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. New episodes every Monday at christalfrost.com, on Facebook and YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. A Compass Local Podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, it’s a classic Christal-and-Beth episode as Beth Milligan, Head Writer for the Traverse City Ticker, returns to break down the latest local news.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, along with Old Town Playhouse, where community comes together in downtown Traverse City. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

From the newly unveiled Rotary Square plan to updates on Complete Streets, the Bijou and Carnegie buildings, and big changes coming to East Bay Township, Christal and Beth cover what’s going on.

Currently with Christal Frost is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

“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.

Coming up on Currently, it’s movies and businesses on the move!

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, along with Old Town Playhouse, where community comes together in downtown Traverse City. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) welcome back Nick Loud (The Boardman Review) to talk about his new role as Communications Director for the Garden Theatre in Frankfort and to preview the upcoming Frankfort Film Festival, October 15-19. From acclaimed indie features to crowd-pleasing documentaries, Nick shares what makes this small-town celebration of cinema such a big deal. Then, Beth has updates on the YMCA expansion and the latest restaurant and retail news.

Currently with Christal Frost is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) joins Christal with updates on two big local stories: Cherry Capital Airport’s record-setting year and the traffic headaches at West Senior High.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, and from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

Later on, it’s time for another round of Food Fight! Gary Gatzke returns to the table as the crew samples pumpkin donuts from three Northern Michigan favorites—Gallagher’s, Peace, Love and Little Donuts, and Waters Edge Sweet Tooth—paired with cider from Buchan’s Old Mission. From donut puns to fall food rivalries, it’s a taste test you won’t want to miss.

Currently with Christal Frost is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, we’re celebrating the start of fall with stories that take us outdoors and into the heart of Northern Michigan.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, and from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

Christal is joined by Traverse City Ticker’s Beth Milligan and independent journalist Chris Loud, co-founder of The Boardman Review. Chris shares highlights from their upcoming fall issue, .and Beth brings updates on Sugar Loaf’s fundraising efforts and new projects in downtown TC.

Currently is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) digging into three big stories shaping Traverse City’s future. Voters will soon decide on two key ballot proposals: one that would use the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to finance major city park improvements, and another that would lock a new ethics ordinance directly into the city charter. Then we’ll head downtown, where plans for Lot O at State and Cass are moving forward on a major redevelopment — one that pairs affordable housing with a year-round local food market.

Parks, ethics, housing, and food — it’s all on the table.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, and from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

Currently is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, we’re diving into the world of justice and education in Traverse City. Art Bukowski from Traverse City Business News takes us inside the lives of local judges, while Beth Milligan from The Traverse City Ticker shares updates on plans for a brand-new justice center that could reshape our community.

​This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of our community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City with a full bar and pinball machines.

Later on, we turn to the world of business and industry as Art highlights World Magnetics, a Northern Michigan manufacturer making a global impact. Finally, Beth rounds things out with a rapid-fire look at TCAPS — from the state budget and district offices to the strategic plan and what’s happening in school lunchrooms.

Plus, Christal, Beth, and Art share what they’re looking forward to in the week ahead!

Currently is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.