CuriosiD

Where did the term Downriver come from, and which communities are part of the region? In the latest episode of CuriosiD, WDET explores the history, boundaries, culture and identity of Downriver communities in southeast Michigan.

A WDET listener noticed an interesting pattern: several Detroit fire stations have koi ponds. Is it mere coincidence, or is there a deeper reason? Russ McNamara toured some local stations to find out how keeping koi ponds around helps fire fighters relax and go with the flow after stressful situations.

Listener Katie Byerly wanted to know more about Detroit's dance scene. What separates Detroit ballroom and hustle-style dance, and what makes them both so Detroit? WDET Reporter Bre'Anna Tinsley went out and spoke to community dance instructors, including living legend Fast Freddy, creator of the Turbo Hustle. She found a thriving social scene that gives a everyone the chance to let go on the dance floor.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

Max Spayde wanted to know why Belle Isle has both a boat and a yacht club. What's the distinction? Why Belle Isle? Reporter Sascha Raiyn waded through the history of both organizations with the guidance of Detroit Boat Club archivist Stephen Malboeuf and the Detroit Yacht Club's Mike Alberts to find out.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about the region from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.

During the 100 years that the Detroit Red Wings have been playing hockey, their winged wheel logo has become iconic. So it may surprise you, like it did listener Scott Deaner, that there is a shoe company that has a strikingly similar name and logo. In this episode of CuriosiD, reporter Alex McLenon looks into how the professional hockey team got its name and scarlet emblem—entirely independent of the shoe company.

Our CuriosiD series is fueled by questions about metro Detroit from listeners like you. Have your own question? Fill out the form here.