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.

In this special report from Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) outline what's been confirmed about the killing of 32-year-old Lawrence Boyd IV, a Traverse City Parking Services employee found shot in the Larry C. Hardy Parking Deck. Police believe his death is connected to another Saturday night incident in which two teens fled from officers, and, during the chase, one fired multiple shots at police. Both suspects are now in custody, and police confirm a firearm has been recovered.

After this podcast was recorded, it was confirmed the two suspects are expected to be arraigned tomorrow (Tuesday, November 18) at 1:30 pm.

In this episode, Christal sits down with Peace Ranch Founder Jackie Kaschel and Executive Director Kim Walton to explore how horses help people heal when words fall short. Together, they unpack the origins of Peace Ranch, the science behind equine-assisted trauma recovery, and the profound ways horses mirror human emotion to restore trust, calm, and safety.

Jackie shares how Peace Ranch has grown over 15 years into a nationally recognized model, while Kim reflects on her diverse background with land stewardship and wild horse programs — and what brought her back to Northern Michigan. The conversation also previews Peace Ranch's new retreat center, designed for deeper healing experiences for families, veterans, first responders, and more.

A hopeful, heartfelt look at trauma, resilience, and the human-horse connection — and the community that makes it possible.

In this week's episode of "Currently," Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by guest Craig Manning (Traverse City/Leelanau Ticker) to break down some of the biggest stories shaping northern Michigan right now.

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.

The show kicks off with a look inside Northern Michigan's short-term rental market. With nearly 9,000 Airbnbs spread across the region, Craig walks us through the new data, how it impacts local housing, and what communities are doing to respond.

Next, they run through a high-energy roundup of local sports highlights— including district titles, standout coaching seasons and field goal controversies.

After the break, Beth dives into upcoming Traverse City Light & Power changes, explaining why funding shifts and rate adjustments are back on the table...and what they will mean for residents.

The team also covers the latest updates from Cherry Capital Airport, including terminal expansions, new gate configurations, and what airport leadership shared with county commissioners about preparing for continued passenger growth.

If you want a fast, clear, journalist-driven breakdown of what's happening in northern Michigan—from housing pressures to infrastructure changes to hometown sports—this episode of "Currently" has you covered.

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

Host Christal Frost sits down with Kabie Stein, founder and creative director of Here:Say Storytelling, the beloved Traverse City series where community members take the stage to share true, first-person stories. Now entering its 11th season, Here:Say has become a Northern Michigan institution, and Kabie and Christal explore the origins of the series, what inspired its creation more than a decade ago, and why storytelling continues to resonate so deeply today.

Kabie also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming 2025–26 Here:Say season, launching November 19, including new themes, evolving storytellers, and a few surprises that keep the series fresh while staying true to its roots.

"Currently: The Conversation" brings you authentic voices and meaningful stories from the people shaping life in Northern Michigan. A Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.