbVdfSB9MMnEBlluMsTM&gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo7IxIRuCo9aCZ0T-BFVR6JC2eIQMXZ2R4V-acvS_g15XBz4Sv02gXBoC96YQAvD_BwE] We kick off the show with a new friend from a familar place. Leah Anderson, the senior marketing  manager at Mission Point Resort, [https://www.missionpoint.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1509710861&gbraid=0AAAAADMq9qAllcybwkZ46Z828Ug827WU2&gclid=CjwKCAjwwpDQBhAuEiwAa-4Wo1qxp64qMyrWeOOseiNMPmwUnhs-wwQoBNKFGezdQKMqde3L7OSqJxoCXZEQAvD_BwE] joins us. Each season brings new changes, along with all the favorites you can always find at this amazing spot. This year, Mission Point is introducing a brand new pizza oven shipped directly from Italy, and will be opening Aidorandak's Pizza on the resort grounds. Super cool is that you don't have to be a guest here to enjoy, you can stop by on your bike ride or walk and grab a slice.  Next, we meet the general manager of the Bicycle Inn, Misty Martinchek. She's been working on the island for a few years now, and shares what she likes about being here. The Bicycle Inn is conveniently located right on Main Street, across from the ferry dock. Misty let us know that their restaurant Winchester's has added a piano bar this season, which is sure to make for some rollicking nights. She also let us in on an island hot-spot, no matter your age, the Carousel Arcade, located just around the corner on Market Street.  Located right in the lobby of the Bicycle Inn is one of Mackinac Island's seven fudge shops. A tradition for decades on the island, sweet fudge is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home. We meet with owner James Faulkner, who has been working hard at his shops on the island and in Mackinaw City and TC since 2016. James is a Michigander through and through, having grown up in Onaway. We highly recommend his caramel apples at Kilwin's, take if from our source (Amy!) that they're delicious.  Finally, we reconnect with our good friend Brian Bailey. He is celebrating his 37 season on Mackinac, and couldn't wait to get back to work to get started. We discuss what it's like to get the island ready for a new season, what big changes the Pink Pony has undergone this year, including an expansion of the store and new menu iitems, and just how exciting it all is.  Every year on Mackinac Island is special, no matter the season. We feel incredibly lucky that we once again got to see her open her arms to all for another year.

Tigers, Loons, Lugnuts and Whitecaps: Our annual baseball show (May 2-3, 2026)

Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premier radio show and podcast Episode 750 Our annual baseball show! Segment 1: Gonzo and Amy talk Detroit Tigers baseball and a new season at Comerica Park. Segment 2: Matt DeVries, Director of Marketing and Entertainment and storytelling for the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, tells us what make this Midwest League team a great destination for foodies and families. Segment 3: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler, Broadcaster and Media Relations guru for the Lansing Lugnuts, is a longtime favorite of Behind the Mitten, and this weekend he talks about what makes Jackson Field such a great summer experience. Segment 4: Steve McCarthy, President of West Michigan Whitecaps, closes the show with what's new in minor league baseball, and what fans of the High-A affiliate for the Tigers can expect this summer at LMCU Ballpark.