This week on Currently, we're diving into one of Traverse City's most anticipated events of the year. Joe Beyer joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to unveil the full lineup for the upcoming Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what audiences can expect and why this year's slate is turning heads.

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.

Before all the film fest talk, Beth Milligan breaks down the biggest local headlines — including important updates on the future of downtown Traverse City and the latest surrounding the long-discussed TIF97.

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

In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost talks with Abagail McKiernan about what help really looks like when it's rooted in connection, not systems.

The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport — Your Northern Michigan Connection.

As the founder of HelpLink and creator of Spark in the Dark, Abagail shares why culture has to shift before systems can work, what people actually need when they ask for help, and how small changes can make support more human and accessible. The conversation also touches on her public speaking work and her upcoming book on leadership, care, and showing up for one another.

Hopeful, practical, and deeply human—this episode is a reminder that help starts with presence.

The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, we're celebrating a full year of hyper-local news with a very special birthday episode...complete with cake!

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, and the National Writers Series, the premier home of passionate readers who love inspiring conversations with bestselling and award winning authors.

In honor of Currently's 1st birthday, we're having a special Food Fight episode. Gary Gatzke joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to sample three cakes from Sweet Tartlette, Waters Edge Sweet Tooth and Costco.

Plus, we discuss several major local stories, including the closing of a long-time downtown Traverse City institution, updates on the Central Grade School renovation, what residents should know about their First Amendment rights following recent protests.

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

On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal talks with Lauren Tucker, Executive Officer of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan, about housing, building, and making home projects feel less intimidating and more doable.

This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

Lauren shares her Northern Michigan roots, what drives her work, and what homeowners often wish they knew before starting a project. The conversation also highlights what's new in home trends and what makes the Home Builders Association Home Expo at the Grand Traverse Resort on February 14th and 15th a must-visit for anyone looking for ideas, trusted contractors, or inspiration—whether you're ready to build or just starting to dream.

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

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by Art Bukowski (Traverse City Ticker) for a lively look at some of the stories making waves around Northern Michigan.

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, and the National Writers Series, the premier home of passionate readers who love inspiring conversations with bestselling and award winning authors.

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into locally grown shrimp — yes, shrimp! Art shares his story exploring how land-based aquaculture is taking shape in the region, along with Christal's strong feelings about crustaceans and their possibly otherworldly origins. From there, the conversation turns to public safety, breaking down expanded ambulance services and updates from the Traverse City Fire Department. The episode wraps up with a roundup of the latest restaurant and retail news.

Plus, Christal, Beth, and Art share what they're looking forward to in the week ahead!

It's informative, unexpected, and very on-brand for Northern Michigan, all on this week's episode of Currently.

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

In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with Gary Gatzke — musician, educator, arts administrator, and one of the driving forces behind Northern Michigan's vibrant classical music scene.

This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

From his roots in Traverse City's public school music programs to Interlochen Arts Academy and Juilliard, Gary reflects on the teachers, mentors, and moments that shaped his lifelong relationship with music. This discussion explores what it means to balance life as a professional performer and an arts administrator, from playing double bass on major stages with orchestras and opera companies to building accessible, community-centered arts education programs at Interlochen. Gary shares why playing music with other people matters at every age, how live performance creates connection, and what keeps artists coming back to the stage year after year.

It's a thoughtful, honest look at creativity, community, and the joy of showing up — for the music, for the people around you, and for the experiences that make Northern Michigan's arts ecosystem thrive.

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) take a wide-ranging look at the stories shaping life in Northern Michigan.

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.

The conversation begins with an update on the city's evolving homelessness response and what the latest plans could mean in these colder months. From there, Beth breaks down the proposed riverfront design changes downtown and why the DDA's vision is sparking conversation. The episode wraps with a lighter—but still meaningful—note, diving into local culinary news featuring celebrated Chef Pete Peterson AND big news for the team at Modern Bird.

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

In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with freelance writer and filmmaker Joseph Beyer to talk about storytelling, community, and the power of shared experiences. Joe reflects on his creative path—from theater and freelance work to documentary filmmaking—and how those experiences shaped his belief that gathering people together matters more than the format itself.

This episode of The Conversation is presented by our lead supporter, TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.

The conversation explores the role of movie theaters, film festivals, and arts spaces in building community, including a deep dive into what inspired Joe to help bring the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette to Traverse City. Along the way, Joe shares insights on accessibility, why informal spaces can be just as meaningful as traditional venues, and what makes an experience truly worth leaving the house for.

It's a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, connection, and why—especially right now—community-driven storytelling still matters.