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
Everyone’s Friend: A Conversation with Peter Garthe
Jan 200:18:32Tap to summarizePeter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows up before he does, a laugh that fills a room, and a belief that everyone is worth greeting. He’s proudly loyal to every local team—Trojans, Titans, Glads, and Tigers—and famously competitive, especially when volunteering, where he holds records few will ever beat. His story is even more remarkable considering he began life with little chance of survival, growing instead into someone whose impact on this community is immeasurable. Peter is truly one in a million, and his joy, grit, and generosity shine throughout this 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 →Stepping up to Step Up with Cathy O'Connor
Dec 1900:31:02Tap to summarizeCathy is the founder of Step Up Northern Michigan, a local nonprofit that supports six school-based food and basic-needs pantries throughout the region. Food insecurity and lack of transportation create significant barriers for many students and families, often limiting students’ ability to reach their full potential. For more than a decade, Step Up Northern Michigan has partnered with Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition to provide fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and proteins to these pantries.With over 30 years of experience in education, Cathy is a passionate advocate for young people navigating challenges—often through no fault of their own—on their path to adulthood. She brings a deep understanding of how schools function and how to thoughtfully navigate the relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the broader community.Cathy and her husband, Sean, are the parents of six children and grandparents to two. In her free time, she enjoys playing (and watching) tennis, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.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 →Elevating Community: The Mt. Holiday Impact with Jordyn Ross
Dec 1300:14:37Tap to summarizeJordyn Ross, I’m the Development Director at Mt. Holiday, where I lead fundraising, sponsorships, and community engagement to support our mission of providing accessible year-round recreation for all. My focus is on building strong partnerships, expanding donor support, and developing programs that connect local families, youth, and organizations to the mountain and ensuring Mt. Holiday remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.Before joining Mt. Holiday, I spent more than a decade in finance and leadership as a CPA, Financial Planner, and Mortgage Broker, helping individuals and businesses build long-term financial success. My experience in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and community-centered program development helps to sustain and grow our impact. Originally from Minnesota, I attended Northern Michigan University, where I fell in love with the Northern Michigan community and outdoor culture. Today, I’m passionate about giving back through youth ski programs, community partnerships, and initiatives that make outdoor recreation accessible to all and especially the next generation of local skiers and riders.MT HOLIDAY IS A BENEFACTOR FOR Cruisin’ for Community in May of 2026….Link to purchase tickets for an amazing evening on West Bay onboard The Discovery! 100% of your ticket sales go DIRECTLY to support Mt Holiday’s mission.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 →Wheels, Water & Wide Angles: Rediscovering TC with Tyler Franz
Dec 500:19:53Tap to summarizeTyler Franz is a Traverse City native whose story proves you sometimes have to leave home to truly see it. After years away, Tyler returned with a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the lakes, landscapes, and people that make this place special. Today, he channels that inspiration into two passions that connect him deeply with the community: skateboarding and photography. Whether he’s carving through a local park or capturing the quiet magic of Northern Michigan through his lens, Tyler’s mission is simple — to celebrate the beauty of Traverse City and the creativity of the people who call it home. Follow his work on Instagram @tyler_franz or explore more at tylerfranzphotography.com.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 →Restaurant and Automotive Business in Traverse City with Nick Mueller
Nov 2800:29:22Tap to summarizeI was born and raised in Traverse City. Attended Central High School, later on attending NMC and FSU. Working my way through college at Red Ginger, eventually starting with Busters as an installer. I worked these 2 jobs for 3 years, eventually going to just Busters as it grew. Helping scale the business I knew this was a path I wanted to go down. Chris Peron (my business partner) eventually opened Busters Customs in 2021. This business specializes in automotive aftermarket/appearance care. Window Tint, Paint Protection Film, Vinyl Wraps, Ceramic Coatings, Auto detailing and more. Lastly, I am an account executive for 1st National Payment Solutions. I help with onboarding local businesses for merchant processing services. I have a wife, Emily Mueller (Weitzel) and beautiful boy, Harrison (11 months) and 2 dogs. We live on the base of Old Mission. Free time/Hobbies consist mostly of Golf and enjoying nature and the beautiful beaches.Follow Nick on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/750124828345289/busters-blinds-window-film/recent/?hl=am-etFollow 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 →Reviving golf in Northern Michigan with Rod Trump
Nov 2100:23:33Tap to summarizeRod Trump, a Florida-based tech entrepreneur and angel investor, is reviving High Pointe with Tom Doak on board for a $24 million course renovation. Trump, who holds a leadership position at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach, decided to spearhead the revival effort.Read more about it here! https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikedojc/2023/02/16/high-pointe-golf-clubs-24-million-revival-speeding-along-in-northern-michigan/ Contact at: info@highpointegc.com 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 →The Golf World of Traverse City with Adam Schriber
Nov 1400:21:27Tap to summarizeFollow 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 →Comunity and Kindness with Chris Ostrowski
Nov 700:24:46Tap to summarizeFollow 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 →Classic Style, Northern Charm: Maurie Allen and The Captain’s Quarters"
Oct 3100:23:40Tap to summarizeMaurie Allen is the owner of Captain’s Quarters, a men’s fine clothing and haberdashery store in Traverse City, known for its classic style with a relaxed “up north” vibe. A lifelong admirer of Northern Michigan, Maurie has built his business around quality, craftsmanship, and creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. On this episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast, he shares his journey from early inspiration to entrepreneurship, the challenges and rewards of running a specialty retail business, and what makes Traverse City such a special place to live and work. Listeners will hear stories that capture both the character of the city and the spirit of one of its most dedicated local business owners, blending style, community, and Northern Michigan charm.https://captainsquarterstc.com/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 →Rough Ideas, Smooth Greens- Legendary Designer Tom Doak
Oct 2400:20:27Tap to summarizeTom Doak, one of the world’s most respected and original golf course architects, lives and works out of Traverse City. After graduating from Cornell University, he earned a scholarship that took him to St. Andrews, where he caddied and studied the great links of Scotland. That experience shaped his philosophy that golf should remain natural, challenging, and accessible to all. Having studied more than 1,000 courses worldwide, Tom believes the best designs evolve organically from the land itself. Before launching his own firm, he spent three years working with Pete Dye, mastering the craft of course construction. His first solo design, High Pointe Golf Club, just outside Traverse City, has now been reborn with a new design—bringing his journey full circle. Often described as both radical and traditional, Tom continues to create courses that honor golf’s heritage while redefining its future.renaissancegolf.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 →