Mike opens by introducing the song “Helloapocalypse” from the acoustic string-instrument group playing a blend of rap/bluegrass. He briefly discusses the sponsor—Leonard Peikoff—and his podcast on objectivism (via peikoff.com) and encourages listeners to check it out. Mike and his wife Kathy recently traveled to Farmington Hills/Novi (Detroit area) for Kathy’s convention. They drove their new car (a slightly upgraded Camry/Celera) down Friday. Friday night: relaxed in the hotel, had dinner at a hotel pub. Saturday: Breakfast in-room; Kathy went to the expo center; Mike visited a big firearms dealer “Guns Galore” in Fenton, MI but found it too crowded to browse handguns well. Saturday evening: Went into downtown Detroit, visited the MGM Grand Casino — found it extremely crowded with $15 minimum blackjack tables, so they moved on to check out Greektown Casino (though parking was a hassle). Ended up at a bar on 8 Mile (burger & gyro place) recommended by a friend — good food and fun alternative. Sunday: A relaxing breakfast at a local Coney Island place near the hotel; Mike lounged, read his Kindle, surfed the Internet; later went to an Italian restaurant (recommended by the same friend) — Mike had a garlic-seafood pasta, Kathy had chicken Parmesan, and the salad dressing was “to die for.” Monday (Valentine’s Day): While in Detroit, they visited the pawn shop featured on reality show Hardcore Pawn (American Jewelry & Loan on 8 Mile) to pick out a sterling silver ring for Kathy. They got to meet Les (the show’s owner) at checkout. Mike then drops into a bit of “podcasting behind-the-scenes” talk: He discovered issues with his USB interface (Gryphon iMic) causing noise → now recording into an external Sony recorder instead of directly into computer. His mixer (Behringer ZENIX UB802 Eurorack) is dying (FX bus died); he’s getting a new 16-channel mixer from his friend Jim Farley for a future in-studio live recording of “What’s Up With That?” He notes some audio hiccups: crackle in headphones, better sound on speakers, and invites feedback from listeners. To close: he asks listeners to support the show via his website (mikedell.com), via Bluehost hosting banner, Audible free audiobook banner, eFax banner, and a reminder to check the sponsor Leonard Peikoff’s podcast. ✅ Takeaways The trip to Detroit/Novi was a blend of business (Kathy’s expo) + pleasure (casual touring/eating) and Mike gives a realistic, non-glamorous travel rundown (hotel dinners, big casinos, pawn shops). A good mix of personal anecdote + geek-podcaster/equipment talk (the audio setup breakdown) shows authenticity. The episode offers varied content: personal lives, travel, gear talk, rather than a single focused theme. Sponsorship disclosure is clear and woven in naturally.
