Episodios

  • Sip, Savor, Support: A Preview of the 2025 Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (11-09-25)

    Sip, Savor, Support: A Preview of the 2025 Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival (11-09-25)
    Nov 9 2025
    In this episode, we welcome back Dawn Baker, Associate Festival Manager with The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, and Barbara Anderson, Associate Vice President, Philanthropy, Hospice of Michigan.

    Dawn & Barbara joined us for an insider's look at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holiday season. General Admission and Pairing tickets are on sale now at GRWineFestival.com and will also be sold at DeVos Place during the show.

    Thursday, November 20, is the Cheers for Charity VIP night, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the DeVos Place Grand Gallery, benefiting Hospice of Michigan.
    Barbara Anderson from Hospice of Michigan talked about their involvement in the VIP night and how proceeds will be supporting Veterans Hospice Services.

    Cheers for Charity features an intimate and upscale experience, with a dozen restaurants and specialty food producers serving mouth-watering small plates. Additionally, enjoy food and beverage tastings on the Meijer Food Stage, as well as a curated list of wine, beer, cider, and spirits. “Cheers for Charity” tickets are still available at $150 per person and on sale at GRWineFestival.com.

    Online resources:
    GRWineFestival.com Hospice of Michigan

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    18 m
  • Breast Cancer Facts, Myths, and Hope: A Conversation with Trinity Health's Dr. Kristina Gaunt (11-09-25)

    Breast Cancer Facts, Myths, and Hope: A Conversation with Trinity Health's Dr. Kristina Gaunt (11-09-25)
    Nov 9 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Kristina Gaunt, MD, co-director of the Trinity Health Breast Center – Lakes Village, in Norton Shores.
    In Michigan, it is estimated that approximately 9,900 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to 2025 data from the State of Michigan.
    Dr. Gaunt joined us on the program to remind us about the importance of early detection for breast cancer, and to also dispel some common misconceptions about the second most likely type of cancer for women after skin cancer.

    We also learned that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Michigan women and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the state. In fact, 2025 data from the State of Michigan shows that 9,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the state. It’s also Worth noting that between 70% and 75% of breast cancer diagnoses in Michigan since 2011 have been at an early stage.

    And as Dr. Gaunt reminded us, it is critically important to catch breast cancer at its earliest stages, and mammograms are making a huge difference with early detection.

    What We Know About Breast Cancer:
    • Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women after skin cancer.
    • 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime
    • Men can also get breast cancer, though it’s rare (about 1 in 100 cases).
    • Routine mammograms are the first step.
    • Risk factors include being female, age 50+, family history, and BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations.
    • Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early.
    • Annual screenings should start at age 40 and earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.



    Symptoms to Watch For:
    1. Changes in breast size or shape
    2. Pain in any area of the breast
    3. Nipple discharge (including blood)
    4. New lumps in the breast or underarm
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    11 m
  • Previewing Lionheart Productions presentation of the musical "Matilda" (11-02-25)

    Previewing Lionheart Productions presentation of the musical "Matilda" (11-02-25)
    Nov 2 2025
    In this episode, we welcome Jamie Evans —Director —and Miss Honey (Played by Rosie Tomlinson), the principals of the new presentation from Lionheart Productions…Matilda.

    LionHeart Productions, based in Grant, Michigan, is a community theater organization that’s been producing family-friendly productions for Newaygo County for over 20 years.

    Matilda the Musical is based on the 1988 novel Matilda by British Author Roald Dahl. Today, it's a popular, award-winning musical and play about a brilliant young girl with psychokinetic powers who is mistreated by her cruel parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

    Tickets for Matilda are on sale now. Performance Dates are Friday, November 7, Saturday, November 8, PM, and Sunday, November 9, as well as Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15.

    Tickets & more information:
    LionheartProductions.org and always on Lionheart Productions on Facebook.
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    13 m
  • Gas Prices, Policy, and the Road Ahead: A Conversation with GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan (11-02-25)

    Gas Prices, Policy, and the Road Ahead: A Conversation with GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan (11-02-25)
    Nov 1 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back to the program one of our favorite guests, Patrick DeHaan, the Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy.com

    Patrick joined us in this segment to discuss a major change in how gasoline is taxed in Michigan.

    Michigan's new gas tax system will take effect on January 1, 2026.
    The new system will eliminate the 6% sales tax on fuel and replace it with a higher per-gallon state tax, which will rise from the current 31 cents to 51 cents.
    Lawmakers in Lansing described it as a "revenue-neutral change" as far as the price impact at the pump; however, Patrick noted that in the long run, most drivers will pay more under the new gas tax system..

    Patrick also discussed the dropping price per barrel of oil and what might happen in the new year, especially with the uncertainty looming with tariffs.



    Find Patrick Online

    GasBuddy.com
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    16 m
  • Saffron, Soul, and Story: Detroit Chef Omar Anani on Food with Purpose (10-26-25)

    Saffron, Soul, and Story: Detroit Chef Omar Anani on Food with Purpose (10-26-25)
    Oct 26 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Chef Omar Anani...a James Beard nominee and Chopped alum.

    We spoke with him during his visit to Traverse City this August for the inaugural Traverse City Food and Wine Event.

    Anani is a Palestinian-Egyptian American chef and restaurateur who comes across as confident and highly compassionate.
    He is known for proudly and passionately infusing his heritage into his culinary identity and his restaurants.

    Amani grew up in Maryland and spent time in Grand Rapids. He spoke with us about the powerful impact of being raised by parents who were supportive and encouraged him. We also spoke about his move to Grand Rapids at the age of 11, and some of his favorite neighborhood hangouts in GR.

    Chef Omar began his culinary path early and honed his skills in numerous fine dining kitchens, including at Michael Symon’s Roast.

    In 2018, he founded Saffron De Twah, a modern Moroccan bistro on Detroit’s east side. It wasn't long before Saffron De Twah was winning wave reviews from diners and critics alike, for its unique dishes and community-first focus.

    Accolades & Recognition for Chef Omar Amani——
    ***James Beard Award: Two-time finalist for Best Chef – Great Lakes (2022, 2023)
    ***Chopped: All-American Showdown: Emerged as champion in 2023, representing the North
    ***Saffron De Twah was named Eater Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year in 2019; recognized among Detroit Free Press’s top restaurants and included in Hour Detroit’s top 10 new restaurants.

    Profile of Chef Omar Amani
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    27 m
  • Shipwreck, Storm, and Legacy: Author John U. Bacon on "The Gales of November” (10-19-25)

    Shipwreck, Storm, and Legacy: Author John U. Bacon on "The Gales of November” (10-19-25)
    Oct 19 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes New York Times best-selling author, radio host, frequent national commentator, and public speaker, John U. Bacon.

    Tower spoke with John U. Bacon about his new book, “THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

    In The Gales of November, John U. Bacon delivers the definitive account of the disaster. Drawing on more than 100 interviews with families, friends, and former crewmates.

    In the book, Bacon also explores Great Lakes shipping’s critical economic role, the sailors’ uncommon lives, the sinking’s likely causes, and the heartbreak left behind—“the wives, the sons, and the daughters,” as Gordon Lightfoot sang. Bacon spent 3 ½ years researching the story, talking with Family members of those lost in the wreck, and hearing firsthand stories that have never been told before. We unpack that in our conversation with him in this segment.

    Get John U. Bacon’s New Book: “THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

    John U. Bacon Online

    See John U. Bacon speaking at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids on November 4th at 6:30 pm.


    On November 6th, John U. Bacon will be the featured speaker & author at The National Writers Series in Traverse City, Michigan, at The City Opera House at 7:00 pm.
    Get tickets here.
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    15 m
  • Celebrating Universal Design And Accessibility For All With Disability Advocates of Kent County (10-19-25)

    Celebrating Universal Design And Accessibility For All With Disability Advocates of Kent County (10-19-25)
    Oct 19 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower talks with Dave Bulkowski, JD, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County.

    Dave spoke with us about the annual “Invest In Ability” Event & Dinner on Thursday, November 6, at the Beautiful new Silva, in downtown Grand Rapids.
    Invest in Ability celebrates the accomplishments of community members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are the key holders to unlocking opportunities, opening doors, and removing barriers.

    Each year, Disability Advocates highlights major milestones and achievements that define our work to accomplish independence and empower people with disabilities.

    This year’s event will honor Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design.

    This year’s theme, “The Art & Design of Inclusion: Creating a Barrier-Free Community,” highlights the powerful role that thoughtful design and creativity play in making our world more accessible and welcoming to everyone.


    Online: Disability Advocates of Kent County

    Get tickets for the Invest In Ability event.
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    14 m
  • Autumn Awaits: Exploring Michigan’s Best Fall Destinations with Pure Michigan's Nick Nerbonne (10-12-25)

    Autumn Awaits: Exploring Michigan’s Best Fall Destinations with Pure Michigan's Nick Nerbonne (10-12-25)
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode host Phil Tower welcomes Nick Nerbonne, the Media & Digital Director for Travel Michigan.

    Autumn in the mitten state, means Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests begin their transition from the greens of summer to a diverse palette of multiple shades of reds, oranges and yellows of fall,

    Nick noted that Michigan is a global destination for tourism year-round and that multiple Michigan destinations, from SE Michigan to the Upper Peninsula, continue to receive national accolades for fall color viewing and fall travel experiences
    Mackinac Island and the U.P. both recently ranked No. 1 in a national readers poll for fall travel destinations

    Michigan residents can receive updates on where the fall colors are peaking and learn about fall events and activities in destinations across the state by signing up for the weekly Pure Michigan Fall Color Report Newsletter at michigan.org/enews

    **Follow the Fall Foliage Track the progress of the fall foliage with an interactive Fall Color Map
    https://www.michigan.org/fallcolormap

    Get updates on where the fall colors are peaking and learn about fall events and activities iacross the state by signing up for the weekly Pure Michigan Fall Color Report eNewsletter.


    Fall travel adventures/roadtrip ideas:
    S
    Agritourism - cider mills, corn mazes, pumpkin patches.
    Culinary – farm to table dining, wine tasting, and seasonal menus.
    Outdoor adventures – hiking, biking, and unique fall attractions.

    **Five Michigan fall color tour drives-
    • 1. M-22: This iconic route runs from Manistee to Glen Arbor, offering views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, vineyards, and breweries.
    • 2. M-119 Tunnel of Trees: From Harbor Springs to Cross Village, this winding road creates a beautiful tunnel effect with its surrounding trees, providing an immersive fall experience.
    • 3. River Road National Scenic Byway: Follow this byway along the Au Sable River from Oscoda into the Huron-Manistee National Forest for a tranquil drive through vibrant fall foliage.
    • 4. Brockway Mountain Drive: Located in Keweenaw County on the Keweenaw Peninsula, this drive offers stunning panoramic views from the top of Brockway Mountain.
    • 5. Blue Star Memorial Highway: This stretch of highway along Lake Michigan, from Van Buren to M-63, provides beautiful lakeside colors with a charming West Michigan backdrop.
    • Bonus Trip: Thumb Lake Road . Where? Charlevoix County, just east of BOYNE Falls, Michigan.

    Nick raved about Jacob’s Farm Corn Maze just outside Traverse City. This year’s 10-acre maze takes its inspiration from the iconic Grateful Dead and the region’s world renowned cherry heritage, creating an unforgettable autumn adventure.



    Topics Discussed: autumn tourism, Michigan color tours, culinary tourism, agritourism, economic impact of tourism for Michigan, Michigan trails and bike paths, and accessible travel in Michigan.
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    14 m