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Artwork for Points North

Points North | Great Lakes. Great Stories.

A Great Lakes Podcast
Great Lakes
Lake Superior
Michigan
Wisconsin
Microplastics
Lake Huron
Invasive Species
Blue Moon Ice Cream
Chicago
Environmental Conservation
Burt Lake Band Of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
Nick Baumgartner
University Of Michigan
Snowboard Cross
Arson
Kayaking
Mount Baldy
Environmental Research
Winter Hiking
Crown Prince Akihito

An award-winning podcast about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. Each episode is a mini-documentary for your ears, with narrative, sound-rich journalism that's deeply rooted in a sense of place.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes167Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsNatural SciencesScience

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Artwork for Points North

Latest Episodes

Iceland has figured out how to use almost 100% of every fish caught – not just the filet. By making things like durable leather, beauty products and skin graft bandages, it’s increased the value of Atlantic cod from about $15 to over $5,000. Can this... more

Cheryl Steele didn’t want sleep. She once stayed up for 26 hours, just to avoid it. Because every time she drifted off, she dreamed she was in the middle of a storm on Lake Huron, clinging to a canoe with three of her friends. The reason she was havi... more

Brick is beautiful, and it’s full of all these hidden stories. At least that’s what Will Quam wants to convince you of on his tour of Chicago brick.

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If you enjoy this episode, please text it to a friend! Help us get Points N... more

Something is killing moose calves deep in the woods of northeast Minnesota. The clues left behind are scarce: flecks of blood, bits of flesh, bone splinters. So to get answers, scientists are turning to dogs.

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If you enjoy th... more

Key Facts

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Contact Information
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Recent Guests

Will Quam
Brick of Chicago tour guide, architecture photographer and historian
Brick of Chicago
Episode: Talking to a Brick Wall
Anna Weesies
Biologist for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Grand Portage Band
Episode: The Moose Dog
Dr. Cindy Otto
Director at the Center for Working Dogs, University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Episode: The Moose Dog
Stu Hoyg
Handler/trainer coordinating Wheeler on site
Private wildlife field operations
Episode: The Moose Dog
Matthew Danger-Lipman
Central figure in the band Brimstone Blondes, songwriter and frontman
Brimstone Blondes (former)
Episode: The Brimstone Blondes’ Staircase to Stardom
Madeline Crisbell
Curator at the Chicago Maritime Museum
Chicago Maritime Museum
Episode: Presenting Curious City: The Deadliest Shipwreck in Great Lakes History
Becky Mason
Local resident interviewed at gas station/hardware store
Episode: When Bigfoot Finds You
Chris Blewett
Local resident interviewed at gas station/hardware store
Episode: When Bigfoot Finds You
Eric Jansen
Local resident interviewed at gas station/hardware store
Episode: When Bigfoot Finds You

Host

Dan Wonshura
Host of Points North, primary on-air presenter and producer

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 498 ratings
  • Perfect

    Points North is a perfect blend of joyful celebrations, fascinating facts, & in-depth research. I feel at home when I listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RockfordSuzy
    United States2 months ago
  • Blah blah blah

    Infuriating, one of those podcasts where the hosts blab on and on and take tangents and then at the end wimp out and don’t even have anything interesting to say- see the Blue Moon ice cream episode as a disappointing example. Waste of time

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Bekstayo
    United States4 months ago
  • So good!

    As a newer inhabitant of the Great Lakes (Erie), I’m so glad I came across this podcast. I’ve loved learning more about the region and this is a podcast I can listen to with my 8 year old. She especially enjoyed Dan’s turtle episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LakeDuck098
    United States7 months ago
  • Love Michigan

    I love hearing all the stories about Michigan being a Michigan under myself. It teaches me about history and keeps me informed about our state. Thanks for all the work you do and for your shared passion of the state.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chelsie DeLong
    United States7 months ago
  • Quintessential & Nostalgic Stories of the Great Lakes

    Growing up in the Great Lakes region, born and raised in Green Bay, then moving to the Driftless Region, and later relocating to the Twin Cities before settling in Wyoming, this podcast has me reliving and appreciating what makes the area so special. The Points North podcast has great storytellers and high-quality production. I look forward to tuning in to each new episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jenna Lewins
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many reviews highlight production quality and engaging guests, with several listeners describing the episodes as informative, moving, and well-paced.
Some criticism centers on pacing or tangents in certain episodes, suggesting a preference for tighter focus in future topics.
Listeners praise the show's thorough research and strong storytelling, often noting how regional history and environmental topics come to life.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Presenting HISTORY This Week: William Parker’s War on Slave Catchers
Q: What sparked William Parker's decision to take action in Lancaster?
Historical context shows Parker's community mobilized after the Fugitive Slave Act, convinced that existing laws would not protect Black families, leading to organized self-defense as a means to preserve freedom.
Presenting Up From Dust: Can We Save Millions of Migrating Birds?
Q: This night when a thousand birds died, can you tell me about that?
David described how he stumbled upon a shocking scene of hundreds of dead and injured birds at McCormick Place due to light pollution.
Between Myth and Migration
Q: Why do the sightings seem to be so frequent in Hillsborough?
The specific terrain and habitat in the Driftless region provide ample hiding spots and resources for wildcats, according to residents like Steve.
Between Myth and Migration
Q: What do you think is the reason the state hasn't acknowledged the presence of black cougars?
Steve believes the lack of acknowledgment by the DNR relates to preservation concerns that would come with classifying black cougars as an endangered resource.
Some Things Never Change
Q: Do you have any tips for somebody who's never written in one of these Porcupine Mountain log books?
Just start writing, even if it feels boring at first, because eventually your mind will rebel at the boredom and you will write something meaningful.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Points North

What is Points North about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A narrative-driven, mini-documentary style show focuses on the Great Lakes region, weaving science, history, environment, and local culture into immersive reporting. Episodes center on real people—scientists, historians, maritime explorers, community activists, and residents—sharing on-the-ground perspectives, data-driven investigations, and sense-of-place storytelling. Notable strengths include rigorous research, high production value, and a knack for turning complex topics (ecology, policy, heritage) into accessible narratives. The program often features field reporting, archival context, and collaborations with regional institutions, making it a strong fit for listeners who enjoy deep dives with tangible regional relevance and a storytel... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Points North?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Points North:

1. Outside/In
2. Sidedoor
3. This American Life
4. The Dirtbag Diaries
5. Throughline

How many episodes of Points North are there?

Points North launched 8 years ago and published 167 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Points North?

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What guests have appeared on Points North?

Recent guests on Points North include:

1. Will Quam
2. Anna Weesies
3. Dr. Cindy Otto
4. Stu Hoyg
5. Matthew Danger-Lipman
6. Madeline Crisbell
7. Becky Mason
8. Chris Blewett

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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