Summer means lots of live music, and on this week’s “Currently,” Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) welcome Joe Beyer, freelance writer, to kick things off with his full guide to our region’s summer concert season—from big names at Interlochen to intimate local venues like Iron Fish, SummerSounds, and the Alluvion.

This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

Beth then takes us inside the latest developments at the Cherryland Center, where a new trampoline park is bouncing into the former Macy’s space. Plus: what the space won’t become, and what it signals for the future of the site. We also cover City Commission updates, including key decisions and priorities heading into the summer.

Currently is a Compass Local Podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

In Episode 17 of Currently, we're going "OG style" as host Christal Frost and Traverse City Ticker's Beth Milligan have a "classic duo" breakdown of the week’s biggest stories in Northern Michigan.

​This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

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First up: It’s Restaurant and Retail Roundup time — from new openings to surprise closures, Beth breaks down the latest movement in TC’s ever-changing culinary and business scene. Then, we talk about the YMCA’s plans for a brand new childcare center on the west side and what it means for growing families and the Long Lake community. Finally, we spotlight the Old Town Playhouse as they prepare to celebrate a landmark anniversary season — and trust us, they've got something special in store.

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Plus: King Kong invades Coin Slot, the Pit Spitters return to Turtle Creek Stadium, and we dish on our weekend plans, including the Michigan Arts & Culture Summit and some great local live music.

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

On this week’s episode of Currently, we’re digging into everything from international healthcare recruitment to backyard septic tanks—and topping it off with an almost-summertime treat!

This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

Joining Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) is Ed Ronco, News Director for Interlochen Public Radio, who brings us a story about Munson’s plan to recruit 170 nurses from the Philippines as part of an effort to address staffing shortages across its hospital network.

Then, Beth gives us updates on two big developments: the introduction of new county-wide septic inspection rules in Grand Traverse County, and her much-anticipated Summer 2025 Guide.

Next, Ed previews a fascinating piece coming next week from IPR’s Ellie Katz about the state’s deer baiting ban and how it intersects with the DNR’s efforts to raise hunting license fees.

And finally, we celebrate our Sweet 16 episode with a visit from Scott Pierson of Super Cone, the brand-new custard and soft serve window at The Coin Slot in downtown Traverse City.

Currently with Christal Frost is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

On this week’s Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) welcome Aubrey Ann Parker, editor of The Betsie Current, for her first appearance — fresh off two first-place wins from the Michigan Press Association.

This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

First, we take a deep dive into Aubrey’s latest cover story about anaplasmosis, a lesser-known but rapidly spreading tick-borne disease now showing up in northern Michigan. With symptoms more intense than Lyme and cases rising in both people and pets, this one is a must-hear.

Then Beth breaks down the future of Traverse City’s Governmental Center — a civic hub that may be due for big changes. And finally, we cover major state grants heading to both the Civic Center and East Bay Township — and what these funds will mean for public space in the region.

Currently with Christal Frost is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

Watch the full episode on YouTube + Facebook, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This week on "Currently," special guest journalist Art Bukowski (Traverse City Business News) joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to share an unfiltered look into the end-of-life industry in northern Michigan.

​This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

From funeral trends to green burials to the emotional toll of the work, Art talks to us about his feature story, “The Business of Death.” Then, Beth brought us some headlines about:

• Safe Harbor’s plan to go year-round — what that means for homeless services in TC

• The road issues at 14th and Franke in TC — and what’s being done about it

• And a peek at a brand new summer food and wine festival coming to town.

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

On this delicious episode Currently, we dig into Northern Michigan’s vibrant food scene.

This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker), along with special guest Jillian Manning (Northern Express), discuss celebrate the newest inductees into the Express’s Iconic Eats Hall of Fame and talk through Traverse City restaurant and retail roundup, with updates on big moves (literally, Taco Bell), new openings, and downtown development — including a unique multi-use project on Front Street that includes a pocket park.

It’s a fun, flavor-filled episode that will leave you hungry and inspired to support your local food spots.

🎧 Currently with Christal Frost is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions. Watch the full episode on YouTube + Facebook, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This week on Currently, Christal Frost and Traverse City Ticker head writer Beth Milligan are joined by returning guest Bill Froehlich from 9&10 News.

This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

In this episode:

🕊️ The Death of Pope Francis
Bill Froehlich shares how he and his newsroom navigated breaking global news during a live morning broadcast — and what the local response has been from the Diocese of Gaylord and beyond.

🏫 Big Decisions for TCAPS
Beth breaks down Traverse City Area Public Schools' plans to potentially rebuild Central Grade School, modernize Central High School, and upgrade district music facilities.

🛣️ $3.2 Billion for Roads?
A new road funding bill passed the Michigan House last week — but what’s in it, and what could change in the Senate? Bill offers insight on where the money might land.

🏛️ City Commission Updates
Beth gives a quick look at recent City Commission actions that could affect Traverse City neighborhoods.

Plus: food trucks return, Nashville trips, trivia nights, and Olympic-level gymnastics excitement.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the full show on YouTube or Facebook.

This week on Currently, Christal Frost and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by special guest Michelle Perez, News Director at WTCM Radio. From storm recovery to restaurant buzz, it’s a jam-packed show covering the stories shaping Northern Michigan.

This episode is brought to you by lead underwriter Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings: Home Fashion Elevated, located on S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City. Support also comes from West Shore Bank – committed to the well-being of the community, and The Coin Slot Arcade Bar – a chill hangout in Traverse City featuring a full bar, pinball machines, and a great selection of drinks.

In this episode:

🌨️ Historic Ice Storm Recovery
Michelle shares on-the-ground updates from northern counties still reeling from one of the worst ice storms in Michigan history. They break down emergency declarations, community efforts, outage credits, and what’s next for long-term recovery.

🏗️ Cherryland Center’s Next Chapter
Beth unpacks the evolving plans for this once-forgotten mall, including the return of a nightclub proposal and a new redevelopment designation that could open doors for liquor licenses — and fresh business momentum.

🍽️ Detroit Chefs Head North
Top Chef alum Sarah Welch and her husband, chef Cameron Rolka, are bringing their next culinary adventure to Traverse City. How could their arrival impact the local food scene — and what does it mean for the region’s economic future?

Watch the full show on YouTube or Facebook.