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 lo...
“Before the Gales: Craig Silliven’s Life Aboard the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
Craig Silliven has the kind of stories you don’t simply hear—you feel.
One of the original graduates of Traverse City’s Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Craig went on to sail aboard the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald, making him one of a small number of people still able to share firsthand stories of life aboard the “Mighty Fitz.” Those memories and stories are now woven into John U. Bacon’s bestselling book, The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
But Craig’s story reaches well beyond the Fitz. A longtime Traverse City resident...
Steve Brown's Vision: The Iceman Cometh
What began as one man's vision has become one of Northern Michigan's most beloved traditions. The Iceman Cometh isn't just a bike race—it's a celebration of the people, passion, and outdoor spirit that make this place so special.
In this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, we're bringing together Steve Brown, the founder and visionary behind the Iceman Cometh, and Kaye Paye, Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival Foundation, the organization now carrying the Iceman legacy forward.
From its humble beginnings, the Iceman has grown into an extraordinary November rite of passage, at...
THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS with Kimberly Berreth
Kimberly Berreth is a Traverse City native, massage therapist, and owner of Solstice Massage & Wellness—but the road that brought her there is the real story.
A lifelong athlete, Kim grew up pushing her body and navigating significant injuries. Then a near-fatal car accident changed everything. Recovery forced her to experience pain, trauma, rehabilitation, and healing from an entirely different perspective—and ultimately led her back to a calling she had felt since childhood: massage therapy.
In this episode, we talk about the journey from athlete to accident survivor to massage therapist, and how Kim’s own...
The Best Of: Trevor Tkach and Traverse City Tourism
Summer is the peak tourist season here in Traverse City, so we're bringing back a very special guest, Trevor Tkach, to chat about visitors and how he promotes the city. So sit back, grab a snack, and turn up your speaker! Welcome to the Mostly Traverse City Podcast!
Trevor Tkach is the President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, where he leads efforts to promote the region as a year-round destination for visitors from around the world. A lifelong Michigander and passionate advocate for Northern Michigan, Trevor combines strategic vision with deep local roots to support sustainable...
Cleaning Up More Than Laundry -Steven Ezell
Stephen Ezell is an entrepreneur, innovator, and one of the leading voices in the growing movement toward conscious capitalism. As the founder and CEO of Truly Free, Stephen has built a company around a simple but powerful idea: families shouldn't have to choose between effective products and a healthy home.
Originally from New York, Stephen has built businesses around the world, but it was Northern Michigan that captured his heart. While the region's lakes, forests, and coastline first caught his attention, it was the people who convinced him to stay. He believes the true beauty of Northern...
Keeping History Alive: The New Chapter of the City Opera House
Chad Lindsey is the Executive Director of the City Opera House, where he's helping lead one of Northern Michigan's most treasured cultural landmarks into its next chapter. A Michigan native raised in Saginaw, Chad returned home after an accomplished career that took him from avant-garde theater in Brooklyn to artistic work in Los Angeles, Chicago, and even stages across Europe.
A musician, actor, director, choreographer, designer, entrepreneur—and yes, even a snow-sculpting champion—Chad has spent his career saying "yes" to creativity in all its forms. From founding the award-winning Hook & Eye Theater Company to leading innovative arts...
Best Of: Liz Belt — Driven by Purpose
Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or coming back for another listen, we think you'll walk away inspired by Liz's authenticity, determination, and unwavering commitment to her community and her country.
Liz Belt, owner and operator of Intrepid Cycling Company in Traverse City, Michigan, and a dedicated board member of the Charlie Golf One Non-Profit, embodies fierce drive and ambition. Her passion extends beyond her businesses, deeply rooted in her advocacy for the outdoors and community, and an unwavering love for her country.
Liz's commitment to service is undeniable, having made the...
Best Of: A Conversation with Kevin Rhodes
Whether you're discovering this conversation for the first time or revisiting it with us, we hope you'll find something new to appreciate. In this Best Of episode, we're bringing back our conversation with Kevin Rhodes, the longtime Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Traverse City Philharmonic, whose passion for music, leadership, and community continues to inspire audiences throughout Northern Michigan and beyond.
Kevin Rhodes is the longtime Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Traverse City Philharmonic (formerly Traverse Symphony Orchestra ). Known for his engaging stage presence and vibrant interpretations, Maestro Rhodes has captivated audiences in N...
From First Responder to Bookstore Founder | Rachel Zemanek's Story
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...
Reel Dreams: The Magic of the Cherry Bowl with Mindi Jarmin
Mindy Jarmin is the owner, steward, and dreamer behind the beloved Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, one of Northern Michigan's most iconic summer destinations. While many see a movie screen and a concession stand, Mindy sees something much bigger—a place where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and families can disconnect from their devices long enough to reconnect with one another.
A passionate entrepreneur and community builder, Mindy has dedicated herself to preserving a piece of Americana that has largely disappeared from the landscape. Under her leadership, the Cherry Bowl has remained a cherished gathering place wh...
Inside the Edit: A Conversation with Zoe Kline
Zoe Kline is the editor of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast and is currently a film student pursuing post-production for film.
Zoe and her family moved from metro Detroit to Elk Rapids in 2021 and have embraced everything the area has to offer. Zoe shares how the move has influenced her creative journey, what inspires her work as a filmmaker, and why she loves calling Northern Michigan home. Passionate about storytelling and always looking toward new opportunities, Zoe is excited to see where her creativity and ambitions take her next. Join us as we learn more about her e...
From Fairways to Life Lessons with Coach Bob Lober
Bob Lober is far more than a golf coach — he’s a mentor, teacher, and one of the great builders of youth sports in Northern Michigan. A longtime coach for Traverse City Central High School and retired educator, Bob has spent decades pouring into young people through golf, football, basketball, and life itself. As the founder of the TCJGA, he helped create a model for youth golf that not only transformed opportunities locally but became a blueprint for programs around the country as youth golf exploded nationally.
Under Bob’s leadership, the TCJGA has helped generate hundreds of tho...
Making Courage Look Good on YOU with Susie Grace
Susie Grace has never really stayed inside the lines. A creative by nature and an adventurer at heart, her path has taken her from Denver to Chicago to Maui before ultimately landing in Traverse City nearly a decade ago. With a background in branding, user experience, and creative direction spanning the outdoor, surf, and tech industries, Susie has spent her life exploring the intersection of movement, creativity, wellness, and what it means to truly live intentionally.
Still skateboarding at 43 — along with paddleboarding, mountain biking, sailing, and cross-country skiing — Susie believes some of life’s best lessons come throug...
Set Happens with Holly Mullins
Holly Mullins is bringing a little more sand—and a lot more energy—to Traverse City. A former collegiate volleyball player turned entrepreneur, she’s now developing a one-of-a-kind indoor sand facility designed for year-round play, connection, and community.
What started as an idea has quickly turned into something much bigger… blending sport, business, and a vision for creating a space people won’t want to leave.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into something real—or why MORE sand might be the next big thing in Northern Michigan—you’l...
Songs, Stories and Soul with Mike Sullivan
Michael Sullivan has spent more than five decades blending heart, creativity, and human connection through both psychotherapy and music. A pioneering social worker and family systems therapist in Northern Michigan, Mike helped shape the region’s mental health community through innovative treatment programs, education, consultation, and public speaking. He is also a respected author and national presenter whose work has centered on helping people better understand themselves and one another.
At the same time, Mike has lived a remarkable life as a self-taught musician, singer-songwriter, and performer. Through Song of the Lakes, The Wild Su...
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 decision turned into a 35-year career spanning global finance, eventually leading him to Managing Director roles at both RBS and Capital One, where he worked alongside some of the biggest names in energy and banking.
Outside the boardroom, Stuart’s competitive edge showed up on the green—representing Scotland in lawn bowli...
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—most notably through Copper Ridge and Lakemore Retreat and Resort on Arbutus Lake.
Her work reflects a thoughtful balance of growth and preservation—something that matters in a place like Traverse City. Beyond business, Connie has earned numerous accolades for her leadership and service, always grounded in relationships and a long-term view of what makes a commun...
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 instinct to design experiences that actually mean something. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a massive production, Ryan’s artistic approach leaves a lasting imprint.
A lover of life, the outdoors, and community, Traverse City is where it all began. After years of creating in places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, and Minneapolis, the pull to return never le...
"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 year later—and about a month after the economic crash—he doubled down on creativity and opened Right Brain Brewery, a place that quickly became known for doing beer a little differently. His success helped spawn the craft beer culture in MIchigan and beyond.
Along the way, Russ has worn a few other hats too: competitive wrestler, c...
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 water, movement, and well-being has grown into something much bigger: creating spaces where people can slow down, reset, and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
But it’s not just about wellness—it’s about community, intention, and building something that reflects the rhythm of Northern Michigan. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to trust...
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 connection and leadership—from helping run a global publishing company to stepping in when Mt. Holiday needed saving.
But it doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s co-founding Mud, Sweat & Beers, a mountain bike race that gives 100% back to the community, or launching the Northern Michigan Hickory Golf Association to bring the game’s roots back to li...
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-row seat to the victories, heartbreaks, characters, and communities that define sports in this corner of the world.
These days, he’s still telling stories—just from a slightly different lane—as a writer with Hagerty, where the culture of cars and the people behind them takes center stage. In this episode, we talk about jo...
“Cooking Up a Better Future” Adam Worden
cookitforward.org Facebook- Cook it Forward IG- @tccookitforward
Sometimes the biggest ideas start in the simplest places—like a kitchen. What began as a love of food and community has grown into something much bigger: a mission to make sure kids in Northern Michigan have access to healthy meals, dignity, and opportunity.
Through Cook It Forward, Adam Worden has turned generosity into a system—mobilizing restaurants, volunteers, and neighbors to support young people who need it most. But this story isn’t just about food. It’s about creativity, persistence, and the belief that when a co...
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 ego, passion without volume, and a steady calm in conversations that aren’t always easy.
In this episode, we talk about what it means to shape a place you care about, how thoughtful planning balances progress and preservation, and why listening may be the most underrated tool in city building. It’s a conversation about patience, perspective, and the lo...
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 personal. It mirrors Chip’s childhood- being raised with a relentless sense of terror, literally at the hands of his parents. This is a conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the quiet power of turning hurt into help. The outcome?
The creation St. Clair Butterfly Foundation, an organization devoted to helping children who have endured traumatic and abusiv...
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 the way, she learned how power really works—not the loud kind, but the kind that builds boards, funds ideas, and quietly changes lives. Today, she’s helping shape the future of Northern Michigan while leading one of its most beloved traditions into a historic milestone. This episode is about reinvention, resilience, and using your voice—especially when it matters most.
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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 life across the region. In this episode, Ron steps out from behind the mic to reflect on radio, routine, reinvention, and what it means to connect with a community day after day, year after year. It’s a conversation about consistency, curiosity, and the quiet power of showing up—long enough to become part of the soundtrack.
The Ron Jolly Sho...
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 finding his way north, he didn’t start by trying to fit in or stand out. Instead, he asked questions. Lots of them. The kind that invite people to talk, to share, and to feel seen. Along the way, he uncovered a simple but powerful strategy for building real connections in a new place—one that anyone can...
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 defined his life. Now, he’s back where it all started, supporting the coaches and program that helped shape him. This is a story about grit, standards, and why, no matter how far you go, Traverse City always pulls you home.
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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 of making music—embracing the awkward joy of being a beginner again. This episode isn’t about money; it’s about curiosity, creativity, and what happens when a disciplined, numbers-driven brain gives itself permission to play. A reminder that some of the best returns come when you follow the itch instead of the plan.
The Gre...
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 possibility.
After years inside the elite world of U.S. figure skating and Olympic-level training in Colorado Springs, that experience has quietly made its way to Traverse City. The road here winds through family ties, unexpected moments (including a run-in with Jack Nicklaus at The Bear), and a growing sense that excellence doesn’t only b...
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 competitive curler and the father of nationally ranked young athletes, he found his way here and quickly found his place.
But passion alone doesn’t build something lasting. Bringing sharp business instincts, leadership experience, and exactly the right skills at exactly the right time, he’s helped elevate the Traverse City Curling Cl...
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-founding multi-million-dollar businesses by his early 30s, he’s done it all. Along the way, he met his secret sauce—his wife, Joy—and never lost sight of the town that shaped him.
Now living in Arizona, he returns often, supporting local causes, cheering on high school wrestling, and quietly reminding everyone what it means to stay...
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 from Northern Michigan to the national racing stage. Now one of the country’s top off-road cyclists, Kyan was recently named to the elite Life Time Grand Prix, a milestone reserved for the sport’s best. A familiar name at ICEMAN Cometh, he continues to race with grit, gratitude, and deep hometown pride — proving big talent can come from small-town trails.
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 passion for health and community, Corey leads walking, running, and training groups that meet people where they are and keep Traverse City moving. His mission is simple: help the community grow stronger, one step at a time.
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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 open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows up before he does, a laugh that fills a room, and a belief that everyone is worth greeting. He’s proudly loyal to every local team—Trojans, Titans, Glads, and Tigers—and famously competitive, especially when volunteering, where he holds...
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 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 t...
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, expanding donor support, and developing programs that connect local families, youth, and organizations to the mountain and ensuring Mt. Holiday remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.
Before joining Mt. Holiday, I spent more than a decade in finance and leadership as a CPA, Financial Planner, and Mortgage Broker, helping individuals and businesses build long-term financial success. My ex...
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 place special. Today, he channels that inspiration into two passions that connect him deeply with the community: skateboarding and photography. Whether he’s carving through a local park or capturing the quiet magic of Northern Michigan through his lens, Tyler’s mission is simple — to celebrate the beauty of Traverse City and the creativity of the people who ca...
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 going to just Busters as it grew. Helping scale the business I knew this was a path I wanted to go down. Chris Peron (my business partner) eventually opened Busters Customs in 2021. This business specializes in automotive aftermarket/appearance care. Window Tint, Paint Protection Film, Vinyl Wraps, Ceramic Coatings, Auto detailing and more. Lastly, I am an account executive...
