https://simplecast.com America 250: Michigan Made brings to life the moments, people, and ideas rooted in Michigan that helped shape the nation. Through short, engaging vignettes, the series explores stories of innovation, culture, industry, and leadership—revealing how local beginnings created lasting national impact. Each episode offers a fresh perspective on history, connecting Michigan’s past to the America we know today, and inviting listeners to discover the stories behind the legacy. 2026 ~ Cumulus Media en Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:30:00 +0000 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:26:35 +0000 https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/51e42878-f1e7-4a15-8016-b011524d9dac/44121110-eb26-4bd6-8eaa-8010fbfd322f/3000x3000/wjramerica250podtile060226.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com episodic America 250: Michigan Made brings to life the moments, people, and ideas rooted in Michigan that helped shape the nation. Through short, engaging vignettes, the series explores stories of innovation, culture, industry, and leadership—revealing how local beginnings created lasting national impact. Each episode offers a fresh perspective on history, connecting Michigan’s past to the America we know today, and inviting listeners to discover the stories behind the legacy. Cumulus Media Detroit false https://feeds.simplecast.com/UvKhnsrf Cumulus Media curtis.paul@cumulus.com 62c51b17-9032-44b2-abf1-ae4b9e426059 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:30:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-michigan-scientist-who-helped-save-millions-aY12dUGE The Michigan Scientist Who Helped Save Millions Cumulus Media 00:01:20 Michigan native and Wayne State University graduate Dr. Jason McLellan invented a method to stabilize the coronavirus protein. This discovery became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines and prevented millions of deaths. Michigan native and Wayne State University graduate Dr. Jason McLellan invented a method to stabilize the coronavirus protein. This discovery became the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines and prevented millions of deaths. false full 19 e0c2502b-247f-46b6-8d70-277c787da597 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:15:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/joe-louis-the-detroit-boxer-who-changed-history-XtwaBY1C Joe Louis: The Detroit Boxer Who Changed History Cumulus Media 00:01:36 Joe Louis, a boxer from Detroit, fought Max Schmeling in 1938. The fight against the German champion became a symbol of American resolve against Nazi ideals. Joe Louis, a boxer from Detroit, fought Max Schmeling in 1938. The fight against the German champion became a symbol of American resolve against Nazi ideals. false full 18 3837d71b-30c0-416b-8c18-d06bdfb69c8b Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/michigans-role-as-the-arsenal-of-democracy-in-wwii-Bs0Muv_s Michigan’s Role as the Arsenal of Democracy in WWII Cumulus Media 00:02:05 Michigan served as the “arsenal of democracy” by converting auto plants to build military equipment for World War II. Factories like Willow Run produced B-24 bombers at a high rate using new assembly line methods. Michigan served as the “arsenal of democracy” by converting auto plants to build military equipment for World War II. Factories like Willow Run produced B-24 bombers at a high rate using new assembly line methods. false full 17 9e998de4-5213-495f-951b-99681a6fe477 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:41:04 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-michigan-kid-who-reinvented-pop-uIycnh4v The Michigan Kid Who Reinvented Pop Cumulus Media 00:01:37 Born in Bay City and raised in Rochester Hills, Madonna challenged expectations and transformed popular music in the 1980s. Her influence reshaped music videos, celebrity culture, and the business of entertainment. Born in Bay City and raised in Rochester Hills, Madonna challenged expectations and transformed popular music in the 1980s. Her influence reshaped music videos, celebrity culture, and the business of entertainment. false full 15 431cf9b7-8bd9-42ec-8cf4-12124c2303c7 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:40:01 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/a-promise-that-became-st-jude-Ky5JtQMl A Promise That Became St. Jude Cumulus Media 00:01:44 Before becoming a television star, Detroit's Danny Thomas made a vow to help children in need if he found success. That promise led to the creation of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, changing countless lives and advancing pediatric treatment. Before becoming a television star, Detroit's Danny Thomas made a vow to help children in need if he found success. That promise led to the creation of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, changing countless lives and advancing pediatric treatment. false full 14 fc52ccc3-9852-4413-a5b7-b737d9dd900d Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:38:54 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/michigans-team-on-the-moon-fDlalFRr Michigan's Team on the Moon Cumulus Media 00:01:23 Apollo 15 expanded humanity's understanding of the Moon with the first lunar rover mission and the discovery of the Genesis Rock. Remarkably, all three astronauts shared a Michigan connection through their education at the University of Michigan. Apollo 15 expanded humanity's understanding of the Moon with the first lunar rover mission and the discovery of the Genesis Rock. Remarkably, all three astronauts shared a Michigan connection through their education at the University of Michigan. false full 13 04e3249f-43cf-4031-b058-067cf71b8f7d Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:37:19 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/detroits-jazz-ambassador-yPetbh5h Detroit's Jazz Ambassador Cumulus Media 00:01:47 Bassist Ralphe Armstrong rose from Cass Technical High School to perform with some of the most innovative names in jazz fusion. Along the way, he remained dedicated to mentoring young musicians and strengthening Detroit's musical legacy. Bassist Ralphe Armstrong rose from Cass Technical High School to perform with some of the most innovative names in jazz fusion. Along the way, he remained dedicated to mentoring young musicians and strengthening Detroit's musical legacy. false full 12 27a73b44-aa2f-4ce5-9562-6f18f2db2bfb Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:36:10 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/a-detroit-snack-becomes-a-michigan-tradition-7QcMkotP A Detroit Snack Becomes a Michigan Tradition Cumulus Media 00:02:07 During the Great Depression, two Detroit entrepreneurs set out to create a better potato chip. Their commitment to quality turned Better Made into a Michigan institution and a familiar favorite at gatherings, road trips, and lunch tables. During the Great Depression, two Detroit entrepreneurs set out to create a better potato chip. Their commitment to quality turned Better Made into a Michigan institution and a familiar favorite at gatherings, road trips, and lunch tables. false full 11 def9e78d-d8b6-4a56-a773-a399de946c82 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:35:10 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-detroit-idea-that-organized-americas-roads-NB0SdstJ The Detroit Idea That Organized America's Roads Cumulus Media 00:01:47 As automobiles filled city streets, growing traffic demanded a safer way to manage intersections. Detroit inventor Garrett Morgan helped pioneer the traffic signal system that brought order to busy roads and became a fixture of modern life. As automobiles filled city streets, growing traffic demanded a safer way to manage intersections. Detroit inventor Garrett Morgan helped pioneer the traffic signal system that brought order to busy roads and became a fixture of modern life. false full 10 0580c613-8c29-4bbf-9c6d-865b25d58fa2 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:34:16 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-soundtrack-of-the-american-heartland-j_ERwFWc The Soundtrack of the American Heartland Cumulus Media 00:02:34 Raised in the Detroit area, Bob Seger turned stories of factory towns, highways, and everyday life into rock anthems that resonated across the country. His music helped define heartland rock and gave a voice to working-class America. Raised in the Detroit area, Bob Seger turned stories of factory towns, highways, and everyday life into rock anthems that resonated across the country. His music helped define heartland rock and gave a voice to working-class America. false full 9 67e1423a-1ddf-4f4e-98a5-b9c05745eb73 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:31:19 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-invention-that-changed-how-america-eats-QytxHCAo The Invention That Changed How America Eats Cumulus Media 00:01:33 In 1868, Detroit fish dealer William Davis patented the first refrigerated railroad car, allowing fresh food to travel farther than ever before. His innovation helped build the modern food supply chain and transformed how Americans eat. In 1868, Detroit fish dealer William Davis patented the first refrigerated railroad car, allowing fresh food to travel farther than ever before. His innovation helped build the modern food supply chain and transformed how Americans eat. false full 8 c359292c-2acb-4ee8-8e33-414ce92bcd88 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:30:05 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/detroits-voice-of-freedom-gQpn1nCh Detroit's Voice of Freedom Cumulus Media 00:01:25 From a Detroit church choir to the world stage, Aretha Franklin transformed gospel roots into some of America's most unforgettable music. Her songs became anthems of freedom, change, and possibility, earning her the title Queen of Soul. From a Detroit church choir to the world stage, Aretha Franklin transformed gospel roots into some of America's most unforgettable music. Her songs became anthems of freedom, change, and possibility, earning her the title Queen of Soul. false full 7 bb0667b5-6fa6-4ce5-8f09-49e05032b9d0 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:29:10 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-michigan-woman-who-took-flight-first-oEx6vk_W The Michigan Woman Who Took Flight First Cumulus Media 00:01:52 Growing up near the shores of Lake Michigan, Harriet Quimby refused to accept the limits placed on women in the early days of aviation. She became the first licensed female pilot in the United States and later the first woman to fly across the English Channel. Growing up near the shores of Lake Michigan, Harriet Quimby refused to accept the limits placed on women in the early days of aviation. She became the first licensed female pilot in the United States and later the first woman to fly across the English Channel. false full 6 680061a7-9f41-4b9d-a79a-be763de618ca Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-voice-that-echoed-across-america-_bthW07j The Voice That Echoed Across America Cumulus Media 00:01:53 After growing up on a Michigan farm and studying at the University of Michigan, James Earl Jones developed one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. From Darth Vader to Mufasa, his performances became a lasting part of American culture. After growing up on a Michigan farm and studying at the University of Michigan, James Earl Jones developed one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. From Darth Vader to Mufasa, his performances became a lasting part of American culture. false full 16 05796f3d-c5a7-4410-a909-268166e07fca Tue, 2 Jun 2026 14:36:02 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/when-michigan-put-the-world-on-wheels-TSAuEv8I When Michigan Put the World on Wheels Cumulus Media 00:01:55 Before cars filled roads across the globe, they were built here. Step inside the factories that powered a revolution—and see how Michigan’s industry and ingenuity made it the driving force behind modern America. Before cars filled roads across the globe, they were built here. Step inside the factories that powered a revolution—and see how Michigan’s industry and ingenuity made it the driving force behind modern America. false full 5 d4285539-bd11-4bc2-9b66-53d92066e0c7 Tue, 2 Jun 2026 14:27:07 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/how-motown-united-a-divided-america-ghKe0Dro How Motown United a Divided America Cumulus Media 00:01:25 From a modest home on West Grand Boulevard, Berry Gordy built a sound that crossed boundaries and defined a generation. Discover how Motown didn’t just top the charts—it helped bring the country together in a time of division. From a modest home on West Grand Boulevard, Berry Gordy built a sound that crossed boundaries and defined a generation. Discover how Motown didn’t just top the charts—it helped bring the country together in a time of division. false full 4 0be5e961-f18e-47aa-9408-6543e385ff2f Tue, 2 Jun 2026 14:25:03 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/the-campfire-that-created-the-american-road-trip-8Kfwx8vA The Campfire That Created the American Road Trip Cumulus Media 00:01:18 In the summer of 1923, three friends gathered in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone. What looked like a simple camping trip helped spark an idea that would change how America travels forever. In the summer of 1923, three friends gathered in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone. What looked like a simple camping trip helped spark an idea that would change how America travels forever. false full 3 8dd0b074-f314-49bd-8b34-23685c10372a Tue, 2 Jun 2026 14:17:31 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/from-war-hero-to-motor-city-builder-4oJ2esqf From War Hero to Motor City Builder Cumulus Media 00:01:49 He flew 33 combat missions over Europe, returned home to help build a global automotive company, and quietly gave millions back to Detroit. The story of Mort Harris is one of courage, resilience, and generosity—and it all began in Michigan. He flew 33 combat missions over Europe, returned home to help build a global automotive company, and quietly gave millions back to Detroit. The story of Mort Harris is one of courage, resilience, and generosity—and it all began in Michigan. false full 2 6644e0bf-913d-42eb-b794-dc3177c859d6 Tue, 2 Jun 2026 14:07:31 +0000 curtis.paul@cumulus.com (Cumulus Media) https://america-250-michigan-made.simplecast.com/episodes/from-detroit-classrooms-to-hollywood-blockbusters-S1EOIHl0 From Detroit Classrooms to Hollywood Blockbusters Cumulus Media 00:01:34 What do Beverly Hills Cop, Armageddon, and a Mumford High School T-shirt have in common? A Detroit connection that runs deeper than you might think. Explore the Michigan origins of a producer whose films defined a generation—and still resonate today. What do Beverly Hills Cop, Armageddon, and a Mumford High School T-shirt have in common? A Detroit connection that runs deeper than you might think. Explore the Michigan origins of a producer whose films defined a generation—and still resonate today. false full 1