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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.
THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY
Stepping up to Step Up with Cathy O'Connor
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 and families, often limiting students’ ability to reach their full potential. For more than a decade, Step Up Northern Michigan has partnered with Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition to provide fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and proteins to these pantries.
With over 30 years of experience in education, Cathy is a passionate advocate for young people navigating challenges—often through no fault of their own—on their path to adulthood. She brings a deep understanding of how schools function and how to thoughtfully navigate the relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the broader community.
Cathy and her husband, Sean, are the parents of six children and grandparents to two. In her free time, she enjoys playing (and watching) tennis, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.
