Episodios

  • Simple Steps to Protect Your Home and Family This Winter with Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department (03-01-26)

    Simple Steps to Protect Your Home and Family This Winter with Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department (03-01-26)
    Feb 28 2026
    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 testing is both easy and affordable.
    Thanks to a partnership with the Kent District Library, hundreds of free radon test kits have been distributed across Kent County, with additional pickup opportunities remaining.

    Dr. London also covered other critical public health issues, including carbon monoxide safety during heating season, naloxone readiness in cold temperatures, and practical steps to prevent opioid overdose deaths.

    Additionally, Dr. London shared guidance for parents about protecting newborns through the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, plus recent CDC vaccine updates, and reminded our listeners about the importance of annual flu shots for everyone six months and older.

    Online: Kent County Health Department


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    29 m
  • Previewing LaughFest 2026: 25 Years of Gilda’s Club and the Power of Laughter (02-22-26)

    Previewing LaughFest 2026: 25 Years of Gilda’s Club and the Power of Laughter (02-22-26)
    Feb 24 2026
    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.

    LaughFest isn’t just seriously funny — it raises funds and awareness for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, which provides free emotional health support for children, adults, families, and friends facing cancer or grief.

    Tickets and event details: LaughFest 2026


    Learn more about Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids
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    16 m
  • Spring Sneak Peek: Inside the 2026 West Michigan Home & Garden Show with Derek Lencioni(02-22-26)

    Spring Sneak Peek: Inside the 2026 West Michigan Home & Garden Show with Derek Lencioni(02-22-26)
    Feb 24 2026

    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 of the show during "Family Day" on Saturday. Whether you’re looking for a cutting-edge kitchen remodel or want to walk through 12,000 square feet of indoor spring, this episode is your ultimate guide to the 2026 show.


    Episode Highlights:
    • The Feature Center Garden: Walk through the centerpiece garden designed by Everett’s Landscape and built by the Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals (AGRLP).
    • Life in Bloom Charity Challenge: Friday, Feb 28 at 6:00 PM on the Home Stage—local personalities compete in floral arranging to win money for their favorite charities.
    • 5 Free Seminar Stages: 80+ seminars throughout the weekend featuring expert advice on gardening, remodeling, and organizing.
    • Garden & Art Market: Shop for unique gifts, art, and essential garden accessories in the Grand Gallery.


    Quick Links:

    Official Website: GRHOMESHOW.COM

    Tickets & Information:
    ShowSpan Ticket Portal
    Venue: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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    14 m
  • Michigan Politics 2026: Profiling Budget Battles and Critical Races with Detroit News Politics Editor Chad Livengood (02-15-26)

    Michigan Politics 2026: Profiling Budget Battles and Critical Races with Detroit News Politics Editor Chad Livengood (02-15-26)
    Feb 14 2026
    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. Senate seat is up for grabs, and potential constitutional questions could reshape state government. Chad shares insight on the crowded governor’s race, the impact of President Trump on Michigan politics, and the growing controversy surrounding federal oversight of the 2026 elections.

    Online- Chad Livengood, politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News
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    29 m
  • West Michigan Business: The Stories That Defined 2025—and What’s Coming Next with Crain's Andy Balaskovitz(02-08-26)

    West Michigan Business: The Stories That Defined 2025—and What’s Coming Next with Crain's Andy Balaskovitz(02-08-26)
    Feb 7 2026
    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 sales involving SpartanNash, Steelcase, and WK Kellogg, and the growing debate around data centers in West Michigan.

    The discussion rounds out with a look at agriculture challenges tied to labor and input costs, plus downtown office-to-housing conversions—including the 111 Lyon project and redevelopment plans for the historic Ledyard building.

    Online: Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
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    29 m
  • The Great Lakes Data Rush: Why Developers are Eyeing West Michigan for Data Centers (02-01-26)

    The Great Lakes Data Rush: Why Developers are Eyeing West Michigan for Data Centers (02-01-26)
    Feb 3 2026
    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 center boom.

    Some things we learned in the conversation with Ben:


    • Michigan currently hosts nearly 60 data centers, including nine in Grand Rapids. What specific geographic or infrastructure advantages make our state a primary target for these massive AI-driven developments?
    • We’ve seen significant resident opposition in Lowell Township recently. Ben discusses the challenges municipalities face when a developer proposes a large-scale data center.
    • The environmental impact of data centers. Beyond energy, data centers require immense cooling, often involving significant water usage. What legal frameworks or local zoning ordinances are currently in place to protect Michigan’s natural resources from this high demand?
    • Resources: Consumers Energy must discuss voluntary green pricing options with prospective large load customers.
    • Resource: Why Michigan is a hotspot for data centers.
    • City of Lowell suspends participation in potential project for new data center (12-12-25)
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    16 m
  • The New Standard? Unpacking the CDC’s 2026 Childhood Vaccine Overhaul (02-01-26)

    The New Standard? Unpacking the CDC’s 2026 Childhood Vaccine Overhaul (02-01-26)
    Feb 1 2026
    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 over from the Covid pandemic.

    Notable: The childhood vaccine schedule is a set of recommendations on the timing of vaccinations. It’s not a mandate; instead, it’s used to guide what vaccines are covered by insurance and are needed to attend day care centers and public schools. States determine which vaccines are required for school attendance and have historically relied on the CDC schedule. It is usually reviewed annually by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and updated based on the latest scientific evidence.

    In December of 2025, the CDC rolled back a decades-long recommendation that all newborns get their first doses of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours — a move experts said could lead to a resurgence of infections.

    Online resource: RFK Jr. Overhaul Vaccines
    Online resource: Medical Groups Sue to Block Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
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    14 m
  • Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: Finding Clarity, Faith, and Connection with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (01-25-26)

    Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: Finding Clarity, Faith, and Connection with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (01-25-26)
    Jan 24 2026
    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 experienced sudden clarity in the middle of everyday conflict, disappointment, or misunderstanding.
    In our conversation, we explore how couples can learn to recognize these lightbulb moments, why rooting your identity in Christ—rather than a spouse’s approval or mood—is foundational to a healthy marriage, and how cultural myths like “happy wife, happy life” often undermine true intimacy.
    We also dive into communication—not just talking more, but truly hearing one another—along with the importance of self-awareness, emotional responsibility.
    In his terrific new book, he also helps us understand the powerful principle of “My response is my responsibility.” Whether you’re newly married, decades in, or simply seeking a more biblical and realistic vision for marriage, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical hope.

    Get the new book: Love & Respect | Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples

    Available now for pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major booksellers.

    More Resources:
    •  Book website
    •  Emerson Eggerichs
    •  Follow Emerson Eggerichs on Instagram
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    22 m