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

    Searching for Meaning: Why the Catholic Faith Is Resonating with a New Generation (08-16-26)

    Why are some young adults choosing a life of faith and service in an age of seemingly limitless career options? On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower sits down with Father Nick Baker, Associate Director of Priestly Vocations for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and Father Charlie Leidel, one of the Grand Rapids Diocese's newest priests, to explore their personal journeys, the calling to the priesthood, and the renewed interest many young people are showing in faith today.  The conversation goes beyond religion to explore purpose, leadership, community, and the search for meaning in today's world. Whether you're a person of faith or simply curious about what motivates people to dedicate their lives to serving others, this thoughtful discussion offers an inside look at modern ministry and the values that continue to inspire a new generation.  Online:  Diocese of Grand Rapids Priestly Vocations

  2. 2d ago

    Business with Heart: Gardner White's New West Michigan Story (08-16-26)

    Michigan-based furniture retailer Gardner White is making history with its first-ever West Michigan location, and in this episode of West Michigan Weekend, CEO Rachel Stewart joins host Phil Tower to discuss what this milestone means for the company and the Grand Rapids community. Founded in Detroit in 1912, the fourth-generation family-owned business is bringing its customer-focused approach, expansive showroom, and personalized design services to West Michigan for the very first time. Rachel also shares how Gardner White is pairing business growth with community impact through its "Bring It Home for Kids" initiative, supporting early childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness across Michigan. It's a conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, giving back, and why investing in communities is just as important as investing in homes. Online:  Gardner White Gardner Whites New Grand Rapids location

  3. Aug 8

    Why Data Centers Are Coming to Michigan—and What It Means for You (08-09-26)

    Data Centers Are Coming to Michigan—Is the State Ready? Artificial intelligence is fueling a boom in massive data centers, and Michigan has quickly become one of the nation's hottest destinations for these billion-dollar developments. But what do these projects mean for local communities, energy costs, jobs, taxes, and the environment? On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, investigative reporter Lucas Smolcic Larson of MLive joins us to explain why data centers are expanding across the state, the opportunities they present, and the important questions policymakers and residents are asking as Michigan prepares for an AI-driven future. During our conversation, Lucas discusses why Michigan has emerged as a prime location for data center investment, the debate over tax incentives and electricity demand, and how communities are weighing the economic benefits against concerns about infrastructure and environmental impact. Whether you're interested in technology, public policy, or Michigan's economic future, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the state's fastest-growing—and most consequential—industries. Learn more about MLive Investigative Reporter Lucas Smolcic Larson and read his reporting HERE. Important Links: How many data center projects have been proposed in Michigan? The total grows  Whitmer calls on data centers to sign pledge they won’t increase utility bills   When Big Tech moves in next door: Could Indiana data center town be Michigan’s future?

  4. Aug 8

    Traverse City Food & Wine Festival Returns with New Flavors, New Events & More (08-09-26)

    In this updated conversation, Phil Tower welcomes back Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer for Traverse City Tourism, with the latest on the second annual Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, happening August 19–23. Whitney shares exciting new additions to this year's festival lineup, highlights signature events such as The Grand Tasting, and offers insider tips for planning the perfect late-summer getaway to one of Michigan's premier culinary destinations. From award-winning chefs and world-class wines to unique tasting experiences set against the stunning backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay, discover why this five-day celebration is quickly becoming one of the Midwest's must-attend food-and-wine festivals.  For the complete schedule, tickets, and travel information, visit traversecityfoodandwine.com

  5. Aug 1

    Your Fellow Americans: Author Peter Santenello on Curiosity, Connection & Common Ground (08-01-26)

    On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes independent journalist, filmmaker, and one of YouTube's most compelling storytellers (he has 4.3 million subscribers!), Peter Santenello, whose millions of followers have joined him on journeys into overlooked communities across the United States. Peter discusses his new book, Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home, and shares what years of authentic conversations—from remote Alaskan villages and Amish communities to small towns and big cities—have taught him about curiosity, human connection, and the importance of listening before judging. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the conversation with Peter offers a refreshing reminder that some of our nation's most inspiring stories are found far beyond the headlines—and that we may have far more in common than we realize. Learn more:Peter Santenello's official website: PeterSantenello.comPeter's YouTube channel.Get Peter's new book: Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home

  6. Aug 1

    Inside the First West Michigan Housing Summit with Housing Next's Jen Radaz (08-01-26)

    Housing affects everyone—whether you're renting, buying your first home, raising a family, or hoping the next generation can afford to stay in West Michigan. On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Jen Radaz, Senior Manager at Housing Next, about the growing housing challenges facing communities across the region and the collaborative efforts underway to address them. During our conversation we discuss the inaugural West Michigan Housing Summit, bringing together housing leaders, developers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to explore practical solutions for affordability, availability, and long-term regional growth. Jen also helps to explain why housing is much more than a real estate issue—it's an economic, workforce, and quality-of-life issue that affects us all. Learn more:Housing NextWest Michigan Housing Summit

  7. Jul 25

    How the Democrats Screwed Bernie: Political Strategist Tad Devine on Democracy, Power & Trust (07-26-26)

    What really happened behind the scenes during Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign? Veteran political strategist Tad Devine, Sanders' chief strategist, joins West Michigan Weekend with host Phil Tower to discuss his new book, How the Democrats Screwed Bernie. Devine reflects on the forces that shaped one of the most surprising campaigns in modern political history, the role of money and party politics, declining public trust in American institutions, and what the lessons of 2016 still mean for democracy today. Whether you're a political junkie or simply interested in how our electoral system works, this insightful and engaging conversation offers valuable perspective, and it may just inspire you to become more politically active! Get Tad's Terrific New Book: How the Democrats Screwed Bernie.

  8. Jul 25

    Michigan Made: Celebrating 30 Years of Grand Traverse Pie Company (07-26-26)

    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Busley, co-founder of Grand Traverse Pie Company. Grand Traverse Pie Company is celebrating 30 years of handcrafted pies, made-from-scratch comfort food, and strong Michigan roots, and that's why we caught up with Mike Busley to have him share the remarkable story of how he and his wife Denise built one of Michigan's most beloved brands—from a single Traverse City pie shop to a company serving customers across the country. Among the many topics we discuss, Mike talks with pride about the company's commitment to Michigan farmers, its philosophy of "The Power of Pie," giving back to local communities, and the special events planned for its 30th anniversary celebration. Grand Traverse Pie Company online

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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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