West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

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 predatory behaviors against children. The “Opening the Door” campaign, led by the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, includes a video public service announcement drawing attention to online predatory behavior like grooming and sextortion, and encouraging adults to be proactive in talking to their children about online dangers. Detective Fisher said that in today’s digital environment, sexual predators use social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms to gain access to our children, and the use of these tools can be like opening a door right into your child’s bedroom. That’s the focus of the Michigan State Police’s new public awareness campaign aimed at teaching parents and children how to safely navigate the digital world. Report child sexual exploitation or abuse, including grooming or harm, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST. The Michigan ICAC Task Force is part of a national network ​of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 law enforcement agencies engaged in proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of people involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the ​internet. Online: Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Topics Addressed: Internet crimes against children, criminal sexual conduct, online predatory behavior, grooming, sextortion, and safe online behavior.

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 holiday season. General Admission and Pairing tickets go on sale at Noon on Friday, September 12, at GRWineFestival.com. This annual event begins on Thursday, November 20, with the Cheers for Charity VIP night, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the DeVos Place Grand Gallery, benefiting Hospice of Michigan. Barbara Anderson from Hospice of Michigan talked about their involvement in the VIP night and how proceeds will be supporting Veterans Hospice Services. Cheers for Charity features an intimate and upscale experience, with a dozen restaurants and specialty food producers serving mouth-watering small plates. Additionally, enjoy food and beverage tastings on the Meijer Food Stage, as well as a curated list of wine, beer, cider, and spirits. “Cheers for Charity” tickets are $150 per person and are now on sale. Online resources: GRWineFestival.com Online: Hospice of Michigan

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 legacy of Social Security—while fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security for older Americans today, and for our children and grandchildren. More than one in five U.S. residents - 69 million Americans - receives Social Security. Social Security lifts 511,000 Michiganders out of poverty every year. Without Social Security, 36.3% of people over 65 in Michigan would live in poverty. With Social Security, the poverty rate is 8.7%. For more than 834,000 Michiganders, Social Security is their primary source of income. Social Security benefits add $49.6 billion to Michigan’s economy every year. The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, is projected to be depleted in 2033. The Disability Insurance (DI) trust fund is not expected to be depleted within the 75-year projection period. Online Resources: AARP Pledge to Fight for Social Security AARP Michigan AARP Retirement Basics About AARP: AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

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 offered at Treetops Resort. Guests will enjoy a leisurely golf cart ride along the Jones Masterpiece Golf Course, led by an experienced Treetops staff member, and will have the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful fall foliage across miles of the course at the resort. Multiple stops along the way, and offer guests a tasting of a Michigan-made beer or wine, as well as a fall-themed hors d'oeuvre. The evening will wrap up with dinner at Hunters Grill. Online: Treetops

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 advantage of MET’s prepaid tuition benefits without the previous requirement of purchasing at least one credit hour upfront. With an initial contribution of just $25, families can begin building a secure pathway to future college costs and invest in their child’s dreams sooner. MET is also expanding outreach through free webinars that explain options, tax advantages, and strategies for maximizing savings. Since its inception in 1988, MET, the nation’s first 529 prepaid tuition program, has helped thousands of Michigan students. Michigan residents also have another option for saving for college: The MESP: College Savings Account Online: Michigan 529 Program Online: MET

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 not only a producer of award-winning wines but also a destination known for innovation and hospitality. From the stunning vineyard views and the Secret Garden, to estate-grown wines that have earned national recognition, Patrick has played a key role in shaping how visitors experience Michigan wine. Patrick spoke with us about the evolution of the vineyard and winery as well as the unique challenges and joys of winemaking in Northern Michigan. He also shared with us about what the future holds for Brys Estate and the region’s growing wine scene. Online: Brys Estate

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 navigating cancer or grief. The walk is not just a fundraiser—it’s also a celebration of community, resilience, and connecting with others. **There is no cost to register, but participants are encouraged to raise funds through peer-to-peer outreach. **Worth Noting: Gilda's Club does not charge for cancer support counseling or any of its programs, including support groups, workshops, and social activities. Gilda's Club is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers its services free of charge to cancer patients, survivors, and their families and friends. It is all free of charge, thanks to donor support. Online: Gilda's Club Grand Rapids West Side Walk Signup & Info.

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 meet its goals. Information about health, sexuality, and pregnancy is available, as well as free and confidential pregnancy testing. The women who are served by HELP have the opportunity to select maternity clothing and, just before giving birth, each mother is provided a layette of baby essentials, which enables her to be prepared to take the baby home from the hospital. Online: HELP Pregnancy Aid

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 Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD Jam), happening September 11-14 in Houghton, Michigan. GLAD Jam is a four-day celebration of stargazing, science, creativity, and community in one of the best dark sky destinations in the Midwest. Melissa informed us that the conference is presented by Visit Keweenaw & Michigan Aurora Chasers. She also reminded us that the Aurora Summit will take place this year, from November 7 to 9, 2025, in beautiful Red Cliff, Wisconsin. Melissa launched the first-ever Aurora Summit in 2017 on Lake Superior’s shore in Minnesota. The Aurora Summit features scientists, authors, professional photographers, storm chasers, and community leaders, and presentations range from the history, art, culture, and science of the night sky to Aurora forecasting and photography. Connect: Melissa F. Kaelin Website Melissa's Books: Beyond the 45th Parallel, by Melissa F. Kaelin. The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing Aurora in the Mid-latitudes, 2nd Edition Below the 45th Parallel, by Melissa F. Kaelin- The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region, 1st Edition- 2022. Visit Keweenaw Dark Sky Park Dark Sky-Light Pollution Map: Topics Discussed:

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 Mary, which inspired his spiritual awakening. Kevin followed Broken Mary with Mary's Roadie: My Travels with Mary the Mother of Jesus(2024). Mary’s Roadie is Kevin’s follow-up book, where he shares the events and experiences that unfolded after his life-changing discovery of the Broken Mary statue. Kevin join us on the program to share not only his story but an update on his amazing journey and travels since finding a broken statue of the Virgin Mary in a West Michigan dumpster, nearly 10 years ago. Kevin also shared with us how his travels with Mary are the focus of an upcoming documentary titled Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story. This film, produced by ODB Films and Family Theater Productions, explores his journey of faith, his radio career, and his struggle with multiple sclerosis, culminating in his encounter with the broken Virgin Mary statue. The film will screen for one night only, on October 7, and audiences nationwide will have the opportunity to see Kevin’s story on the big screen in a feature-length documentary. Links: Get Kevin's First Book: Broken Mary Kevin's Follow-up To Broken Mary: Mary's Roadie: My Travels with Mary the Mother of Jesus(2024) Broken Mary The Film Website Kevin’s Website: Broken Mary Watch the trailer for Kevin's film debuting nationwide October 7, 2025. St Mary of Egypt... Referenced in our conversation: St. Mary of Egypt: Prolific Prostitute Turned Saint

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 setting. A Grand Tasting will offer attendees over 100 locally produced wines and craft drinks alongside small plates from local restaurateurs and guest chefs, all featuring the region’s agricultural bounty. The Main Stage at the Grand Tasting will feature a rotation of chef conversations, cooking demonstrations, and tasting tips. The National Writers Series will also host an exclusive panel of chefs from Top Chef, Iron Chef, Chopped, and more - for a candid glimpse into the world of competitive cooking from the people who’ve lived it. See The Full list of events and more at TraverseCityFoodandWine.com.

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 to wear some protection? If I already have a base tan, do I need to wear sun protection? How often should I reapply sunscreen? Does a baseball cap protect my head from harmful sun exposure? Dr. Doud also spoke with us about the importance of educating oneself about skin cancer indicators. Online: Dr. Doud’s Blog Post

On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes LT Kegan "SMURF" Gill. Kegan, who currently resides in Michigan, is a decorated U.S. Navy fighter pilot, an ultra-endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and author of the compelling new book released earlier this year, “Phoenix Revival: The Aftermath of Naval Aviation's Fastest Ejection” (Paperback). It's his powerful story. Kegan recently headlined an evening with the internationally recognized National Writers Series in Traverse City, Michigan. (June 26th, 2025) Kegan joined us for this full episode to share his powerful story from his book, Phoenix Revival. Phoenix Revival is more than a military memoir—it’s a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most overwhelming odds. Get the book: In Northern Michigan via Horizon Books. Or Via Amazon Kegan's life coaching skills and public speaking opportunities are available through his website, found here.

In this episode, iHeartradio host Phil Tower welcomes Michael Grunwald, New York Times-bestselling author. Michael's new book is We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate, from Simon & Schuster Publishing Michael told us that humanity has cleared a land mass the size of Asia plus Europe to grow food, and our food system generates a third of our carbon emissions. By 2050, we’re going to need a lot more calories to fill nearly 10 billion bellies, but we can’t feed the world without frying it if we keep tearing down an acre of rainforest every six seconds. “Even if we quit fossil fuels, we’ll keep hurtling towards climate chaos if we don’t solve our food and land problems."-Michael Grunwald Grunwald's compelling new book explains how the world, after decades of ignoring the climate problem at the center of our plates, has pivoted to making it worse, embracing solutions that sound sustainable but could make it even harder to grow more food with less land. But he also tells the stories of the dynamic scientists and entrepreneurs pursuing real solutions, from a jungle-tough miracle crop called pongamia to genetically edited cattle embryos, from Impossible Whoppers to a non-polluting pesticide that uses the technology behind the COVID vaccines to constipate beetles to death. Get the book: We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate

In this episode, host Phil Tower chats with Glenn Merry, the CEO of Move United. From July 11-17, 2025, Grand Rapids is hosting, for the first time, The Hartford Nationals. This competition is hosted by Move United, the largest and longest-running national sports championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, and/or intellectual disability. This is a major first for the city of Grand Rapids and only the second time for Michigan to host the Hartford Nationals. The competition featured nine sports, including boccia, contested for the first time at this national event. Other contested sports include archery, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair and para standing tennis. **The Hartford Nationals take place at six venues around West Michigan. The economic impact of The Hartford Nationals is expected to be more than $2 million in visitor spending. What Glenn shared: **This national competition has been a stepping stone for many athletes to progress and compete at an international level, including the Paralympic Games. **62 percent of the athletes that represented Team USA at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris either competed at this event or participated in another Move United program or event. Online: The Hartford Nationals

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Monique Stanton, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. Monique joined the program to discuss how Medicaid cuts are expected to affect not only the hundreds of thousands of Michiganders at risk of losing health insurance, but also the broader health care system. State and health industry leaders recently said in a press conference on Tuesday 8, that the cuts in the spending package known as the “big, beautiful bill," signed into law July 4 by President Donald Trump, will result in hospitals closing their doors, cutting staff and/or reducing available services to make up for losses in government funding. They also warned that Michigan residents with private and employer-provided health insurance are likely to see increased costs as hospitals seek to recoup funding. Longer emergency room wait times may also hit communities already struggling with access challenges Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities, children, and more. The Medicaid program in Michigan covers about 2.6 million residents, or 25% of the state's population, making it the state’s largest health insurer. Online: Protect MI Care Online: The Michigan League for Public Policy Topics discussed: Medicaid, government-funded health insurance, healthcare affordability, cuts to Medicaid, Michigan hospitals, uninsured Michigan residents.

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Alicia Sledge, the director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Alicia, you're joining us to talk about the state's ever to crack down on speeding during the busy summer driving season. The good news: In Michigan, speeding-related crashes and fatalities have been decreasing. There was a 20% drop in speed-involved crashes in 2023 compared to 2022, and a 32% decrease since 2019. The still bad: Speed was a factor in 210 fatalities and 6,848 injuries in Michigan in 2023. Exceeding the speed limit is more than just breaking traffic laws—it represents dangerous behavior that threatens the safety of everyone on the road. Online: Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Danielle Beard, the Michigan Green Communities (MGC)Program Coordinator. In mid-June of this year(2025), a record high 68 local governments across Michigan were recognized for their sustainability efforts and environmental leadership through their participation in the Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge. Communities were awarded bronze, silver, gold, or platinum seals of achievement. This was also the first year that any community achieved platinum status. Both Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor achieved platinum certification in the challenge. About Michigan Green Communities: Established in 2009, Michigan Green Communities (MGC) is a statewide network of local and state government staff and officials, and higher education institution staff that collaborate, through peer learning and information sharing, to promote innovative sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice solutions at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. ONLINE: Michigan Green Communities

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Andrew Jameson, the Specialty Medical Director at Trinity Health Medical Group in West Michigan and Section Chief of Infectious Diseases at Trinity Health Grand Rapids hospital. Michigan currently has 15 confirmed measles cases, with 7 cases considered part of an ongoing outbreak, according to the State of Michigan. This outbreak is the first in Michigan since 2019. Without any doubt, measles presents a significant public health concern when identified in any community. Dr. Jameson discussed how measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and that it can live for up to 2 hours in the air after an infected person has left the area. Nearly 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. Online: Trinity Health Medical Group, Infectious Disease - Grand Rapids Campus Phil

On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Kimberly M. Large, an estate and family law attorney with Mika Meyers. Kim joined us to talk about a growing type of divorce. A collaborative divorce is a process designed as an alternative to traditional litigation to end a marriage. It is sometimes referred to as “divorce with dignity,” “peaceful divorce,” or the “gentler divorce. It is intended to offer you and your spouse the support, guidance, and resources of each having a collaboratively trained attorney, working as a team, to allow you to avoid going to court. There are many differences between the collaborative process and litigation. https://www.mikameyers.com/how-does-collaborative-divorce-differ-from-litigated-divorce/ Topics Addressed: marriage and divorce, divorce as a contributor to health and emotional issues, collaborative divorce, family law, estate planning, Michigan divorce law. Online: https://www.mikameyers.com/attorneys/kimberly-m-large/ Collaborative divorce is a method of dissolving a marriage where both parties commit to reaching a settlement outside of court, with the support of legal and other professionals. It emphasizes cooperation and communication to resolve issues like child custody, property division, and financial arrangements, aiming to minimize conflict and promote a more amicable separation