Category: Podcast Episode

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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 with, utilizing ForeFlight, an electronic flight bag, for reference.

Mike starts with Antrim County Airport (KACB), located northeast of Traverse City near Bellaire. He describes it as a small airport without a control tower in class E airspace, where pilots announce their locations on a common traffic frequency. He shares his experiences doing touch-and-go landings, low passes for practice, and highlights the airport’s amenities, including fuel services and a comfortable lounge.

Next, he moves further north to Pellston Airport, noting its significance as an airport with scheduled airline service and a restaurant on-site, which he humorously labels a “hundred dollar hamburger” destination. He continues to mention Charlevoix Airport, which hosts Island Airways that services Beaver Island. He details the two airports on Beaver Island but admits he has not landed there.

Mike then discusses Gaylord Regional Airport and Gaylord Airport, emphasizing their runway lengths and his experiences landing there. He contrasts this with Kalkaska City Airport, where he recalls the challenges of landing on a narrower runway. He also talks about Frankfurt Airport, sharing similar landing difficulties due to its relatively short and narrow runway.

He proceeds to describe Manistee County Airport, known for its changing airlines and essential air service. He mentions Cadillac Wexford County Airport, highlighting a unique grass runway formerly used for gliders, which is no longer operational. He shares experiences of flying over various other airports like Mackinac Island and Saint Ignace, where approaches involve over-water flights.

Mike mentions historic Acme Skyport Airport, which has been revived, and Thompsonville Airport, where he had an ultralight flying experience. He also reflects on Wertz Smith Airport, once a large military base with a long runway, describing his future intentions to visit.

Throughout the episode, Mike humorously shares insights about his experiences at these airports, including the challenges of landing, the uniqueness of each location, and the importance of navigating various airspaces, especially concerning military operation areas.

He concludes the episode by teasing that his next episode will cover his memories of the Blizzard of ’78 as a twelve-year-old.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:26 — 20.5MB) | Embed

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In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” host Mike Dell introduces the topic of aviation schools in Traverse City, specifically focusing on the Cherry Capital Airport and the various training facilities available there. The episode begins with Mike’s greeting and reflection on previous discussions about the airport.

He discusses two primary aviation schools: Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Giving Wings Aviation. NMC Aviation School is notable for training airline pilots, offering private, commercial, multi-engine, and instructor ratings. Mike highlights the school’s good track record for graduating pilots and mentions the newly renovated facilities and the experienced leader, a former 747 pilot. He emphasizes how NMC graduates often proceed to airlines or corporate flying jobs.

On the other hand, Giving Wings Aviation is a smaller school that provides a more laid-back environment for training, mainly focusing on private and sport pilot licenses, although they used to offer multi-engine and seaplane training. Mike shares his own experiences flying with Giving Wings, appreciating the convenience of having the school nearby.

Mike also mentions the aviation program at a local high school and the involvement of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) in mentoring the students. He transitions to discussing Legacy Aviation, a unique aviation maintenance school that offers a 12-month program for aircraft mechanics, providing students with certification and tools upon graduation.

In addition, Mike discusses further options for aspiring pilots, including a new flight school at Cadillac Airport about an hour away and a seaplane training program. He briefly touches on the Coast Guard air station in Traverse City, noting that Coast Guard members go through helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Finally, Mike summarizes the various training options in Traverse City, pointing out the challenges posed by winter weather for flying. He wraps up the episode by teasing a future discussion about other airports in the region.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:38 — 11.6MB) | Embed

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In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” host Mike Dell provides a laid-back update on his day and upcoming plans. He begins by acknowledging the date, November 22, 2025, and mentions participating in Napod Pomo (National Podcast Post Month) on its twenty-second day. Mike shares details about his relaxed day, including a visit to the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) hangar talk session, which he humorously refers to as a coffee klatch.

He recounts dropping off his friend Kathy at the hospital for an MRI and then enjoying coffee with friends at the hangar. Afterward, he goes shopping at Costco, describing it as busy and noting the efficiency of their checkout lines despite the long queues.

Later, Mike reflects on his day and decides to record an episode since he hadn’t done so the night before. He briefly outlines his plans for the rest of November, which include episodes covering topics like the local aviation community, his memories of the Blizzard of ’78, his experiences living in Keflavik, Iceland in the early ’90s, and thoughts on Traverse City as a small town.

He also shares upcoming content related to the Northern Michigan asylum, now known as Grand Traverse Commons, and mentions the idea of potentially starting a daily five-minute show called “Coffee with Mike.” Mike discusses his other commitments, including his weekly show “Podcast Insider” and his role as a rotating guest host on another podcast.

He talks about preparing for the Podfest Expo in Florida, where he will be speaking and sponsoring an event. Mike reflects on the passing of his company’s founder and looks forward to representing the company at the expo.

Towards the end of the episode, he mentions some technical challenges his company has faced, including issues with CloudFlare and software glitches, but reassures listeners that everything is resolved. He wraps up by sharing his evening plans of having steak and baked potatoes for dinner, humorously noting his return to a keto diet. He concludes by inviting feedback from listeners regarding his potential daily show, and expresses excitement for discussing aviation in the next episode.

The artwork for this episode is creepy AI generated. Geez. 🙂

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:37 — 36.3MB) | Embed

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In this episode titled “Ham Radio (Amateur Radio),” host Mike Dell reflects on his youth prior to the Internet and video games, mentioning his limited interaction with CB radio rather than ham radio. He explains the differences between CB and ham radio, particularly the wider range and more diverse frequencies available to amateur radio operators.

Mike discusses the various frequency bands in ham radio, starting with UHF, VHF, and HF, detailing their uses and characteristics. He explains concepts like frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM), along with how repeater stations work to extend transmission ranges. Mike also recounts his personal experiences with these frequencies, mentioning how he engaged with fellow hams while fishing and discussing the unique phenomena of tropospheric ducting that allowed him to communicate long distances.

He then dives into specific bands, starting with the two-meter band, explaining its popularity, accessibility for new technicians, and how equipment like inexpensive radios can enable communication across towns. Mike also shares anecdotes about his experiences and connections with other ham operators, emphasizing the camaraderie within the amateur radio community.

Continuing, he describes several other HF bands, explaining each band’s unique properties, propagation characteristics, and modes of communication available within them. Mike touches on historical aspects of obtaining licenses, mentioning how the requirements have shifted over the years, specifically noting the discontinuation of Morse code testing for access to ham radio.

Additionally, Mike elaborates on various digital modes that have emerged within ham radio, contrasting them with traditional radio communication, and shares fond memories of his early experiences, such as using packet radio to send messages to his father before email became commonplace.

As the episode wraps up, Mike reflects on the significance of ham radio in his life, noting how it has helped him form lasting friendships and connections. He concludes by expressing his commitment to the hobby and the joy he finds in it, inviting listeners to explore the world of amateur radio and reminding them that he will return for the next episode.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:28 — 13.2MB) | Embed

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In this episode, Mike Dell digs into “how to drive in the snow” — timely for Northern Michigan (and anywhere else where winter hits) and packed with practical advice from his experience.

Key Topics Covered:

The importance of reducing speed when roads get snowy — Mike’s rule of thumb: about 10 mph less than the posted speed limit when snow first covers the roads.

• Planning extra time for trips: leaving earlier, anticipating traffic delays and slower conditions.

• Tire considerations:

  • Ensuring you have good tires — if you’re riding on bald all-seasons or summer tires, winter traction will suffer.

  • The value of genuine snow tires (Mike’s wife uses Nokian Hakkapeliitta).

  • Using your 4-wheel drive / all-wheel drive appropriately: yes, it can help with takeoff, but it does not help you stop any faster.

• Practicing skid control: find an empty parking lot and experiment with sliding, skids, recovery — to build feel and confidence before you have to use it on a public road.

• Clearing your vehicle of snow & ice before driving: windows, side & back, even the roof can matter (if snow slides forward, covers your windshield).

• Vehicle maintenance tips for winter: topping off washer fluid, checking tires, inflation, fluid levels, making sure everything is in good shape before the real winter hits.

• The overarching message: slow down, leave earlier, prepare your vehicle, drive mindfully — all so you avoid bending your car, hurting someone, or getting stuck in a snowbank.

Quote Highlights:

“Don’t ever be in a hurry while driving on snow.”

“Just please, please realize … four-wheel drive does not make you stop any quicker.”

“If you’re not used to driving in snow, go find an empty parking lot … figure out when the car goes out of control and how to get it back.”

Why this matters:

For those of us flying, working, commuting or traveling in winter-weather regions (like Northern Michigan), conditions can change rapidly. The same mindset of preparation and respect for environment that applies in aviation carries over to road driving: equipment (tires, maintenance), environment (snow/ice, slower speeds), and mindset (leave earlier, anticipate, stay calm). This episode is a great reminder to apply that disciplined approach to driving when the snow starts.

What’s Next:

Mike mentions he’ll be talking about ham radio stuff in the next episode — so stay tuned.

Who’s this for:

• Drivers in winter-weather climates looking for refresher tips.

• Anyone who owns a 4WD/AWD vehicle and doesn’t fully understand its limitations in snow.

• People who might have to drive in snow but don’t feel confident — this could help build awareness and reduce risk.

• Listeners who appreciate aviation-style pre-flight (pre-drive?) checklists and disciplined preparation.

Call to Action:

• Before the next snow, check your vehicle: tires, fluids, wipers/washer fluid, defroster, windows.

• Practice a skid-recovery session in a safe, empty area.

• When roads get snowy—slow down, leave earlier, and remember your stopping distance grows.

• Share this episode with someone you know who may not be comfortable driving in snow.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:33 — 7.8MB) | Embed

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In today’s episode of Mike Dell’s World, Mike reflects on the hectic pace of life, the whirlwind of Zoom meetings, and the importance of being intentional about slowing down. After a long, stressful year marked by personal challenges and the loss of Blubrry’s founder, Mike shares how he’s planning to reclaim some peace and quiet this winter.

He talks about waking up too early, back-to-back Zoom calls, and the extra layer of chaos that comes when major services like Cloudflare go down. But mixed into all that is a message: it’s okay to pause, to set boundaries, and to purposely not be busy.

This winter, Mike plans to simplify things—like leaving the tractor at his mom’s place for driveway clearing, taking snowshoe walks, heating with wood by the fireplace, and carving out real downtime to read, relax, or just get bored on purpose.

He also talks about how constant digital distractions make it hard to truly unwind—like instinctively grabbing the phone for YouTube Shorts the moment a show is paused. Maybe boredom isn’t such a bad thing.

Mike wraps up by teasing tomorrow’s episode on winter driving—something that pairs perfectly with the theme of slowing down.

Episode Highlights

• A day of nonstop Zoom calls and early wake-ups

• Reflecting on a stressful year and big life changes

• Losing Blubrry founder Todd Cochrane and navigating the transition

• Handling winter chores differently this year

• The value of intentional downtime and not over-committing

• Heating with wood and embracing cozy winter days

• Tech dependence, boredom, and the lure of YouTube Shorts

• Cloudflare outages and customer anxiety

• A preview of tomorrow’s topic: winter driving

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:56 — 12.8MB) | Embed

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Today I talk about heating with wood and a little bit about Podcasting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:25 — 27.8MB) | Embed

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• Mike opens by introducing the song “Helloapocalypse” from the acoustic string-instrument group playing a blend of rap/bluegrass.

• He briefly discusses the sponsor—Leonard Peikoff—and his podcast on objectivism (via peikoff.com) and encourages listeners to check it out.

• Mike and his wife Kathy recently traveled to Farmington Hills/Novi (Detroit area) for Kathy’s convention.

  • They drove their new car (a slightly upgraded Camry/Celera) down Friday.

  • Friday night: relaxed in the hotel, had dinner at a hotel pub.

  • Saturday: Breakfast in-room; Kathy went to the expo center; Mike visited a big firearms dealer “Guns Galore” in Fenton, MI but found it too crowded to browse handguns well.

  • Saturday evening: Went into downtown Detroit, visited the MGM Grand Casino — found it extremely crowded with $15 minimum blackjack tables, so they moved on to check out Greektown Casino (though parking was a hassle). Ended up at a bar on 8 Mile (burger & gyro place) recommended by a friend — good food and fun alternative.

  • Sunday: A relaxing breakfast at a local Coney Island place near the hotel; Mike lounged, read his Kindle, surfed the Internet; later went to an Italian restaurant (recommended by the same friend) — Mike had a garlic-seafood pasta, Kathy had chicken Parmesan, and the salad dressing was “to die for.”

  • Monday (Valentine’s Day): While in Detroit, they visited the pawn shop featured on reality show Hardcore Pawn (American Jewelry & Loan on 8 Mile) to pick out a sterling silver ring for Kathy. They got to meet Les (the show’s owner) at checkout.

• Mike then drops into a bit of “podcasting behind-the-scenes” talk:

  • He discovered issues with his USB interface (Gryphon iMic) causing noise → now recording into an external Sony recorder instead of directly into computer.

  • His mixer (Behringer ZENIX UB802 Eurorack) is dying (FX bus died); he’s getting a new 16-channel mixer from his friend Jim Farley for a future in-studio live recording of “What’s Up With That?”

  • He notes some audio hiccups: crackle in headphones, better sound on speakers, and invites feedback from listeners.

• To close: he asks listeners to support the show via his website (mikedell.com), via Bluehost hosting banner, Audible free audiobook banner, eFax banner, and a reminder to check the sponsor Leonard Peikoff’s podcast.

✅ Takeaways

• The trip to Detroit/Novi was a blend of business (Kathy’s expo) + pleasure (casual touring/eating) and Mike gives a realistic, non-glamorous travel rundown (hotel dinners, big casinos, pawn shops).

• A good mix of personal anecdote + geek-podcaster/equipment talk (the audio setup breakdown) shows authenticity.

• The episode offers varied content: personal lives, travel, gear talk, rather than a single focused theme.

• Sponsorship disclosure is clear and woven in naturally.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:26 — 28.8MB) | Embed

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In this episode of Mike Dell’s World, Mike talks about what it’s like broadcasting and podcasting from Traverse City, Michigan, a place that has always had a unique blend of small-town charm, regional importance, and a surprisingly rich broadcasting history.

Mike shares his own experiences behind the microphone—past and present—along with observations about the local radio landscape, how podcasting fits into the region’s media identity, and how much the area has changed since the early days of local broadcasting.

Topics Covered

• What “broadcasting in Traverse City” means today

  From terrestrial radio to modern podcasting, the evolution of getting your voice out from northern Michigan.

• Mike’s beginnings in broadcasting

  A look back at early experiences, equipment, motivations, and what hooked him on audio in the first place.

• Traverse City’s radio past and present

  Reflections on stations, formats, and personalities that shaped the region over the decades.

• How podcasting fits into a northern Michigan lifestyle

  The joys and challenges of producing a show in a place better known for lakes, snow, cherries, and tourism.

• Behind-the-scenes workflow for Mike Dell’s World

  Recording setups, tools, and how Mike keeps episodes flowing while juggling life, flying, work at Blubrry, and northern Michigan weather.

• Why Traverse City is a great place to create media

  Inspiration, scenery, community, and just enough quirk to keep things interesting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:49 — 5.3MB) | Embed

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Just a quick update.  I spent the last 2 days dealing with leaves and some other pre-winter things that need to be done around here since the weather was so good for it.

Got a late start recording today.