This week on Currently, we're diving into how small-town governance shapes life across Northern Michigan, and what happens when communities rethink the rules altogether.

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.

First-time guest Austin Rowlader, a freelance journalist contributing to Bridge Michigan, Interlochen Public Radio, and The Antrim Review, joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to explore a bold and controversial proposal in Banks Township in Antrim County: the potential removal of all zoning ordinances. What would that mean for residents, developers, and the future of land use in rural Michigan?

Then, the conversation widens to a broader challenge: how townships across the state are struggling to manage budgets and finances, especially in rural areas where resources and oversight can be limited. Christal, Beth, and Austin unpack the implications of these changes and what they reveal about the shifting landscape of local governance.

Plus, Beth brings her regular round-up of restaurant & retail updates and a look at upcoming road projects.

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

Christal sits down with Taylor Moore, Director of Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, for a timely and heartfelt discussion about the growing challenge of food insecurity across our region.

Every year, Food Rescue collects, re-packs, and distributes over 2.2 million pounds of food—enough to create 1.8 million meals across Northern Michigan. The program stands at the intersection of two urgent issues: food waste and hunger. But as Taylor explains, the need is accelerating—and a looming federal crisis could make it even worse.

With the ongoing government shutdown threatening to pause SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, thousands of local families, seniors, Veterans and working adults who rely on monthly SNAP support to afford groceries could soon find themselves without that lifeline. The ripple effects would hit food pantries and meal sites especially hard, as more people turn to community resources as federal support slows or stops.

Christal and Taylor discuss how Food Rescue and its partners across the Northwest Food Coalition are preparing to respond, what gaps they're already seeing, and how local collaboration, volunteers, and donors can help cushion the impact for neighbors in need. They also explore the logistics behind rescuing nearly 8,000 pounds of fresh food every day, the partnerships that make it possible, and the hope that keeps this mission moving forward.

Currently: The Conversation shares meaningful stories from the people shaping Northern Michigan's future, real conversations about community, compassion, and action. A Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

This week on Currently, we’re taking you behind the scenes of a brand-new festival coming next spring: the Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City.

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.

Arts and culture contributor Joe Beyer joins Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) to share how this beloved Marquette-based festival is bringing its mix of outdoor adventure, environmental storytelling and community spirit to the Boardman Lake District.

Plus, Beth brings the latest local headlines on freshwater issues, updates on Leelanau County’s only marijuana dispensary and the future of the TAG program at TCAPS.

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

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.

Coming up on Currently, it's movies and businesses on the move!

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.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) welcome back Nick Loud (The Boardman Review) to talk about his new role as Communications Director for the Garden Theatre in Frankfort and to preview the upcoming Frankfort Film Festival, October 15-19. From acclaimed indie features to crowd-pleasing documentaries, Nick shares what makes this small-town celebration of cinema such a big deal. Then, Beth has updates on the YMCA expansion and the latest restaurant and retail news.

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

This week on Currently, Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) joins Christal with updates on two big local stories: Cherry Capital Airport’s record-setting year and the traffic headaches at West Senior High.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, and from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

Later on, it’s time for another round of Food Fight! Gary Gatzke returns to the table as the crew samples pumpkin donuts from three Northern Michigan favorites—Gallagher’s, Peace, Love and Little Donuts, and Waters Edge Sweet Tooth—paired with cider from Buchan’s Old Mission. From donut puns to fall food rivalries, it’s a taste test you won’t want to miss.

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