West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
"The West Michigan Weekend Podcast with Phil Tower is a production of WOOD Radio and iHeartRadio in West Michigan. Stay connected with the people, places, and events shaping our community and our great state by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love your feedback as well, so please consider leaving us a review! For more of our episodes, find us here, or find us on the iHeartRadio app. Thanks for listening!"
Episodes
On this edition of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Chad Livengood, politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News, about the escalating battle over Michigan’s state budget after House Republicans moved to claw back $645 million in previously approved funding.
Democrats have called the move unconstitutional, Attorney General Dana Nessell has weighed in, and a lawsuit is before the Michigan Court of Claims.
The con...
Democrats have called the move unconstitutional, Attorney General Dana Nessell has weighed in, and a lawsuit is before the Michigan Court of Claims.
The con...
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In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Andy Balaskovitz, Managing Editor of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, for a look at the biggest business stories shaping West Michigan in 2025—and what should local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents be watching in 2026 and beyond?
We dig into major development projects like the Fulton & Market “three towers” proposal and the uncertain future of Michigan’s Transformational Brownfield pr...
We dig into major development projects like the Fulton & Market “three towers” proposal and the uncertain future of Michigan’s Transformational Brownfield pr...
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February 3, 2026 • 15 mins
In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Ben Anema, Attorney with Mika Meyers Law Firm.
Data centers are the backbone of our digital lives, but as they rapidly proliferate across Michigan, they are becoming flashpoints for local communities. Driven by the explosive growth of AI, developers are eyeing the Great Lakes State for its cooling climate and tax incentives. However, projects in places like Lowell Township and Sparta are fa...
Data centers are the backbone of our digital lives, but as they rapidly proliferate across Michigan, they are becoming flashpoints for local communities. Driven by the explosive growth of AI, developers are eyeing the Great Lakes State for its cooling climate and tax incentives. However, projects in places like Lowell Township and Sparta are fa...
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January 31, 2026 • 13 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Braden Engstrom, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at UM Health-West Hudsonville Pediatrics.
In early January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an unprecedented overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule that recommends fewer shots to all children. Under the change — effective immediately — the vaccine schedule will more closely resemble Denmark’s, recommending ...
In early January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an unprecedented overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule that recommends fewer shots to all children. Under the change — effective immediately — the vaccine schedule will more closely resemble Denmark’s, recommending ...
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Guest Segment 1: On this episode of iHeartradio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, New York Times bestselling author of the landmark relationship book Love & Respect, to discuss his just-released new book, Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples (Thomas Nelson).
Dr. Eggerichs introduces the idea that lasting change in marriage rarely comes...
Dr. Eggerichs introduces the idea that lasting change in marriage rarely comes...
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January 23, 2026 • 11 mins
Guest Segment 2: Dan McMinn, Executive Director, Great Lakes Learning Academy (GLLA) Dan joined host Phil Tower for a conversation about Great Lakes Learning Academy(GLLA), a tuition-free, online public school serving students statewide in Michigan. Great Lakes Learning Academy offers digital access for all Michigan students.
Geographically, Great Lakes Learning Academy serves students in the Detroit Metro area, as well as the Kalam...
Geographically, Great Lakes Learning Academy serves students in the Detroit Metro area, as well as the Kalam...
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January 17, 2026 • 15 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back guest Dawn Baker, the Show Manager for the Michigan International Auto Show. Dawn joined the program for a preview of one of the largest displays of new and exotic cars in the Midwest. The 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show, which rolls into DeVos Place January 29-February 1, 2026, offers the best opportunity to view hundreds of vehicles from over 30 global manufacturers, in...
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January 16, 2026 • 12 mins
In this episode of West Michigan weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Don Saldia, Division Manager, Area Agency on Aging 3A, Health & Community Services.
Don joined us to discuss a powerful new resource for identifying caregiving help in Michigan.
Mi Caregiver Connection is designed as a starting point for finding real, local caregiving support. The site is specifically designed for persons who are helping a parent, partner, or ...
Don joined us to discuss a powerful new resource for identifying caregiving help in Michigan.
Mi Caregiver Connection is designed as a starting point for finding real, local caregiving support. The site is specifically designed for persons who are helping a parent, partner, or ...
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January 15, 2026 • 17 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back Michael Wildschut, director of the January Series at Calvin University.
Michael joins the program for a preview of the 2026 January Series, presented by and hosted at Calvin University.
For nearly 40 years, people have been showing up from all walks of life, ready to be challenged, enlightened, and connected to something far beyond themselves.
This year’s lineup of speakers will no doubt...
Michael joins the program for a preview of the 2026 January Series, presented by and hosted at Calvin University.
For nearly 40 years, people have been showing up from all walks of life, ready to be challenged, enlightened, and connected to something far beyond themselves.
This year’s lineup of speakers will no doubt...
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January 15, 2026 • 12 mins
In this episode host Phil Tower welcomes Christy Buck, CEO and Founder of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, joins host Phil Tower to discuss the national expansion of the life-saving "Be Nice" program.
Be Nice originally began as a school-based initiative, but now, thanks to some incredible connections, Christy has developed throughout West Michigan and far beyond. Be Nice has now reached the National Football League, r...
Be Nice originally began as a school-based initiative, but now, thanks to some incredible connections, Christy has developed throughout West Michigan and far beyond. Be Nice has now reached the National Football League, r...
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ArtPrize 2025 has officially wrapped, leaving a lasting impression throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back Catlin Whitington, Executive Director of ArtPrize, to reflect on the success of this year’s international art competition and its evolving role in our community.
Inside This Episode, we discuss:
Celebrating the Winners: We discuss the $100,000 Grand Prize winner w...
In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back Catlin Whitington, Executive Director of ArtPrize, to reflect on the success of this year’s international art competition and its evolving role in our community.
Inside This Episode, we discuss:
Celebrating the Winners: We discuss the $100,000 Grand Prize winner w...
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December 26, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst with iSeeCars.com.
Karl joined us to break down the results of a recent study from the team at iSeeCars.com.
The Study revealed that the prime season for finding a used car deal is predominantly November through March, and the single best day to purchase a used car is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which offers 65.5% more good deals than average, according to the ...
Karl joined us to break down the results of a recent study from the team at iSeeCars.com.
The Study revealed that the prime season for finding a used car deal is predominantly November through March, and the single best day to purchase a used car is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which offers 65.5% more good deals than average, according to the ...
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In this episode, we welcome Brittany Primeau, the Director of Communications at Crystal Mountain, and Caroline Rizzo, Communications Manager with Grand Traverse Resort.
Britney & Caroline joined host Phil Tower in-studio in this segment to discuss the benefits of enjoying the great outdoors during wintertime in Michigan.
Specifically, we focused on the MyWinterTrails.com website.
The site is packed with helpful information for th...
Britney & Caroline joined host Phil Tower in-studio in this segment to discuss the benefits of enjoying the great outdoors during wintertime in Michigan.
Specifically, we focused on the MyWinterTrails.com website.
The site is packed with helpful information for th...
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December 21, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith, Chief of Staff, The Colossian Forum.
About our guest: Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith serves as Chief of Staff at The Colossian Forum, a Christian nonprofit based in Grand Rapids.
The Colossian Forum equips believers, churches, and organizations to engage conflict not as something to avoid or fear, but as an opportunity for growth, deeper relationships, and spiritual formation. T...
About our guest: Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith serves as Chief of Staff at The Colossian Forum, a Christian nonprofit based in Grand Rapids.
The Colossian Forum equips believers, churches, and organizations to engage conflict not as something to avoid or fear, but as an opportunity for growth, deeper relationships, and spiritual formation. T...
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December 12, 2025 • 14 mins
We welcome Alicia Sledge, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) and chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC), for this segment of West Michigan Weekend.
Alicia joined host Phil Tower for an overview of a serious and aggressive effort to reduce traffic fatalities in Michigan.
SAFER by 2030…. Is the name of the initiative AND SAFER is an acronym for “Statewide Action to Reduce Fatal...
Alicia joined host Phil Tower for an overview of a serious and aggressive effort to reduce traffic fatalities in Michigan.
SAFER by 2030…. Is the name of the initiative AND SAFER is an acronym for “Statewide Action to Reduce Fatal...
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December 12, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back Randy Thelen…President and CEO of The Right Place.
He joined us for this segment of West Michigan Weekend to take a closer look at the economic health of our region as we head into 2026.
The Right Place—West Michigan’s leading economic development organization—just released its annual State of the Region report in early December. It provides a detailed look at trends in jobs, wages, bus...
He joined us for this segment of West Michigan Weekend to take a closer look at the economic health of our region as we head into 2026.
The Right Place—West Michigan’s leading economic development organization—just released its annual State of the Region report in early December. It provides a detailed look at trends in jobs, wages, bus...
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December 6, 2025 • 18 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Cooley Law School Professors Mark Dotson and Jim Hicks.
Legal experts Dotson and Hicks joined us for a most unusual but relevant conversation they called, “So You Think Your House is Haunted?
The professors advised that before listing your home that you feel may be haunted, you should first consult a legal expert.
Disclosing a home’s paranormal activity when it is time to sell varies by ...
Legal experts Dotson and Hicks joined us for a most unusual but relevant conversation they called, “So You Think Your House is Haunted?
The professors advised that before listing your home that you feel may be haunted, you should first consult a legal expert.
Disclosing a home’s paranormal activity when it is time to sell varies by ...
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December 6, 2025 • 10 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Troy Anderson, Marketing Manager with Iron Fish Distillery.
Troy joined the program to talk about Iron Fish Distillery's exciting new limited seasonal release, Riverbed Whiskey. Troy said that Riverbed Whiskey represents the pinnacle expression of Iron Fish’s Mad Angler brand.
Troy shared that the Mad Angler name was drawn from the writings of Northern Michigan writer Michael Delp, whose wo...
Troy joined the program to talk about Iron Fish Distillery's exciting new limited seasonal release, Riverbed Whiskey. Troy said that Riverbed Whiskey represents the pinnacle expression of Iron Fish’s Mad Angler brand.
Troy shared that the Mad Angler name was drawn from the writings of Northern Michigan writer Michael Delp, whose wo...
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November 28, 2025 • 24 mins
In this extended episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist, Ellen Bacca. She joined us for a look back at some of the biggest weather stories from 2025 and for an in-depth look at the Storm Team 8 Winter Weather Outlook for 2025-2026.
Some Key 2025 Michigan Weather Events:
• A Historic Northern Michigan Ice Storm (March 28–30): An "unprecedented" ice storm struck northern Michigan, coating surfaces wi...
Some Key 2025 Michigan Weather Events:
• A Historic Northern Michigan Ice Storm (March 28–30): An "unprecedented" ice storm struck northern Michigan, coating surfaces wi...
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In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Salina Bishop, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM), who discusses her strategic vision for the organization, emphasizing its critical role in the region's evolving healthcare sector.
In our conversation, Salina discusses three key areas: securing a "seat at the table" in local healthcare, reshaping the narrative that RMHCWM ...
In our conversation, Salina discusses three key areas: securing a "seat at the table" in local healthcare, reshaping the narrative that RMHCWM ...
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