
Muskegon Rising
We discover and share positive change in Greater Muskegon. A public service of the Muskegon Rotary Club.
Episodes
74 episodes
Keith Guy - Muskegon High School
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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15:42

Nancy Westgate - Wesco
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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19:15

Craig D’Agostini - Comcast RISE
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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18:11

Jonathan Wilson - DTE Energy
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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16:15

Steve Olsen - Building a Better Muskegon, One Project at a Time
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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24:30

Troy Wasserman - Lumberman’s Vault
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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15:53

Allen Serio - Wonderland Distilling Co. and More
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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25:34

Erin Kuhn - West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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18:08

Jaron Jackson - Muskegon County Family Court
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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18:48

Bill O’Brien - Mona Shores Public Schools
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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15:16

Chuck Canestraight - Port City Marine Companies
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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37:34

Mike Vogas - Muskegon Rising Podcast
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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20:44

Brad Hastings - Crip Camp
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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22:35

Ken James - Muskegon Community College
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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21:28

Jacqui Bernhardt Robinson - Stage at the Corner
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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15:58

Renae Hesselink - One Person’s Sustainable Impact
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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21:53

Jill Bonthuis - Pioneer Resources
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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23:38

Isolde Deal - Sock It To Homelessness
Meet Isolde Deal, a Ravenna High School senior making a difference in Muskegon. Isolde launched the "Sock it to Homelessness" campaign to collect socks for those experiencing homelessness. Learn how this passionate young leader is inspiring oth...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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15:11

Rob Taylor - Muskegon County Bicycling Coalition
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting, the Muskegon County Bicycling Coalition (MCBC) welcomes you to experience the thrill of biking in Muskegon County. Discover scenic routes, forge new friendships, and celebrate the camaraderie ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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29:32

Rachel Gorman - Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Learn about the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and its role in supporting local businesses and economic growth. President Rachel Gorman shares her vision for the future of the organization. If you're passionate about Muskegon, you won't...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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20:45

Alana Matyas-Brower - Run Muskegon
Run Muskegon is more than just a running club. Aaron Maike interviews Alana Matyas-Brower to learn how this non-profit fosters community, encourages healthy lifestyles and supports runners of all levels.
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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18:13

Jennifer Baranga - Community Food Club
Concerned about food insecurity in Muskegon County? Jennifer Baranga from Access Health presents a solution inspired by successful programs in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Ludington: The Community Food Club (CFC), a unique grocery model promoting...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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22:59

Jackie Halberg - Mediation & Restorative Services
Jackie Halberg, Executive Director of Mediation & Restorative Services, discusses how the organization, established in 1994, resolves conflict through conversation, avoiding court involvement, and empowering crime victims in Muskegon, Mason...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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34:01

Susan Houseman - Harbor Hospice
Need help understanding hospice care? Susan Houseman from Harbor Hospice explains the "when, why, and how" of their services, including the Poppen Hospice Residence, palliative care, and grief support. Learn how Harbor Hospice has guided famili...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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17:34

Scott Speck - West Michigan Symphony
Join us in celebrating 85 years of the West Michigan Symphony with world-renowned conductor Scott Speck. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as he leads the Muskegon orchestra in their mission to share the power of music with all of West Mi...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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36:33
