Muskegon Rising

Muskegon Rising (a service of the Muskegon Rotary Club) takes on “economics you can actually use” as host DJ Hilson welcomes Matt Farrar, Muskegon County’s Deputy County Administrator, for a plain-spoken conversation about how the economy works—globally and right here at home. From tariffs and “economic indicators” to housing demand, interest rates, and why uncertainty can slow investment, this ep...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising , host DJ Hilson sits down with Muskegon High School sophomore Neve McGinn to explore her journey into the Rotary Youth Exchange program and her upcoming year studying abroad in Denmark. Neve shares how the rigorous selection process, cultural flexibility, and personal growth opportunities are shaping her future, including her passion for culinary arts and global...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, hosts DJ Hilson and John Gale explore how Muskegon County is strengthening school safety through preparation, partnership, and proactive leadership. Gale, a retired Norton Shores Police Chief and current Safety & Security Liaison for the Muskegon Area ISD, explains how law enforcement, educators, and administrators work together to prevent threats, respond e...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike talks with Bill Cooper, Vice President of Operations at La Colombe in Norton Shores, about the company’s major expansion, growing workforce, and deep commitment to Muskegon County. Cooper shares how La Colombe and parent company Chobani are investing in up to 340 new jobs, a 200,000-square-foot facility expansion, local talent development, schoo...

In this inspiring episode of Muskegon Rising, host DJ Hilson sits down with Benika Longmire of Muskegon Public Schools to explore how early career pathways, community partnerships, and hands-on learning are shaping the future of local students. From the innovative “Future of You” conference to real-world internships and career academies, this conversation highlights how education, workforce develo...

In this flavorful episode of Muskegon Rising , host Aaron Maike sits down with Tim Taylor of Hamburger Mikey to explore how a local burger joint became one of West Michigan’s most recognizable and community-driven brands. From crafting legendary Burgers of the Month and hand-cut fries to sourcing locally, creating jobs, and giving back through innovative community programs, Tim shares the passion,...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Meredith Smillie of Bethany Christian Services to explore how strengthening families directly supports student success, workforce stability, and economic growth in West Michigan. The conversation highlights Bethany’s work in foster care, adoption, behavioral health, and refugee services—and how flexible donor support helps familie...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising , host Aaron Maike sits down with Sharlene Schineldecker, CEO of the Cherette Group, to explore the vision, strategy, and community collaboration behind one of Muskegon County’s most transformative developments, including the Harvey Street corridor project and the arrival of Costco. Schineldecker details how decades of local investment, data-driven site selection...

On this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Mona Shores Varsity Basketball Coach TJ Meerman for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and building something bigger than basketball. From growing up in a sports-driven Coopersville family to playing Division I basketball at Central Michigan University, Coach Meerman shares the journey that shaped his approach to co...

What do the yellow lines on America’s roads have to do with jobs, safety, and Muskegon’s economic future? In this episode of Muskegon Rising , host Aaron Maike sits down with Erick Couch of Sun Chemical to explore how a world-class pigment manufacturing facility in Muskegon County plays a critical role in road safety, advanced manufacturing, and federal Buy America policy. From innovation and sust...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising , host Aaron Maike sits down with Greg Sherburn, unit manager of Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake State Park, to explore why Muskegon State Park was ranked among the top nine state parks in the nation by National Geographic . From world-class Lake Michigan shoreline and year-round recreation to the unique Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park and a deep commitment...

Economic development in Muskegon County is accelerating—and this episode of Muskegon Rising explains why it matters to jobs, workforce growth, and long-term community prosperity. Host Aaron Maike sits down with Trevor Friedeberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, to explore how strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration are driving more than $800 million...

In this relaunch episode of Muskegon Rising , co-hosts Aaron Maike and DJ Hilson reintroduce the podcast and explore how education, workforce development, and economic growth are coming together to move Muskegon County forward. Produced in partnership with the Muskegon Rotary Club, Muskegon Rising shares real, timely stories about the people and partnerships driving progress. Each episode builds l...

Muskegon Rising, a community service project of the Muskegon Rotary Club, sits down with community leader and fatherhood advocate Norman Young, founder of Man Cave and the seven-week curriculum A Father’s Love . In this powerful conversation, Norman explains how his Dad Detector Test helps fathers and father figures identify their strengths, uncover blind spots, heal from trauma, and move from fea...

In this Muskegon Rising episode, host Nancy Crandall interviews Dr. Dick Kamps, a retired surgeon who, alongside his wife Lynn, co-founded Step Up Muskegon, a nonprofit helping young adults transition successfully out of the foster care system. After a distinguished medical career, Dr. Kamps turned his compassion and leadership toward addressing the staggering challenges faced by youth aging out o...

Celebrate a milestone with us as Muskegon Rising releases its 100th episode. Host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Skoglund, Executive Director of the Muskegon Rescue Mission, for an in-depth look at how the organization uplifts families through housing, trauma care, childcare, and employment support. Skoglund shares how the mission’s Bright Futures Child Care Center helps families break cycles of poverty...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Kendrah Robinson welcomes Lisa Tyler, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore, to share her inspiring journey and the organization’s evolving impact across Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties. Tyler, a longtime community advocate and former journalist, explains United Way’s modern focus on collaboration, housing initiatives, early childhood lite...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Tavernier, the new City Manager of Whitehall, Michigan, to share his inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading a vibrant lakeshore community. Tavernier reflects on how his military background in leadership, crisis management, and teamwork prepared him for civic administration, emphasizing his lead-by...

Food insecurity in Muskegon County has reached an alarming new pitch, and in this urgent episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike talks with AgeWell Services’ Chris VanderStelt about the rapidly shrinking supply of charitable food, soaring demand following federal shutdowns, and the strain on seniors, students, families, and local pantries. VanderStelt highlights the 300 percent spike in 211 c...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Jeff Cave, CEO of Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon (OAM), to discuss nearly 50 years of orthopedic excellence serving West Michigan. Cave shares the organization’s growth from two founding physicians into a multi-specialty group offering urgent care, physical and occupational therapy, advanced imaging, and robotic-assisted surger...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike speaks with Dr. Paul Isely, Associate Dean and Professor at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, about Muskegon’s once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect its downtown with its waterfront. Dr. Isely explores how redeveloping sites like the Third Street Wharf and Fisherman’s Landing can expand public access, boost tou...

On this episode of Muskegon Rising, Ken James of Muskegon Community College speaks with Barbara Lee VanHorssen, “experimenter” and executive director of the Momentum Center, about creating inclusive communities through mental health support, cultural immersion, and grassroots conversations. Barbara shares how initiatives like Across the Bridge build relationships between Muskegon and the Tri-Citie...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall sits down with Dr. Paul Lomeo to explore his remarkable journey from 35 years in emergency medicine to launching a family-run cannabis grow and retail business in Muskegon. Dr. Lomeo shares how the pandemic, personal passion, and groundbreaking science on cannabis receptors inspired his career shift, offering insights into cannabis as both a...

In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Nancy Crandall speaks with Pam Curtis, Director of Senior Resources of West Michigan, about the vital role the Area Agency on Aging plays in supporting older adults and caregivers across Muskegon, Ottawa, and Oceana counties. Celebrating over 50 years of service, Senior Resources connects seniors to critical programs, including in-home care, transportation,...

Angelita Valdez, founder of Servicios de Esperanza (Services of Hope), shares how her bilingual, CARF-accredited clinic expands access to mental health care in Muskegon. With 19 years as a therapist and 12 years leading the practice, she outlines services for adults and children including play and art therapy, EMDR, substance use counseling, and telehealth. Topics include meeting people where they...