Mike Dell's World

In this episode, I spend some time reflecting on what makes podcasting such a unique and enduring medium. After more than twenty years behind the microphone, I’m still struck by how something so simple — an audio file delivered through a humble RSS feed — continues to connect people in a way no other medium really does. I talk about how podcasting grew up as an open technology, free from the control of big platforms or gatekeepers. That openness is part of its magic. Anyone can start a show, anyone can subscribe, and no single company controls whether a podcast lives or dies. It’s the last truly open publishing system on the internet, and that freedom is worth celebrating. But podcasting is special for more than just the technology. There’s a kind of intimacy in audio that you don’t get with video or with text on a screen. When someone listens to a podcast, the host is right there with them — in their car, on a walk, working in the garage, or flying along on a cross-country in the RV-12. It’s a personal connection, one voice to one listener, in a way that feels almost old-fashioned, yet perfectly modern. I also talk about how easy podcasting is to get started with and how accessible it still is for anyone who wants to share a story. You don’t need fancy cameras or editing suites. You just need a microphone, a place to publish, and something to say. That simplicity has helped the medium grow without losing its soul. Toward the end, I share a bit of personal appreciation — how even after all these years, podcasting still feels fun, creative, and liberating. It’s a place where I can talk about anything from Northern Michigan history to flying to everyday life, and people choose to come along for the ride. If you’ve ever wondered why podcasting still matters, or if you’ve been thinking about starting your own show, this episode is my way of reminding you what makes this medium so special.

In this episode, Mike dives into the deep and fascinating history of one of Traverse City’s most iconic landmarks: the Traverse City State Hospital, also known historically as the Northern Michigan Asylum and the Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital. Recorded on November 28, 2025 (yes, Black Friday—no, he’s not out shopping), Mike shares personal stories, local history, and some memories connected to the vast and beautiful grounds of what is now called the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. What Mike Covers in This Episode 🏥 A Brief History of the State Hospital Established in 1881 and opened in 1885. Founded by Dr. James Decker Munson, namesake of Munson Healthcare, alongside Traverse City’s “father,” Perry Hanna. Built as a Kirkbride Plan psychiatric hospital—one of four in Michigan and the only one still standing and in active use today (though no longer as a hospital). 🏛️ Architecture & Design Beautiful Victorian-style buildings with spires, long wings, wide porches, and landscaped grounds. Built on the idea of beauty, light, and nature aiding psychiatric healing. Gorgeous gardens supported by on-site greenhouses that provided year-round flowers. 🌳 A Self-Sustaining Community The hospital operated as its own little world: Farms with cattle, pigs, chickens, crops, and orchards Their own power plant Workshops and barns (now part of Historic Barns Park) Many patients (or “clients,” as some staff called them) worked on the grounds as part of daily life. 👨‍⚕️ Mike’s Personal Connections Both of Mike’s paternal grandparents worked there—his grandmother as an RN and his grandfather as an orderly. He shares memories of neighbors and relatives who worked on the hospital farm and grounds. He also reminisces about staying as a kid in the Perry Hanna House (now a funeral home)—a mansion connected to the founders of the hospital. 🏚️ Abandonment and Renewal After closing in the late 20th century, some buildings fell into disrepair. Today, Building 50 has been reborn with: Condos and apartments Offices Shops, galleries, and restaurants in the lower level, known as The Grotto Other “cottages” are slowly being restored, while tours still visit the untouched and eerie sections. 🚶 Ghost Stories, Tunnels & Tours The site is rich with lore—including tunnels connecting buildings. Mike mentions wanting to have his friend Chris (a local historian and photographer) on the podcast to go deeper into the legends, stories, and details. ☕ Coffee Deliveries at Sunrise Mike also shares a personal memory of delivering bagels to Cup of Joe in Building 50’s grotto back when his wife ran a bagel shop—always grabbing a cup of coffee around 5:30 a.m. 🌄 A Landmark on the Hill As you drive into Traverse City from the south (US-31 / M-37), the spires of Building 50 rise out of the trees—a recognizable introduction to town. 🎙️ Coming Up November 29: “Why Podcasting Is So Special” November 30: A special final NaPodPoMo episode to close out the month Thanks for listening, and catch Mike tomorrow for more!

In this Thanksgiving Day episode, Mike reflects on the holiday, family, and the evolving character of Traverse City. It’s a bittersweet year—his family’s first Thanksgiving without his dad—but also a moment to appreciate traditions, good food, and time spent together. From recent crime stories to long-standing local quirks, Mike explores whether Traverse City still feels like the small town he grew up in. He shares personal stories, local history, neighborhood breakdowns, and observations about everything from fast food failures to the layout of the airport and high schools. Topics Covered Thanksgiving Reflections Sending well-wishes to listeners celebrating the holiday. The first Thanksgiving without Mike’s dad and the tradition of leaving an empty chair at the table. Is Traverse City Still a Small Town? Recent unusual crime events: The Walmart stabbing last summer. A fatal parking-deck shooting involving car break-ins. An attempted abduction at the Meijer gas station. Why these big incidents still feel like “small-town news.” Population & Geography 2020 Census: About 16,000 people inside Traverse City limits. Metro area: ~153,000 across four counties (Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska). Mike’s spot just outside the city—technically East Bay Township, but “still Traverse City” in daily life. Neighborhoods & Areas Mentioned Downtown District Traverse Heights Old Town Central Neighborhoods Greilickville Acme / Williamsburg “Miracle Mile” – hotels and tourist strip on the bay Tourism & Seasons Summer vs. winter crowds Winter visitors: snowmobilers, skiers, ice fishermen Bars downtown still feel local and familiar in the off-season Traverse City Schools Current schools: Central, West, Traverse City High School (Mavericks), plus Catholic Central. Stories about the old buildings, snow-exposed walkways, and campus redesigns. The near-identical design of TC West and the Columbine High School campus. Airports & Travel Cherry Capital Airport still feels small—Mike knows most of the airline and TSA staff. No Amtrak service in Traverse City yet; nearest connections are Grand Rapids or Holland. Mike’s go-to workaround: driving to New Buffalo to catch the train to Chicago. Parking & Downtown Life Legacy of parking meters (now digital), plus multiple parking decks. Cherry Festival setup: rides, games, food stands—including local favorite Gibby Fries. Arnold Amusements (based in Acme) runs many Michigan carnivals. Roundabouts, Traffic, and Small-Town Quirks Late-night flashing signals The ongoing roundabout debate Getting across town in only ~15 minutes even on a busy day Fast Food in Traverse City – A Unique Landscape Chains that didn’t survive: several McDonald’s, Burger Kings, Arby’s, Ruby Tuesday, Hooters Three Meijer stores serving the area (original, Acme/Williamsburg, and soon Chum’s Corners) Local burger highlights: Slabtown Burgers, Bubba’s, Eastfield’s Proper Burger (with commentary) Local Dining Identity Traverse City tends to favor local restaurants over big chains Well-loved local Mexican places like La Señorita Closing Thoughts Mike wraps up with a warm Thanksgiving message—hoping listeners enjoy good food, family, and gratitude—and shares appreciation for being able to create a daily episode for NaPodPoMo.

In this episode, Mike takes a break from Northern Michigan stories and heads far north—way far north—to share memories from his year living in Keflavik, Iceland in the early 1990s while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Life on the NATO Base Mike talks about being assigned to Naval Air Station Keflavik, a joint-base environment with Air Force, Navy, Marines, and other NATO personnel. He recounts working with the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron – the Black Knights, maintaining F-15 electrical and environmental systems, and occasionally pulling duty in “FISneyland,” the alert barn for interceptor operations. The Journey to Get There Before Iceland came a whirlwind of military orders: Originally headed to remote Galena, Alaska, the Air Force cancelled those orders at the last minute. The next day, new orders arrived sending him to Keflavik instead. He completed F-15 training at Tyndall AFB in Florida, drove across the country, shipped his belongings, and ultimately hopped a Hawaiian Airlines DC-8 from Philadelphia to Iceland—a strange but memorable experience. Daily Life Before the Internet Mike recalls what it was like living overseas before modern connectivity: Expensive phone calls back to the States ($1.06 per minute!) Mail arriving once a week on the “rotator” DC-8 Magazines being precious entertainment Trading software, playing early PC games, and marveling at a 286 computer with 1MB of RAM A handful of TV channels including AFRTS, BBC, RTL4, and Sky News/Sports Food, Weather, and Icelandic Oddities Mike shares a mix of practical and quirky details: The legendary Icelandic hot dogs (a recurring theme!) Navy chow halls, the USO, and Friday fish fries with cod caught the same day Wild weather with winds over 100 mph, handrails along sidewalks, and dumpsters blowing around Surprisingly mild temperatures thanks to the Gulf Stream Extreme daylight shifts—near-constant darkness in winter and 24-hour light in summer Exploring Iceland During his tour, Mike bought a quirky little Škoda 120 and used it to explore beyond the base. He describes: Driving through the first roundabouts he’d ever seen Visiting the Hard Rock Café in Reykjavik, where one of his Idaho ham-radio license plates hung from the ceiling Cheap hops on Navy P-3 “airline-style” flights to London or Shannon, Ireland Customs rules that prohibited gas cans, extra cigarettes, and oddly… cassette tapes Looking Back Mike reflects on how much Iceland has changed—from relatively untouched in the early ’90s to a major European travel destination today. He also notes a past interview he did on the All Things Iceland podcast in May 2020, sharing more of his experiences from that era. I appeared on an episode of All Things Iceland Episode 61 in May of 2020.

In this episode, Mike rewinds the clock to January 1978 and relives one of the most legendary winter storms in Michigan history — not as an adult, but as the 12-year-old kid he was at the time. Join Mike as he shares what it was like watching the storm unfold on TV and Radio as the local weather team track the impossible, and experiencing the chaos, excitement, and wonder of a once-in-a-generation blizzard. From the snow drifts taller than a kid to the surreal quiet of a world that completely shut down, this episode captures the Blizzard of ’78 as only someone who lived it — wide-eyed and bundled up — can tell it. Mike sets the scene by sharing that he had just celebrated his birthday when the blizzard began, remembering how he had a pizza party at home after his father picked up Sicilian square pizza from a local place called Little Richard's. He recalls the excitement in the air as TV news talked about the potential for a blizzard. On the morning of January 26, schools were closed as drifts of snow created significant chaos. Mike describes how everything was completely buried under the snow, with even the antenna of his mother's car barely visible. The storm had high winds, creating massive drifts and making travel impossible. He recounts the challenges of feeding horses at a nearby barn and how his family navigated the snow-laden landscape. He humorously shares anecdotes about the struggles of shoveling snow with his cousin and their father using a 1970 John Deere lawn tractor equipped with a snowblower. After several days, the roads began to open again, and stories about neighbors and their interactions during the storm emerge, including a humorous tale about a front-end loader being used to deliver cigarettes to a stranded neighbor. As the storm's impact persisted, schools were closed for an entire week, and the community adapted to the extraordinary amount of snow with creative solutions like snowshoeing for transportation. Mike also describes his memories of hot soups simmering on the wood stove during the storm, a comforting detail from those winter days. He revisits the enormous snowbanks that formed by the season's end, making comparisons to today's weather reactions and reminiscing about the blizzard's lasting impact. Mike wraps up by inviting listeners who experienced the Blizzard of '78 to share their stories and reflecting on how this blizzard remains a notable part of his childhood memory.

In this episode of "Mike Dell's World," Mike Dell explores various airports located north of Traverse City, Michigan. He begins the show by introducing himself and referencing the previous episode about flight schools and aviation-related topics in the area. He explains that he will be discussing other airports he has flown to or has connections with, utilizing ForeFlight, an electronic flight bag, for reference. Mike starts with Antrim County Airport (KACB), located northeast of Traverse City near Bellaire. He describes it as a small airport without a control tower in class E airspace, where pilots announce their locations on a common traffic frequency. He shares his experiences doing touch-and-go landings, low passes for practice, and highlights the airport's amenities, including fuel services and a comfortable lounge. Next, he moves further north to Pellston Airport, noting its significance as an airport with scheduled airline service and a restaurant on-site, which he humorously labels a "hundred dollar hamburger" destination. He continues to mention Charlevoix Airport, which hosts Island Airways that services Beaver Island. He details the two airports on Beaver Island but admits he has not landed there. Mike then discusses Gaylord Regional Airport and Gaylord Airport, emphasizing their runway lengths and his experiences landing there. He contrasts this with Kalkaska City Airport, where he recalls the challenges of landing on a narrower runway. He also talks about Frankfurt Airport, sharing similar landing difficulties due to its relatively short and narrow runway. He proceeds to describe Manistee County Airport, known for its changing airlines and essential air service. He mentions Cadillac Wexford County Airport, highlighting a unique grass runway formerly used for gliders, which is no longer operational. He shares experiences of flying over various other airports like Mackinac Island and Saint Ignace, where approaches involve over-water flights. Mike mentions historic Acme Skyport Airport, which has been revived, and Thompsonville Airport, where he had an ultralight flying experience. He also reflects on Wertz Smith Airport, once a large military base with a long runway, describing his future intentions to visit. Throughout the episode, Mike humorously shares insights about his experiences at these airports, including the challenges of landing, the uniqueness of each location, and the importance of navigating various airspaces, especially concerning military operation areas. He concludes the episode by teasing that his next episode will cover his memories of the Blizzard of '78 as a twelve-year-old.

In this episode of "Mike Dell's World," host Mike Dell introduces the topic of aviation schools in Traverse City, specifically focusing on the Cherry Capital Airport and the various training facilities available there. The episode begins with Mike's greeting and reflection on previous discussions about the airport. He discusses two primary aviation schools: Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Giving Wings Aviation. NMC Aviation School is notable for training airline pilots, offering private, commercial, multi-engine, and instructor ratings. Mike highlights the school's good track record for graduating pilots and mentions the newly renovated facilities and the experienced leader, a former 747 pilot. He emphasizes how NMC graduates often proceed to airlines or corporate flying jobs. On the other hand, Giving Wings Aviation is a smaller school that provides a more laid-back environment for training, mainly focusing on private and sport pilot licenses, although they used to offer multi-engine and seaplane training. Mike shares his own experiences flying with Giving Wings, appreciating the convenience of having the school nearby. Mike also mentions the aviation program at a local high school and the involvement of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) in mentoring the students. He transitions to discussing Legacy Aviation, a unique aviation maintenance school that offers a 12-month program for aircraft mechanics, providing students with certification and tools upon graduation. In addition, Mike discusses further options for aspiring pilots, including a new flight school at Cadillac Airport about an hour away and a seaplane training program. He briefly touches on the Coast Guard air station in Traverse City, noting that Coast Guard members go through helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Finally, Mike summarizes the various training options in Traverse City, pointing out the challenges posed by winter weather for flying. He wraps up the episode by teasing a future discussion about other airports in the region.

In this episode of "Mike Dell's World," host Mike Dell provides a laid-back update on his day and upcoming plans. He begins by acknowledging the date, November 22, 2025, and mentions participating in Napod Pomo (National Podcast Post Month) on its twenty-second day. Mike shares details about his relaxed day, including a visit to the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) hangar talk session, which he humorously refers to as a coffee klatch. He recounts dropping off his friend Kathy at the hospital for an MRI and then enjoying coffee with friends at the hangar. Afterward, he goes shopping at Costco, describing it as busy and noting the efficiency of their checkout lines despite the long queues. Later, Mike reflects on his day and decides to record an episode since he hadn't done so the night before. He briefly outlines his plans for the rest of November, which include episodes covering topics like the local aviation community, his memories of the Blizzard of '78, his experiences living in Keflavik, Iceland in the early '90s, and thoughts on Traverse City as a small town. He also shares upcoming content related to the Northern Michigan asylum, now known as Grand Traverse Commons, and mentions the idea of potentially starting a daily five-minute show called "Coffee with Mike." Mike discusses his other commitments, including his weekly show "Podcast Insider" and his role as a rotating guest host on another podcast. He talks about preparing for the Podfest Expo in Florida, where he will be speaking and sponsoring an event. Mike reflects on the passing of his company's founder and looks forward to representing the company at the expo. Towards the end of the episode, he mentions some technical challenges his company has faced, including issues with CloudFlare and software glitches, but reassures listeners that everything is resolved. He wraps up by sharing his evening plans of having steak and baked potatoes for dinner, humorously noting his return to a keto diet. He concludes by inviting feedback from listeners regarding his potential daily show, and expresses excitement for discussing aviation in the next episode. The artwork for this episode is creepy AI generated. Geez. :)

In this episode titled "Ham Radio (Amateur Radio)," host Mike Dell reflects on his youth prior to the Internet and video games, mentioning his limited interaction with CB radio rather than ham radio. He explains the differences between CB and ham radio, particularly the wider range and more diverse frequencies available to amateur radio operators. Mike discusses the various frequency bands in ham radio, starting with UHF, VHF, and HF, detailing their uses and characteristics. He explains concepts like frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM), along with how repeater stations work to extend transmission ranges. Mike also recounts his personal experiences with these frequencies, mentioning how he engaged with fellow hams while fishing and discussing the unique phenomena of tropospheric ducting that allowed him to communicate long distances. He then dives into specific bands, starting with the two-meter band, explaining its popularity, accessibility for new technicians, and how equipment like inexpensive radios can enable communication across towns. Mike also shares anecdotes about his experiences and connections with other ham operators, emphasizing the camaraderie within the amateur radio community. Continuing, he describes several other HF bands, explaining each band’s unique properties, propagation characteristics, and modes of communication available within them. Mike touches on historical aspects of obtaining licenses, mentioning how the requirements have shifted over the years, specifically noting the discontinuation of Morse code testing for access to ham radio. Additionally, Mike elaborates on various digital modes that have emerged within ham radio, contrasting them with traditional radio communication, and shares fond memories of his early experiences, such as using packet radio to send messages to his father before email became commonplace. As the episode wraps up, Mike reflects on the significance of ham radio in his life, noting how it has helped him form lasting friendships and connections. He concludes by expressing his commitment to the hobby and the joy he finds in it, inviting listeners to explore the world of amateur radio and reminding them that he will return for the next episode.

In this episode, Mike Dell digs into “how to drive in the snow” — timely for Northern Michigan (and anywhere else where winter hits) and packed with practical advice from his experience. Key Topics Covered: The importance of reducing speed when roads get snowy — Mike’s rule of thumb: about 10 mph less than the posted speed limit when snow first covers the roads. Planning extra time for trips: leaving earlier, anticipating traffic delays and slower conditions. Tire considerations: Ensuring you have good tires — if you’re riding on bald all-seasons or summer tires, winter traction will suffer. The value of genuine snow tires (Mike’s wife uses Nokian Hakkapeliitta). Using your 4-wheel drive / all-wheel drive appropriately: yes, it can help with takeoff, but it does not help you stop any faster. Practicing skid control: find an empty parking lot and experiment with sliding, skids, recovery — to build feel and confidence before you have to use it on a public road. Clearing your vehicle of snow & ice before driving: windows, side & back, even the roof can matter (if snow slides forward, covers your windshield). Vehicle maintenance tips for winter: topping off washer fluid, checking tires, inflation, fluid levels, making sure everything is in good shape before the real winter hits. The overarching message: slow down, leave earlier, prepare your vehicle, drive mindfully — all so you avoid bending your car, hurting someone, or getting stuck in a snowbank. Quote Highlights: “Don’t ever be in a hurry while driving on snow.” “Just please, please realize … four-wheel drive does not make you stop any quicker.” “If you’re not used to driving in snow, go find an empty parking lot … figure out when the car goes out of control and how to get it back.” Why this matters: For those of us flying, working, commuting or traveling in winter-weather regions (like Northern Michigan), conditions can change rapidly. The same mindset of preparation and respect for environment that applies in aviation carries over to road driving: equipment (tires, maintenance), environment (snow/ice, slower speeds), and mindset (leave earlier, anticipate, stay calm). This episode is a great reminder to apply that disciplined approach to driving when the snow starts. What’s Next: Mike mentions he’ll be talking about ham radio stuff in the next episode — so stay tuned. Who’s this for: Drivers in winter-weather climates looking for refresher tips. Anyone who owns a 4WD/AWD vehicle and doesn’t fully understand its limitations in snow. People who might have to drive in snow but don’t feel confident — this could help build awareness and reduce risk. Listeners who appreciate aviation-style pre-flight (pre-drive?) checklists and disciplined preparation. Call to Action: Before the next snow, check your vehicle: tires, fluids, wipers/washer fluid, defroster, windows. Practice a skid-recovery session in a safe, empty area. When roads get snowy—slow down, leave earlier, and remember your stopping distance grows. Share this episode with someone you know who may not be comfortable driving in snow.

In today’s episode of Mike Dell’s World, Mike reflects on the hectic pace of life, the whirlwind of Zoom meetings, and the importance of being intentional about slowing down. After a long, stressful year marked by personal challenges and the loss of Blubrry’s founder, Mike shares how he’s planning to reclaim some peace and quiet this winter. He talks about waking up too early, back-to-back Zoom calls, and the extra layer of chaos that comes when major services like Cloudflare go down. But mixed into all that is a message: it’s okay to pause, to set boundaries, and to purposely not be busy. This winter, Mike plans to simplify things—like leaving the tractor at his mom’s place for driveway clearing, taking snowshoe walks, heating with wood by the fireplace, and carving out real downtime to read, relax, or just get bored on purpose. He also talks about how constant digital distractions make it hard to truly unwind—like instinctively grabbing the phone for YouTube Shorts the moment a show is paused. Maybe boredom isn’t such a bad thing. Mike wraps up by teasing tomorrow’s episode on winter driving—something that pairs perfectly with the theme of slowing down. Episode Highlights A day of nonstop Zoom calls and early wake-ups Reflecting on a stressful year and big life changes Losing Blubrry founder Todd Cochrane and navigating the transition Handling winter chores differently this year The value of intentional downtime and not over-committing Heating with wood and embracing cozy winter days Tech dependence, boredom, and the lure of YouTube Shorts Cloudflare outages and customer anxiety A preview of tomorrow’s topic: winter driving

Today I talk about heating with wood and a little bit about Podcasting.

Mike opens by introducing the song “Helloapocalypse” from the acoustic string-instrument group playing a blend of rap/bluegrass. He briefly discusses the sponsor—Leonard Peikoff—and his podcast on objectivism (via peikoff.com) and encourages listeners to check it out. Mike and his wife Kathy recently traveled to Farmington Hills/Novi (Detroit area) for Kathy’s convention. They drove their new car (a slightly upgraded Camry/Celera) down Friday. Friday night: relaxed in the hotel, had dinner at a hotel pub. Saturday: Breakfast in-room; Kathy went to the expo center; Mike visited a big firearms dealer “Guns Galore” in Fenton, MI but found it too crowded to browse handguns well. Saturday evening: Went into downtown Detroit, visited the MGM Grand Casino — found it extremely crowded with $15 minimum blackjack tables, so they moved on to check out Greektown Casino (though parking was a hassle). Ended up at a bar on 8 Mile (burger & gyro place) recommended by a friend — good food and fun alternative. Sunday: A relaxing breakfast at a local Coney Island place near the hotel; Mike lounged, read his Kindle, surfed the Internet; later went to an Italian restaurant (recommended by the same friend) — Mike had a garlic-seafood pasta, Kathy had chicken Parmesan, and the salad dressing was “to die for.” Monday (Valentine’s Day): While in Detroit, they visited the pawn shop featured on reality show Hardcore Pawn (American Jewelry & Loan on 8 Mile) to pick out a sterling silver ring for Kathy. They got to meet Les (the show’s owner) at checkout. Mike then drops into a bit of “podcasting behind-the-scenes” talk: He discovered issues with his USB interface (Gryphon iMic) causing noise → now recording into an external Sony recorder instead of directly into computer. His mixer (Behringer ZENIX UB802 Eurorack) is dying (FX bus died); he’s getting a new 16-channel mixer from his friend Jim Farley for a future in-studio live recording of “What’s Up With That?” He notes some audio hiccups: crackle in headphones, better sound on speakers, and invites feedback from listeners. To close: he asks listeners to support the show via his website (mikedell.com), via Bluehost hosting banner, Audible free audiobook banner, eFax banner, and a reminder to check the sponsor Leonard Peikoff’s podcast. ✅ Takeaways The trip to Detroit/Novi was a blend of business (Kathy’s expo) + pleasure (casual touring/eating) and Mike gives a realistic, non-glamorous travel rundown (hotel dinners, big casinos, pawn shops). A good mix of personal anecdote + geek-podcaster/equipment talk (the audio setup breakdown) shows authenticity. The episode offers varied content: personal lives, travel, gear talk, rather than a single focused theme. Sponsorship disclosure is clear and woven in naturally.

In this episode of Mike Dell’s World, Mike talks about what it’s like broadcasting and podcasting from Traverse City, Michigan, a place that has always had a unique blend of small-town charm, regional importance, and a surprisingly rich broadcasting history. Mike shares his own experiences behind the microphone—past and present—along with observations about the local radio landscape, how podcasting fits into the region’s media identity, and how much the area has changed since the early days of local broadcasting. Topics Covered What “broadcasting in Traverse City” means today From terrestrial radio to modern podcasting, the evolution of getting your voice out from northern Michigan. Mike’s beginnings in broadcasting A look back at early experiences, equipment, motivations, and what hooked him on audio in the first place. Traverse City’s radio past and present Reflections on stations, formats, and personalities that shaped the region over the decades. How podcasting fits into a northern Michigan lifestyle The joys and challenges of producing a show in a place better known for lakes, snow, cherries, and tourism. Behind-the-scenes workflow for Mike Dell’s World Recording setups, tools, and how Mike keeps episodes flowing while juggling life, flying, work at Blubrry, and northern Michigan weather. Why Traverse City is a great place to create media Inspiration, scenery, community, and just enough quirk to keep things interesting.

Just a quick update. I spent the last 2 days dealing with leaves and some other pre-winter things that need to be done around here since the weather was so good for it. Got a late start recording today.

In this milestone episode — number 420, naturally — Mike takes a look at the rise of legal marijuana in Michigan. From the early days of medical cards to today’s booming recreational market, Mike walks through how the laws changed, what it looks like around northern Michigan, and how communities have adapted (or resisted) the cannabis wave. Along the way, he shares observations, local quirks, and a bit of “Up North” perspective. Topics Covered • How Michigan Got Here A quick history of medical marijuana legalization (2008) Proposal 1 and the shift to recreational use in 2018 What changed on day one — and what didn’t • Northern Michigan’s Cannabis Scene How Traverse City, Acme, Kingsley, and neighboring towns handled the rollout Local dispensaries, differences between tourist areas vs. rural areas The slow-but-steady licensing process in TC • Common Questions People Still Ask “Can I grow my own?” “Can you smoke in public?” “What about driving?” “What’s the tax structure like?” • Tourism & Culture How legal marijuana has changed the vibe for summer visitors The mix of craft breweries, wineries, and now… dispensaries The interesting combo of retirees, tourists, and locals navigating it all • Mike’s Take Observations as someone who has watched Michigan go from dry counties to legal weed How Michigan tends to “normalize” things once the novelty wears off Why episode 420 was the perfect moment to talk about it

n this episode of "Mike Dell's World," host Mike Dell discusses Clinch Park in Traverse City. He starts with some light-hearted comments about himself, joking that he has a Dorito chip under his hat. The main topic is Clinch Park, a public park located along West Grand Traverse Bay. Mike describes its amenities, including a large beach, splash pad, concessions, and access to the municipal marina, along with its popularity for walking, biking, and waterfront viewing. Mike reminisces about Clinch Park's history, mentioning that it used to house the Clinch Park Zoo, which focused on local Michigan wildlife instead of exotic animals. He shares that the zoo began in the early thirties and was a favorite childhood destination. He provides background on the miniature city attraction within the park, initiated by local civic leader Con Foster during the Great Depression, which included scaled replicas of downtown buildings. Mike recalls that the miniature city was active until 1973 and later moved some of its models to the Music House Museum in Acme, Michigan. The conversation shifts to the park's miniature steam train, which offered rides around the zoo until 2007. Afterward, he describes the marina's features, noting the availability of boat slips and facilities for visitors. He then talks about the removal of the zoo and aquarium in 2007 and how they were replaced by a splash pad, which faced several issues shortly after its installation. Mike further discusses changes in the park, including the removal of other structures, such as the coal fire electric plant, to expand open spaces. He mentions that the Clinch Park has become a central waterfront area, ideal for outdoor activities and close to downtown Traverse City. He points out that the park is a great spot to watch airshows during the Cherry Festival. In concluding the episode, Mike says he will return for another podcast the next day but is unsure of the topic. He wraps up by calling it a podcast and signs off.

In this episode titled "Traverse City's First Snowfall," Mike Dell begins by greeting listeners and introduces the episode as number 418. He shares that it is day twelve of NaPodPoMo and mentions this is the first episode recorded in real-time rather than in advance. Mike discusses the early snowfall in Traverse City, noting that some areas received significant accumulation while much of it has already melted. He shares the current temperature, converting it to Celsius for clarity, and describes the mixed weather conditions—with rain expected in nearby areas. Continuing with his narrative, Mike reflects on the change of seasons, mentioning the leaves dropping from the trees, particularly maples and oaks, and recounts the recent yard work he has done to clear the leaves. He mentions plans to prepare his tractor for winter, including getting it serviced at the John Deere dealer after removing the mower deck and attaching the snowblower. Mike recounts an outing for his wife's birthday dinner at Outback Steakhouse, describing the significant snowfall while they were dining and the challenges his family faced getting home due to the winter driving conditions. He humorously comments on how drivers often forget how to drive in snow, leading to accidents and challenges on the road. Towards the end of the episode, Mike decides to keep this episode short and mentions that he will talk about Clinch Park, a notable park in Traverse City with an interesting history, in the following episode. He wraps up by wishing listeners a great day and prompts them to catch him later.

From President Wilson on 11-11-1919 - A year ago today our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and more just set of international relations. The soldiers and people of the European Allies had fought and end ured for more than four years to uphold the barrier of civilization against the aggressions of armed force. We ourselves had been in the conflict something more than a year and a half. With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought. Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men. To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations

This is a replay of an episode I did 10 years ago for the 40th anniversary of the sinking. Tonight I talk about the wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Timeline: NOVEMBER 9 8:30 AM The Edmund Fitzgerald is loaded with taconite pellets at Burlington Northern Railroad, Dock 1. Superior, Wisconsin The ship is scheduled to transport the cargo to Zug Island on the Detroit River. 2:20 PM The Fitzgerald departs Lake Superior en route of Detroit with 26,116 tons of taconite pellets. 2:39 PM The National Weather Service issues gale warnings for the area which the Fitzgerald is sailing in. Captain Cooper on the Anderson radios a freighter (the Edmund Fitzgerald) that he spots. 4:15 PM The Fitzgerald spots the Arthur M. Anderson some 15 miles behind it. NOVEMBER 10 1:00 AM Weather report from the Fitzgerald. The report from the Fitzgerald shows her to be 20 miles south of Isle Royale. Winds are at 52 knots, with waves ten feet in height. 7:00 AM Weather report from the Fitzgerald. Winds are at 35 knots, waves of ten feet. This is the last weather report that the Edmund Fitzgerald will ever make. 3:15 PM Captain Jesse Cooper, (J.C.) of the S.S. Arthur M. Anderson watches the Fitzgerald round Caribou Island and comments that the Fitzgerald is much closer to Six Fathom Shoal than he would want to be. 3:20 PM Anderson reports winds coming from the Northwest at 43 knots. 3:30 PM Radio transmission between the Fitzgerald and the Anderson Captain McSorley (C.M.) to Captain Cooper (C.C.): C.M.: “Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I'm checking down. Will you stay by me til I get to Whitefish?” C.C.: “Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going?” C.M.: “Yes, both of them 4:10 PM The Fitzgerald radios the Arthur M. Anderson requesting radar assistance for the remainder of the voyage. Fitzgerald: “Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have lost both radars. Can you provide me with radar plots till we reach Whitefish Bay?” Anderson: “Charlie on that, Fitzgerald. We'll keep you advised of position.” About 4:39 PM The Fitzgerald cannot pick up the Whitefish Point radio beacon. The Fitzgerald radios the Coast Guard station at Grand Marais on Channel 16, the emergency channel. Between 4:30 and 5:00 PM The Edmund Fitzgerald calls for any vessel in the Whitefish Point area regarding information about the beacon and light at Whitefish Point. They receive an answer by the saltwater vessel Avafors that the beacon and the light are not operating. Estimated between 5:30 and 6:00 PM Radio transmission between the Avafors and the Fitzgerald. Avafors: “Fitzgerald, this is the Avafors. I have the Whitefish light now but still am receiving no beacon. Over.” Fitzgerald: “I'm very glad to hear it.” Avafors: “The wind is really howling down here. What are the conditions where you are?” Fitzgerald: (Undiscernable shouts heard by the Avafors.) “DON'T LET NOBODY ON DECK!” Avafors: “What's that, Fitzgerald? Unclear. Over.” Fitzgerald: “I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas I've ever been in.” Avafors: “If I'm correct, you have two radars.” Fitzgerald: “They're both gone.” Sometime around 7:00 PM The Anderson is struck by two huge waves that put water on the ship, 35 feet above the water line. The waves hit with enough force to push the starboard lifeboat down, damaging the bottom. 7:10 PM Radio transmission between the Anderson and the Fitzgerald. The Fitzgerald is still being followed by the Arthur M. Anderson. They are about 10 miles behind the Fitzgerald. Anderson: “Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down?” Fitzgerald: “Yes we have.” Anderson: “Fitzgerald, we are about 10 miles behind you, and gaining about 1 1/2 miles per hour. Fitzgerald, there is a target 19 miles ahead of us.