Biography Personal Stories Episodes
Each episode captures a personal journey, a lived history, and the values that define Michigan’s character. These interviews serve as an oral history archive, preserving the voices, memories, and legacies of remarkable Michiganders for future generations.
The Mitten Biography Project is where we share our stories, honor our neighbors, and shine a light on the people whose voices help guide Michigan’s future.
She Dodged Bullets for the UAW — and Her Legacy Still Haunts the Auto…
In 1937, a 23-year-old Flint woman stood between General Motors security, Flint police gunfire, and the workers fighting for their lives inside Fisher Body. Her name was Genora Johnson Dollinger — and she did more than rally ...
When Flint Fought Back: Genora Johnson and the Strike That Changed Am…
In 1937, a 23-year-old Flint woman stood between General Motors security, Flint police gunfire, and the workers fighting for their lives inside Fisher Body. Her name was Genora Johnson Dollinger — and she did more than rally ...
“Flint’s Coney Island Legacy: The Immigrant Story Behind a Michigan I…
Few Flint residents know that one of the city’s most beloved traditions began with immigrants from a tiny mountain village in North Macedonia. In this episode of Radio Free Flint, host Arthur Busch welcomes Karen Paul Holmes, daughter of Carl Paul, co-founder of Angelo’s Coney Island—the restaur…
The Golden Age: Flint Community Schools
Send us a text Good school districts are more than a function of how much money they collect from taxpayers. Schools must connect with the community where they are located in ways that go beyond math, science and reading. Flint, Michigan at one time was the envy of America. Flint leaders developed …
George Winters and his Red Piano
Send us a text Musician George Winters has performed for audiences for over 50 years across America. The Michigan native is well-known in music venues in southeastern Michigan for his fabulous keyboard skills, especially on a Hammond organ. George plays the keyboard, guitar, and harmonica and also …
In Flint They Don't Name the Streets for Us
Send us a text This is a conversation with Sarah Carson about her book of poems, How to Baptize a Child, in Flint, MI. Carson's poems are a jarring portrayal of life in a declining, once mighty, and still proud American rustbelt town, Flint, Michigan. "How to Baptize a Child in Flint, Michigan" is …
Comedian Bryan McCree a Joyful Flintstone
Send us a text Is it possible to make Flint laugh? If anyone can, it's Flint native Bryan McCree, a nationally known comedian, actor, and writer. He regularly tours America with shows marked by their insight into American culture and the oddities of life in our country. He is particularly astute at…
"Mr Flint" Charles Stewart Mott an American Capitalist Pt II
Send us a text The Life of Mr. Flint, Charles Stewart Mott. Charles Stewart Mott (1875-1973) was an American businessman and philanthropist born in Flint, Michigan. He is best known for his involvement in the automobile industry and his philanthropic work. Mott began his career as a clerk in his fa…
Semaj Brown, Flint Poet Laureate, Author and Educator
Send us a text Flint Poet Laureate Semaj Brown gives a fascinating reading of her environmental injustice poems. Poet Semaj Brown shares stories of working with the child victims of the Flint Water Crisis. Brown is on a mission to help heal the trauma victims in Flint, Michigan. Semaj Brown is an a…
Marquise Gray: MSU Basketball Great & Flint Beecher Coach
Send us a text Marquise Gray, the former Michigan State Spartan, is now the head basketball coach at Flint Beecher High School. Marquise Gray has excelled at every level of his sport, including coaching and professional basketball. Gray played at Michigan State from 2005-to 09. Marquise Gray has bl…
Michael J Thorp: Michigan Trivia & People We Should Know
Send us a text Michael J. Thorp Has Stories to Tell about His Life in Mid-Michigan Television and Radio. Michael Shares Curious Tales from His Latest Book Former WJRT TV-12 morning anchor Michael J. Thorp has been a familiar voice to the people of Mid-Michigan for nearly 50 years. He shares the sto…
Jan Worth-Nelson: History of the Iconic East Village Magazine
Send us a text Jan Worth-Nelson, former editor of the East Village Magazine, shares stories about the colorful history of the iconic Flint publication The East Village Magazine started about the same time as Michael Moore's Flint Voice back in the 1970s. Today, the magazine has become a brilliant p…
Connor Coyne novel "Urbantasm" Set in Deindustrialized Flint
Send us a text In this interview, Connor discusses his newest novel, the 4th in the series "Urbantasm." The series is set in deindustrialized Flint, Michigan. Connor Coyne is a writer living and working in rust belt Flint, Michigan, a town devastated by deindustrialization. Connor spent his teenage…
CS Mott: A Giant in Automotive History Part 1
Send us a text CS Mott was a giant in automotive history. Author Ed Renahan discusses the remarkable life of Charles Stewart Mott. "The Life of Charles Stewart Mott" is a fascinating and comprehensive look at the life of one of the world's most successful capitalists. Charles Stewart Mott (1875-197…
Rev Robert McCathern and His Hip-Hop Civic Park Church
Send us a text Rev. Robert McCathern, the pastor of a hip church in Flint's Civic Park, tells of convincing young people to put away guns and take up hammers to improve the area. Rev. Robert McCathern, the pastor of the Joy Tabernacle Church, leads a church some call a "hip" church. His Flint, Mich…
Jeffrey LeValley, Gospel Grammy Songwriter
Send us a text Jeffrey LeValley is a gospel composer and songwriter. He discusses a Grammy-winning song he wrote, "Revelations 19:1," recorded by hip-hop artist Kanye West. The pandemic brought well-known Flint area gospel composer, director, and performer Jeffrey LeValley a gift he could never hav…
Judge Duncan Beagle Interview Part Two
Send us a text Genesee County Circuit Judge Duncan M. Beagle's uplifting story of courage and determination to overcome his physical disability. Genesee County Circuit Judge Duncan M. Beagle will retire at the end of his current term. This is a riveting conversation about the illness that caused hi…
Judge Duncan M. Beagle Part One
Send us a text Judge Duncan Beagle of Genesee County is a 3rd generation lawyer. He shares his growing up in Flint, community activities, and accomplishments. Judge Duncan M. Beagle has lived a remarkable life. Judge Beagle has inspired, mentored, and coached courage and resilience while serving hi…
Reviving Rust Belt Flint with Phil Hagerman
Send us a text Philip Hagerman started a real estate and venture investment firm, Sky Point Ventures, headquartered in Flint, Michigan. He discusses his $50 million investment in reviving downtown Flint including the historic Capitol Theatre. Philip R. Hagerman co-founded Diplomat Specialty Pharmac…
Flint Poet Laurate Semaj Brown
Send us a text Poet Semaj Brown is Flint's Poet Laureate. Her work in Flint uses poetry to address literacy problems with lead-poisoned children. Semaj Brown is the first Poet Laureate appointed by the City of Flint. She delivers a riveting read of a poem she wrote for the people of Flint. The Acad…
Rico Phillips Helps Hockey Break Barriers to Diversity
Send us a text Rico Phillips is a retired, 27-year veteran Flint Firefighter. He is also an inspiration!. In 2019, the National Hockey League honored Rico with its prestigious Community Hero Award. They did so because, in 2010, Phillips started an inner-city hockey program to introduce Flint kids t…
Author Patricia Majher
Send us a text Patricia Majher discusses her books of mini-biographies, including three Flint natives, MI; Michael Moore, Jim Abbott, and Sara Emma Edmonds. Her books Great Girls and Bold Boys are designed for children but are informative and entertaining for people of all ages. A deep-sea diver, a…
Michael Jablonski
Send us a text Grand Blanc, MI attorney and businessman Michael Jablonski is an entrepreneurial success. Jablonski shares stories from his business career in the food and entertainment business in Mid-Michigan. Few people in Michigan have made an impact on the Flint area community's entertainment a…
Joel Bye and the Blue Hawaiians Band
Send us a text Joel Bye and his band the Blue Hawaiians are legendary amongst Michigan music fans. Joel shares the colorful history of the band as well as his prior band The Nick Garvey Band. In a hilarious and surprisingly reflective interview Joel Bye shares how he got started playing the drums w…