Detroit Strange

We've made it to one year baby! In this epsiode Jess & Alex talk covid testing, how to be like Lizzo, and hair styles before they both start to indulge into their Dirrrty Boston Coolers. Jess then goes on to tell Alex about James Vernor and his magical concoction that all Michiganders love; Vernors! How did James come up with the recipe? Who is Jerome the Gnome? And why were bottles exploding in California? Tune in and find out! #staystrange

Join Jess and Alex in their new bonus episodes; Good Company with Detroit Strange. They talk with Detroit & Metro Detroit Black and POC business owners. In this inaugural episode, Jess and Alex sit down with Mark and Thea Parker of the Fit Park in Ferndale to talk about the gym, the people behind it, how a gym looks during the pandemic, and the community they've built within.

On this week's episode, Jess and Alex talk lakes, Michigan summers, and campfire food before they hit the road to go to Ulby, Michigan (in the thumb) so Alex can tell Jess the story of the shrinking Sparling family. What killed John Sparling? How is the family doctor involved? What happened to the rest of the family? Find out all this and more on this week's episode #staystrange

Jess & Alex talk about their post-quarantine/still basically quarantine lives, pet scares, and the Oceans movie trilogy. Jess then tells Alex about the life of activist Grace Lee Boggs (1915-2015). What Marxists philosopher did Grace study in College that would forever change her path? What activist movements did she witness during her college/post-college years that would plant seeds in her head? How did her first dinner with a man named James turn into a 40 year long marriage? Tune in and find out!

On this week's episode, Alex and Jess talk about how hot it's been, wearing masks and plants before Alex tells Jess about the West Eight Mile community and the Birwood Wall. Who settled that part of Eight Mile and why? How did the new deal play out for the people there? And why was there a 6 foot tall concrete wall put up between two neighborhoods? All this and more on this week's episode #staystrange

In this episode Jess & Alex catch up a little on what they're watching and doing in these strange times. Then Jess tells Alex all about the 1970 murders at Stonehead Manor near Wayne State University. Why did Sandra Garland's father break into the apartment she was staying in? Where did his wife Martha drive right after? What was the eventual sentence given for the heinous crime? Tune in and find out!

On this week's episode, Alex and Jess talk about Pop Punk, French Names, & what they're watching. Then Alex tells Jess about the legendary rock venue the Grande Ballroom. How did a jazz era ballroom become home to the Detroit punk scene? How did a middle school teacher make it happen? And why did it all end just as quickly as it started? All this and more on this week's episode. #staystrange *Recorded May 30th

In this episode Alex and Jess catch up a little, talk movies, recommendations and what they've been up to recently. Then Jess takes Alex on journey back to the early 70's when the Police Department implemented their S.T.R.E.S.S. unit (Stop The Robberies Enjoy Safe Streets) in which Police would go undercover in an attempt to become the "victim" of a crime in order to make an arrest (or in many cases a fatal shooting). You can imagine how well that went...What types of decoys did they use to go undercover? Were the police ever charged in any of the incidents they caused? One of the former officers admitted to planting a knife at the scene, what became of that?

Jess and Alex catch up and talk about the heat, their favorite summer fruits, and dogs. Then Alex tells Jess about Ruth Ellis; a black, lesbian, 20th century female (we mean this quite literally - she lived from 1899-2000), activist whose work with black LGBT youths in the city helped to provide them with a safe space to gather. In addition a place to meet she often helped them with money for food, books, and education. How did Ruth figure out her sexuality in 1915? What was "the Gay Spot"? And what legacy did she leave behind? Tune in and find out! And as always "staystrange

This week Jess tells Alex all about the Murder of Grace (Gladys) Loomis in 1927. Grace was found in her home bludgeoned to death in her home while her children slept and her husband Frank was supposedly out for a walk. However, police didn't believe Frank when he came in to the station to them with this story. What holes were in his story? What happened at the trial of Frank Loomis (or rather who)? What drastic measures did Frank take a year later? Tune in and find out! #staystrange

On this week's episode Jess and Alex give more of their quarantine updates, playing line games to pass the time, and discuss their citrus based drinks. Alex goes on to tell Jess about Bois Blanc Island, or as most know it by; Boblo Island. What was the island originally used for? What happened to the beloved amusement park and the Boblo boats that used to carry Detroiters to the island? Also what did the island have to do with the Vietnam War? All this and more on this week's episode of Detroit Strange! #stayStrange

In this episode Jess & Alex both sip on margaritas from their respective homes (jalapeno/frozen strawberry) while Jess tells Alex all about the mystery that was the writer of the Detroit News' Experience column from the late 1920's into the early 1940's. Her identity was kept secret as she went by the pen name "Nancy Brown." Her readers trusted her so much that they helped her raise money to construct a peace carillon on Belle Isle to be a home for a series of Sunrise Services. How was the construction? Who was the mysterious Nancy in real life? What kinds of advice did she give her readers? Tune in and find out! You can check out the rest of the Peace Carillon's song here - Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCxEAk1lgtc&t=33s

On this weeks episode, Alex and Jess talk outdoor activities and various hard seltzer brands before diving into the story of Sophie Lyons, Queen of the Underworld, and Theresa Lewis, one of Detroit's first female detectives, and their vicious rivalry. How did Sophie get her early start in crime? How did Theresa Lewis go from running a boarding house to undercover detective? And how far did their rivalry go? Learn this and more on this week's episode!

In Episode 40 Jess & Alex sit down to a nice zoom chat with better equipment set ups as they talk about what movies & shows they've watched to keep themselves occupied during quarantine. They share their Quarantini's with each other (Rum & Crystal Light, Tequila Sour) and Jess tells Alex all about Detroit (and one of the World's) most exclusive clubs; the Yondotega. The club has been around for over 100 hundred years, doesn't say much about their selection process (other than you need to be a gentlemen who does gentlemanly things), and new members are only selected when a previous member has passed away. Why did they have to go to trial in the 1930's? Where are they located? Who pays for their parties? Tune in and find out!

In Episode 39 Alex and Jess try at live streaming again while Alex takes Jess on a journey! He tells her all about Mother Elinor (a woman of many identities) and the Flying Roller Colony and the New Eve Cult. What did she do for Houdini to call her "one of the most extraordinary fake mediums and mystery swindlers the world has ever know"? How did her past catch up with her and where did she go? Listen to find out! #staystrange

In this episode Jess and Alex kick back with their Quarantini's of choice and they go on a little "Road Trip" to Marshall, MI. Jess then goes on to tell Alex a little about Marshall, including a story of the Crosswhite family whom the citizens of Marshall stood up for in the most amazing way possible in 1840's. Jess then goes on to tell Alex about a mysterious package containing a bomb delivered in 1967 to Nola Puyear, one of the owners of the Tasty Cafe. Who sent it? What was their motive? What happened to them next? Tune in and find out!

This episode was created as a livestream: On this week's episode, Alex and Jess catch up on how they are doing during lockdown before sipping on some dealer's choice cocktails. Then Alex tells Jess the story Nellie Pope, one of the most notorious murderesses the city has ever seen. What drove her to kill? How did she do it? What's the Detroit House of Corrections? And will she get away with it? Listen in this week to Detroit Strange's second live stream episode to find out!

Our first livestream! In this episode Alex and Jess meet via a live stream from their quarantine houses using Zoom (which can explain some of the audio issues) and they both mix themselves up a Quarantini (which is whatever you have around.) Jess then goes on to tell Alex all about the history behind Carhartt and it's founder Hamilton Carhartt. What kind of work week could employees of the Carhartt company expect? What did they try to auction off during the election of 1912? Has Alex watched either Mama Mia yet during quarantine? Tune in and find out!

In this episode Alex serves up some Bourbon Sours and Tells Jess all about the history of the Michigan Train Station. When it was built, the trains coming and going, who bought it after it was closed, what their original plan was, what it's being renovated to be now, and much more! Won't you join us?

It's Michigan Primary day! Make sure to cast your vote! In this episode Jess has Alex try his first ever Bloody Mary while he gives his reaction. She then goes on to tell Alex all about the history of one of her favorite detroit legends; the Nain Rouge. Where does the tale come from? Who was told to beware of the nain? How old is the yearly celebration Marche du Nain Rouge? Who cries out "Stop Nain Shame" to stand up for the Nain? Tune in and find out!

In this week's Episode Alex mixes up a good ol' American drink involving rum, coke, and peanuts. He then goes on to tell Jess all about the powerhouse that was Jessie Bonstelle and the theatre she created in Detroit. There may be some ooky spookies in the theatre today. Who is still hanging around? What is in store for the future? And why do Alex and Jess try speaking French? Tune in and find out! staystrange

Jess and Alex start off proving that Jess can't (and will not try to) yodel. They talk about some of their current favorite songs and Jess tells Alex all about what goes into the New Orlean's born Sazeracs they are sipping on (rye, absinthe, sugar cube, lemon peel, angostura bitters, peychauds bitters). Jess then goes on to tell Alex about the history of the Ossian Sweet House. How many neighbors showed up to protest the house? What stupid name did they come up with for their neighborhood association? How did those in the house have charges against them dropped after shots were fired through the air? Tune in and find out! staystrange

Alex makes up a drink he had in college (eventually named a "Dot House") while he tells Jess all about the Heidelberg Project and Tyree Guyton. Jess reminisces about visiting Heidelberg street in college and Alex talks about it's at times tumultuous existence; full of lots of love, but unfortunately some hate too. What does the future hold for the art installation? Tune in and find out! Also February 17th starts "Random Acts of Kindness Week" - celebrate it! “Everything starts from a dot” - Wasily Kadinsky

Join Jess & Alex as they sip on some homemade "Gordy Hounds" (gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, & a sprig of rosemary) while Jess tells Alex about some of the Gordy's behind Motown Records; the two eldest of the Gordy sisters Esther and Anna. Who had the idea to create the Motown Museum? Who did Anna meet and eventually marry? Who granted the $800 loan to Berry to get Motown Records started? Tune in and find out!

In episode 29 Alex & Jess sip on some Manhattans while Alex tells Jess all about the Second Baptist Church and George DeBaptiste. DeBaptiste along with the church helped hundreds if not thousands of slaves find passage to Canada via the Underground Railroad. How did DeBaptiste do it? What happened to the first building to house the church? And how much does Alex know about Jane Fonda during two truths and a lie? Tune in and find out!

Jess and Alex drink some cozy drinks (Poor Man's Irish Coffees) while Jess tells Alex all about the youngest governor in America, Stevens T. Mason AKA Michigan's "Boy Governor." What did that young whipper snapper do for the state? How many times was his body moved? How did his body get lost? Where is it now? Tune in and find out!

Alex mixes up some "Detroit Mules" and tells Jess about none other than Detroit Architect Albert Kahn! He tells his history, who he met along the way, and about the innovations he brought to building not only in Detroit but world-wide. Where else are his building? Who did he meet? Tune in an find out! #staystrange

Jess and Alex sip on some cold Gin & Teas (Gin, tea/ginger/orange peel infused simple syrup, Lemon Juice, Blood Orange Juice) and Jess tells Alex about Ruth Montgomery and the murderer she uncovered while being a reporter for the Detroit Times in 1936. Jess then goes on to tell Alex all about the group behind the murder of Charles Poole along with at least 49 others; the Black Legion. Who were it's members? What roles did they play in society? And what other discoveries did Ruth uncover in her life? Did she go on a ride in a space ship? Listen in and find out.

In episode 25 Alex & Jess sip on some Peppermint Martini's (the season is over but leftovers are still around) and Alex tells Jess all about the *1994 disappearance of then 4 year old D'wan Sims during a trip to Wonderland Mall with his mother. What did the surveillance tapes show? What else was in the news at the time? What happened recently (in December of 2019) that might explain where he went? Tune in and find out! *Special Thanks to our listener & friend Sarah W. for the story suggestion!

In this episode Alex and Jess sip on some "Swedish Winter Smashes" and Jess tells Alex about the horrible murder of a woman found in her car on the east side in 2013; Jane Bashara. Who did it, and who planned it? What were the motives? What happened to the clothes Jane was wearing that night? Listen in and find out.

Welcome to our second LIVE RECORDING! Listen in as Jess and Alex have a blast talking about Urban Legends, Friday the 13th AND the movie It Follows. They sip on some Corpse Reviver #2's made by the talented bartenders at Hamtramck's Film Lab and welcome special guests who worked on the movie; Kimberly Leitz, Costume Designer; Jess Gillette, Key Hair Stylist; & Nellie Smydra, PA. Special Thanks to: Justin Vieira, Patty Rooney, Lara Sfire, Josh Gardner, Rebecca Greene, Jess Gillette, Nellie Smydra, Kimberly Leitz, & the Bartenders/Barbacks at the Film Lab

In this episode Alex mixes up some "Rock n' Rye's" while he and Jess catch up. They talk about their most recent indulgences in streaming reality tv (Flavor of Love), and Alex takes a deep dive into the history of the beloved Detroit soda brand; Faygo. Just how many flavors are there? Where did the name came from? What group loves Faygo the most? If a Juggalo whoop whoops in the woods and no one is around to hear did they make a sound? Tune in and find out!

In this episode Jess & Alex warm up while sipping on some Hot Toddies. They talk advents, holiday movies, and Bob Saget all while Jess tells Alex all about The Great Detroit News Payroll Robbery committed by Paul Jaworski and the Flatheads gang. Who broke the news first? How much dough did they collect? Did they get away? Tune in and find out! And as always, stay strange.

In this episode Alex mixes up some Myan Mangos and tells Jess all about the history of "The Fisher Building." They talk musicals, past life regression, and more! What was the Fisher building supposed to originally look like? How fast was it Kahnstructed? Why is the top green now? Tune in and find out!

In this episode Alex and Jess go down the rabbit hole whilst sipping on some Creamsicle Cocktails. Jess tells Alex all about the history of the original developments on Grayhaven Island on Detroit's river front and the odd things that have been reported to have happened in one house in particular. All those who have owned it along with other nearby properties have experienced bad luck in some form. Can a house be cursed? Does the house really want everyone to "get out" as they may have heard? What were the tunnels across the way at Maheras-Gentry Park used for? Listen and find out!

Alex mixes up some Maple Old Fashioned's and while they sip he tells Jess about the history of the many chip companies to come out of Detroit and the one that stayed strong; Better Made! How did they beat out Best Made, or New Era Chips? When did they finally cross-over to using computers? Why did they have to make their chips at night? Join them as Alex tells about all that and a bag of chips staring a book by one of their favs; Karen D!

In Episode 18 Jess & Alex have some White Lady Cocktails and Jess tells Alex about the Shelby Hotel and the last resident during the 3 decades it sat vacant - One Eyed Al. How did a hotel that opened with success come to change hands many times? What caused it to close in just one year after new ownership in the 70's? Who was One-Eyed Al and do people still see him today? Listen and find out!

HAPPY OOKY SPOOKY HALLOWEEN! In our first ever LIVE episode recording Alex and Jess sip on some "Cardinals" from the Ghost Light Bar in Hamtramck alongside Producer Patty while Alex talks deeper about Samhain, Jess talks about the Ouija board, and Patty shares her own Ooky Spooky story. Recorded: 10/24/2019 @Ant Hall in Hamtramck, MI

In this episode Alex and Jess sip on some sherbet inspired cocktails while Alex dives a bit deeper into Spiritualism and the lengths that one Detroit man went to try and prove that there are spirits who can communicate with the living. What was Thomas Lynn Bradfords big experiment? And did it work? Some would say yes and some would say no, tune in to find out what you think!

Alex and Jess sip on some Fall Screwdrivers while Jess tells Alex about the many mysteries behind the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Hoffa disappeared on July 30th, 1975 and his remains have never been found. Many have claimed to know just exactly what happened, but can many stories and little tangible evidence lead to a solid conclusion? Tune in and find out. *Also join us for a SPECIAL OOKY SPOOKY LIVE RECORDING - Thursday October 24th 7 PM at Ant Hall 2320 Caniff St Hamtramck, MI. Admission is $5

In Episode 15 Alex serves up some Carmel Apple Martini's while he tells Jess all about two Urban Legends* of Metro Detroit and one's connections to a similar story in the south. Have you ever been to Knock Knock Road (Strasburg St) or Lover's Lane (Grosse Ile) and heard a light knocking on your windows? Tune in to find out what just might be knocking... *Warning: This episode contains details about events that some listeners may find unsettling at around 25:07 t0 26:47

On this episode, Jess & Alex sip on some "Smoking Guns" while they talk of Fort Wayne, not the one in Indiana though, the actual Fort in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit. The Fort has had many uses since being constructed in 1851, (everything from an active fort, to housing individuals who lost homes during the Great Depression and after the '67 riots, to hosting the first ride on lawn mower, and housing Prisoners of War during WWII.) Is it possible with all this history that there might some ooky spookies lingering on the property? Tune in and find out!

In this episode Alex fixed up some "CrabApples" (Spiced Rum + Cider) and tells Jess all about the Book Cadillac building in Downtown Detroit. He reveals the history of its construction as part of a plan to break world records (but only held the title for a short time.) The Book brother's (owners) later planned to build an even taller tower nearby to break world records. Why wasn't it ever built? Tune in and find out!

On this episode Jess and Alex discuss cats and CATS (and have opinions on both) while they figure out how to bridge the gap between Alex's pop culture references and Jess' (limited) knowledge of rap while sipping on Gin n' Juice. Jess then tells Alex about Hog Island, better known today as Belle Isle and the zoo that used to be there. Have you ever seen the lady in white on the isle? Tune in and listen how to get her to visit!

Alex mixes up a couple of White Russians and while they sip he tells Jess all about Detroit’s oldest hotel - the Leland. There's plenty of ookie spookies in the building, searches for Jimmy Hoffa, talk of the Purple Gang, a ghost who peeps, and even a spirit known for his bowler hat. What happened when the building was being constructed that might have helped start it's paranormal trends from the get-go? Tune in and find out!

In Episode 10 Jess tells Alex all about the salty underbelly of Detroit, while they sip on some Salty Dog Cocktails. Almost 1200 feet beneath Detroit/Metro-Detroit's surface are the Detroit Salt Mines; miles upon mines of tunnels where workers extract salt in the consistent 60 degree tunnels year round. The mines themselves have changed hands quite a few times during the past 100 years and are no longer open for public tours today. Tune in to hear about the patron saint of minors, how large machinery makes it down into the mines, and what once went down never to come back up again.

In episode 9 Alex tells Jess about Detroit's oldest bar - The Two Way Inn while they sip on some Ward Eight(ish)s. Alex talks about the history of the bar, the one time Village of Norris (now the Nortown neighborhood of Detroit,) some ooky spookies that have been seen at the bar, and more! What happens when you ring the bell above the bar? Tune in to find out!

Jessica and Alex sit down to have a spin on a lynchburg lemonade made with Canadian's finest (or just affordable) whisky while Jess tells Alex all about Detroit's notorious Purple Gang. They talk about the nicknames, extortions, and the over 500 deaths caused by the Purple gang's 20+ members. What sort of rackets were the Purps associated with? Why were they called the Purple Gang? How did it turn out for the gang's leaders? Tune in to find out.

Alex mixes up beautiful tequila sunrises and while they sip he paints a picture of the history of the DIA for Jess. They art-nerd out a little, talk about the fierce woman that Frida Kahlo was, and discuss the once controversial murals that her husband Diego Rivera created. Then Alex brings up an Ooky Spooky that may be coming to life at night. Tune in and see why the DIA might be an actual "Night at the Museum."

Jess & Alex sip on some Champagne Mules while Jess tells Alex all about the history and possible paranormal activity at the Whitney. There's spirits & spirits, creepy noises, secret vaults, an elevator with a mind of it's own, a table for tea that's been set for many years but no one knows who is coming, and more. Does the mystery tea guest take one lump or two?