West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

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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!"

  1. 2d ago

    The Future of Higher Education in Michigan: A Conversation with WMU President Russ Kavalhuna (06-14-26)

    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 Western Michigan University, 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 wmich.edu. Additional resources: Western Michigan University College of AviationHenry Ford CollegeGrowing Michigan Together CouncilWest Michigan Weekend is a weekly public affairs program hosted by Phil Tower and heard across the iHeartRadio West Michigan radio stations and podcast platforms.

    29 min

  2. Jun 6

    Author Dave Eggers on Contrapposto: Art, Friendship, and a Lifetime of Creativity (06-07-26)

    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,  A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and What Is the What, 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 ScholarMatch, which helps first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds earn bachelor’s degrees, and 826michigan, which provides free writing and literacy programs for K–12 students across Southeast Michigan. Eggers also talks about his upcoming appearance with the National Writers Series 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, Contrapposto, from Penguin Random House, or pick up a copy from your favorite local bookstore.

    15 min

  3. Jun 6

    Morphine and Malts: Natasha Warren's Journey Through Her Father's Cancer, Caregiving, and Letting Go (06-07-26)

    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: Morphine and MaltsCancer caregiver resources from American Cancer Society

    14 min

  4. May 30

    Championship Fields & Economic Yields: The Future of West Michigan Sports Tourism (05-31-26)

    On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission, for a conversation about the continued growth and regional impact of the West Michigan Sports Commission and the exciting expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex 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 The Hartford 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 West Michigan Sports Commission.

    17 min

  5. May 30

    The bigLITTLE Legacy: How the Laing Brothers Built a Hand-Crafted Michigan Wine Brand (05-31-26)

    On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower brings you an on-location conversation with Michael and Peter Laing, co-founders and co-owners of bigLITTLE Wines, based in Leelanau County, Michigan. The Laing brothers share their personal story behind their family’s journey into winemaking, which began in 2002 when their parents relocated to the Suttons Bay area and planted two vineyards.  Michael and Peter discuss growing up around the vineyards, balancing outside jobs in the early years, and eventually returning to Northern Michigan to help build what would become the bigLITTLE Wines brand. Our conversation explores the growth of Michigan’s wine industry, the unique characteristics of the Leelanau Peninsula wine region, and the passion and craftsmanship required to operate successful vineyards and wineries in a competitive and evolving market. The brothers also talk about managing both MAWBY and bigLITTLE Wines, while continuing to expand their family’s legacy in Michigan winemaking. The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Michigan’s most respected wine-producing regions and the people helping shape its future through innovation, hospitality, and a deep connection to the land. Learn more at bigLITTLE Wines.

    12 min

  6. May 23

    Attorney Tom Sinas On The Positive Impact of The Annual Lids for Kids Bike Helmet Giveaway (05-24-26)

    In this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes attorney and community advocate Tom Sinas, partner at the Sinas Dramis Law Firm. Tom shares details about the annual Lids for Kids bike safety event happening Saturday, May 30, at Garfield Park in Grand Rapids. Families attending the free event can receive professionally fitted bike helmets for children, along with bike safety education, games, giveaways, and the chance to win free bicycles.  Our conversation also highlights the importance of helmet use and the real impact the program has made across Michigan, providing more than 14,000 helmets to children while promoting injury prevention and community wellness.  Special guests at the event include local first responders, including the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Fox 17, the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Michigan State Police bicycle troopers, the Cosplay Crusaders, and several others. Learn more about the event at Lids for Kids Michigan.

    15 min

  7. May 23

    Healing Trauma Through Neuroscience: Chip & Lisa St. Clair on the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation (05-24-26)

    On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Chip and Lisa St. Clair, founders of the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation, for a powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, and transforming lives through neuroscience-informed care. Our conversation explores the deeply personal story that inspired the foundation’s mission, including Chip St. Clair’s extraordinary childhood experience surviving while on the run with his father, a convicted serial child killer.  From that trauma emerged a national nonprofit dedicated to helping young people, educators, and communities better understand the effects of trauma and how healing-centered environments can change outcomes. Phil talks with Chip and Lisa about how the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation works with schools, juvenile justice systems, behavioral health organizations, and community partners across Michigan and the nation to create more stable, supportive, and effective environments for youth and adults alike.  The conversation also highlights the foundation’s growing national impact, including partnerships that have supported more than 40,000 individuals through trauma-informed training, mentorship, and implementation strategies designed to create lasting behavioral and emotional change.   Learn more about the St. Clair Butterfly Foundation and its mission at SCBF.org

    14 min

  8. May 16

    From Van Andel to Acrisure Amphitheater: The Curtain Rises on Grand Rapids’ Next Big Stage (05-17-26)

    In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Rich MacKeigan, one of the key figures helping shape the future of entertainment, sports, and live events in downtown Grand Rapids. As General Manager overseeing Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall, the brand-new Acrisure Amphitheater, and the future Amway Stadium, MacKeigan offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most transformational moments in West Michigan’s entertainment landscape.   The conversation happens just days after the official opening of the Acrisure Amphitheater on May 15—a milestone, years in the making.   Rich reflects on what the opening means personally and professionally, why the venue is already drawing national attention for its design and riverfront setting, and how the project fits into the evolving identity of downtown Grand Rapids.   Phil and Rich also explore the changing realities of the live entertainment business, including rising ticket prices, shifting concert tour economics, and what venues must do to keep audiences engaged in an increasingly competitive market. The discussion also looks ahead to the arrival of professional soccer in Grand Rapids with the construction of Amway Stadium and the launch of AC Grand Rapids in 2027.   Plus, Rich shares what artists and promoters from around the world are saying about Grand Rapids, why live events still create powerful emotional connections for audiences, and what continues to excite him after nearly three decades in the industry.   As a bonus, Rich shares one of his all-time favorite concert memories and common misconceptions about managing major entertainment venues.   Learn more about the new Acrisure Amphitheater Topics discussed: Live music venues, the economic impact of music and entertainment, downtown Grand Rapids Development, the impact of art and culture on economic development.

    28 min
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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!"

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