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
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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October 4, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Micah Herrboldt, Waste Reduction Educator at the Kent County Department of Public Works.
Micah joined us to remind Kent County residents to refresh their recycling habits with the newly released annual Fall Recycling Guide from the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW).
The 2025 Fall Recycling Guide offers recommendations to help residents properly recycle or dispose of common househ...
Micah joined us to remind Kent County residents to refresh their recycling habits with the newly released annual Fall Recycling Guide from the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW).
The 2025 Fall Recycling Guide offers recommendations to help residents properly recycle or dispose of common househ...
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September 21, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Michigan State Police Detective Mark Fisher, a member of the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Detective Fisher joined us on the program to talk about the recent launch of an awareness campaign by his task force and the Michigan State police to inform parents about the growing dangers of online sexual predators, as well as sextortion, grooming, and other pred...
Detective Fisher joined us on the program to talk about the recent launch of an awareness campaign by his task force and the Michigan State police to inform parents about the growing dangers of online sexual predators, as well as sextortion, grooming, and other pred...
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September 21, 2025 • 15 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes 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 joined us for a preview of Midwest’s premier culinary celebration – the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holid...
Dawn joined us for a preview of Midwest’s premier culinary celebration – the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holid...
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September 16, 2025 • 9 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Cathleen Simlar, Senior Communications Manager, AARP Michigan.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, which has helped generations of Michiganders retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. It’s one of the most successful initiatives in American history, and a new AARP survey shows it’s still doing exactly what it was built to do. AARP is proudly honoring the leg...
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, which has helped generations of Michiganders retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. It’s one of the most successful initiatives in American history, and a new AARP survey shows it’s still doing exactly what it was built to do. AARP is proudly honoring the leg...
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September 16, 2025 • 9 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower chats with Brian Smith, Food & Beverage Director, Treetops Resort.
Brian spoke with us about Color tour getaways in the region, including Treetops' new Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner.
Treetops Resort is offering its first Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner. Experience Fall with creative cuisine, paired with tastings of Michigan beer and wine, all atop the spectacular views only offere...
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September 16, 2025 • 10 mins
In this episode, iHeartRadio host Phil Tower welcomes Diane Brewer, Executive Director of MET, to the program as MET is commemorating September as National College Savings Month.
This year marks the first Michigan College Savings Month since MET lowered its minimum contribution to just $25 to support more Michigan families in starting to save for their child’s future education. The change opens the door for more families to take ad...
This year marks the first Michigan College Savings Month since MET lowered its minimum contribution to just $25 to support more Michigan families in starting to save for their child’s future education. The change opens the door for more families to take ad...
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On this week's episode, host Phil Tower chats with Patrick Brys, owner of Bry’s Estate Vineyard & Winery.
This episode was recorded on location in Traverse City, Michigan—home to one of the region’s most celebrated wineries, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery.
Patrick Brys is the creative force behind the estate’s operations and guest experiences.
Since joining the family business, Patrick has helped transform Brys Estate into n...
This episode was recorded on location in Traverse City, Michigan—home to one of the region’s most celebrated wineries, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery.
Patrick Brys is the creative force behind the estate’s operations and guest experiences.
Since joining the family business, Patrick has helped transform Brys Estate into n...
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September 4, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Sierra Belz, Marketing & Communications Specialist with Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids.
Sierra joined us to talk about Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids sponsoring their 11th annual West Side Walk for Gilda’s Club on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The walk is all about celebrating and supporting the thousands of lives touched by Gilda’s free emotional health programs for individuals and families navigati...
Sierra joined us to talk about Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids sponsoring their 11th annual West Side Walk for Gilda’s Club on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The walk is all about celebrating and supporting the thousands of lives touched by Gilda’s free emotional health programs for individuals and families navigati...
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September 4, 2025 • 17 mins
On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Paula Veneklase, the Executive Director of HELP Pregnancy Aid in Grand Rapids
HELP’s goal is to promote the healthy development of babies from conception through age three – the most crucial years of life. Additionally, it strives to ensure that every client will leave HELP feeling more empowered to make informed decisions.
Under Paula's leadership, HELP has developed a number of programs to...
HELP’s goal is to promote the healthy development of babies from conception through age three – the most crucial years of life. Additionally, it strives to ensure that every client will leave HELP feeling more empowered to make informed decisions.
Under Paula's leadership, HELP has developed a number of programs to...
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August 24, 2025 • 28 mins
On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Melissa Kaelin, Author, Aurora Chaser, and founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers (*MichiganAuroraChasers.com)
Melissa's book is Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner's Guide to Chasing Aurora. Melissa's also the co-founder of the Aurora Summit.
In this full episode, Melissa gave us an update on the latest in Aurora, chasing here in the state of Michigan, plus a preview of the inaugural Gre...
Melissa's book is Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner's Guide to Chasing Aurora. Melissa's also the co-founder of the Aurora Summit.
In this full episode, Melissa gave us an update on the latest in Aurora, chasing here in the state of Michigan, plus a preview of the inaugural Gre...
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August 16, 2025 • 27 mins
On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Kevin Matthews. In Chicago and throughout West Michigan, Kevin needs no introduction.
For those who don't know Kevin as well, he is a radio icon, and a three-time Radio Hall of Fame Nominee, and author of: Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope(2017).
This was Kevin's first book, and it tells the story of his battle with multiple sclerosis and his discovery of a broken statue of the Virgin Mar...
For those who don't know Kevin as well, he is a radio icon, and a three-time Radio Hall of Fame Nominee, and author of: Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope(2017).
This was Kevin's first book, and it tells the story of his battle with multiple sclerosis and his discovery of a broken statue of the Virgin Mar...
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In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer, Traverse City Tourism.
Whitney joined us in this segment for a preview of the all-new Traverse City Food & Wine (TCF&W), a five-day farm-to-table celebration that takes place August 20 – 24.
The event sponsors "A Grand Tasting" on Saturday afternoon, August 23, which will offer guests a chance to sample many of the area’s favorite flavors in one...
Whitney joined us in this segment for a preview of the all-new Traverse City Food & Wine (TCF&W), a five-day farm-to-table celebration that takes place August 20 – 24.
The event sponsors "A Grand Tasting" on Saturday afternoon, August 23, which will offer guests a chance to sample many of the area’s favorite flavors in one...
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August 3, 2025 • 14 mins
In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. David Doud, a primary care physician with Trinity Health Medical Group in Grand Rapids.
Dr. Doud joined us to help debunk some common skin safety myths, such as the notion that a "base tan" is protective or that sunscreen is unnecessary on cloudy days.
Some of the questions we discussed included:
Do I need to apply sunscreen on Cloudy Days?
If I have naturally darker brown skin, do I need ...
Dr. Doud joined us to help debunk some common skin safety myths, such as the notion that a "base tan" is protective or that sunscreen is unnecessary on cloudy days.
Some of the questions we discussed included:
Do I need to apply sunscreen on Cloudy Days?
If I have naturally darker brown skin, do I need ...
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