We met Jeff Wood and Ryan Malott at GIG–The Art of Michigan Music, and instantly wanted to hear their story. In this episode, the hosts of The Mitten Music Podcast share how their show got started, what they have learned after 100-plus episodes, why video has become a game-changer for reaching new listeners, and what they are building next with a more on-the-road format that puts Michigan venues, festivals, and artists in the spotlight.

Listen to their podcast’s episode featuring the artists from the GIG- The Art of Michigan Music annual event on November 8th.

Links mentioned

* The Mitten Music Podcast

* GIG - The Art of Michigan Music

* Local Spins

* Sounds of the Zoo

* WYCE

* Oddfellow Concert Lounge

* Perrin Brewing

* Bell’s Hopslam

* Vertigo Music

* Pux Cider

* Warner Vineyards

Ken Konarzewski Jr. joins Chuck and Brenda for a relaxed, post-Turkey Day conversation that starts with comfort food and quickly turns to two things Ken knows well: Michigan craft beer and bowling.

Ken looks back on launching the Better On Draft Podcast in 2015 out of Podcast Detroit in Ferndale, on how the show grew into hundreds of episodes, and on what it was like to be part of the early days of podcasting in the Michigan beer scene. He also shares thoughtful advice for new podcasters.

The conversation then shifts to bowling, where Ken talks about growing up in a bowling family, becoming a certified coach, and working with high school bowlers in Saline. He explains how modern bowling has evolved, why it’s often misunderstood, and what he emphasizes most with his players: staying present, having fun, and not getting in your own head.

Along the way, Ken shares NA beer recommendations, his candid take on beer flights, and the story behind his passion project, the Michigan Brewery Map app, a free resource that helps people find breweries, cideries, meaderies, wineries, distilleries, and festivals across the state.

The episode wraps with Ken’s perfect Michigan day, which includes bowling, Detroit-style pizza, karaoke, and a beer to finish it all off.

Links and mentions

Better On DraftMichigan Brewery Map AppUnited States Bowling Congress (USBC), Ken’s Coaching Page

Places mentioned

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth Revel and Roll Ann Arbor Station 300 Saline Produce Station Ann Arbor Merchant’s Fine Wine DearbornFull Measure BreweryKuhnhenn BrewingDragonmead Brewery Rochester Mills Beer Co. Mothfire Brewing Co. Scoreboard Bar and Grill Allen Park Loui’s Pizza Hazel Park On the Rocks Bar Madison Heights