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.