Voices of the Vessel
This podcast is dedicated to highlighting the people and Voices from over the years who have made the BADGER what she is today – as she is celebrating 70 years of service. The people who have dedicated their lives to keeping her going and wouldn’t have it any other way. The family members who grew up in a time when the livelihood of the community depended on the Carferries that now have the BADGER as a reminder of their loved ones. The dedicated crew that comes into work each day and look forward to continuing her legacy to the next generation.Voices of the Vessel is a celebration of 70 years of the BADGER. Join in each week as we hear stories that highlight and honor her past while showcasing her bright future. Hear from crew and community members of the past, current day, and possibly future. Reach out to us at media@ssbadger.com with any stories or questions you have!
Episodes
16 episodes
Episode 15 - BADGER Dock System with Andy VerVelde
The BADGER is a very unique vessel and her docking system is no exception. One of our Chief Engineers, Andy VerVelde, joins us as we talk about the history of docks, how it operates, and how the docks have updated over the years. We appreciate ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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34:14
Episode 14 - Overnight Sailings
Stargazing, sunsets, sunrises and more await you on the overnight sailing on the BADGER. Relax and experience Lake Michigan while listening to the water and sounds of the ship. After a three-year hiatus, the Crew of the BADGER is ecstatic to br...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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17:41
Episode 13 - Erick Kahlenberg
Time and time again, we hear that the BADGER's horn is the sound of summer. Everyone knows her sound, but did you know that her horn originated in Two Rivers, WI? Kahlenberg Industries is well known for Marine Signaling across the United States...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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42:49
Episode 12 - Art Chavez
When it comes to Carferry history, Art Chavez is the historian to know. A Milwaukee native, he began riding and researching the ferries at a young age and has never looked back. He's written multiple books and just released the second edition o...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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53:55
Episode 11 - BADGER K9 Teams
Over the years, the BADGER has benefited from having K9 search dogs who serve to keep everyone safe. Our dogs, Mika and Dara, have served for 8 and 7 years respectively, and this past year we were delighted to introduce our two newest K9 team m...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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37:10
Episode 10 - Mike Braybrook
Mike Braybrook is retired from the Engine Room on the BADGER and got his start while working for the C & O Railway. During his tenure onboard, he learned a lot and experienced some neat things. Listen to some of his favorite memories and wh...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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36:57
Episode 9 - Kevin Diedrich
Kevin Diedrich is the only known BADGER employee who has worked every position in the Engine Room and today is a Chief Engineer. A Manitowoc native, he originally didn't have the BADGER on his radar. He has spent more than 20 years as a vital p...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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29:56
Episode 8 - Justin Nickels
Justin Nickels has been the Mayor of Manitowoc since 2009 and has spent the last 18 years in public service to his hometown. In fact, when he became the Mayor in 2009, he was the youngest full-time Mayor in the Country. Learn more about Manitow...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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35:44
Episode 7 - Mitch & Becky Foster
Mitch Foster has been the Ludington City Manager since 2019. He grew up in the area and moved away but was happy to come back and raise his family in Ludington. His wife, Becky, is from Wisconsin and the BADGER has become an integral part of th...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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35:05
Episode 6 - Joe Fischer
Joe Fischer has a storied career of ship building on the Great Lakes - all starting in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Retired from Bay Engineering, he got his start working for the Christy Corporation and helped design and start the build of what would beco...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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37:09
Episode 5 - Thom Hawley
At the tail end of 1991, Thom Hawley joined the newly created Lake Michigan Carferry to be the Director of Public Relations. His job entailed many things, including preserving history about the BADGER and Carferries. He also helped her gain new...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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44:12
Episode 4 - Todd "Scoop" Hansen
Todd Hansen has been known for his jokes and sports trivia onboard the BADGER for the past 18 seasons while calling games of World Famous BADGER Bingo. He is excited to be celebrating his 19th season during the 70th year anniversary. Listen mor...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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50:38
Episode 3 - Courtney Hansen and Brandy Miller
Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin are the wonderful port cities for the BADGER. Today’s episode features Courtney Hansen, Director of Tourism for Visit Manitowoc and Brandy Miller, Executive Director for the Ludington Area Convention...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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44:20
Episode 2 - Mark Barker
Mark Barker is the President and CEO of Interlake Maritime Services, the parent company to Lake Michigan Carferry, the BADGER. With a great reputation on the Great Lakes, Interlake is a family company that takes pride in providing exceptional s...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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30:50
Episode 1 - Audrey Robertson Boals
Audrey Robertson Boals is a women who lives in Ludington and sailing is in her blood. Her father, Bernard Robertson also known as "Bunny", was the original Captain of the BADGER. He took her out on her Maiden Voyage on March 21st, 1953 from Man...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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38:36
