American television writer, director, and producer
POPULARITY
Hosted by amy sherman
507 episodes with amy sherman
39 episodes with amy sherman
6 episodes with amy sherman
3 episodes with amy sherman
3 episodes with amy sherman
2 episodes with amy sherman
3 episodes with amy sherman
3 episodes with amy sherman
EPISODE 695: Batter up! What's new at Comerica ParkThis weekend on "Behind the Mitten," it's ALL about baseball — and we had a blast getting a sneak peek of what's new at Comerica Park with the Detroit Tigers! Amy Sherman sat down with Chef Mark and Chef Maggie to talk about the incredible new food coming to the ballpark this season (spoiler: it's delicious).We'll also fill you in on the special themed weekends and giveaways the Tigers have planned — some really fun stuff you won't want to miss if you're heading to a game this year! Plus, we met some of the awesome local Detroit restaurants bringing their flavors to the stadium.On top of that, John's son Zak joins us on the show to talk about what baseball means to their family. They share some Tigers predictions, and chat about their own little podcast project, Big League Dreaming. Love that they can connect over this game they all grew up with.Catch us every weekend on Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast. We air on 21 stations across 14 markets in Michigan, and you can listen in at any of these times:Saturdays:8 a.m. — WBRN (Big Rapids), WKMI (Kalamazoo), WILS (Lansing)9 a.m. — WGHN (Grand Haven)10 a.m. — WSJM (Benton Harbor)Noon — WPHM (Port Huron)4 p.m. — WIOS (Tawas / East Tawas)Sundays:7 a.m. — WCFX (Mt. Pleasant), WGFN (Traverse City), WMRX (Midland), WUPS (Houghton Lake), WWMK (Cheboygan)8 a.m. — WPHM (Port Huron)1 p.m. — WSGW-AM & FM (Saginaw)6 p.m. — WBCK-FM (Battle Creek), WOOD-AM & FM (Grand Rapids)And of course — you can catch us anytime on your favorite podcast app!More info (and adventures) at amyandgonzo.com.#GoTigers#BehindTheMitten #DetroitTigers #BaseballSeason #GoTigers
BONUS PODCASTCo-host of "Behind the Mitten" Amy Sherman shares where she and Gonzo will be this weekend, and all of the fun stuff coming up to do around Da Mitt including BASEBALL!!!!Amy also runs down what's new at Comercia Park, and Gonzo shares info about his family baseball podcast. This segment aired on April 10 on WILS-AM in Lansing on "The WILS Morning Wake Up" show with host Mike Austin.Listen to Amy and Gonzo at 7:40 a.m. Thursdays on WILS-1320 AM.Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast, celebrating 10 years of covering the great state of Michigan. Hosted by former chef/social media influencer Amy Sherman and longtime journalist John Gonzalez, the show airs on 21 radio stations and is listened to by more 200,000 listeners each weekend. The show has nearly 700 podcast episodes and is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts, Spreaker and wherever you get your podcasts.Follow their adventures at amyandgonzo.com.
EPISODE 694: Behind the Mitten Road Trip -- Bay City to FrankenmuthIn this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate 10 years of exploring Michigan's Great Lakes State. They embark on a road trip from Bay City to Frankenmuth, visiting local attractions like Tummyache candy store and John's Bar. The conversation highlights the importance of community, local businesses, and upcoming festivals in Frankenmuth, including the opening of a new water park. The hosts share their love for Michigan's culture, food, and the joy of road trips.Segment 1: The trip begins at Tummy Ache Candy Store in Bay City, and Amy and Gonzo meet Starr Henning, who co-owns the store with her husband, Michael, and they also operate an ice cream truck called "Starshine." It's a fun first stop!Segment 2: Amy and Gonzo introduce you to the charmingly awesome John's Bar & Party Store located in Munger right on Hwy 15. When we say right on the highway, it's a house that is just steps from the corner of Tuscola and Munger Roads, on your way south to Frankenmuth. Owner Kellie Brown, who co-owns the bar with her mom Mary Ann, and who's parents previously owned it, welcome everyone in this unssuming house/restaurant/bar. Local beef meets that famous griddle for the perfect flavorful sear, pick your patties and toppings and Kellie will get to work like the pro that she is. Everyone here is friendly and welcoming.Segment 3: After their stop at John's Bar, they travel about 15 miles south to Frankenmuth to visit Amy Zehnder Grossi at Michigan on Main, which is a sister restaurant to Bavarian Inn. It's a familiar stop because Amy and Gonzo were good friends of martriarch Dorothy Zehnder, a true Michigan treasure who passed away in 2023 at age 101. As president of Bavarian Inn Restaurant, Amy Zehnder Grossi shares what's new, including the just-opened Bavarian Blast, one of Michigan's biggest water parks. Segment 4: The night ends with a wine and charcuterie experience at Prost! in Frankenmuth. It feels like a big-city restaurant in the Bavarian-themed village. It has a cozy fireplace and lively atmosphere.That completes our Bay City to Frankenmuth road trip!Chapters00:00 -- Celebrating Michigan's Great Lakes State01:11 -- Road Trip Adventures: Bay City to Frankenmuth02:55 -- Exploring Tummyache: A Candy Wonderland12:54 -- John's Bar: A Local Favorite23:08 -- Frankenmuth: A Home Away From Home25:45 -- Bavarian Inn: A Family Tradition28:56 -- Exciting New Developments: Water Park Coming Soon29:48 -- Festivals in Frankenmuth: Celebrating Community33:27 -- Prost: A Cozy Wine Bar ExperienceLearn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
EPISODE 693: Behind the Mitten Road Trip -- Clare to LewistonIn this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate a decade of exploring Michigan's hidden gems. They embark on a road trip adventure, visiting various local businesses, including Buccilli's Pizza in Clare, R & J's Best Choice Marketplace in Houghton Lake, and Jack's Place in Roscommon, where they highlight the importance of community and local flavors. The episode also features the Lewiston Hotel & Bar, showcasing its award-winning fish fry and new menu items, emphasizing the unique experiences Michigan has to offer.Segment 1: Co-owner Shari Buccilli of Buccilli's Pizza in Clare tells the story how her husband's family moved from Detroit and started the award-winning pizzeria in 1973 with only $1,500. Segment 2: Our next stop is at R&J's Best Choice Marketplace of Houghton Lake where we meet Joycelyn Alexander, who tells us more about this "Pure Michigan" destination that features products from all over the state, including a variety of their top-selling Feta cheese. Amy calls herself "a Feta girl" and wants to enter the annual contest in December to win a year's worth of Feta. Last year they sold 14,730 pounds of the cheese.Segment 3: A few years ago we traveled all over the state looking for great fish frys. We found one at Jack's Place in Roscommon, known for fresh Alaskan cod and a cool A-frame bar. The fish is never frozen and flown in every week. We stopped in again, only to discover that Amy happen to know new co-owner Jason Christensen, who is originally from Amy's hometown in downriver Detroit. We learned more about how Jason and his partner Ashley Reynolds came to own the bar. And of course, we had to try the fish again. It was fabulous. Segment 4: Another one of our favorite fish frys was at the Lewiston Hotel & Bar, and it, too has new ownership. It was our final stop for the show. We sat at the bar and talked to Troy Willett, who tells us how he and his wife, Crissy, bought the bar a few years ago and updated it with a new menu, including gyros, poutine, more Mexican food items and the "Lewie Burger," a half-pound cheese burger that has become a top-seller. But the perch fish fry still brings them in because it's still the same, Troy said. They also offer 12 modest, very clean hotel rooms, making it a great place to spend the night. Prices are very afforable.That completes our Clare to Lewiston road trip!Chapters00:00 - Celebrating a Decade of Michigan Adventures01:14 - Road Trip Excitement: The Journey Begins02:38 - Exploring Clare: St. Patrick's Day Festivities04:01 - Buccilli's Pizza (Clare): A Local Favorite10:30 - Michigan Maple Festival: Sweet Traditions12:51 - R & J's Best Choice Market (Houghton Lake): Michigan Goods Galore20:57 - Jack's Place (Roscommon): Fresh Fish and Community Vibes35:41 - The Lewiston Hotel (Lewiston): A New Chapter in HospitalityLearn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Co-Host of "Behind the Mitten" Amy Sherman shares where she and Gonzo will be this weekend including road trippin', the CMU "Celebrate Life" Pow-Wow, candy shops, John's Bar, Prost! in Frankenmuth, wiener dog races, and more on 1320 WILS.
In this episode of "Behind the Mitten," hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman celebrate a decade of exploring Michigan, focusing on Mount Pleasant and Central Michigan University. They discuss the community's growth, the importance of Indigenous culture, and the upcoming 36th annual Celebrating Life Pow wow. The conversation highlights local attractions, culinary experiences, and the vibrant campus life at CMU, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the community and the diverse opportunities available for visitors and students alike.Guests include:Segment 1 - Chris Rowley, Executive Director of the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cassandra Chippeway, Content and Communications Coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant CVB, who talk about the city's relationship to Central Michigan University and Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.Segment 2 - Kasey Perez, Director for the Office of Indigenous Affairs at Central Michigan University, who joins the podcast to discuss details about the 36th annual Celebrating Life Pow wow March 29 and 30. Perez is a tribal member of the Hannahville Potawatomi Community and former student at CMU.Segment 3 - Dr. Paula Lancaster, Provost and Executive VP at CMU, who fills us in on academics, enrollment and why this is a great time be a Chippewa. Prior to serving as the university's lead academic officer, she was Dean of the CMU College of Education and Human Services and a professor of teacher education, and she has more than 20 years of higher education experience. Segment 4 - Chris and Cassandra of the Mt. Pleasant CVB, who rejoin the show to talk about the local food scene, as well as the things to do like hiking, tubing and golfing.Chapters00:00 - Celebrating a Decade of Michigan Adventures01:14 - Returning to Mount Pleasant: A Homecoming02:27 - Exploring Mount Pleasant's Community and Culture04:51 - Indigenous Heritage and Culinary Delights09:10 - The Upcoming Celebrating Life Powwow21:06 - Central Michigan University: A Hub of Learning25:05 - Transformative Experiences at CMU33:10 - Mount Pleasant: A Destination for All SeasonsLearn more about Central Michigan University at cmich.edu.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten appeared on the CFX Breakfast Flakes, March 20, 2025, to preview this weekend's show, which is all about Mt. Pleasant. She also talks about the upcoming Celebrating Life Pow wow at Central Michigan University, which is March 29-30..Learn more about the event at cmich.edu.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Behind the Mitten - Episode 691On this weekend's show, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spend time in one of their Michigan cities - Bay City!Segment 1: We kicks things off with newly elected mayor of Bay City, Christopher Girard. (Man, does this guy have some energy! We love him.)Segment 2: We also stop at some of our favorite restaurants, including Krzysiak House Restaurant, to talk to owner and long-time friend, Donny. This is a must stop for incredbile Polish meatballs and honey fried chicken. We approve as some of the best fried chicken in Michigan.Segment 3: Amy and Gonzo also get to tour the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame Museum with founder/curator Gary Johnson, who shares his passion for Michigan rock history and the significance that Bay City plays in it. Not only was Madonna born in Bay City, but so was early punk with ? and the Mysterians known for the classic "96 Tears." Framed albums, memorabilia, posters, tons of great photos and a cool theater with a video series on the history of Michigan Rock and Roll are all inside. Fun fact: Johnson said the auto industry had a huge impact on the Michigan rock scene, which makes Michigan very unique. The museum opened March 12, 2022. It is located at the Bay County Historical Museum. Segment 4: It gets a little emotional with the Larner family because both Amy and Gonzo were so close to the matriarch, Jackie Larner. We sit down and talk to the family, whose goal it is to honor their mom's legacy since passing away in September of 2021. The famous Mussell Beach Drive In near the State Park and continues to make some of the best onion rings, burgers and coney dogs in the state,. All fresh and homemade, just the way mom taught them.Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast celebrating is 10th anniversary in 2025. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.
Behind the Mitten - Episode 690On this weekend's show, Gonzo and Amy Sherman check in with some of their favorite tourism professionals around the state for what Amy calls, "missives from Sault Ste. Marie, Manistee and Gaylord."Segment 1: Before we talk to those tourism professionals, Amy asks John Gonzalez (Gonzo) questions about his recent trip to Italy, where he rode on a gondola, ate pizza (of course!) and visited many holy sites, including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.Segment 2: Our good friend Christy Walcott joins the show to talk about the fun things to do in Gaylord during the "shoulder season," that's when the tourism industry transitions from winter to spring. She recommends hunting for morel mushrooms. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is a perfect spot to look for morels (sandy soil near tall trees such as elm, ash, poplar or fruit trees). The season typically runs from late April to mid-June. Learn more at gaylordmichigan.net.Segment 3: In Sault Ste. Marie, our friend Linda Hoath is a self-proclaimed "boat nerd" and super excited for a new freighter season when the first ships go through the Soo Locks. Opening Day is March 25. The observation deck will open at 12:01 a.m. Check out this video! Learn more about the Soo at saultstemarie.com.Segment 4: Are you into fishing? The steelead are running in Manistee and Sammie Lukaskiewicz of the Manistee Tourism Bureau fills us in on all the details. She also talks about how women are getting more into the sport. Learn more at visitmanisteecounty.com.Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast celebrating is 10th anniversary in 2025. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.
Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten previews this weekend's Behind the Mitten show, which airs across the state on 21 radio stations across 14 markets. The podcast and radio show is celebrating 10 years. This segment aired on WGHN-FM (92.1) in Grand Haven. BTM airs at 9 a.m. Saturdays on WGHN.To see what time the show airs on your favorite radio stations across the state, go to amyandgonzo.com.
Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten previews this weekend's Behind the Mitten show, which airs across the state on 21 radio stations across 14 markets. The podcast and radio show is celebrating 10 years.As a guest of the Paul Miller show on WPHM in Port Huron, Amy talks about the passion of boat nerds, which you will hear about as Linda Hoath of the Sault Ste. Marie Visitors & Convention Bureau share her excitement for a new season. The observation deck opens at 12:01 a.m. on March 25 to see the first boats go through the Soo Locks.Behind the Mitten will air at noon on Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday on WPHM-AM (1380).To see what time the show airs on your favorite radio stations across the state, go to amyandgonzo.com.
Behind the Mitten - Episode 685Traverse City Restaurant Week 2025 (Feb. 23-March 1)."It's about as farm-to-table as you can get," says Mike Kent of Traverse City Tourism.On this special BONUS episode of "Behind the Mitten," co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman discuss the upcoming Traverse City Restaurant Week, highlighting the unique farm-to-table dining experiences available in the area.Mike Kent of Traverse City Tourism says that each year restaurants focus on local and seasonal menus. He also shares details about the event and the vibrant culinary scene in the region. Check out the website for deals and special packages.More Info:Throughout the 15th annual Traverse City Restaurant Week, local eateries across Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will offer special multiple-course prix fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person.How to Participate:Explore a list of 54 participating restaurants with a Digital Passport.Download the passport dining guide below for a chance to win gift card prizes.Make your reservations (where accepted) directly with restaurants – either online or by phone.Dine at (and check in on your passport) as many participating spots as you'd like!More info at downtowntc.com.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
"Behind the Mitten" co-host, Amy Sherman talks about the life of Michigan restaurant owners on 1320 WILS and the Mike Austin Morning Show. This weekend's BTM show is all about the restaurant scene in Corktown.Tune in to this weekend's show on all of our stations throughout Michigan to hear about our travels. In Lansing the show airs at 8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-AM (1320).For a complete list of stations and times, go to amyandgonzo.com.
Kelly Bishop, legend of stage, screen, chorus lines and iconic television joins us to talk about her magnificent book, The Third Gilmore Girl! Kelly's media path took her from Broadway dancer to a Tony winning performance in A Chorus Line to her partial culpability for putting Baby in a corner in Dirty Dancing to Friday night dinners with Lorelei and Rory as Emily Gilmore. And the journey continues… As Kelly's book and this conversation reveal, she did it all with grace, charm, dedication, diligence and humility.First, we speak with singer/actor Sam Harris, whose rocket ride aboard starship Star Search launched him into millions of living rooms with his celestial rendering of Over the Rainbow. After battling Covid related vocal issues, Sam is readying his triumphant return in a stage show he calls, Beyond The Rainbow. Sam and Fritz discuss their shared history at a little Santa Monica nightclub called The Horn where they honed their crafts and were both discovered! Then Kelly Bishop tells us how her work ethic and confidence were shaped by a nurturing mother, who ran interference against her neglectful father, teaching her ballet and carving a path for her to reach for her dreams.Kelly shares how inspired she has been by show runners Amy Sherman and Dan Palladino and how taking on the role of Emily Gilmore allowed her to explore the relationship she witnessed between her mother and her grandmother. She also talks tenderly about her love story with her husband, Journalist Lee Leonard, her surprisingly primal response to the death of her father and her treasured friendships with Amy Sherman-Palladino and Lauren Graham. Kelly also gives us some hints about the newest Palladino project, Etoile, which is coming soon to Prime. All this plus rounds of IMDB Roulette and Gilmore Girls Trivia!And in recommendations -Weezy: The Echo of Old Books by Barbara DavisFritz: Netflix Movie 'The Teacher's Lounge'Path Points of Interest:The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly BishopKelly Bishop WikipediaKelly Bishop IMDBA Chorus Line on BroadwayKelly Bishop - At The BalletDirty Dancing The Gilmore GirlsGilmore Girls IMDBGilmore Girls Opening SongMedia Path Podcast"Emily Gilmore" Youtube PageSam Harrishttps://www.samharris.com/Sam Harris at the El Portal Theatrehttps://elportaltheatre.com/beyondtherainbow.htmlThe Teachers' Loungehttps://www.netflix.com/title/81725559The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davishttps://www.amazon.com/Echo-Old-Books-Novel/dp/1542038162/
Susie & Andy Rent: A Pure Michigan Love Story!On this special podcast, John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman spend some time with Andy & Susie Rent, who were married on June 30, 2024 after both experiencing loss, and found each other. "For whatever reasson...we were just brought together. I feel blessed. How did this happen?" Andy says on the Podcast.Amy calls them GR's "most adorable" couple.On the show they talk about how much they love Michigan winters.You can hear Andy on The River from 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays on 100.5. More info here.Follow the Behind the Mitten adventures on amyandgonzo.com.
Everything you need to know about the DNR's Lighthouse Keeper Program!On today's podcast, co-hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman -- celebrating 10 years of "Behind the Mitten," Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast - dive deep into the Michigan Lighthouse Keeper Program!Special guest Don La Barre from the Michigan History Center and Department of Natural Resources shares insights on this unique volunteer opportunity, where participants can stay at the historic Tawas Point Lighthouse while helping with tours and maintenance. Learn about the application process, what daily life as a keeper entails, and how this program contributes to preserving Michigan's maritime history.If selected, teams of four spend two weeks living this summer and fall at the Lighthouse with about 30 hours of work during the week. Cost is $250 per persson.Key Takeaways:Volunteers stay at Tawas Lighthouse for two weeks.Teams of four apply together.Duties include cleaning, providing tours, and greeting visitors.The program supports lighthouse preservation efforts.Applications for the 2025 season are due by February 1.Ready to live the life of a lighthouse keeper? Tune in for all the details and visit Michigan.gov to apply!Follow Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.Today she calls in to the Breakfast Flakes on 95.3 WCFX in Mt. Pleasant. Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.
As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.Today she calls in to Mary Ellen Murphy on Grand Haven's Finest WGHN-FM (92.1). Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.
As we get ready for another Behind the Mitten show this weekend, co-host Amy Sherman checks in with our affiliates throughout the state to tell them what we have going on.Today she calls in to Paul Miller of WPHM-AM (1380) in Port Huron. Check out BTM this weekend as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For times and stations, go to amyandgonzo.com.
"Behind the Mitten" co-host, Amy Sherman talks cross-country skiing, activities at Crystal Mountain, crock pot French fries, and where to get the best winter cocktails on 1320 WILS and the Mike Austin Morning Show.Tune in to this weekend's show on all of our stations throughout Michigan to hear about our travels. In Lansing the show airs at 8 a.m. Saturdays on WILS-AM (1320).For a complete list of stations and times, go to amyandgonzo.com.
Don't miss this week's episode of Behind the Mitten, Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast. Join co-hosts Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez as they broadcast from Stormcloud Brewery in the charming Lake Michigan shoreline town of Frankfort, Michigan.This episode features:Stormcloud Brewery: A Belgian-inspired craft brewery that has won multiple national and international awards. Co-owner and co-founder Rick Schmitt shares the story of how Stormcloud became a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts.Winter Fun in Frankfort: Learn about curling on Stormcloud's patio, the popularity of curling leagues, and how the sport is growing across the state with insights from Kate Sterken, Executive Director of the Traverse City Curling Club.The Garden Theatre: Executive Director Katie Jones discusses the history and community role of this 800-seat theater, which hosts annual film festivals, family-friendly movies, and unique collaborations with Stormcloud Brewery.Michigan Craft Beer Spotlight: In celebration of Behind the Mitten's 10th anniversary, Amy and John bring back a fan-favorite segment highlighting the state's vibrant craft beer scene.Catch Behind the Mitten on-air:Saturdays8 a.m.WBRN (Big Rapids) 1460 AM | 107.7 & 96.5 FMWKMI (Kalamazoo) 1360 AMWILS (Lansing) 1320 AM9 a.m.WGHN (Grand Haven) 92.1 FM10 a.m.WSJM (Benton Harbor) 94.9 FMNoonWPHM (Port Huron) 1380 AM4 p.m.WIOS (Tawas/East Tawas) 1480 AM | 106.9 FMSundays7 a.m.Black Diamond Broadcasting stations: WCFX-95.3 (Mt. Pleasant), WGFN-98.1 & 95.3 (Traverse City), WMRX-97.7 (Midland), WUPS-98.5 (Houghton Lake), and WWMK-106.3 (Cheboygan).8 a.m.1380 AM WPHM in Port Huron.1 p.m.WSGW-AM (790) & FM (100.5) in Saginaw.6 p.m.WBCK-FM (95.3) in Battle Creek and WOOD-AM (1300) & FM (106.9) in Grand Rapids.Check out all of our 670+ episodes at Spreaker.com as we celebrate BTM's 10-year anniversary.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
On this episode of "Behind the Mitten," Gonzo and Amy Sherman explore Old Town Lansing!Not only do they check out the eclectic shops, they talk to local organizers and community members who share what makes this area of Lansing so special. And they do it while recording in a loft overlooking downtown Old Town.In addition, they do "boots on the ground" reporting with an exclusive interview with the founders of the Facebook group page STUPID - Lansing, and they get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Big Penny," a song dedicated to the Too Tall Truck Munching Bridge on South Pennsylvania Avenue.Also, listen for an interview with Lansing's favorite trucker country duo, Deer & Elk.TUNE IN!Segment 1: Sam Benson, executive director of the Old Town Commercial Association, and Jamie Schriner, Queen of Old TownSegment 2: STUPID - Lansing Exclusive! STUPID stands for The Society for Totally Useless Pranks and Immature Dumbassery!Segment 3: Deer & Elk's Jason Lantrip and Jeff Gower. Learn more at phonophorerecords.com.Segment 4: More about Old Town Lansing with Sam and Jamie, including upcoming events, such as the Chocolate Walk (Feb. 22, 2025) and Lumberjack Festival (March 29, 2025).Learn more about Old Town Lansing at iloveoldtown.org. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
Amy Sherman of "Behind the Mitten" tells the guys from 95.3 CFX about this weekend's show, which is from Stormcloud Brewery in Frankfort, where you can go curling!She also entertains questions from Rob & Kent, as she does every week. Today they want to know where she wants to go on vacation. TUNE IN to hear her answer.And don't forget to tune in this weekend to Behind the Mitten on 95.3 WCFX in Mt. Pleasant and more than 20 other affiliates!Check our website for more info. https://www.amyandgonzo.com/general-5
In this episode of Behind the Mitten, hosts John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman welcome Alma Lou Crossley and Jay Jacobs from the Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce to discuss the upcoming Tip-Up-Town USA event.Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Tip-Up-Town is Michigan's oldest winter festival filled with family-friendly activities, including ice fishing contests, amusement rides, and live entertainment. The conversation highlights the community spirit, the importance of local events, and the unique experiences that Houghton Lake offers during the winter season.Tip-Up-Town USA is Jan. 17-19 and Jan. 24-25, 2025.Learn more at houghtonlakechamber.net/tip-up-town-usa.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.TakeawaysTip-Up Town is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.The event includes a variety of family-friendly activities.Houghton Lake is known for its welcoming community spirit.There are contests for fishing, belly flops, and even beards.The festival features live entertainment and local bands.Alcohol is available but kept separate from family activities.The event promotes authentic fun and community engagement.Visitors can enjoy amusement rides and carnival games.The festival runs over two weekends in January.Houghton Lake is a great destination for winter activities.Sound Bites"Authentic fun all year round!""You can win like the best belly flop!""You gotta come out and check this out!"Chapters00:00 - Welcome to Behind the Mitten01:06 - Celebrating 75 Years of Tip-Up Town04:36 - Family-Friendly Fun and Community Spirit08:08 - Weather and Community Engagement
BEHIND THE MITTEN - EPISODE 667In this special 10th anniversary episode of Behind the Mitten with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, hosts Amy and Gonzo reflect on a decade of exploring Michigan's vibrant culture, food, and travel destinations. Joined by Paul Beachnau from the Gaylord Tourism Bureau, they discuss the growth of Gaylord, the community's spirit, and the exciting winter activities available in the area. The episode highlights memorable experiences, the importance of community support, and the unique charm of Michigan's winter wonderland.This weekend's show is a milestone for us! Let's celebrate.Amy says:"I can't think of a better way to kick off the new year, and a new decade, with our best adventure buddy, great friend, and awesome co-host Paulie B (Paul Beachnau) from the Gaylord Michigan Tourism Bureau. He's the perfect example of what's happened over the years with BTM….work contacts become friends, who become family."She added: "Thank you to everyone who has listened, to our radio affiliates for believing in us not once, but twice, to each and every guest who joined us and shared their stories, and to the power of RADIO, which still exists, and is awesome."Gonzo says:"This a very special show for us. Thanks to Paul Beachnau, Christy Ann, Barry Owens and all of our friends in the Gaylord community who make us feel so welcomed every time we visit the area. It's like a second home. We hope you enjoy the show."He added: "Thanks to everyone who made this little podcast grow into more than just a radio show. As Amy said, we consider you all family. We can't thank you enough."Learn more about Gaylord at gaylordmichigan.net.Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.
After our interview last week with Andy Crouch, ECFI's Editor-at-Large Amy Sherman sat down with Executive Director Jason Myhre to reflect on Crouch's insights. Listen in as they unpack his metaphor of a “bubble on top of a sinkhole,” challenge conventional views of profit, and offer a compelling vision for faithful investing. On this episode:Matt Galyon, Associate Director, ECFI Jason Myhre, Executive Director, ECFIAmy Sherman, Editor-at-Large, ECFI Notes & Links: View our Courses The communication herein is provided for informational purposes only and was made possible with the financial support of Eventide Asset Management, LLC (“Eventide”), an investment adviser. Eventide Center for Faith and Investing is an educational initiative of Eventide. In some cases, information in this communication may include statements by individuals that are current clients or investors in Eventide, and/or individuals compensated for providing their statements. In such cases, Eventide identifies all relevant details of the relationship, the compensation, and any conflicts of interest, within the communication which can be found at faithandinvesting.com. Information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable. Statements made by ECFI should not be interpreted as a recommendation or advice pertaining to any security. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
Amy Sherman of "Behind the Mitten" tells the guys from 95.3 CFX they can learn about regional foods like the "puffy taco" on this weekend's BTM show (Dec. 21-22, 2024), which is all about Saginaw.She also entertains questions from Rob & Kent, as she does every week. Today they want to know if she had a job from Santa at the North Pole, what would it be?TUNE IN to hear her answer.And don't forget to tune in to Behind the Mitten across the state on 95.3 WCFX in Mt. Pleasant, as well as WSGW in Saginaw, and more than 20 other affiliates!Check our website for more info - amyandgonzo.com.
SEASON 6, EPISODE 50On this show, Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez pick some of their favorite small towns in Michigan, especially during the holidays.Lewiston - A Talley Burger at the Talley Log Cabin Bar or a fish fry at the Lewiston Hotel is reason enough to visit, but in a winter season, the local snowmobile culture returns for frolicing good times.Holly - 50 Miles northwest of downtown Detroit, it's the other up north for those in SE Michigan. Along with great shopping and the Holly Dickens Festival, the annual Holly Dazzle light show and Renaissance experience is back through Dec. 31.Christmas - In the UP of Michigan, this small town has a way with getting you in the spirit with its natural wonder and beauty. Don't expect big light shows and productions, it's a simple way up here. And yes, you can get postcards stamped with Christmas on it. You just have to go to nearby Munising.Croswell-Lexington - From the Horse Parade to beautiful shops, it's always a lot of fun in the Croswell and Lexington area. Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere radio show and podcast, celebrating 10 years in 2025. Learn more about Behind the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY DAZZLE FACEBOOK
Amy Sherman of Behind the Mitten gets all the intel on Short's Brewing “Holiday Battle Plan,” a 12-pack inspired by the classic movie “Home Alone.”The new variety pack from Short's Brewing in Bellaire features four brand-new brews and a guide for hosting your own Home Alone watch party.“I think we're all children of the '80s, so when it came out in the '90s it was the perfect time for all of us to feel the right amount of nostalgia for it,” said Short's sales director Kerry Lynch in a podcast with Amy.“(The movie) is such a great holiday classic; it's incredibly quotable. …We're also hoping it opens up an entirely new audience who aren't as familiar with all the subtle nuances and...the lines you know.”Lynch said that Short's has done several different holiday packs over the years, but this year they “decided to switch things up. Since we're such an experience-driven brewery, we wanted to give folks an experience when they pick up this pack in stores.”In a news release about the Holiday pack she said: “This twelve-pack features four beers to chug faster than Fuller chugs Peps!”The styles vary from Sour to Stout, and Short's has provided the corresponding movie times for each brew. All you've got to do is pick up a pack, chill the beers, and kick back with a holiday classic. The Holiday Battle Plan is available for a limited time in stores (and on draft at select locations) now.THE BEERS:*Junk and Rubbish: Cool cocoa and marshmallow stout – ABV: 7.7% (Movie Time: 23:36)*Silver Tuna: Cranberry and orange sour ale – ABV: 4.1% (Movie time 27:31)*Oh-Kay: India Pale Ale – ABV:5.1% (Movie time 41:48)*Thirsty For More: New Zealand Lager – ABV: 4.4% (Movie time 1:24:13)Find more information here: https://www.shortsbrewing.com/beers/holiday-battle-plan/
Amy Sherman is the Vice President of Public Affairs at Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain. Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. (JA) is part of the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to motivating kids for future career success, selfsufficiency, and financial acumen. Amy's position executes a comprehensive public affairs strategy aligned with the organization's mission and is working on legislation to pass a financial literacy graduation requirement in Colorado and Wyoming.Amy recently was the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado. After over half a century of commitment to advancing economic and financial education, Economic Literacy Colorado merged with Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain on September 1, 2024. This strategic move comes at a time of unprecedented momentum and interest in early economic and financial education, reflecting a growing recognition of its vital role in shaping future generations.Amy has over 30 years of experience in non-profit management, chamber of commerce, trade association and economic development industries. Her strong organizational management skills help her shine in being a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for the community. In 2023, Amy and her team were honored as Denver Business Journal Partners in Philanthropy. Additionally, Amy was one of Denver Business Journal's 40 Under 40 winners in 2012, Economic Development Rookie of the Year in 2013, and Denver Business Journal's Top Women in Energy in 2015.www.jarockymountain.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshermancolorado/********************************************************Judy is the CEO & Founder of the Judy Carlson Financial Group. She helps her clients design, build, and implement fully integrated and coordinated financial plans from today through life expectancy and legacy.She is an Independent Fiduciary and Comprehensive Financial Planner who specializes in Wealth Decumulation Strategies. Judy is a CPA, Investment Advisor Representative, Life and Health Insurance Licensed, and Long-Term Care Certified.Judy's mission is to educate and empower her clients with an all-inclusive financial plan that encourages and motivates them to pursue their lifetime financial goals and dreams.Learn More: https://judycarlson.com/Investment Adviser Representative of and advisory services offered through Royal Fund Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Adviser.The Inspired Impact Podcasthttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/the-inspired-impact-podcast-with-judy-carlson-interview-with-amy-sherman-vice-president-of-public-affairs-junior-achievement-rocky-mountain
Holy smokes! It's a moment in Midland, and we are back at one of our best.We are back at one of the all time greats Bone Daddy's Barbeque with our buddy and BBQ legend Bill Wall. He's the master of meat, king of smoke, and just so fun. We know you'll love him. too.A few years ago we were looking for great pasties made UNDER the bridge. We found them at shierspasties in Midland, and we have owners George and Kristin on to give us an update on their family run deli.Our friend Dave Clark, editor of the Midland Daily News shares what makes this community special, as well as beers from a few area breweries. He also shared some news from MiBrew Trail magazine.We hope you'll tune in!Learn more about Behind on the Mitten at amyandgonzo.com.Follow us on Facebook at @behindthemittenBehind the Mitten is co-hosted by chef and local food advocate Amy Sherman and digital journalist John Gonzalez. It is Michigan's Premiere Radio Show and Podcast, established in 2015. They have produced more than 650 episodes.#bbq#midlandmi#mibrewtrail#btm
God calls Christians to participate in his redemptive mission in every sphere of life. Your talents and vocation are uniquely suited to His plan! Amy Sherman has devoted her life to showing people how to restore lives and communities for God’s glory. Today she helps us discover how we can be Agents of Flourishing in our communities and offer a winsome witness to a watching world! Equipped with Chris Brooks is made possible by your support. To donate now, click here To learn more about Equipped with Chris Brooks click here.
Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society
This week on Givers, Does, & Thinkers, Jeremy talks with Amy Sherman about how people of faith can go beyond politics to seek good for their communities. Amy Sherman is the director of the Sagamore Institute's Center on Faith in Communities. She obtained her PhD in international economic development from the University of Virginia and is the author of Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society. During this episode, Amy challenges believers to reconsider the role of churches in society, focusing on how they can extend their influence beyond their walls to foster true community flourishing, inspired by Jeremiah 29:7. She explores the six key arenas of civilizational life—social mores and ethics, human knowledge and learning, creativity and aesthetics, political and civic life, economic life, and human and natural health. This conversation is full of practical advice for believers and community leaders dedicated to making a tangible difference in their neighborhoods.We'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, questions, and recommendations for the podcast! You can shoot Katie Janus, GDT's producer, an email anytime!Be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to make sure you never miss an episode!Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel
How can workplace Christians be better equipped to transform their communities for the gospel? In this episode of the Lausanne Movement podcast, we hear from Chuck Proudfit, Founder and President of SKILLSOURCE about "At Work On Purpose," a citywide workplace ministry model that mobilises the Church at Work. Chuck shares his journey from corporate America to a faith-based mission that empowers Christians to live out their beliefs in the workplace and mobilises them to make tangible impact in their communities. Main Points: Integrating Faith and Work: The challenges and triumphs of expressing faith in a secular work environment. Purposeful Employment and Vocational Discipleship: Understanding God's design for work and equipping Christians to be faith-active in their jobs. Workplace Engagement and Impact: Building a community of believers and creating a transformative impact in the workplace. Advice for Aspiring Network Builders: Steps to start and grow a network of Christians in the workplace. Engaging Church Pastors: Strategies for pastors to better support and equip workplace leaders within their congregations. After listening, subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and visit our website to join the movement of integrating faith and work. Share this episode with friends and colleagues to inspire them on their journey. Links & Resources: At Work On Purpose - https://atworkonpurpose.org/ Agents of Flourishing by Amy Sherman - https://a.co/d/bET18G6 Biznistry: Transforming Lives Through Enterprise - https://a.co/d/h98A9wL SKILLSOURCE - https://skillsource.com/ Guest Bio: Chuck Proudfit is the Founder and President of SKILLSOURCE®. With a rich corporate background from Procter & Gamble, Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery, and LensCrafters Corporation, Chuck brings extensive management experience. At Harvard University, he pioneered the undergraduate organisational development curriculum. Since its inception in 1995, SKILLSOURCE® has grown into a nationally recognized firm, known for its flexible, project-based talent assembly. The firm has earned numerous accolades, including a Torch Award for business ethics from the Better Business Bureau. Chuck serves on executive boards for Self Sustaining Enterprises, Nuway Foundation, and Good Cities. He co-founded NET (Neighbourhoods Embracing Transformation), is part of Transform Our World's Corporate Leadership Team, and is an Elder at Grace Chapel. He also teaches at the Great Oaks Institute and Cincinnati Christian University. We'd love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!
SEASON 6, EPISODE 27On this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez:Gonzo and Amy share some of their favorite podcasts from earlier this summer from a collection of segments from Mackinac Island to Owosso and Bellaire to Suttons Bay.TUNE IN!Segment 1: Kerry Lynch, director of sales for Short's, and Richard Anderson, a co-owner of Iron Fish Distillery, talk about Soft Parade Vodka. This Pure Michigan collaboration is made with all natural ingredients and Michigan fruit - blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. This is the second year of the collaboration, which is available now in local stores across Michigan for a limited time. Learn more at ironfishdistillery.com. Get a list of cocktail drinks at ironfishdistillery.com/softparadecocktails. Learn more about Shorts at shortsbrewing.com.Segment 2: In an extended podcast earlier this year, Gonzo talks to Dean Pyers, Executive Director of the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso about the Pere Marquette 1225, best known as one of the inspirations of the The Polar Express movie. He also spent some extra time with volunteers Roger Scoville and Randy Paquette, former MSU students who started working on restoring the Steam Locomotive in 1970. More information a michigansteamtrain.com.Segment 3: While on Mackinac Island in April, John and Amy stopped at Mission Point Resort to meet owner Liz Ware and executive chef John Clements. Listen as they talk about special cooking classes, as well as dining options as part of their "Farm to Ferry" philosophy at Mission Point Resort. More info at missionpoint.com.Segment 4: John and Amy love hanging out at Black Star Farms on the Leelanau Peninsula, and on this segment - after recording their regular show - they stuck around to catch up with long-time tasting room manager Chris Lopez. Learn more at blackstarfarms.com.Thanks for tuning in! Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
SEASON 6, PODCAST EPISODEOn this special podcast of Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez:Gonzo and and Amy interview Carmen Beemer, the 2023-2024 National Cherry Festival Queen in Traverse City.In the interview Carmen talks about what the scholarship program has meant to her over the last year, and some of her favorite memories. She is a 2024 graduate of Michigan State University. A new queen will be announced on July 5. This year's National Cherry Festival continues through July 6, 2024.Learn more at cherryfestival.org.Behind the Mitten is Michigan's premiere travel radio show and podcast. Learn more at amyandgonzo.com.Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
SEASON 6, EPISODE 26On this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez:Gonzo and Amy take a closer look at some fun community events all over the state. The show opens with a rep from the West Michigan Tourist Assocation who runs down several local events, then Gonzo gets a few "dad jokes" in about the Pickle Fest (yes, he says it's a Big Dil!) and our Dynamic Duo also cover the largest celebration in the Upper Peninsula and find the Greatest Fourth in the North in just a 90 minutes north of Grand Rapids. TUNE IN!Segment 1 - Kaylie Pomper, Marketing Manager at WMTA. Check out her list of events.Segment 2 - Kelly Ewalt, community coordinator, Village of Berrien Springs (4th of July) Pickle Fest. Details on Facebook.Segment 3 - Mark Malmberg, vice chair of the Bessemer Best Fourth of July Festival in the UP. List of events here.Segment 4 - Sam Peery, director of the Missaukee Chamber of Commerce (Greatest Fourth in the North) in Lake City. Details here.Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
Summer is a great time to rest, enjoy the nice weather, and listen to your favorite podcasts. Tune into the Faith & Work Podcast as we kick off a four-part summer series. In these episodes we will be featuring some of our best content filled with practical takeaways and great insights. For our second conversation we hear from scholar and nonprofit leader Amy Sherman. Amy is a senior fellow at the Sagamore Institute, where she directs the Center for Faith in Communities. She is also the author of the book Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society.
A couple of months ago I came across an article that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. It's called “The End and Future of the Church/”Para-Church” Relationship: A Call for Generous Partnership.” The article was written by two people I have come to respect a great deal in the past few years. One of them is Amy Sherman, who has written a number of important books on the Christian response to poverty. Her co-author is my guest today, Scott Harris. Scott is the Vice President of Church and Global Engagement for an organization called Mission Increase. Mission Increase exists to equip donors, nonprofits and churches fulfill their God-given mission and increase their Kingdom impact through training, and coaching. Scott's specific role is to help churches and nonprofits work better together to reach their neighbors and nations. It's hard to find a mission statement more in line with the goals of MinistryWatch than that one, and that may be why I've been running into Scott all over the place in the past few years, including at the most recent True Charity conference, which we've written several stories about in the past few months. Some of you might also remember that MinistryWatch did a short series of articles on generous churches, churches that are doing outsized projects with their missions dollars. Scott was instrumental in helping us identify those churches and helped us make contact with them. In the article we discuss today, Scott and Amy say that the current state of church/parachurch relationships is a major hindrance to the effective work of the Body of Christ in Jesus' Kingdom Mission in our day. They explain why and how this is so, and what we can do about it. To read for yourself the article we discussed, click here: https://missionincrease.org/churches/#para-church To read more about Mission Increase, see a 2020 article we did on this ministry: https://ministrywatch.com/teach-a-ministry-to-fish/ The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.
Today's episode features Jonathan and Sy talking with Pastor Rasool Berry. They discuss:- The importance of acknowledging and understanding your own and your community's power- The social and spiritual forces behind the opposition to CRT or DEI (or whatever they're calling it today)- Pastor Berry's incredible documentary about Juneteenth and Christian faith- When to leave communities that push back against racial justice- And after the interview, Sy and Jonathan reflect on the work it takes to pass on a tradition like Juneteenth well, and the truly, literally unbelievable levels of ignorance whiteness creates in people- Plus, they discuss the Daniel Perry pardon, and the threads that connect it to the Donald Trump convictionsMentioned in the Episode- Our anthology - Keeping the Faith: Reflections on Politics and Christianity in the era of Trump and Beyond- An abridged version of Pastor Berry's article from the anthology.- His subsequent article, “Uncritical Race Theory”- The documentary Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom- Resources for screening Juneteenth and inviting speakers involved with the film- The soundtrack for Juneteenth- Pastor Berry's podcast, Where Ya From?- The article on Daniel Perry Sy put in our newsletter- The Texas Monthly article about how legally unusual Perry's pardon wasCredits- Follow KTF Press on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Subscribe to get our bonus episodes and other benefits at KTFPress.com.- Follow host Jonathan Walton on Facebook Instagram, and Threads.- Follow host Sy Hoekstra on Mastodon.- Our theme song is “Citizens” by Jon Guerra – listen to the whole song on Spotify.- Our podcast art is by Robyn Burgess – follow her and see her other work on Instagram.- Transcripts by Joyce Ambale and Sy Hoekstra.- Production by Sy Hoekstra and our incredible subscribersTranscript[An acoustic guitar softly plays six notes, the first three ascending and the last three descending – F#, B#, E, D#, B – with a keyboard pad playing the note B in the background. Both fade out as Jonathan Walton says “This is a KTF Press podcast.”]Rasool Berry: There was a lot of nicknames and still are for Juneteenth. One was Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, but Jubilee Day. And when I discovered that, that's when I said we got to get involved in this process. Because you mean to tell me that these formerly enslaved people at a time when it was illegal to read, that they understood enough of the story that they picked out this festival, that it was this reordering of society, the kingdom of heaven coming back to earth. And in the context of this, of their faith, they saw God doing a jubilee in their lives?[The song “Citizens” by Jon Guerra fades in. Lyrics: “I need to know there is justice/ That it will roll in abundance/ And that you're building a city/ Where we arrive as immigrants/ And you call us citizens/ And you welcome us as children home.” The song fades out.]IntroductionSy Hoekstra: Welcome to Shake the Dust, seeking Jesus, confronting injustice. I'm Sy Hoekstra.Jonathan Walton: And I'm Jonathan Walton. Today, hear us talk to Pastor Rasool Berry about his thoughts on the movement against CRT, or DEI, or whatever the term for the moment is right now when you listen to this. We're also [laughs] going to talk about his incredible feature length documentary called Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom, which is available for free on YouTube right now. And then after the interview, hear our thoughts on the pardon of Daniel Perry and the conviction of Donald Trump in our segment, Which Tab Is Still Open?Sy Hoekstra: The 34 convictions of Donald Trump.Jonathan Walton: All of them.Sy Hoekstra: All of them [laughs]. We're going to talk about each one individually…Jonathan Walton: Exactly.Sy Hoekstra: …the specific business record that he destroyed, whatever.Jonathan Walton: [laughs].Sy Hoekstra: Don't be afraid, we're not going to do that. By the way, I said at the end of last week that the guest this week was going to be Brandi Miller, and then we realized that we had to do the episode that was about Juneteenth before Juneteenth. So Brandi Miller's going to be in two weeks from now. And this time [laughs], it's Pastor Rasool Berry.Before we get to that, just a reminder, we need your subscriptions. Please go to ktfpress.com and become a paid subscriber on our Substack. Your support sustains what we do, and we need that support from you right now. We've been doing this as a side project for a long time, and like we've been saying, if we want this show to continue past this season, we need to get a lot more subscribers so that we can keep doing this work, but not for free as much as we've been doing it.So go and subscribe. That gets you all the bonus episodes of this show, which there are many, many of at this point. And then it also gets you access to our new monthly subscriber conversations that we're doing. Jonathan and I will be having video chats with you to talk about all the different kinds of things that we talk about on this show, answer some questions, just have a good time. And if you cannot afford a subscription, if money's the only obstacle, just write to us at info@ktfpress.com. We will give you a free or discounted subscription, no questions asked. But if you can afford it, please, ktfpress.com. Become a paid subscriber. We need your support now.Jonathan Walton: Pastor Rasool Berry serves as teaching pastor at The Bridge Church in Brooklyn, New York. He's also the director of partnerships and content development with Our Daily Bread Ministries. Pastor Berry graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies and Sociology. He's also the host of the Where Ya From? podcast sponsored by Christianity Today, and the writer, producer and host of Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom. Let's get to it. Here's the interview.[the intro piano music from “Citizens” by Jon Guerra plays briefly and then fades out.]Sy Hoekstra: Pastor, thank you so much for joining us on Shake the Dust today.Rasool Berry: Oh, well, I'm glad to be here with you all, back at it again, Keeping the Faith.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah. Yes, exactly [laughter].Jonathan Walton: Amen. Amen.The Importance of “Mapping” PowerSy Hoekstra: So, you wrote this fantastic essay for… so, well, actually, it was originally for your blog, I think, and then we kind of took it and adapted it for the anthology. And it was about critical race theory, and you broke down a lot of the history and sort of the complex intellectual background of it and everything. But you talked specifically about something that you said, critical race theory and the Bible and the Black Christian tradition in the US all help us do something really important, and that thing is mapping power. Can you talk to us a little bit about what power mapping is and what the importance of it is?Rasool Berry: Yeah. I first kind of got wind of that framework when we were launching a justice ministry at our church. And two friends Gabby, Dr. Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes and her husband, Dr. Andrew Wilkes, who do a lot of great work with justice, actually walked our church through thinking about mapping power in our church as a way of evaluating what types of justice initiatives did it make sense for us to engage in, in light of what we had in the room. And so for instance, when I was in my church in Indiana, a lot of the parishioners worked at Lilly who's headquarters is in Indiana. And so when they decided to do something for the community, they ended up opening up a clinic in the church building, which still exists and serves the local community, because they all had medical backgrounds.So when they do mission work, they do mission work with a medical component, because that's a effective way of mapping power. Where our church in Brooklyn average age is about 28, 29 and they're more artsy. So we're not opening up clinics, you know what I mean? But what we can do is events that help inspire and help engage with people. And then eventually with our pastor's leadership started something called Pray March Act, which looks to be a place to mobilize churches around issues of justice in New York City. So what is oftentimes overlooked in Christian spaces, and I really am indebted to Andy Crouch and his book, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, for really surfacing the need for us to have a theology of power.That this is something that oftentimes especially evangelical churches, or more kind of Bible oriented or people kind of churches, there's a sense in which we don't know how to think about power. And I believe, I suspect this is one of the reasons why the church has been so susceptible to issues like sexual abuse, to egregious theft in money, is because we are not really conditioned to think about power, which is really ironic because the scriptures really do point to… I mean, we literally have two books, First and Second Kings, and those books are pointing to you have the king, this king was a good king, and it impacted the kingdom of Israel this way. This king was a bad king, and then this is what happened.And so it's wired in the text, right? Amy Sherman in her book, Kingdom Calling, Dr. Amy Sherman points to this when she points to the proverb that says, “when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” And it's this idea, when she says righteous, she's not thinking about it in the kind of traditional pietistic aspect of righteousness, but she's talking about “tzedakah” in the Hebrew, which has this connotation of justice. Because when people who are put in positions of power and influence, when they do right by the people underneath them when they do right, that people celebrate. Versus when there's somebody who's a tyrant that's in office, the people groan because there's that sense of they recognize we've mapped power dynamics, and somebody who's going to do ill is going to have a disproportionate impact on all of us.And so power mapping is bringing to surface the awareness of what is it that we have in the room. And it's also a very humbling way of being aware of our own power, right? Like how do I show up as a man in a space, in certain things? Like I know if I get up and I'm about to preach that there's some different dynamics depending on who I'm talking to in a room. Like if I'm in a predominantly Black context that's younger, then the locks might actually kind of give me some street cred. Like, oh, that's kind of cool. But if I'm in a older, traditional space, looking younger is going to be more of a uphill climb to say, okay, what's this guy coming at? And if I'm in a White space, versus but I also recognize that when our sisters come up, that there's a whole different type of power mapping situation.And so all of these things are helpful in being aware of how we show up and how that matters. And Andy's kind of thesis is that unlike the kind of post Nietzschean postmodern suspicion and critical view of power that only sees it as a negative, that God has actually given us and ordained us to exert influence and power in redemptive ways. But we can only do that if we map it, if we're aware of it, and if we use it in a way that's not just for our own self or comfort or glory, but for those who we're called to serve.Sy Hoekstra: Can I ask, just for some like to get specific on one thing, because I'm not sure this would be intuitive to everyone. You said if we map power, then we might not end up in the same situations that we are with, like abuse scandals in the church?Rasool Berry: Yeah. Yep.Sy Hoekstra: And I think I… where my mind goes is I think we would react differently to the abuse scandal. I don't know if the abuse scandals themselves would… those happen unfortunately. But I think where the power mapping might come in, is where so many people are then just deferring to whatever the person in, the pastor's narrative is. Is that kind of what you're talking about, like the reaction?Rasool Berry: I think it's on both sides.Sy Hoekstra: You do? Okay.Rasool Berry: Yeah, because for instance, if I am aware, very aware of power dynamics with children and adults, I would see the value in a practice of not leaving an adult in a space with a child by themselves.Sy Hoekstra: Oh, I see. You might put systems in place ahead of time. Yeah, yeah.Rasool Berry: Right. So there's the sense in which we can put policies in place that recognize… it's the same thing why we put the labeling system on kids when they check into childcare, right? Like you put the little label so that some random person can't just come and pick them up because a kid can't defend themselves. Or they may not have the capacity to understand what's going on if somebody just random comes up and says, “Hey, your mom and your dad told me to come get you,” and then they believe that. And so we have systems that we put in place to recognize those power dynamics. And I think unfortunately, that in a lot of our church context and culture there's an overly naive sense of, and really sometimes idolatrous view of pastors and leaders that essentially say, well, they're good and they're godly people, so there isn't a need for accountability, or there isn't a need for, you know…And so no, it's like, well, in the same way that we have trustees in certain churches, or there's a elders board, depending on what your church polity is, that polity should reflect a sense of accountability and transparency so that there is an awareness on the front end as well as on the backend that when it does come to bring people into account, that there's also an awareness of a power dynamic at play there too.Jonathan Walton: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense especially when [laughs] we throw those things out, all we have are the systems of hierarchy and social dominance that exist to define what power is, right?Rasool Berry: Right.Jonathan Walton: So the train just keeps going.The Social and Spiritual Forces behind the Fight against CRT/DEIJonathan Walton: So leaning into that a little bit, you wrote an essay focusing on CRT power mapping and things like that. But it feels like nobody in the Trump camp really had an idea of what CRT was, and it didn't even really matter to them what it was.Rasool Berry: Right.Jonathan Walton: So what do you think is at the core of what's going on with White people when they reject CRT or DEI or whatever the—conscious—whatever the term would be?Rasool Berry: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: What do you think the underlying concern is?Rasool Berry: Well, you know, after… and it's so funny because when I wrote that first piece, I wrote it as a way… [laughs] I wrote it just to get it off my chest. And in my mind, almost nobody was going to read it because it was like a 20-something minute read, and I just didn't care because I was just like, “I'm getting this off my chest,” and this is the last I'm going to say about it. Like I thought that was going to be just this thing, just so I can point people to, if anybody asks. I did not intend, nor did I think that it was only going to kind of position me as this person that people were listening to and reading and resonating with about it. So that was funny. But then what ended up happening, and especially after I was on the unbelievable? podcast with Justin Brierley, kind of in this debate format with Neil Shenvi, who's kind of been one of the most outspoken evangelical Christian critics of critical race theory. Critics is probably too mild of a term, kind of a…Jonathan Walton: Antagonist.Rasool Berry: Antagonist, even stronger. Like this doomsday prophet who says that, who's warning against the complete erosion of biblical norms because of the Trojan Horse, in his mind, of critical race theory. In the midst of that conversation, that kind of elevated, it was one of their top 10 episodes of the entire year, and it just kind of got me into these spaces where I was engaging more and more. And I kind of sat back and reflected, and I had a few more interactions with Neil on Twitter. And I ended up writing a separate piece called “Uncritical Race Theory.” And the reason why I did that, is I went back and I was curious about what kind of insights I could get from previous instances of the way that there were being controversies surrounding race in America in the church, and how the church talked about those debates.So I went back and I read The Civil War as a Theological Crisis by Mark Noll, who looked at and examined the actual debates during the time of the antebellum period of pro-slavery Christians and anti-slavery Christians, and he analyzed that. Then I went back and I read The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby, who looked at the pro-integrationist and segregationist arguments in the church. And what I found was that there was incredible symmetry between what was argued in each of those instances, going all the way back to the 1800s, to the 1960s, to now, and there were two things that emerged. The first was that the primary response from those who were supportive of slavery in the 1800s, or those who were supportive of segregation in the 1960s was to claim first of all, that the opposing view were not biblically faithful, or were not even concerned about biblical fidelity.So this is different than other types of discussions where we could say, even going back to the councils, right? Like when there's some type of, like during the Nicaean Council or something like that, they're debating about how they're understanding the text about certain things. Whereas is Jesus fully God, is he man, is he both? But there's a basic premise that they're both coming at it from different aspects of scriptures. What I noticed in the American context is that there was a denial that the side that was kind of having a more progressive view was even biblically faithful at all.Jonathan Walton: Yeah. Christian.Rasool Berry: The second part is related to the first, is that there was this allegation that there was outside philosophies that was actually shaping this impetus because it wasn't clearly the Bible. So in the 1800s that was the claim, “Oh, you're being influenced by these post-enlightenment ideas.” In the 1960s it was straight up Marxism, communism. You see the signs. “Integration is communism.” Like you see the people protesting with that, and of course the new version of that is kind of the remix of cultural Marxism, or these type of things. And so what I acknowledged in each of those scenarios is that part of the problem is that there is such an uncritical understanding of race that it causes, I think especially those in a dominant culture or those who've been susceptible to the ideologies of White supremacy, which can be White or Black or other, There's a tendency to see any claim that race is a problem as the problem itself because there's an underlying denial of the reality of racial stratification in our society, and the what Bryan Stevenson refers to as the narrative of racial difference or what is more commonly known as White supremacy. So when your default position is that you are introducing a foreign concept into the conversation when you talk about the relevance of race in a scenario, then it causes… that sense of uncritical nature of the reality of race causes you to then look upon with suspicion any claim that there's some type of racial based situation happening. And that is what I call, it is really ironically uncritical race theory. It's the exact opposite of what critical race theory is trying to do.And so I think that that's my take on what's happening. And then I think that's more of the scientific sociological, but then there's also a spiritual. I am a pastor [laughter]. And I have to end with this. I have to end with this, because in some ways I was naively optimistic that there was, if you just reasoned and show people the right analogies or perspectives, then they would, they could be persuaded. But what I have since realized and discovered is that there is a idolatrous synchronization of what we now know of different aspects of White Christian nationalism that is a competing theological position and belief system that is forming these doctrinal positions of what we now kind of look at as American exceptionalism, what we look at as this sense of the status quo being… all the things that are moving toward an authoritarian regime and away from democracy, that that is all solidifying itself as an alternative gospel.And I think that at the end of the day, I'm looking at and grieving about mass apostasy that I'm seeing happening in the church as a result of an unholy alliance of political ideology and Christian symbols, language, and values expressed in this kind of mixed way. And that's what is really being allowed to happen with this unmapped power dynamic, is that people don't even realize that they're now exerting their power to kind of be in this defensive posture to hold up a vision of society that is actually not Christian at all, but that is very much bathed in Christian terms.Jonathan Walton: I want to say a lot back, but we got to keep going, but that was good.Sy Hoekstra: We got to… [laughs]. Yeah. I mean, we could talk forever about what you just said, but we could also talk forever about your documentary. So let's transition to that.Rasool Berry: [laughter] You all are like exercising restraint.Sy Hoekstra: Yes.Jonathan Walton: I am.Rasool Berry: Like, “oh, I want to go there.” I just threw steak in front of the lions [laughter].Why Pastor Berry Made a Documentary about JuneteenthSy Hoekstra: But it's because, I mean, the documentary's interesting in a way... It's sort of like, okay, you've seen this movement of mass apostasy and everything, and you've had all these people tell you you're not faithful. And with this documentary in some ways, you're just sprinting on down the road that you're on. You know what I mean? It's like sort of [laughs], you're just going straightforward like we need to remember our past. We need to learn about power dynamics in American history. So you wrote this—[realizing mistake] wrote— you were involved in, you're the kind of narrator, the interviewer of this documentary Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom. And you went to Galveston and you went to Houston, Texas to learn more about the history of Juneteenth and the communities and the people that shaped the celebration and everything.And I guess I just want to know how this got started and why it was so important for you to engage in what was a very significant project…Rasool Berry: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: …to teach people about this kind of history that I think the movement against CRT or DEI or whatever is quite actively trying to suppress.Rasool Berry: And these two stories are very much intertwined…Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Jonathan Walton: Absolutely.Rasool Berry: …in ways that I didn't even fully anticipate in some ways. In some ways I knew, in some ways I didn't. But I grew up in Philly, where there was not growing up a significant Juneteenth awareness or celebration or anything like that. So I had heard about it though when I was very young, the concept of it. I had a classmate whose middle name was Galveston, and I was like, “That's a weird name. Why is your middle name Galveston?” [laughter] He told me that it's because his mom had told him about this situation where there were Black people that didn't know they were free for two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. I was like eight years old when I first heard that, but filed that away.It wasn't really until more recent years with the, just massive racial justice movement spurred on by the murders of Tamir Rice and George Floyd and others, Sandra Bland. And so, as that movement started to gin up, conversations about race that I was kind of plugged into, I heard about this 90-something year old woman that was appearing before Congress…Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Rasool Berry: …and challenging them to make Juneteenth a national holiday.Sy Hoekstra: I can't believe you got to interview her. She was amazing.Rasool Berry: Yeah. And I was like, why would a 90-something plus year old woman be like this committed to this? So I started looking into it and realizing, I think both spiritually and socially, that there was incredible potency and opportunity in the recognition, the widespread recognition of Juneteenth. I'll go socially first. Socially, the reality has been the United States has never had a moment where we collectively reflect on the legacy of slavery in our country. And if you do the math, from the first enslaved people that we have documented coming into the States in 1619 until if even if you go to the abolition of slavery in 1865 or 1866 with the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, that's about 244 years.If you go from 1865 to now, it's like 159 or so years. So we still have way more time in our society that has been shaped by this most intense version of a caste system and brutal slavery that had global, it literally reshaped the globe. And sometimes we forget. I live in Brooklyn where most of the Black folk are Afro-Caribbean. When you think of Jamaica, you think of Usain Bolt or Bob Marley. Do you realize that all of those people are from Africa, like our African descent people. That like the native people of Jamaica would've been Native Americans. So the legacy of slavery and colonialism has literally reshaped population centers in our world. That's how significant it was.And so to not have a moment to reflect on all of it, the implications of how the legacy still shapes us, but also the progress of what we've seen happen and how we are not in that same place is a missed opportunity. But on the contrary, to put that in place is an opportunity for reflection that I think could really help ground us toward being a more perfect union, toward us being a unified people. Because we're basing it on the same story and information, which increasingly in the age of misinformation and disinformation, that the erosion of us having a shared narrative is really upon us. So I think it's interesting and important from that standpoint. Spiritually, it was even more dynamic because one of the… so there was a lot of nicknames and still are for Juneteenth. One was Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, but Jubilee Day.And when I discovered that, that's when I said, “Okay, Our Daily Bread, we got to get involved in this process.” Because you mean to tell me that these formerly enslaved people at a time when it was illegal to read, primarily because they didn't want people to read the Bible, that they understood enough of the story of the Old Testament, that they picked out this festival in Leviticus 25, this ordinance that God had put in place, that on the Jubilee year, the Sabbath of all Sabbaths, I call it the Super Bowl of Sabbaths [Sy laughs]. Seven years times seven, forty nine years plus one, fifty. That on that day that it was this reordering of society, the kingdom of heaven coming back to earth, which simultaneously anticipates the wickedness and the brokenness of human systems in power, but also projects and casts vision about the kingdom of heaven, which would allow for equity and equality to take place. So debts were forgiven, lands were returned, and people who were in bondage primarily because of debt, that was the main reason back then, they would be set free. And in the context of their faith, they saw God doing the jubilee in their lives. So what that gave was the opportunity for us to talk about and reintroduce in many faith traditions the relationship between spiritual and physical freedom, and see that in the Bible story those things were wedded.What's the major account in the Old Testament is the Exodus account. Like it was both physical and spiritual freedom. And in the same way we see that is why Jesus, when he reveals himself and says, “The kingdom of God is at hand,” notice when John the Baptist starts to waver because he's expecting this conquering king. He's still in prison and he says, “Hey, are you the one or we should expect another?” Jesus points to physical and spiritual aspects of liberation in his response. “Tell John what you see. The blind receive sight. The sick are healed. The gospel is preached. Blessed is the one who is not ashamed of me.” So in the sense of that, what we see elements of the kind of seeds of in the gospel is this aspect of the physical and spiritual liberation being tied together.And that is what Jubilee gives us opportunity to explore and investigate. And I think lastly, seeing the role of the Black church in bringing out that insight, I think is particularly valuable in a time where oftentimes those contributions are overlooked and ignored.Jonathan Walton: Yeah, absolutely. I think being able to watch the documentary was transformative for me. Mainly because I'm 38 years old and it's being produced by people who look and sound and act like me. It's interviewing the people who came before us, trying to speak to the folks that are younger than us. And each generation I think has this, this go around where we have to own our little piece of what and how we're going to take the work forward. You know what I mean?Discerning Whether to Leave Communities that Push back on Discussions about RaceYou interviewed Lecrae in the documentary and he's taken that work forward, right? And you both say that you've had the experiences of believing you are loved and accepted in these White evangelical spaces until you started talking about racial justice issues.And so I feel like there's these moments where we want to take the work forward, and then we're like, “All right, well, this is our moment.” Like Opal was like, “Hey, I'm going to do Juneteenth.” Where now you're like, “I'm going to do something.” [laughs] So I wonder, like for you, when you have to make decisions about how to stay, not to stay or just leave. What is the effect of constantly engaging in that calculus for you?Rasool Berry: Oh, man! It's exhausting to do it. And I think it is valuable to count the cost and realize that sometimes you're best suited to reposition yourself and to find other ways to express that faithfulness. At other times, God is causing you to be a change agent where you are. And I think how to navigate through that is complicated, and I think it's complicated for all of us, for our allies who see the value of racial justice as well as for those of us who are marginalized and experience, not just conceptually or ideologically the need for justice, but experientially all of the things through macro and microaggressions that come up, that weigh and weather us and our psyche, our emotions, our bodies.And I think that it's important to be very spiritually attuned and to practice healthy emotional spirituality as well as, best practices, spiritual disciplines, all the things that have come alongside of what does it mean to follow Jesus. I was recently reflecting on the fact that in the height of Jesus' ministry, when it was on and popping, he's growing, the crowds are growing in number, it says that he went away regularly and left the crowds to be with God. And then the verse right after that, it's in Luke, I can't remember which chapters, I know the verse is 16 and 17. And then it talks about how he had power as a result of going away to do more. And there's this relationship between our needing to rest and to find recovery in the secret place in the quiet place with God in order to have the energy to do more of the work.And that's a lot to hold together, but it's really important because otherwise you can end up being like Moses, who was trying to do justice, but in his own strength at first when he kills the Egyptian, and then he tried to go to his people being like, “Yo, I'm down!” And they're like, “You killed somebody. We don't want to hear from you.”Jonathan Walton: [laughs] Right.Rasool Berry: And then he flees. Because he tried to do it in his own strength. And then when God reveals himself at the bush, now he's totally broken and not even confident at all in himself. And God has to say, “No, the difference is going to be I'm with you.” So I think in my own journey, I've been one of many people who've had to evaluate and calculate where I've been in order to kind of see where there are opportunities to move forward. For instance, I was on staff with Cru for 20 years and then as the opportunities to work with Our Daily Bread, and I remember specifically the podcast Where Ya From?, that we launched and then Christianity Today got connected to it.They were eagerly looking, or at least supporting the idea of us having conversations about faith and culture and race and all these things. Whereas in my previous environment, I felt like that was not something… I didn't even feel like it, I experienced the pullback of talking about those things. So it has actually, by repositioning myself to kind of be able to be in spaces where I can tell these stories and advocate in these ways, it has been a better use of my energy and my time. Now, even in that other space, everything isn't perfect. It's still the same type of challenges that exist anywhere you go in the world where you're a minority in race and racial difference is prominent, but at least it's a opportunity to still do more than I could do maybe in a previous position. And all of us have to make those type of calculations.And I think it's best to do those things in the context of community, not just by yourself, and also with a sense of sobriety of encountering and experiencing God himself. Because at the end of the day, sometimes, I'm going to just say this, sometimes the answer is leave immediately. Get out of there. At other times, God is calling you to stay at least in the short term time. And it's important to be discerning and not just reactive to when is the right situation presenting itself. And the only way I know to do that is by doing it in community, doing it with a sense of healthy rhythms and time to actually hear the still small voice of God.Sy Hoekstra: Amen.Jonathan Walton: Amen.Sy Hoekstra: Because you really can err in either direction. Like some people, “I'm getting out of here right away,” without thinking. Meaning, when you're being reactive, when you're not being discerning…Rasool Berry: Right.Sy Hoekstra: …you can get out right away or you can have the instinct, “No, I'm going to stick it out forever,” even if it's bad for you, and it's not going to accomplish anything.Rasool Berry: Yup, yeah.Jonathan Walton: Yeah. Which I think leans into jumping all the way back the critical versus uncritical.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah [laughs]. There you go.Jonathan Walton: Like if we're not willing to lean into the radical interrogation of the systems and structures around us that inform our decisions each day, we will submit to them unconsciously, whether that be running when we should resist or whether that be resisting where we actually should flee. So yeah, thanks for all that.Where you can Find Pastor Berry's workSy Hoekstra: Yeah. Thank you. Thank you so much. And so we will have links to both of the articles, to the documentary, which is entirely free on YouTube.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: So you're just wasting your life if you're not watching it, really [laughter]. And a couple other things you talked about, we'll have links. But is there anywhere that you want people to go to either follow you or your work online?Rasool Berry: Yeah. So the other thing that what we did with the Juneteenth documentary, because the response was so strong and overwhelming, really, people wanted to host screenings locally. And so we did a few things to make that more possible. So you can actually go on our website experiencevoices.org/Juneteenth. And you can fill out like a form to actually host a screening locally. And we have designed social media so you can market it, posters that you could print out, even discussion questions that you can use to host discussions. And sometimes people invite some of us from the production on site. So I've gone and done, I've been at screenings all the way from California to Texas to Wisconsin and here in New York.So you can reach out to us on that website as well if you're interested in hosting a screening with the director or one of the producers or myself, and we can kind of facilitate that. Also be looking at your local PBS stations. We partnered with PBS to air screenings so far over a hundred local channels.Sy Hoekstra: Oh, wow.Rasool Berry: And have aired it. Now, the PBS version is slightly different because we had to edit it down to fit their hour long format. And so the biggest version is the PBS version doesn't have Lecrae in it [laughs].Sy Hoekstra: Oh no [laughs].Rasool Berry: We had to cut out the four-time Grammy winner. Sorry Lecrae [laughter].Jonathan Walton: Yeah.Rasool Berry: You know what I mean? But it just so happened that way it, that it was the best way to edit it down.Jonathan Walton: You had to keep Opal.Rasool Berry: Had to keep Opal, had to keep Opal [laughter].Sy Hoekstra: I feel like Lecrae would understand that, honestly.Rasool Berry: Yeah, yeah, yeah. He was so gracious. And actually, the other thing that Lecrae did, I had told him that we were working with Sho Baraka, a mutual friend of ours, to do the music. And he said, “Yeah, I heard something about that.” He's like, “I have a song I was going to put on Church Clothes 4, but I feel like it would be a better fit for this. If you're interested, let me know and I can send it to you.” I'm like, “If I'm interested? Yes, I'm interested.” [laughter] Yes. I'll accept this sight unseen. And so he sent us this incredible song that features, well actually is listed as Propaganda's song, but it features Lecrae and Sho Baraka. And you can get the entire Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom soundtrack 13 tracks, poetry, hip hop, gospel, rnb, all on one thing. And wherever you listen to your music, Spotify, Apple Music, anywhere, you can, listen to it, stream it, buy it, and support this movement and this narrative. So yeah. And then personally, just @rasoolb on Instagram, @rasoolberry on, I still call it Twitter [Sy laughs]. So, and we're on Facebook as well. That's where folks can follow me, at rasoolberry.com, website. So thanks for having me.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah, pastor, thank you so much for being here. We really appreciate it.Jonathan Walton: Thanks so much, man.[the intro piano music from “Citizens” by Jon Guerra plays briefly and then fades out.]Reflecting on the InterviewSy Hoekstra: Hey, Jonathan, you know what's really useful, is when in the middle of an interview with one of our guests, we say, “Oh no, we don't have time. We'd really like to get into this, so we have to move on to another subject.” It's really useful when we have these little times that we're doing now after the interview to talk more about the subjects than we did with the guests [laughter]. This works out well for us.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: Why don't you tell everybody what you're thinking after the interview with Pastor Berry?Passing on a Tradition Well Takes Significant WorkJonathan Walton: Yeah. I think the biggest thing for me that I took away among a lot of the nuggets that he… nuggets and like big things that got dropped on me while we were listening, was like the amount of work that he went through to make this film. Like traveling to Galveston. There's a lot in the documentary that reminds me of how much it costs us personally to create things that are moving. To be able to have these conversations, sit down with these people, smell the smells of these folks' homes. That's just a big thing, particularly for me, like not having… I grew up with the Juneteenth story and needing to think through my own traditions and what I'm going to pass to my kids and stuff like that.It's just I'm challenged to do that work so that I have something substantial to pass on to Maya and Everest. And to the folks who listen to the preaching that I give or the stories I write, or the books I'm going to write, just so I can communicate with the same amount of intimacy that he did. So, Sy how about you? What stood out for you?The Literally Unbelievable Racial Ignorance of WhitenessSy Hoekstra: I think what stood out for me was actually right at that point where we said we really wanted to talk more about something, I really did have more thoughts [laughs]. When he was talking about the thing that underlies the fight against CRT and DEI and all that sort of thing. Being just a straight up denial of any sort of racial caste system or racial stratification in our country, I think that point is extremely important. That so much of our disagreements about racial injustice, at least on the intellectual level, not on the emotional and all that kind of thing, the intellectual level that come down to a difference in beliefs about the facts of reality in America. It is literally just do you think racism is happening or not? Because if you do think that it's happening, then everything has to change [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: And there's not a lot of room… you'll have to do a lot more like kind of active denial. A lot more having a very active lack of integrity [laughs] to continue in the way that you're thinking when you believe that there is no racism in America if you find out that there is. Which kind of explains why there's so much resistance to it. But I think one story that sort of illustrates how this dynamic works a little bit that just, this is something that happened to me that this reminded me of. I was an intern right after college at International Justice Mission, and I read Gary Haugen's book, The Good News About Injustice, where the intro to this book is about his childhood growing up in kind of suburban, I think he's outside of Seattle, somewhere in Washington. A suburban Christian home, things were pretty nice and easy and he just did not know anything about injustice or anything in the world. Like oppression, racism, he did not know anything about it. And then the book takes you through how he discovered it and then his theology of what God wants to do about it and what the organization does and all that kind of thing. But just that intro, I remember talking to one of the other interns who was at IJM m when I was there, who was a Black woman who was ordained in the Black Baptist Church and had grown up relatively low income. And I was talking to her about this book because I read that intro and I was like, “yes, I totally resonate with this. This is how I grew up, check, check. That makes sense. I understand all of it.”And it makes sense to a lot of the people who support IJM, which are a lot of suburban White evangelicals. She told me, she read the intro to the book and her immediate reaction was how, there is no way that anyone could possibly be this ignorant. It is not possible [laughs]. And I was like, [pretending to be hurt] “but I was” [laughter]. And there's this wrench in the gear of our conversations about justice where there's a large spectrum of White people who are, some engaging in actual innocent good faith about how much nonsense there is, like how much racism there is in America, and people who are engaging in complete bad faith and have ignored all the things that have been put right in front of them clearly.And it is just very difficult for a lot of people who are not White to understand [laughs] that there are actually… the level of ignorance of a lot of White people is unbelievable, by which I mean it literally cannot be believed by a lot of people. And I don't know, that's just, it is a complication in our conversations about race that doesn't really change what you have to tell people or how seriously you should take your conversations or whatever. It's just a note about what you might need to do to bring people kind of into the fold, by which I mean the fold of the truth [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Yes. This is true of like a lot of White people. And the sad part is that it can also be true of a lot of people of color…Sy Hoekstra: Well, yeah.Jonathan Walton: …who say, “I'm just going to deny, because I haven't experienced.” Or, “We have opted into the system of ignorance and don't want to engage.” And so I'll tell a story. Priscilla was at the airport this week.Sy Hoekstra: Your wife.Jonathan Walton: My wife Priscilla, was at the airport, not a random woman [laughter], was at the airport this week. And someone said, “Yeah, everyone who came to this country, like we're all immigrants.” And Priscilla said, “Actually some people came here as slaves.” Then the person says, “No, that's not true.” And it's like, what do you say to that? When someone just says slavery doesn't exist? And that's literally why we celebrate Juneteenth. So I don't know what this person's going to do on Juneteenth, but when there's a collective narrative and acknowledgement that this happened, and then there's a large group, James Baldwin would say, ignorance plus power is very dangerous.If there's a large group that's ignorant and or like intentionally not engaging, but also has power and privilege and all the things, the benefits of racial stratification without the acknowledgement of the reality of it, which is just a dangerous combination.Sy Hoekstra: So when somebody says something like that, like that didn't happen, people didn't come over here as slaves, I think it is possible that they legitimately don't know that I suppose [laughs], or that they think it's a conspiracy theory or whatever. My guess is, tell me what you think about this. What I would imagine happened there was, “Oh, I never thought about the fact that Black people are not immigrants. And so I'm just going to say no.” Do you know what I mean?Jonathan Walton: Oh yeah. Well, I agree. I think some people even, so let's say like, I write about this in 12 Lies. Ben Carson says that we all came here as immigrants, even if it was in the bottom of a ship. He says that. And I think that is a, to be kind, a gross misrepresentation of the middle passage [laughs], but I see what he's trying to do. He's trying to put Black folks in a narrative that fits in the American narrative so people can, so he's not othered. Because what happens when you acknowledge enslavement is that you have to acknowledge all that. They all come with each other. It's like being at a buffet and there is literally no other menu. Like once you say, once you go in, you can't order one plate. If you talk about slavery, you're opening up all the things and some people just don't want to do that. And that sucks.Sy Hoekstra: Yeah.Which Tab Is Still Open: Daniel PerryJonathan Walton: It's true. And [laughs], I think this feeds into a little bit of this segment [laughs] that we have aptly called Which Tab is Still Open. Because out of all the things in our newsletter and our podcast, there's stuff that comes up for us and it's just still hanging on our desktops, we still talk about it offline. So for Sy, like for you, which one, which tab is still open?Sy Hoekstra: Yeah. We're going to talk about Daniel Perry and Donald Trump today.Jonathan Walton: Fun times.Sy Hoekstra: So I recently had an article in the newsletter that I highlighted as one of my resources, that is about the case of Daniel Perry, which I think kind of flew a little bit under the radar in the fervor of 2020. But he was a known racist, meaning we have now seen truckloads of social media posts and text messages and everything revealing his out and out racism, his fantasies about killing Black Lives Matter protesters, all these kinds of things. Who in the summer of 2020, during those protests, drove his car through a red light into a crowd of protesters. And he did not at that moment hurt anyone, but another, an Air Force vet, Daniel Perry's also a vet, but another Air Force vet named Garrett Foster, walked up to him carrying, openly carrying his, in Texas, legal assault rifle.He didn't point it at Daniel Perry, but he was carrying it. And he knocked on the window and motioned for Perry to roll his window down, and Perry shot him through the window five times and killed him. He was convicted of murder in 2023 by a jury. And the day after he was convicted, governor Greg Abbott republican governor of Texas said that he wanted his case to be reviewed for a full pardon, so that the pardons board could send him a recommendation to do it, which is the legal way that a governor can make a pardon in Texas. And that happened a couple weeks ago. Daniel Perry walked free with all of his civil rights restored, including his right to own firearms.Texas Monthly did some really good reporting on how completely bizarre this pardon is under Texas law, meaning they very clear, they kind of laid out how these pardons typically go. And the law very clearly says that a pardon is not to be considered for anyone who is still in prison, like hasn't finished their sentence, except under very exceptional circumstances, which are usually that like some new evidence of innocence has come to light.Jonathan Walton: Right.Sy Hoekstra: And the actual materials that the board reviewed were basically just his defense case where like him arguing that he was doing what he did out of self-defense. He was standing his ground, and that he was afraid of Foster and therefore allowed to use deadly force. In any other case, the remedy for that, if you think that's your defense and you were wrongly denied your defense by the jury is to appeal. Is to go through the appeals to which you have a right as a criminal defendant. And in this case, he became a bit of a conservative cult hero and the governor stepped in to get him out of jail. It was so bizarre. So the weird thing here is, for me at least, for these cases, for the cases surrounding like where someone has been killed either by the police or by an individual, it has always been pretty clear to me which way the case is going.Like if you're someone who's actually taken a, like me, gone to law school, taken a criminal law class, you've studied murder and then like the right to stand your ground and the right to self-defense, and when you can use deadly force, most of these cases are pretty predictable. I knew that the killers of Ahmaud Arbery and Walter Scott and Jordan Davis were going down. I knew that people were going to get off when they got off. Like those were not confusing. And that isn't because the law isn't racist or whatever, it's just the law doesn't take race into account at all. It just completely ignores, it has nothing to do with the cases, according to the law. So it's like this one was stunning.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: Because if it had gone to the appellate judges, the judges who actually are thinking about like the whole system and the precedents that they're setting would say, “Hey, in an open carry state like Texas, we do not want to set a precedent where if someone who is legally, openly carrying a gun walks up to you, you can kill them.” That is not a precedent that they want to set. But this is not an appellate case, so we're not setting that precedent, we're just letting this racist murderer go. That's it.Jonathan Walton: Yes.Sy Hoekstra: And that is like what effectively Greg Abbott and the Board of Pardons in Texas have conspired to do. And I didn't know this was coming actually. I hadn't heard the news that he was calling for the pardon when it happened, but it's wild. And I just kind of wanted to give that additional context and hear what you're thinking about it, Jonathan, and then we'll get into Donald Trump a little bit.Normalizing Punishing Protestors and Lionizing MurderersJonathan Walton: Yeah, I mean, I think first thing for me is like this is a PG podcast. I won't use all the expletives that I would like to use. The reality of like Kyle Rittenhouse lives in Texas now. George Zimmerman, after he killed Trayvon Martin, he was in other altercations with people with guns. So this is not a person or a scenario that is new, which is sad and disappointing. But the reality of an institution stepping into enforce its institutionalized racism, is something that feels new to me in the environment that we're in. And what I mean by that is like, I think we now live in a society that desires for protestors and folks who are resistant to the system that oppresses and marginalizes people, if you believe that is happening.There are individuals and institutions that desire to punish that group of people. It is now normed that that group of people can be punished by anybody.Sy Hoekstra: If you're in the right state.Jonathan Walton: Well, I won't even say the right state, but I almost think if you can get caught in the zeitgeist of a certain media attention, then you will be lauded as someone who did the right thing.Sy Hoekstra: Oh yeah. Even if you might still end up in jail.Jonathan Walton: Even if you might still end up in jail, like you'll become a hero. And so the circumstances have been created where protesters can be punished by regular members of society, and then their quote- unquote punishment could be pardoned in the court of public opinion, and so much so you could end up being pardoned by the institution. There are going to be more protests on campus. There are going to be more protests in light of Trump's conviction and potential election. The chances of political violence and protests are very high, highly probable there're going to be thunderstorms. And what we're saying is like, let's give everybody lightning bolts [Sy laughs]. And we all know if this is a racially stratified society, which it is, if it's a class stratified society, which it is, then we will end up with things like Donald Trump getting convicted and becoming president.Sy Hoekstra: And the racial stratification is important to remember because people have pointed out, if there had been a Trump rally and someone had been killed, that like, not a chance that Greg Abbott does any of this, right?Jonathan Walton: The hallmark of White American folk religion is hypocrisy. If this were a person of color, there's no way that they would've got pardoned for shooting someone at a protest.The Criminal Legal System was Exceptionally Kind to Donald TrumpSy Hoekstra: And this is the connection to the Donald Trump case [laughs].Jonathan Walton: Right.Sy Hoekstra: Because despite the fact that he was convicted, he has been treated throughout this process in a way that no poor or BIPOC would, like no poor person or any BIPOC would ever be treated by the New York State courts. I can tell you that from experience [laughter] as an actual attorney in New York state. Donald Trump had 10 separate violations of a gag order, like he was held in contempt by the court and required to pay some money, which is significant, but nobody does that and doesn't spend some time in jail unless they are rich and famous and White. It was shocking to watch the amount of dancing around him and his comfort that the system does. And this is, pastor Berry mentioned Bryan Stevenson, another Bryan Stevenson quote.I've mentioned, we've mentioned Brian Stevenson so many times on this show [laughter]. But it's true. One of the things he says all the time is that the system treats you better if you're rich and White and guilty than if you're poor and BIPOC and innocent.Jonathan Walton: Yeah.Sy Hoekstra: And, that's the demonstration. So the Trump indictments happened when we're recording this yesterday. Or the convictions, I mean. And in terms of what it'll do to the election, probably not much. In terms of what it'll like [laughs], like Jonathan was just saying, like this is the situation that we're in here. We don't have a lot of political analysis to bring you about this case because I don't think there's much political analysis to do except to continue to point out over and over again that this is not the way that people are treated by the criminal justice system. This is an exception to what is otherwise the rule.Outro and OuttakeOkay. I think we're going to end there. Thank you all so much for joining us today. Our theme song, as always is “Citizens” by John Guerra. Our podcast Art is by Robyn Burgess. Transcripts by Joyce Ambale. And thank you all so much for joining us. Jonathan, thanks for being here. We will see you all again in two weeks.[The song “Citizens” by Jon Guerra fades in. Lyrics: “I need to know there is justice/ That it will roll in abundance/ And that you're building a city/ Where we arrive as immigrants/ And you call us citizens/ And you welcome us as children home.” The song fades out.]Jonathan Walton: Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me was like the amount of work that he went through to make this film. I'm challenged to do that work so that I have something substantial to pass on to Maya and Everest, just so I can communicate with the same amount of intimacy that he did.Sy Hoekstra: So now you're going to go make a documentary about Juneteenth, is what you're saying?Jonathan Walton: [deep exhale, and Sy laughs] At least a reel [laughter].Sy Hoekstra: A reel… yeah, those are pretty much the same I'd say. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ktfpress.com/subscribe
SEASON 6, EPISODE 18On this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez -- It's kind of like our second home, but we are always excited to see what is new and happening in gorgeous Gaylord. Our number one guest co-host Paul Beachnau from the Gaylord Visitor's Bureau joins us this week, along with his co-worker, and paddle board enthusiast Christy Walcott. We love catching up with them about what is going on in Gaylord, and of course, they don't disappoint. Our first stop was at a brand-new coffee shop located downtown Gaylord, Brennan's. Ryan and Patty Kennedy opened this charming new spot recently, and you'll often find them working alongside their two young sons. Grab a latte, or freshly baked sweet, or maybe a pound of roasted coffee during your visit, and then head on out to tour and shop downtown.We head just a quick two minutes out of town to hook up with the North Central Trail and learn more about this extensive system. Local Gaylord resident Megan Rinck joins us to share what she loves about being all outdoors in Gaylord. She is a pretty serious athlete, enjoying everything from biking and hiking to extreme triathlons. We talk e-bikes, where to hike in Gaylord, and how she has totally taken over the winter Alpenfest in Gaylord. On our way back to town, we stopped at Jay's Sporting Goods, which has locations in both Claire and Gaylord. We had a pretty awesome time visiting with the general manager of Jay's, Mark Copeland. It was a wild time while we were there, Mark had us try out e-scooters (crazy ass good fun!), shoot a bow and arrows (this is much harder than it looks, but they'll coach you through it) and try out a crossbow (amazingly accurate). We'll tell you how you too can also fully experience Jay's, which is truly one of Michigan's premier sporting goods supply stores.We've been friends with Jordan Auwure for a few years now, and are always excited to hear what he is up to. He's one of those local heroes, who is so passionate about his local community that he is always cooking up something new for everyone to enjoy. This summer he'll be kicking off the summer music concert series in downtown Gaylord on May 10. Jordan shares some of the work he's been doing to get ready, as well as what to expect during this summer series.Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODEOn this special Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez podcast -- Gonzo and Amy sit down with the creators of Soft Parade Vodka, Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville and Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire.Kerry Lynch, directore of sales for Short's, and Richard Anderson, a co-owner of Iron Fish, talk about this Pure Michigan collaboration that is made with all natural ingredients and Michigan fruit - blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries.This is the second year of the collaboration, which is available now in local stores across Michigan for a limited time.Learn more at ironfishdistillery.com.Get a list of cocktail drinks at ironfishdistillery.com/softparadecocktails.Learn more about Shorts at shortsbrewing.com.Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
SEASON 6, BONUS EPISODEOn this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez -- we visit Mackinc Island.Our travel mode for the day? A carriage ride with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. We want to thank our incredible driver Kaitlyn Mann for transporting us from West to East, and to all points in between. We felt like royalty driving around in the rain in the wicker wedding carriage! This special podcast with Kaitlyn shares what it's like to be a carriage driver on the island, why the horses are a big part of her life, and what she loves about living on Mackinac.Oh, and you get to meet her horses, Julian and Bubbles.Learn more about Mackinc Island Carriage Tours at mict.com.Where are we going to be next week? We don't know. But tune in to find out.Follow John and Amy:Website: amyandgonzo.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/behindthemittenTwitterX at @BehindTheMittenInstagram at @BehindTheMitten
Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.Join us as we we sit down with the CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado Amy Sherman, a beacon of financial education and empowerment as we discuss the world of economic understanding with a leader who's at the forefront of promoting financial literacy across all ages.
All Shall Be Well: Conversations with Women in the Academy and Beyond
“When you have the face-to-face depth of relationship and that shared commitment to looking out that is where we find really, really deep satisfaction.” — Amy L. Sherman Listen in on our fall book club interview as Women Scholars and Professionals book club host Jasmine Obeyesekere conducts an online discussion with author, scholar, and practitioner Dr. Amy Sherman where they talk about how Christians can be agents of flourishing in our world. Are you troubled by the brokenness in every aspect of human life? Do you want to explore how our Christian faith speaks to real world problems? In this finale of our Fall Book Club, we engage in conversation with Amy Sherman about her book Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society. You'll enjoy this rich conversation even if you weren't able to participate in the book club! Dr. Amy Sherman shows how Christians can contribute to the flourishing of all human life both through our vocations and through the church. You will be inspired to ponder how your own passions, expertise and work can be used for God's purposes in our world. Amy Sherman directs Sagamore Institute's Center on Faith in Communities, a capacity building initiative for congregations and faith-based and community-based organizations. — Jasmine Obeyesekere For show notes or more information please visit our article at The Well. If you'd like to support the work of InterVarsity's Women Scholars and Professionals, including future podcasts such as this episode, you can do so at givetoiv.org/wsap. Thank you for listening!
CARY ELWES “Gavin Hawk” chats with his ol' pal Kevin about their history, as well as his joy of joining Amy Sherman and Dan Palladino's three-ring circus. He and Kevin break down Season 3, Episodes 3 through 7. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, we are pleased to present the final podcast in our series centered around James K.A. Smith's thesis that our habits and practices shape our hearts. Last week, Amy Sherman and Jason Myhre dove deeper into the relevancy of this idea to our cultural practices in the world of investing. But you may be wondering how it impacts your own life. In today's article, Dr. Amy Sherman takes a look at a number of common modern day financial behaviors and their subsequent effects on our heart. What is the spiritual impact of constant market-monitoring? What about the pursuit of profit above all else? After exploring the ways these cultural financial liturgies can shape the human heart, Amy offers up some alternative practices: counter-formational activities that depart from the world's patterns and direct our hearts toward the ways of God instead.On this episode:Matt Galyon, Associate Director, ECFIAmy Sherman, Editor-at-Large, ECFINotes & Links:View our CoursesThese communication herein is provided for informational purposes only and was made possible with the financial support of Eventide Asset Management, LLC (“Eventide”), an investment adviser. Eventide Center for Faith and Investing is an educational initiative of Eventide. In some cases, information in this communication may include statements by individuals that are current clients or investors in Eventide, and/or individuals compensated for providing their statements. In such cases, Eventide identifies all relevant details of the relationship, the compensation, and any conflicts of interest, within the communication which can be found at faithandinvesting.com. Information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable. Statements made by ECFI should not be interpreted as a recommendation or advice pertaining to any security. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
LIZA WEIL “Carole Keen” chats with Kevin about her long relationship with the Amy Sherman and Dan Palladino, through Gilmore Girls, and Bunheads and then the oh-so Marvelous Mrs. MAISEL. She and Kevin break down Season 3, Ep. 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“I was ill-equipped to do anything else,” jokes Amy Sherman-Paladino. “It was survival of the fittest maybe. My father was a comic. My mother was a dancer. It was basically, pick something in show business because that's all you got.” “We both infuriate inspiring screenwriters because we're not the people who wrote a ton of spec. We sort of fell into,” says Daniel Paladino. “Amy was a dancer. I was a musician. I got a job as a writer's assistant because typing in the 80s was a rare commodity because everyone wrote long-hand.” Turning these handwritten documents into typed screenplays taught Daniel the business. “I think I can do this,” he told himself. “Then, maybe the 10,000 hours of watching TV before that as a child just sort of created a natural flare for it — all the time I wasted in my youth.” Amy got a job writing for the series Roseanne, where she worked 4 years and wrote 13 episodes. A few years later, there was an opportunity to write a “comedic hour long” where she pitched several ideas. The one she spent the most time on and even optioned IP for led to crickets, but when asked if she had anything else, she replied, “Just this one with a mother-daughter where they're more like friends than mother-daughter.” This was Gilmore Girls. “Amy had written 2-3 pilots based on mother-daughter relationships that were different than Gilmore Girls. I remember when she pitched it, thinking this should be the last mother-child pilot you write, and it was ultimately,” jokes Daniel. Gilmore Girls ran for 154 episodes on the WB and there's a 4-part mini series on Netflix called Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. While Gilmore Girls was on, Daniel ran Season 2 of Family Guy. In 2017, going even more personal, the screenwriters delivered The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, about a comedian in the 50s who follows her calling once her husband leaves her. Want more? Steal my first book, Ink by the Barrel - Secrets From Prolific Writers right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we're giving away 100,000 copies this year. It's based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60-seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom on your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
In this episode, ECFI's Jason Myhre and Amy Sherman reflect on our recent interview with James K.A. Smith. Listen for more on how Christian educational institutions can redirect their language and images from cultural idols of investing, what it can look like for financial advisors to act as spiritual directors for their clients, and a preview summary of Amy's upcoming journal article.On this episode:Matt Galyon, Associate Director, ECFIJason Myhre, Executive Director, ECFI Amy Sherman, Editor-at-Large, ECFI Notes & Links: View our Courses These communication herein is provided for informational purposes only and was made possible with the financial support of Eventide Asset Management, LLC (“Eventide”), an investment adviser. Eventide Center for Faith and Investing is an educational initiative of Eventide. In some cases, information in this communication may include statements by individuals that are current clients or investors in Eventide, and/or individuals compensated for providing their statements. In such cases, Eventide identifies all relevant details of the relationship, the compensation, and any conflicts of interest, within the communication which can be found at faithandinvesting.com. Information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable. Statements made by ECFI should not be interpreted as a recommendation or advice pertaining to any security. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
