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West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio): Daily Summaries Delivered
by WOOD Radio
"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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- 5 days ago16 min
Sip, Savor & Discover: Inside the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (11-08-26)
What’s new on the menu at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival?On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower welcomes Dawn Baker, associate festival manager, for a preview of the festival’s 19th year, November 20–21, 2026, at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.Dawn shares how a reimagined layout brings food and beverage discoveries together, with new experiences including a Bourbon Bar, Craft & Cask cocktail and mocktail workshops, and the Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s festival debut.Our conversation also explores chef-led food and drink experiences, pairing dinners, and guided tastings for curious newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.Dawn highlights Cheers for Charity, the November 19 kickoff benefiting Hospice of Michigan’s Specialized Veteran Services.Festival hours are Friday, November 20, from 4–9 p.m., and Saturday, November 21, from 2–9 p.m.Find tickets and event information at GRWineFestival.com, and follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
- 1 weeks ago15 min
Election Facts vs. Rumors: How “In Michigan We Trust” Is Informing Voters In The Mitten State (10-31-26)
With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, how can Michigan voters separate reliable information from rumors?On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower talks with Kaitlyn Wilkins, founder of Screaming Eagle Creative Collective, about In Michigan We Trust, a campaign explaining how Michigan elections are run, secured, and verified.Our conversation explores the numerous ballot safeguards, the work of local clerks and election workers, and the distinction between reported results and certified results.Wilkins also highlights the campaign’s Partner Toolkit and practical ways to evaluate questionable election claims before sharing them.Ahead of Tuesday’s election, be sure to explore the toolkit and campaign resources at InMichiganWeTrust.com.For official information about voter registration, voting options, your ballot, and your polling location, visit Michigan.gov/Vote or contact your local clerk.
- 1 weeks ago13 min
Big Stories, Big Heart: Director Devon Conley on LionHeart Productions’ New Musical Big Fish (10-31-26)
Larger-than-life stories, family bonds, and a little theatrical magic take center stage as Phil Tower talks with Devon Conley, director of LionHeart Productions’ Big Fish in Grant, Michigan.Conley also plays Amos Calloway in this heartfelt musical about a father’s extraordinary tales and his son’s search for the truth behind them. Based on Daniel Wallace’s novel and Tim Burton’s film, Big Fish celebrates storytelling and the connections between generations.Performances run November 6–8 and November 13–14, 2026, at the Grant Public School Fine Arts Center.Visit LionHeart Productions for showtimes, tickets, and the complete cast.
- 2 weeks ago14 min
Roundabouts, Ramps, and Your Daily Drive: These Are Michigan’s Most Dangerous Intersections (10-25-26)
Two Grand Rapids intersections rank among Michigan’s most crash-prone locations—but what makes them trouble spots?On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower welcomes Brandon Hewitt, chief operating officer and attorney with Michigan Auto Law, to discuss the firm’s 20 Most Dangerous Intersections in Michigan report. Based on 2025 Michigan State Police crash data, the rankings include US-131 at Wealthy Street and Burton Street at US-131 in Grand Rapids.Our conversation explores the challenges of busy intersections and freeway interchanges, the role of driver behavior and road design, and what roundabout crash numbers tell us about safety.Hewitt also shares practical advice for navigating these locations as darker commutes, changing weather, and holiday travel approach.Important Links:Explore the complete rankings and crash data, and find additional driver resources at MichiganAutoLaw.com.
- 3 weeks ago14 min
MSU Supply Chain Expert Jason Miller: What Does Buying American Really Mean for Your Wallet—and Michigan Jobs? (10-18-26)
How much does a “Made in America” label influence what you buy—and what happens when supporting American manufacturing means paying more or waiting longer?On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Jason Miller, Eli Broad Endowed Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, for an accessible look at the supply chains behind everyday purchases.They explore the differences between buying local, buying American, and supporting American companies—and how each connects to jobs and businesses here in Michigan. The conversation examines how shoppers balance price, quality, convenience, and their desire to support domestic manufacturing.Miller also discusses the challenges small businesses face when suppliers fall through, the potential benefits of sourcing closer to home, and practical questions consumers can ask before making a purchase.Learn more about Miller through Michigan State University, explore MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business, and find Michigan business resources through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
- 3 weeks ago15 min
Vibrant Fall Colors, Elk Viewing, and More: Exploring Autumn Vibes in Gaylord Michigan (10-18-26)
Fall colors, scenic trails, corn mazes, and hayrides—autumn offers plenty to explore in Gaylord, Michigan!On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, to discuss the best timing for fall color tours, opportunities for elk viewing, and the distinctive sound of elk bugling.Curious what that sounds like? Hear an elk-bugling example courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.Beachnau also highlights must-see destinations around the region, including Dead Man’s Hill, and shares the story behind its unusual name.Our conversation covers lodging reservations and accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges and disabilities. Explore Gaylord’s fall activities and attractions, and find information on everything discussed in this episode and more at GaylordMichigan.net.
- Oct 10, 202629 min
What’s Driving Michigan Voters? A 2026 Election Preview with Detroit News Politics Editor Chad Livengood (10-11-26)
On this episode of iHeartRadio West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back Chad Livengood, politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News.Chad joins the program to offer his perspective and insight into the highly contested races for governor and U.S. Senate here in Michigan, as well as the issues weighing heavily on Michigan voters, and what reporters are hearing from communities across the state.Livengood also explains the ballot question asking whether Michigan should convene a constitutional convention and considers how much televised debates influence voters in today’s changing media environment.Online Resources:Read Chad’s reporting and columns at The Detroit News Follow Chad on X at @ChadLivengoodMichigan Voter Information Center
- Oct 3, 20268 min
More Than a Race: Guiding Light’s 5K and the Road to Recovery (10-04-26)
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower speaks with David Madiol, Director of Development at Guiding Light, about the organization’s work helping people recover from addiction and rebuild their lives. They also discuss what the annual Guiding Light 5K Run/Walk means to the recovery community and how participants can support that work.The fifth annual 5K takes place Saturday, October 10, at 9 a.m. at Millennium Park. Runners, walkers, teams, volunteers, and sponsors are welcome.Event details and registration are available here,Learn more about the good work being done by Guiding Light
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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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