Leslie Hamp,
Storyteller
My Storytelling Passion Project
For the past 40 years, I've had the priviledge to hear and tell stories about amazing women and men exploring their passions, leading with purpose, and making a difference. Whether in written and audio form, it's been so inspiring. That's why storytelling remains my ongoing Passion Project. Here are a few pieces aired on Interlochen Public Radio. Enjoy!
Fresh Coast Creatives: Embroidering Through Recovery
Artist and musician Dana Falconberry was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2022. Throughout her treatment and recovery, she focused on creating visual art to process the fragile dance between life and death. Leslie Hamp has her story this week on Fresh Coast Creatives. CLICK HERE to listen. Photo Credit: Susan Tusa
Bluebird Landlord & Bander
Greg Miller maintains dozens of nesting boxes for bluebirds across a 20-mile stretch. He also bands the birds. In fact, in the past 10 years, he's banded 20 percent of all the bluebirds banded in Michigan. The data acquired from the bands aids research on bird behavior, migration patterns, lifespan, disease and habitat threats. CLICK HERE to listen to his story.
Guide to Spring Flowers & Birds
The warm days this week have birds arriving in huge waves, and wildflowers are popping up everywhere. Brian Allen, a local birding expert from Manistee, says we’re in the peak of Spring migration with big fronts of tropical birds arriving daily. CLICK HERE to listen.
Mother-Son Team Develop Zero Proof Elixers
Over the past few years, non-alcoholic beverages have boomed nationwide. Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, says he’s hearing reports of growth by as much as 20 percent. Non-alcoholic products still only make up about one percent of the alcohol market, but entrepreneurs like Loghan Call and his mother, Naomi, see a huge opportunity to create something different. CLICK HERE to listen.
On The Job: Carrying On A 100-Year Tradition
At Mikowski’s Meat Market in Interlochen, they expect to process up to 1,000 deer this year. That’s 12,000 pounds of venison. Owner Roger Mikowski says processing a deer is an art, a skill and a passion. Leslie Hamp has the story of this non-hunting family who carries on a tradition more than 100 years old. LISTEN HERE.
Business Is Booming For Wreath-Maker
For many people in northern Michigan, the holiday season means decorating. Lots of it. Trees … Christmas cookies … light displays … and wreaths. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp meets up with a Frankfort man who’s been making and decorating holiday wreaths for nearly 20 years. Take a listen RIGHT HERE.
Trying Out Winter Olympic Sports
Hal Sorstokke from Honor has a goal to try out every Olympic sport before the winter games begin. Today he ties up his ice skates to try hockey. CLICK HERE to listen.
Up-Close Encounter With The Largest Birds In Michigan
Brian Allen had an unforgettable moment with Sandhill Cranes a few years back. It’s a tale so wild … he wonders if anyone would believe him. Reporter Leslie Hamp does … and she has his story RIGHT HERE.
Lucy To The Rescue
Lucy Voss of Traverse City is an avid birder. When she came across a struggling mallard wrapped in plastic, she went right into the water to rescue her. Leslie Hamp, Red Pine Radio producer, meets her at the site of the heroic rescue. CLICK HERE to listen.
Ice Fishing, No Matter The Weather
No matter the weather, Westley Allen, a fishing guide, is out on a lake — even in his off hours from Westside Fly Guide. Leslie Hamp, Red Pine Radio producer, meets up with him to find out why he's out on a bitter cold and windy day. CLICK HERE to listen.
Heart Stones Remind Traverse City Woman To Choose Love Over Fear
Mary Van Valin has a habit of walking the beach ... looking for something. It’s a ritual which has become even more important during the pandemic. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has the story RIGHT HERE.
Art Installation ‘Birds Fly In: A Human Refuge’
In 2017, artist Ellie Harold was stuck in traffic in Atlanta. There was road rage all around her, and she started feeling it bubble up inside of her too. She asked herself, “Wouldn’t it be great if people could just have a place to go for a time out?” And so she built one. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.
Coming Home
When the pandemic hit, Heather Aldridge wasn’t sure she’d ever get out of India. She was trapped in a hotel for three weeks longing to see her family, friends and Lake Michigan. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.
She's Known As The Silver Fox Of Fencing
Julia Kline went back to fencing so she could spend more time with her teenage daughter. Now she’s ranked nationally at the age of 56. Her coach says she is becoming what is known in the sport as a silver fox and younger male fencers underestimate her. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.
80 Pounds Lighter & Never Going Back
John Vinkemulder was overweight most of his adult life. Then eight years ago his doctor told him he was close to becoming diabetic. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp meets up with John at a Burger King to find out how he turned things around with a plant-based diet. Take a listen RIGHT HERE.
50 Years Later: Three Artists Reunite For Show
At a time when many their age have retired, three northern Michigan artists are reuniting for a multimedia exhibit. They were the stars of the art department at Traverse City Central High School 50 years ago. Now they're getting back together and seeing each other in a whole new light. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has their story RIGHT HERE.
TC Skier Finds Healing On The Trail
Many of the best cross-country skiers in Michigan will line up in Traverse City for the 43rd annual North American Vasa ski races. Anders Gillis, who won the 34-kilometer classic race last year, will be among them. Anders was not always in shape for a ski marathon. After a personal tragedy, the lifelong athlete fell into depression and put on significant weight. Red Pine Radio producer has his story RIGHT HERE.
Unconventional Music Student Follows Passion
Bob Tarkington always wanted to go to music school. So when he retired, he decided to do just that. He's now a senior in a jazz studies program in Georgia and says it’s easy to spot him in his school choir: just look for the student with a shock of white hair. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has his story RIGHT HERE.
Prosopagnosia: More common than you think
Imagine not always being able to recognize the faces of the people in your life. For Benzonia resident Cheryl Bartz, it's something she has to deal with daily. It's a condition called prosopagnosia – also called face blindness – and it's more common than you think. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.