Stories & Sounds of Northern Michigan Life
– The episode opens with a short introduction from Donald Trump praising “one of the most successful business leaders… Michael Dell” and his “really exciting announcement.” – Brett Butt follows with a nostalgic anecdote about growing up before the Internet and World Wide Web, and remembering early video games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Wizard of War,…
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I stopped into a Shell station tonight to grab a couple things. Quick in and out. That was the plan. Instead I walked into one of those forced self checkout setups. No regular checkout. No cashier. Just this open area with cameras hanging over it where you’re supposed to set your stuff down and trust…
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In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” host Mike Dell interviews Dan Jonkhoff, the founder and chairman of Legacy Aviation Learning Center in Traverse City. The episode discusses the unique opportunity to earn an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license in just one year, as opposed to the typical two or more years required by other…
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Episode 30 of NaPodPoMo2025 is in the books, and it’s got me thinking — I’m not quite ready to stop doing daily episodes. But instead of continuing that here on Mike Dell’s World, I’m spinning up something new. Starting December 1st, 2025, I’m launching a brand-new weekday morning show called “Cup of Traverse City.” You’ll…
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In this episode, I spend some time reflecting on what makes podcasting such a unique and enduring medium. After more than twenty years behind the microphone, I’m still struck by how something so simple — an audio file delivered through a humble RSS feed — continues to connect people in a way no other medium…
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In this episode, Mike dives into the deep and fascinating history of one of Traverse City’s most iconic landmarks: the Traverse City State Hospital, also known historically as the Northern Michigan Asylum and the Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital. Recorded on November 28, 2025 (yes, Black Friday—no, he’s not out shopping), Mike shares personal stories,…
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In this Thanksgiving Day episode, Mike reflects on the holiday, family, and the evolving character of Traverse City. It’s a bittersweet year—his family’s first Thanksgiving without his dad—but also a moment to appreciate traditions, good food, and time spent together. From recent crime stories to long-standing local quirks, Mike explores whether Traverse City still feels…
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In this episode, Mike takes a break from Northern Michigan stories and heads far north—way far north—to share memories from his year living in Keflavik, Iceland in the early 1990s while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Life on the NATO Base Mike talks about being assigned to Naval Air Station Keflavik, a joint-base environment…
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In this episode, Mike rewinds the clock to January 1978 and relives one of the most legendary winter storms in Michigan history — not as an adult, but as the 12-year-old kid he was at the time. Join Mike as he shares what it was like watching the storm unfold on TV and Radio as…
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In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” Mike Dell explores various airports located north of Traverse City, Michigan. He begins the show by introducing himself and referencing the previous episode about flight schools and aviation-related topics in the area. He explains that he will be discussing other airports he has flown to or has connections…
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