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...

Muskegon’s waterfront is on the brink of major change. In this episode, Chuck Canestraight shares insights on the proposed development plans, the pivotal role of the McKee family, and what the future holds for this key part of the city’s landsc...

In this special episode, we turn the mic on Muskegon Rising’s visionary, Mike Vogas. With decades of service, a passion for storytelling, and expertise in audio, video, and the performing arts, he curates the stories that define this Rotary Clu...

Before Woodstock, there was Crip Camp – a revolutionary summer camp that ignited the disability rights movement. Join Disability Network West Michigan's Brad Hastings and others for a screening and panel discussion exploring this powerful film ...

Ken James, Muskegon Community College’s first Chief Diversity Officer, shares how MCC fosters a culture of belonging through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He discusses student support programs, faculty training, and community pa...

Discover the Stage at the Corner, a 95-year-old landmark transformed into a vibrant performance venue. Jacqui Bernhardt shares the story of this passion project, a 300-seat theater with a sloped floor, acoustically plastered walls, and a vaulte...

Renae Hesselink is a community leader in sustainability. From corporate LEED certification to education and collaboration, join us as we explore her work that’s changing the Muskegon-area landscape for future generations.

Meet Jill Bonthuis, the dynamic CEO of Pioneer Resources. Learn how this trailblazing Muskegon organization empowers individuals with disabilities and seniors. Discover how they adapt to the community’s needs, foster meaningful partnerships, an...