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
Kyan Olshove
May 30, 202500:15:55Tap to summarizeBorn and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, Kyan Olshove grew up riding local trails with his dad. That weekend hobby turned into a full-blown passion after joining Norte Youth Cycling, where he found both competition and community.Now a semi-professional mountain bike racer, Kyan competes internationally while chasing his dream of making cycling a full-time career. He’s known for his focus, grit, and deep connection to the Northern Michigan trails that shaped him.Kyan trains year-round in TC and often gives back—mentoring young riders, collaborating at local events, and sharing his journey on social media.His story is proof that big dreams can start on small-town trails—and that you don’t have to leave home to go far.https://www.instagram.com/mtb_kyan/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 →Jeff and Cassandra
May 23, 202500:22:22Tap to summarize"Farming is a profession of hope." We’re a women- and veteran-owned business rooted in love for our land, animals, and what we create. Our brands—Little Long Ears Provisions, TC Spirit Donkeys, Old Mission Ciders, and Harpers Ridge Farm—grew from our farm on Old Mission Peninsula, founded in 2016. Today we care for 800+ organic fruit trees and a vibrant ecosystem of bees, chickens, donkeys, sheep, and more. We make wine from our Pinot Gris grapes and a seasonal cider blend called “The Kitchen Sink.” Our main brand, Little Long Ears Provisions, turns cider and wine into aged vinegars—apple, cherry, fire cider, beer malt, and more coming soon. Vinegar makes food better—enhancing flavor and offering probiotic, antioxidant, and metabolic benefits. Try our wellness shot, Donkey Fuel, with fire cider, tart cherry, and hydrogen water. We’re also trialing Michigan-grown olive oil! 1% of sales support the Grand Traverse Land Conservancy and local nonprofits. https://www.instagram.com/littlelongearsprovisions/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 →Self Care and Meditation with Alice Rubert
May 16, 202500:22:15Tap to summarizeBorn and raised in Elk Rapids, Alice Rubert always felt the deep pull of Northern Michigan. After years of travel and a career in real estate, it was burnout during COVID that led her to a powerful shift. Through meditation and breathwork, she began a personal journey of healing that transformed her life—mind, body, and spirit.In 2022, Alice co-founded Waterside Wellness, a woman-owned wellness space in the heart of Elk Rapids, offering a sanctuary for mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery. She is a certified Chopra Meditation Coach and trauma-informed Revelation Breathwork facilitator, guiding individuals, couples, and groups through somatic practices that restore calm, clarity, and connection.Alice also brings mindfulness into local schools, teaching meditation to grades 2–5 at Lakeland Elementary. Her mission is simple: help others slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with themselves and each other. 📧 alice.rubert 📱 Instagram: @alice.rubert | @watersidewellness_er 🌐 www.watersidewellness.coFollow 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 →Sailing Traverse City with Jennifer Szunko
May 9, 202500:14:21Tap to summarizeJennifer Szunko – Co-Owner, The Discovery CruiseJennifer Szunko is a passionate advocate for the active, outdoor lifestyle that defines Northern Michigan. A graduate of Northwood University, her dynamic career has taken her from the slopes of Vail to the fast-paced corridors of Washington, D.C., before bringing her home to Traverse City in 1987. Since then, she’s played a pivotal role in the region’s hospitality and tourism landscape—leading initiatives across hotel convention sales, the cruise industry, wine education, publishing, and digital marketing.Today, Jennifer is the co-owner of The Discovery, a premier cruise experience offering scenic and educational tours of West Grand Traverse Bay. With her background in publishing and communications, she brings both strategic insight and operational excellence to the helm, creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate the culture and natural beauty of the region.A cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and community connector, Jennifer is known for her resilience, professionalism, and heartfelt commitment to helping others engage deeply with Traverse City’s land, water, and people. Whether she’s sailing, skiing, hiking, or biking, she thrives on forging authentic connections and inspiring others to live fully.Connect with Jennifer and The Discovery Cruise:Website: www.discoverycruisestc.comInstagram: @discoverycruisesFacebook: Discovery Cruiseshttps://www.facebook.com/jszunkohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferszunko/https://www.instagram.com/mindfulvibelife/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 →Connecting Women around Traverse City with Kerry Winkler
May 2, 202500:23:23Tap 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 →Marjie Rich
Apr 25, 202500:24:22Tap to summarizePersonal Information:Full Name: Marjie RichEmail Address: marjier@generationsahead.orgOn a whim, my husband and I hand-picked moving to TC in 1994, from the West Coast. We found jobs and moved here with a one year old, thinking it would be a short 5-7 year stay. It's been just over 30 years now- longer than either of us have lived anywhere else. Clearly, we love the area and have found deep roots in our community. Marjie, Executive Director of Generations Ahead, has worked in women's and children’s health for over 30 years. She received her Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan.Marjie is the executive director of Generations Ahead, a local nonprofit organization that she helped found in 2019. Generations Ahead supports teen parents and their children across the 5-county region.In the Grand Traverse area, Marjie has managed adolescent health clinics, directed a breastfeeding program, and conducted community health assessment work at the Grand Traverse County Health Department. In addition to her direct work in public health, Marjie also served on the TCAPS school board for six years, including two as president, and was an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University on the Grand Traverse campus.Marjie and her spouse have lived in Traverse City since 1994. They have three adultdaughters.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 Importance of Kindness and Holly Hack's Community based Lifestyle
Apr 18, 202500:25:46Tap to summarizeBorn and raised in Northern Michigan, Holly Hack has never called anywhere else home. From humble beginnings in a trailer in Grawn, she built a life grounded in hard work, purpose, and deep community roots. Her mother’s wisdom—“All that is needed for evil to exist is for good people to do nothing”—became her lifelong compass.A single mom turned real estate leader, Holly found in real estate not just a career, but a calling: helping people find their place in the world. She led EXIT Realty with vision and heart and has now returned to what she loves most—working directly with clients, guiding them through life-changing transitions in buying and selling homes.Holly’s love for Northern Michigan runs deep. It’s not just where she lives—it’s who she is. She’s raised three incredible kids here, each finding their path with grit and purpose. From community service with Leadership Grand Traverse and Child and Family Services, to championing local causes, Holly is devoted to giving back to the region that shaped her.holly@tcexit.com 📱 Facebook: @hollyhack | Instagram: @hollyhackrealtor | TikTok: @hollyhack 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 →Balancing Business, Wellness & Community with Sarah Lee Sullivan
Apr 11, 202500:21:18Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, we welcome Sarah Lee Sullivan, a powerhouse entrepreneur, community leader, and mental wellness advocate. As the CEO and Owner of Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in Traverse City and the Founder of Sullivan Business Services, Sarah has dedicated her career to helping others—whether through holistic wellness, financial guidance, or nonprofit leadership.Beyond her businesses, Sarah serves as Treasurer of the Board for Generations Ahead and is a member of the Prevention Council with Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, championing causes that strengthen her community. She’s also pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, furthering her passion for mental wellness. Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed—she’s been recognized multiple times as an “Influential Woman” and a “Leader of Northern Michigan.” Want to experience the benefits of floating? First-time clients receive a $10 discount, and if you mention this podcast when booking at Solitude (231-642-3451), you’ll get a free 30-minute chair massage with your float! Connect with Sarah & Her Businesses: Solitude Float & Wellness Spa: Facebook | Instagram Sullivan Business Services: Facebook LinkedIn: Sarah Lee SullivanFrom business ownership to mental wellness and making a difference in the community, Sarah’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and passion. Tune in for valuable insights on self-care, leadership, and the power of giving back!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 →Rooted Returns: Business, Banking & Life in Traverse City with Alan Zelinski
Apr 11, 202500:18:33Tap to summarizeA lifelong resident of Northwestern Michigan, [Name] has spent over 25 years immersed in the region’s vibrant business and banking community. A graduate of NMC and Ferris State, he built his career—and his family—in a community where entrepreneurial spirit, strong relationships, and exceptional quality of life go hand in hand. Today, he continues to offer personalized, regionally attuned commercial banking solutions that help local businesses thrive. The best way to connect with Al is via alanz@myhonorbank.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 →Three Decades of Friendship, Family & Holistic Living with Lisa
Apr 11, 202500:14:33Tap to summarizeSome friendships are stitched together through shared passions, long-distance support, and the ups and downs of life—and that’s exactly how my friendship with Lisa has grown over the years. We met during chiropractic school (our husbands were classmates!), and though we landed on opposite coasts, our bond has stayed strong, rooted in faith, family, and holistic living.Now, Lisa is sharing her decades of experience in wellness through her #1 bestselling book, The Radiant Reset—a powerful, common-sense guide to restoring metabolic function and balancing hormones in our fast-paced, high-tox world.In this heartfelt episode, we talk about friendship, wellness, and what it means to live fully alive in every chapter of life.✨ Learn more: thelivingwellexperience.com 📚 Grab The Radiant Reset + bonuses: livingwellbeauty.com/the-radiant-reset-book 📱 Follow Lisa on Instagram: @thelivingwellexperienceFollow 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 →