Épisodes

  • Guardians of Detroit: The Story Behind Wayne State’s Fantastic Four
    Dec 9 2025
    Dec. 9, 2025 ~ Journey to Wayne State University on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight as we uncover the story behind the “Fantastic Four”—towering stone figures that once guarded Detroit’s original City Hall. Carved in the 1880s by Julius Melchers, these statues honor four French pioneers who shaped the city’s foundation: Cadillac, Marquette, La Salle, and Father Gabriel Richard. Tune in for more from Dr. Robert Livernois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 min
  • Palmer Park: Detroit’s Hidden Green Legacy
    Dec 2 2025
    Dec. 2, 2025 ~ Step into Detroit’s green heart on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, as we explore Palmer Park—a sprawling oasis just off Woodward Avenue, south of Seven Mile Road. Gifted to the city in 1893 by Senator Thomas Palmer, this 200-acre park was designed by none other than Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. With wooded trails, serene waters, and open meadows, Palmer Park offered a breath of fresh air to a city on the brink of industrial boom. Tune in for more from Dr. Robert Livernois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 min
  • Thanksgiving Origins: Detroit Football Uncovered
    Nov 25 2025
    Nov. 25, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into Detroit’s storied sports tradition on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, tracing the roots of a Thanksgiving ritual that began in 1934. That year, as the city thrummed with auto factories and radio waves, a new roar rose from a patch of turf at the University of Detroit—the Detroit Lions’ first Thanksgiving Day game. Today, Ford Field carries that legacy, built on history both athletic and architectural: its very bricks include remnants of the old Hudson’s department store, once a titan of Detroit commerce and sponsor of the city’s iconic Thanksgiving parade. Tune in for a story of vision, resilience, and the hidden threads that bind Detroit’s past to its present. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 min
  • Brick by Brick: The Legacy of the Moross House
    Nov 11 2025
    Nov. 11, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps back into Detroit’s early days on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, visiting one of the city’s oldest surviving homes: the Moross House. Nestled on East Jefferson Avenue, just a short walk from the Renaissance Center, this modest brick structure has stood since the 1840s—long before the roar of engines or the rise of skyscrapers. Built by French bricklayer Victor Moross and his son Christopher, the house is a rare example of Greek Revival architecture in Detroit, crafted with hand-laid red brick and lime mortar. Tune in for a story of legacy, preservation, and enduring beauty. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    6 min
  • From Sailors to Souls: The Enduring Mission of Mariners’ Church
    Nov 4 2025
    Nov. 4, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into the maritime soul of Detroit to uncover a sanctuary that has weathered centuries of change—both literally and figuratively. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the Old Mariners’ Church, a Gothic stone landmark nestled beside Hart Plaza and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Founded in the 1840s through the vision and generosity of Julia Ann Anderson, the church was built to serve Great Lakes sailors in need of shelter, sustenance, and spiritual care. Tune in for a story of maritime legacy, architectural marvel, and the enduring echoes of compassion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    6 min
  • Canvas of a City: The Story of the DIA
    Oct 28 2025
    Oct. 28, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois journeys into the cultural heart of Detroit to explore a landmark that’s more than just a museum—it’s a symbol of the city’s soul. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, affectionately known as the DIA. From its humble beginnings in 1888 as the Detroit Museum of Art to its transformation into a world-class institution, the DIA has mirrored Detroit’s rise, struggles, and resilience. Tune in for a story of artistic legacy, civic pride, and the quiet power of community action. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    7 min
  • The Power Behind the Punch
    Oct 21 2025
    Oct. 21, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois steps into the heart of downtown Detroit to uncover the story behind one of the city’s most powerful monuments: the Joe Louis Fist. On this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight, we visit the 24-foot-long bronze sculpture suspended over Jefferson Avenue—a tribute to the legendary boxer known as the Brown Bomber. Commissioned by the Detroit Institute of Arts and sculpted by Robert Graham, the Fist is more than a symbol of athletic prowess; it’s a monument to justice, resilience, and Detroit’s fight against racial inequality. Tune in for a story of strength, symbolism, and the enduring legacy of a Detroit icon. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 min
  • Built to Move: The Legacy of Ford’s Piquette Plant
    Oct 14 2025
    Oct. 14, 2025 ~ Dr. Robert Livernois rolls back the clock to the birthplace of the Motor City’s automotive revolution: the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant on this episode of Hidden in Plain Sight. Located in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction, just a few miles up Brush Street from Ford Field, this unassuming brick building helped launch a global industry. Built in 1904, it was Ford Motor Company’s first purpose-built factory—featuring fireproofing innovations, hand-built cars, and a rooftop water tank that was ahead of its time. Today, visitors can walk the same floors where the automotive age began. Listen in for a story of invention, grit, and the Detroit spirit that changed the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 min