Points North is an award-winning podcast about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes. Through narrative, sound-rich journalism that is deeply rooted in a sense of place, each episode entertains, informs, and surprises listeners everywhere.

Episode List

For the Fun of the Surf

Mar 3rd, 2026 5:41 AM

In northwest Indiana, there’s a 20-mile stretch of Lake Michigan that’s dominated by industry. It’s some of the dirtiest water in the lake, but it's also home to some of the biggest waves anywhere on the Great Lakes. Despite the pollution, there’s a dedicated group of surfers who keep flocking to this area. And one day, after a really big chemical spill from one of the factories, the surfers decide to do something about it._______________________If you enjoy this episode, please text it to a friend! Help us get Points North out to more ears...Join the Points North Fan Club today! For just $5/month, you can support the show you love, and we'll send you some cool Points North goodies in return.Subscribe to the Points North Newsletter for more Great Lakes news. And follow us on Instagram.

Crying Over Spilled Sewage

Feb 17th, 2026 6:00 AM

Kevin Shafer is obsessed with rain. As the head of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, it’s his job to be. But when a thousand-year storm comes out of nowhere and dumps over a foot of rain, Kevin is faced with a decision: send sewage into people’s basements or into Lake Michigan. _______________________If you enjoy this episode, please text it to a friend! Help us get Points North out to more ears...Join the Points North Fan Club today! For just $5/month, you can support the show you love, and we'll send you some cool Points North goodies in return.Subscribe to the Points North Newsletter for more Great Lakes news. And follow us on Instagram.

Finding Hope at Rock Bottom

Feb 3rd, 2026 6:00 AM

Rock hunting holds a special place in Joyce Fetrow’s heart. Years ago, she battled alcoholism that drove her to some dark places. Now, Joyce dedicates her life to helping others find recovery, and says rocks remind her of that journey and inspire her to keep on track with her sobriety._______________________If you enjoy this episode, please text it to a friend! Help us get Points North out to more ears...Join the Points North Fan Club today! For just $5/month, you can support the show you love, and we'll send you some cool Points North goodies in return.Subscribe to the Points North Newsletter for more Great Lakes news. And follow us on Instagram.

An Olympic Dream

Jan 21st, 2026 12:47 AM

When U.P. snowboarder Nick Baumgartner lost in a qualifying round at the 2022 Olympics, he broke down on national TV. It was his fourth Olympics, he’d never medaled, and he was 40 years old. He might not get another shot at a medal. But then he got some news._______________________If you enjoy this episode, please text it to a friend! Help us get Points North out to more ears...Join the Points North Fan Club today! For just $5/month, you can support the show you love, and we'll send you some cool Points North goodies in return.Subscribe to the Points North Newsletter for more Great Lakes news. And follow us on Instagram.

Going, Going, Gone

Jan 6th, 2026 7:13 AM

It’s auction day in Rogers City, Michigan. Along a county highway lined with pine trees, another family sawmill quietly peels itself off the map._______________________If you enjoy this episode, please text it to a friend! Help us get Points North out to more ears...Join the Points North Fan Club today! For just $5/month, you can support the show you love, and we'll send you some cool Points North goodies in return.Subscribe to the Points North Newsletter for more Great Lakes news. And follow us on Instagram.

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