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
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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November 22, 2025 • 15 mins
In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, and Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Degagé Ministries, to discuss a groundbreaking new collaboration transforming support for unhoused neighbors in Grand Rapids.
On November 20, a coalition of 11 nonprofit organizations and churches, together with the City of Grand Rapids, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new Community Center and Ser...
On November 20, a coalition of 11 nonprofit organizations and churches, together with the City of Grand Rapids, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new Community Center and Ser...
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November 15, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode, West Michigan Weekend host Phil Tower welcomes Rosie Grant, author, digital archivist, and the passionate & tireless creator behind @GhostlyArchive.
Rosie’s new book is: To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes.
Rosie's book is an inspiring collection of recipes preserved on gravestones, with fascinating interviews from the families, celebrating the beloved food legacies of their dearly departed.
As the fou...
Rosie’s new book is: To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes.
Rosie's book is an inspiring collection of recipes preserved on gravestones, with fascinating interviews from the families, celebrating the beloved food legacies of their dearly departed.
As the fou...
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November 15, 2025 • 8 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Dan Gowdy, President & CEO, Wedgwood Christian Services
Dan joined us on the program to discuss Wedgwood's all-new Audere Transitional Living Program, a specialized residential treatment program designed for teens ages 15-18 who are transitioning from residential treatment to independent living.
The 10-bedroom, 7,933 SF three-story facility sits adjacent to the Wedgwood campus in Kent...
Dan joined us on the program to discuss Wedgwood's all-new Audere Transitional Living Program, a specialized residential treatment program designed for teens ages 15-18 who are transitioning from residential treatment to independent living.
The 10-bedroom, 7,933 SF three-story facility sits adjacent to the Wedgwood campus in Kent...
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In this episode, we welcome back Dawn Baker, Associate Festival Manager with The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, and Barbara Anderson, Associate Vice President, Philanthropy, Hospice of Michigan.
Dawn & Barbara joined us for an insider's look at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holiday season. General Admi...
Dawn & Barbara joined us for an insider's look at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holiday season. General Admi...
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November 9, 2025 • 10 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Kristina Gaunt, MD, co-director of the Trinity Health Breast Center – Lakes Village, in Norton Shores.
In Michigan, it is estimated that approximately 9,900 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to 2025 data from the State of Michigan.
Dr. Gaunt joined us on the program to remind us about the importance of early detection for breast cancer, and to also dispel s...
In Michigan, it is estimated that approximately 9,900 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to 2025 data from the State of Michigan.
Dr. Gaunt joined us on the program to remind us about the importance of early detection for breast cancer, and to also dispel s...
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November 1, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode, we welcome Jamie Evans —Director —and Miss Honey (Played by Rosie Tomlinson), the principals of the new presentation from Lionheart Productions…Matilda.
LionHeart Productions, based in Grant, Michigan, is a community theater organization that’s been producing family-friendly productions for Newaygo County for over 20 years.
Matilda the Musical is based on the 1988 novel Matilda by British Author Roald Dahl. Today, i...
LionHeart Productions, based in Grant, Michigan, is a community theater organization that’s been producing family-friendly productions for Newaygo County for over 20 years.
Matilda the Musical is based on the 1988 novel Matilda by British Author Roald Dahl. Today, i...
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November 1, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back to the program one of our favorite guests, Patrick DeHaan, the Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy.com
Patrick joined us in this segment to discuss a major change in how gasoline is taxed in Michigan.
Michigan's new gas tax system will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The new system will eliminate the 6% sales tax on fuel and replace it with a higher per-gallon state tax, which will r...
Patrick joined us in this segment to discuss a major change in how gasoline is taxed in Michigan.
Michigan's new gas tax system will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The new system will eliminate the 6% sales tax on fuel and replace it with a higher per-gallon state tax, which will r...
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October 26, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Chef Omar Anani...a James Beard nominee and Chopped alum.
We spoke with him during his visit to Traverse City this August for the inaugural Traverse City Food and Wine Event.
Anani is a Palestinian-Egyptian American chef and restaurateur who comes across as confident and highly compassionate.
He is known for proudly and passionately infusing his heritage into his culinary identity and his re...
We spoke with him during his visit to Traverse City this August for the inaugural Traverse City Food and Wine Event.
Anani is a Palestinian-Egyptian American chef and restaurateur who comes across as confident and highly compassionate.
He is known for proudly and passionately infusing his heritage into his culinary identity and his re...
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October 19, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes New York Times best-selling author, radio host, frequent national commentator, and public speaker, John U. Bacon.
Tower spoke with John U. Bacon about his new book, “THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
In The Gales of November, John U. Bacon delivers the definitive account of the disaster. Drawing on more than 100 interviews with families, friends, and former cr...
Tower spoke with John U. Bacon about his new book, “THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
In The Gales of November, John U. Bacon delivers the definitive account of the disaster. Drawing on more than 100 interviews with families, friends, and former cr...
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In this episode, host Phil Tower talks with Dave Bulkowski, JD, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County.
Dave spoke with us about the annual “Invest In Ability” Event & Dinner on Thursday, November 6, at the Beautiful new Silva, in downtown Grand Rapids.
Invest in Ability celebrates the accomplishments of community members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are the key holders to unlocking opportuni...
Dave spoke with us about the annual “Invest In Ability” Event & Dinner on Thursday, November 6, at the Beautiful new Silva, in downtown Grand Rapids.
Invest in Ability celebrates the accomplishments of community members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are the key holders to unlocking opportuni...
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October 14, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode host Phil Tower welcomes Nick Nerbonne, the Media & Digital Director for Travel Michigan.
Autumn in the mitten state, means Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests begin their transition from the greens of summer to a diverse palette of multiple shades of reds, oranges and yellows of fall,
Nick noted that Michigan is a global destination for tourism year-round and that multiple Michigan destinations, from SE Mic...
Autumn in the mitten state, means Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests begin their transition from the greens of summer to a diverse palette of multiple shades of reds, oranges and yellows of fall,
Nick noted that Michigan is a global destination for tourism year-round and that multiple Michigan destinations, from SE Mic...
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October 14, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode we welcomed Angela Hollinshead, Director of the Kent County Animal Shelter.
Angela spoke with us about a big celebration for the Kent County Animal Shelter happening on October 16.
The shelter will be celebrating their 85th Anniversary that afternoon with a Fall Celebration event open to the public. Guests will enjoy seasonal treats like cider and donuts, plus kids’ activities. There are also special anniversary rate...
Angela spoke with us about a big celebration for the Kent County Animal Shelter happening on October 16.
The shelter will be celebrating their 85th Anniversary that afternoon with a Fall Celebration event open to the public. Guests will enjoy seasonal treats like cider and donuts, plus kids’ activities. There are also special anniversary rate...
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October 4, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Ashlee Mishler, Director of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone.
Ashlee joined us to discuss this important local scholarship program and how it is now expanding to make it easier for Grand Rapids students to move from community college to a four-year college degree.
Ashlee informed us that in January of 2026, graduates of Grand Rapids Community College with an associate's degree will be eligible ...
Ashlee joined us to discuss this important local scholarship program and how it is now expanding to make it easier for Grand Rapids students to move from community college to a four-year college degree.
Ashlee informed us that in January of 2026, graduates of Grand Rapids Community College with an associate's degree will be eligible ...
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