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. Enjoy — and email me your thoughts HERE.
Bluebird Landlord & Bander
Greg Miller maintains dozens of nesting boxes for bluebirds across a 20-mile stretch of Benzie County. He's working with 47 boxes, most on private property and some are on state land. Miller 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. The 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 This Holiday Season
For many people in northern Michigan, the holiday season means decorating. Lots of it. Trees … Christmas cookies … light displays … and wreaths. Today meet a Frankfort man who’s been making and decorating holiday wreaths for nearly 20 years. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp reports 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
As summer shifts to fall … some birds in northern Michigan are preparing for their annual migration. For Sandhill Cranes, that means putting on a little extra weight to help fuel their move. Brian Allen had an unforgettable moment with Sandhill Cranes a few years back. He’s from Manistee and has been birding for decades. 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
ucy 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. In this sonic ID (aka station identification), she takes Leslie Hamp, Red Pine Radio producer, to 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 in Baldwin, Michigan. In this sonic ID (aka station identification), he shares his passion with Leslie Hamp, Red Pine Radio producer. It's a bitter cold and windy day on Crystal Lake, but that doesn't stop Westley from fishing. CLICK HERE to listen.
Heart Stones Remind Traverse City Woman To Choose Love Over Fear
A lot of people are getting out and enjoying nature during the pandemic. One Traverse City woman has a habit of walking the beach ... looking for something. It’s a ritual which has become even more important during days of uncertainty. 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 in Traverse City says she is becoming what is known in the sport as a silver fox. "She may not look like she is dangerous but she will beat younger male fencers because they 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. He’d eat a lot and exercise minimally. 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. One of those skiers is local resident Anders Gillis, who won the 34-kilometer classic race last year. 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 the Frankfort summer resident retired, he decided to do just that. It took two tries to get accepted, but now Tarkington is a senior in a jazz studies program in Georgia. He 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.

And A Cool Story about Me... By Kandace Chapple for Traverse Magazine, August 2020

Leslie Hamp
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