Episodios

  • From Legacy to Lifeline: AARP Celebrates Social Security at 90 Years (09-14-25)

    From Legacy to Lifeline: AARP Celebrates Social Security at 90 Years (09-14-25)
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Cathleen Simlar, Senior Communications Manager, AARP Michigan.
    This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, which has helped generations of Michiganders retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. It’s one of the most successful initiatives in American history, and a new AARP survey shows it’s still doing exactly what it was built to do. AARP is proudly honoring the legacy of Social Security—while fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security for older Americans today, and for our children and grandchildren. More than one in five U.S. residents - 69 million Americans - receives Social Security. Social Security lifts 511,000 Michiganders out of poverty every year. Without Social Security, 36.3% of people over 65 in Michigan would live in poverty. With Social Security, the poverty rate is 8.7%. For more than 834,000 Michiganders, Social Security is their primary source of income. Social Security benefits add $49.6 billion to Michigan’s economy every year. The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, is projected to be depleted in 2033. The Disability Insurance (DI) trust fund is not expected to be depleted within the 75-year projection period.

    Online Resources:
    AARP Pledge to Fight for Social Security
    AARP Michigan
    AARP Retirement Basics


    About AARP: AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
    Más Menos
    10 m
  • A New Twist On Fall Color Tours In Northern Michigan Courtesy of Treetops Resort (09-14-25)

    A New Twist On Fall Color Tours In Northern Michigan Courtesy of Treetops Resort (09-14-25)
    Sep 17 2025

    In this episode, host Phil Tower chats with Brian Smith, Food & Beverage Director, Treetops Resort.

    Brian spoke with us about Color tour getaways in the region, including Treetops' new Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner.

    Treetops Resort is offering its first Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner. Experience Fall with creative cuisine, paired with tastings of Michigan beer and wine, all atop the spectacular views only offered at Treetops Resort.
    Guests will enjoy a leisurely golf cart ride along the Jones Masterpiece Golf Course, led by an experienced Treetops staff member, and will have the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful fall foliage across miles of the course at the resort. Multiple stops along the way, and offer guests a tasting of a Michigan-made beer or wine, as well as a fall-themed hors d'oeuvre. The evening will wrap up with dinner at Hunters Grill.

    Online: Treetops
    Más Menos
    9 m
  • How a MET Prepaid Tuition Contract Locks in a Future College Education at today's prices (09-14-25)

    How a MET Prepaid Tuition Contract Locks in a Future College Education at today's prices (09-14-25)
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode, iHeartRadio host Phil Tower welcomes Diane Brewer, Executive Director of MET, to the program as MET is commemorating September as National College Savings Month.

    This year marks the first Michigan College Savings Month since MET lowered its minimum contribution to just $25 to support more Michigan families in starting to save for their child’s future education. The change opens the door for more families to take advantage of MET’s prepaid tuition benefits without the previous requirement of purchasing at least one credit hour upfront. With an initial contribution of just $25, families can begin building a secure pathway to future college costs and invest in their child’s dreams sooner. MET is also expanding outreach through free webinars that explain options, tax advantages, and strategies for maximizing savings.
    Since its inception in 1988, MET, the nation’s first 529 prepaid tuition program, has helped thousands of Michigan students.
    Michigan residents also have another option for saving for college: The MESP: College Savings Account
    Online: Michigan 529 Program
    Online: MET
    Más Menos
    11 m
  • How Brys’ Estate owner Patrick Brys has played a key role in shaping how visitors experience Michigan wines(09-07-25)

    How Brys’ Estate owner Patrick Brys has played a key role in shaping how visitors experience Michigan wines(09-07-25)
    Sep 16 2025
    On this week's episode, host Phil Tower chats with Patrick Brys, owner of Bry’s Estate Vineyard & Winery.

    This episode was recorded on location in Traverse City, Michigan—home to one of the region’s most celebrated wineries, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery.

    Patrick Brys is the creative force behind the estate’s operations and guest experiences.
    Since joining the family business, Patrick has helped transform Brys Estate into not only a producer of award-winning wines but also a destination known for innovation and hospitality. From the stunning vineyard views and the Secret Garden, to estate-grown wines that have earned national recognition, Patrick has played a key role in shaping how visitors experience Michigan wine.

    Patrick spoke with us about the evolution of the vineyard and winery as well as the unique challenges and joys of winemaking in Northern Michigan.
    He also shared with us about what the future holds for Brys Estate and the region’s growing wine scene.

    Online: Brys Estate
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • Previewing the 11th annual West Side Walk for Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids (08-31-25)

    Previewing the 11th annual West Side Walk for Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids (08-31-25)
    Sep 5 2025
    In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Sierra Belz, Marketing & Communications Specialist with Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids.
    Sierra joined us to talk about Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids sponsoring their 11th annual West Side Walk for Gilda’s Club on Saturday, Sept. 27.
    The walk is all about celebrating and supporting the thousands of lives touched by Gilda’s free emotional health programs for individuals and families navigating cancer or grief.

    The walk is not just a fundraiser—it’s also a celebration of community, resilience, and connecting with others.
    **There is no cost to register, but participants are encouraged to raise funds through peer-to-peer outreach.
    **Worth Noting: Gilda's Club does not charge for cancer support counseling or any of its programs, including support groups, workshops, and social activities. Gilda's Club is an independent, nonprofit organization that offers its services free of charge to cancer patients, survivors, and their families and friends. It is all free of charge, thanks to donor support.

    Online: Gilda's Club Grand Rapids

    West Side Walk Signup & Info.
    Más Menos
    11 m
  • How HELP Pregnancy is empowering and guiding women facing pregnancy decisions (08-31-25)

    How HELP Pregnancy is empowering and guiding women facing pregnancy decisions (08-31-25)
    Sep 5 2025
    On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Paula Veneklase, the Executive Director of HELP Pregnancy Aid in Grand Rapids

    HELP’s goal is to promote the healthy development of babies from conception through age three – the most crucial years of life. Additionally, it strives to ensure that every client will leave HELP feeling more empowered to make informed decisions.

    Under Paula's leadership, HELP has developed a number of programs to meet its goals. Information about health, sexuality, and pregnancy is available, as well as free and confidential pregnancy testing.

    The women who are served by HELP have the opportunity to select maternity clothing and, just before giving birth, each mother is provided a layette of baby essentials, which enables her to be prepared to take the baby home from the hospital.

    Online: HELP Pregnancy Aid
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • Aurora Secrets: A Love Story With The Northern Lights with Melissa Kaelin (08-24-25)

    Aurora Secrets: A Love Story With The Northern Lights with Melissa Kaelin (08-24-25)
    Aug 24 2025
    On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Melissa Kaelin, Author, Aurora Chaser, and founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers (*MichiganAuroraChasers.com)

    Melissa's book is Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner's Guide to Chasing Aurora. Melissa's also the co-founder of the Aurora Summit.

    In this full episode, Melissa gave us an update on the latest in Aurora, chasing here in the state of Michigan, plus a preview of the inaugural Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD Jam), happening September 11-14 in Houghton, Michigan.

    GLAD Jam is a four-day celebration of stargazing, science, creativity, and community in one of the best dark sky destinations in the Midwest. Melissa informed us that the conference is presented by Visit Keweenaw & Michigan Aurora Chasers. She also reminded us that the Aurora Summit will take place this year, from November 7 to 9, 2025, in beautiful Red Cliff, Wisconsin. Melissa launched the first-ever Aurora Summit in 2017 on Lake Superior’s shore in Minnesota. The Aurora Summit features scientists, authors, professional photographers, storm chasers, and community leaders, and presentations range from the history, art, culture, and science of the night sky to Aurora forecasting and photography.

    Connect: Melissa F. Kaelin Website

    Melissa's Books: Beyond the 45th Parallel, by Melissa F. Kaelin. The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing Aurora in the Mid-latitudes, 2nd Edition
    Below the 45th Parallel, by Melissa F. Kaelin- The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region, 1st Edition- 2022.



    Visit Keweenaw Dark Sky Park

    Dark Sky-Light Pollution Map: Topics Discussed:
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Up Close With Kevin Matthews: From Radio Legend to Broken Mary's Roadie (08-17-25)

    Up Close With Kevin Matthews: From Radio Legend to Broken Mary's Roadie (08-17-25)
    Aug 16 2025
    On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Kevin Matthews. In Chicago and throughout West Michigan, Kevin needs no introduction.
    For those who don't know Kevin as well, he is a radio icon, and a three-time Radio Hall of Fame Nominee, and author of: Broken Mary: A Journey of Hope(2017).

    This was Kevin's first book, and it tells the story of his battle with multiple sclerosis and his discovery of a broken statue of the Virgin Mary, which inspired his spiritual awakening.

    Kevin followed Broken Mary with Mary's Roadie: My Travels with Mary the Mother of Jesus(2024).
    Mary’s Roadie is Kevin’s follow-up book, where he shares the events and experiences that unfolded after his life-changing discovery of the Broken Mary statue.
    Kevin join us on the program to share not only his story but an update on his amazing journey and travels since finding a broken statue of the Virgin Mary in a West Michigan dumpster, nearly 10 years ago.

    Kevin also shared with us how his travels with Mary are the focus of an upcoming documentary titled Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story.

    This film, produced by ODB Films and Family Theater Productions, explores his journey of faith, his radio career, and his struggle with multiple sclerosis, culminating in his encounter with the broken Virgin Mary statue.
    The film will screen for one night only, on October 7, and audiences nationwide will have the opportunity to see Kevin’s story on the big screen in a feature-length documentary.

    Links:
Get Kevin's First Book: Broken Mary

    Kevin's Follow-up To Broken Mary: Mary's Roadie: My Travels with Mary the Mother of Jesus(2024)

    Broken Mary The Film Website

    Kevin’s Website: Broken Mary

    Watch the trailer for Kevin's film debuting nationwide October 7, 2025.



    St Mary of Egypt... Referenced in our conversation:
    St. Mary of Egypt: Prolific Prostitute Turned Saint
    Más Menos
    28 m