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"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...
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"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!"
show less
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!"
West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
WOOD RadioEpisodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
Transcribed
11 JUL 2026 · Can Christians disagree without becoming divided? Author Skot Welch joins Phil Tower to discuss his new book,https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/, exploring how churches can embrace diversity, strengthen unity, and build healthier communities through grace, understanding, and meaningful relationships.
On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes author Skot Welch to discuss his latest book, https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/
As churches and communities continue to navigate deep cultural and political divides, Welch explores why unity doesn't require uniformity—and how embracing our differences can strengthen both faith and relationships.
In their conversation, they discuss practical steps toward reconciliation, what healthy diversity looks like in today's church, and why hope, humility, and meaningful conversations are more important than ever.
Skot’s terrific new book, https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/, is available locally at your favorite bookstore.
Get the book onlinehttps://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/
Transcribed
4 JUL 2026 · What does it take to turn a great idea into a successful business?
On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Paul Moore, Co-Director of https://startgarden.com/ about the complete reimagining of https://contests.startgarden.com/start-garden-100/—West Michigan's longtime entrepreneurial competition that has helped launch hundreds of businesses over the past 13 years.
This year's competition features more than $500,000 in funding opportunities, expanded investment partners, and a new approach that welcomes businesses at every stage of growth.
The 100 is evolving far beyond a traditional pitch competition, as Paul explains how the revamped program works, why entrepreneurs now submit a simple 100-second video, and how the new "Sprint" model is designed to connect founders with the right resources to grow.
Applications for https://contests.startgarden.com/start-garden-100/ are open through July 12.
Learn more and apply at https://startgarden.com/
Transcribed
4 JUL 2026 · Northern Michigan's rich agricultural heritage, award-winning wineries, acclaimed chefs, and stunning waterfront setting all come together for one unforgettable celebration.
On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of https://www.traversecity.com/, to preview the second annual http://traversecityfoodandwine.com/ happening August 19–23.
Whitney shares how the festival has grown in just its second year into a five-day culinary showcase featuring vineyard tours, chef-led dinners, cooking demonstrations, farm experiences, wine and whiskey tastings, sailing excursions, and conversations with celebrated authors.
She also highlights the festival's signature event, The Grand Tasting, where visitors can sample more than 100 wines and craft beverages while enjoying spectacular views of West Grand Traverse Bay.
Whether you're a passionate foodie, wine enthusiast, or simply looking for the perfect late-summer getaway, this conversation offers a delicious preview of one of the Midwest's fastest-growing culinary festivals.
Learn more, view the complete schedule, and purchase tickets at http://traversecityfoodandwine.com/.
Transcribed
27 JUN 2026 · In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Tony Gerheiser, Executive Director of the West Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Tony joins us on this episode to talk about the https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/locations/american-red-cross-of-west-michigan.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo2fAxj7_dJXbfkeMInZxIck5gDLjGkEKRssGH3kD21LpgD4kgMhttps://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/locations/american-red-cross-of-west-michigan.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo2fAxj7_dJXbfkeMInZxIck5gDLjGkEKRssGH3kD21LpgD4kgMand their https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/american-red-cross--neighborhood-michigan-ford-dealers-partner-t.html?srsltid=AfmBOopiza_6st3CaNsOwj-JKPFHryFCvyMysSP2YPBAQWvKV4Q9f07X in partnership with https://www.facebook.com/michiganforddealers/
Tony explains why blood donations often decline during the summer months, how donated blood helps accident victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, and others facing medical emergencies, and why community partnerships are essential to meeting this ongoing need. He also discusses the expansion of the https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/american-red-cross--neighborhood-michigan-ford-dealers-partner-t.html?srsltid=AfmBOopiza_6st3CaNsOwj-JKPFHryFCvyMysSP2YPBAQWvKV4Q9f07Xfollowing a successful 2025 pilot program and shares what first-time donors can expect when giving blood.
For more information, to find a donation location, or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=49512 download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/american-red-cross--neighborhood-michigan-ford-dealers-partner-t.html?srsltid=AfmBOopiza_6st3CaNsOwj-JKPFHryFCvyMysSP2YPBAQWvKV4Q9f07X
Transcribed
20 JUN 2026 · On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Alyssa Stewart, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships for https://rxkids.org/
Alyssa joins us on the program to discuss https://rxkids.org/, a groundbreaking program that is helping families across Michigan build stronger financial foundations during pregnancy and early childhood.
Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, providing direct financial support to expectant mothers and families with newborns. Alyssa shares with us how eligible mothers receive a one-time payment during pregnancy, followed by monthly payments after their child is born, helping families meet essential needs during some of life’s most critical months.
We also cover how the program got started, who qualifies, how communities are selected, and the rapid expansion of Rx Kids throughout Michigan—including new communities in https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/grand-rapids/rx-kids-to-offer-some-grand-rapids-families-cash-payments
Alyssa also talks about the measurable impact Rx Kids is having on family financial stability, maternal and infant health, and local economies, and what participating families are saying about how the direct cash assistance they receive is helping them navigate the challenges of pregnancy and a child’s first year of life.
Learn more about Rx Kids and its growing impact across Michigan at https://rxkids.org/
https://rxkids.org/rxkids-news/social-media/
Transcribed
20 JUN 2026 · On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Meena Ariagno, creator and host of https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-eavesdrop-with-meena-265119505 a locally produced podcast with a global perspective that encourages thoughtful dialogue, curiosity, and respectful conversation across cultural, political, and spiritual divides.
Meena shares the story behind her podcast, which began as a passion project during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since grown into a platform dedicated to promoting the common good and restoring civil discourse at a time when meaningful conversation can often feel in short supply.
She discusses how her global experiences have shaped the show's mission and what it has been like building an independent podcast from West Michigan with an international reach.
Phil and Meena also spoke about an upcoming live podcast recording at the https://www.artmuseumgr.org/ featuring acclaimed artist Warren King. The event will include a screening of the documentary https://www.artmuseumgr.org/events/an-evening-with-warren-king-king-of-cardboard followed by a live conversation exploring art, identity, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Learn more about https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-eavesdrop-with-meena-265119505at https://www.meenaglobal.com/ and on the https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-eavesdrop-with-meena-265119505
Transcribed
13 JUN 2026 · What does the future of higher education look like in Michigan—and why does it still matter?
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, the 10th president of https://wmich.edu/ to discuss his unique journey from commercial airline captain and federal prosecutor to university president, and his vision for one of Michigan’s leading public universities.
Kavalhuna shares what inspired his early passion for aviation, the experiences that led him into higher education leadership, and the priorities guiding his presidency since taking office in July 2025.
The conversation also explores the growing national debate over the value of a college degree, how universities can better align with workforce needs, and the important role higher education plays in developing talent and strengthening Michigan’s economy.
In addition, Kavalhuna discusses his work as co-chair of Michigan’s Higher Education Workgroup, efforts to expand college access and opportunity, and why he remains a strong advocate for the transformative impact of higher education.
Learn more about Western Michigan University at https://wmich.edu. Additional resources:
- https://wmich.edu/aviation
- https://www.hfcc.edu
- https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-establishes-the-growing-michigan-together-council-to-focus-on-population-growth
West Michigan Weekend is a weekly public affairs program hosted by Phil Tower and heard across the iHeartRadio West Michigan radio stations and podcast platforms.
Transcribed
6 JUN 2026 · On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes artist and designer turned best-selling author, Dave Eggers, for a conversation about his new novel, Contrapposto.
Known for bestselling and critically acclaimed works, including his groundbreaking debut, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/45415/a-heartbreaking-work-of-staggering-genius-by-dave-eggers/, and https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/45422/what-is-the-what-by-dave-eggers/ Eggers joins the program to explore the inspiration behind Contrapposto, a sweeping story that follows the lifelong friendship of Cricket Dib and Olympia Argyros across six decades of art, ambition, creativity, and personal transformation.
During our conversation, Eggers discusses the novel’s unique title—borrowed from the classical artistic technique that creates balance through asymmetry, and how his own background as a visual artist helped shape the story. As Eggers explained, "think of a statue of Michelangelo balancing on one foot."
He also reflects on themes of friendship, aging, creativity, and the often-absurd nature of the art world.
Later, in our conversation, Eggers shares his passion for educational opportunity and literacy through organizations he helped establish and support, including https://www.scholarmatch.org, which helps first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds earn bachelor’s degrees, and https://www.826michigan.org/about/, which provides free writing and literacy programs for K–12 students across Southeast Michigan.
Eggers also talks about his upcoming appearance with the https://nationalwritersseries.org/author-event/dave-eggers/in Traverse City, and what continues to inspire him after decades as one of America's most influential literary voices.
Learn more about his terrific new novel, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768682/contrapposto-by-dave-eggers/, from https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768682/contrapposto-by-dave-eggers/, or pick up a copy from your favorite local bookstore.
Transcribed
6 JUN 2026 · On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes West Michigan author Natasha Warren to discuss her deeply personal memoir, Morphine and Malts: A Daughter's Path Through Her Father's Cancer, Caregiving, and Letting Go.
Warren's book chronicles the 105 days between her father John's terminal cancer diagnosis and his passing, offering an honest and heartfelt look at the realities of caregiving, grief, family relationships, and finding moments of grace during life's most difficult seasons.
She also shares how she navigated the sudden transition into the role of caregiver, the challenges of supporting a fiercely independent parent, and the lessons she learned about love, resilience, and letting go.
Natasha reflects on the moments of laughter, family connection, and unexpected joy that helped sustain her family through an incredibly difficult journey.
Whether you're currently caring for a loved one, have experienced a significant loss, or simply want to better understand the caregiving experience, this conversation offers valuable insights, encouragement, and hope.
Learn More
- Natasha Warren's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSWPCVNB?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true
- Cancer caregiver resources from https://www.cancer.org
Transcribed
30 MAY 2026 · On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Guswiler, President of the https://www.westmisports.com/, for a conversation about the continued growth and regional impact of the West Michigan Sports Commission and the exciting expansion of the https://meijersportscomplex.com/in Rockford.
Mike shares news about the official opening of four new championship softball fields at the Meijer Sports Complex, part of a major expansion project designed to support the growing demand for youth and amateur sports tourism in West Michigan.
Our conversation highlights how the Meijer Sports Complex has become one of the premier destinations for baseball, softball, and pickleball events in the Midwest. Phil and Mike also explore the economic impact of sports tourism on the region, including the millions of dollars generated annually through tournaments and visitors traveling to West Michigan for national and regional events.
Mike also previews several major upcoming events hosted at the complex, including national softball championships and expanding pickleball tournaments, and the return of https://moveunitedsport.org/events/nationals/, July 10-16, the largest U.S. youth and adult sport competition for people with disabilities.
Learn more about the West Michigan Sports Commission and the Meijer Sports Complex at https://www.westmisports.com/
"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...
show more
"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!"
show less
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!"
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