How do the trillions of microbes living in and on us shape our health and the medicines that work best? Dr. Keith Crandall, professor at George Washington University and Grand Valley State University’s 2025 Innovator of the Year, breaks it down...

Muskegon native Dr. Stephanie Briggs, Associate Dean of Workforce and Talent Development at Muskegon Community College, joins host Kendrah Robinson to share how MCC is connecting learners to high-demand careers. We talk about apprenticeships, s...

How do you prevent violence before it happens? Hear from Dr. Brian Stork, a Muskegon-based urologist and University of Michigan professor, about SafERteens and a growing community effort to support young people. Hear how emergency room screenin...

This episode of Muskegon Rising highlights how Denver Air Connection is transforming regional travel with Tonya Ruhsenberger. Discover how convenient air service strengthens Muskegon's economy, connects local businesses, and opens doors for vis...

This episode of Muskegon Rising explores the remarkable journey of LST 393 with John Stephenson from the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum. The World War II landing ship stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day before beginning a second life as a Great Lakes fre...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, marketing director and educator Kristina Broughton shares how she turned a simple idea into the Muskegon Area Marketing Professionals, a growing network of more than 80 marketers and creatives. What began as ...

Erhardt Construction’s Arlen Dean Gaddy shares how the company is helping revitalize Muskegon County through projects like the courthouse, Muskegon Museum of Art, and the Front Porch initiative. Learn how Erhardt blends innovation, sustainabili...

Park Kersman, president of Lorin Industries, joins us to share how a nearly 100-year-old Muskegon manufacturer is leading with purpose. From its roots as a family business to its global reach in anodized aluminum, Lorin’s story is one of innova...

Big music, big history, and a big stage moment for Muskegon! Join us on Muskegon Rising as we talk with Gail Brechting, conductor of the West Michigan Concert Winds, about bringing Muskegon: Lumber Queen to life. Discover how her orchestra beca...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, Muskegon Rotarian Nancy Crandall sits down with Kathy Moore, Executive Director of the Muskegon County Health Department, to reflect on her pivotal leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kathy shar...

In this inspiring episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Dave Alexander, incoming President of the Muskegon Rotary Club for 2025–2026, to discuss the future of service, leadership, and community impact in Muskegon. From his...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Bernard Brown from the Muskegon ISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department to discuss how hands-on career exploration is transforming education for Muskegon County student...

Mike Olthoff’s name is synonymous with impact in Muskegon. In this episode of Muskegon Rising, Mike shares the story behind building Nichols into a regional powerhouse and why he and his wife, Kay, made giving back a lifelong priority. From ear...

Get ready to soar with this episode of Muskegon Rising as we explore the exciting developments at Muskegon County Airport. From major renovations to expanding flight options and the growing role of private aviation, discover how the ai...

First Tee of West Michigan empowers youth through the game of golf, teaching life skills, character values, and leadership. Golf’s unique culture of integrity, patience, and respect makes it the perfect sport to instill personal responsibility ...

Keith Guy has transformed lives through basketball and beyond. As Athletic Director and Head Coach at Muskegon High School, he sets the standard for leadership, character, and student success. In this episode, he joins Nancy Crandall to discuss...

Wesco COO Nancy Westgate joins Muskegon Rising to share how the family-owned company has grown from a single gas station to a leading West Michigan employer with 56 locations. Nancy talks about Wesco’s deep roots, commitment to employee develop...

Big news for West Michigan! Comcast RISE is investing in our small businesses with free marketing, tech upgrades, and grants. Hear how it all started and what it means for entrepreneurs in Muskegon and beyond. Listen now to our conversation wit...

Jonathan Wilson from DTE Energy joins us to talk about modernizing Muskegon’s energy infrastructure. Learn how DTE’s $3.3 billion gas renewal program is improving safety, reliability, and sustainability across the region. We also discuss cookin...

Steve Olsen has spent nearly five decades shaping Muskegon’s manufacturing legacy and driving community growth. In this episode, Steve joins DJ Hilson to talk about returning to his roots at Northern Machine Tool, revitalizing downtown Muskegon...

Core Development's Troy Wasserman joins us to talk about the transformation of Lumberman’s Vault, a bold revitalization project blending Muskegon’s past with its future. From food halls and cocktail bars to community spaces and creative busines...

From craft cocktails to craft beer festivals, Allen Serio is all about bringing people together. He shares the story behind Wonderland Distilling and its evolution into a creative beverage hub. Allen also dives into his roots with the Burning F...

Erin Kuhn joins us to share how the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission connects local governments to drive economic growth, protect natural resources, and plan smarter infrastructure. From delisting Muskegon Lake as an envi...

Jaron Jackson has spent over a decade helping Muskegon’s most at-risk youth navigate the juvenile justice system. In this episode, he shares what serving as a probation officer, mentor, and advocate is like. Learn how the system works, young pe...

Superintendent Bill O’Brien joins the podcast to discuss the Mona Shores Public Schools’ 2025 bond renewal proposal. The plan focuses on modernizing aging middle and high school facilities without raising taxes and emphasizes responsible stewar...