Category: Podcast Episode

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Before it was “110 Munson Ave”

• The site used to be addressed as 1504 E. Front Street in Traverse City.

• Back then it was part of the old fast food strip east of downtown. At some point in the early 1990s, that section was renumbered/reassigned and the same building became 110 Munson Ave (Munson Ave and E. Front basically merge/split in that corridor). 

So: same physical spot, two different street numbers over time.

The business history, oldest to newest

Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips (late 1970s / very early 1980s)

• One of the classic British-style fried fish & chips chains.

• The Traverse City location was listed at 1504 E. Front St., which is the same building that later became 110 Munson Ave. 

• Arthur Treacher’s expanded hard in the ‘70s/early ‘80s and then started fading nationally in the mid-’80s. The Traverse City shop was part of that early wave. 

Burger Square (≈1981–1984)

• After Arthur Treacher’s left, the spot became Burger Square around 1981.

• Locals describe Burger Square as a slider/burger place, kind of White Castle-ish. It only lasted a few years, into the mid-1980s. 

Dairy Queen (mid-1980s to early 1990s)

• After Burger Square, the same building turned into a Dairy Queen.

• Sources say that Dairy Queen ran there through the late ’80s and very early ’90s, then closed/relocated. 

• This is also the point where the address shifts: that old DQ at 1504 E. Front is later referred to as 110 Munson Ave. 

Schlotzsky’s Deli (early 1990s)

• In the early ’90s, after Dairy Queen, the building became a Schlotzsky’s Deli (the Austin-style sandwich chain).

• That didn’t last super long; by the mid/late ’90s it had flipped again. 

Luigi’s Pizzeria & Café (mid/late 1990s into 2000s)

• Next up was Luigi’s Pizzeria & Café, doing pizzas, pasta, sandwiches.

• Luigi’s shows up in business directories at 110 Munson Ave and is tied to the Gutowski family locally. One listing says Luigi’s (at that address) dates back to the 2000s and had a handful of employees. 

• A note from the owners suggests this Munson Ave location eventually closed around the late 2000s/very early 2010s. 

Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders (late 1990s / 2000s era overlap)

• The same family (Valentine “Billy” and Linda Gutowski) also operated Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders in Traverse City.

• Mancino’s is described as their independent, mom-and-pop pizza/grinder shops that started in the area in the 1990s and expanded to multiple Traverse City locations. 

• Mancino’s is specifically listed at 110 Munson Ave in older directories, and some maps still show “Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders” or “Gutowski Restaurants” tied to that address even after it was gone. 

• Over time, the Gutowskis rebranded/relocated the Mancino’s/“bread nuggets” operation to other Traverse City spots (Chum’s Corner, West Bayshore, etc.), and the Munson Ave shop closed. 

That’sa Pizza (2010s–2020)

• After Mancino’s/Luigi’s, the building housed That’sa Pizza, a long-running Traverse City pizza brand that traces back to 1981. 

• That’sa Pizza ran takeout/delivery from 110 Munson Ave through the 2010s. By early 2021 the Munson Ave location had shut down; That’sa Pizza continues today at other Traverse City locations (Long Lake Rd, Hammond Rd, Acme/Williamsburg), but not at 110 Munson. 

Jersey Mike’s Subs (2021–present)

• In 2021, a Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise moved in.

• Local business news in February/March 2021 said Jersey Mike’s would open in the “former That’sa Pizza space” at 110 Munson Ave, targeting a late-March grand opening. 

• Jersey Mike’s is still the current tenant, and their official store listing shows the address as 110 Munson Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, phone (231) 421-1379, open daily. 

Quick summary timeline

• Late ’70s / early ’80s: Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips

• ~1981–1984: Burger Square

• Mid ’80s–early ’90s: Dairy Queen

• Early ’90s: Schlotzsky’s Deli

• Mid ’90s–2000s: Luigi’s Pizzeria & Café / Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders (Gutowski family)

• 2010s–2020: That’sa Pizza

• 2021–now: Jersey Mike’s Subs

That’s the lineage of 110 Munson Ave: it’s basically been a rotating “fast casual / pizza / sandwiches” spot for ~40+ years, starting as fish & chips and ending up as East Coast subs. 

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Interlochen is a small town in NW Lower Michigan near Traverse City and is home to the Interlochen Center for the Arts and WIAA Radio.

I grew up near there and it’s  a great little town.   Check out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interlochen,_Michigan

– Episode Title: “Welcome to Interlochen”
– Host: Mike Dell
– Location: Interlochen, Michigan, 15 miles from host’s home
– Personal Connection: Frequent visits for brunch and family gatherings
– Key Feature: Interlochen Center for the Arts – a renowned performing and visual arts school
– Population: 694 (2020 census), significantly increased by summer music camp attendees
– Nearby Family: Sister lives in the area
– Geographical Context: Reference to US highways nearby
– Town Status: Unincorporated, with its own post office and ZIP code
– Infrastructure: Small airport with two grass runways; ongoing tension with township regarding its existence
– Name Origin: “Interlochen” – Latin for “between” and Scottish for “lakes,” located between Green Lake and Duck Lake
– Concert Venue: Arts academy venue accommodates ~4,000, with views of Green Lake
– Winter Activities: Ice fishing on Green Lake, driving across a frozen ice bridge
– Community Memories: Hanging out at state park beach, deep-fried smelt culinary experience
– Graduation Venue: Traverse City Public Schools holds ceremonies at Kresge Auditorium in Interlochen
– Notable Alumni: Includes Chip Davis (Mannheim Steamroller) and singer Jewel
– Next Episode Tease: Focus on an interesting building in Traverse City

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In the podcast episode titled “Welcome to November Up North,” host Mike Dell kicks off his series for NaPodPomo on November 1st, 2025. He introduces the theme of the month, where he plans to discuss various aspects of northern Michigan, particularly Traverse City. Mike mentions that each day he will share interesting stories, history, or happenings from the area.

He notes his participation in NaPodPomo, which he describes as the eighteenth year of the initiative that started in 2007. Mike encourages listeners to visit napodpromo.org for more information and to find a super mega feed that includes other participating shows for November.

The episode is intended to be a collection of short daily episodes, incorporating elements of history and nostalgia, although he humorously remarks that nostalgia can sometimes feel like a disease. Mike also addresses his recent health setback, mentioning that he had been feeling unwell, likening his condition to being kicked in the chest by a donkey, which has left him a bit scratchy in his voice.

He concludes the episode by expressing his plans to record daily updates throughout November, signaling the start of this new series.  #napodpomo25

NaPodPoMo catch all feed:  https://feed.informer.com/digests/ZOYLP5GJYK/feeder.rss

NaPodPoMo website https://napodpomo.org/

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In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” titled “The Art of Winterizing and Managing Stress,” Mike Dell returns with episode 506 for October 27, 2025, after a brief hiatus. He acknowledges the irregularity of his podcast releases and shares updates about his other podcast, Podcast Insider, which will be resuming in November with a new co-host, Dave Clements. Mike discusses his recent activities, including winterizing both his and his mother’s campers, putting away boats, and preparing snow removal equipment.

He mentions limited flying opportunities due to poor weather conditions and reflects on the stress he’s been experiencing, primarily caused by overthinking and various personal issues, including the passing of a colleague, Todd. Despite the challenges, he reassures listeners that Blueberry Podcasting is continuing without interruptions.

Mike shares how stress has affected his relaxation time, noting that reading often leads him to fall asleep rather than providing relief. He discusses his attempts to engage in leisure activities, including walking, but expresses reluctance to do so, feeling overwhelmed by a busy schedule.

He recounts a recent family trip to Minneapolis for his nephew’s wedding, where logistical concerns added to his stress. Mike reflects on how everything in his day feels scheduled and concludes that his time alone led him to spend the day watching YouTube instead of accomplishing more satisfactory activities.

The discussion shifts to seeking suggestions from listeners on how to alleviate stress, as Mike expresses his desire for feedback. He shares that he’s contemplating joining a gym but for different reasons, and he finds podcasting to be a therapeutic outlet.

Mike also touches on the role of AI in podcasting, revealing that he has experimented with AI-generated content and observes the need for authentic voices in the medium. He mentions plans to participate in National Podcast Posting Month (NAPODPOMO) by producing a series of thirty short episodes about life in Northern Michigan, which will feature various themed topics.

The episode concludes with Mike encouraging listeners to connect with him and express their thoughts on stress relief strategies and his upcoming podcast series.

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What is called a podcast has sparked more debate in our community than mic choices or interview styles.

There’s a lot of confusion, and even controversy, around this seemingly simple question. And if you’ve been in the podcasting game for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard a dozen different definitions.

According to WhatsAPodcast.com:

podcast (noun)
Episodic multimedia content that is downloadable via RSS (“really simple syndication”). A podcast can be audio or video.

Yes, this is technically correct. But let’s be real. That doesn’t really explain what a podcast is in the way that matters to us as creators.

A Podcast Is a Distribution Method, Not Just a “Show”

At its core, a podcast is a show distributed via podcasting technology. Namely, RSS feeds. That’s it. The magic isn’t in the audio file or video format, It’s in how it gets to your audience. A podcast isn’t just a genre of content, it’s a method of delivery. That’s a crucial distinction we, as creators, need to understand…  Even if our audiences don’t.

Listeners (or viewers, if it’s video) might never think twice about RSS. But we should. RSS is the backbone of podcasting. It allows for decentralized distribution, meaning no single company owns or controls where or how your content is accessed. That’s not a bug, it’s a feature.

Why YouTube Isn’t a Podcast (And That’s Okay)

There’s a common argument: “If I post my show on YouTube, that’s a podcast, right?”

Well…  Not quite.

A video uploaded to YouTube is a video. You might also be running a podcast that features the same content, but unless it’s distributed via RSS, it’s not technically a podcast. It’s just another method of media distribution. And, There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT.

There are many ways to distribute a show:

• TV or radio broadcast
• YouTube or other video platforms
• Embedded audio on a website
• Live streaming
• Podcasting via RSS

The important thing is understanding what makes something a podcast: RSS-powered syndication that lets people subscribe (or follow) and receive new episodes automatically, in their preferred app, without being tied to any one platform.

Why This Matters to Independent Creators

You might ask, “Who cares if my content is called a podcast or not?”

Well, as an independent creator, you should care… at least a little. RSS keeps podcasting open and democratic. It’s what allows your show to appear on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and hundreds of other directories, all without being locked into a single ecosystem.

When your content lives only on one platform, you’re at the mercy of that platform’s algorithm, terms of service, and monetization policies. With podcasting, you own your feed. That’s powerful.

Use Podcasting as One Tool in Your Creator Toolkit

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose just one path. You can distribute your content however you like.

Record your live radio show? Great turn that into a podcast. Record a video for YouTube? Strip the audio and publish it as a podcast. Do a podcast? Add video and stream it live. Repurpose your content across channels. Just understand the distinctions.

Podcasting is just one way to reach your audience. But it’s a way that gives you freedom, control, and ownership. And that’s why it’s worth preserving the true meaning of what a podcast is.

A podcast isn’t defined by whether it’s audio or video, entertaining, educational or just plain stupid. It’s defined by how it’s distributed. Via RSS. Understanding that gives you more power as a content creator, not less.

Keep creating. Keep sharing. And most importantly, keep owning your feed.

HAPPY PODCASTING!

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In episode 404 of “Mike Dell’s World,” titled “Missing People, Missing Time and Missing Podcasts,” host Mike Dell opens by greeting listeners and noting the episode number’s significance, linking it to the theme of being “not found” or “missing.” He reflects on his absence since May 29 and shares personal experiences of loss.

Mike addresses the passing of his father in December, which has left him feeling a sense of missingness, particularly as he takes on household responsibilities his father used to manage. He also shares the recent unexpected death of his cohost Todd Cochrane, which has thrown his company, Blubrry Podcasting, into turmoil. Mike recounts attending Todd’s funeral, where many podcasting peers gathered to celebrate Todd’s life and legacy. He shares memories of attending Podcast Movement in Dallas with Todd and how their dynamic was central to the experience, highlighting the challenges he faces now without him.

The episode then transitions into updates on Mike’s life, including difficulties with time management, ongoing flight training, and personal projects around his home. He talks about the stress of caregiving and estate management for his family, as well as the trials of hauling campers and maintaining his mother’s camper for friends.

Mike also discusses his recent flight checkride and his experiences with repairing his truck, illustrating a hectic summer filled with both personal and emotional challenges. He mentions his plans for the upcoming winter, expressing hope for a more manageable snow removal routine.

As he continues, Mike describes renovations he’s undertaking at home and reflects on the need to update his podcast more frequently, acknowledging his last episode was significantly delayed. He shares his intention to keep listeners engaged and updated about both his personal life and the progress of his other show, Podcast Insider, which is currently on hiatus.

He concludes by thanking listeners for their support and asking them to stay tuned for future updates as he navigates the ongoing adjustments in his life, reaffirming the poignancy of the episode’s theme of missingness. Mike wraps up the episode with a reminder of the ongoing journey of understanding loss and the changes it brings.

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I messed up the audio on the last episode.  BUT, I figured out what I did.

This is a short demo of what AI can do forecasting the weather.   I’m not going to do this other than I wanted to see how it would sound.  🙂

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As an Apple fanboy with a collection of Apple devices, I wanted to share what motivated this experiment. I hadn’t used Apple Podcasts for my personal listening in quite a while—I mostly opened it to double-check my own podcast episodes for work. My go-to app had always been Overcast, mostly because of its smart playlisting feature. It made it super easy to organize and stay on top of my favorite shows.

But one thing Apple Podcasts does really well is helping users discover new podcasts. I love that it gives you sample episodes without needing to subscribe first—that feature alone really caught my attention.

While I was at an event in Chicago recently, I had a chance to chat with someone from Apple. They showed me some features I hadn’t even noticed before—like the ability to save episodes for later without subscribing to the full podcast. I’m still not a fan of how the industry has moved from saying “subscribe” to “follow,” but I end up using both terms depending on the context.

One of the biggest things I’ve come to appreciate about Apple Podcasts is how well it processes audio and syncs across all my Apple devices. I can start listening on my desktop, pick it up on my iPhone, and even continue on the Apple TV without missing a beat. That cross-device sync is slick. Plus, I can access video podcasts through the Apple TV app—something Overcast doesn’t offer.

That said, there are definitely things I miss from Overcast. Apple Podcasts doesn’t have smart playlists. Instead, it uses something called “Stations,” which can pull in episodes from shows I choose, but I still have to manually line them up to play in the order I want. So while I’m enjoying the discovery side of Apple Podcasts, I’m still not sure if it’ll become my long-term app—I just really like how Overcast handles playlists.

Toward the end of the episode, I also talked a bit about what’s been going on personally. Spring has finally arrived here, and I’ve been spending time with family and working on a few projects—including updates to the camper and getting a ham radio setup installed. I’ve also been making progress on my website, so if you haven’t checked it out lately, I invite you to take a look. MikeDell.com

And of course, I’ll be reviewing more podcast apps down the road, so stay tuned—and thanks, as always, for listening.

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It’s been a crazy start to the year, with a lot of big changes and challenges.

One of the hardest things I’ve gone through recently is losing my dad. He passed away from lung cancer in early December 2024 after a long battle. Even though it was a peaceful passing, it’s still been really tough on the family.

This winter has been relentless. We’ve had a ridiculous amount of snow since Thanksgiving, and I’ve spent a lot of time plowing. Now, don’t get me wrong—I actually enjoy plowing snow—but after doing it over and over, it started to wear me down.

One silver lining is that I inherited my dad’s 2020 Toyota Tundra. It’s been a solid truck and has come in handy more times than I can count.

On a much sadder note, we had a rough time with our beagles, Benny and Percy. Percy started getting aggressive, and on Christmas, he attacked Benny badly. After multiple incidents, including one where Benny needed stitches at the emergency vet, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put Percy down. It was incredibly difficult, but it had to be done for Benny’s safety.

Thankfully, the weather is starting to warm up a bit, and the snow is finally beginning to melt. I had to put my flying on hold for a while because of all the stress, but I’m hoping to get back in the air this spring.

Around the house, I’ve been working on a few projects—running conduit for internet and electrical lines. Unfortunately, I had a storage tent collapse under the weight of all that snow. That thing is a total loss, so I’m making plans to build something more permanent to store my yard equipment.

Before wrapping up, I just want to remind everyone to stay subscribed and check out my website for updates. I also post daily facts on social media if you’re into that sort of thing. And who knows—maybe in a future episode, I’ll even talk about politics. (Or maybe not!)

Thanks for sticking with me, and I’ll catch you in the next one!

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The Word Podcast was coined just over 20 years ago, and in April 2025 it will be the 20th anniversary of my first podcast episode.  I really wish I could find that file.  They say once something is on the internet, it is there forever.  Well, not in the case of my first 35 episodes. 🙁   I’ve looked high and low and even on the wayback machine. I can’t find it.  Benzoid Report #001. I will offer a bounty for anyone that can find it and send it to me. 

As you might know already, this podcast was called the Benzoid Report for the first few years.  Also, the 400 is just the episodes that I numbered. I had a lot of other mini episodes, and experimental episodes the the number is likely 500 or so.  But for this purpose, 400 works!

AI Shownotes: In this special 400th episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” host Mike Dell celebrates his podcasting journey and reflects on the evolution of his show and the medium. Recorded on the day before International Podcast Day, Mike reminisces about starting his podcast back in April 2005, initially under the name “The Benzoid Report,” which was later changed to “Mike Dell’s World” in 2008.

Mike shares his early fascination with talk radio which later transitioned into exploring podcasts as a new form of broadcasting. He recounts the technical challenges of the early days, like hand-rolling RSS feeds and filling his iPod with downloaded MP3s for entertainment during night shifts at a printing plant. Mike’s interest was sparked by pioneering podcasters and the desire to create his own show, despite his assertion that it was about ‘nothing in particular.’

Throughout the episode, Mike elaborates on the numerous other podcasts he has started (and sometimes stopped), covering topics from ham radio and strange news to aviation history and fast food. He highlights some enjoyable moments, like podcasting on the go and creating episodes about topics he loves. Mike also discusses his full-time role at Blueberry, grounding his career in the podcasting industry even further.

He candidly shares the challenge of maintaining a consistent podcasting schedule and advocates for keeping episodes as long or as short as the content requires, rather than stretching them to fit a time slot. Mike prefers the intimacy of audio podcasts over video, noting the unique one-on-one connection they offer with listeners.

Finally, Mike touches on broader topics, reflecting on the changing landscape of media and podcasting, sharing a desire for civility and unity amid political turmoil, and expressing optimism for the future of podcasting as a diverse and evolving field. He concludes by welcoming another 400 episodes and inviting listeners to contact him for podcasting advice, celebrating the communal and evolving nature of the medium.