It was over 100 years ago when an athletic director genius and visionary named Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan had an idea. It was about intercollegiate athletics for all. One part of that plan was a massive football stadium that was far beyond the scope of anything that had been already constructed or was planned to be constructed. “Ambitious” would have been an understatement for Yosts’ plan. Yet, he believed so firmly, he saw it through. It is now an iconic venue that is recognized world wide. It is as serviceable in 2025, as it was in 1927, and will be for years to come. This is the offspring of the incredible foresight of Fielding H Yost. Dr Robert Soderstrom takes us through the process with an historic tour-de-force book, “The Big House - Fielding H. Yost, and the Building of Michigan Stadium."” Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Robert Soderstrom about Michigan Stadium.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
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50:07
History - Lee's Letter to Davis
Bits and pieces of history that are surprising come from all aspects of historic events. For instance, Robert E Lee, the South's greatest General in the Civil War tendered a resignation letter to his president, Jefferson Davis when the war was still raging. Davis wrote Lee back and refused to accept his resignation. The rest, as they say, is history. But, to experience the anguish of Lee's letter, and the encouraging reply of Davis gives a sense of the desperate time, but also the respect both men had for each other. It's all in this episode of "The Brandy Show."
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
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10:18
History - MacArthur Accepts Japan Surrender
On September 2nd of 1945, the Emperor of Japan surrendered to the Supreme Allied commander, General Douglas MacArthur of the United States. The event took place in Tokyo Bay on the deck of the United States battleship Missouri. It marked the end of one of the bloodiest and deadliest conflicts in world history. For this occasion, MacArthur was compelled by the events that brought the war to an end to speak about the occasion, and the significance it held for the entire globe. This episode of "The Brandy Show" features both speeches as transcribed by historians who were present that day on the Missouri. MacArthur's remarks are read by the producer of this podcast, Jim Brandstatter.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
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9:01
Commentary - Gambling, The New Normal
Gambling has been looking for a foothold to invade the world of professional and college sports for a very long time. You can go back to the Black Sox scandal in major league baseball way back in 1919 as an example. But now, gambling enjoys seats in the front row. It used to be available only in Vegas or shady store fronts. Now they advertise for your bets on our TV's and radio's. Gambling is a major sponsor for the games they hope people will bet on so they can make their profits from the losing bettors. The whole scenario prompted me to write this commentary back in 2023, and now you can hear it in this episode of the Brandy Show.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
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7:29
History - Mark Twain's Alphabet
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain is one of America's literary treasures. Not only a great writer of classics like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, Twain was an essayist, humorist and wonderful speaker. He would, and could converse on just about any topic. From politics, to the arts, to literature, to journalism, to history, Twain was never boring. With an acerbic yet playful style, he played his audiences and readers like a maestro, and had them loving every word by the time he was finished. This speech to the New York Engineers Club in 1907 honoring Andrew Carnegie is an example of his talents as he takes on the English language and its sometimes confusing foundational spelling practices.
Be sure to visit all past episodes of "The Brandy Show." There is a wealth of content covering a number of topics and formats that may interest you. Tell your friends to stop by to visit, listen and hopefully subscribe. This show was produced by Jim Brandstatter in studio's in Michigan and Florida.
The Voice of U of M Wolverine Football talks sports and much more with his friends and contacts from 50 years in broadcasting. In addition, Jim relives singular moments in history in his unique narrative style. Past commentaries and opinion essays are part of the mix in this diverse and "one of a kind" podcast. Enjoy!
Canada - english