MLive reporters collectively write as many as 1,000 stories per week, so even the most avid reader is going to miss some news or information that they might find interesting.
That’s why we strive to offer different ways to access the news you want in the format you prefer, whether it’s via smartphone apps, social media feeds or newsletters. One approach you may not know about is our weekly update podcast called Michigan News from MLive.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who listen to podcasts regularly, you’ll want to add this to your playlist. Hosted by audio producer Patrick Shea, Michigan News from MLive is a lively 25 to 30 minutes of discussion with MLive reporters who have written some of the most interesting stories of the past week.
“I really tried to make it a conversation – these reporters aren't scripting what they say to me,” said Shea. “I write some loose questions about what they did and we like to keep it moving along.”
A new episode drops every Friday. The latest featured reporter Lindsay Moore talking about settlements to end the United Auto Workers strike; meteorologist Mark Torregrossa giving his winter weather outlook; reporter Rose White explaining why all the workers quit at a Dollar General store in Holland; and reporter Matthew Miller discussing his story on small college using offbeat sports to attract students.
The conversational format is easy to listen to and convenient – you can listen while you’re making dinner, getting ready for work or driving in your car. And the episodes are easy to access: Simply subscribe to Michigan News from MLive on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or ask your Alexa or Google Home device to “play Michigan News from MLive.”
Shea has a lot to choose from each week – we regularly cover local and state news, entertainment, weather, travel and high school, college and pro sports. And he tries to go for a mix that is not only informative, but that will set Michigan News from MLive apart from podcasts that feature only news or delve into only one topic.
“I focus on what’s big for Michigan – what might someone in Escanaba or Flint be interested in hearing, even if it's happening in Jackson? Is this an issue that not just this community is facing, but that's happening all over the place?”
Shea came to MLive this summer from Interlochen Public Radio, where he began working after graduate school in Montana. He had a particular interest in environmental topics and did reporting as well as hosting “All Things Considered” several days each week.
He lives in Honor, and that northern Michigan perspective helps him take a broad view of what might interest residents in all corners of the state.
“I'm hoping this is a place where you can come and get a quick rundown of everything going into the weekend,” Shea said. “I want the show to help people appreciate the state they live in and connect them to the reporters we have at MLive.”
