© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New book explores historic Michigan luminaries

billhaneybooks.com

If you were asked to name someone from Michigan who’s “made a difference,” who would you name? Novelist Elmore Leonard perhaps? Businessman Mike Ilitch? How about Dr. Jack Kevorkian? Bill Haney focuses on Michigan “difference makers” in his latest book.Haney has enjoyed careers in the aerospace industry, academia, public relations and publishing. He’s also written several dozen books, fiction and non-fiction. His latest is called “What They Were Thinking: Reflections on Michigan Difference-Makers.”

It’s a memoir that revisits the most memorable episodes in the lives of 16 of  our state’s best known figures: Jennifer Granholm, Charlie Gehringer, Jack Kevorkian, J.P. McCarthy and a dozen others.

Current State speaks with Bill Haney about "What They Were Thinking."

Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.