Stateside

Within just a couple hours of Vice President Kamala Harris announcing her candidacy for president, an impromptu fundraiser organized by Black women voters across the country came into being via Zoom. They raised more than a million dollars in a couple hours. It's an anecdote, but it speaks volumes about the power of Black women voters who organize around a common cause. GUEST: Danielle Atkinson, founder and executive director of Mothering Justice -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s podcast episode, we talk with a student and a professor at Concordia University Ann Arbor. The school will need to significantly reduce its operations and program offerings, including athletics, after the 2024-25 academic year. The cuts have staff and students anxious about what the future holds for the institution. The Lutheran institution is facing a $9 million budget deficit. Enrollment has grown in recent years with a student body around 1,000, but it’s a benchmark many smaller colleges have found it hard to maintain operations. Even so, back in February university administration announced a series of staff and program cuts. Then came a notice in June that all athletic programs would be cut next year. Just nine in-person and seven online programs will remain after June 2025. You can find a statement from Concordia University here. GUESTS: Dr. Scott Chappuis, associate professor Department of Communication David Smalls, student Department of Justice & Public Policy, and Student Government Association President -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud speaks with Stateside's Zena Issa about how "Uncommitted" voters may give VP Kamala Harris a chance now that President Biden has dropped out of the race. But, he says, she'll have to earn their votes. GUEST: Abdullah Hammoud, mayor of Dearborn Zena Issa, production assistant, Stateside -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden shocked the nation over the weekend by pulling out of the Democratic nomination process, and endorsing his VP, Kamala Harris. The question in Michigan is would Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who also endorsed Harris, be a viable No. 2 on a Harris ticket? GUEST: Debbie Dingell, congresswoman from MI-6 Stephen Henderson, host of Created Equal on WDET Zoe Clark, co-host of It's Just Politics on Michigan Public Rick Pluta, co-host of It's Just Politics on Michigan Public See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 20, 2024 marks the beginning of dystopian classic novel "Parable of the Sower", written by Octavia Butler 30 years ago. GUEST: Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, PhD, is Chair of the Joint Program in English and Education at the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michigan-based horror author Josh Malerman has a new set of psychological scares in his paranormal thriller "Incidents Around The House". Malerman rose to prominence in the horror genre with his novel "Bird Box", which became a Netflix hit. GUEST: Josh Malerman, best-selling thriller novelist and author of "Incidents Around The House" -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new podcast delves deep into the Republican Party upheaval of the mid-1970s to help shed light on our current political climate. And it all begins with a Michigander we know and love: then-President Gerald Ford. The podcast, made by Nuanced Tales in partnership with WFAE and distributed by NPR, is called "Landslide." We talked to host Ben Bradford about the roots of America's current culture war back through the political campaigns of Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford. GUEST: Ben Bradford, creator and host of the podcast "Landslide" Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, a conversation with Johnny Rodriguez, President and CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP), a social services center focused on the Latino community in West Michigan. And, a sneak peek at LAUP's 60th annual Fiesta celebration this week (July 15-21) in Holland, Michigan. GUEST: Johnny Rodriguez, President and CEO of Latin Americans United for Progress -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump this weekend, many people are raising questions about the Secret Service's protocols at the Pennsylvania rally where the shooting occurred. Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade joined Stateside to discuss what she sees as shortcomings in the agency's security measures this weekend, and how those lapses are fueling online conspiracies about what happened. GUEST: Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney and law professor at University of Michigan Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new children's book, "The Empty House", creates a fanciful world in which woodland critters take up residence in Michigan cottages during the winter. GUEST: Mary Scholl, author of "The Empty House" -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When thinking about spells and witchcraft, a bar probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in Hamtramck, Michigan, one stands out among the rest. It's the Black Salt Bar, where customers can order a spell kit with their cocktail. "There are a lot of different cocktail books that exist that play with this idea, but there's never really been a brick and mortar bar" said owner Zoey Ashwood. When a customer orders a spell kit with their drink, they might get some herbs, gemstones, or a candle and matches. All the spell kits also include a handmade altar and instructions for performing the ritual. GUEST: Zoey Ashwood, owner of The Black Salt Bar in Hamtramck, Michigan -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grand Rapids voters will elect a new mayor this year. Two of the candidates are familiar political names. A third is a military veteran. The fourth describes themself as a neurotic Capricorn who spends their free time “pretending to be a robot and fearing Roko’s Basilisk.” This is a story about the fourth candidate. GUESTS: Dustin Dwyer, West Michigan reporter, Michigan Public Hailey Lynch-Bastion, candidate for Mayor in Grand Rapids Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer's new book, "True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between," is a brief, but insightful look at the Michigan governor's life and how her experiences have shaped the way she governs. It also sets the stage for a bigger political presence nationally. The co-hosts of It’s Just Politics on Michigan Public, offered their insights on one of the most anticipated political books of the season, and what it tells us about Whitmer’s leadership style and national image. GUESTS: Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Public Rick Pluta, senior Capitol correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As vote-by-mail ballots start appearing for Michiganders, there’s an ongoing legal dispute about whose interests should carry representative weight when it comes to drawing legislative districts. Six state Senate districts stand at the center of that debate as they await court approval for their redrawn maps. GUESTS: Colin Jackson, reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network Clara Hendrickson, politics reporter for the Detroit Free Press Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think about amateur sports, sumo wrestling is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, the traditional Japanese sport has been growing in popularity across the United States, including right here in Michigan. Stateside's Yesenia Zamora-Cardoso headed to a gym in Grand Rapids where modern athletes are finding fun and challenge in the ancient sport. GUESTS ON THIS EPISODE: Gabe Unick, head of the Grand Rapids Sumo Club Kai Pruiett, member of the Grand Rapids Sumo Club Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to tend to the crops in your yard when Michigan bakes with summer heatwaves. GUEST: Malik Yakini, founder of D-Town Farms and the Detroit People's Food Co-op Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The longstanding conventional wisdom is that what we call hillbilly music originated in Western Europe. But the truth, as many scholars and musicians have been preaching for years now, is that country music is intimately tied into the experience of African Americans. In fact, one of the most recognizable instruments in the country music genre is the banjo--which made its way to America from West Africa with enslaved people. On today's episode, University of Michigan professor Nadine Hubbs talked about Black Americans' (often erased) influence on country music as we know it today--and how Black artists like Beyoncé are reclaiming a space in the genre. GUEST: Nadine Hubbs, professor of music at the University of Michigan and author of "Rednecks, Queers, and Country Music" Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solar Party Detroit started as a idea to power a e-bike with solar power from off the grid. Now, the company owns a fleet of several solar generators that have powered everything from DJ setups to movie screenings. We talk to the co-founders and owners of the company about their experience powering the city's summer celebrations with sunlight. GUESTS: Ash Arder, co-founder and owner of Solar Party Detroit. Diane Cheklich, --- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden's doddering performance at his first debate with Donald Trump this election cycle reportedly has many high up Democratic strategists nervous about the president's prospects. And it again raises the question of who could step in on short notice to run for president.... which brings Governor Gretchen Whitmer's name into the conversation. Is Michigan's governor interested? GUESTS: Jordyn Hermani, Capitol reporter for Bridge Michigan Sam Shriber, political reporter for the Michigan Information & Research Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Legislature pulled an all-nighter to pass a record breaking state budget. Here are the topline items they passed, and how they got it done. GUEST: Elena Durnbaugh, -- Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.