Detroit Strange

This week Jess & Alex explore the deep questions like "how do I walk?," they chat about some fun upcoming ideas, beer cocktails, and a listener updated. Then Jess tells Alex about the history of Stroh's. Which Strohs family member came here originally? How did the company survive during prohibition? What decisions led to the company being sold? staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

Join us this week as Alex and Jess talk about Iced Tea, kayak scavenger hunts, & the wonders of water shoes. Then Alex tells Jess all about the Boeing family, the ones with the jets! What connection do they have to Detroit? Where did their fortune first come from? How did they end up in the flying machine business? Tune in and find out! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

This is it! Our 100th episode! We're so excited to share this milestone with y'all and even more excited that Author, Reporter, & Writer Karen Dybis was able to join for the fun! In this episode Alex and Jess talk with Karen D, and even have a small clip from the first time she was mentioned on the show, in EPISODE 1! They talk about favorite strange tales in Detroit and the wonder that Detroit is while finding out a bit more about Karen's Journey into writing about it. Jess & Alex then go on to tell Karen about the history of the Masonic Temple. What unfinished spaces lie in the largest Masonic temple? Who may be haunting it? And, what conspiracies are there about the freemasons? Tune in for this and more! Karen D IG & Twitter: @karendybis staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

Jess and Alex talk about the dangers of Salmon Robo-callers, the upcoming episode 100 spectacular, & how cruise ships avoid Scurvy. Then Jess takes Alex on a small "Road Trip" to Bath, MI to talk about the 1927 tragedy that was the worst school bombing to ever take place. What did neighbors observe from the assailant before it happened? How could one man go over 5 years without paying a mortgage (yet still having his property?) And, how many more explosives were hidden that never detonated? Tune in to find out. mentalhealthmatters mentalhealth therapyisgoodforall staystrange WARNING this episode contains a lot of information about a very tragic event, while some of the more gruesome details were left out, it may be upsetting to some Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

Join this episode as Jess and Alex talk about Alex being a wedding officiate, and cleaning up from all the rain while sipping on some fun summer drinks (together!) Then Alex tells Jess about the quick rise and fall of the Southwest Detroit Hospital. Why did it get built in the first place? What does boxing have to do with it? And what did they do to lose it again? Tune in to find out! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

So happy to be back together recording in the same room! Alex and Jess chat a little up top about camping, Jess embarrassing herself while out in the real world, and the wonder that is the papaya. Then Jess tells Alex the history of the feud that has been going on for almost 100 years between American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island...then they do a blind taste test to see which one they like more...How did the Coney Dog end up in Detroit? Is the feud real? And which one do Alex and Jess officially prefer? Tune in to find out! Do you have a favorite coney? Let us know on our instagram or send us a message! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

We're back from our mini summer vacation! In this episode Alex and Jess catch up to talk about Margaritaville, Grand Rapids, and Celebrity Crushes (who do you think Jess's celeb crush is?) Then Alex goes on to tell Jess all about Palmer Park. Why was a giant log so important to the area? Why is Palmer Park like Epcot? And what would disco balls say if they could talk? All of this and more this week, so join us! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

This week Jess & Alex talk about, new haircuts, Alex's new roommate (Minerva the cat,) and the mysterious note in a bottle found at old Michigan Central Station. Next Jess tells Alex about the history of Movement, Detroit's Techno festival and the history of Techno itself! Who started techno? How did the festival's name change so many times? And who is Grandma Techno? Tune in to find out! And as always... staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com)

On this week's Detroit Strange, Jess and Alex talk summertime, and the livings easy..then scramble to find a thesaurus and round things out by talking about Alex's incoming newest family member (hint it has four legs and he's been trying to adopt one for months), before Alex gets into some WAP (Wet ass prohibition). Who was the first to get charged for bootlegging in the city? Who were the ladies who helped keep Detroit from being dry during prohibition? How much of an effect did they have? All this and more on this week's episode! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com) Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-strange/c7edcffd-c731-4b4a-b143-a127fc45a06c

This week Alex and Jess catch up on Book Clubs for two, Journaling, & Kid 90. Then Jess tells Alex the crazy life that was Paddy McGraw's. Why was there a canvas curtain down the middle of his saloon? What kind's of animals were in the zoo out back? And what shady political business was he involved in? Tune in for all this and more this week on Detroit Strange! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com) Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-strange/04e8afd5-2036-47b7-ae4c-382ff516868b

Join us this week as Alex and Jess talk toe socks, surgery, and how Henry Cavill is a huge nerd. Then Alex, who is also a huge nerd, takes Jess into the computer Ms. Frizzle style to explore video games set in Detroit. How many games are set in the Motor City? What gravitates game developers to the city? And why is the People Mover always there? All this and more! staystrange Email us your interesting Detroit stories, story suggestions, or just to say hey: [email protected] IG & Twitter: @detroitstrange Patreon: @detroitstrange And check out our Threadless shop for merch! (detroitstrange.threadless.com) Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-strange/853a5b9d-2a73-4da5-b842-62444f189cb2

Episode Notes This week Jess and Alex talk about Dum Dum suckers, Mandy Moore, & Frank the Spider. Then Jess continues with part 2 of the story about the 1985 disappearance of Al Canty. Where was he last seen? What road trip would lead to clues about his murder? And who were all the key players in the story? Tune in to find out all of this and more... Source Book: A Life Divided by Jan Canty PhD staystrange

Join this week as Alex & Jess talk all about Alex's recent movie-thon (of movies he's never seen,) what crashed the Atari video game console early on, & of course Sonic the Hedgehog. Then Jess tells Alex Part 1 of the 1985 disappearance of Doctor Al Canty. What secrets was Al keeping? Who would he start giving a $1,000 a week allowance to? And how would his secrets catch up with him? (Plus the amazing story that is Jan Canty) Tune in and find out! staystrange

Episode Notes On this week's Detroit Strange, Jess and Alex talk about vaccines, Cricut machines, & nails. Then Alex tells Jess about Detroit's OG Amusement Park; Electric Park. Who started it? Did it's demise cause his demise? And how many parks sprung up after Electric Park shut it's doors for good? staystrange

Episode Notes Join this week as Jess and Alex talk about Procrastination, the importance of having multiple beverages, & Deviled Eggs. Then Jess tells Alex more in depth about the tobacco industry in Detroit and one the biggest players; John Bagley (not to mention talk about his awesome wife Frances Newbury.) What strike changed the industry standards for one group of employees? Who was the Beardo Governor? And how did a bust go missing for over 9 decades? Tune in and find out! staystrange

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess talk about plants, cats, and gel pens before Alex tells Jess about Marty Tibbitts. Who was he? What sort of double life was he leading? and what does an underwater parasitic drone have to do with it all? staystrange

Join us this week as Jess and Alex talk about "Energy!," Shout Outs, & Iced Coffee. Then Jess tells Alex all about Daniel Scotten & the industry he was a part of that Detroit was known for far before it became the Motor City....What brought Scotten to Detroit? Just how much money did he make? And where could he be seen after his death? Tune in to find out! staystrange

Episode Notes This week Alex and Jess talk Iced Coffees, Black Mirror, & the very guilty pleasure that is Drop Dead Diva. Then Alex tells Jess the story of the Detroit Blue Beard, Helmuth Schmidt. What is a Blue Beard and where did the term come from? How did the disappearance of Augusta Steinbach lead to Helmuth's death? And why did Helmuth go by the name Herman Neugebauer when posting in the personals in the New York Herald? Tune in to find out! staystrange Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/detroit-strange/81313476-3227-4c7b-85dd-a0b0cf3622f4

Join us* this week as Jess & Alex talk about daylight savings, Alex's love/Jess's dislike of Math, and the pure delight that is puffy pita bread. Then Jess takes Alex on a "road trip" to Evart, Michigan and the mysterious glowing light that glow nightly at Forest Hills Cemetery since the 1800's. When did the glow start? Who is said to be responsible for the lights? And what does the construction of the railroad have to do with it all? Tune in to find out! *Special thanks this week to our surprise guest Lisa Kierzkowski! staystrange

On this week's episode Alex and Jess talk about the nice weather, Marvel, and what to do when you get frustrated on a project before Alex tells Jess about the story of Art Cervi/Bozo the Clown. Who was Art Cervi? How did he become Detroit's Bozo? How many other Bozo the clowns were there? All of this and more on this week's episode! staystrange

Join Jess & Alex on this episode as they talk about Vision Boards, the MCU, and the Flintstones. Then Jess tells Alex the history of Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the last performance by Jazz Singer Eddie Jefferson, and what happened that made it his last. What did Baker's originally open as in 1933? What big name acts have performed at the venue? And what does tap dancing have to do with it all? Tune in and find out! staystrange

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess talk about the possible dangers of throwback Thursday, Bananas, and all the advice. Then Alex tells Jess about the Detroit Stars, a charter member of the original Negro National League for baseball. Who started the league? Who were the players? And who bit off part of a players nose? All this and more on this week's episode! staystrange

Jess & Alex chat about spices, cannibals, & beyond meat amongst whatever else is on their brain and then Jess tells Alex all about the Michigan War Veterans Memorial. How eternal is the eternal flame? What roadblock (or Benz) was hit that put a pause on raising the funds to restore/move it in 2015? What mysterious bus passenger may be there because of the monument? Tune in to find out! staystrange

This week Alex & Jess celebrate Alex's new last minute microphone (after technical difficulties go in the way of recording,) talk essential kitchen appliances and ice skating mishaps. Then Alex tells Jess about the very historical Cass Tech, one of Detroit's best known schools. What famous alum went there? (so many, a few hints: Back to the Future, Seven Nation Army, Grace & Frankie, Miss America, In Living Color, and so many more.) How many times has the building moved? What unique course offerings have been a part of the schools history? Tune in to find out!

Episode Notes Alex and Jess catch up for a few and then we get to our final installment about the history of the Dodge Family and one of the biggest twists yet. Who was Frances Mealbach? What secret did she learn after her father's death? What clues did she uncover to help her get closer to the truth? And what secrets remained hidden? How has the modern state of DNA testing changed the mystery? Tune in and find out! staystrange

Part 2 of the Dodge Family This week Alex and Jess talk about a few movie and podcast recommendations, talking to themselves, and about the "covid brains" they've developed. Then they dive back into the story of the Dodge family and Jess tells Alex all about the Heirs of John and Horace. Who died in a mysterious way? Who sued their own grandmother? And what record was set by one of the heirs? Tune in to find out! staystrange

In this weeks episode Jess and Alex catch up, talk about Alex's construction on his basement, movies that they will defend to the end, Legos, and simple syrup. Then Jess tells Alex all about the History of the Dodge Brothers. There is so much here, this is Part 1 of a multi-part episode. So buckle up this week and learn about why Henry Ford owed them so much money. What kind of trouble the Dodge Brothers tempers got them into. And just how close they were (we hear they wore matching clothes.) All this and more in this weeks episode! And tune in next episode to hear all about their many heirs! staystrange

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess talk about drinking by the fire, hot takes on Subway, and what they've been watching. Then Alex tells Jess about the legendary jazz venue, the Blue Bird Inn. Who played there? What's bebop? And how has it's history led to the creation of the worlds first traveling stage? All this and more on this week's Detroit Strange staystrange

Happy New Year! This week Alex and Jess talk a few ideas about how to look forward into 2021 (mainly how NOT to make resolutions,) a few movies from their past, and then Jess tells Alex all about the OTHER island that sits in the Detroit River near the city...Peche Island. How do you get there? What ruins are located on the island? Who use to live there? And why is it said to be cursed? All of this and more in this weeks episode, so join us! staystrange

On this episode Jess and Alex talk their holiday traditions, Jess's Birthday and how the week between Christmas and new years doesn't exist. Then Alex tunes into The Ghost of Christmas Past and tells Jess about Detroit Christmas traditions throughout the years. Why was it such a fire hazard? What odd meat was in a favorite Christmas pie? What made even the toys dangerous? Tune in and find out!

Episode Notes This week Jess and Alex talk about this time of year, their favorite holiday season exclusive treats, and a little space. Then Jess tells Alex all about the Ford Piquette Plant. What cutting edge technology was put in the building for it's time? What is the "secret experiment room?" And who from the past might still be lingering? Tune in and find out!

Join Alex & Jess as talk a little about delicious foods, high school field trips, and catch up a little before Alex tells Jess all about the Hecker house (the castle located off of Woodward.) Why is there a Chateau near the DIA? When was it built? Where did Mr. Hecker smoke his cigars? Tune in for all this and more!

This week Jess and Alex talk about winter time, the concept of "Hygge," Ikea, and of course a few movies. Then Jess tells Alex all about the majestic force that was Lottie "the Body" Graves Claiborne, a well-known burlesque dancer. How did Lottie end up in Detroit? What sports figure was she married to? Who showed up at her doorstep after being estranged for 20 years? And, what advice did Lottie have for young women? Tune in and find out!

Join Alex and Jess as they catch up as Alex is feeling better. They talk a little holidays, some Gossip Girl (xoxo), and Fresh off the Boat before Alex tells Jess about the engineered marvel that is the longest international underwater tunnel in the world, the Detroit - Windsor tunnel. How exactly are underwater tunnels built? What came first, the tunnel or the bridge? How much air is pumped through the tunnel every 90 seconds? Tune in and find out!

Join Jess and Alex this week as they talk about what to do when you're sick, Ratatouille the Musical, 9 to 5 and some of their other watches. Then they sip on cozy drinks while Jess takes Alex on a little (boat)road trip and tells him about the Edmund Fitzgerald and the possible circumstances that led to it's sinking. Who was DJ Captain? What accoutrements lined the inside of the ship? And, what do you think was in the Clamdigger Punch? All this and more on this weeks episode! staystrange

On this week's episode, Alex and Jess talk about the election results, fandoms, and parent's interests that rubbed off on them. Then Alex tells Jess about one of the Midwest's best Scheme Queens, Isma Martin. How did she get the nickname the "notorious adventuress?" How did she use her generic last name to change her identity? Why did she avoid pictures so much? All of this and more on this week's episode! staystrange

Join us this week as Jess & Alex record on Halloween! They talk costumes, movies, and of course a little Tik Tok. Then Jess tells Alex all about Stephen Simmons, who at the age of 9 sat across the road as George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the US, but he wasn't destined for civic involvement like many of his siblings. Eventually he would move from the East Coast to the Michigan Territory in the early 1800's in search of land along with his wife Levana and their many children. What would he do that would make his otherwise unknown name be recorded in history? What would a jealous rage cause him to do? And, how did this change the landscape of the Death Penalty in Michigan? Tune in and find out. staystrange

Join us this week as we catch up on Alex's halloween costume, some spooky (and not so spooky) watches, and Alex tells Jess all about the infamous Cadieux Cafe & Feather Bowling. What were they possibly doing during prohibition? What exactly is feather bowling? And who or what may greet you at the door just for the hell of it? Tune in and find out! staystrange

It's still SpOoOoKy Season so join us for another OoOoky SpoOoOky episode! Alex and Jess talk about their investigation at Eloise Asylum, Professional Ghost Hunters, & Reality TV while sipping on some warm beverages. Then Jess takes them on a lil ROAD TRIP to tell Alex all about the Holly Hotel and some of it's resident spooks. Who once paid a visit the hotel once with her axe? What events happened exactly 65 years apart to the day? And what happens every year during the week leading up to Halloween? Tune in and find out! staystrange

In this episode Alex and Jess talk about the beauty of camping, road trips, and weddings before Alex tells Jess the strange and rich history of the Eloise Asylum. What did it start out as? How was it once the largest psychiatric facility in the country? And what and "who" still remains? All this and more on this week's OoOoOky SpOoOoky episode! staystrange

This week Jess and Alex talk about their fall favorites. Things to do, things to bake, and just how they're trying to take fall by the balls. Then Jess tells Alex about some of the history of the largest outdoor market in the country; the Eastern Market! What could be hiding below the market? What used to lay below the area? And what is possibly still lurking throughout many spots within the market? Tune in and find out! staystrange

In this episode Alex and Jess talk Miley Cyrus covers, Black Mirror, and Great British Bake Off before Alex tells Jess about Michigan's most polluted square mile; Zug Island. How did the island come to be? What goes on there? What does it have to do with the Windsor Hum? All this and more on this episode of Detroit Strange! staystrange

This week Jess and Alex chat a little about about fall bonfires, Pop Tarts, what's been stewing in their kitchens. Then Jess goes on to tell Alex about the disappearance of Metro Detroit Restaurant Tycoon Chuck Muer. In 1993, he along with his wife and two of their friends were last seen leaving the Bahamas on a 40 foot sailboat towards Jupiter Florida via the Bermuda Triangle. What could have happened to their boat? What calls were made from their boat that night? How high were the reported waves on the sea that night? Tune in to find out! staystrange

On this week's episode, Jess and Alex talk about the end of summer, camping, and fizzy beverages before Alex tells Jess the story of the mysterious murder of Frances Bomholt. Who really killed her? What was their motive? How was pumpernickel bread involved? Tune in to find out all this and more! staystrange

Road Trip! In this week's episode Alex & Jessica catch up on what they've currently watched, done, and want to do during these strange times. Then Jessica tells Alex the story of Michigan's Female Serial Killer; Mary McKnight. How did she get away with at least 12 murders before anyone was even suspicious? What was her weapon of choice? To this day why is her motive still unclear? Tune in and find out! staystrange

In this weeks episode Jess and Alex talk about what's "Suddenly Strange" in current news, why you should always read a package thoroughly, and ways to feel good when leaving the house. Then Alex tells Jess the history and construction of the Lafayette Park "super block." Who was Ludwig Mies van der Rohe? What does the Bauhaus have to do with any of it? And why were only some of the planned buildings created? Tune in and find out! staystrange

In this weeks episode we're going with mini stories! Sometimes there just isn't enough information about one story to share in a whole episode so this week Jess has gathered up some of her favorite short stories to share! There is everything from apparitions, to werewolves, chance encounters, and Detroit's own version of Bloody Mary: The Pig Lady! What are these tales all about? Who was Joseph Figlock? And how do you contact the Pig Lady? Tune in and find out! staystrange

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Alex and Jess start off by talking about TikTok and cocktails (which they both actually made this week.) Then Alex tells Jess about the old Michigan State Fairgrounds. What does J.L. Hudson have to do with it? What crazy stunt did a 74 year old do one year? And what is the current plan for the land? All this and more on this week's episode of Detroit Strange! staystrange

Join Jess & Alex this week for another socially distanced episode where they catch up on all the tangents about shows and movies, language learning, and things in moderation! Plus Jess tells Alex all about The Henry Ford Mansion - Why were at least 4 architects involved in its construction? What does the summer solstice have to do with the sites construction? And, what surprise soul is haunting the property to this day? Tune in and find out! And as always....#staystrange

On this week's episode of Detroit Strange, Jess and Alex talk about parents moving, quarantimes projects, and some new Jimmy Hoffa updates. Then Alex tells Jess about the Scarab Club. Who was Robert Hopkins? Why did he form the club? What does a Scarab have to do with it all? Tune in to find out all this and more! staystrange