Send us a textFew Flint residents know that one of the city’s most beloved traditions began with immigrants from a tiny mountain village in North Macedonia.In this episode of Radio Free Flint, host Arthur Busch welcomes Karen Paul Holmes, daughter of Carl Paul, co-founder of Angelo’s Coney Island—the restaurant that helped define Flint’s working-class culture for decades.Carl Paul came to America through Ellis Island from Bouf, Macedonia, near the border with Greece. Alongside his partner Angelo Nikoloff, he built a local landmark where factory workers, families, and students gathered for the now-legendary Flint-style Coney dog.Karen reflects on her family’s journey—from her father’s long days behind the grill to her teenage summers waitressing at Angelo’s. Through her poetry, she brings to life the spirit of perseverance, gratitude, and belonging that defines the immigrant story.She reads three deeply personal poems:A warm portrait of her father returning home after long days at the restaurantA tribute to his departure from Bouf, Macedonia, in search of the American dreamA lyrical meditation on Michigan’s lakes, cherry trees, and her father’s love for his adopted homeKaren’s second poetry collection, No Such Thing as Distance (Terrapin Books, 2018), even includes a near-recipe for Flint-style Coney sauce. Her poems have been read by Garrison Keillor on The Writer’s Almanac and by former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith on The Slowdown podcast.Her debut book, Untying the Knot (Aldrich Press, 2014), explores loss, love, and healing. Holmes’s work appears in over 100 literary journals and anthologies, and she was named Best Emerging Poet by Stay Thirsty Media. Listen now to explore Flint’s immigrant heritage, the poetry of place, and the story of how a humble Coney Island became part of Michigan’s cultural DNA. Links & ReferencesKaren Paul Holmes — Official WebsiteNo Such Thing as Distance — Terrapin BooksThe Writer’s Almanac — Episode ArchiveThe Slowdown Podcast — Episode featuring Karen Paul HolmesRadio Free Flint — More EpisodesIf you would like to receive new podcast episodes by email please subscribe on our Home Page. All new episode are Free! Subscribe to Radio Free Flint Podcasts at The Mitten Channel: YouTube Full catalogue of podcasts for Radio Free Flint, Flint Justice: America on Trial and Work in the Mitten Subscribe to our mailing list at the Radio Free Flint Podcast. Also Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Linkedin.