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THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY
Welcome to The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast!
Get ready to meet the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers who make Traverse City (and its surrounding magic) so unforgettable. Each episode invites you into casual, heartwarming, and engaging conversations with the fascinating people who live, love, and thrive in this little slice of Northern Michigan paradise.
We’ll explore what brought them here, what keeps them inspired, and the everyday joys that make life in TC so vibrant. Whether it’s the perfect day by the bay, hidden foodie gems, or a sunrise hike that changes everything—you’ll find ideas, stories, and local love that will make you want to plan your next adventure (or move here ASAP).
It’s lighthearted, genuine, and a celebration of community, connection, and the beautiful place we call home.
Episodes
61 episodes
Luck, Lakes and Love with Stuart Gibson
Stuart Gibson’s story starts with a bit of luck—and a whole lot of saying yes. At 16, instead of heading straight to university, he took a shot with Royal Bank of Scotland…thanks to a neighbor who just happened to be the local manager. That dec...
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Building More than Buildings: Connie Denewith
Connie Denewith is a respected leader in Traverse City, known for her vision, leadership, and deep roots in the community. With a background in banking and a strong role in local development, she’s helped shape spaces that bring people together...
The Art of the Experience with Ryan Scott
Ryan Scott is an Executive Producer and experienced engineer who turns ideas into unforgettable moments for tens of thousands—and growing. In high demand across the country, he’s a true student of humans, blending creativity, curiosity, and ins...
"SO A BARBER WALKS INTO A BREWERY” Russ Springsteen from his Right Brain
Some people follow a straight career path. Russ Springsteen opened a barbershop…then a brewery…right as the economy was falling apart.A licensed barber by trade, Russ launched Salon Saloon in Traverse City’s Warehouse District in 2006. A...
Water, Wellness, and a Northern Michigan Calling- Chelsea Bay Dennis
Some people move to Traverse City for the views. Others come because something about this place just feels right.This episode features someone who followed that pull—and turned it into purpose. What started as a personal connection to wa...
From a Lifestyle to a Legacy with Jim Kalajian
Some people move to Traverse City for the lifestyle. Others show up—and start building it. Jim Kalajian came north looking for community and ended up finding ways to shape it. What started with a move in 1999 quickly turned into a life of conne...
From the Press Box to the Driver’s Seat with Jeff Peek
Before social media feeds and instant highlights, if you wanted to know what happened in Northern Michigan sports, you opened the paper—and chances are Jeff Peek had the story. For years as Sports Editor at the Record-Eagle, Jeff had a front-ro...
“Cooking Up a Better Future” Adam Worden
cookitforward.org Facebook- Cook it Forward IG- @tccookitforwardSometimes the biggest ideas start in the simplest places—like a kitchen. What began as a love of food and community has grow...
Building What’s Next with TC City Planner Shawn Winter
Cities don’t just grow—they evolve. And behind that evolution are people who see possibility where others see parking lots, traffic patterns, or empty space. Traverse City’s city planner brings a rare combination to the table: vision without eg...
A Childhood of Violence, A Choice of Hope- Chip and Lisa St Clair
In one of the most mind shattering conversations,Chip and Lisa St. Clair discuss pain that doesn’t define you, healing that doesn’t happen alone, and what it looks like when lived experience becomes a lifeline for others. This work is per...
From Crowns to Causes: Kelli Kaberle
Her path back to Traverse City was anything but predictable. It started with a crown, detoured through late-night television and pop culture, moved into national philanthropy, and eventually landed right back where community matters most. Along...
A Conversation with the Voice of Morning- Ron Jolly
For more than three decades, Ron Jolly was a steady, familiar voice riding along with Northern Michigan mornings on WTCM. For 31 years, he didn’t just host a radio show—he shared stories, laughs, opinions, and moments that became part of daily ...
Ask Better Questions: How One Guy Learned Traverse City- Peter Payette
If you’re new to Traverse City and wondering how to actually get to know people—not just their names, but their stories—this episode is for you.This conversation features someone who quite literally made a career out of listening. After fin...
Lessons in Grit, Teamwork, and Home with a TC Hero- Command Sgt. Major Les McCorkle
He learned discipline on the wrestling mat at Traverse City Central, then took those lessons far beyond Northern Michigan—around the world, into places most of us only hear about. For more than three decades, service, leadership, and loyalty de...
Balance Sheets to Beat Drops: Mark Stackable
By day, he manages wealth and helps people plan for the future. By night, Mark Stackable is chasing something far less predictable. A Traverse City local with a curious mind and a creative itch, Mark has poured his energy into learning the art ...
Where Olympic Dreams Meet Northern Michigan
If you’ve watched World Champion and Olympian Alysa Liu skate recently and felt goosebumps, there’s a reason. Behind that calm power and creativity on the ice is a coach who understands what pressure really feels like—and how to turn it into po...
Liquid Water, Solid Ice, Full Commitment Scott Strouse
Some people visit Traverse City. Others lean all the way in.Drawn by the things we love most—water in both its liquid and solid forms—this story is about someone who didn’t just arrive, but fully immersed himself in the community. A comp...
Once a Trojan, Always a Local Rich Kundrata
Some people leave Traverse City and never look back. Others leave, build empires, and keep finding their way home.This episode features someone who knows a thing or two about ambition—and loyalty. From washing dishes in fifth grade to co...
Small Time Trails- Big Time Grit - Kyan Olshove
Watch the previous episode with Kyan! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388207/episodes/17248026 Traverse City native Kyan Olshove grew up ripping local trails with Norte Youth Cycling, laying the foundation for a career that’s taken him ...
Steps That Matter: Health, Movement, and Community with Corey Birchmeier
Corey Birchmeier is the operating partner of Fleet Feet Traverse City, where he helps people find the perfect shoes to support their goals—whether they’re longtime runners, new walkers, or anyone dealing with stubborn foot pain. Driven by a pas...
Everyone’s Friend: A Conversation with Peter Garthe
Peter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can o...
Stepping up to Step Up with Cathy O'Connor
Cathy is the founder of Step Up Northern Michigan, a local nonprofit that supports six school-based food and basic-needs pantries throughout the region. Food insecurity and lack of transportation create significant barriers for many students an...
Elevating Community: The Mt. Holiday Impact with Jordyn Ross
Jordyn Ross, I’m the Development Director at Mt. Holiday, where I lead fundraising, sponsorships, and community engagement to support our mission of providing accessible year-round recreation for all. My focus is on building strong partnerships...
Wheels, Water & Wide Angles: Rediscovering TC with Tyler Franz
Tyler Franz is a Traverse City native whose story proves you sometimes have to leave home to truly see it. After years away, Tyler returned with a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the lakes, landscapes, and people that make this...
Restaurant and Automotive Business in Traverse City with Nick Mueller
I was born and raised in Traverse City. Attended Central High School, later on attending NMC and FSU. Working my way through college at Red Ginger, eventually starting with Busters as an installer. I worked these 2 jobs for 3 years, eventually ...