Muskegon Rising
We discover and share positive change in Greater Muskegon. A public service of the Muskegon Rotary Club.
Episodes
110 episodes
Tim Taylor - Hamburger Mikey
In this flavorful episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Tim Taylor of Hamburger Mikey to explore how a local burger joint became one of West Michigan’s most recognizable and community-driven brands. From crafting ...
Meredith Smillie - Bethany Christian Services
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Meredith Smillie of Bethany Christian Services to explore how strengthening families directly supports student success, workforce stability, and economic growth in West Michiga...
Sharlene Shineldecker - Cherette Group
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Sharlene Schineldecker, CEO of the Cherette Group, to explore the vision, strategy, and community collaboration behind one of Muskegon County’s most transformative dev...
TJ Meerman – Mona Shores Boys Basketball
On this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Mona Shores Varsity Basketball Coach TJ Meerman for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and building something bigger than basketball. From growing up in a sports...
Erick Couch - Sun Chemical
What do the yellow lines on America’s roads have to do with jobs, safety, and Muskegon’s economic future? In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Erick Couch of Sun Chemical to explore how a world-class pigm...
Greg Sherburn - Muskegon State Park
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Greg Sherburn, unit manager of Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake State Park, to explore why Muskegon State Park was ranked among the top nine state parks in the nation...
Trevor Friedeberg - GMED
Economic development in Muskegon County is accelerating—and this episode of Muskegon Rising explains why it matters to jobs, workforce growth, and long-term community prosperity. Host Aaron Maike sits down with Trevor Friedeberg, CEO of Greater...
Why Muskegon Is Rising
In this relaunch episode of Muskegon Rising, co-hosts Aaron Maike and DJ Hilson reintroduce the podcast and explore how education, workforce development, and economic growth are coming together to move Muskegon County forward. Produced...
Norman Young - Man Cave
Muskegon Rising, a community service project of the Muskegon Rotary Club, sits down with community leader and fatherhood advocate Norman Young, founder of Man Cave and the seven-week curriculum A Father’s Love. In this powerfu...
Dr. Dick Kamp - Step Up Muskegon
In this Muskegon Rising episode, host Nancy Crandall interviews Dr. Dick Kamps, a retired surgeon who, alongside his wife Lynn, co-founded Step Up Muskegon, a nonprofit helping young adults transition successfully out of the foster care system....
Dan Skoglung - Muskegon Rescue Mission
Celebrate a milestone with us as Muskegon Rising releases its 100th episode. Host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Skoglund, Executive Director of the Muskegon Rescue Mission, for an in-depth look at how the organization uplifts families through housin...
Lisa Tyler - United Way of the Lakeshore
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Kendrah Robinson welcomes Lisa Tyler, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore, to share her inspiring journey and the organization’s evolving impact across Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties...
Dan Tavernier - City of Whitehall
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Tavernier, the new City Manager of Whitehall, Michigan, to share his inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading a vibrant lakeshore community. Tav...
Kris Vanderstelt - AgeWell Services
Food insecurity in Muskegon County has reached an alarming new pitch, and in this urgent episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike talks with AgeWell Services’ Chris VanderStelt about the rapidly shrinking supply of charitable food, soaring ...
Jeff Cave - Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon (OAM)
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Jeff Cave, CEO of Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon (OAM), to discuss nearly 50 years of orthopedic excellence serving West Michigan. Cave shares the organization’s growth from...
Dr. Paul Isley - Grand Valley State University
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike speaks with Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean and Professor at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, about Muskegon’s once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect its dow...
Barbara Lee VanHorssen - Momentum Center
On this episode of Muskegon Rising, Ken James of Muskegon Community College speaks with Barbara Lee VanHorssen, “experimenter” and executive director of the Momentum Center, about creating inclusive communities through mental health support, cu...
Dr. Paul Lomeo - IndiGrow
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall sits down with Dr. Paul Lomeo to explore his remarkable journey from 35 years in emergency medicine to launching a family-run cannabis grow and retail business in Muskegon. Dr. Lomeo share...
Pam Curtis - Senior Resources of West Michigan
In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall speaks with Pam Curtis, Director of Senior Resources of West Michigan, about the vital role the Area Agency on Aging plays in supporting older adults and caregivers across Muskegon, Ottawa...
Angelita Valdez - Servicios de Esperanza
Angelita Valdez, founder of Servicios de Esperanza (Services of Hope), shares how her bilingual, CARF-accredited clinic expands access to mental health care in Muskegon. With 19 years as a therapist and 12 years leading the practice, she outlin...
John Selmon - Muskegon Community College
Muskegon Community College is celebrating 100 years of education, innovation, and community impact, as shared in this inspiring interview with President Dr. John Selmon on Muskegon Rising. From honoring its centennial with alumni event...
Dr. Keith Crandall - Grand Valley State University Entrepreneur of the Year
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...
Stephanie Briggs - Muskegon Community College
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...
Dr. Brian Stork - SafERteens
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...
Tonya Ruhsenberger - Denver Air Connection
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...