Muskegon Rising

Muskegon Rotary Club

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

  1. 19H AGO

    TJ Meerman – Mona Shores Boys Basketball

    On this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Mona Shores Varsity Basketball Coach TJ Meerman for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and building something bigger than basketball. From growing up in a sports-driven Coopersville family to playing Division I basketball at Central Michigan University, Coach Meerman shares the journey that shaped his approach to coaching. After building a powerhouse program at Grand Rapids Catholic Central, he now brings that same culture-first mindset to Mona Shores—where defense, discipline, academics, and relationships define success. This is not just about wins and losses. Join us for a conversation about culture, character, and what it really means to win.

    43 min

  2. FEB 26

    Erick Couch - Sun Chemical

    What do the yellow lines on America’s roads have to do with jobs, safety, and Muskegon’s economic future? In this episode of Muskegon Rising, host Aaron Maike sits down with Erick Couch of Sun Chemical to explore how a world-class pigment manufacturing facility in Muskegon County plays a critical role in road safety, advanced manufacturing, and federal Buy America policy. From innovation and sustainability to high-wage union jobs and bipartisan infrastructure momentum, this conversation reveals how local manufacturing is shaping national impact—and why Muskegon is at the center of it.

    34 min

  3. FEB 12

    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

  4. JAN 29

    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

  5. JAN 15

    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

  6. 12/16/2025

    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

  7. 12/09/2025

    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

  8. 12/02/2025

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Muskegon Rotary Club
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Muskegon Rising
  • Show Website
    Muskegon Rising

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