He learned discipline on the wrestling mat at Traverse City Central, then took those lessons far beyond Northern Michigan—around the world, into places most of us only hear about. For more than three decades, service, leadership, and loyalty defined his life. Now, he’s back where it all started, supporting the coaches and program that helped shape him. This is a story about grit, standards, and why, no matter how far you go, Traverse City always pulls you home.
ltmccorkle@yahoo.com

By day, he manages wealth and helps people plan for the future. By night, Mark Stackable is chasing something far less predictable. A Traverse City local with a curious mind and a creative itch, Mark has poured his energy into learning the art of making music—embracing the awkward joy of being a beginner again. This episode isn’t about money; it’s about curiosity, creativity, and what happens when a disciplined, numbers-driven brain gives itself permission to play. A reminder that some of the best returns come when you follow the itch instead of the plan.

The Great Indoor Folk Festival at The Grand Traverse Commons (2/22/26)

IG: stackablemusic markstackable@yahoo.com

If you’ve watched World Champion and Olympian Alysa Liu skate recently and felt goosebumps, there’s a reason. Behind that calm power and creativity on the ice is a coach who understands what pressure really feels like—and how to turn it into possibility.

After years inside the elite world of U.S. figure skating and Olympic-level training in Colorado Springs, that experience has quietly made its way to Traverse City. The road here winds through family ties, unexpected moments (including a run-in with Jack Nicklaus at The Bear), and a growing sense that excellence doesn’t only belong in big cities.

In this episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast, we talk about what it takes to coach world-class athletes, why relationships matter more than medals, and what happens when Olympic-level wisdom shows up in Northern Michigan.

@peacelovefuzzy on IG

Offer: I’d be happy to buy anyone an ice cream cone who comes by to say hello…ask for ERIK SHULTZ at a local McDonalds and mention his The mostly Traverse City Podcast episode!

Some people visit Traverse City. Others lean all the way in.

Drawn by the things we love most—water in both its liquid and solid forms—this story is about someone who didn’t just arrive, but fully immersed himself in the community. A competitive curler and the father of nationally ranked young athletes, he found his way here and quickly found his place.

But passion alone doesn’t build something lasting. Bringing sharp business instincts, leadership experience, and exactly the right skills at exactly the right time, he’s helped elevate the Traverse City Curling Club into one of the premier curling facilities in the country. This episode of The (mostly) Traverse City Podcast is about showing up, leaning in, and what happens when the right people meet the right place.

sjstrouse@gmail.com info@tccurling.org www.tccurling.org

Some people leave Traverse City and never look back. Others leave, build empires, and keep finding their way home.

This episode features someone who knows a thing or two about ambition—and loyalty. From washing dishes in fifth grade to co-founding multi-million-dollar businesses by his early 30s, he’s done it all. Along the way, he met his secret sauce—his wife, Joy—and never lost sight of the town that shaped him.

Now living in Arizona, he returns often, supporting local causes, cheering on high school wrestling, and quietly reminding everyone what it means to stay connected. This is a story about roots, resilience, and how a Trojan stays a local at heart.

Watch the previous episode with Kyan! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388207/episodes/17248026

Traverse City native Kyan Olshove grew up ripping local trails with Norte Youth Cycling, laying the foundation for a career that’s taken him from Northern Michigan to the national racing stage. Now one of the country’s top off-road cyclists, Kyan was recently named to the elite Life Time Grand Prix, a milestone reserved for the sport’s best. A familiar name at ICEMAN Cometh, he continues to race with grit, gratitude, and deep hometown pride — proving big talent can come from small-town trails.

Corey Birchmeier is the operating partner of Fleet Feet Traverse City, where he helps people find the perfect shoes to support their goals—whether they’re longtime runners, new walkers, or anyone dealing with stubborn foot pain. Driven by a passion for health and community, Corey leads walking, running, and training groups that meet people where they are and keep Traverse City moving. His mission is simple: help the community grow stronger, one step at a time.

Peter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows up before he does, a laugh that fills a room, and a belief that everyone is worth greeting. He’s proudly loyal to every local team—Trojans, Titans, Glads, and Tigers—and famously competitive, especially when volunteering, where he holds records few will ever beat. His story is even more remarkable considering he began life with little chance of survival, growing instead into someone whose impact on this community is immeasurable. Peter is truly one in a million, and his joy, grit, and generosity shine throughout this episode.