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The Voice of U of M Wolverine Football talks sports and much more with his friends and contacts from nearly 50 years in broadcasting. Enjoy the stories you've never heard on "Conversations with....
With the upstart colonies of the new world flexing their muscles against their English oppressors, the United States of America was born. There were so many seminal moments during the formation of this new union, it's is hard to pick one or two events that stand at the top as the "one thing" that changed the course of history. There was so much written, battles were fought, rhetoric was hurled from either side, but it all culminated in a new nation formed out of a sense of fairness and equality for all. One of the many documents that embodies the principles that our founding fathers were determined to instill in this new nation was the Declaration of Independence. Take a trip back in history, and listen to the high ideals this upstart nation wanted to imprint on it's people so their future could sustain and deliver on its promise for a better life for all. The men who signed this Declaration put their lives on the line for this notion, and 250 years later it still stands as a beacon of freedom and liberty for all.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
In May of 1962, General Douglas MacArthur, one of the most decorated soldiers of his generation was named the Sylvanus Thayer Award winner by the United States Military Academy. The award honors those whose accomplishments and service to the national interests have exemplified the the academy's motto of "duty, honor, country." MacArthur was extremely honored by his beloved academy's honor and gave one of the most memorable acceptance speeches West Point has ever heard. In this episode, I do my best to give MacArthurs speech to the Corp it's proper respect.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
When Chad Henne, a former Michigan quarterback and multi year NFL star retired from the NFL. he took some heat in social media after his last seasons as a back up in Kansas City to Patrick Mahomes. Chad retired on top of the football world with a Super Bowl ring ending a wonderful career. I read some remarks after Chad announced the retirement that he was an average quaerterback who made a lot of money and never won much til he was a back up. Those remarks in my opinion are stupid and don't reflect the important contribution these guys provide to a championship team. Back up quarterbacks have an incredible work ethic and they are the personification of a team oriented guy. While this commentary covers my opinion on most all the back up quarterbacks in the League, it was prompted by Chad Henne's retirement and my affection for his career and commitment over his years as a solid professional.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
It was over 100 years ago when an athletic director genius and visionary named Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan had an idea. It was about intercollegiate athletics for all. One part of that plan was a massive football stadium that was far beyond the scope of anything that had been already constructed or was planned to be constructed. “Ambitious” would have been an understatement for Yosts’ plan. Yet, he believed so firmly, he saw it through. It is now an iconic venue that is recognized world wide. It is as serviceable in 2025, as it was in 1927, and will be for years to come. This is the offspring of the incredible foresight of Fielding H Yost. Dr Robert Soderstrom takes us through the process with an historic tour-de-force book, “The Big House - Fielding H. Yost, and the Building of Michigan Stadium."” Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Robert Soderstrom about Michigan Stadium.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
Bits and pieces of history that are surprising come from all aspects of historic events. For instance, Robert E Lee, the South's greatest General in the Civil War tendered a resignation letter to his president, Jefferson Davis when the war was still raging. Davis wrote Lee back and refused to accept his resignation. The rest, as they say, is history. But, to experience the anguish of Lee's letter, and the encouraging reply of Davis gives a sense of the desperate time, but also the respect both men had for each other. It's all in this episode of "The Brandy Show."
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
On September 2nd of 1945, the Emperor of Japan surrendered to the Supreme Allied commander, General Douglas MacArthur of the United States. The event took place in Tokyo Bay on the deck of the United States battleship Missouri. It marked the end of one of the bloodiest and deadliest conflicts in world history. For this occasion, MacArthur was compelled by the events that brought the war to an end to speak about the occasion, and the significance it held for the entire globe. This episode of "The Brandy Show" features both speeches as transcribed by historians who were present that day on the Missouri. MacArthur's remarks are read by the producer of this podcast, Jim Brandstatter.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
Gambling has been looking for a foothold to invade the world of professional and college sports for a very long time. You can go back to the Black Sox scandal in major league baseball way back in 1919 as an example. But now, gambling enjoys seats in the front row. It used to be available only in Vegas or shady store fronts. Now they advertise for your bets on our TV's and radio's. Gambling is a major sponsor for the games they hope people will bet on so they can make their profits from the losing bettors. The whole scenario prompted me to write this commentary back in 2023, and now you can hear it in this episode of the Brandy Show.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain is one of America's literary treasures. Not only a great writer of classics like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Twain was an essayist, humorist and wonderful speaker. He would, and could converse on just about any topic. From politics, to the arts, to literature, to journalism, to history, Twain was never boring. With an acerbic yet playful style, he played his audiences and readers like a maestro, and had them loving every word by the time he was finished. This speech to the New York Engineers Club in 1907 honoring Andrew Carnegie is an example of his talents as he takes on the English language and its sometimes confusing foundational spelling practices.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
A commentary on the fragile balance the NFL manages between its standing as the colossal giant in professional team sports, and the underbelly of its mega successful standing as a business beast. When the players that create the beast become expendable, despite their exemplary service, the business portion of the beast casts them away. Don't feel sorry for the players, they usually find their way to continued pay days, but make no mistake, business is king, the game just keeps it fed.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
Abraham Lincoln was one of two people asked to speak at the dedication of the cemetery in Gettysburg. The other speaker took more than 2 hours for his address, Lincoln's lasted a little more than two minutes. Despite the brevity of the remarks, they have lasted much longer than the other speakers by a mile. Hear the address, and the context surrounding this historical event in this episode.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
The analysis of the game doesn't do this Lions loss justice. It's more about the dashing of the dreams of a fan base. This was the year all the past was going to be forgotten...instead, more heartache and hopes put on hold again greeted the proud franchise faithful in a playoff run that wasn't.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
My take on the Matthew Stafford trade from Detroit back 4 years ago. It's an open letter to Stafford. In many ways it's a thank you note to him for his great efforts in Detroit to make the Lions a winner. Even through it didn't happen, Stafford did everything in his power to make it work. jimbrandstatter.com, The Brandy Show podcast, @jimbrandstatter (X). facebook.com/jimbrandstatter76
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
Grantland Rice takes sportswriting to another level. He brings a story about a football game to the literary world. A massive college game and four Notre Dame players achieve legendary statues in one day thanks to Rice and his beautiful description of the events that happened before him on a Saturday in October at the Polo Grounds in New York. The stadium is gone now, so are the players, so is the newspaper Rice was writing for, but the story he wrote lives on in the halls of college football history.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
If you have ever been to Michigan Stadium for a football game, it is an experience. And nothing adds to that experience more than the impressive baritone voice that greets you on the public address system every week. The booming words, "BAAAAAAND...TAKE THE FIELD!" sends shivers of excitement and anticipation up the backs of every Wolverine fan in the building. For over 50 years that voice that delivers those words has belonged to Carl Grapentine.
Carl is as much a tradition at Michigan Stadium as the winged helmet. Look, we all love the games, the coach's, players, and plays that stay in our memories forever. But, lets also be honest that the experience of Michigan Stadium is the sights and sounds of the place. The team running under the banner. The Flag being raised in the south end zone and the anthem being sung. And of course, the Marching Band charging out on the field out of the eastern tunnel and performing the M fanfare and the Victors as they march toward the north end zone. None of that is as memorable without Carl Grapentines voice taking us step by step through the performance. Imagine the stories he has after 50 plus years in the pilot's seat for Michigan Stadium's historic existence...well, let's hear some of those stories in my Conversation with...Carl Grapentine.
As you enjoy the 2024 Michigan Football season, and revel in the memory of the 2023 National Championship team, don't forget that in 1997, Michigan was also atop the college football world with a national title authored by Coach Lloyd Carr and a group of Wolverines who would settle for nothing less than perfection. Newspaper reporter Mark Snyder was in the middle of that run as the beat reporter for Michigan at one of the Detroit newspapers. Some 20 years after the title, Mark teamed up with fellow writer Nick Baumgardner to tell the definitive story of this great football team. The interesting part of this book is that the story started well before the 1997 season. Mark and Nick take your from the beginning to the end of a season to remember. This book dovetails perfectly with the 2023 National title orchestrated by Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan team. In many way, the tradition of Michigan football is evident and so very understandable when you read "Mountaintop: The Inside Story of Michigan 1997 National Title."
But, instead of me writing about the twists and turns of that Michigan Team. Instead of me telling you about the stories that didn't make the headlines, I'll let the author tell you the real "INSIDE" story in my conversation with...Mark Snyder
One of the most important lessons I learned in my athletic life came from being part of a team. The importance of working together, and focusing diverse personalities and talents to focus on a common goal has been one of the most vital lessons of my life. I learned that from team sports. My college football coach, Bo Schembechler, was a master professor and I can never repay him the lessons he taught all of us who played for him. One of those who played for Bo, and learned those lessons better than most of us was Fritz Seyferth.
Fritz was a great team mate of mine, and is still a great friend. He went on to play professional football, then moved on to athletic administration at the collegiate level, then moved on to the executive level in business at a Fortune 500 company. He has distinguished himself as a corporate consultant, and author. Fritz's latest effort as an author is a fabulous blue print for the business executive who wants to take his organization and employees and fly. It's called, "The Shift from Me to Team." But, it's not just about business. The lessons Fritz teaches work in all walks of life. I urge everyone to seek out this book, but before you do, take a few minutes and listen to Fritz talk about his team building concepts in my Conversation with...Fritz Seyferth
The city of Frankenmuth is a treasure in the State of Michigan. The village is a slice of Bavaria just outside Saginaw and north of Flint. Chicken dinners at Zehnders, the Bavarian Inn, and the and Bronners Christmas store dominate the quaint little spot amidst acres of farmland. But, tucked in with this German everyday Octoberfest is the Michigan Hero's Museum. It is probably the most unsung attraction in town, but it maybe the most impressive. Within it's walls reside exhibits that honor Michigan natives who served their country in the most patriotic way. Medal of Honor winners, to soldiers who served in some of our most instrumental victories like D Day, the Battle of the Bulge, Pearl Harbor, Fallujah, and Baghdad are honored. Michigan-born astronauts who have escaped the atmosphere and traveled to outer space are also part of the rich and incredible exhibits in the museum. It's an amazing place. Artifacts and history explode at you with every turn you take in the facility. The Executive Director of this hidden gem is John Ryder. If you want to get excited about this States hero's and the rich history of courage, bravery, and sacrifice of or native sons and daughters, have a conversation with...John Ryder
If you want to know the inside story on University of Michigan Athletics, you must listen and follow Sam Webb. The WTKA radio veteran broadcaster in Ann Arbor has built himself into an encyclopedia of Wolverine information. Whether it's football or basketball, or anything Wolverine related, Sam will give you the latest, the best, and the most accurate information. Things you want to know, and things you never knew are Sam's specialty. Over the years he has become the "GO-TO" source for all things Michigan. Not only is he Southeast Michigan's authority on the Wolverines, national radio and television shows seek him out when they want the inside story as it relates to Michigan athletics. Who better to hang out with, and have a conversation with than Sam Webb....Enjoy!
Growing up in Detroit and its challenges
Jerome's decision to turn down Michigan and Michigan State and go to Notre Dame out of high school
Those college days at ND and his record against Michigan
Getting drafted by the Rams in the NFL
Learning about the game in the NFL
The move to St Louis and the disappointment in management that had him seriously considering retirement
Getting a new start and new career in Pittsburgh
He was talked out of retiring the year the Super Bowl was in Detroit by his team mates
The magical run to the Super Bowl, and his fumble that nearly derailed it
The impact of team mates like Ben Roethlisberger and Hynes Ward on his career and final year
Going back to Notre Dame after football to complete his degree for his Mom
How he continues to help others with his own foundation that grew from his experience as a youngster in Detroit
We talk abut the current change of environment in collegiate athletics with NIL, Transfer portal, etc
Bruce talks about his impact on the Chris Weber post game story after Webers "time out" in the NCAA title game
Bruce was in the middle of the Gary Moeller to Lloyd Carr transition in football which was a dicey moment for Michigan football
The idea of a crisis manager doubling as a sports information director is appropriate in Bruce's situation
The politics of an athletic department and it's beaurocracy
Managing the always volatile Bo Schembechler in the early years with the media
His well thought out advice and counsel to players, coach's and athletes over the years have helped many
The innovations Bruce helped develop to pave the way for the technological explosion in covering cololege sport
The incredible growth of the media and it's mutation since the internet explosion and it's influence over college athletics
Radio and television impact over the years
Detroit Lions hopes in 2023
The kicking game and the NFL pressure cooker for kickers
The failure in San Francisco in the playoff that had Monte Clark praying on the sidelines
The current NFL and the improvement in the kicking game
The difference when he went to Dallas from his time in Detroit
The players he played with and their efforts to be great
The coaches he played for and their styles..what worked and what didn't
Why even take the Michigan Athletic Directors job...Hackett was retired when he accepted the position.
Comments on his predecessor, Dave Brandon
The timing of leadership
The importance of integrity
Jim Harbaugh on his radar immediately
The difficulties and requirement in hiring a Divison 1 head football coach
The nature of loyalty
Topics explored include college athletics
How playing football under Bo Schembechler aided in his progression to CEO positions
The Ford Motor Company
The automobile indistry
The emergence and future of the electric vehicle revolution
Steelcase and it's evolution when that business changed
CEO strategies and planning
The immense importance of computer chips and that industry and where it is primarily located
Gazing into the future as a CEO guiding a company into a changing and uncertain business climate
A July 7th, 2023 event to raise awareness and funds for autism at Webers Inn in Ann Arbor.
Jake Moody talks about his most pressure-packed kick in college.
Jake Moody discusses the trust between a kicker and coach.
Jake Moody talks about the practice and process a kicker must master to become one of the best in the country.
Moody talks about the draft and his conversation with the 49ers when drafted and how he was surprised by it
Xavier DeGroat talks about his reaching out to Jake to help his cause.
DeGroat talks about the trials and tribulations of growing up on the autism spectrum.
DeGroat talks about his motivation to help others on the spectrum with his foundation
The Jimmy Hoffa disappearance is still an open case
Bo Schembechler was front and center in cleaning up steroid abuse, and crooked sports agents
The messages Greg imparted on Michigan Football teams when asked to address the team by Coach Schembechler
The GM executives family kidnapping
Tracking down an armed killer near Escanaba
The Ann Arbor Veterans hospital poisoning homicide cases
The beginnings of investigating internet crimes
Today's collegiate athletics is so different than the past...something the FBI might investigate then, is accepted today
Is today's FBI as trustworthy as in the past? The agency has taken some hits, and Stejskal defends it.
Betts frankly talks about a young black man's options out of high school in the mid 1960's
The University of Michigan's unique draw that appealed to Betts, and ultimately got him to Ann Arbor
Trying to keep the dream alive of playing quarterback as a young black athlete in the mid 60's
Relating to his head coach Bo Schembechler who challenged Betts, and who Betts challenged right back
Finding compromise between protesters and the administration during contentious times
After graduation, finding a job at Michigan football as an academic counselor
Bets take on todays world of NIL and Transfer portals
We talk about the amateur boxing ranks
The life of a young boxer without any amateur experience.
The tough road of a young pro..how to schedule fights
Hanging out with world champions like Hilmer Kenty, Milton McCrory, Thomas Hearns and others
Being managed by James Toney and Jackie Kallen
A statue for Thomas Hearns
The renewal of the Kronk Gym and it's legacy
We discuss Title IX and its effects on womens athletics
We talk about her favorite players and favorite teams.
Her start at MSU and then becoming an icon at Michigan.
We talk about transgenders competing against women.
We discuss rule changes she advocated to make womens softball a better game.
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Controversial calls from big game referees and officials
Replay officials with questionable rulings
dwindling supply of sports officials
There has been so much written and said about the Name, Image, and Likeness legislation in collegiate athletics, it was high time we tried to understand it. Former Michigan player Jared Wangler, and the son of Wolverine legend John Wangler is right in the middle of the NIL explosion. As a matter of fact, he is implementing payments, and NIL deals for Michigan athletes. So what is it all about. It seems to most of us in my generation that the money is flowing freely to college athletics, and the idea of amateurism may be a thing of the past. To get to the bottom of it, and understand the nuts and bolts of the new world we live in, Jared Wangler is the perfect guest. He has landed in the NIL world on the ground floor. He's already seen it change and morph into something he's still trying to adapt and adjust to on the fly. It's a new and interesting trip into the NIL universe, enjoy the trip as we do our best to explain NIL in my Conversation with...Jared Wangler
The 2022 NFL Draft is upon us, so the last episode of season 4 of Conversations with features a chat with former Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand. Since the Lions have always been a story on draft day because of their success, or a=lack thereof, I thought Tom would be a perfect finish to this season. Lewand took over the Lions presidency after the Matt Millen era. He and GM Martin Mayhew tried to put the pieces together after that period. It wasn't as successful as Tom wanted, and while he was relieved of his duties, his story is still a remarkable rise from a student manager on the University of Michigan Football teams of Bo Schembechler, to a CEO and President of an NFL franchise and beyond that, a CEO for major corporations. A native Detroiter and lifetime Michiganian, Tom was the point man to get Ford Field built, and he is still at it in the business world as CEO of the Marygrove Conservancy. He is a fascinating guy, with a fascinating history and you can hear about all of his various triumphs and experiences in this Conversation with...Tom Lewand
Former Detroit Tiger Dave Rozema was one of my favorite Tigers of all time. He is a Grand Rapids Michigan native, who wound up playing for his home state team, and a world champion to boot. David was part of a group of players like Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Jack Morris, Dan Petry, and Lance Parrish who formed the nucleus of the 1984 wire to wire World Series champs of the Tigers and Sparky Anderson. He was also a free spirit. As fun loving as they come, Dave was a great interview as a player, and had a ring side seat at one of the most exciting and successful eras in Tiger history. He also was a running mate of the late and great Mark Fidrych when "The Bird" dominated Major League Baseball. Dave talks about it all, and where todays game stacks up with his era in my conversation with....Dave Rozema.
Elaine Crosby is one of the University of Michigan's finest student athletes. During her years at Michigan she began as a tennis player but, switched to golf in mid stream, and became an All American and moved on to the LPGA tour. It's an incredible testament to her determination and talent to pull that off but she did! She became one of the most popular regulars on the fledgling LPGA tour, and then was instrumental in the formation of the LPGA legends tour. She is still a tough competitor and excellent golfer to this very day. A Jackson Michigan native, she never lost touch with Jackson and her Michigan roots. When golf started winding down, she took on the roll of education administrator in her home town. As the president of famed Jackson Lumen Christi High School she guided the students and staff into the 21st century with steady, solid leadership that fit the values and mission of Lumen Christi perfectly. A member of Michigan's Hall of Honor, and the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame, Elaine is also a good friend. She also is also a fascinating story, so sit back and enjoy my Conversation with...Elaine Crosby
The Brandy Show's wide ranging discussion about our beloved Detroit Lions continues with Part 2 of our Conversation with Bill Keenist, retired long time front office staff member with the Lions. In this second part of our chat, we delve a little more deeply into one of the more difficult era's in Lions history, the Matt Millen era. Why Matt's hiring didn't work is up to debate, but it is clearly a period of history for the Lions that is a lightning rod for fans and NFL pundits. Bill Keenist was in the middle of it all. So enjoy this chat about the Millen era and much more in part 2 of my Conversation with...Bill Keenist.
As we get ready for another Super Bowl that does not include our beloved Detroit Lions, I thought we ought to have a conversation about them. During the Super Bowl era, a good friend, and exceptional executive worked for the Lions in just about every capacity. His name is Bill Keenist. He was behind the scenes and in the war room for drafts, for coach's hirings and firings. He was in the know when the change came at the general managers position. When the players needed help, or advice, or a shoulder to cry on, Bill was there. He was so highly thought of around the NFL executive offices, that the League tabbed him to come and work Super Bowls in their media operation. So while the Lions haven't been to the Super Bowl, Bill has been to many. He has seen it all during the more than 30 years he spent in the Lions front office. We agreed that we could talk for hours about the Lions and their mistakes, their triumphs, their tragedies, and everything in between, so we did. We talked so long, we had enough material for two podcasts. It's a Brandy Show first! So sit back and settle in for a behind the scenes look at your Detroit Lions during the past 30 odd years in Part 1 of my Conversation with Bill Keenist.
In Football, officiating is so important to every game, and in big games it seems to be magnified. For that matter, in any game, the officials and their handling of events can be massive. It is the hope of everyone that the officiating goes un-noticed and doesn't impact the outcome. To discuss officiating, and the incredibly difficult job it is, and who in the world would want to put themselves in that position, I called on my friend Dick Honig for this episode of "Conversations With." Dick is now retired, but during his career he saw it all. Most of his time he spent in the Big Ten, and what a time it was! Enjoy the art of officiating, it's ups and downs and responsibilities with Dick Honig, in this episode of Conversations with...
In our last episode of the 2020 season, we spend some some time with Greg Kinney. Who is Greg Kinney you ask? Well, he's the keeper of the keys to the incredible vault of University of Michigan Football history at the Bentley Historical Library in Ann Arbor. With such a rich and legendary tradition at Michigan, Kinney has researched and archived some amazing documents from over a century ago. It brings to life the likes of Yost, Crisler, Kipke, Oosterbaan, Schembechler and more. These records weren't exactly easy to discover given the Athletic Departments ever decreasing capacity to store these treasures and the lack of personnel to organize them. Enter Greg Kinney and his staff, who even searched old coal bins to find some artifacts that were museum worthy. In addition, Greg has gone digital, and this past year added 20 years of the old "Michigan Replay" show with Bo Schembechler, Gary Moeller, Loyd Carr and yours truly to the list of items you can experience as part of the Bentley Library collection. Take a walk down memory lane with the archivist of all things Michigan Athletics in this Conversation with...Greg Kinney
Enjoy my Conversations with one of Michigan's most versatile and popular media personalities. Michael Patrick Shiels is currently the host of Michigan's Big Show, a morning drive radio standard that is syndicated across the State to tremendous ratings and success. But, Shiels current vehicle doesn't scratch the surface of his incredible journey. He started his career as a fresh faced young producer for the great JP McCarthy at WJR radio, and since then, he has grown into an author, a friend of Presidents and Award winning national broadcasters. He's a travel writer, a biographer, a golf historian, a cigar expert and, by the way, he has run with the bulls in Pamplona. His story is an amazing journey and you can come along for the trip in this episode of Conversations with...Michael Patrick Shiels.
Enjoy a chat with one of the most interesting and polarizing sports figures in Detroit in many years. Matt Millen came from the broadcast booth, after a spectacular football career that featured Super Bowl wins, to run the Detroit Lions. He was going to bring the Lions back to greatness...well, that never happened, and his tenure became a turmoil in Detroit that ended with Matt's firing. Despite all that, he is a fascinating sports figure. His life story is remarkable. He is a heart transplant recipient. He is back to the national level as a broadcaster. He is a master woodworker. His football history includes the likes of Joe Paterno, John Madden, Marcus Allen and many more. He is also a really good guy. If you find yourself around him, you find yourself liking him. Enjoy this amazing personal story in my Conversation with...Matt Millen
One of the great voices in Detroit joins us in this episode and walk down memory lane recalling his fabulous Hall of Fame broadcast career. Very simply, Dick Purtan set a standard in morning drive talk/entertainment radio that is impossible to quantify. Dick's instincts, and idea's about morning radio were innovative and way ahead of their time. He blazed a trail that hundreds of future morning drive hosts tried to copy, but Purtan's talent couldn't be matched. He was so good,...well, I don't need to tell you because you can listen for yourself,....he hasn't lost a step. He is still going strong, even in retirement, as you can hear in this Conversation with...Dick Purtan.
One of the most celebrated running backs in Michigan Football history is Jamie Morris. In a football program that has a reputation as a rush first, pass second offense, Jamie is the classic example. He's still very prominent in the record books too. He's the Maize and Blue's fourth all time leading rusher, and in 1987, he had ten games of 100 yards or more on the ground which is still a Michigan record. He averaged over 141 yards per game that season to boot. Jamie remains a Wolverine favorite as a radio host on WTKA in Ann Arbor. He was small in stature, under 5 foot 10, but he was, and is, big in personality and performance. His relationship with Bo Schembechler and Michigan football are all on display in this Conversation with...Jamie Morris.
Remember Michigan Replay? Some called it the Bo Show, Michigan Football's coaches show? Well, this Conversation with....is a walk down memory lane with Bob Lipson. He was the only executive producer of the show in its more than 30 year run. It's all the inside stuff through the years about the iconic TV production. Go behind the curtain and listen to the stories you never heard about Bo, Mo, Lloyd, and even me, on Conversations with...Bob Lipson!
His name is Tim Kiska. He’s a professor of journalism and screen studies at Wayne State. He has a PHD in history from Wayne State, but more importantly, he is a treasure trove of knowledge of Detroit’s political and media history. From Roman Gribbs, to Coleman Young, to Kwame Kilpatrick he’s got the inside scoop. Are newspapers dying, or are they entering another age of growth? Is journalism dead, or are we entering a new golden age? What about local TV and Radio news and personalities…where have they gone? Tim Kiska has all the answers, and he is my guest for the newest episode of Conversations with…
Detroit Red Wings hockey legend Mickey Redmond is a great story teller, a great player, and a legendary Detroit broadcaster. Red Wings games without Mickey just aren't the same. Hear tales of Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, the Russian Five, Scotty Bowman, and many more from the man who has seen it all first hand in a career that spans 50 years in Conversations with...Mickey Redmond.
A chat with a Michigan Football icon. Jerry Hanlon came to Michigan with Bo Schembechler in 1969. He has never left. Considered one of the finest offensive line coaches ever, Jerry's knowledge of Michigan football is unparalleled. His opinions about how the game has changed and where the game is going are "to the point" and passionate. Want to know about college football? Listen to Jerry Hanlon!
She is a top talent in the newspaper business.... the beat writer for University of Michigan Football.... an Ohio native, and wanted to be in the newspaper business since she can remember. She is a friend and fun to be around. She knows her stuff as well as anyone on the inside of Wolverine nation! Angelique Chengelis is a good listen. Follow her from growing up in Cincinnati to her position as a leader in sports reporting in Detroit, and all points in between.
Dan Petry is one of the integral members of the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers. He and Jack Morris, now in the Hall of Fame, were 1 and 2 on the Tigers pitching staff of Sparky Anderson's world champs. It was a magical season for Petry and the Tigers, and he remembers it like it was yesterday, including the incredible 35-5 start that blew the rest of the American League out of the water by early June of that year. Dan is now part of the Tigers broadcast team on Fox Sports Detroit. Even though he is a California native, he has made Detroit his home and even has a son who is playing in the National Hockey League. Quite simply, Dan Petry is one of the nicest sports superstars in this community. He is a wealth of baseball and Detroit Tigers' knowledge. He has a wonderful historical perspective on the franchise and the great names he played with. Join us for some baseball chat, on Conversation with….Dan Petry
Michigan State’s NCAA basketball Title in 1979 put the MSU basketball program on the map. It has never left its stature as a national power since then. One of the real building blocks of that dynamic was Greg Kelser. A Detroit Henry Ford High School grad, he joined MSU two years before Earvin Magic Johnson became a Spartan. Greg was the guiding force as the veteran player on that championship team.
He was front and center in the title game against Larry Bird that changed college basketball…and became the first-round pick of the Detroit Pistons and enjoyed an NBA career. He played for Gus, Judd, Dickie V, Lenny Wilkins, and others, and he talks about his incredible career which now includes his duties as the analyst for Pistons TV broadcasts in this Conversation With Greg Kelser.
Detroit Lions Coach Don Clemons came to Detroit back in 1955 when Darryl Rogers was named head coach. For the next 27 years, “Clem” stayed on the Lions staff (until 2012), through nine head coaches, numerous frustrations, and great triumphs, in a career he wouldn’t trade for the world.
And, he’s still at it…coaching American Football in Europe, and at a division 3 college in Pennsylvania. You’d think after 27 years on the NFL, those jobs would be a step-down. But not for Don Clemons…it’s a game he loves and a profession he can’t get enough of. He’s the perfect guest to discuss all things football, especially the Detroit Lions. Enjoy my Conversation With Don Clemons.
Lomas Brown is now the radio analyst for the Detroit Lions games, which by the way, was my job for 31 years before Lomas took over. That notwithstanding, Lomas and I are still good friends. He was a Lions offensive tackle for 18 seasons with the NFL — including 12 in Detroit, and he was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl XXXVII Champion team.
Lomas and I talk about the long-suffering Detroit Lions fans who have been waiting since 1957 for a championship from their beloved Lions and gives his thoughts on why it hasn’t happened, his career with the Lions & Browns and more, in a revealing Conversation With Lomas Brown.
Athletics can teach so many lessons. Teamwork and discipline are just two aspects of sports that manifest themselves, but, there are a lot more. Fergus Connolly has worked in hi-level athletics his entire life. He has been involved in major league soccer around the world and worked with Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh in the NFL and at the U of M.
Connolly’s passion is performance and how to improve it. He is so passionate he wrote a book called 59 Lessons. Taking his experience from coaches, players, and the dynamics he’s observed from the very best performers at their games, Fergus gives anyone interested a roadmap on how to approach life and athletics. We learn a lot from these lessons and you can too in Conversations with…Fergus Connolly
The local TV and Radio business is very important to members of the community, and Detroit is no different. One of the legendary names in Detroit media is venerable sportscaster Ray Lane. He started his career in the 50’s after graduating from Michigan State. Talented, outspoken, and very much a character, Ray Lane was a fixture in Detroit television for 40years.
Ray was with the world champion Tigers in 68 and 84. From Ralph Houk to Mayo Smith to Sparky Anderson, he was watching it all from the front row. He was with the Red Wings and Scotty Bowman when they hoisted the Stanley Cup.
Ray Lane's journey in his career is one any youngsters starting in the business can only dream of having. In Conversation with….Ray shares that career with all of us.
What do you get when you mix high-level politics, higher education, and division 1 big-time athletics?…well, you get Andrea Fischer Newman is what you get. The former University of Michigan Regent who served nearly 25 years on the U of M board has a history that is second to none…from the White House, to the Board Room, to the press box at Michigan Stadium and the Regents room at Crisler Arena, she has a story that is diverse and fascinating. Why do you think she was the only Regent to vote against a tuition hike?,…who does she consider the most underappreciated figure in Michigan Athletics over the last decade?…and is the role of Athletics at big universities overblown?. Find out the answers in Conversation With Andrea Fischer Newman.
There is a coach at the University of Michigan that never gets a headline, rarely appears on TV or radio, has no won-loss record. But, CBS’s James Brown once called him the secret weapon of Michigan Athletics. His name is Greg Harden. He is officially a counselor, or life coach, or mentor, or advisor. Take your pick…one thing is for sure, he is just as important a figure in maximizing the performance of athletes as coaches. He has made a difference in the careers of such iconic names at Michigan as Heisman winner Desmond Howard and all-everything quarterback Tom Brady. Find out how Greg Harden works his magic for over 900 athletes in Ann Arbor, on Conversation With…Greg Harden
Michigan State University has a storied athletic history. One of the legendary names in Spartan history is former football coach Duffy Daugherty. To get an up-close look at the Spartan legend you need to find someone who played for Duffy...enter my brother, Art Brandstatter Jr. Back in the late 50’s, he played for Duffy as he was laying the groundwork for his national championship run of the mid-’60s.
Surprisingly, the Spartan program back in those days was also at the forefront of major social change in this country. Art Brandstatter was living the whole process as a college student. After graduation, he stayed in East Lansing and stayed active at MSU. He has a unique perspective on the Spartans explosion as a major player in the Big Ten and national spotlight, and he explains it all on Conversation With…Art Brandstatter
Michigan won their last national championship in football in 1997. A legendary season for the Wolverines, and through the run to the title there are stories fans love to hear. Who better to get the story from than Jon Jansen, the Captain of that team. Find out what went on in the players only team meeting before the season, when soon to be Heisman winner Charles Woodson changed the teams focus with a single remark. Learn the interesting motivational tactics of head coach Lloyd Carr. In addition, Jon talks about his pro career, and how a tragedy, while he was at the Washington Redskins, changed the team's entire outlook on the season and life. It’s Jon Jansen unfiltered and uncensored in Conversations with…Jon Jansen.
For over 40 years, Jon Falk roamed the halls of the Michigan football locker rooms. Whether at Schembechler Hall or previous facilities, Jonny was the Wolverine players best friend and confidante. Over those years, he’s met the legendary names, and handed them their game socks. He’s seen the great victories and the devastating defeats. He’s called Schembechler, Carr, Moeller, Rodriguez, and Hoke, his boss. Jim Harbaugh, Michigans current coach, who Jon gave socks to as a player, is now his boss. As a matter of fact, Harbaugh called Falk out of retirement to work with him and Michigan football. His first-hand knowledge of Michigan football history is unmatched and Jon Falk is a go-to guest for Conversations with….
There are pictures of Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Muhammad Ali, and more sports and entertainment glitterati hanging on the walls. You’d think you were at a famous New York or Los Angeles bistro to the stars…well, you’d be wrong. All of that memorabilia and more are featured at a Restaurant/bar named Ginopolis in Farmington Hills, Michigan at the corner of 12 mile and Middlebelt.. This Detroit area iconic sports and entertainment center closed in 2019, but what a history it has seen walk through the doors. Mostly Detroit legends frequented the place during it’s hey day when it was named by Playboy magazine the best singles spot in the city. But, world and national celebs also found their way to Ginopolis. Oh if the walls could talk, huh?? Well, we’ve got better. Owners John and Peter Ginopolis can talk and they join Brandy for a fascinating walk down memory lane in Conversations With….about the Ginopolis history.
From very humble beginnings in Highland Park, Michigan, Reggie McKenzie battled his way to national prominence as a football player, and then after his career on the national stage, he returned to his home town and worked tirelessly to improve life for the youth of that community. From being the prime mover in convincing OJ Simpson of the Buffalo Bills he could gain 2000 yards rushing in a 14 game season that was unheard of at the time, to getting a lesson in perseverance from his sister, to learning lessons of life from Bo Schembechler at Michigan, Reggie’s story in inspirational, and fascinating. He shares it all on this episode of Conversations with…. Picture with Reggie McKenzie, Thom Darden.
The history of the Detroit Lions frustrations in winning an NFL title, it’s first since 1957, is well documented. Someone who has been watching this frustration up close for close to 50 years has been Mike O’Hara. Recently elected to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Mike was the beat writer for the Detroit News to cover the Lions from the early 70’s. He now works for Lions.com. So, if anybody knows about this franchise, It’s Mike O’Hara. Topics like the best coach, the worst coach, quarterbacks, running backs, general managers, ownership, and media are all on the agenda in a revealing Conversations with…. about our beloved Detroit Lions.
Jack Harbaugh… Imagine you are going to a Super Bowl…as you settle into your seats, you look on the field and two of your sons are the head coaches of the respective teams. Pretty amazing huh?... It’s happened once in history, and it happened to Jack Harbaugh, the father of Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, and Jim Harbaugh, at the time, the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers back in 2013. Currently, Jim is coaching the University of Michigan football team, and Jack is in Ann Arbor watching over his sons' progress. A former college coach himself, Jack worked on the staff of Michigan legend Bo Schembechler. He is royalty in football circles, and he has stories by the hundreds. Wolverine fans and football fans are fascinated by his history in the game, and the legends he’s come to know over the years. He shares those years of experience with Jim Brandstatter on a memorable episode of Conversation with… Jack Harbaugh.