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.

On this week's Currently, we're diving into a full slate of updates on many ongoing local issues.

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.

In this OG "Christal and Beth" show, Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) runs us through a proposed campus for Traverse City Light & Power, what's happening with familiar downtown landmarks like the Carnegie Building, the Bijou, and the CityOpera House, plus Camp Greilick reopening to the public, local park grant news, and quick hits on airport-related projects, including a hotel update and the return of the Blue Angels. ​

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

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.

In this week's episode of Currently, host Christal Frost is joined by Northern Express editor Jillian Manning and Ticker reporter Beth Milligan to break down the top stories 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. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

We begin with Jillian's reporting on the growing strain on local nonprofits as deep cuts to the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding leaves the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center and the Women's Resource Center scrambling to meet rising needs. She also highlights the Elk Rapids nonprofit Do a Little Good, whose volunteer-driven efforts—including a new 24/7 Little Free Food Library—are quietly making a big difference for families facing food insecurity.

Beth then brings updates from county and city government, including the narrow county vote to back $71 million in airport bonds, progress on Project Alpha, and the city commission's unanimous decision to appoint Benjamin Marentette as permanent city manager.

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

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.

This week on "Currently," Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by reporter Art Bukowski to dive into three big local stories.

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.

Art brings us the latest on Sugarloaf, where the Leelanau Conservancy has officially raised the $8 million needed to begin site planning — a major step toward eventually opening the iconic mountain to the public. He also explains why the property's anonymous donation is one of the most remarkable preservation moves our region has seen.

Beth updates us on Boardman Lake developments, including the Mill District groundbreaking, Brick Wheels' future headquarters, new public access, and the latest on the TCAPS Administration Building's transformation into workforce housing, office space, and condos.

We wrap with downtown project updates from the DDA: the new Farmers Market Pavilion design, a recommendation to keep State, Pine, and Boardman two-way, and the next phase of Rotary Square.

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

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.

This week, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) updates listeners on the latest developments in the downtown Traverse City parking deck shooting, including the suspects' arraignments, charges, bond decisions, and what comes next in court.

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.

They also break down the fast-moving news out of Kalkaska, where the developer behind a proposed 1,400-acre data center abruptly pulled the plug after significant public pushback and legislative opposition.

Then it's Beth's always-popular restaurant and retail roundup, featuring new openings, closings, and business moves shaping downtown Traverse City and beyond.

Finally—just in time for Thanksgiving—it's the return of FOOD FIGHT: Thanksgiving Pie Edition, with Christal, Beth, and guest Gary Gatzke taste-testing apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies from Third Coast Bakery, Grand Traverse Pie Co. and 9 Bean Rows, respectively, to declare this year's holiday favorites.

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