In this episode of Currently: The Conversation, host Christal Frost sits down with Yarrow Brown, Executive Director of Housing North, to unpack one of Northwest Michigan’s most pressing challenges: the housing crisis.

From young families and seniors to essential workers and professionals, more and more residents are finding it difficult to secure a safe, attainable place to live. Christal and Yarrow explore the factors driving the shortage, the impact it’s having on local communities and economies, and the innovative partnerships and policy efforts working to turn things around.

Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or simply someone who cares about the future of our region, this episode sheds light on how collaboration, education, and advocacy are key to building stronger, more sustainable communities across Northern Michigan.

Currently: The Conversation — thoughtful stories and meaningful discussions that go beyond the headlines. New episodes every Monday at christalfrost.com, on Facebook and YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. A Compass Local Podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, it’s a classic Christal-and-Beth episode as Beth Milligan, Head Writer for the Traverse City Ticker, returns to break down the latest local news.

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. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

From the newly unveiled Rotary Square plan to updates on Complete Streets, the Bijou and Carnegie buildings, and big changes coming to East Bay Township, Christal and Beth cover what’s going on.

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

“Let’s do the Time Warp again—Traverse City style.”

In the premiere episode of Currently: The Conversation, host Christal Frost kicks off the series with a lively and heartfelt dive into the return of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Old Town Playhouse, back for the first time in 20 years. Christal is joined by Old Town Playhouse Artistic Director Wes Curry and actor Tanner Presswood (a.k.a. “Rocky” himself) for a spirited talk about the magic of community theater, the cult legacy of Rocky Horror, and how volunteer-driven productions bring people together across generations.

From the show’s playful chaos to its deeper themes of identity, inclusion, and chosen family, this conversation celebrates what makes local theater such a vital part of Northwest Michigan’s creative heartbeat. Plus, hear how Rocky Horror’s interactive traditions are being reimagined for 2025 audiences.

Currently: The Conversation is the companion podcast to the flagship news roundup Currently with Christal Frost, bringing you deeper stories, voices, and perspectives from around Northern Michigan — new episodes drop every Monday. The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.