Radio Made in Michigan

A Michigan filmmaker is taking her romantic comedy on the festival circuit, including a screening tonight at the Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York.

“Detroit Unleaded” focuses on the personalities who come and go at a gas station in the Motor City.

The movie’s writer, director and producer Rola Nashaf grew up on the west side of Lansing. She emigrated with her family from Lebanon at the age of five. The Waverly High School graduate moved to Detroit after college.

For years, eating disorders such as bulimia and the binge / purge subtype of anorexia were thought to be connected to cultural and psychological pressures, especially among girls and women.  But a new study by a Michigan State University psychologist indicates binge eating may have biological roots.  Dr. Kelly Klump concludes that female rats are more likely to binge eat than males.  Her work could influence the science of eating disorders in humans. She spoke with Current State host Mark Bashore.

Yesterday on Current State, WKAR’s Peter Whorf brought us part one of his interview with author John Rosengren about his new book, "Hank Greenberg: The Hero of Heroes". 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Hall of Famer’s rookie season.

Peter and John’s Monday discussion focused on Hank’s early career and the socially and politically turbulent times of the 1930’s.

Today on Current State: the expansion of Jackson National Life Insurance’s headquarter in Lansing; chef and author Anthony Bourdain coming to the Red Haven; Detroit Tiger’s Hank Greenberg; and Lansing’s business news with MLive’s Angela Wittrock.  

Last week, company officials from Jackson National Life Insurance, alongside Gov. Rick Snyder and mayor Virg Bernero, announced a proposed $100-million expansion of its headquarters near Lansing. The project has rekindled an interesting discussion on marketing Lansing as a hub of the insurance industry.  Four insurers-Auto Owners, Jackson National, the Accident Fund and Farm Bureau Insurance-already employ at least 5,500 people in Lansing, according to the Lansing Economic Area Partnership.  The expansion plan, if it proceeds, would add about another 1,000.  

Chef and author Anthony Bourdain has a new globetrotting TV show called “Parts Unknown” on CNN. On Tuesday, he brings his “Guts and Glory” speaking tour to MSU’s Wharton Center. After his talk, he’ll join 150 people for a VIP event at Red Haven, a new restaurant in Okemos.

In the spring of 1933, a young ballplayer from the Bronx named Hank Greenberg began his rookie campaign with the Detroit Tigers. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tiger legend’s first season. Greenberg's storied career is celebrated not only for his excellence on the diamond but also for the adversity Hammerin' Hank overcame during one of the world's most turbulent periods.

 MLive's Lansing beat reporter Angela Wittrock joins Current State every Monday for a rundown of the latest news about the local economy, business and development. Today, she talks with Current State host Mark Bashore about the delayed Market Place project in downtown Lansing, a new food business in Old Town, and the future of convention business in Detroit. 

Michigan State University year-end update

Matt Ludtke hosts another addition of SportsTalk, and recaps the great night in sports. The Detroit Red Wings finish the Anaheim Ducks in overtime to even up the series, and Ludtke has all the analysis.  Draymond Green’s career high propels the Warriors past the Nuggets, and other NBA teams made a big splash.  Matt also discusses the possible strategy in the consulting hire of Phil Jackson for the Detroit Pistons.