Episodios

  • Fighting “Forever Chemicals”: Inside the Push to Clean Up PFAS in the Great Lakes (03-22-26)

    Fighting “Forever Chemicals”: Inside the Push to Clean Up PFAS in the Great Lakes (03-22-26)
    Mar 21 2026
    PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are nearly impossible to break down, and they’ve quietly become one of the most widespread environmental and public health concerns facing Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

    On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower speaks with Tony Spaniola, co-founder of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, a coalition driven by people directly impacted by toxic PFAS contamination. Used for decades in everything from firefighting foam to stain-resistant fabrics, PFAS chemicals are now linked to serious health risks—and they’re showing up in drinking water across the region. In Michigan alone, more than 160 sites are contaminated, affecting nearly 2 million residents in communities from Rockford to Oscoda, Parchment, and beyond.
    Spaniola explains what PFAS are, why they’re so persistent, and how grassroots advocacy is pushing for accountability, large-scale cleanup, and stronger protections at both the state and federal levels. This conversation sheds light on a complex issue with real local impact—and the growing movement working to protect public health across the Great Lakes.




    Online: The Great Lakes PFAS Action Network



    Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
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    17 m
  • Author Sara Maurer on her new book, "A Good Animal" and the Power of Place (03-22-26)

    Author Sara Maurer on her new book, "A Good Animal" and the Power of Place (03-22-26)
    Mar 21 2026
    On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower sits down with Sara Maurer to explore her powerful debut novel, A Good Animal.

    Set in the rural landscape of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula, A Good Animal is a deeply emotional story of first love, identity, and the life-altering weight of a single decision. The novel follows Everett, a young man determined to stay and rebuild his family’s sheep farm, and Mary, a newcomer driven by ambition and a desire to leave—capturing the universal tension between staying rooted and chasing something more.

    In this conversation, author Sara Maurer reflects on her own connection to Sault Ste. Marie, the inspiration behind her characters, and the often-overlooked beauty and complexity of rural life. She also opens up about the pressure many young people feel to leave small towns—and what it means to return.

    Sara Maurer’s terrific debut novel, A Good Animal…is published by St. Martin’s Press… and available wherever books are sold.


    Sarah's book tour is underway across Michigan. See her schedule on her website.

    Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.





    Phil Tower
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    13 m
  • Apple at 50: David Pogue on Steve Jobs, the iPhone, and the Story Behind the World’s Most Influential Tech Company

    Apple at 50: David Pogue on Steve Jobs, the iPhone, and the Story Behind the World’s Most Influential Tech Company
    Mar 13 2026
    On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend with Phil Tower, we welcome
    David Pogue — Author of: Apple: The First 50 Years.

    Few companies have shaped modern life as profoundly as Apple—from the earliest days of personal computing to the smartphones that millions of us carry every day.

    As the company reaches its 50-year milestone, award-winning journalist, longtime tech columnist, and television host David Pogue joins the program to discuss his sweeping new book, Apple: The First 50 Years.

    Drawing on more than 150 new interviews with key figures in Apple’s history—including co-founder Steve Wozniak, legendary designer Jony Ive, and CEO Tim Cook—Pogue’s nearly 600-page book explores the triumphs, failures, personalities, and innovations that turned a small Silicon Valley startup into one of the most influential companies in the world.

    In our conversation, Pogue shares behind-the-scenes stories from his reporting and decades of covering Apple, including:
    • What inspired him to take on such an ambitious history at the company’s 50-year mark
    • Memorable moments from the 150+ interviews that shaped the book
    • His rare first look at the original iPhone in 2007, nearly two decades ago
    • Personal phone calls from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs—some friendly, some famously intense
    • Apple’s near-collapse in the 1990s and the dramatic turnaround after Jobs returned
    • Why Apple’s culture and people remain its most important assets
    • Inside Apple Park—the futuristic “Spaceship” headquarters in Cupertino
    • The company’s missteps, including products like Lisa and MobileMe
    • And what the next 20 years could hold for Apple
    If you’re a fan of technology, innovation, or the stories behind the devices that shape our daily lives, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the people and ideas behind one of the world’s most iconic companies.

    Learn more:
    Get David’s Book: Apple: The First 50 Years
    See David’s terrific story on Apple’s First 50 Years from CBS Sunday Morning
    David Pogue Sings “I Want An iPhone” (Viral Video)


    West Michigan Weekend, hosted by Phil Tower, is available wherever you get your podcasts, including the iHeartRadio app.
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    29 m
  • Where the Jobs Are: A Look at The Region’s Hottest Jobs For 2026 with West Michigan Works! (03-08-26)

    Where the Jobs Are: A Look at The Region’s Hottest Jobs For 2026 with West Michigan Works! (03-08-26)
    Mar 7 2026
    What careers are growing fastest in West Michigan—and which ones offer strong pay without requiring a four-year degree?

    On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Amy Lebednick, Business Solutions Director for West Michigan Works!, about the newly released 2026 HotJobs! List, highlighting more than 100 careers that are in high demand across seven West Michigan counties.

    Amy explains how the list is created using regional labor data and why 94% of the featured careers are projected to grow faster than the average market rate. The conversation also explores the rise of “new-collar” jobs—well-paying roles that often require certifications or specialized training instead of a bachelor’s degree.

    You’ll also learn about the 46 new careers added to the 2026 list, the growing need for healthcare professionals like registered nurses and medical services managers, and the increasing demand for skilled workers in manufacturing, technology, and business support roles.

    Amy also shares how residents can access training scholarships, career coaching, and workforce programs through West Michigan Works! to transition into these in-demand fields. If you’re considering a career change—or just curious about where the West Michigan job market is headed—this episode offers practical insight and resources to help you explore your next opportunity.

    Learn more and explore the full 2026 HotJobs! List


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    13 m
  • Mind Over Grind: Dr. Guy Winch on How to Stop Work from Taking Over Your Life (03-08-26)

    Mind Over Grind: Dr. Guy Winch on How to Stop Work from Taking Over Your Life (03-08-26)
    Mar 7 2026
    In a culture that celebrates productivity and work ethic—especially here in West Michigan—it’s easy for work to become more than just a job. But what happens when work starts to quietly take over our identity, our relationships, and our mental space?

    On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Dr. Guy Winch, clinical psychologist, TED speaker, and author of the new book Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life. Dr. Winch explores the psychology behind why so many driven, responsible people become deeply over-identified with their work—and the emotional toll it can take.

    The conversation looks at the subtle warning signs that work has begun to dominate our thinking, the hidden emotional costs of always feeling “on the clock,” and how ambition can gradually turn into an unhealthy dependency. Dr. Winch also shares practical strategies for creating healthier mental boundaries with work while still pursuing meaningful goals. If you’ve ever struggled to mentally “clock out,” felt your work identity crowding out other parts of life, or wondered how to balance ambition with well-being, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical tools.

    Learn more about Dr. Winch and his work at guywinch.com,

    Watch his TED Talk on turning off work thoughts during your free time at TED.com.

    Get Guy Winch’s new book, Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life.
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    17 m
  • 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


    Follow iHeartRadio West Michigan Weekend

    Subscribe on the iHeartRadio App or Apple Podcasts.
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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.

    Follow iHeartRadio West Michigan Weekend:

    Subscribe on the iHeartRadio App or Apple Podcasts.

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    14 m