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The Brimstone Blondes’ Staircase to Stardom Jul 07, 2026

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A teen band in western New York is destined for greatness. Then cracks begin to form, starting with an unwelcome surprise from Lake Erie.

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The Secret Life of a Mushroom Hunter Jun 23, 2026

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Michigan morel hunter Anthony Williams explains why he keeps his best mushroom spots secret—and why they're one of his family's most treasured heirlooms.

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Presenting Curious City: The Deadliest Shipwreck in Great Lakes History Jun 09, 2026

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In 1860, the steamship Lady Elgin was struck by a small schooner in Lake Michigan. Around 300 people drowned in the disaster, making it the deadliest shipwreck in Great Lakes history. The tragedy would have a major influence on maritime safety in the Great Lakes.

This episode comes from Curious City, a podcast from WBEZ Chicago.

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When Bigfoot Finds You May 26, 2026

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When eight Bigfoot sightings were reported in just five days, northeast Ohio had the country’s attention. What was it like for these small rural communities to be at the center of the Bigfoot universe? And did it change what the people there believed?

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The Pigeons’ Last Passage May 12, 2026

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Passenger pigeons were once the most abundant bird in North America. But in 1914, they went extinct. Most of their last nesting grounds hugged the Great Lakes. What was it like to experience these birds? And what are we left with when we lose a species?

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Learning to Speak Owl Apr 28, 2026

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Owls are elusive birds of the night – part of this mysterious world we rarely encounter. Researchers are learning just how complex an owl’s communication is. We go into the woods to try to experience these birds for ourselves.

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Presenting HISTORY This Week: William Parker’s War on Slave Catchers Apr 14, 2026

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For more overlooked stories from the past, check out HISTORY This Week wherever you get your podcasts!
On April 3, 1851, a man who escaped slavery to Boston was kidnapped by slave catchers. The Fugitive Slave Act turned cities across the North into hunting grounds. But resistance was growing. In Pennsylvania, William Parker was building a network to fight back.

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The Wind and the Withered Mar 31, 2026

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When Seth Swoboda’s trees started dying, he asked two scientists for help. Their theory: herbicides were drifting onto his private property from farm fields and killing his trees, and it was happening all over. They just had to prove it.
This episode is based on a story written by Christian Elliott for bioGraphic Magazine. Read it here.

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A Curious Case of Goo Mar 17, 2026

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After a boat captain notices strange black goo on his ship’s rudder, he scoops some of it into a cup. A few months later, that cup ends up in a lab, where scientists make a surprising discovery.

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For the Fun of the Surf Mar 03, 2026

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In northwest Indiana, there’s a 20-mile stretch of Lake Michigan that’s dominated by industry. It’s some of the dirtiest water in the lake, but it's also home to some of the biggest waves anywhere on the Great Lakes. Despite the pollution, there’s a dedicated group of surfers who keep flocking to this area. And one day, after a really big chemical spill from one of the factories, the surfers decide to do something about it.

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