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West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio): Daily Summaries Delivered
by West Michigan Weekend
"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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- 3 days ago14 min
i understand's Vonnie Woodrick on Hope, Healing and the Be the ONE Run/Walk (09-20-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Vonnie Woodrick, founder of i understand, an organization working to change the conversation around mental and brain health, grief, and suicide.Vonnie shares the personal story behind the organization, explains why connection can save lives, and discusses the support groups, grief resources, education, and outreach available to individuals and families across West Michigan.Vonnie also previews the 6th Annual Be the ONE Run/Walk, happening Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Millennium Park.Presented by i understand and honoring founding partner BIGGBY Coffee, the event brings people together to support, remember, and stand alongside those affected by suicide and mental health challenges. Learn more at iunderstandloveheals.org and register for the Be the ONE Run/Walk here.
- 3 days ago14 min
Finding Hope in Your Most Difficult Relationships with Rev. Tanner Smith from the Colossian Forum (09-20-26)
Difficult relationships can leave us feeling defensive, frustrated, or simply stuck.On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith, Chief of Consulting and Culture at the Grand Rapids-based Colossian Forum, to discuss The Beholding Workbook—a new 56-page resource for approaching conflict and strained relationships with greater curiosity, compassion, and wisdom.Tanner explains how slowing down can interrupt reactive patterns, why “beholding” another person goes beyond simply listening, and how compassion can coexist with healthy boundaries. He also shares how the workbook’s Christian foundation can offer practical guidance and hope to people from a wide range of faith backgrounds. Relevant links:The Beholding WorkbookThe Colossian ForumMeet Tanner Smith and the Colossian Forum team
- 1 weeks ago11 min
School Bus Safety 2026: Michigan Auto Law's Brandon Hewitt on What Every Michigan Driver Should Know(09-13-26)
As students across West Michigan head back to school, drivers are once again sharing the road with school buses, crossing guards, and children walking or biking to class. On this episode, Phil Tower speaks with Brandon Hewitt, COO and attorney at Michigan Auto Law, about the rules every driver should know when approaching a stopped school bus. We discuss flashing red and yellow lights, divided-road requirements, penalties for illegally passing a bus, and Michigan’s expanded use of school-bus stop-arm cameras. Brandon also shares important safety reminders for drivers, parents, and children during morning pickup and afternoon drop-off.Learn more: Michigan Auto Law
- 2 weeks ago9 min
Prescription Relief: How Trinity Health's Dispensary of Hope Is Helping Grand Rapids Patients (09-06-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Carmen Docter, Manager of Retail and Specialty Pharmacies at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, about a new partnership with Dispensary of Hope, a nonprofit helping qualifying uninsured and financially challenged patients access prescription medications at no cost.Carmen shares with us who qualifies, what types of medications are available, and how patients can access the program through Trinity Health Pharmacy – Roosevelt Park in Grand Rapids. The conversation also addresses the real impact of rising prescription costs and what options may be available for people who are skipping or stretching medications because they cannot afford them. Important links:Dispensary of Hope Trinity Health Pharmacy – Roosevelt Park Trinity Health Michigan Pharmacy Services
- 2 weeks ago20 min
Faith for a New Generation: Jeff Cavins on the new Great Adventure Catholic Bible (09-06-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with internationally known author, speaker, and Bible educator Jeff Cavins about his newest project, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible for Young Beginners. Cavins discusses why introducing children to Scripture at an early age matters, how the new Bible makes the larger biblical story accessible to young readers, and the enduring lessons of resilience, forgiveness, courage, hope, and compassion found in its stories.Our conversation also explores Jeff Cavins’ work helping people understand the “big picture” of the Bible, as well as Ascension’s new Pillars of Faith K–8 curriculum.Important links:The Great Adventure Catholic Bible for Young BeginnersPillars of Faith Catholic CurriculumJeff Cavins — Official WebsiteAscension Press
- 3 weeks ago14 min
A Season of Hope: Transforming Lives at Mel Trotter Ministries (08-30-26)
For more than a century, Mel Trotter Ministries has served people experiencing hunger and homelessness in West Michigan, providing not only immediate assistance but pathways toward greater stability and transformed lives.On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, for a conversation about the organization’s mission, the realities of homelessness in our community, and the work being done every day to help individuals move toward housing, employment, and renewed hope.Chris also previews Mel Trotter Ministries’ 2026 Season of Hope Gala, happening September 10, an annual evening celebrating stories of hope and transformation while raising support for the organization’s work.The conversation also explores ways West Michiganders can get involved through volunteering, giving, and supporting Mel Trotter’s mission throughout the year.Learn more:Mel Trotter MinistriesMel Trotter Season of Hope Tickets & Info.
- 3 weeks ago14 min
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Staying Safe This Labor Day and Beyond (08-30-26)
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and one of the busiest travel periods of the year—but it can also be a particularly dangerous time on Michigan roads. As drivers prepare for the holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, aimed at preventing impaired-driving crashes and saving lives. On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Alicia Sledge, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, about the realities of impaired driving in Michigan and why alcohol isn't the only concern. They discuss impairment involving marijuana and certain prescription medications, increased enforcement during the holiday period, encouraging trends in Michigan traffic fatalities, and the importance of planning for a safe ride before celebrations begin. Sledge also discusses Michigan's broader traffic-safety efforts, including the SAFER by 2030 initiative, which seeks to reduce roadway fatalities by 30 percent by 2030, and shares a simple message for everyone traveling Michigan roads this Labor Day weekend. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign runs August 14 through September 7. Learn more: Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning
- Aug 22, 202629 min
Charging 2.0: Karl Bloss On Why EV Road Trips Are Getting Easier (08-23-26)
Electric vehicles and the infrastructure supporting them are changing quickly.On this episode of iHeartRadio West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back EV expert Karl Bloss, host of the Zero E Michigan YouTube channel, for an update on the state of electric vehicles in 2026.Karl explains the rise of “Charging 2.0,” as major retailers and travel centers invest in EV charging, along with the impact of Tesla opening much of its Supercharger network to drivers of other EV brands.They also discuss whether range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past and how the growing charging network is making longer trips easier for EV owners.Phil and Karl also look at the increasingly affordable used EV market, what buyers should know about battery health, the growth of independent EV repair options, and some of the most persistent myths about charging, battery life, winter driving, and repair costs.Plus, Karl looks ahead at what consumers should be watching as the next generation of electric vehicles arrives.Follow Karl Bloss and learn more:West Michigan EV Facebook Group:Karl's YouTube-“Zero E Michigan”
About West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
"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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