Under the Waves
History
About
Explore the mysteries of the Great Lakes with "Under the Waves," hosted by sibling duo Michelle and Andrew. Dive into true stories of shipwrecks, maritime lore, and historical intrigue, all with a touch of humor. Each episode uncovers the secrets beneath the surface and offers a fresh perspective on submerged legends. Whether you're a history buff, maritime enthusiast, or simply curious, join your new favorite sibling storytellers for a captivating journey through Great Lakes shipwrecks and legends. Set sail on a journey through the past, right from the comfort of your own home. Anchors away!
Episodes
- Dinghy 5 - I Can't Believe It's Not Tilly
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Michelle and Katie Jensen explore the Heceta Head Light and the Tillamook Rock Light, both located on the Oregon coast. They discuss the history and spooky aspects of the lighthouses.
- 86 - She's As Good As Any
Andrew and Michelle discuss the PS Anthony Wayne, a shipwreck in Lake Erie, exploring its historical significance and the tragic events of its sinking. This episode may contain sensitive content.
- 85 - At Least the Pacific Sank
Andrew and Michelle discuss the discovery of the SS J.H. Jones and its historical significance to Wiarton, Ontario. They share insights from the great-grandson of the captain who went down with the ship.
- 84 - Take Us Home, Stressed Flower
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Michelle and Andrew discuss the SS Manasoo's final journey from Manitoulin Island to Owen Sound, its cargo of cattle, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding its end. The episode also highligh…
- 83 - Swimming Pool Depth
Andrew and Michelle discuss the SS Fedora, a composite bulk freighter, and its final journey on Lake Superior. The episode touches upon its triple expansion steam engines.
- 82 - The Fastest Shipwreck Ever
This episode of Under the Waves covers the SS Russia, a ship with a unique half-iron, half-wooden construction that experienced numerous mishaps throughout its existence. The hosts discuss its life and rediscovery more than 100 years after…
- Dinghy 4 - This Guy Midwests!
In episode Dinghy 4, hosts Andrew and Michelle explore Midwest culture and Reddit communities surrounding the Great Lakes. The episode also provides numerous resources for tornado assistance, immigration support, and mental health services.
- 81 - Shenan Once, You'll Shenanigan
This episode discusses the discovery of the SS Lac La Belle shipwreck, which sank almost 150 years ago. Paul Ehorn and Bruce Bittner were involved in finding the ship, which is described as the newest shipwreck.
- 80 - I Can't Believe It's Not Butter
In episode 80 of Under the Waves, hosts Michelle and the team humorously tackle the ship La Grande Hermine, discussing its frequent name changes and enduring difficult pronunciations. The episode also provides extensive resources for immig…
- 79 - Ah, Fresnel!
This episode discusses the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse, or Freedom Light, and the Crosswhite family story in Marshall, Michigan, in the context of Black History Month and the Underground Railroad.
- 78 - Yo-Yos That Don't Yo
Michelle and Andrew discuss the T.T. Morford, a tugboat with a history of tragedies and heroic acts in Chicago. They also provide numerous resources for immigration, legal support, and mental health.
- 77 - Holy Cows + 81 Capybaras
The podcast episode "Holy Cows + 81 Capybaras" on "Under the Waves" focuses on the historical Great Lakes schooner, the David Dows, detailing its achievements and demise. The description also includes a list of resources related to immigra…
- 76 - Going With The F-L-O-E
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss topics related to ice, referencing the SS John V. Moran. The episode also provides a comprehensive list of resources related to ICE detention, immigration justice, and s…
- 75 - Anatomical Snuffbox of Michigan
This episode of Under the Waves discusses the SS Eber Ward, the ship and the man it was named after, and his uncle.
- 74 - Dredging Up A Touch of Mussels
On November 17, 1879, a chaotic night on Lake Ontario led to the sinking of at least three ships, including the tugs A.O. Thayer and Philip Becker, and the dredge Gordon. Six lives were lost in the incident, which hosts Michelle and Andrew…
- 73 - A Savior Without Salvation
Hosts Andrew and Michelle return for their first 2026 episode of Under the Waves, where they discuss the history of the SS M.M. Drake and several other ships the vessel encountered.
- 72 - A Pancake Ship + Herds of Gobies
In the first episode of 2026, hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss the Oscar T. Flint shipwreck and mention goby fish. The episode also provides extensive resources for food assistance, mental health, and information regarding the Gaza Strip.
- 71 - Ew David, Turn Around
In the final episode of 2025, hosts Andrew and Michelle review one-star ratings for Great Lakes harbors, marinas, and restaurants, finding some nonsensical entries among the critiques.
- 70 - Tornadic Activities with Fish
This episode of Under the Waves discusses the sinking of two car ferries, the James W Curran and the John A McPhail. It covers the early history of car ferries on the Great Lakes and highlights what made these two vessels unique.
- 69 - The Best Dam Episode
The Best Dam Episode covers the South Fork Dam and the Johnstown Flood, discussing the dams, hydraulics, and negligence involved.
- 68 - Every Queen Has Her Day
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss the SS Daniel J. Morrell shipwreck. The story includes unique circumstances, a tragic conclusion, and the narrative of a survivor who chose to share his experience.
- 67 - The Fitzgerald and Swiss Cheese
This episode of Under the Waves concludes the discussion on the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, exploring theories about its sinking, including accidental causes, the storm's impact, and potential conspiracies.
- 66 - Great not Mid Lakes
In the second part of the Edmund Fitzgerald episode, hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss the final hours before the ship's wreck, its sudden disappearance from radar, and the subsequent search.
- 65 - The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
This episode of Under the Waves covers the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, an iconic shipwreck on Lake Superior. Hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss its history and what made it significant.
- 64 - A Steamed Ship + Getting Narc'd
This episode of Under the Waves covers the SS Kamloops shipwreck. Hosts Andrew and Michelle delve into the tragedy and subsequent intrigue surrounding the ship's discovery in the 1970s.
- 63 - Triple Expansion Steam Engine Hauntings
This episode of Under the Waves explores alleged ghosts, hauntings, and deaths on Mackinac Island, leaving listeners to judge the validity of these paranormal accounts.
- 62 - Live, Laugh, Lobotomy
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Andrew and Michelle delve into the history of the Eloise Asylum, a psychiatric hospital known for its controversial mental health treatments. They discuss the asylum's impact and its current status.
- 61 - A Half-Off Accordion
This episode of Under the Waves features hosts Andrew and Michelle discussing the Mapledawn, the longest shipwreck in the Great Lakes, and its connection to another ship, the Manola. The hosts also extend support and condolences to those i…
- 60 - "Wow, we got a wreck!"
The 60th episode of Under the Waves discusses the recently discovered F.J. King shipwreck. Hosts Andrew and Michelle cover how the ship eluded discovery for over a century, the role of a lighthouse keeper in its location, and the team resp…
- 59 - Heavy Metal Lighthouse
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Andrew and Michelle delve into the dark secrets of the Pilot Island Lighthouse. The discussion touches upon unusual elements and includes important resources for mental health and support.
- 58 - Deliquescence and Deep Dives
This episode of Under the Waves delves into the history of the SS Pewabic and its sister ship, the SS Meteor. Hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss the factors contributing to the SS Pewabic's tragic sinking, making it one of the most signific…
- 57 - Not The Wurst Shipwreck
The SS Francisco Morazan had a notable history, sailing globally under various owners and names before its final destination in the Great Lakes. This episode explores its unique journey. The podcast creators also offer support and resource…
- 56 - A Staunchly Built Marine Specimen
This episode of Under the Waves covers the history of the Trinidad, an 1800s schooner that went from staunchly built to leaky. Hosts Andrew and Michelle share dad jokes and banter while discussing the ship's fateful tale.
- 55 - The Nucleus at its Core
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Andrew and Michelle delve into the story behind the "Nucleus," also called the "Bad Luck Barquentine," exploring its nickname and current status. The podcast also celebrates its first anniversary.
- 54 - Canadianization
Andrew and Michelle discuss the retired ship M/V Cuyahoga and share insights into the history of Great Lakes shipping.
- 53 - Out of Good Graces
The podcast episode "Out of Good Graces" concludes the "Grace Period Series" with a collection of short stories about various vessels named Grace. The hosts discuss the Grace M, Grace A Green, Grace Grummond, and Grace Amelia.
- 52 - MacGyver of Stannard Rock
Jeff Koch, Coordinator and Program Manager at the Superior Watershed Partnership, joins Andrew and Michelle to discuss conservation efforts for the Great Lakes and the challenges of maintaining the Stannard Rock Light.
- 51 - Pop-up Clowns & Aioli
In this episode of Under the Waves, Andrew and Michelle continue the Grace Period series, focusing on the elusive Grace Patterson vessel. They discuss a near-short episode saved by a phenomenal source and the ship's accident-prone nature.
- 50 - A Great Lakes Polly Pocket
Episode 50 of Under the Waves, "A Great Lakes Polly Pocket," features hosts Andrew and Michelle discussing the Grace A Channon, a unique vessel, and the history of canallers and the Welland Canal.
- 49 - A Love Story for the Ages
The podcast episode
- 48 - Sandusky Shenanigans
Andrew and Michelle host an after-dark episode of Under the Waves, discussing the schooner Margaret A. Muir and its history on the Great Lakes. They touch upon a possible connection to a naturalist and whether Andrew can correctly pronounc…
- 47 - The Lore of The Secret Map to McDonalds
In this episode of Under the Waves, hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss one-star reviews of various Great Lakes national parks and lakeshore attractions. They touch upon topics including the presence of dogs and user reviews focusing on amen…
- 46 - A Superior Nightmare
This episode covers the tragic sinking of the SS Algoma on Lake Superior, detailing the ship's history, its sister vessels, and the severe storm that caused its demise. It is noted as a more serious episode dealing with significant death a…
- 45 - Not Your Grandfather's Sloop
Andrew and Michelle discuss the Washington, the oldest and most intact merchant vessel discovered on the Great Lakes. The episode explores the various titles and accolades attributed to this significant shipwreck.
- 44 - The Lightest of Ships
This episode of Under the Waves discusses lightships, also known as floating lighthouses. It covers their history, related innovations, Texas Towers, and specifically focuses on Light Vessel No. 57, the last lightship recorded in Wisconsin.
- 43 - Stannard's Standard
The Under the Waves podcast discusses the history of the Stannard Rock Light, also known as 'The Rock.' Despite a tragic end to its in-person service, the lighthouse remains operational and is nicknamed 'The Loneliest Place on Earth.'
- 42 - Sit Back, Relax, Whalebacks
This episode of Under the Waves explores the history of unique whaleback ships, discussing their wild and steampunk appearance. Hosts Andrew and Michelle also focus on Barge 129, the final whaleback discovered in the Great Lakes.
- 41 - Don't Rock The Boat
The podcast episode discusses the Lake Serpent shipwreck. Hosts Andrew and Michelle investigate whether it is the wreck discovered near Kelleys Island in 2015 or another of the many ships lost in Lake Erie.
- 40 - All that Glitters is Gone
This episode revisits the Gilded Age, discussing the luxury steamship Gunilda, steamboat races, the Kentucky Derby, and an appearance by Jacques Cousteau.
- 39 - A Ship of Many Names
This episode explores the history of a ship known by many names, such as the USS Neshanic, SS Marquette, and SS Victo. Hosts Andrew and Michelle discuss its journey from a warship to a Great Lakes workhorse.