On this episode of Currently: The Conversation, Christal Frost sits down with longtime Northern Michigan leader, public servant, and first-time author Deb Allen to discuss her new book, "Flipping the BITCH Switch."

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

Allen reflects on her journey from overcoming childhood dyslexia to becoming an author, the leadership lessons she's learned throughout her career, and the challenges women continue to face in professional spaces. She also shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her writing, including the recent loss of her husband, and explains why grace, gratitude, and resilience can coexist even in life's most difficult moments.

It's an honest conversation about leadership, vulnerability, personal growth, and empowering women to find—and embrace—their own voice.

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

This week on Currently, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) unpack a week full of major local developments.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

On deck: Garfield Township's decision to finally allow food trucks, plans for a new accessible trail at The Commons, a major water infrastructure project to support the township's continued growth, and what residents should know about an early proposal for a smaller-scale data center.

Then, downtown Traverse City takes center stage with news that the long-vacant "hole in the ground" on Front Street is officially moving forward as a Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel, complete with a rooftop speakeasy, restaurant, and event space. Beth also shares updates on a prominent downtown building hitting the market and a new art and music studio opening on West Front Street that's designed to inspire creativity in young children.

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

As the general manager of the Traverse City Pit Spitters, Jacqueline Holm has helped turn one of the region's youngest sports franchises into one of its biggest success stories.

Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection.Christal talks with Jacqueline about her path to Traverse City, breaking barriers for women in baseball, and the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. From record attendance and future Major League stars to reading programs, charitable giving, and the growing role of the ballpark as Northern Michigan's premier outdoor events venue, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build an experience that resonates far beyond the game itself.

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

This week, Grand Traverse County is considering a new trails millage that could shape the future of walking and biking infrastructure across the region, and Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) break down what voters need to know.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

They also discuss the latest restaurant and retail developments around Traverse City, including several anticipated new openings, and look at a new teaching kitchen coming to downtown Traverse City that aims to strengthen the region's food community.

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

Behind every great mystery is an author trying to stay one step ahead of the reader.

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

Christal sits down with Northern Michigan author Eloise Corvo of the Stone's Throw Mysteries to discuss the inspiration behind her stories, the surprising process of building a mystery, and why Northern Michigan is the perfect setting for secrets.

Whether you're a mystery fan, an aspiring writer, or simply love stories inspired by our region, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the mind of an author whose fictional world feels remarkably real.

Big projects. Big debates. Big changes for Northern Michigan! On this episode of **Currently**, Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by special guest Art Bukowski (Traverse City Ticker) to break down some of the biggest local stories shaping Northern Michigan.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

The trio discusses ambitious redevelopment plans that could transform downtown Kingsley with new housing and retail space, while also exploring the debate over a proposed boat launch at Kelly Park on Old Mission Peninsula and the environmental hurdles still standing in the way. Plus, they dive into a controversial duplex development on Traverse City's west side, where concerns over traffic, tree preservation, and neighborhood connectivity are fueling spirited discussions.

Special thanks to Scott Pierson and Super Cone for the sweet summery treat to finish off the episode!

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

Traverse City is making decisions that could shape the community for years to come, and we're breaking down what residents need to know.

Support for Currently comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community.

Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) discuss a major downtown infrastructure project that could once again reshape traffic patterns on State Street, the city's renewed effort to limit short-term rentals, and new zoning changes that give officials more oversight over developments like car washes and drive-thrus.

Plus, updates on the future of the Carnegie building, a major expansion of the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, a tentative contract agreement between Munson nurses and hospital leadership, and some surprisingly good news about road construction as the Three Mile Road project wraps up weeks ahead of schedule.

It's a wide-ranging conversation about growth, housing, infrastructure, conservation, and the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs of residents in one of Michigan's fastest-changing communities.

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

Grief touches every life, but it's one of the most misunderstood experiences we face.

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

Christal sits down with Mindy Buell, Executive Director of Michael's Place, to explore what grief really looks like, why it affects us emotionally, physically, and mentally, and how community can play a critical role in healing. Mindy shares the remarkable story of how Michael's Place grew from a card table and a handful of volunteers into a vital Northern Michigan organization serving grieving children, families, schools, and workplaces across eight counties.

Together, Christal and Mindy discuss common misconceptions about grief, the difference between grief and depression, how children experience loss differently than adults, and why there is no timeline for healing. They also explore the importance of "leaning in" to grief, the power of peer support, and the ways Michael's Place is helping schools, employers, and families better navigate life's most difficult moments.

Whether you are grieving a loss yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and hope.

Currently: The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast.