In Michigan, the left turn isn’t always a left turn. At certain intersections, you find yourself doing something counterintuitive. You turn right first in order to turn left. That's the notorious Michigan Left, but why does it exist?

GUESTS:

• Betty Nelson, 2025 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition
• Kirk Steudle, former head of the Michigan Department of Transportation

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• Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

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For a lot of us, Michigan’s iconic pop brands are tied into special memories from childhood. Maybe your mom would always give you Vernor’s when you had a tummyache. Or you can still remember the Faygo ads that played during your Saturday morning cartoons. Or you have fond memories of the Towne Club pop shop. We talked to one Michigander about the role that pop played in her childhood--and why she still loves those nostalgic flavors today.

GUEST:

Bobbie Bain, lifelong metro Detroiter

Find last week's On Hand episode here.

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

• Online Submission Form

• Call us: 734-764-7840

• Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

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Pop has long been the accepted Midwesternism for a sweet carbonated beverage. But could that be changing? On this episode of On Hand, we dig into the history of the pop vs. soda debate—and take a look at Michigan's linguistic preferences today.

GUESTS:

• Steve Stamenkovich, national accounts manager for Intrastate Distributors, Inc.
• Steven Clark, quality assurance manager at the Intrastate Distributors bottling plant
• Anne Curzan, University of Michigan professor of English and co-host of the That’s What They Say podcast

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

• Online Submission Form

• Call us: 734-764-7840

• Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.