Latest Episode
How A Flint Attorney Helped Strike Down Virginia’s Poll Tax And Changed American Voting Rights
A Flint lawyer helped end a Jim Crow relic—and the hometown paper barely noticed. We sit down with Robert Steiger, a retired civil rights attorney whose argument before the Warren Court contributed to striking down Virginia’s poll tax. From Detroit roots and Michigan training to a chance move to Flint, Bob’s journey shows how a small, principled firm can punch far above its weight. He recalls colleagues who marched in Mississippi, the chill of the McCarthy era, and the National Lawyers Guild net
Spotlight on Popular Podcast Episodes
Our most interesting stories of labor, law, true crime & justice and culture in Michigan communities:
16
Feb. 6, 2026
Law and the Rights of States to Prosecute Federal Officials
Do federal officials enjoy absolute immunity from state criminal prosecution? Arthur Busch dismantles the myth of “absolute immunity” for federal agents and explains how state and county prosecutors can and sometimes must bring criminal charges against ICE officers involved in fatal shootings.
59
Nov. 19, 2020
Kosher Nostra: The Purple Gang and Prohibition-Era Detroit
Gregory Fournier, author of The Purple Gang: Detroit’s Kosher Nostra, joins the podcast to explore the rise and fall of one of America’s most notorious Prohibition-era crime syndicates.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Detroit’s Purple Gang—led by the Bernstein brothers—sat atop Michigan’s criminal underworld, controlling bootlegging, rackets, and labor intimidation while doing business with figures like Al Capone. Though later eclipsed by the Mafia in Detroit, the Purple Gang left an outsized mark
During the 1920s and 1930s, Detroit’s Purple Gang—led by the Bernstein brothers—sat atop Michigan’s criminal underworld, controlling bootlegging, rackets, and labor intimidation while doing business with figures like Al Capone. Though later eclipsed by the Mafia in Detroit, the Purple Gang left an outsized mark
57
Nov. 12, 2020
Toxic Brownfield and the Flint River
Flint, Michigan's Buick City brownfield site does not have just a little bit of toxic chemicals left behind by GM, there appears to be a massive amount of environmental damage.
As the Flint water crisis, the real story is not out there just yet about the Buick City brownfield site. More is learned each year about the extent of the damage. The Buick City site appears to be a crime scene.
Remember there have already been millions and millions of EPA Super Fund dollars spent to clean the site up.
As the Flint water crisis, the real story is not out there just yet about the Buick City brownfield site. More is learned each year about the extent of the damage. The Buick City site appears to be a crime scene.
Remember there have already been millions and millions of EPA Super Fund dollars spent to clean the site up.
4
Feb. 6, 2026
Joe Ryan III: From Flint to Hollywood — The Sound of a New Generation
In this Radio Free Michigan interview, Arthur Busch revisits Joe’s early days in Flint and his viral song Flint, Michigan recorded with his 90-year-old grandmother to trace his path from local talent to Hollywood composer. Ryan reflects on evolving recording tech, creative independence, and what it means to represent Flint’s spirit in a global industry.
5
Feb. 9, 2026
A Flint Athlete’s Journey From High School Stardom To Optometry
Jeff Natchez went from Flint sandlots to a Detroit Tigers draft pick, riding rookie-ball buses under a young Jim Leyland and sharing fields with future MLB stars. In this remastered conversation, he reflects on the hard fork between college and pro ball, the lessons of the minors, and his reinvention as an optometrist.
A Flint story about grit, mentorship, and coming home.
A Flint story about grit, mentorship, and coming home.
8
Feb. 12, 2026
A Flint Medic, a Plane Full of Babies, and the Crash That Shook Saigon
In this re-edited Radio Free Flint interview, Flint Southwestern graduate Sgt. Phillip Wise recounts surviving the 1975 Operation Babylift crash—one of the most devastating aviation disasters of the Vietnam War.
Fifteen minutes after takeoff from Saigon, the rear cargo doors of a C-5A Galaxy failed. The aircraft decompressed. Hydraulics were crippled. The crew fought to return to Tan Son Nhut before crash-landing in rice fields outside the city.
Fifteen minutes after takeoff from Saigon, the rear cargo doors of a C-5A Galaxy failed. The aircraft decompressed. Hydraulics were crippled. The crew fought to return to Tan Son Nhut before crash-landing in rice fields outside the city.
Feb. 15, 2026
John Prine’s America, Hymns for the Working Class
This episode traces John Prine’s journey from Maywood, Illinois, to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and north along I-75 into Michigan’s factory towns. Through songs like “Paradise,” “Sam Stone,” and “Hello in There,” we examine how Prine documented working-class migration, labor history, war’s aftermath, and the quiet dignity of American life.
From coal seams to assembly lines, this is the story of the Hillbilly Highway in song.
From coal seams to assembly lines, this is the story of the Hillbilly Highway in song.
Recent Episodes
11
March 10, 2026
How A Flint Attorney Helped Strike Down Virginia’s Poll Tax And Changed American Voting Rights
A Flint lawyer helped end a Jim Crow relic—and the hometown paper barely noticed. We sit down with Robert Steiger, a retired civil rights attorney whose argument before the Warren Court contributed to striking down Virginia’s poll tax. From Detroit roots and Michigan training to a chance move to Flint, Bob’s journey shows how a small, principled firm can punch far above its weight. He recalls colleagues who marched in Mississippi, the chill of the McCarthy era, and the National Lawyers Guild net
10
Feb. 19, 2026
Cold Case: How AFIS And DNA Unmasked A Hidden Killer
Margarette Eby was murdered in 1986. In an investigation led by Genesee County (MI) Prosecutor Arthur Busch and the Michigan State Police, two cold case rape-murders were solved using the most advance forensic science available. Key details regarding the case: Date: She was found on November 9, 1986, having last been seen on November 7, 1986. Location: She was murdered in her home at the Mott family estate in Flint, Michigan. Perpetrator: Jeffrey Gorton, a sprinkler system installer who work
Feb. 15, 2026
John Prine’s America, Hymns for the Working Class
This episode traces John Prine’s journey from Maywood, Illinois, to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and north along I-75 into Michigan’s factory towns. Through songs like “Paradise,” “Sam Stone,” and “Hello in There,” we examine how Prine documented working-class migration, labor history, war’s aftermath, and the quiet dignity of American life. From coal seams to assembly lines, this is the story of the Hillbilly Highway in song.
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Recent Blog Posts
Feb. 7, 2026
Snowbirds, Split Lives, and the Meaning of Michigan My Home
Fly Away Home Snowbird It’s that time of year when the trumpeter swans disappear from our little northern Michigan lake. My family has always called the modest home on Grass Lake “the cottage.” The Canadian geese now come and go after short visits …
Jan. 24, 2026
From Flint Factories to Freedom: Redefining 'Home' and Identity
Welcome back to the blog, everyone! In our latest episode, titled "Leaving Flint to See America on a Schwinn Bicycle," we delved into a truly transformative journey. It was a narrative of youthful rebellion against the backdrop of a blue-collar ho…
Jan. 12, 2026
The Ghost of Kent State: Minneapolis and the New War at Home
In the spring of 1970 at Kent State, the air was thick with tear gas and with a country cracking open over a war overseas. Today, in the snowy streets of South Minneapolis, the smell is rubber and gunpowder, and the war is no longer abroad; it is …
About the Host
Arthur A Busch
Arthur Busch is a veteran lawyer and educator with an acclaimed record of success in high-profile cases. He was a Prosecutor and community leader for decades.
Arthur Busch grew up in rust belt Flint, Michigan, just three blocks from the former General Motor's Fisher Body Plant #1. The auto factory was the site of the historic sitdown strike that gave birth to the United Automobile Workers Union.
Mr. Busch holds a BA in Urban Public Policy, and a Masters's Degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University as well as a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. He attended Flint Public Schools.
Arthur Busch grew up in rust belt Flint, Michigan, just three blocks from the former General Motor's Fisher Body Plant #1. The auto factory was the site of the historic sitdown strike that gave birth to the United Automobile Workers Union.
Mr. Busch holds a BA in Urban Public Policy, and a Masters's Degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University as well as a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. He attended Flint Public Schools.
Reviews
- Dr Dave Coriasso
- May 1, 2020
Loved the episode with Skip Harbin!
Great conversation about FCS and the community education program. Enjoyed listening to Skip talk about the golden age of FCS.
- Balogney
- March 15, 2021
- Srubfthu
- Jan. 6, 2021
- BRL17
- Aug. 6, 2020