Mike Dell's World

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. 🙂

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.

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

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.

In this milestone episode — number 420, naturally — Mike takes a look at the rise of legal marijuana in Michigan. From the early days of medical cards to today’s booming recreational market, Mike walks through how the laws changed, what it looks like around northern Michigan, and how communities have adapted (or resisted) the cannabis wave. Along the way, he shares observations, local quirks, and a bit of “Up North” perspective. Topics Covered • How Michigan Got Here A quick history of medical marijuana legalization (2008) Proposal 1 and the shift to recreational use in 2018 What changed on day one — and what didn’t • Northern Michigan’s Cannabis Scene How Traverse City, Acme, Kingsley, and neighboring towns handled the rollout Local dispensaries, differences between tourist areas vs. rural areas The slow-but-steady licensing process in TC • Common Questions People Still Ask “Can I grow my own?” “Can you smoke in public?” “What about driving?” “What’s the tax structure like?” • Tourism & Culture How legal marijuana has changed the vibe for summer visitors The mix of craft breweries, wineries, and now… dispensaries The interesting combo of retirees, tourists, and locals navigating it all • Mike’s Take Observations as someone who has watched Michigan go from dry counties to legal weed How Michigan tends to “normalize” things once the novelty wears off Why episode 420 was the perfect moment to talk about it

In this episode titled “Traverse City’s First Snowfall,” Mike Dell begins by greeting listeners and introduces the episode as number 418. He shares that it is day twelve of NaPodPoMo and mentions this is the first episode recorded in real-time rather than in advance. Mike discusses the early snowfall in Traverse City, noting that some areas received significant accumulation while much of it has already melted. He shares the current temperature, converting it to Celsius for clarity, and describes the mixed weather conditions—with rain expected in nearby areas. Continuing with his narrative, Mike reflects on the change of seasons, mentioning the leaves dropping from the trees, particularly maples and oaks, and recounts the recent yard work he has done to clear the leaves. He mentions plans to prepare his tractor for winter, including getting it serviced at the John Deere dealer after removing the mower deck and attaching the snowblower. Mike recounts an outing for his wife’s birthday dinner at Outback Steakhouse, describing the significant snowfall while they were dining and the challenges his family faced getting home due to the winter driving conditions. He humorously comments on how drivers often forget how to drive in snow, leading to accidents and challenges on the road. Towards the end of the episode, Mike decides to keep this episode short and mentions that he will talk about Clinch Park, a notable park in Traverse City with an interesting history, in the following episode. He wraps up by wishing listeners a great day and prompts them to catch him later.

This is a replay of an episode I did 10 years ago for the 40th anniversary of the sinking. Tonight I talk about the wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Timeline: NOVEMBER 9 8:30 AM The Edmund Fitzgerald is loaded with taconite pellets at Burlington Northern Railroad, Dock 1. Superior, Wisconsin The ship is scheduled to transport the cargo to Zug Island on the Detroit River. 2:20 PM The Fitzgerald departs Lake Superior en route of Detroit with 26,116 tons of taconite pellets. 2:39 PM The National Weather Service issues gale warnings for the area which the Fitzgerald is sailing in. Captain Cooper on the Anderson radios a freighter (the Edmund Fitzgerald) that he spots. 4:15 PM The Fitzgerald spots the Arthur M. Anderson some 15 miles behind it. NOVEMBER 10 1:00 AM Weather report from the Fitzgerald. The report from the Fitzgerald shows her to be 20 miles south of Isle Royale. Winds are at 52 knots, with waves ten feet in height. 7:00 AM Weather report from the Fitzgerald. Winds are at 35 knots, waves of ten feet. This is the last weather report that the Edmund Fitzgerald will ever make. 3:15 PM Captain Jesse Cooper, (J.C.) of the S.S. Arthur M. Anderson watches the Fitzgerald round Caribou Island and comments that the Fitzgerald is much closer to Six Fathom Shoal than he would want to be. 3:20 PM Anderson reports winds coming from the Northwest at 43 knots. 3:30 PM Radio transmission between the Fitzgerald and the Anderson Captain McSorley (C.M.) to Captain Cooper (C.C.): C.M.: “Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have sustained some topside damage. I have a fence rail laid down, two vents lost or damaged, and a list. I’m checking down. Will you stay by me til I get to Whitefish?” C.C.: “Charlie on that Fitzgerald. Do you have your pumps going?” C.M.: “Yes, both of them 4:10 PM The Fitzgerald radios the Arthur M. Anderson requesting radar assistance for the remainder of the voyage. Fitzgerald: “Anderson, this is the Fitzgerald. I have lost both radars. Can you provide me with radar plots till we reach Whitefish Bay?” Anderson: “Charlie on that, Fitzgerald. We’ll keep you advised of position.” About 4:39 PM The Fitzgerald cannot pick up the Whitefish Point radio beacon. The Fitzgerald radios the Coast Guard station at Grand Marais on Channel 16, the emergency channel. Between 4:30 and 5:00 PM The Edmund Fitzgerald calls for any vessel in the Whitefish Point area regarding information about the beacon and light at Whitefish Point. They receive an answer by the saltwater vessel Avafors that the beacon and the light are not operating. Estimated between 5:30 and 6:00 PM Radio transmission between the Avafors and the Fitzgerald. Avafors: “Fitzgerald, this is the Avafors. I have the Whitefish light now but still am receiving no beacon. Over.” Fitzgerald: “I’m very glad to hear it.” Avafors: “The wind is really howling down here. What are the conditions where you are?” Fitzgerald: (Undiscernable shouts heard by the Avafors.) “DON’T LET NOBODY ON DECK!” Avafors: “What’s that, Fitzgerald? Unclear. Over.” Fitzgerald: “I have a bad list, lost both radars. And am taking heavy seas over the deck. One of the worst seas I’ve ever been in.” Avafors: “If I’m correct, you have two radars.” Fitzgerald: “They’re both gone.” Sometime around 7:00 PM The Anderson is struck by two huge waves that put water on the ship, 35 feet above the water line. The waves hit with enough force to push the starboard lifeboat down, damaging the bottom. 7:10 PM Radio transmission between the Anderson and the Fitzgerald. The Fitzgerald is still being followed by the Arthur M. Anderson. They are about 10 miles behind the Fitzgerald. Anderson: “Fitzgerald, this is the Anderson. Have you checked down?” Fitzgerald: “Yes we have.” Anderson: “Fitzgerald, we are about 10 miles behind you, and gaining about 1 1/2 miles per hour. Fitzgerald, there is a target 19 miles ahead of us. So the target would be 9 miles on ahead of you.” Fitzgerald: “Well, am I going to clear?” Anderson: “Yes.