West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower dives into one of the most consequential legal battles of the decade: the challenge to the executive order attempting to dismantle birthright citizenship.

Following oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court on April 1st, we speak with Brendan Beery, Constitutional Law Professor at Cooley Law School, to unpack the "Citizenship Clause" of the 14th Amendment.
We explore the legal precedents, the historical weight of the 1868 ratification, and what a potential June ruling could mean for thousands of families across the...

On this segment of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Alicia Sledge, Director of Michigan’s Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), to discuss the critical issue of distracted driving. Despite the implementation of Michigan’s Hands-Free Law, recent data shows a concerning rise in mobile device use and driver fatalities. This episode breaks down the latest statistics and the state’s high-visibility enforcement efforts aimed at reversing these deadly trends.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Current Trends: Why distracted-driving fatalities increased...

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation.

Kent shares with us his personal story of how a family tragedy led to his opportunity to serve Mary Free Bed as a board member and later CEO. 

Under Kent's 15 years of leadership, Mary Free Bed has grown tenfold: From 10,000 patients a year to over 120,000 patients. 

Mary Free Bed now operates in more than 70 locations across five states and has become one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive non-profit rehabilitation syst...

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower explores a bold idea that could transform how people travel across the state—Michigan’s proposed North + South Passenger Rail project. For many communities in Mid- and Northern Michigan, getting around still means getting behind the wheel. But what if there were a reliable rail option connecting Southeast Michigan to the northern Lower Peninsula?

Phil is joined by Carolyn Ulstad, Transportation Program Manager with Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, a nonprofit leading the charge on this effort. She explains how the proposed rail co...

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower explores some of the most pressing challenges facing Michigan today—from youth mental health to the future of social services and the growing need for affordable housing.

Phil is joined by Dave Morin, CEO of Samaritas, a 90+ year-old nonprofit serving vulnerable populations across Michigan. With demand for social services rising and resources stretched thin, Samaritas is taking an innovative approach to meeting these challenges.

At the center of that effort is the newly launched House of Innovation—a collaborative hub in Detro...

PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are nearly impossible to break down, and they’ve quietly become one of the most widespread environmental and public health concerns facing Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower speaks with Tony Spaniola, co-founder of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, a coalition driven by people directly impacted by toxic PFAS contamination. Used for decades in everything from firefighting foam to stain-resistant fabrics, PFAS chemicals are now linked to serious health risks—and they’re showing up in drinking water across the region. In Michigan al...

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Sara Maurer to explore her powerful debut novel, A Good Animal.

Set in the rural landscape of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, A Good Animal is a deeply emotional story of first love, identity, and the life-altering weight of a single decision. The novel follows Everett, a young man determined to stay and rebuild his family’s sheep farm, and Mary, a newcomer driven by ambition and a desire to leave—capturing the universal tension between staying rooted and chasin...

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend with Phil Tower, we welcome 
David Pogue — Author of: Apple: The First 50 Years.
 
Few companies have shaped modern life as profoundly as Apple—from the earliest days of personal computing to the smartphones that millions of us carry every day.

As the company reaches its 50-year milestone, award-winning journalist, longtime tech columnist, and television host David Pogue joins the program to discuss his sweeping new book, Apple: The First 50 Years.

Drawing on more than 150 new interviews with key figures in Apple’s...

What careers are growing fastest in West Michigan—and which ones offer strong pay without requiring a four-year degree?

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Amy Lebednick, Business Solutions Director for West Michigan Works!, about the newly released 2026 HotJobs! List, highlighting more than 100 careers that are in high demand across seven West Michigan counties.

Amy explains how the list is created using regional labor data and why 94% of the featured careers are projected to grow faster than the average market rate. The conversation also explores the ri...

In a culture that celebrates productivity and work ethic—especially here in West Michigan—it’s easy for work to become more than just a job. But what happens when work starts to quietly take over our identity, our relationships, and our mental space?

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Dr. Guy Winch, clinical psychologist, TED speaker, and author of the new book Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life. Dr. Winch explores the psychology behind why so many driven, responsible people become deeply...

In this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Adam London, Director of The Kent County Health Department, for an important conversation about the invisible health risks that can impact families this time of year—and the simple steps we can take to stay safe.
National Radon Action Month was observed in January, and radon remains the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.
Dr. London explains why radon levels are often highest during the coldest months, how this odorless, colorless gas enters our homes, and why tes...

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower chats with Wendy Wigger, President and CEO of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, about LaughFest 2026 and the 25th anniversary of Gilda’s Club. 

The nation’s first community-wide festival of laughter features more than 30 free and ticketed events across Grand Rapids and at Gun Lake Casino Resort. Highlights include comedian Adam Ray, the popular Clean Comedy Showcase at The B.O.B., and a wide range of locally produced shows — from improv and variety performances to family-friendly events.

LaughF...

In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Derek Lencioni, Show Manager for the West Michigan Home & Garden Show, to preview the region's largest event for homeowners and green thumbs alike.

Taking over DeVos Place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, this year's show is packed with inspiration, from 12 massive feature gardens to over 300 local vendors ready to help you tackle your next big project. 
Derek shares the inside scoop on everything happening with a show, including the return of the popular Garden & Art Market, and how families can make the most...

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 conversation also turns to the high-stakes 2026 election cycle: every major statewide office is open due to term limits, all legislative seats are on the ballot, a U.S. Se...

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 program, along with record cannabis sales as the industry prepares for its next phase.

Andy also breaks down Grand Rapids’ $4.3 million placemaking grant to reimagine the Monroe North corridor, major corporate sa...

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 facing intense scrutiny over environmental impacts and energy costs.  

Ben shares some helpful information on the complex legal and regulatory landscape of Michigan’s data...

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 all children get vaccines for 11 diseases, compared with the 18 previously on the schedule. 
Health and Human Services Department officials said these changes to the vaccination schedule were meant to restore trust in public health that spilled...

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 facing intense scrutiny over environmental impacts and energy costs.  

Ben shares some helpful information on the complex legal and regulatory landscape of Michigan’s data...

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 from dramatic breakthroughs, but from small, biblically grounded “lightbulb moments”—powerful realizations that quietly reshape how couples think, respond, and love. Many of these insights come directly from real-life stories shared with him by couples who exper...

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 Kalamazoo–Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Tri-County areas. 
Dan said that Great Lakes Learning Academy is popular among families seeking a flexible, accredited public-school option, and for par...

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, including a variety of trucks, SUVs, electrics, and performance vehicles. 

Gentex Corporation returns as the presenting sponsor of the 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show, and they’re once...

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 friend. Mi Caregiver Connection is comprised of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan.
 
There are an estimated 63 million caregivers in th...

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 challenge and enlighten, and inspire attendees both in person and online.
By promoting education, civic engagement, and open inquiry, The January Series at C...