CuriosiD

CuriosiD

You've got Detroit questions, we've got answers. CuriosiD is a podcast from WDET, Detroit's NPR Station. Our reporters answer your questions about the region, like "Who invented the Boston Cooler?" or "Are there really salt mines underneath Detroit?" Something puzzling you about Detroit? Ask about it at http://wdet.org/curious and we might answer your question in a future episode!

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CuriosiD
What happens to old fire trucks in Detroit?

Fire trucks are among the most recognizable vehicles on the road. They’re big, red, loud, and built to respond when lives are on the line. But what happens when these machines are retired from service?

In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Alex McLenon answers this question from WDET listener and Detroit Fire Department cadet Kevin Snook.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

00:07:18
Apr 17, 2025 5:0 AM
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More Episodes

CuriosiD
How did Ann Arbor get its name?

Ann Arbor is known for its tree-lined streets and vibrant university culture. But how the town got its name is...a bit of a story. In this edition of CuriosiD, Amanda LeClaire finds out for one WDET listener. 

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

00:05:08
Mar 20, 2025 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Does Gen Z know who Bob Seger is?

Bob Seger is a Detroit rock legend, but do younger generations know his music today? In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Madison Ganzak spoke with Seger fans, music experts, and Detroiters of different generations to answer this question from listener Alyse Nichols.

If you’ve ever wondered about Detroit’s history, culture, or community, send us your question at wdet.org/curious.

00:06:21
Feb 13, 2025 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What's the oldest bar in Detroit?

In this episode of “CuriosiD,” WDET's Ryan Patrick Hooper goes on a quest to find the oldest bar in the city with the help of bar historian Mickey Lyons. This month's question comes from WDET listener Collette Nutton.

00:06:42
Jan 16, 2025 9:56 AM
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CuriosiD
What happened to the Cobo Hall Christmas Carnival?

The Cobo Hall Christmas Carnival ran for nearly 40 years in downtown Detroit before quietly ending in 2002. On this episode of CuriosiD, host Amanda Le Claire answers a question from WDET listener Angela Gallegos about what happened to the beloved Detroit holiday tradition, with the help of Detroit historian and writer Amy Elliott Bragg.

00:05:46
Dec 12, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Why are cider mills so popular in Michigan?

In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET listener Adam Danis pressed us about Michigan's cider mill obsession and the time-honored tradition of enjoying cold apple cider and fresh, hot doughnuts with friends and family. Host Amanda LeClaire caught up with Diane Smith of the Michigan Apple Committee to talk about what make's the state's cider mills so special.

00:05:08
Nov 14, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Is the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library haunted?

In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET’s Jeff Milo visits the Detroit Public Library's reference desk with a simple query: Where are the ghosts? Milo joined listener and retired librarian Anne Kabel at the Main Library to speak with staff members about the many alleged supernatural encounters over the years.

00:07:10
Oct 24, 2024 1:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Behind the Scenes: Celebrating 10 years of CuriosiD

For the past decade, CuriosiD has captivated WDET listeners with its unique take on Detroit-centric stories. But what does it take to bring an episode of this beloved series to life? On this special 10th anniversary episode of CuriosiD, we take you behind the scenes and talking with some of the folks here at WDET who put the episodes together.

Plus, we revisit a previous episode of CuriosiD about the origins of the Detroit Lions’ iconic team uniform colors, as they kicked off a highly anticipated new season this month.

Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious.

00:12:58
Sep 26, 2024 1:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Who was Thomas Mollicone? The story behind the naming of an east side Detroit park
Thomas Mollicone immigrated to Detroit from Italy with his family as a young child, and was later drafted into the military to serve in World War II at the age of 23. Mollicone was killed in the line of duty, and the Indian Village community where he resided moved to dedicate a local park in his honor years later. On the latest episode of "CuriosiD," we answer a question from Mollicone's family about what led to the park's dedication in his name. Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious.
00:06:47
Aug 22, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What is the history behind the Belle Isle Boathouse?
On the north side of Belle Isle, better known as the "Detroit side," sits a historic landmark that has been the home of Detroit's only rowing club for more than 100 years. In its heyday, the boathouse was a bustling venue, featuring a grand ballroom, dining rooms and a bar frequented by Detroit's elite. But the future of the boathouse remains uncertain. In this episode of "CuriosiD," WDET's Amanda LeClaire digs into the history of the iconic structure, and what needs to be done to save it.
00:06:08
Jul 31, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What happened to Detroit jazz venue Strata Concert Gallery?
In this episode of “CuriosiD,” Rob Reinhart answers a question about the short-lived, but well-loved jazz venue located just around the corner from WDET’s studios.
00:08:58
Jun 26, 2024 11:46 PM
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CuriosiD
Why do the Detroit Lions wear 'Honolulu' blue?

The Detroit Lions updated their uniforms for the upcoming NFL season, adding black to the Honolulu blue and silver they’ve worn for 90 years. But what is Honolulu blue, anyway? And how did it get its name? In this episode of "CuriosiD," WDET's Pat Batcheller gets to the bottom of the Lion's colorful history.

00:13:45
May 30, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Is the medicinal magic of Vernors a myth or reality?
Vernors Ginger Ale is one of America's oldest soft drinks and a favorite hometown beverage in Michigan — born right here in Detroit. Over the years, the soda has gained a local reputation as a cure-all for stomach aches, colds and more. But is the medicinal magic of Vernors a myth or reality? In this episode of "CuriosiD," WDET's Amanda LeClaire answers the bubbling question by consulting with two Detroit area doctors.
00:06:09
Apr 25, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What's the highest point in Detroit?
Get ready to uncover the heights of Detroit like never before! In the latest episode of "CuriosiD," join Outlier Media's Koby Levin as he delves into the city's unique pursuit of peaks.
00:15:04
Feb 8, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What's the history behind Detroit's Outer Drive?
Outer Drive is an epic street in Detroit and the suburbs that winds for more than 40 miles. But the roadway isn't continuous, it's broken up into pieces. One listener wants to know why. WDET's Pat Batcheller has the answer. Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious.
00:14:19
Jan 11, 2024 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What happened to the 'World's Largest Stove' in Detroit?
Before Michigan was known for making cars, it was known for manufacturing stoves. As part of that legacy, the city of Detroit became host to “The World’s Largest Stove.” In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Laura Herberg tells the story of the birth and death of that stove. Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious.
00:19:00
Dec 14, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What's with all the white tile burger joints in metro Detroit?
All around metro Detroit there are tiny, white tile, old-fashioned buildings that sell hamburgers, or more specifically, sliders. There's Brayz, Hunter House, Telway and more. But if these places are owned by different companies, why do they all look so similar? WDET's Russ McNamara answers this popular question, and tours as many slider joints as he and a listener can handle, in this episode of CuriosiD.
00:13:24
Nov 9, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What's the story behind Black motorcycle clubs in Detroit?
A group of bikers formed the Outcast Motorcycle club in Detroit in 1969. Some say that this was the first all-Black club that eventually spread nationwide. These days, if you cruise around Detroit you'll see dozens of clubhouses with members dressed in leather, wearing patches representing names like the Hell Raisers, Soul Stars or the Black Syndicate. In this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Quinn Klinefelter dives into the history behind Black motorcycle clubs in Detroit. Plus, a white rider reflects on his journey from being a hardcore biker criminal to becoming a motorcycle missionary.
00:15:40
Oct 12, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
How did the Giant Tire end up in Allen Park, MI? And what's it like inside?
Just outside Detroit, along the side of a I-94, sits a very big tire. In this episode of CuriosiD, a listener asks how the Uniroyal Giant Tire ended up there, and what it's like inside. Plus, did the it ever roll across the freeway? WDET's Jack Filbrandt goes the extra mile to get some answers. Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious. It might be the subject of a future episode.
00:10:59
Sep 14, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What's the story behind metro Detroit's mile roads?
Where do the mile roads in metro Detroit begin? And why do we have mile roads in the first place? WDET's Pat Batcheller answers those questions and explains what you need to know about mile roads in Southeast Michigan. Then, we connect the dots on why intersections on roads like Michigan Ave and Fort Street have such weird angles. Finally, we find out who John R really was. Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at wdet.org/curious.
00:17:07
Aug 10, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What is Superman ice cream? And where does it come from?
In Michigan -- and a few other select states -- you can buy a red, yellow and blue ice cream often called Superman. One WDET listener wants to know the flavors behind this iconic treat and how it came to be. WDET’s Eli Newman digs in to bring you the scoop. Plus, WDET's Laura Herberg interviews Chicago Tribune's Nara Schoenberg on the origin of Blue Moon ice cream. || Read Nara Schoenberg’s reporting on Blue Moon in the Chicago Tribune: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2007-08-31-0708300659-story.html || See Daniel Huffman’s Blue Moon ice cream maps: https://somethingaboutmaps.wordpress.com/2020/11/02/the-quest-for-the-blue-moon/ | | Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious
00:17:02
Jul 13, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
How do you catch fish in the Detroit River? And are they safe to eat?
Listener Jack Nagle knows that it's possible to catch your limit in fish down on the Detroit River, but he hasn't had any luck. For this episode of CuriosiD, WDET's Laura Herberg tries to find out how to fish the Detroit River. She also interviews a toxicologist to find out if the fish are safe to eat. | Eat Safe Fish guides: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/topics/eatsafefish/guides | Story about PFAS in the Detroit River and other water bodies: https://www.bridgedetroit.com/high-levels-of-pfas-great-lakes-fish-detroit/ | Have a question about Detroit? Ask it here: https://wdet.org/curious
00:16:24
Jun 8, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Who was Bagley?
On Detroit's westside there's an area known as the Bagley neighborhood. There's also Bagley Elementary and Bagley Street. But who was Bagley? In this epsisode of CuriosiD, WDET's Sascha Raiyn delves into the history behind the Bagley neighborhood and its namesake. | Have a question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious | Live or work in the Bagley neighborhood, the University District, Martin Park or Fitzgerald? WDET would like to hear from you for a special project we're working on. Please fill out this survey before June 1, 2023: https://wdet.org/live6
00:08:29
May 11, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
What is on Boblo Island today? And what happened to the Boblo boats?
For nearly 100 years there was an amusement park on an island in the Detroit River that you could only get to by boat. Two large steamships, the Columbia and the Ste. Claire, ferried people to Boblo Island. The amusement park closed down in 1993 and now one WDET listener wants to know what's on Boblo Island today... and what happened to the boats? To answer these questions, WDET's Laura Herberg travels to Boblo Island and she also tours one of the steamships with the listener. | Link to Boblo Boats documentary: https://www.bobloboatsfilm.com/ Link to Laura's interview with Boblo Boats director Aaron Schillinger: https://wdet.org/2022/10/11/documentary-follows-the-restoration-of-historic-boblo-boat/ | Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious | Support programming like CuriosiD by giving a tax-deductible donation to WDET at http://wdet.org/give
00:28:45
Apr 13, 2023 5:0 AM
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CuriosiD
Why are there so many Coney Islands in Detroit?
Today, Coney Island restaurants are all over Detroit. These establishments sell Detroit's own specialty hot dog, the Coney Dog. A listener wanted to know why there are so many Coney Islands spread across the city. WDET's Quinn Klinefelter sniffs out the answer. As part of his reporting, he talks to Joe Grimm and Katherine Yung, authors of the book "Coney Detroit." Have your own question about Detroit? Submit it at http://wdet.org/curious Support programming like CuriosiD by giving a tax-deductible donation to WDET at http://wdet.org/give
00:16:04
Mar 9, 2023 5:0 AM
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