"SO A BARBER WALKS INTO A BREWERY” Russ Springsteen from his Right Brain

Songs, Stories and Soul with Mike Sullivan

Michael Sullivan has spent more than five decades blending heart, creativity, and human connection through both psychotherapy and music. A pioneering social worker and family systems therapist in Northern Michigan, Mike helped shape the region’s mental health community through innovative treatment programs, education, consultation, and public speaking. He is also a respected author and national presenter whose work has centered on helping people better understand themselves and one another. At the same time, Mike has lived a remarkable life as a self-taught musician, singer-songwriter, and performer. Through Song of the Lakes, The Wild Sullys, 5th Street, and the Motor Town Juke Boys, he has performed thousands of concerts across the U.S. and Europe, sharing stories rooted in the spirit of the Great Lakes and the people who call this region home. From appearances alongside Ernest Borgnine to performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Mike’s life has been anything but ordinary. On this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, Mike shares stories, wisdom, music, and a deep love for people that has guided his extraordinary journey. You can find Mike at michaelsullivanacsw.com    Learn about hearing his band onboard the Tall Ship Manitou all summer at Songofthelakes.com  Follow our other socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en]  Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos]

Luck, Lakes and Love with Stuart Gibson

Stuart Gibson’s story starts with a bit of luck—and a whole lot of saying yes. At 16, instead of heading straight to university, he took a shot with Royal Bank of Scotland…thanks to a neighbor who just happened to be the local manager. That decision turned into a 35-year career spanning global finance, eventually leading him to Managing Director roles at both RBS and Capital One, where he worked alongside some of the biggest names in energy and banking. Outside the boardroom, Stuart’s competitive edge showed up on the green—representing Scotland in lawn bowling and helping secure a historic UK championship win. These days, you’ll find him trading that intensity for quiet moments fishing Michigan lakes or curling at the local club. After a serendipitous meeting at a Detroit wedding (complete with a Scottish sword arch), Stuart and his wife Alejandra found their way to Traverse City—arriving just in time for a full-on Northern Michigan blizzard. Now settled near Long Lake, he’s embracing the next chapter…still wondering how it all unfolded so well. Follow our other socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en]  Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos]

Building More than Buildings: Connie Denewith

Connie Denewith is a respected leader in Traverse City, known for her vision, leadership, and deep roots in the community. With a background in banking and a strong role in local development, she’s helped shape spaces that bring people together—most notably through Copper Ridge and Lakemore Retreat and Resort on Arbutus Lake. Her work reflects a thoughtful balance of growth and preservation—something that matters in a place like Traverse City. Beyond business, Connie has earned numerous accolades for her leadership and service, always grounded in relationships and a long-term view of what makes a community thrive. In this episode of The Mostly Traverse City Podcast, we talk with Connie about building community, navigating change, and creating something that lasts  Copperridgeonline.com [http://copperridgeonline.com]    Lakemoretc.com [http://lakemoretc.com]  Follow our other socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en]  Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos]

The Art of the Experience with Ryan Scott

Ryan Scott is an Executive Producer and experienced engineer who turns ideas into unforgettable moments for tens of thousands—and growing. In high demand across the country, he’s a true student of humans, blending creativity, curiosity, and instinct to design experiences that actually mean something. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a massive production, Ryan’s artistic approach leaves a lasting imprint. A lover of life, the outdoors, and community, Traverse City is where it all began. After years of creating in places like Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, and Minneapolis, the pull to return never left. Back in TC since 2022, Ryan is all in—bringing big ideas home and helping shape moments people will remember long after the lights go Follow our other socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en]  Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos]

"SO A BARBER WALKS INTO A BREWERY” Russ Springsteen from his Right Brain

Some people follow a straight career path. Russ Springsteen opened a barbershop…then a brewery…right as the economy was falling apart. A licensed barber by trade, Russ launched Salon Saloon in Traverse City’s Warehouse District in 2006. A year later—and about a month after the economic crash—he doubled down on creativity and opened Right Brain Brewery, a place that quickly became known for doing beer a little differently.  His success helped spawn the craft beer culture in MIchigan and beyond. Along the way, Russ has worn a few other hats too: competitive wrestler, coach, entrepreneur, and champion of doing things your own way. In this episode, we talk about risk, creativity, and why sometimes the best ideas come from the “right brain.” rightbrainbrewery.com [http://rightbrainbrewery.com]   https://www.facebook.com/RightBrainBrewery [https://www.facebook.com/RightBrainBrewery] https://www.instagram.com/rightbrainbrewery/ [https://www.instagram.com/rightbrainbrewery/] Follow our other socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577148764406]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/themostlytraversecitypodcast/?hl=en]  Watch interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@performancechirointc/videos]