Shows
ML Soul of DetroitAnnoying Man - September 23 2024Erika Erickson is back. We find out who is annoying us this week AND what public official ML Elrick annoyed.STRAIGHT DOPE: The first thing that Erika wants to know is who is annoying us this week. ML Elrick quickly remembers the annoying time he dressed as the Teletubby Po for Halloween.ML then provides the oddest mispronunciation of a celebrity that Marc and Erika have ever heard.The documentary Unknown Number on Netflix is an amazing watch that features an incredibly annoying antagonist. It's always someone else's fault.
2025-09-231h 02
ML Soul of DetroitWhere in the World - May 27, 2025After visiting Ireland, Canada, and France, Elrick has returned to the USA… and is already on his way out of town. STRAIGHT DOPE: After two long weeks traversing Europe, ML has returned to Detroit only to head up to Mackinaw Island for the Mackinac Policy Conference. Marc seems to be quite cynical about what actually gets done at the Conference. Elrick explains the importance of the event. While Shawn becomes envious of ML’s hair. Shawn admitted last week that he once spent some time in jail. Elrick shares that he was once de...
2025-05-2759 min
ML Soul of DetroitThe Substitutes - July 2, 2024ML Elrick is out of town again. The Substitutes fill in to cover the mystery of Craig Monroe, BET & ESPN award failures, and the Brat Pack.STRAIGHT DOPE: Erika Erickson is back to fill in for our forgotten host ML Elrick.She introduces us to another one of her friends- local comic Joey Hamood.Self prescribed klutz Ericka spilled coffee all over herself right before we start reminding Marc about the time WRIF treated the Drew and Mike morning show like children by providing them sippy cups. Former Detroit Tiger player and broadcaster Craig Monroe was...
2024-07-021h 20
ML Soul of DetroitLions v. Elrick - October 17, 2023Eli Zaret joins ML and Marc to talk about The Big Game until Shawn, like the blimp in “Black Sunday,” hijacks the show to rave (and rant) about the Detroit Lions, while Joe waves his pom-poms.STRAIGHT DOPE: Eli debates whether it’s too soon to make Mel Tucker jokes … then tries out some Mel Tucker jokes.A day before Eli hosts the Detroit Sports Media Association’s annual Michigan Wolverines-Michigan State Spartans pre-game luncheon, ML invites him to talk about The Big Game. But Shawn has other plans.Wolverines generally are not ML’s favorite people, but meeting...
2023-10-171h 28
ML Soul of DetroitExpedition Elrick - June 13, 2023ML checks in from Scotland where he is gathering more information on his familial name. Self described life historian Eli Zaret fills in for Elrick. Eli analyzes the world of sports and how it's changed over his 50 years of broadcasting. Shawn's just happy to be anywhere.STRAIGHT DOPE : ML is taking some much needed time away from his podcast family to spend it with his real family in Scotland. He's is so dedicated to research and himself that he reports on the town of Elrick. Eli Zaret experiences his one of his lowest career moments by filling...
2023-06-131h 07
ML Soul of Detroit-ML-More Leonard- January 10, 2023 A Nazi rally, Cuba and a Mafia hotel are just a few of the places Gregg Sutter went while working for Elmore Leonard. Sutter tells ML, Marc and Shawn what it was like to work as a legman for the literary giant, while Joe experiences what it’s like to work for mental midgets. STRAIGHT DOPE- With a special guest dialing in from Los Angeles to discuss bestselling author Elmore Leonard, Shawn instead steers the conversation toward the college football national championship which, coincidentally, was also in Los Angeles. Sheesh! Gregg Sut...
2023-01-111h 18ML Soul of DetroitNew Year's Devolution – January 3, 2023 ML, Marc and Shawn go from Big Game to big shame as their New Year’s resolutions fall apart even before they are made, while Joe resolves to look for a better gig. STRAIGHT DOPE: Shawn Windsor is a murderer. Honest. Listen and learn the whole story, with a reference to Terry O’Quinn thrown in. ML has a new Christmas hat that only he is man enough to wear. Or so he claims. See for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/@MLSoulOfDetroit. While you're there, please subscribe and sign up for ale...
2023-01-031h 41ML Soul of DetroitDear Souly – December 27, 2022 You have questions, we have answers. Or at least questionable advice. ML, Marc and Shawn pool their wisdom, while Joe considers referring them to the Employee Assistance Program. STRAIGHT DOPE: Joe Jackson once crooned: “Though it's oh so nice to get advice,It's oh so hard to do.” Well, maybe for some stuck-up English piano player. ML, Marc and Shawn have no problem teaching life lessons to people seeking good counsel. A greedy sister-in-law, a mother-in-law trying to horn her way into the delivery room, a grandma going nuts because of a die...
2022-12-271h 08ML Soul of DetroitSanta Exposed – December 20, 2022 A Santa School graduate and instructor threatens to put Marc on the Naughty List, while ML, Shawn and Joe play nice. STRAIGHT DOPE: Santa Michael shares lessons learned at the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, the longest-running Santa School in the world, which is based in Midland.There are all kinds of Santas – fat, skinny, bearded and clean-shaven. As a “professional Santa for Hire,” Michael gives us the inside dope on what makes a great Santa. Santa says he uses some yellow dust, which ML says sounds...
2022-12-201h 08ML Soul of DetroitMissing, Inaction – December 13, 2022 Eyewitnesses contradict the official account of the Oxford High School shooting, as Free Press reporter Tresa Baldas tells ML and Marc, while Shawn is missing and Joe is action. STRAIGHT DOPE: ML updates listeners on Shawn’s whereabouts – and why it would REALLY help him and Shawn if you subscribed to the Free Press for 6 months for a measly buck. Use this link: https://subscribe.freep.com/offers Tresa uncovers depositions in which Oxford High School teachers and counselors share their version of what happened on the day Ethan Crumbley went on a...
2022-12-131h 23ML Soul of DetroitThe UFO Show – December 6, 2022 SOUL OF DETROIT The UFO Show 12/6/2022 Episode #183 A UFO expert reveals the hottest spots in Michigan for close encounters, while ML and Shawn wonder whether Marc has been abducted and Joe is grateful there are no anal probes in sight. STRAIGHT DOPE Marc is missing, leaving Joe to run the show. Find out how he does, and what happened to our fearless co-leader — who may or may not be exploring the galaxy with the only gre...
2022-12-061h 25ML Soul of DetroitWhistleblower – November 29, 2022 Oxford families deserve the truth, a former school board member tells ML, Marc and Shawn on the anniversary of Ethan Crumbley’s shooting rampage that killed four and left countless lives changed forever. Joe runs the show until Matt Riley makes the scene. STRAIGHT DOPE Former Oxford Community School District Treasurer Korey Bailey explains why he and Tom Donnelly resigned from the board. They claim the district has been lying to the public about how they handled warning signs about Crumbley. ML recaps what we’ve been told...
2022-11-291h 53ML Soul of DetroitCrimes of the Soul – November 22, 2022 A junkie hooker and a professor meet in the Cass Corridor, what could go wrong? Best-selling author Lowell Cauffiel joins ML, Marc and Shawn to explain, while WSU grad Joe is glad Cass Corridor has come a long way since the 1980s. STRAIGHT DOPE: Shawn starts the show with a non sequitur. We’d tell you what it was, but there were so many we forget, so you’ll just have to listen. Lowell Cauffiel was a reporter at the Detroit News when he heard the story about a Wayne State Unive...
2022-11-221h 33ML Soul of DetroitQuestions for the Soul – November 15, 2022 From a frozen embryo to rowdy neighbors to free spending in-laws, ML, Marc and Shawn tackle the tough questions, while Joe ponders out yonder. STRAIGHT DOPE: The election is over, but the questions remain. The crew chews on what happened, and where we go from here. Marc’s dad and ML had brushes with fame, even though they didn’t know it at the time. Find out which famous entertainers are bragging that they got to hang out with Mr. Fellhauer and Mr. Elrick. ML tries out a pot...
2022-11-151h 38ML Soul of DetroitExtra Cheesy – November 8, 2022 We dish up the origin story of Detroit pizza and look back on a TRIPLE beheading as Professor Tim Kiska of the Detroit History Podcast schools ML, Marc and Shawn, while Joe turns in a note from his mother allowing him to stay home. STRAIGHT DOPE- ML battles elective dysfunction on election day by inviting Tim Kiska on to celebrate the fifth anniversary of his Detroit History Podcast. Buddy’s, Cloverleaf or Shields? Which is the original Detroit pizza? Tim breaks down the debate. It started with a v...
2022-11-081h 41ML Soul of DetroitThe Big Shame – November 1, 2022 Eli Zaret discusses his Channel 4 documentary and the Big Shame that followed the Big Game in Ann Arbor, an altercation that spurred a verbal battle between ML, Shawn and Marc while Joey dials 9-1-1. STRAIGHT DOPE: Eli Zaret discusses his epic two-part documentary on the rise and fall and rise of Channel 4. Find out whether ML makes a cameo. One of the most fascinating characters Eli ever covered was Mark “The Bird” Fidrych. See a classic clip of the Bird by watching a replay of the live broadcast of our show...
2022-11-011h 47ML Soul of DetroitPumpkin Heads – October 25, 2022 Frank Pumpkin zooms in while ML, Marc and Shawn put their gourds together to figure out who is going to win the Big Game, while Joe waits with Linus. STRAIGHT DOPE: Frank Morse grew the biggest pumpkin in Michigan history. He zooms in to explain how he birthed the behemoth, which weighs more than 2,300 pounds. How much would you paid for a magical seed? Frank provides us with some market insights that will blow your mind. ML marvels how fans of powerhouse teams always seem to prepare...
2022-10-251h 27ML Soul of DetroitWar is a Drag – October 18, 2022 ML’s student who went to war in Ukraine is home and reporting back to ML, Shawn and Marc, while Joe huddles in his bunker. STRAIGHT DOPE:Evelyn Aschenbrenner was teaching English in Poland when Russia invaded Ukraine. Unlike most of us, she dropped everything and joined the International Legion to help repel the invaders. Evelyn describes life in a war zone, as well as how she and a host of other Americans rallied to the Ukrainian cause. ML had never heard of buckwheat milk, until the co...
2022-10-181h 55ML Soul of DetroitConspiracy Weary – October 11, 2022 Lies sell better than ever, according to Andy Kroll, who debunks one of the most virulent conspiracies of recent times while ML, Marc and Shawn wonder why they never see Joe – and whether he’s just a voice in their heads. STRAIGHT DOPE: Andy Kroll of ProPublica zooms in to discuss his book “A Death on W Street: The Murder of Seth Rich and the Age of Conspiracy” – but first ML asks him about the conspiracy Michigan Wolverines are always talking about: How the refs are out to get them! Listen and learn...
2022-10-111h 20ML Soul of DetroitAs Far As I Know… September 13, 2022 Shawn reads a mean email before ML’s wife reads a mean email while Marc wonders whether he’s mean email-worthy and Joe is glad to be left out of the whole mess. STRAIGHT DOPE: A Free Press reader, apparent Lions fan, and likely podcast listener, lights into Shawn about everything from his wardrobe to his verbiage, raising questions about “how subtle is too subtle?” Tresa Baldas, ML and Shawn’s Free Press colleague, talks about some of her more controversial stories before Shawn pries some information about her relationship with ML. Check...
2022-09-131h 29ML Soul of DetroitThe Kids Are Alright – June 14, 2022 Marc is missing so college kids Kaleena and Patrick take over the show while ML and Shawn die slowly and Joey stays chill in his cryogenic chamber. THE STRAIGHT DOPE Marc is on special assignment, find out where he went and whose head he is looking for. ML and his colleagues at the Detroit Free Press followed Dan Gilbert’s money and found a lot of it in the campaign war chests of city officials considering whether to approve his company’s $60 million tax...
2022-06-141h 31ML Soul of DetroitPerfection – June 7, 2022 ML gets stabbed – TWICE – to start the day, then gets needled by Marc and Shawn while Patrick counts the days til he gets his jaw broken and Joe is glad to be monitoring the situation from a remote location. THE STRAIGHT DOPE: The show starts off with an appreciation for Adam Sandler’s “The Waterboy,” which ML says is just as good in French. ML thought losing his race for Detroit City Council would allow him to sleep in when the East Side floods, but it turns out he was wrong. And that w...
2022-06-071h 27ML Soul of DetroitO, Shawn! – August 3, 2021 M.L. Elrick left a (somewhat) steady job at the Free Press to run for Detroit's City Council. It was an act of faith, and courage. Today, he finds out if the people thought he was up to the job. Which means he had no time for his podcast! Oneita Jackson, who also used to work at the Freep, and who is also running for the Council as a write-in candidate, jumped into M.L's seat while he was out campaigning. She and Shawn Windsor try their best to hold down the fort.
2021-08-041h 08ML Soul of DetroitML's Waterworld – June 29, 2021 * Two to three feet of water filled ML’s basement in the latest “500-year” flood. And DCFC CEO Sean Mann joins to discuss local soccer success. In between, M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) mix it up while Joey Zuver holds it down.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: While filling in for ML last week, Shawn may have left a faucet running, filling ML’s basement with thousands of gallons of water. The deluge was not enough to extinguish ML’s fiery anguish.* Sean — the “good” Sean — Mann sits in to pr...
2021-06-291h 26ML Soul of DetroitMinistry & Music – June 15, 2021 * Our church correspondent provides an eye-witness account of Kwame Kilpatrick’s Sunday sermon before we debut a new release from The King’s English and delve into the career of Ministry. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) carry on while Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) recuperates. Joey Zuver rocks out with his socks off. Or something like that…* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML tells a hairy tale of the epic fail of his 2007 beater on his way to a campaign fundraiser hockey game. Find out whether he made it to the rink o...
2021-06-151h 17ML Soul of DetroitKilpatrick Speaks – June 8, 2021 * Kwame Kilpatrick is getting married and becoming a preacher, according to an exclusive report at DeadlineDetroit.com. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) discuss the news with DeadlineDetroit.com Editor Allan Lengel, who spoke with Hizzoner. Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) is under the weather and Joey Zuver is underwhelmed.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: This was shaping up to be a ho-hum episode when Allan sent ML a text alerting him to Allan’s exclusive interview with Kwame Kilpatrick for DeadlineDetroit.com.* Allan dishes on how he got the former mayor to ope...
2021-06-081h 15ML Soul of DetroitDetroit Lyin' – June 1, 2021 * Detroit Lions beat writer Dave Birkett (Twitter @DaveBirkett) has covered hope, heartbreak, hard times — everything but a playoff victory. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) ask what it’s like to stare into the oblivion for a living. Joey Zuver thinks they’re talking about HIS job!* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Seriously! This is your ABSOLUTELY LAST CHANCE to order your Soul of Detroit bike at www.drewandmikestore.com. SERIOUSLY!!!* You won’t need a bike to get around downtown if you can catch a FREE ride with...
2021-06-011h 15ML Soul of DetroitNo Waves & Humblebrags – May 25, 2021 * Every reporter has a story they thought would make a splash that instead made a thud. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) reflect on the potential blockbusters that failed to excite the public. Joey Zuver is too polite to say whether this show topic falls into that category. Plus, ML's hubristic Yin & Shawn's humble Yang.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Get your order in before May 31 for your Soul of Detroit bike at www.drewandmikestore.com before time expires!* Before the show gets to the subject at ha...
2021-05-261h 27ML Soul of DetroitJust the Dietz – May 18, 2021 * Kevin Dietz dishes on his career in journalism, from Cheboygan to the Gulf War to Naked Golf — and everything in between. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) sit in rapt attention for Dietz’ rap while Joey Zuver lays down a phat beat.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML reveals the never-before-told tale of how in 2006 he was brought in to possibly replace Kevin at WDIV — and how that worked out. (Spoiler alert: By 2007, ML was back at the Free Press.)* Kevin reflects on his career and how ill-pr...
2021-05-181h 30ML Soul of DetroitFrom DPD to GOP – May 11, 2021 * Chief James Craig is giving up police work for politics. Pundit Tracey Martin joins the crew to speculate on his chances. Follow us all on social media Tracey Martin (Twitter @CoffeePolitico), M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor). Professor Matt returns; coincidentally, Joey Zuver prepares to transfer to an accredited podcast.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Detroit Police Chief James Craig and ML spent a lot of time together last summer during the Detroit Will Breathe marches. Now the chief is following ML into … politics? To find out wh...
2021-05-111h 29ML Soul of DetroitFree Bobby & Bikes – May 4, 2021 * Mike Rataj explains how he got Kwame Kilpatrick crony Bobby Ferguson out of prison. Then Zak Pashak of Detroit Bikes unveils the limited-edition, made-in-Detroit, commemorative Soul of Detroit bike. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) celebrate 100 episodes while Joey Zuver mourns his misspent youth.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Mike Rataj explains, as only he can, how he got Bobby Ferguson out of prison after serving less than half of his 21-year sentence.* Rataj says Bobby is remorseful, but is stumped when Marc asks him if Bobby...
2021-05-041h 48ML Soul of DetroitCity Hall Circus – April 27, 2021 * A stealth effort to wipe out Mayor Mike Duggan and a top councilwoman emerged this week, so we turn to our city hall insider Darren Nichols for his insights. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) sit in rapt attention as Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) breaks it down. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) crams for his exam while Joey Zuver concentrates on his remote learning.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Just when candidates thought they had secured a spot on the ballot, opponents are trying to take th...
2021-04-271h 32ML Soul of DetroitHouse of Windsor – April 20, 2021 * Shawn ascends to the throne as we dive into the House of Windsor, where Milk Duds have replaced Turkish Delight as the royal confection of choice.* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) bow to His Highness Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor). Joey Zuver hangs around … just in case Shawn abdicates.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Our royal watching begins with a Saturday Night Live skit looking at what the Windsors are like behind closed doors and in which Fred Armisen and Bill Hader share the throne as the kings of comedy.* Shawn ig...
2021-04-201h 31ML Soul of DetroitSuper-Zeros – April 13, 2021 * Star War author Charles Soule forsakes Skywalker Ranch for the Red Shovel basement to rap about his career as a comic book writer and novelist. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) pitches his Kilpatrick book proposal to Soule while Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) Marvel at the breadth of Soule’s work. Daredevil Joey Zuver doesn’t see a problem with any of it — he SENSES a problem.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML makes news off the top, calling for Detroit City Councilman Gabe Leland to resign IMMEDIATELY. ML has been exposin...
2021-04-131h 25ML Soul of DetroitThe Real Anchorman – April 6, 2021 * Mort Crim anchors an encounter with fellow WDIV alum ML Elrick (in which it becomes clear that ML’s work at Local 4 made no impression whatsoever on the legendary newsman).* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) enjoy a convivial conversation while Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) shows off his new haircut. Joey Zuver wiles the time studying many leather-bound volumes.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: The plan was ML would yammer on and on and on about the official launch of his campaign for Detroit City Council … but then he was able to bo...
2021-04-061h 22ML Soul of DetroitCeleb Sightings & Shots – March 30, 2021 * Celebrity sightings, shyness, covid shots and ML’s surprise alternate identities dominate the top of the show.* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) get the ball rolling while Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) follows the bouncing ball in Indy. Joey Zuver turns autograph seekers away.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML planned to start off marking the anniversary of his COVID-19 test and playing video from his recent vaccination, but the crew somehow gets off on a tangent about whether they would ask a celebrity for their autograph. A series of stories abo...
2021-03-301h 28ML Soul of DetroitCop Shoots Back – March 24, 2021 * A rookie empties her clip into a stranger on Christmas Eve, only to find out he wasn’t a stranger at all. Tresa Baldas of the Detroit Free Press tells the tale. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) carry the show while Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) gets ready to carry his bags to the airport in Indy. Joey Zuver pulls the levers so very clever.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: It was just a brief in the news on Christmas 2020: A cop is run off the road and ends up in a sho...
2021-03-231h 18ML Soul of DetroitBlighting Irish/Erin go Blah – March 17, 2021 * There is no luck of the Irish when it comes to internet connections, as this week’s guests prove during an hour of fractured hairy tales. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) try to stitch it all together while Joey Zuver books passage on the first boat to Australia.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML casts a wide net to assemble a team of top-notch storytellers: Ben Blackwell from Nashville, Gerry from Philly, John from the East Side, Erik from Eastern Market and Mike from the 48236.* Ben Bla...
2021-03-161h 16ML Soul of DetroitRat on Ice – March 9, 2021 * Mike Rataj opens up about his unlikely friendship with one-time antagonist M.L..* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) make listeners wish THEY were under a gag order. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) cross-examine Mike Rataj. Joey Zuver is sequestered.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Legal eagle Mike Rataj opens up about his fire-and-ice relationship with ML, as well as how the pandemic has affected the legal justice system.* ML and Mike shameless plug this year’s Clark Park Classic. Here’s how too donate.* Dina Desjardins of GFL t...
2021-03-091h 34ML Soul of DetroitGov. Gag Order – March 3, 2021 * Gov. Whitmer’s top health official splits with a golden parachute and promise to keep quiet. Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger has that story — and more!* M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) make listeners wish THEY were under a gag order. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) is back while Joey Zuver runs the Circus McJerkus.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Just after breaking another big story, Craig Mauger of The Detroit News joins us to discuss the mysterious departure of Michigan’s top health official and his assistant.* ML is s...
2021-03-021h 14ML Soul of DetroitHear Goes Nothing – February 23, 2021 * Hey, it worked for Seinfeld! So this week we do a show about … nothing. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) yak on and on, while Joey Zuver maintains his igloo.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML hypes upcoming shows before finally relenting and getting this week’s show under way by musing about Dwayne Johnson’s new biographic series.* A listener asks about former House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s hasty ouster from a lucrative gig, inspiring a discussion of how term-limited politicos may make decisions that set them up f...
2021-02-231h 20ML Soul of Detroit1-800-You-Suck – February 16, 2021 * Nasty voicemails and great stories from one of ML’s journalism heroes provide some heat in the midst of an epic snowstorm. M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) catch up with Gerry Shields (Twitter @retail_politics) while Matt Jennings reviews his Soft History notes and Joey Zuver sharpens his snow skates.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML plays the sympathy card by playing a voicemail he got seven years ago from an unsympathetic Fox 2 viewer after ML got manhandled by some cops in a church. Listen for th...
2021-02-161h 25ML Soul of DetroitMy Mother the Narc – February 9, 2021 * ML's plan to have his mom explain her concern for Shawn backfires when she ends up dishing a bunch of dirt on ML. Then M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) wait patiently for the return of Soft History Professor Matt Jennings. Joey Zuver wisely skips class to build a snow fort.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Something is wrong with Shawn's foot, but despite relentless questioning, he will not explain his agony of de-feet.* While Shawn nurses his aching tootsies, ML beats him about the head and ne...
2021-02-091h 19ML Soul of DetroitHunter Now Hunted – February 2, 2021 * A listener lays into Shawn Windsor before M.L. and Darren Nichols compare a current city council controversy with some of the crazy councils of their past. Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) is the adult in the room polluted by M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor). Joey Zuver hides out to work the levers and keep it clever.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: The show starts off with a bang as listener John gives Shawn both barrels. Shawn takes it wi...
2021-02-021h 21ML Soul of DetroitCapitol Offense – January 12, 2020 * Melissa Nann Burke (Twitter @nannburke) of the Detroit News recounts the harrowing day that the Capitol was overrun. ML Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) listen in rapt attention. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) makes some “jokes" while Joey Zuver keeps his head down.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Melissa Nann Burke had a front row seat in the press gallery as security officers pointed their Glocks at domestic terrorists trying to stop Congress from certifying the winner of the 2020 presidential election. She tells us what she saw, including what sh...
2021-01-131h 32ML Soul of DetroitML4Detroit – January 5, 2020 * ML is running for Detroit City Council. Plus, Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) sit in rapt attention as Darren Nichols and John Rutherford offer tributes to the late Benny Napoleon and Alto Reed. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) tries to keep his New Year’s resolution to be funny while Joey Zuver suppresses a gale of giggles.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Detroit Free Press contributing columnist and recurring Soul of Detroit special guest star Darren Nichols shares his poignant memories of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon — who is perha...
2021-01-061h 43ML Soul of DetroitBig News & New Waves – December 29, 2020 * Big news from M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) to end the year, but first he and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) spin some great NuWave holiday tunes. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) goes on holiday break while Joey Zuver picks his classes for 2021.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: If you're sick of the same tired ol’ Christmas music that has been playing on the radio since Halloween, you’ll love our special all-music episode. From borderline NuWave group Elastica to synth pop Gods Erasure to kitschy and clever They Might Be Giants to genr...
2020-12-2950 minML Soul of DetroitSanta Goes Blue – December 22, 2020 * East Side Santa John McGrail comes down the virtual chimney to see for himself how M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) ended up on the naughty list &Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) in nice, while Joey Zuver is asking one to include receipts with their gifts in case he needs to exchange them for a better fit.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: There’s no need to check your list twice, because you’ve never met a Santa like this before! John McGrail, who has been sitting in for S...
2020-12-231h 24ML Soul of DetroitThe Mayor & The Mouth – December 15, 2020 * Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan (Twitter @MayorMikeDuggan) joins M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor). Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) gives a short but meaningful lesson, while Joey Zuver tries not to get caught napping at the back of the classroom.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML wrote one of the longest profiles in recent Detroit journalism history. The subject of that tome, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, dials in to answer whatever fool questions ML didn’t already ask.* At ML’s urging, Duggan recounts the time he went toe-to-toe with h...
2020-12-161h 33ML Soul of DetroitScott Lewis, P.I. – December 8, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) uncover what legendary Fox 2 News investigative reporter Scott Lewis (Scott Lewis Private Investigations) is up to. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) chalks another one up to history, while Joey Zuver SWEARS he’s changing majors.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: No one could replace Scott at Fox 2, but ML gave it a try anyway. And now that the station’s last two investigative reporters are together, ML finally gets to ask Scott about what he found in his old desk.* Scott was such...
2020-12-091h 50ML Soul of DetroitThird Man Wreckers – December 1, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) rock out with Dirtbombs drummer and Third Man Records impresario Ben Blackwell (www.thirdmanrecords.com). Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) administers his Soft History midterm while Joey Zuver considers transferring.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Before he was a Rock God, Ben was a student in ML’s journalism class at Wayne State University. They reminisce about Ben’s most excellent excuse for missing most of his classes that semester.* Ben came on to discuss his adventures as one of the Dirtbombs two d...
2020-12-022h 01ML Soul of DetroitTalking Turkeys – November 24, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) grab some popcorn while Freep Film Festival Executive Director Steve Byrne (Twitter @AtTheRiv) gives them the inside scoop on instant classics like “Dope Hookers and Pavement.” Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) waits by the side of the road while Joey Zuver polishes his Doc Martens.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: In a bit of foreboding foreshadowing, ML’s nominal authority is over before it even begins as Marc upstages ML’s careful crafted intro with some, admittedly, more timely content. (Sigh)* After ML left...
2020-11-241h 22ML Soul of DetroitHaters Gonna Hate – November 17, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) try to bring calm to their contentious countrymen and countrywomen by … arguing (sigh). Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) observes the melee from the safety of his ivory tower, while Joey Zuver works on his resume.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML barely gets the phrase “whore’s bath” out of his mouth when Shawn seems to accuse him of being sexist — totally failing to recognize that the term is gender neutral, as this film clip demonstrates.* Gift givers take note: ML’s peace offeri...
2020-11-181h 31ML Soul of DetroitIn the Heat of the Nightcam – November 10, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) put the spotlight on Tim Pamplin (Twitter @NightCam), WDIV/Local 4’s streetwise one-man band best known as the Night Cam. Then Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) and University of Michigan-Dearborn journalism professor and elections guru Tim Kiska (Facebook Tim Kiska) zoom in to discuss some surprising election results from Detroit. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) hits the books while Joey Zuver wonders why the perfesser keeps using his CompuServe dial-up to connect with th...
2020-11-111h 43ML Soul of DetroitElection, Kwame & Connery – November 4, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) find no news can be good news when it comes to the election, fake Kwame Kilpatrick news can be exhausting, and it's never a good thing when a Bond dies. Later, Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) checks in with historical jokes, while Joey Zuver keeps everyone online and in line.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML is a little frantic. It's almost as if he's been covering the counting of a never ending election.* Marc asks ML how his Sunday went with t...
2020-11-041h 32ML Soul of DetroitLee Thomas Horror Stories – October 27, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and clear the aisles for Fox 2 Entertainment anchor Lee Thomas (Twitter @Lee Thomas TV/). Later, Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) checks in with an epic bomb, while Joey Zuver keeps his head down to avoid the arterial spray.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Lee reminisces about his start in New York, working with ABC-TV’s Joel Siegel, scoping out Siskel & Ebert of “At the Movies,” and vowing not to ever get his hair did like Gene Shalit of NBC-TV. Now he is the cinemat...
2020-10-281h 32ML Soul of DetroitDetroit's Clerk Counts – October 20, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) grill Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey — who fires back! Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) goes for the three-peat while Joey Zuver prays for America.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Darren, who called out the clerk in one of his columns for the Free Press, goes toe-to-toe with Madam Clerk in his first in-studio visit to Red Shovel Headquarters. * The clerk spends a lot of time in the hot seat. But she...
2020-10-211h 31ML Soul of DetroitMilitia Manhunter – October 13, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) zooms in from the front seat of a brand-new Ford F150 in the showroom at Roy O’Brien Ford in St. Clair Shores while Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) peppers him with questions… and Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) peppers him with salty comments. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) tries to make history with back-to-back strong performances. And Joey Zuver watches … and waits.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML was getting ready to head to Mussel Beach at the Cadieux Cafe last Thursday when he learned he would have to get up early to begi...
2020-10-141h 21ML Soul of DetroitCrime & Pun-ishment – October 6, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) soldier on while Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) recuperates in his recently painted domicile. FBI supervisory special agent Jeff Rolands joins the boys to talk about Detroit’s deadly summer before David Clayton dials in to talk about how police and angels are helping addicts get help.Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) is hunting for better jokes while Joey Zuver keeps the planes from colliding in midair.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Even for a burgh often described as Murder City, Detroit has had one helluva deadly sum...
2020-10-071h 30ML Soul of DetroitVote if by Land or Absentee – September 29, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) pepper Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson with questions about how to vote, where to vote and what’s being done to make sure our votes are counted. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) kicks the knowledge while Joey Zuver wonders why he even bothered studying history in college. * THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Madam Secretary answers a flurry of questions about: How you can vote? Where you can vote? Who is...
2020-09-301h 42ML Soul of DetroitBack to School – September 23, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) try to school MSU Trustee Brian Mosallam (Twitter @Bmosallam63/Facebook Brian Mosallam). Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) auditions for tenure while Joey Zuver, once again, shows more class than anyone else.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Brian Mosallam is running for re-election, but he’s not running from questions. The boys pepper him with questions about Larry Nassar, ESPN’s “Between the Lines” story on MSU athletics, former Michigan governor and former interim MSU president John Engler, whether students taking virtual classes should get a di...
2020-09-231h 24ML Soul of DetroitMiller's High Life – September 16, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) welcome Fox 2 Detroit Sports Director and Detroit Lions play-by-play man Dan Miller (Twitter @DanMillerFox2) to their huddle in Drew’s basement. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) finally gets a stable connection to the internet, while Joey Zuver remains the only stable element in this chaotic crucible.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML is SO grateful to have his friend and former Fox 2 colleague Dan Miller on the show that he swears he won’t waste any of Dan’s time — and then immediately begins plu...
2020-09-161h 26ML Soul of DetroitBlue Ball & Labor Pains – September 9, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) labor to make sense of union matters. Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) joins us later with a latte while Joey Zuver checks with his shop steward on the grievance he filed over his working conditions.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML is laboring to get his energy up as he prepares to celebrate Labor Day, albeit a day or two late.* Darren discusses what it was like to hit the...
2020-09-091h 46ML Soul of DetroitDevin Does Detroit – September 2, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols) dial up WDIV lead anchor Devin Scillian (Twitter @DevinScillian/Facebook Devin Scillian). Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) works on his virtual lesson plan while Joey Zuver takes a break from shopping for school supplies to try and keep the wheels from coming off.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: If the Detroit Will Breathe movement has succeeded in anything, it is turning ML into a punching bag. Listen to find out...
2020-09-021h 29ML Soul of DetroitNapoleon's Spending Bennies – August 26, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) welcome the Motor City Muckraker himself, Steve Neavling of the Metro Times! (Twitter @Muckraker_Steve/Facebook Steve Neavling). Joey Zuver is more of a leaf raker, a skill that will once again be in demand this fall.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Steve digs into Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon’s campaign finances and learns that the sheriff has spent a half million bucks on expenses that seem to have almost nothing to do with campaigning. * ML as...
2020-08-251h 09ML Soul of DetroitSecrets, Lies & Audiotape – August 19, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) invite Detroit Free Press contributing columnist Darren Nichols (Twitter @dnick12/Facebook Darren Nichols/Instagram dnick128) to impart some wisdom. Joey Zuver is wise enough to steer clear of the controversy.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML starts the show with a fresh take on the Unabomber look, sporting his sweet lid from The Butchery and alternating between his new Soul of Detroit mask and Soul of Detroit gaiter — available NOW at www.drewandmikestore.com* The boys listen to s...
2020-08-191h 32ML Soul of DetroitPenis Cake & I scream – August 12, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) get their just desserts. Joey Zuver opts for more nutritious fare.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Incumbent Michigan Journalist of the Year Tresa Baldas (Twitter @tbaldas/Facebook Tresa Baldas) discusses her recent coverage of the controversy at the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s office that resulted in the Detroit Free Press publishing a headline including the phrase “penis cake".* Marc wonders whether there was a recent birthday that coincided with the delivery of the penis cake, which arrive...
2020-08-121h 14ML Soul of DetroitGone, But Not Forgotten – August 5, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) should observe a moment of silence, but just keep yapping. Joey Zuver observes an entire show in silence.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: In a Detroit podcasting first, ML and the boys host an online wake for John Thompson, the legendary proprietor of Honest ? John’s (Bar no Grill).* Before introducing friends and customers of John, Marc shares a story about his time working with the late, great Jamie Samuelsen, whose death at 48 shocked Detroiters. In honor of...
2020-08-051h 23ML Soul of DetroitWhite Boy Elrick – July 29, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) look back on the life and times of an East Side Gangster. * THE STRAIGHT DOPE: But, first, a BLATANT COMMERCIAL APPEAL … We’re hoping to drum up some business for manscaped.com to encourage them to become a long-time sponsor of the show. The first listener to send proof they spent at least $75 using promo code ML gets a Manscaped t-shirt. Promo code ML gets you 20% off and free shipping. Everyone else who ponies up $75 or mo...
2020-07-291h 12ML Soul of DetroitLeland Follies – July 22, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) all support manscaping — even though only one of them admits to actually doing it. Joey Zuver refuses to be dragged into such tawdry talk.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML fails in his audition for The SOD Apprentice for starting the show late, even though he had a good excuse: Waiting for the Detroit City Council to say something — anything! — about one of their colleagues who was recently charged with misconduct in office.* The new felony charge against...
2020-07-221h 15ML Soul of DetroitDuggan Discount – July 15, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) ask a politician to help them save money. Joey Zuver just plans to saves the day. Again.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Les garçons célèbrent le jour de la Bastille. (To those of you who are less French than our fair city, which started as a French trading post, that means: “The boys celebrate Bastille Day.”)* ML asks listeners to help the show encourage a personal grooming company to sign on as a sponsor by makin...
2020-07-151h 21ML Soul of DetroitViral Media – July 8, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) have a stable connection this week. And we hope that’s a reference to their internet hook-up. Joey Zuver continues to be our rock.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Before he even introduces the podcast line-up, ML whines that he still has not been called up to play for his neighborhood softball team. He’s a five tool player: Run, hit, catch, throw, Allen wrench.* There has been SO MUCH conflicting information on the novel coronavirus, known to so...
2020-07-081h 20ML Soul of DetroitMistakes by a Lake – July 1, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) overcome technical difficulties. Mostly. Joey Zuver is not responsible for anything that went wrong.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Michigan Journalist of the Year Tresa Baldas joins the boys to discuss her report in the Detroit Free Press about how a gathering at a college bar in East Lansing turned the Grosse Pointes into a COVID-19 hotspot.* Zorro. The Lone Ranger. The Gimp from “Pulp Fiction.” What do they have in common? They all wore masks. The boys...
2020-07-011h 04ML Soul of DetroitContext with Chief Craig – June 24, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) put their arrested development on hold — temporarily. Joey Zuver keeps bail money handy … just in case.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Boy, we sure hope everyone who was mad that protest organizer Tristan Taylor was on last week stuck with us long enough to catch Detroit Police Chief James Craig this week! If not, please reach out to remind them every story has at least two sides — and this is one of the rare places you’ll get both...
2020-06-241h 56ML Soul of DetroitProtest This – June 17, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) march to their own drummers. Joey Zuver keeps the beat.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Remember speculation about the role that DTE may have played in ML’s departure from Fox 2? ML starts to let his mullet down, but short circuits his own story to get to guest Tristan Taylor, leader of Detroit Will Breathe, which has been marching in Detroit for two weeks.* The People’s March, aka Detroit Will Breathe, aka The Movement has 11 demands it su...
2020-06-171h 22ML Soul of DetroitThe Ides of Marching – June 10, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) were planning on a great show … and then something happened. Joey Zuver is forced to witness the whole damn debacle.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Before superstar restaurant critic and storyteller Mark Kurlyandchik joins the fray, ML threatens to commit canine-icide.* Mark (with a k — and a K) tells us how he got to know Tristan Taylor, one of the leaders of what has been called The People’s March, The Movement and Detroit Will Breathe. And he open...
2020-06-101h 42ML Soul of DetroitTales from the Front – June 3, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) of Soft Magazine battle internet hackers and other saboteurs while Joey Zuver enjoys another fine lunch.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Before superstar photographer and storyteller Mandi Wright joins the boys, ML explains why his hair smells so much like tear gas that it isn’t just the angels who weep when exposed to his now reeking mullet. Conspiracy theorists believe this is why the show is still being produced remotely, even after the guv lifted most of...
2020-06-031h 23ML Soul of DetroitRumours: Kilpatrick & Whitmer Edition – May 26, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick) greets Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) from Shawn’s davenport in Hugh Hefner’s garage, Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) from Red Shovel Network HQ which is infectious — but in the good way — and publishing impresario Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) of Soft Magazine. Matt’s cat supervises while Joey Zuver somehow holds it all together.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML knows most folks will sit through just about anything to hear more inside stories about the rise and fall and, possible, rise of Kwame Kilpatrick. So he sneaks in a long story about...
2020-05-271h 41ML Soul of DetroitKilpatrick's Covid Comeback – May 22, 2020 A special bonus episode as M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) & Drew Lane (Twitter @drewmikepodcast.com) react to today's news that former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be freed from prison soon. More coverage is available at the Detroit Free Press.
2020-05-2256 minML Soul of DetroitFurious Fist of Freedom – May 19,2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Soft Magazine editor Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) put their hands in the dirt and try to move the ball forward. Hut! Hut! Hut!* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: The show starts off with some shameless plugs for SOD merch, available at www.drewandmikestore.com. Coming up — JUST IN TIME FOR FATHER’S DAY — is a sweet-ass SOD trucker’s hat. * So ML took GREAT PAINS in the pre-game meeting to MAKE SURE everyone knew the show would start with a discussion of his LATE...
2020-05-201h 33ML Soul of DetroitOl' Yeller – May 13, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Soft Magazine editor Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) stay home and stay safe as they welcome the Face of the Resistance.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: The boys get off to a chaotic start, but even with a special guest patiently waiting to join the fray, ML insists on telling a short story about getting hacked.* If you want to watch the circus, check out the Facebook Live broadcast re-play But remember, you don’t get the full show on FB. For tha...
2020-05-131h 18ML Soul of DetroitHands Job – May 6, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor), Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Soft Magazine editor Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) welcome a woman often seen, but seldom heard. M.L. also announces a super groovy new program, which he details at the end of the show.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: What better way to start a podcast than the observations of a Nobel Prize winner who has studied hundreds of years of plague novels. What to start on an upbeat note! * Marc wonders whether the economic benefit of restarting the economy outweighs the...
2020-05-061h 15ML Soul of DetroitSuper Sized Soul – April 29, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) test the limits of Zoom as they invite two guests — and then jam Matt Jennings (Twitter @MattRJennings) of Soft Weekly into the mix!* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: A frenetic ML urges the folks watching the LIVE broadcast of the podcast on his Facebook page ML ELRICK to share the show with friends — and to also download the audio version, which is the only way to get every moment of the show.* ML goes on a rant about the people he saw d...
2020-04-291h 32ML Soul of DetroitThe Izzo Shows Show – April 22, 2020 * The patience of M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) is rewarded as Michigan State Spartans men’s head basketball coach TOM IZZO (finally) makes the scene!.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Shawn — with a gratuitous shot at ML thrown in — explains how he talked Tom Izzo into joining the boys on SOD. (Shawn then explains why Coach couldn’t make it last week.)* ML introduces THE DEAN OF COACHES … Tom Izzo.* A gracious Coach Izzo reveals how he felt when he learned that his in-state rival lost TWO 5-star...
2020-04-221h 24ML Soul of DetroitThe Izzo No-Show Show – April 15, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) let members of the Justice League, come together to fight the crime of ennui.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML starts off with an appeal to help find a lost local dog, in the process conjuring the ghost of late Detroiter and radio legend Casey Kasem. Please help find this therapy dog!* How great was Al Kaline? Even his obituary contains wisdom we should all heed.* Marc asks for the provenance of ML’s most prized painting.* ML provides a sneak pee...
2020-04-151h 11ML Soul of DetroitResurrected Soul – April 8, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), emerges from the Valley of the Shadow of Death, only to find Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) feeling as feisty as ever.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: The show gets off to a rocky start … or is it really just an elegantly orchestrated homage to Bill O’Reilly?* As the show lurches back onto the tracks, ML congratulates a national champion whose season was derailed by the coronavirus crisis.* ML’s resurgence has a silver lining: Better foot hygiene for the displaced. Listen and learn what he’s go...
2020-04-081h 15ML Soul of DetroitGhost Town Tales – April 1, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) are virtually reunited to share deep thoughts on these uncertain times.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML drops a bombshell: After months of coughing — but no other symptoms — ML ran a fever and finally got tested for COVID-19. He shares his experience at the city’s state fairgrounds testing site.* Marc and Shawn vigorously defend watching TV while ML, who foolishly walked away from a good TV job for an uncertain future, makes a poorly-received chocolate cake analogy.* The boys share observa...
2020-04-0157 minML Soul of DetroitRemote Soul – March 23, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) come together virtually for their first-ever work-from-home show.* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: St. Patrick’s Day is a week behind us, but ML is SO proud of the limericks he wrote for last week’s show — but forgot to read — that he offers a little doggerel to start this week’s show.* Marc does roll call, asking the boys from whence they’re broadcasting.* While ML dashes off to grab a power cord, Marc and Shawn take over. Find out how the mice...
2020-03-251h 01ML Soul of DetroitSocial Distance Soirée- March 18, 2020 * The coronavirus cancelled our big St. Patrick’s Day party, so M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) throw their own bash with Cadieux Cafe co-owner and Bob Seeger Horn Section leader John Rutherford (Twitter @Cadieux Cafe). Guests include quarantined Detroit Free Press reporter Elisha Anderson (Twitter @ElishaAnderson), who joins the fun via Skype. * THE STRAIGHT DOPE: Marc introduces us to the pangolin — and explains how this homely little fellow HAS CHANGED LIFE AS WE KNOWN IT. (Whoa!)* ML revisits a couple key questions from last week’s...
2020-03-181h 22ML Soul of DetroitPolitics Trump Common Sense – March 11, 2020 * M.L. Elrick (Twitter @elrick/Facebook ML ELRICK/Instagram ml_elrick), Shawn Windsor (Twitter @ShawnWindsor) and Marc Fellhauer (Twitter @MarcFell) and Joe convene in the sterile confines of Red Shovel HQ to infect the minds of dozens — maybe even hundreds — of listeners!* THE STRAIGHT DOPE: ML is concerned about how political party membership seems to influence how people view threats to the public. Then troublemaker Marc asks whether the media is to blame for Corona-virus mania. The Ivy League cancelled its basketball tournament. They’re the smart folks, right? Marc, Shawn and ML discuss whether they’re showing that they have...
2020-03-1159 min