Podcast
THE mostly TRAVERSE CITY
Hosted by Julie Brons and Don Piche · EN
Welcome to The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast!
Get ready to meet the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers who make Traverse City (and its surrounding magic) so unforgettable. Each episode invites you into casual, heartwarming, and engaging conversations with the fascinating people who live, love, and thrive in this little slice of Northern Michigan paradise.
We’ll explore what brought them here, what keeps them inspired, and the everyday joys that make life in TC so vibrant. Whether it’s the perfect day by the bay, hidden foodie gems, or a sunrise hike that changes everything—you’ll find ideas, stories, and local love that will make you want to plan your next adventure (or move here ASAP).
It’s lighthearted, genuine, and a celebration of community, connection, and the beautiful place we call home.
71episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Crowns to Causes: Kelli Kaberle
Mar 1300:24:51Tap to summarizeHer 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 helping shape the future of Northern Michigan while leading one of its most beloved traditions into a historic milestone. This episode is about reinvention, resilience, and using your voice—especially when it matters most.https://www.hkmllc.net/ https://www.cherryfestival.org/FACEBOOK- National Cherry Festival (link) IG cherryfestivalWatch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LxSm6FrKceHCaE6uSADlL Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →A Conversation with the Voice of Morning- Ron Jolly
Mar 600:14:54Tap to summarizeFor 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 community day after day, year after year. It’s a conversation about consistency, curiosity, and the quiet power of showing up—long enough to become part of the soundtrack. The Ron Jolly Show on FB ronjollynow@yahoo.comFollow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Ask Better Questions: How One Guy Learned Traverse City- Peter Payette
Feb 2700:24:09Tap to summarizeIf 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, and to feel seen. Along the way, he uncovered a simple but powerful strategy for building real connections in a new place—one that anyone can use.His work has taken him deep into Northern Michigan’s culture, from overlooked native fish to failed shipwreck hunts, from classrooms to concert halls, and into living rooms across the region through radio. But at its heart, this is a story about curiosity, community, and the underrated power of paying attention.Listen closely—you might just learn how to belong a little faster.payettepc@interlochen.orgInterlochenpublicradio.org Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Lessons in Grit, Teamwork, and Home with a TC Hero- Command Sgt. Major Les McCorkle
Feb 2000:20:56Tap to summarizeHe 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 why, no matter how far you go, Traverse City always pulls you home.ltmccorkle@yahoo.comFollow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Balance Sheets to Beat Drops: Mark Stackable
Feb 1300:18:37Tap to summarizeBy 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 a disciplined, numbers-driven brain gives itself permission to play. A reminder that some of the best returns come when you follow the itch instead of the plan. The Great Indoor Folk Festival at The Grand Traverse Commons (2/22/26)IG: stackablemusic markstackable@yahoo.comFollow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Where Olympic Dreams Meet Northern Michigan
Feb 600:31:42Tap to summarizeIf 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 way to Traverse City. The road here winds through family ties, unexpected moments (including a run-in with Jack Nicklaus at The Bear), and a growing sense that excellence doesn’t only belong in big cities.In this episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast, we talk about what it takes to coach world-class athletes, why relationships matter more than medals, and what happens when Olympic-level wisdom shows up in Northern Michigan.@peacelovefuzzy on IGOffer: I’d be happy to buy anyone an ice cream cone who comes by to say hello…ask for ERIK SHULTZ at a local McDonalds and mention his The mostly Traverse City Podcast episode!Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Liquid Water, Solid Ice, Full Commitment Scott Strouse
Jan 3000:20:12Tap to summarizeSome 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 lasting. Bringing sharp business instincts, leadership experience, and exactly the right skills at exactly the right time, he’s helped elevate the Traverse City Curling Club into one of the premier curling facilities in the country. This episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast is about showing up, leaning in, and what happens when the right people meet the right place.sjstrouse@gmail.com info@tccurling.org www.tccurling.orgFollow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Once a Trojan, Always a Local Rich Kundrata
Jan 2300:12:20Tap to summarizeSome 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 town that shaped him.Now living in Arizona, he returns often, supporting local causes, cheering on high school wrestling, and quietly reminding everyone what it means to stay connected. This is a story about roots, resilience, and how a Trojan stays a local at heart.Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Small Time Trails- Big Time Grit - Kyan Olshove
Jan 1600:20:42Tap to summarizeWatch 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 milestone reserved for the sport’s best. A familiar name at ICEMAN Cometh, he continues to race with grit, gratitude, and deep hometown pride — proving big talent can come from small-town trails. Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
Transcribe →Steps That Matter: Health, Movement, and Community with Corey Birchmeier
Jan 900:18:38Tap to summarizeCorey 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 is simple: help the community grow stronger, one step at a time.Follow our other socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos
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