Muskegon Rising

Muskegon Rotary Club

We discover and share positive change in Greater Muskegon. A public service of the Muskegon Rotary Club.

  1. 12 FEB

    Greg Sherburn - Muskegon State Park

    In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Greg Sherburn, unit manager of Muskegon State Park and Duck Lake State Park, to explore why Muskegon State Park was ranked among the top nine state parks in the nation by National Geographic. From world-class Lake Michigan shoreline and year-round recreation to the unique Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park and a deep commitment to universal accessibility, this conversation highlights how Michigan’s state parks drive outdoor tourism, protect natural resources, and fuel the local economy. Discover why this “hidden gem” is a must-visit destination in every season.

    32 min

  2. 29 ENE

    Trevor Friedeberg - GMED

    Economic development in Muskegon County is accelerating—and this episode of Muskegon Rising explains why it matters to jobs, workforce growth, and long-term community prosperity. Host Aaron Maike sits down with Trevor Friedeberg, CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development, to explore how strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration are driving more than $800 million in capital investment across the county. In this conversation, Trevor breaks down how economic development actually works—from confidential business attraction and site selection to catalytic infrastructure projects like the regional wastewater pipeline. He also explains how housing, workforce readiness, adaptive reuse, and brownfield redevelopment are now core components of modern economic development strategy. This episode is essential viewing for business owners, educators, workforce leaders, policymakers, and residents who want to understand how Muskegon County is positioning itself for sustainable, inclusive growth—and how these investments translate into real jobs and opportunity. Learn more about Greater Muskegon Economic Development at developmuskegon.org.

    20 min

  3. 15 ENE

    Why Muskegon Is Rising

    In this relaunch episode of Muskegon Rising, co-hosts Aaron Maike and DJ Hilson reintroduce the podcast and explore how education, workforce development, and economic growth are coming together to move Muskegon County forward. Produced in partnership with the Muskegon Rotary Club, Muskegon Rising shares real, timely stories about the people and partnerships driving progress. Each episode builds local pride, supports business growth, and highlights why Muskegon is becoming a place of opportunity.

    22 min

  4. 16/12/2025

    Norman Young - Man Cave

    Muskegon Rising, a community service project of the Muskegon Rotary Club, sits down with community leader and fatherhood advocate Norman Young, founder of Man Cave and the seven-week curriculum A Father’s Love. In this powerful conversation, Norman explains how his Dad Detector Test helps fathers and father figures identify their strengths, uncover blind spots, heal from trauma, and move from fear-based parenting to purposeful, love-driven fatherhood. Serving dads from all backgrounds across Muskegon County, Man Cave offers free weekly cohorts, ongoing Cave Connections alumni gatherings, and partnerships with schools, recovery centers, and local organizations to support men as they grow as parents and leaders at home. Listeners learn how to access the program, bring Man Cave into their own organizations, and why Norman believes that a father’s primary purpose is to love their children—shaping families, communities, and futures in Muskegon and beyond.

    32 min

  5. 09/12/2025

    Dr. Dick Kamp - Step Up Muskegon

    In this Muskegon Rising episode, host Nancy Crandall interviews Dr. Dick Kamps, a retired surgeon who, alongside his wife Lynn, co-founded Step Up Muskegon, a nonprofit helping young adults transition successfully out of the foster care system. After a distinguished medical career, Dr. Kamps turned his compassion and leadership toward addressing the staggering challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care—many without stable housing, mentors, or life skills. Step Up provides safe housing, mentoring, and accountability to help participants gain independence and rebuild hope. His story illustrates how retirement can become a second act of service, transforming lives and strengthening the Muskegon community.

    44 min

  6. 02/12/2025

    Dan Skoglung - Muskegon Rescue Mission

    Celebrate a milestone with us as Muskegon Rising releases its 100th episode. Host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Skoglund, Executive Director of the Muskegon Rescue Mission, for an in-depth look at how the organization uplifts families through housing, trauma care, childcare, and employment support. Skoglund shares how the mission’s Bright Futures Child Care Center helps families break cycles of poverty by offering affordable care, licensed preschool education, and wraparound services that meet both parents and children where they are. The discussion highlights the Community Resource Center, a hub connecting families with over a hundred partner agencies, and the mission’s innovative, faith-based model that has reduced homelessness locally despite national increases. With community-funded initiatives, 400 volunteers, and deep partnerships across education, health, and housing, the Muskegon Rescue Mission continues to prove that hope and dignity can transform lives.

    28 min

  7. 25/11/2025

    Lisa Tyler - United Way of the Lakeshore

    In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Kendrah Robinson welcomes Lisa Tyler, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore, to share her inspiring journey and the organization’s evolving impact across Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties. Tyler, a longtime community advocate and former journalist, explains United Way’s modern focus on collaboration, housing initiatives, early childhood literacy through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and support for the ALICE population—working families struggling to make ends meet. She highlights volunteer opportunities like the Day of Caring, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and the 211 resource line connecting residents to vital community services. From fostering literacy to addressing homelessness, Tyler illustrates how United Way continues to “Live United” by convening partners and creating lasting change throughout West Michigan.

    27 min

  8. 18/11/2025

    Dan Tavernier - City of Whitehall

    In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike welcomes Dan Tavernier, the new City Manager of Whitehall, Michigan, to share his inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard to leading a vibrant lakeshore community. Tavernier reflects on how his military background in leadership, crisis management, and teamwork prepared him for civic administration, emphasizing his lead-by-example approach and open-door policy for both staff and residents. He discusses Whitehall’s exciting future — including the West Colby Connector project, infrastructure upgrades, and efforts to strengthen tourism, retail, and manufacturing — all while preserving the town’s close-knit community spirit. His story exemplifies service, adaptability, and gratitude as cornerstones of effective local leadership.

    24 min
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We discover and share positive change in Greater Muskegon. A public service of the Muskegon Rotary Club.

Información

  • Creador
    Muskegon Rotary Club
  • Años de actividad
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodios
    105
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Muskegon Rising
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    Muskegon Rising