Episodios

  • Unpacking The Complete Storm Team 8 Winter Outlook with Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca (11-28-30)

    Unpacking The Complete Storm Team 8 Winter Outlook with Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca (11-28-30)
    Nov 28 2025
    In this extended episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist, Ellen Bacca. She joined us for a look back at some of the biggest weather stories from 2025 and for an in-depth look at the Storm Team 8 Winter Weather Outlook for 2025-2026.


    Some Key 2025 Michigan Weather Events:
    •     A Historic Northern Michigan Ice Storm (March 28–30): An "unprecedented" ice storm struck northern Michigan, coating surfaces with up to 1.5 inches of ice. The event caused extensive damage, and Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency.
    •     Record-Active Tornado Season: In fact, Michigan had one of its most active tornado years on record, with a total of 33 confirmed tornadoes by September, more than double the annual average of around 13. The majority of the 33 tornadoes in 2025 were weak, classified as EF-0 or EF-1, which typically cause tree and minor property damage rather than significant structural devastation.
    •     We also experienced a uniquely hot summer, as the summer of 2025 was noted as one of the hottest on record, not necessarily due to extreme daytime highs, but because of consistently high overnight temperatures.

    For the remainder of the conversation, we asked Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca to highlight some of the key points of their recently released winter weather outlook for 2025-2026.
    Storm Team 8 identified some key forecast drivers and a big wildcard that will impact our winter ahead, namely, a weak La Niña to start the winter--Teleconnection signals in the Gulf of Alaska and the impact of the Siberian snowpack and polar vortex activity on our weather locally.

    Ellen said the official Storm Team 8 forecast indicates a good chance that La Niña will fade by January, with neutral conditions favored from January through March.

    TAKEAWAYS:
    Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca added that no two winters are ever the same, especially in West Michigan.
    Winter outlooks can help shed light on trends by examining past years and established scientific linkages. Winter outlooks are based on more than a dozen variables worldwide. Changes in just one variable can have an impact on our winter here in West Michigan.
    This upcoming winter is expected to start cold and snowy, with active lake-effect conditions in December and a good chance of heavy snow systems in January and February.
    This winter is expected to wrap up on time with near-average snow for the season and above-average snow in the month of December. Seasonally, Grand Rapids typically averages 76-78 inches of snow on average.


    The Complete Storm Team 8 Winter Weather Outlook:

    Weather “Teleconnections” Explained
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    25 m
  • Radical Hospitality: CEO Salina Bishop On Reshaping the Narrative of West Michigan's Ronald McDonald House (11-23-25)

    Radical Hospitality: CEO Salina Bishop On Reshaping the Narrative of West Michigan's Ronald McDonald House (11-23-25)
    Nov 23 2025
    In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Salina Bishop, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM), who discusses her strategic vision for the organization, emphasizing its critical role in the region's evolving healthcare sector.

    In our conversation, Salina discusses three key areas: securing a "seat at the table" in local healthcare, reshaping the narrative that RMHCWM is "more than just a place to stay," and providing "radical hospitality" to remove family barriers.

    Bishop also highlights the impact of the recent $2.5 million expansion, which increased capacity to 25 family suites, allowing the 35-year-old nonprofit to better meet the increasing demand for specialized pediatric care in Grand Rapids.

    Learn More: Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan
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    13 m
  • Partners in Ministry: Mel Trotter & Degagé Unveil a New Vision for The Unhoused In Grand Rapids (11-23-25)

    Partners in Ministry: Mel Trotter & Degagé Unveil a New Vision for The Unhoused In Grand Rapids (11-23-25)
    Nov 22 2025
    In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, and Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Degagé Ministries, to discuss a groundbreaking new collaboration transforming support for unhoused neighbors in Grand Rapids.

    On November 20, a coalition of 11 nonprofit organizations and churches, together with the City of Grand Rapids, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new Community Center and Service Center in the Heartside neighborhood.

    Led by Mel Trotter and Degagé, this unified effort—known as Partners in Ministry—marks a major milestone in creating a more coordinated, compassionate, and accessible network of care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Located within Westminster Presbyterian Church at 47 Jefferson SE, the center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a welcoming space for both unhoused community members and residents seeking connection.

    The center provides a wide range of essential services, including:
    • Warming and cooling space
    • Restrooms
    • Morning coffee, sandwiches, and snacks
    • Lunch provided by Catholic Charities West Michigan
    • Art and enrichment activities
    • Weekly access to the Mel Trotter Mobile Shower Unit
    • Two full-time Case Managers/Community Health Workers
    • Three full-time Safety & Support Specialists
    • Space for partner organizations to offer services throughout the week
    Partners in Ministry organizations include:
    Catholic Charities West Michigan, City of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone Church, Crossroads Bible Church, Degagé Ministries, First United Methodist Church, LaGrave Christian Reformed Church, Mel Trotter Ministries, Park Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. This episode dives into how the partnership came to life, what it means for the Heartside community, and the importance of cross-organizational collaboration in addressing homelessness with dignity and care.

    Matthew 25: 31-46
    More about the new Community Center & Service Center
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    16 m
  • To Die For: Beautiful Stories Behind Rosie Grant's Quest for Gravestone Recipes (11-16-25)

    To Die For: Beautiful Stories Behind Rosie Grant's Quest for Gravestone Recipes (11-16-25)
    Nov 15 2025
    In this episode, West Michigan Weekend host Phil Tower welcomes Rosie Grant, author, digital archivist, and the passionate & tireless creator behind @GhostlyArchive.

    Rosie’s new book is: To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes.
    Rosie's book is an inspiring collection of recipes preserved on gravestones, with fascinating interviews from the families, celebrating the beloved food legacies of their dearly departed.
    As the founder and creator behind @GhostlyArchive, Rosie has been searching out and documenting this interesting phenomenon.

    Rosie credits her parents with helping to stir her fascination with ghosts and graveyards.

    In To Die For, Rosie collects 40 recipes she’s found across the globe, carved into headstones or associated with a grave that has a story to share.
    An interview with the remaining family members accompanies each recipe, plus photography of the food, the gravestone, and any memorabilia the family wanted to share.

    Her book is available wherever books are sold. If you can, shop local!

    Rosie’s amazing website: Ghostly Archive

    Follow Rosie on Instagram

    Rosie Grant on TikTok

    Helen Rose Sweers Gravestone in Cutlerville, MI
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    21 m
  • Stepping Into Independence: Inside Wedgwood’s New Audere Transitional Living Program (11-16-25)

    Stepping Into Independence: Inside Wedgwood’s New Audere Transitional Living Program (11-16-25)
    Nov 15 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Dan Gowdy, President & CEO, Wedgwood Christian Services
    Dan joined us on the program to discuss Wedgwood's all-new Audere Transitional Living Program, a specialized residential treatment program designed for teens ages 15-18 who are transitioning from residential treatment to independent living.

    The 10-bedroom, 7,933 SF three-story facility sits adjacent to the Wedgwood campus in Kentwood.

    Dan also discussed how the Audere Transitional Living Program enhances Wedgwood’s strong commitment to fostering independent living skills within a community-integrated environment.

    The transitional living space is designed to help teens continue to grow as they prepare for the next step toward independence.

    Wedgwood Christian Services
    Wedgwood's Audere Program
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    8 m
  • 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