Episodios

  • 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
  • “85 Years of Compassion and Public Service: Celebrating the Kent County Animal Shelter” (10-12-25)

    “85 Years of Compassion and Public Service: Celebrating the Kent County Animal Shelter” (10-12-25)
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode we welcomed Angela Hollinshead, Director of the Kent County Animal Shelter.
    Angela spoke with us about a big celebration for the Kent County Animal Shelter happening on October 16.

    The shelter will be celebrating their 85th Anniversary that afternoon with a Fall Celebration event open to the public. Guests will enjoy seasonal treats like cider and donuts, plus kids’ activities. There are also special anniversary rates for adopting pets for a limited time.

    The Kent County Animal Shelter was established in 1940, when the City of Grand Rapids officially handed over shelter operations to Kent County, officially establishing The Animal Shelter as a county department. 10 years later, the first dedicated facility was constructed which continued to expand through building additions until 2009, when it was replaced with the modern 26,000-square-foot shelter in use today.


    Online Info: Facebook.

    Kent County Animal Shelter

    Donate To the Shelter
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    14 m
  • How the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Is Opening New Doors to College Access (10-05-25)

    How the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Is Opening New Doors to College Access (10-05-25)
    Oct 4 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Ashlee Mishler, Director of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone.

    Ashlee joined us to discuss this important local scholarship program and how it is now expanding to make it easier for Grand Rapids students to move from community college to a four-year college degree.

    Ashlee informed us that in January of 2026, graduates of Grand Rapids Community College with an associate's degree will be eligible for up to $7,000 per year to attend Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority. Each university may provide up to an additional $7,000 if tuition and fees exceed that amount.

    The Promise Zone program, created in 2020, has supported nearly 2,000 GRCC students. It is open to city residents who graduate from eligible high schools and maintain continuous residency beginning in 11th grade


    Online: The Grand Rapids Promise Zone
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    13 m
  • Must-Know Tips For Refreshing Your Curbside Recycling Habits (10-05-25)

    Must-Know Tips For Refreshing Your Curbside Recycling Habits (10-05-25)
    Oct 4 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Micah Herrboldt, Waste Reduction Educator at the Kent County Department of Public Works.

    Micah joined us to remind Kent County residents to refresh their recycling habits with the newly released annual Fall Recycling Guide from the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW).

    The 2025 Fall Recycling Guide offers recommendations to help residents properly recycle or dispose of common household and seasonal items, as part of the DPW’s efforts to reduce landfill waste in the community. The guide also includes tips for recycling and disposing of materials that can’t go in a recycling bin but can still be kept out of a landfill.
    The DPW’s full 2025 Fall Recycling Guide can be found online here:

    Get the 2025 Fall Recycling Guide.

    For additional info, visit reimaginetrash.org
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    16 m
  • How the MSP's new "Open The Door Campaign" is revealing hidden dangers children face online(09-21-25)

    How the MSP's new "Open The Door Campaign" is revealing hidden dangers children face online(09-21-25)
    Sep 21 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Michigan State Police Detective Mark Fisher, a member of the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.


    Detective Fisher joined us on the program to talk about the recent launch of an awareness campaign by his task force and the Michigan State police to inform parents about the growing dangers of online sexual predators, as well as sextortion, grooming, and other predatory behaviors against children.
    The “Opening the Door” campaign, led by the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, includes a video public service announcement drawing attention to online predatory behavior like grooming and sextortion, and encouraging adults to be proactive in talking to their children about online dangers.

    Detective Fisher said that in today’s digital environment, sexual predators use social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms to gain access to our children, and the use of these tools can be like opening a door right into your child’s bedroom. That’s the focus of the Michigan State Police’s new public awareness campaign aimed at teaching parents and children how to safely navigate the digital world.

    Report child sexual exploitation or abuse, including grooming or harm, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST.
    The Michigan ICAC Task Force is part of a national network ​of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 law enforcement agencies engaged in proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of people involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the ​internet.

    Online: Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force


    Topics Addressed: Internet crimes against children, criminal sexual conduct, online predatory behavior, grooming, sextortion, and safe online behavior.
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    14 m