TapTalk: Amy & Gonzo – Want a Job Where All You Do Is Eat and Drink? Behind the Mitten Stories

TapTalk: Want a job where all you do is eat and drink?

Behind the Mitten has been known to eat 200 pizzas in 13 days. And visit 30 breweries in less than three weeks! Could you?

We’re honored to host the dynamic duo of Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez, the co-hosts and co-creators of Behind the Mitten, Michigan’s premier travel radio show and podcast. BTM has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as the best weekend specialty show three times (2016, 2017 and 2024). Along with the radio show, they are also known for traveling the state in search of the best pizza, tacos, doughnuts, French fries, burgers, Bloody Marys, and more.

Come meet Amy and Gonzo as they share stories from the road and about working together as a team.

Getting to know Amy and Gonzo

John is a journalist with more than 35 years of experience. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where he is also a member of their Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a huge Detroit Tigers fan. He loves doughnuts. And he loves the regional food history of Michigan favorites like pasties, coneys, wet burritos and olive burgers. He’s originally from Capac, a small town in Michigan’s lower thumb.

Amy has over 20 years of experience as a chef in the Grand Rapids area, cooking her way through restaurants and with her business Two Chicks and an Oven. She hosted the statewide television series “The Great American Brew Trail,” where she tasted her way across Michigan. Currently a freelance writer, she still focuses on beer and food. She is a graduate of Aquinas College, a Downriver rat, loves craft beer, and will never turn down good poutine.

What to Expect at This TapTalk

Stories, stories and more stories. Like, how do you eat 7 chicken dinners in one day? How do you survive a “suicide wings challenge” when you feel like you’re going to die? How do you rally on the last stop of the day when you feel like you can’t shove another slice of pizza in your face? And how to wake up and do it all over again the next day!

When They Are Not On the Road

Amy loves to read and always has a book in her face. She and her husband also own Farmlink, a thriving food co-op in Grand Rapids that has transformed how farmers reach local restaurants with fresh produce and goods.

Gonzo recently took a job as the communications director for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw where he oversees the website, social media, print magazine and podcasts. He and his wife just welcomed twin granddaughters, making it a total of six, with one more on the way.

Join Us at Bière de Mac Brew Works

Relax in our taproom or beer garden. Enjoy our award-winning French and Belgian-style ales. Then, listen to Amy and Gonzo share their road stories. You can meet them both, ask questions, and connect with fellow locals. This is a great chance to support Mackinaw City events and learn about conservation.

Reasons to attend:

• Hear some unbelievable stories about what it’s like to travel the entire state of Michigan.

• Get tips on planning your next big roadtrip, especially to explore some hidden gems that don’t get as much attention in the media.

• Sip great craft beer in a welcoming space.

No tickets needed—just show up! Bring friends, your foodie questions, and let’s celebrate a dynamic team that also loves Northern Michigan! See you at TapTalk!

Bière de Mac Brew Works

If you have further questions you can always go to the Behind the Mitten Facebook page here.

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