This week on Currently, we're celebrating a full year of hyper-local news with a very special birthday episode...complete with cake!

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, and the National Writers Series, the premier home of passionate readers who love inspiring conversations with bestselling and award winning authors.

In honor of Currently's 1st birthday, we're having a special Food Fight episode. Gary Gatzke joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to sample three cakes from Sweet Tartlette, Waters Edge Sweet Tooth and Costco.

Plus, we discuss several major local stories, including the closing of a long-time downtown Traverse City institution, updates on the Central Grade School renovation, what residents should know about their First Amendment rights following recent protests.

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

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.

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by Art Bukowski (Traverse City Ticker) for a lively look at some of the stories making waves around Northern Michigan.

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, and the National Writers Series, the premier home of passionate readers who love inspiring conversations with bestselling and award winning authors.

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into locally grown shrimp — yes, shrimp! Art shares his story exploring how land-based aquaculture is taking shape in the region, along with Christal's strong feelings about crustaceans and their possibly otherworldly origins. From there, the conversation turns to public safety, breaking down expanded ambulance services and updates from the Traverse City Fire Department. The episode wraps up with a roundup of the latest restaurant and retail news.

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

It's informative, unexpected, and very on-brand for Northern Michigan, all on this week's episode of Currently.

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

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.

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) take a wide-ranging look at the stories shaping life in Northern Michigan.

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.

The conversation begins with an update on the city's evolving homelessness response and what the latest plans could mean in these colder months. From there, Beth breaks down the proposed riverfront design changes downtown and why the DDA's vision is sparking conversation. The episode wraps with a lighter—but still meaningful—note, diving into local culinary news featuring celebrated Chef Pete Peterson AND big news for the team at Modern Bird.

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

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.

On this week's episode of Currently, we take a deeper look at the local stories prompting some of the biggest conversations across Northern Michigan.

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.

IPR News Director Ed Ronco joins Christal and Traverse City Ticker's Beth Milligan to talk about a homelessness story that's resonated strongly with his listeners this week. After Traverse City cleared the Pines encampment, homelessness became less visible but no less dire. We unpack why the story was pursued, what it revealed and the question many listeners are asking: What am I supposed to do with this information?

We also touch on another story about the challenge, 10 months after 2025's big ice storm, that highlights the slow pace of federal response.

Then, Beth shares updates on sustainability efforts involving TCAPS and Traverse City Light & Power, along with the latest restaurant and retail news from around the region.

Plus, what everyone's looking forward to in the week ahead!

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

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.