Stephen Ezell is an entrepreneur, innovator, and one of the leading voices in the growing movement toward conscious capitalism. As the founder and CEO of Truly Free, Stephen has built a company around a simple but powerful idea: families shouldn't have to choose between effective products and a healthy home.

Originally from New York, Stephen has built businesses around the world, but it was Northern Michigan that captured his heart. While the region's lakes, forests, and coastline first caught his attention, it was the people who convinced him to stay. He believes the true beauty of Northern Michigan isn't just found in its geography—it's found in its generosity, authenticity, entrepreneurial spirit, and the sense of community that makes this place unlike anywhere else.

Since launching Truly Free Home in 2015, Stephen has helped more than one million households eliminate harmful chemicals from their homes while preventing over 25 million single-use plastic containers from entering the environment through refillable cleaning systems. But his mission extends far beyond laundry and household products.

A passionate advocate for conscious consumerism, Stephen believes business should create value for people, communities, and the planet—not simply maximize profits. His work has earned recognition as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Henry Crown Fellow, Endeavor Entrepreneur, and multiple appearances on Inc.'s Best in Business list. He's also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts in combating human trafficking and for building companies that create meaningful jobs while making a lasting social impact.

On this episode of The mostly Traverse City Podcast, Stephen challenges conventional thinking about the products we bring into our homes, the companies we support, and the choices we make every day. From entrepreneurship and innovation to freedom, stewardship, and the future of conscious business, this is a conversation that may change the way you think about the world around you.

Learn more:

• Website: Truly Free
• Instagram: @trulyfreehome
• Facebook: Truly Free

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Chad Lindsey is the Executive Director of the City Opera House, where he's helping lead one of Northern Michigan's most treasured cultural landmarks into its next chapter. A Michigan native raised in Saginaw, Chad returned home after an accomplished career that took him from avant-garde theater in Brooklyn to artistic work in Los Angeles, Chicago, and even stages across Europe.

A musician, actor, director, choreographer, designer, entrepreneur—and yes, even a snow-sculpting champion—Chad has spent his career saying "yes" to creativity in all its forms. From founding the award-winning Hook & Eye Theater Company to leading innovative arts organizations, he's built a reputation for bringing people together through meaningful experiences and bold artistic vision.

Since arriving in Traverse City in 2023, Chad has embraced both the beauty of Northern Michigan and the remarkable opportunity to steward the historic City Opera House. Under his leadership, the Opera House continues to evolve with an exciting mix of music, comedy, theater, film, and community programming that welcomes everyone through its doors.

On this episode of The mostly Traverse City Podcast, Chad shares his remarkable journey, why the arts are essential to healthy communities, and how one historic Victorian theater continues to inspire creativity, connection, and belonging in the heart of Traverse City.

Connect with the City Opera House:

• Website: City Opera House
• Become a Member: City Opera House Membership
• Facebook: City Opera House Facebook
• Instagram: @cityoperahouse

Special Offer: Become a City Opera House member to be the first to hear about year-round programming, enjoy ticket perks, and receive a limited-edition City Opera House tote bag while supplies last.

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Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or coming back for another listen, we think you'll walk away inspired by Liz's authenticity, determination, and unwavering commitment to her community and her country.

Liz Belt, owner and operator of Intrepid Cycling Company in Traverse City, Michigan, and a dedicated board member of the Charlie Golf One Non-Profit, embodies fierce drive and ambition. Her passion extends beyond her businesses, deeply rooted in her advocacy for the outdoors and community, and an unwavering love for her country.

Liz's commitment to service is undeniable, having made the pivotal decision to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserve while pursuing her initial teaching degree. This dedication led to two deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a testament to her profound patriotism and resilience. Upon her return, her ambition drove her to shift her academic focus to health and fitness, launching a successful career that ultimately brought her to Traverse City.

Today, Liz channels her formidable energy into Intrepid Cycling Company, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and a relentless pursuit of her vision. Her involvement with Charlie Golf One further underscores her dedication to making a positive impact. Having found her home in Traverse City, she continues to inspire with her unwavering work ethic, her love for her community, and a spirit deeply infused with the values of service and determination. Her story is a powerful narrative of ambition, deep-seated patriotism, and the relentless drive to achieve and contribute. 

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Whether you're discovering this conversation for the first time or revisiting it with us, we hope you'll find something new to appreciate. In this Best Of episode, we're bringing back our conversation with Kevin Rhodes, the longtime Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Traverse City Philharmonic, whose passion for music, leadership, and community continues to inspire audiences throughout Northern Michigan and beyond.

Kevin Rhodes is the longtime Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Traverse City Philharmonic  (formerly Traverse Symphony Orchestra ). Known for his engaging stage presence and vibrant interpretations, Maestro Rhodes has captivated audiences in Northern Michigan and beyond for decades. Beyond his local leadership, he is an internationally respected conductor, having led performances with prestigious orchestras and opera companies across Europe and the United States. His commitment to musical excellence and community engagement has made him a beloved figure in Traverse City's cultural landscape.

tcphil.org

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Rachel Zemanek is the Owner, Founder, and self-proclaimed Keeper of Knowledge at The Folded Leaf, a charming Traverse City bookshop where great stories, great coffee, and great conversations come together. A Leelanau County native, Rachel has always had a deep love for Northern Michigan and the communities that make it special.

Before opening The Folded Leaf, Rachel spent a decade serving others in Fire & EMS, helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. While her setting has changed, her mission has not. Today, she channels that same spirit of care into creating a welcoming space where people can slow down, connect, learn, and belong.

Passionate about literacy, community, and helping young people thrive, Rachel has built The Folded Leaf to be much more than a bookstore. From book clubs and community gatherings to initiatives like the Good Dad Deeds Library and Letters to My Younger Self, she's creating a space where everyone is welcome and no one feels pressure to perform or purchase.

On this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, Rachel shares her journey from first responder to entrepreneur, the power of books to change lives, and why creating spaces for connection may be more important than ever.

Connect with Rachel & The Folded Leaf:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @thefoldedleaf.nomi
• Facebook: facebook.com/thefoldedleaf.nomi

Special Mention: Stop by for Footnote Fridays, where customers can participate in a pay-it-forward drip coffee program that helps spread a little kindness, one cup at a time.

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Mindy Jarmin is the owner, steward, and dreamer behind the beloved Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre, one of Northern Michigan's most iconic summer destinations. While many see a movie screen and a concession stand, Mindy sees something much bigger—a place where memories are made, traditions are passed down, and families can disconnect from their devices long enough to reconnect with one another.

A passionate entrepreneur and community builder, Mindy has dedicated herself to preserving a piece of Americana that has largely disappeared from the landscape. Under her leadership, the Cherry Bowl has remained a cherished gathering place where grandparents, parents, and children can share the simple joy of a movie under the stars.

On this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, Mindy shares the challenges and rewards of operating a seasonal business, the stories behind one of the region's most treasured landmarks, and why preserving experiences that bring people together matters now more than ever. It's a conversation about nostalgia, entrepreneurship, community, and the magic that happens when the lights go down and the screen lights up.

Connect with the Cherry Bowl:

• Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre
• Facebook: Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre
• Location: Honor

Whether you're there for the movies, the popcorn, or the memories, the Cherry Bowl remains one of Northern Michigan's most special summer traditions.

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Zoe Kline is the editor of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast and is currently a film student pursuing post-production for film. 

Zoe and her family moved from metro Detroit to Elk Rapids in 2021 and have embraced everything the area has to offer. Zoe shares how the move has influenced her creative journey, what inspires her work as a filmmaker, and why she loves calling Northern Michigan home. Passionate about storytelling and always looking toward new opportunities, Zoe is excited to see where her creativity and ambitions take her next. Join us as we learn more about her experiences, filmmaking process, and future goals.

Contact Zoe Kline 

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: Kline_zoe

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Bob Lober is far more than a golf coach — he’s a mentor, teacher, and one of the great builders of youth sports in Northern Michigan. A longtime coach for Traverse City Central High School and retired educator, Bob has spent decades pouring into young people through golf, football, basketball, and life itself. As the founder of the TCJGA, he helped create a model for youth golf that not only transformed opportunities locally but became a blueprint for programs around the country as youth golf exploded nationally.

Under Bob’s leadership, the TCJGA has helped generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and endowments, opening doors for countless young athletes while teaching lessons that extend far beyond the golf course — discipline, confidence, integrity, resilience, and community.

On this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, Bob shares stories from a lifetime of coaching, the power of believing in young people, and why sports, at their best, are really about building character and helping kids discover who they can become.

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Susie Grace has never really stayed inside the lines. A creative by nature and an adventurer at heart, her path has taken her from Denver to Chicago to Maui before ultimately landing in Traverse City nearly a decade ago. With a background in branding, user experience, and creative direction spanning the outdoor, surf, and tech industries, Susie has spent her life exploring the intersection of movement, creativity, wellness, and what it means to truly live intentionally.

Still skateboarding at 43 — along with paddleboarding, mountain biking, sailing, and cross-country skiing — Susie believes some of life’s best lessons come through motion, challenge, and curiosity. But her story also includes profound heartbreak. After experiencing a late-term pregnancy loss, she began questioning everything she thought she knew about wellness, ingredients, and the products we trust every day. That deeply personal journey eventually led her to create Valor Skincare, a natural skincare brand rooted in courage, transparency, and care over perfection.

On this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, Susie shares an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, creativity, and building a life that feels fully your own.

Connect with Susie & Valor Skincare:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Valor Skincare
• Instagram: @valor_skincare

Special Offer:

• 10% off your first order
• Follow along for Susie's new Courage Series, exploring the everyday acts of bravery that help us build meaningful lives.

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Holly Mullins is bringing a little more sand—and a lot more energy—to Traverse City. A former collegiate volleyball player turned entrepreneur, she’s now developing a one-of-a-kind indoor sand facility designed for year-round play, connection, and community.

What started as an idea has quickly turned into something much bigger… blending sport, business, and a vision for creating a space people won’t want to leave.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into something real—or why MORE sand might be the next big thing in Northern Michigan—you’ll want to hear this one.

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