Episodios

  • Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: Finding Clarity, Faith, and Connection with Dt. Emerson Eggerichs (01-25-26)

    Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: Finding Clarity, Faith, and Connection with Dt. 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
  • Great Lakes Learning Academy: Offering Digital Access for All Michigan Students (01-25-26)

    Great Lakes Learning Academy: Offering Digital Access for All Michigan Students (01-25-26)
    Jan 24 2026
    Guest Segment 2: Dan McMinn, Executive Director, Great Lakes Learning Academy (GLLA) Dan joined host Phil Tower for a conversation about Great Lakes Learning Academy(GLLA), a tuition-free, online public school serving students statewide in Michigan. Great Lakes Learning Academy offers digital access for all Michigan students.

    Geographically, Great Lakes Learning Academy serves students in the Detroit Metro area, as well as the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Tri-County areas.
    Dan said that Great Lakes Learning Academy is popular among families seeking a flexible, accredited public-school option, and for parents of students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting.

    Learn more: Great Lakes Learning Academy
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    12 m
  • Exotics, EVs, and Custom Classics: Inside the 28th Michigan International Auto Show (01-18-26)

    Exotics, EVs, and Custom Classics: Inside the 28th Michigan International Auto Show (01-18-26)
    Jan 17 2026
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back guest Dawn Baker, the Show Manager for the Michigan International Auto Show. Dawn joined the program for a preview of one of the largest displays of new and exotic cars in the Midwest. The 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show, which rolls into DeVos Place January 29-February 1, 2026, offers the best opportunity to view hundreds of vehicles from over 30 global manufacturers, including a variety of trucks, SUVs, electrics, and performance vehicles.

    Gentex Corporation returns as the presenting sponsor of the 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show, and they’re once again bringing the world-renowned Ringbrothers along for the ride. This year, Ringbrothers presents its custom 1971 Aston Martin DBS OCTAVIA.

    Other show features include:
    Electric Avenue: Electric Avenue display returns to Hall C with a line-up of fully EV vehicles.
    Million Dollar Motorway: A collection of performance and exotic vehicles with an emphasis on Aston Martin.
    After Market Features: Gas Pedal Customs and Auto Image.

    More info at: GRAutoShow.com
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    16 m
  • Who Cares for the Caregivers? Navigating Support with Mi Caregiver Connection (01-18-26)

    Who Cares for the Caregivers? Navigating Support with Mi Caregiver Connection (01-18-26)
    Jan 17 2026
    In this episode of West Michigan weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Don Saldia, Division Manager, Area Agency on Aging 3A, Health & Community Services.

    Don joined us to discuss a powerful new resource for identifying caregiving help in Michigan.

    Mi Caregiver Connection is designed as a starting point for finding real, local caregiving support. The site is specifically designed for persons who are helping a parent, partner, or friend. Mi Caregiver Connection is comprised of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan.

    There are an estimated 63 million caregivers in the U.S., paid or unpaid, who provide care for people who rely on them for basic needs. The caregiving workforce is under increasing strain. Americans are living longer, and the growing number of people needing care is at odds with the limited resources available to provide it.

    Online: Mi Caregiver Connection

    See the study on caregiving from Johns Hopkins University:
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    13 m
  • Ideas That Gather Us: A Preview of Calvin University’s January Series for 2026 (01-11-26)

    Ideas That Gather Us: A Preview of Calvin University’s January Series for 2026 (01-11-26)
    Jan 16 2026
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back Michael Wildschut, director of the January Series at Calvin University.

    Michael joins the program for a preview of the 2026 January Series, presented by and hosted at Calvin University.
    For nearly 40 years, people have been showing up from all walks of life, ready to be challenged, enlightened, and connected to something far beyond themselves.

    This year’s lineup of speakers will no doubt challenge and enlighten, and inspire attendees both in person and online.
    By promoting education, civic engagement, and open inquiry, The January Series at Calvin University has been growing a community of lifelong learners who don’t want to be passive observers but active participants in creating a better, more inspired, more inclusive world.

    This year's January Series begins on Monday, January 19, and runs through Friday, January 30th.
    The January Series lectures are available to watch live in person or on-demand the day of the event.

    Online: The January Series at Calvin University


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    17 m
  • Beyond the Game: The positive impact of Be Nice on and off the field (01-11-26)

    Beyond the Game: The positive impact of Be Nice on and off the field (01-11-26)
    Jan 16 2026
    In this episode host Phil Tower welcomes Christy Buck, CEO and Founder of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, joins host Phil Tower to discuss the national expansion of the life-saving "Be Nice" program.

    Be Nice originally began as a school-based initiative, but now, thanks to some incredible connections, Christy has developed throughout West Michigan and far beyond. Be Nice has now reached the National Football League, recently being adopted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
    The Jaguars partnered with Be Nice as part of an expanded focus on staff well-being and psychological safety within their organization.

    Christy joined us to talk about the importance of noticing changes in mental health and the powerful impact that the Be Nice program can have everywhere, including the National Football League.

    Online Resources:


    Be Nice
    Jacksonville Jaguars Partner With the 'Be Nice' Foundation


    Be Nice encourages you to get help right now if you are thinking of harming yourself or if you are in emotional distress. Please reach out.
    Texting "nice" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) is a good way to cool down and get some positive coping mechanisms to manage how you're feeling right now.
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    13 m
  • From Curation to Competition to Celebration: A Look at The Artistic Legacy of ArtPrize 2025 (01-03-26)

    From Curation to Competition to Celebration: A Look at The Artistic Legacy of ArtPrize 2025 (01-03-26)
    Jan 3 2026
    ArtPrize 2025 has officially wrapped, leaving a lasting impression throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
    In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back Catlin Whitington, Executive Director of ArtPrize, to reflect on the success of this year’s international art competition and its evolving role in our community.

    Inside This Episode, we discuss:
    Celebrating the Winners: We discuss the $100,000 Grand Prize winner who captivated both the public voters and the juried art judges.

    Public Vote Winner: Mark Lewanski’s stunning installation, Arras.

    Juried Award Winner: Scraps, an evocative textile installation by the artistic duo Second Vibess (Camille Steverson and Kaitlynn Fitzpatrick).

    The Evolution of ArtPrize: Catlin shares how the event has matured, becoming a more decentralized, global stage for art, and still maintaining the accessibility factor for artists from all walks of life.

    The crowds are back: ArtPrize 2025 saw crowds that were more in line with the pre-COVID numbers that the event had drawn before.

    Digital Engagement: A look at how the public interacted with the art this year through QR codes and the impact of digital voting on the visitor experience.

    Economic & Cultural Impact: Beyond the galleries and venues, we explore what ArtPrize means for West Michigan’s economy and how it continues to shape Grand Rapids' identity on a global scale. Catlin shared that the economic impact of ArtPrize for 2025 exceeded $80 million.

    ArtPrize Runs On Donor Support: donations keep this world-class event free and accessible to all. Donations also help provide $200,000 in grants to artists, as well as access for thousands of Michigan students experiencing ArtPrize this year. Make a secure donation to ArtPrize here.


    ArtPrize 2026 planning is underway. The next event is September 17 through October 3, 2026.

    More Online: ArtPrize
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    30 m
  • Hacking the Car Market: Auto Analyst Karl Brauer On How to Save Over $2,600 on Your Next Vehicle(12-28-25)

    Hacking the Car Market: Auto Analyst Karl Brauer On How to Save Over $2,600 on Your Next Vehicle(12-28-25)
    Dec 27 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst with iSeeCars.com.

    Karl joined us to break down the results of a recent study from the team at iSeeCars.com.
    The Study revealed that the prime season for finding a used car deal is predominantly November through March, and the single best day to purchase a used car is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which offers 65.5% more good deals than average, according to the latest iSeeCars.com study.

    The study analyzed over 40 million used car sales to calculate the chances of finding a good deal at specific times of the year, with a good deal defined as saving at least 10% (approx. $2,689) off the average price of a used car ($26,889).

    See the full study from iSeeCars.com and all the Best/Worst Times To Buy A Car.
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    16 m