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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
From First Responder to Bookstore Founder | Rachel Zemanek's Story
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Rachel Zemanek is the Owner, Founder, and self-proclaimed Keeper of Knowledge at The Folded Leaf, a charming Traverse City bookshop where great stories, great coffee, and great conversations come together. A Leelanau County native, Rachel has always had a deep love for Northern Michigan and the communities that make it special.
Before opening The Folded Leaf, Rachel spent a decade serving others in Fire & EMS, helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. While her setting has changed, her mission has not. Today, she channels that same spirit of care into creating a welcoming space where people can slow down, connect, learn, and belong.
Passionate about literacy, community, and helping young people thrive, Rachel has built The Folded Leaf to be much more than a bookstore. From book clubs and community gatherings to initiatives like the Good Dad Deeds Library and Letters to My Younger Self, she's creating a space where everyone is welcome and no one feels pressure to perform or purchase.
On this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, Rachel shares her journey from first responder to entrepreneur, the power of books to change lives, and why creating spaces for connection may be more important than ever.
Connect with Rachel & The Folded Leaf:
- Email: rachel@thefoldedleafnomi.com
- Instagram: @thefoldedleaf.nomi
- Facebook: facebook.com/thefoldedleaf.nomi
Special Mention: Stop by for Footnote Fridays, where customers can participate in a pay-it-forward drip coffee program that helps spread a little kindness, one cup at a time.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en
Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
