THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY

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 helpin...

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 co...

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,...

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 wh...

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...

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 wa...

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 la...

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 tow...

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 miles...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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’...

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...

Rod Trump, a Florida-based tech entrepreneur and angel investor, is reviving High Pointe with Tom Doak on board for a $24 million course renovation. Trump, who holds a leadership position at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, decided to spearhead the revival effort. Read more about it here!  https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikedojc/2023/02/16/high-pointe-golf-clubs-24-million-revival-speeding-alon...

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Maurie Allen is the owner of Captain’s Quarters, a men’s fine clothing and haberdashery store in Traverse City, known for its classic style with a relaxed “up north” vibe. A lifelong admirer of Northern Michigan, Maurie has built his business around quality, craftsmanship, and creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. On this episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast, he shares...

Tom Doak, one of the world’s most respected and original golf course architects, lives and works out of Traverse City. After graduating from Cornell University, he earned a scholarship that took him to St. Andrews, where he caddied and studied the great links of Scotland. That experience shaped his philosophy that golf should remain natural, challenging, and accessible to all. Having studied more...

Dr. Teri Stockwell is a chiropractor, educator, and proud Traverse City local. Growing up, she spent every summer at her family’s cottage, dreaming of one day calling Traverse City home. After graduating from Michigan State University, she began her career with TBAISD before pursuing further educational and family goals. In 1994, she returned to raise her children and built a thriving chiropractic...

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 Northern Michigan and beyond for decades. Beyond his local leadership, he is an internationally respected conductor, having led performances wi...

Marcel Lenz, a PhD-educated farmer, is passionate about Leelanau Cellars and the future of viticulture and agriculture in Northern Michigan. His commitment to health and vitality drives his focus on renewable and responsible farming protocols, making him a hands-on influencer in the industry. He views his farm as a living laboratory, aiming to merge traditional wisdom with  Follow our other social...

A familiar name in TC, Dan’s family has touched the lives of many with kindness and care at their most vulnerable time at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Now “retired”, Dan's passion for aviation and his problem-solving spirit led him to found Legacy Aviation, an educational institution preparing students for lucrative careers in the aviation support industry.  Listen in as Dan talks about hi...

The Guillen familia has been part of our region since 1992. Chasing the American dream, they left Mexico and set roots in the Suttons Bay area in 1997.  The fruits of the large family’s spirit and passion is showing up and delighting taste buds all over our community.   https://laslagunastc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/taquerialaslagunas/ https://www.facebook.com/laslagunastq/ Follow our other s...