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February 2, 2026
On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal talks with Lauren Tucker, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan, about housing, building, and making home projects feel less intimidating and more doable.
This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.
Lauren shares her Northern Michigan roots, what drives her work, and what homeowners often wish they knew before starting a project. The conversation also highlights what’s new in home trends and what makes the Home Builders Association Home Expo at the Grand Traverse Resort on February 14th and 15th a must-visit for anyone looking for ideas, trusted contractors, or inspiration—whether you’re ready to build or just starting to dream.
Currently: The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.
January 26, 2026
In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Gary Gatzke — musician, educator, arts administrator, and one of the driving forces behind Northern Michigan’s vibrant classical music scene.
This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.
From his roots in Traverse City’s public school music programs to Interlochen Arts Academy and Juilliard, Gary reflects on the teachers, mentors, and moments that shaped his lifelong relationship with music. This discussion explores what it means to balance life as a professional performer and an arts administrator, from playing double bass on major stages with orchestras and opera companies to building accessible, community-centered arts education programs at Interlochen. Gary shares why playing music with other people matters at every age, how live performance creates connection, and what keeps artists coming back to the stage year after year.
It’s a thoughtful, honest look at creativity, community, and the joy of showing up — for the music, for the people around you, and for the experiences that make Northern Michigan’s arts ecosystem thrive.
January 19, 2026
In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with freelance writer and filmmaker Joseph Beyer to talk about storytelling, community, and the power of shared experiences. Joe reflects on his creative path—from theater and freelance work to documentary filmmaking—and how those experiences shaped his belief that gathering people together matters more than the format itself.
This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.
The conversation explores the role of movie theaters, film festivals, and arts spaces in building community, including a deep dive into what inspired Joe to help bring the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette to Traverse City. Along the way, Joe shares insights on accessibility, why informal spaces can be just as meaningful as traditional venues, and what makes an experience truly worth leaving the house for.
It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, connection, and why—especially right now—community-driven storytelling still matters.
January 12, 2026
On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Chad Lindsey, Executive Director of the City Opera House, to talk about stewardship, relevance, and what it really means to run a historic cultural anchor in a modern community.
Support for this episode comes from TVC Cherry Capital Airport—your Northern Michigan connection.
Chad shares how his background as a performer and arts administrator shaped his approach to leadership—and why the Opera House was never meant to be an elite arts space, but a place where the community gathers first. From balancing fine arts and popular programming to keeping ticket prices accessible for locals, Chad explains the constant tension between mission, sustainability, and relevance.
The conversation also explores the unique challenges of maintaining a 130-year-old building, the realities of fundraising and preservation, and why live performance still matters in a distracted world—especially for kids experiencing the magic of the stage for the first time. It’s a thoughtful look at how culture, place, and community intersect in downtown Traverse City—and what it takes to ensure a historic institution continues to serve the people who live here.
December 22, 2025
Caring for aging loved ones can feel overwhelming…especially when you don’t know what help exists. On this episode of The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Nicole Farkas and Lori Wells from PACE North to break down what PACE is, how it works, and why so many families don’t learn about it until they’re already in crisis.
The discussion explores how PACE’s wraparound model supports older adults in staying at home, the challenges families face navigating senior services, and the misconceptions that keep people from seeking help sooner. With real-world examples and statewide insight, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical next steps for anyone supporting an aging parent or loved one.
December 15, 2025
On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Cecilia Chesney, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan—also known as Bigs Up North—to talk about the power of consistent, one-to-one mentorship. Cecilia shares how the organization supports hundreds of youth across our five-county region, why careful matching and long-term commitment matter, and how having a trusted adult can help young people rediscover confidence, hope, and possibility.
The conversation explores the challenges facing youth today, reflects on the organization’s decades-long impact, and looks ahead to plans for expanding mentorship across the region. Cecilia also offers a message for anyone considering becoming a Big—and why simply showing up can change a life.
To learn more or get involved, visit BigsUpNorth.org.
December 8, 2025
In this episode of The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Corey and Marney Winfield, co-founders of 217 Recovery, a Traverse City nonprofit redefining what recovery can look like. With honesty, humor, and lived experience, they share their personal journeys through addiction and the turning points that sparked their mission to build an organization rooted in compassion, dignity, and hope. They also unpack the realities of substance use disorder, the stigma still surrounding it, and why peer-to-peer support remains one of the most powerful tools for change.
Christal, Corey, and Marney dig into the culture of addiction in a tourist town, the growth of Northern Michigan’s recovery community, and how 217 has expanded from simple rides to treatment into free recovery coaching, community events, and recovery-friendly workplace training. Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or want to better understand addiction, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a clear message: recovery is possible, and it doesn’t have to be lonely.
December 1, 2025
In this episode, Christal sits down with Alison Metiva, the incoming President and CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation,—an organization that has quietly but powerfully shaped northern Michigan for more than 30 years.
With nearly two decades inside the Foundation, Alison reflects on her journey from grantmaking to operations to the top leadership role, and what that path has taught her about partnership, collaboration, and the evolving needs of our region. Together, she and Christal unpack the rapidly changing funding landscape—from federal and state cuts to shrinking support for housing, childcare, infrastructure, and environmental programs—and what those shifts mean for local nonprofits that rely on those dollars.
Alison shares how the Foundation is adapting its approach to both fundraising and grantmaking, stepping further into its role as a community convener and connector. From distributing over $330,000 in recent Community Funds grants to navigating emerging priorities such as housing, workforce challenges, and mental health, she outlines a vision for a more resilient and responsive future.
It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, trust, and what it takes to keep northern Michigan strong, especially in a moment when the safety net is being stretched thinner than ever.
November 24, 2025
Christal sits down with Kevin Klein, Executive Director of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), to unpack the rapid growth transforming northern Michigan’s hometown airport. Kevin explains what’s driving record-breaking passenger numbers, how TVC is adapting to a surge in local and visitor travel, and why this moment reflects Traverse City’s evolution as a regional hub.
They discuss the airport’s upcoming major terminal expansion, new parking additions, and the challenges of operating a facility built for far fewer passengers than it now serves. Kevin also breaks down funding details, community feedback, and how TVC plans to maintain Traverse City’s small-town feel while preparing for the future.
It’s a concise, forward-looking discussion with the leader guiding one of the region’s most important assets.
November 17, 2025
In this episode, Christal sits down with Peace Ranch Founder Jackie Kaschel and Executive Director Kim Walton to explore how horses help people heal when words fall short. Together, they unpack the origins of Peace Ranch, the science behind equine-assisted trauma recovery, and the profound ways horses mirror human emotion to restore trust, calm, and safety.
Jackie shares how Peace Ranch has grown over 15 years into a nationally recognized model, while Kim reflects on her diverse background with land stewardship and wild horse programs — and what brought her back to Northern Michigan. The conversation also previews Peace Ranch’s new retreat center, designed for deeper healing experiences for families, veterans, first responders, and more.
A hopeful, heartfelt look at trauma, resilience, and the human-horse connection — and the community that makes it possible.
November 10, 2025
Host Christal Frost sits down with Kabie Stein, founder and creative director of Here:Say Storytelling, the beloved Traverse City series where community members take the stage to share true, first-person stories. Now entering its 11th season, Here:Say has become a Northern Michigan institution, and Kabie and Christal explore the origins of the series, what inspired its creation more than a decade ago, and why storytelling continues to resonate so deeply today.
Kabie also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 2025–26 Here:Say season, launching November 19, including new themes, evolving storytellers, and a few surprises that keep the series fresh while staying true to its roots.
"Currently: The Conversation" brings you authentic voices and meaningful stories from the people shaping life in Northern Michigan. A Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.
November 3, 2025
In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, host Christal Frost sits down with Janie McNabb, CEO of Networks Northwest, to explore the state of workforce development across northwest Michigan — and why investing in people is essential to the region’s economic future.
From its 50-year history to its evolving mission, Janie shares how Networks Northwest supports jobseekers, employers, and communities across ten counties through initiatives like Michigan Works!, adult education, apprenticeships, and the Going PRO Talent Fund. Together, Christal and Janie discuss the shifting dynamics of Michigan’s labor market, the industries facing the greatest challenges, and the innovative ways local partnerships are addressing barriers like housing, transportation, and childcare.
They also take a candid look at the impact of recent state and federal funding cuts — and what’s truly at stake for both workers and businesses if workforce investment continues to decline.
Whether you’re an employer, policymaker, or community member, this conversation highlights how workforce development is more than a program — it’s a blueprint for stronger communities and a more resilient regional economy.
Currently: The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.
October 27, 2025
Christal sits down with Taylor Moore, Director of Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, for a timely and heartfelt discussion about the growing challenge of food insecurity across our region.
Every year, Food Rescue collects, re-packs, and distributes over 2.2 million pounds of food—enough to create 1.8 million meals across Northern Michigan. The program stands at the intersection of two urgent issues: food waste and hunger. But as Taylor explains, the need is accelerating—and a looming federal crisis could make it even worse.
With the ongoing government shutdown threatening to pause SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, thousands of local families, seniors, Veterans and working adults who rely on monthly SNAP support to afford groceries could soon find themselves without that lifeline. The ripple effects would hit food pantries and meal sites especially hard, as more people turn to community resources as federal support slows or stops.
Christal and Taylor discuss how Food Rescue and its partners across the Northwest Food Coalition are preparing to respond, what gaps they’re already seeing, and how local collaboration, volunteers, and donors can help cushion the impact for neighbors in need. They also explore the logistics behind rescuing nearly 8,000 pounds of fresh food every day, the partnerships that make it possible, and the hope that keeps this mission moving forward.
Currently: The Conversation shares meaningful stories from the people shaping Northern Michigan’s future, real conversations about community, compassion, and action. A Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.
October 20, 2025
In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, host Christal Frost sits down with Yarrow Brown, Executive Director of Housing North, to unpack one of Northwest Michigan’s most pressing challenges: the housing crisis.
From young families and seniors to essential workers and professionals, more and more residents are finding it difficult to secure a safe, attainable place to live. Christal and Yarrow explore the factors driving the shortage, the impact it’s having on local communities and economies, and the innovative partnerships and policy efforts working to turn things around.
Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or simply someone who cares about the future of our region, this episode sheds light on how collaboration, education, and advocacy are key to building stronger, more sustainable communities across Northern Michigan.
Currently: The Conversation — thoughtful stories and meaningful discussions that go beyond the headlines. A Compass Local Podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.
October 13, 2025
“Let’s do the Time Warp again—Traverse City style.”
In the premiere episode of "Currently: The Conversation," host Christal Frost kicks off the series with a lively and heartfelt dive into the return of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Old Town Playhouse, back for the first time in 20 years. Christal is joined by Old Town Playhouse Artistic Director Wes Curry and actor Tanner Presswood (a.k.a. “Rocky” himself) for a spirited talk about the magic of community theater, the cult legacy of Rocky Horror, and how volunteer-driven productions bring people together across generations.
From the show’s playful chaos to its deeper themes of identity, inclusion, and chosen family, this conversation celebrates what makes local theater such a vital part of Northwest Michigan’s creative heartbeat. Plus, hear how Rocky Horror’s interactive traditions are being reimagined for 2025 audiences.
"Currently: The Conversation" is the companion podcast to the flagship news roundup "Currently with Christal Frost," bringing you deeper stories, voices, and perspectives from around Northern Michigan — new episodes drop every Monday. The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.