Or at least... as much as we could fit in an hour. 

This week, Cassidy (joined by Logan) decided to switch things up a bit, and provide you with a crash course on the hot topic of AI data centers. What are they? Why are so many popping up around the Great Lakes? How much water and electricity do they actually use? And how might they affect me and my life? On this episode, we'll answer all these questions and more, with a specific focus on the Great Lakes region. Plus, a little history too. 

If you'd like to advertise with Michigistory or request an episode topic, email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com 

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory 

Are you pro AI data centers? Then leave us a 5-star review! 

Are you anti AI data centers? Then leave us a 5-star review! 

Advisors Capital Insurance Information

For your free quote and an opportunity to save some money on your insurance, call Advisors Capital Insurance at (734) 272-7909 or email Fil directly at fil@advisorscapital.us

Sources:

*AGL_DataCenter_Playbook_2026_Final.pdf 

Data centers in Michigan: What you need to know 

Data Centers in Michigan — Project List & Locations 

Water levels across the Great Lakes are falling – just as US data centers move in | Technology | The Guardian 

*stpp-data-centers-2025.pdf 

Full details of Michigan law passed- Enterprise Data Center Sales & Use Tax Exemption | Michigan Business

This week, Cassidy is joined by Logan to talk about the woman who spent 70+ years working in civil rights, only for her legacy to be minimized to one brief, albeit important, moment. As you'll soon understand, the full story of Rosa Parks is actually much more interesting. Stick around to learn about Jim Crow laws, the NAACP, the Scottsboro Boys, the Recy Taylor case, poll taxes, young Martin Luther King Jr., the Montgomery bus boycott, and Parks' long life in Detroit.

Advisors Capital Insurance Information

For your free quote and an opportunity to save some money on your insurance, call Advisors Capital Insurance at (734) 272-7909 or email Fil directly at fil@advisorscapital.us

If you'd like to advertise with Michigistory, email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory

Do you think Rosa Parks is more famous than Eminem? If so, let us know by leaving us a 5-star review

Do you think Rosa Parks is so much more famous than Eminem that Cassidy shouldn't have even mentioned his name? If so, let us know by aggressively leaving us a 5-star review

Because this episode is about real-life pirates of the Great Lakes. 

This week Cassidy is joined by Molly to talk about the truly unbelievable story of Roaring Dan Seavey— the most infamous pirate in Great Lakes history. In addition, look forward to learning about floating brothels, Michigan's logging heyday, timber pirates, and the origin story of your favorite cheap beer.

AND HEY! WE'VE GOT OUR FIRST AD!

For your free quote and an opportunity to save some money on your insurance, call Advisors Capital Insurance at (734) 272-7909 or email Fil directly at fil@advisorscapital.us

If you'd like to advertise with Michigistory, email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory

Do you think piracy is a victimless crime? If so, let us know by leaving Michigistory a 5-star review

Do you think piracy is a victimfull crime? If so, let us know by leaving Michigistory a 5-star review

This week Cassidy is joined by the only man in Michigan who knows nothing about Henry Ford (Logan) to discuss the shocking reality of one of the world’s most successful men. Come for the Model T, the assembly line, and the $5 a day wage, and stay for the Ford Sociological Department, the secret family, and Adolf Hitler’s take on Henry Ford. This one’s a real doozy.

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments) email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

If you enjoy figuring out the little intricate mechanics of different systems, then make sure you leave us a 5-star review

If you enjoy tearing something down to its finest parts, and building something anew from it, then you should probably go leave us a 5-star review

This week Cassidy welcomes Michigistory’s resident basketball expert Logan back to the show to talk about the history of the Detroit Pistons. Tune in to learn about the invention of basketball, the founding of the Pistons (spoiler: not in Detroit), The Bad Boys Era, and the infamous Malice at the Palace. Plus, stick around to hear about the current Piston's squad and Logan's 2026 playoff predictions.

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory 

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments) email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Are you a Bad Boy Big Guy Pants Okay? Then be sure to smash that 5-star rating button 

Would you like Cassidy to please never say Big Guy ever again? Let us know by smashing that 5-star rating button

Yes actually. 

This week Cassidy welcomes Michigistory's resident biologist Molly Engelman back to the show to discuss the deeply fascinating (and even more deeply strange) history of some of Michigan's most iconic species. Tune in to learn about Michigan's dwindling moose population, the longest running predator prey study in the world, and that time we kidnapped 59 moose from Canada, strapped them to a helicopter, and flew them into the sunset. 

Plus, stick around for a discussion of the most important question in modern biology: what is our role as humans?

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments) email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Would you like to read Molly's biologically philosophical college essay entitled, "To Herbicide, or Not to Herbicide?" If so, be sure to rate this episode 5-stars.

Would you definitely not like to read Molly's biologically philosophical college essay entitled, "To Herbicide, or Not to Herbicide?" Then you better rate this episode 5-stars or I'm gonna send it to you.

“The biggest news story since the Resurrection.” - H.L. Mencken  

As outrageous as it sounds, there were two moments in Charles Lindbergh's life where this quote was applicable. 

This week Cassidy is joined by Logan to discuss two of the biggest stories of the 20th century. Charles Lindbergh is perhaps best known for completing the first ever nonstop flight from New York to Paris, but aviation is not his only legacy. A few years after becoming the most famous man in the world, Lindbergh's infant son was kidnapped. Reporters called it "the crime of the century."

**The story of Charles Lindbergh Jr.'s kidnapping is deeply disturbing. Please listen to the second half of this episode with caution.

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments) email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

You're still reading? Well okay then listen, I was in quite a bit of emotional distress writing this episode, so maybe you could throw me a bone and leave me a 5-star review. Just a thought.

This week Cassidy drags Logan out of his grave and into the studio to teach him all about one of the most important men of the 20th century. Detroit legend Joe Louis holds the title for the longest-reigning heavyweight world champion in history, but his legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring. The story of Joe Louis is one of unwavering resilience in the white face of adversity. It's the story of a man who walked a razor thin line so those after him could run. And it also happens to be the story of "the most important fight in the history of the world," and "the happiest moment in America." 

For more Michigan history, including video clips from this episode, follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

If you're team Joe Louis, show your support by leaving the show a 5-star review. And if you're team Schmeling... then you have exactly 2 minutes and 4 seconds to get out of here and never come back...

This week, Cassidy is joined by Kim Nowack (Executive Director of the Mackinac Bridge) and James Lake (official spokesperson for the Mackinac Bridge), to tell the story of the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Tune in to hear about life before the bridge, life while building the bridge, and life after the bridge. Plus, learn about the history of the famous Mackinac Bridge Walk.

For video clips from the episode and more Michigan history, follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Hey, if you read this far down then you're either really into the Mackinac Bridge or really into Michigistory. Either way, I think it only makes sense that you go leave us a 5-star review... pretty please...

In the 1890s, Princess Clara from Detroit, Michigan, may have been the most hated woman in the world.

But why?

This week, Cassidy shares the life story of one of the most complicated, scandalous, beautiful and bizarre women in the history of Michigan (and perhaps the world). Tune in to hear how this Belgian Princess would eventually become a symbol for sex and "moral decline."

For video clips from the episode and more Michigan history, follow us on Instagram and Tik Tok @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquires, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

And if you read this far down, you might as well give us a 5-star rating, since you've got so much time on your hands

Sources:

Collier's: The National Weekly 1896-12-10: Vol 18 Iss 10 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Alienist and neurologist. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Princesses behaving badly : real stories from history-- without the fairy-tale endings : McRobbie, Linda Rodriguez, author : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Clara Ward (1873-1916) - American Aristocracy

Crowns, Tiaras, & Coronets: Clara Ward, Princesse de Caraman-Chimay | An American Dollar Princess

The celebrated princess Chimay. - Free Online Library

Ward, Eber Brock | Detroit Historical Society

On this week's episode, Cassidy is joined by Ovya Venkat to tell the complicated story of two problematic species. How did they get to Michigan? What damage have they done? How do we fix it? And who is to blame? Stay tuned for both a history lesson, and a conversation about humans' role in the ecosystem. 

Where is the line between playing our part and playing God?

Follow us on Instagram for more Michigan history @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

If you're team swan, show it by rating the show 5-stars

If you're team lamprey, show it by rating the show 5-stars

If you're a fish-kicker, show it by rating the show 5-stars

A song about one of the biggest catastrophes in Michigan history.

On this week's episode, Cassidy is joined by Logan to discuss The Italian Hall Disaster, and the 73 people who lost their lives fleeing a fabricated threat. This episode details the difficult lives and working conditions of early copper miners in the Keweenaw, and the infamously deadly Copper County strike of 1913-1914. And stay tuned for the lesser-known story of the Seeberville Murders.

Follow us on Instagram for updates and video clips from the show @michigistory

For story ideas, advertisement inquiries, or questions, email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

And if you read this far down, then I wish you the happiest of holidays and peace in the new year. 

And perhaps you could grant my wish of rating the show 5 stars...

Their story is worthy of a movie.

But until that happens, here's an episode of Michigistory.

This week, Cassidy is joined once again by brilliant Native American historian Eric Hemenway. Come for the incredible stories of Company K's major battles, prison camp experiences, and survived maritime disasters, and stay for discussion of the big question:

Why did they do it?

Why did these 139 Native men suddenly decide to fight alongside the very same men with whom they'd been in constant battle with for generations? 

Follow along on Instagram for video clips of the show and other Michigan history @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

If you've read this far down then you must be pretty invested, so you may as well do us both a favor and rate the show 5-stars. Otherwise reading this far down was a waste of time, and you seem like someone whose time is valuable...

If so, then join Cassidy and Logan in learning all about the history of Detroit's beloved Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the longstanding tradition that is the Lions Thanksgiving Day game. Other topics include Detroit's legendary department store Hudson's, World War II, The NFL, and a brief rant about the historical significance of video.

Speaking of which, here's a link to a short video of Detroit's first ever Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924. It's awesome.

J.L. Hudson's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Vacation Footage (c. 1924)

Follow along on Instagram for show updates and video clips @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

And if you're a Lions fan, make sure to rate the show 5-stars!

But if you're a Packers fan, then make sure to only rate the show 5-stars.

On this week's episode, Cassidy is joined by dear friend and Sault Ste. Marie resident Molly Engelman to talk about the rich history of one of the America's most valuable pieces of infrastructure- The Soo Locks. But on account of former U.S. President Millard Fillmore, the episode takes a pretty dramatic turn about halfway through. You'll just have to listen to find out what that means. Tune in to hear everything you've ever wanted to know about the Soo Locks, and a whole lot more too.

Follow along on Instagram for video clips of this episode @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or information on Millard Fillmore), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

For a free "Lock City" t-shirt, rate the show 5-stars

To opt out of the free "Lock City" t-shirt, be sure to rate the show 5-stars

"So we don't repeat the past," is probably what popped into your head. 

By that logic, if we're teaching history correctly, then we should never make the same mistake twice.  

And yet, some headlines today look all too familiar.

What does this say about the state of our history education?

Today's episode is part 1 of a series in which Cassidy, and Native American historian Eric Hemenway, aim to dissect the state of Native American history education. 

Why do we know what we know, and why don't we know what we don't know?

In today's episode, they start at the beginning, in the one-room schoolhouse where Eric began his educational career. Tune in to hear about Eric's early schooling in the small community of Cross Village, and how his relationship with education changed after transferring into a much larger public school. 

For videos of the beautiful one-room schoolhouse (and the adorable Sammy), check out our Instagram @michigistory

For any story pitches, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

And if you're still reading, it must mean you're a real fan of the show, because no one reads down this far. And maybe just to prove that you're a real fan, you could go rate the show 5-stars. That would be epic.

On this week's extra special Halloween episode, Cassidy is joined by Dogman enthusiast Ally Beshouri Pekrul to talk about Michigan's favorite cryptid. Tune in to hear the story behind the legendary Dogman song, as well as personal accounts, a biologist's perspective, the Wendigo connection, and the value of folktales in today's world.

Check out video clips from the show on our Instagram, @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

To enter for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid exclusive one-on-one private dinner with The Michigan Dogman, all you have to do is leave this show a 5-star review. And for an extra entry, send it to a friend and force them to review it too.

This week, Cassidy tells you the unbelievably fantastical story of John Harvey and William Kellogg. Honestly, you should go in blind. But if you want a sneak peak, keep reading. 

This episode touches on everything from germ theory to 7th Day Adventism to "masturbation cures" to *eventually* cereal. Tune in to learn about the birth of modern medicine, along with the strange treatments that were prescribed to patients of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg in his luxury medical spa in Battle Creek, Michigan. And stick around to hear the fate of John Harvey's younger brother, William, who spent the majority of his life in the shadow of his eccentric brother.

Check out clips from the show on Instagram, @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

If you survived this episode, please prove it by leaving a 5-star review.

And if you hated this episode, the best way to let us know is by leaving us a 5-star review (cuz on a scale from 1-5, 5 is the worst)

This week, Cassidy gets to the bottom of this whole "War of 1812" thing, with the help of (fan favorite) Logan. Tune in to get a crash course on the American Revolution, The Declaration of Independence, and the Napoleonic Wars, followed by a deep dive into the causes and outcomes of the (very odd) War of 1812. And of course, you'll learn about Michigan's role in fight between- we'll you'll just have to listen to see who was involved.

CHECK US OUT ON INSTAGRAM WHERE WE'LL BE POSTING VIDEO CLIPS FROM THIS EPISODE @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Hey, do you like war? 

If the answer is NO, then prove it by leaving this show a 5-star review. 

If they answer is YES, then prove it by leaving this show a 5-star review.

This week Cassidy sits down with Amberrose Hammond, author and paranormal researcher, to talk about some of the quirkier and less understood pieces of Michigan's history. All the stories you'll hear today are based in true historical occurrences- what you make of each occurrence is up to you and your beliefs. You'll learn about historical figures like Detroit's princess, Michigan's first millionaire, and Bay City's first female dentist... who also talked to ghosts. Open your mind to whimsy and accept that there are some forces in this world that we just don't yet understand. 

For more information on Amberrose, including links to her books and lecture dates, check her out at amberrosehammond.com or the link below:

Author & Paranormal Researcher Amberrose Hammond

Check out our clips on Instagram @michigistory

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

And if you've read this far down, I owe you my life... and all you owe me is a 5-star rating on the podcast... seems like a pretty good deal for you.

 This week, Cassidy puts on her journalist hat and dives deep into the early days of Eminem, with the help of (BF)F Logan. Tune in to hear how the Detroit-native overcame bullying, poverty, lost loved ones, drugs, and toxic relationships to become the highest selling rap artist of all time. You'll learn about his relationships with people like Debbie Nelson, Kim, Proof, and Uncle Ronnie while examining some tracks that help paint a picture of his life in Detroit. Plus, stick around until the end to hear Cassidy and Logan's answers to two very controversial questions:

• Would Eminem still be the highest selling rap artist of all time if he were not white?
• Is Eminem the greatest rapper of all time?

AND CHECK OUT SOME VIDEO CLIPS FROM THIS EPISODE ON OUR NEW INSTAGRAM @michigistory !!!

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Who do you think is the greatest rapper of all time? 

---> If you think it's EMINEM, rate the show 5 stars

---> If you think it's SOMEBODY ELSE, rate the show 5 stars

This week Cassidy sits down with Craig Wilson, Chief Curator for Mackinac State Historic Parks, to talk about the rich and extensive history of Mackinac Island. Before the island became one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, it was traded hands numerous times between numerous countries in a centuries long battle to control the fur trade. Today's episode covers so much more than just Michigan history. Stay tuned to learn about the fur trade, The American Revolution, The Fox Wars, The War of 1812, the island's former National Park status, and the Grand Hotel. 

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Are you a Northern Michigander who wants to start your own podcast through Big Mitten Media? Email office@bigmittenmedia.com for more information

So I'm pretty sure no one reads this far down, so I'm just gonna get something off my chest. Petoskey>Traverse City, and it's actually not even close. There I said it.

This week Cassidy sits down with Steve Libert, shipwreck hunter and founder of Great Lakes Exploration Group. Tune in to hear the origin of this gold and the many attempts to find it throughout history. Other topics include the Le Griffon (aka the "Holy Grail" of shipwrecks), historic diving practices, the Civil War, the Titanic, and the reason why Steve is not swimming in $400 million worth of gold. 

For any story ideas, advertisement inquiries, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Are you a Northern Michigander who wants to start your own podcast through Big Mitten Media? Email office@bigmittenmedia.com for more information

*secret tip*

If you go and rate the show 5 stars, then you have an opportunity to win either $400 million in gold, or the eternal appreciation of host Cassidy Hough. Both prizes are of equal value.

This week Cassidy sits down with Eric Hemenway, Director of the Department of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. Tune in to hear the true story of people who went to unimaginable lengths to protect their home. Eric details life for the Odawa people in the 1800s while highlighting the unbelievable journeys of some prominent members of the Blackbird family. Other themes include the importance of storytelling, and repatriation (you should look that word up).

You don't want to miss this episode.

For any story pitches, advertisement inquires, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Are you a Northern Michigander who wants to start your own podcast through Big Mitten Media? Email office@bigmittenmedia.com for more information

And this is the end. Thanks for reading this far. Nobody does that. You must really like what we have to say. But maybe just to like prove that you like what we have to say, you could go leave us a 5-star review... because that would be really good for us you know. That would be really cool.

This week, host Cassidy Hough sits down with Jill Ore, head lighthouse keeper of the historic White Shoal Lighthouse. Tune in to hear about the life of a lighthouse keeper, as well as stories of fishermen stranded on icebergs, messages in a bottle, and perhaps even ghosts. Jill also gives details about how YOU could volunteer to spend 10+ days in the middle of Lake Michigan helping to restore a (possibly haunted) 115-year-old lighthouse. 

And for an opportunity to win a free, signed copy of Jill's book, Shine Your Light, send an email to cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com with the subject line "Book."

For any story pitches, advertisement inquires, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Are you a Northern Michigander who wants to start your own podcast through Big Mitten Media? Email office@bigmittenmedia.com for more information

Follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram as we attempt to build a Northern Michigan Media hub @bigmittenmedia

Wow, you really read all the way to the bottom? I'm so honored. As a reward for your dedication to the Michigistory show notes, I hereby grant you with 10 years of good luck... effective immediately after you rate the show 5-stars.

Tune in to our first episode to hear about the tragic wreck of The Western Reserve and the miraculous story of its sole survivor. Host Cassidy Hough sits down with Bruce Lynn, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, to get the full story of the 133-year-old ship, from its construction to its recent discovery at the bottom of Lake Superior. And stay tuned for other noteworthy topics, such as the Edmund Fitzgerald, WWI minesweepers, and a really cool sweatshirt.

And a special shoutout to the exceptionally talented artist behind our podcast cover art, Tye Kalinovic. For more information about him and his work, check out his website at www.tyekalinovic.com

For any story pitches, advertisement inquires, questions (or compliments), email cassidy@bigmittenmedia.com

Want to start your own podcast through Big Mitten Media? Email office@bigmittenmedia.com for more information

Follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram as we attempt to build a Northern Michigan Media hub @bigmittenmedia

Thanks for reading this far down in the show notes. That must mean you really like the show... right? Maybe leave us a 5-star review as proof that you read this far... just to be safe...