Episodes

  • Understanding and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with Trinity Health's Dr. Kevin Foley(06-30-24)

    Understanding and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with Trinity Health's Dr. Kevin Foley(06-30-24)
    Jun 28 2024
    On the program this week, host Phil Tower speaks with Dr. Kevin Foley, MD, Medical Director of Trinity Health Medical Group Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Program in Grand Rapids. Dr. Foley is also a teaching Professor with the Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University.Dr. Foley is one of the preeminent experts on dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Michigan. We were fortunate to have him on the program, as June is recognized as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month.

    Currently, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 55 million people across the world are living with the disease.

    Data shows that roughly 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2024. Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older.

    Dr. Foley reminded us that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are hundreds of other types of dementia as well. We learned that Trinity Health Grand Rapids now offers Lecanemab a new promising treatment for patients with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

    Dr. Foley also recommends continuously educating and supporting caregivers to maintain their resolve and resilience.
    ONLINE: Trinity Health’s Memory Disorders Program
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • The power of Latino voters in America with Mike Madrid, author of The Latino Century, plus FSU's Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery(06-23-24)

    The power of Latino voters in America with Mike Madrid, author of The Latino Century, plus FSU's Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery(06-23-24)
    Jun 24 2024
    On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Madrid, author of The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy. In 2020, Latinos became the second-largest ethnic voting group in the country. Today, they make up the largest plurality of residents in the most populous states in the country, as well as the fastest segment of the most important swing states in the US Electoral College. Mike is not only a terrific author and one of the smartest people in politics in America, but he's also a well-respected, veteran American political consultant, one of the country’s authoritative experts on Latino voters, and a co-founder of The Lincoln Project. Mike served as the press secretary for the California Assembly Republican leader, as the political director for the California Republican Party, and as senior adviser to both Democrats and Republicans. He is a partner in GrassrootsLab, a political consulting firm in California.
    Online: The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy

    In part two of this week's program, Phil speaks with Dr. David Pilgrim, Founder and Director of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. *Last June, The Grand Rapids Public Museum hosted the premiere of JCM's original traveling exhibit, Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery. That powerful exhibit explored the Jim Crow system, the African American experience through the Jim Crow era, and the legacies of the Jim Crow system in modern society. Most importantly, the exhibit shows how African Americans pushed back against racial injustice. The exhibit has since closed, but you can still visit the Jim Crow Museum on the campus of Ferris State University.
    Update: In April of this year, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters awarded this segment a "Best-in-category" award for long-form interview programs.
    (*ENCORE PRESENTATION from June 2023).

    Online: Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Tips for an "off the beaten path" summer vacation in Michigan with John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman(06-16-24)

    Tips for an "off the beaten path" summer vacation in Michigan with John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman(06-16-24)
    Jun 24 2024
    On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman, hosts of the popular Michigan travel show, “Behind the Mitten." John and Amy joined Phil to highlight some hotspots for Michigan travel this summer and share some off-the-beaten-path places that are their favorites and highly worth checking out. Some of these places include northeastern Michigan on the Lake Huron shoreline, the Manistee area, and several of the delightful suburbs in the greater Grand Rapids area. “Behind the Mitten” is heard on over 20 Radio stations in Michigan, and their podcast has more than 400 episodes. John is a longtime journalist, early adopter of social media, and a member of the Central Michigan University Journalism Hall of Fame. Amy is a former chef with 20-plus years of experience, a craft beer expert, and a freelance writer. The show has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters as a "Best in Category" weekend specialty show.

    Online: Behind the Mitten
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • The Story of Soft Parade Vodka: A Match Made In Michigan (06-09-24)

    The Story of Soft Parade Vodka: A Match Made In Michigan (06-09-24)
    Jun 17 2024
    In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Kerry Lynch, sales director with Shorts Brewing, and Richard Anderson, co-founder of Iron Fish Distillery. Kerry and Richard joined the program to discuss the unique “Made In Michigan partnership with Iron Fish Distillery and Short’s Brewing regarding the return of the limited-release Soft Parade® Vodka. This special release celebrates a collaboration between two of Michigan's top craft beverage brands. The two Michigan companies have combined their expertise to create a unique spirit appealing to vodka enthusiasts and craft beer lovers. Soft Parade® Vodka is infused with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, the exact same fruit used in brewing Soft Parade® Beer. The 2024 batch is even more fruit-forward and comes in at 75 proof.
    Online: Shorts Brewing
    Online: Iron Fish Distillery

    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • A preview of the 2024 Grand Rapids Gran Fondo! (06-09-24)

    A preview of the 2024 Grand Rapids Gran Fondo! (06-09-24)
    Jun 17 2024
    On this week's program, host Phil Tower speaks with Jon Conkling, Grand Rapids Gran Fondo event director, and Jocelyn Detloff, Major Gifts Director with Mary Free Bed Foundation. West Michigan's signature and largest road cycling event, The Grand Rapids Gran Fondo, presented by Key Bank returns to downtown GR on Saturday, June 22nd. The start and finish of the race begins in downtown Grand Rapids. Jon told us that bike routes will be available for all levels of riders: 80, 40 & 25-mile distances plus a 12-mile family ride. The Grand Rapids Gran Fondo Will be followed by a finish-line festival featuring craft beer, music, and more. This year, The Grand Rapids Gran Fondo has chosen Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital as Fondo’s official charity partner. 100% of the fundraising from the event will support their mission and the work they do right here in West Michigan. The GR Gran Fondo Will also include an appearance from 2024 Celebrity Rider, Tejay van Garderen.Online: Grand Rapids Gran Fondo
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Northern Michigan Summer fun with Paul Beachnau from Gaylord Tourism, and Jill Wallace of Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids(06-02-24)

    Northern Michigan Summer fun with Paul Beachnau from Gaylord Tourism, and Jill Wallace of Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids(06-02-24)
    Jun 1 2024
    On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Paul Beachnau, Executive Director of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau. If you ask Paul, he’ll tell you Northern Michigan summers are the best… especially in Gaylord, Michigan. If you haven’t experienced one lately, Paul covered the “Top 7 Reasons To Enjoy Summer in Gaylord, Michigan." #1 Biking. Gaylord is recognized as a top biking destination! The biking scene is diverse, from single tracks at Aspen Park, Shingle Mill Pathway, and Pine Baron Pathway to the crown jewel of all trails – the North Central State Trail. Newly expanded and now running 73 miles from Waters to Mackinaw City, MI. #2 Hiking. Hiking is available for all levels of hikers. There are plenty of paved and unpaved trails. #3. Elk Viewing. Gaylord is home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi. The Pigeon River Country State Forest is home to a herd of over 1,000 elk, and for a guaranteed sighting, head to the City Elk Park, just a few blocks from the downtown district. #4. Lakes & Rivers. Otsego County is home to over 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of 5 major rivers. There’s plenty of water to boat, fish, and explore. #5. Downtown. Gaylord’s downtown boasts a newly remodeled streetscape, trendy new eateries, and unique stores with up-north charm. #6. Events & Festivals. There’s the new Downtown Summer Concert Series, featuring weekly performers plus the Otsego Lake Fly-In, Michaywe Arts & Crafts Fair, Otsego County Fair, races, fireworks, and more. #7. Lodging. Gaylord has plentiful accommodation options, from beautiful resorts and cabins to vacation homes and trusted hotels.
    Online: Gaylord Tourism

    In part two of our program, Phil speaks with Jill Wallace, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer/Vice President of Operations, at Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids. Jill told us that Goodwill sells donated goods to fuel its mission of job training and placement opportunities to help people create better futures by building their skills and finding jobs. Jill said that for every dollar spent at Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids stores, $.90 goes directly towards job training and placement services for those in need in our local communities. Goodwill Industries has 18 locations in West Michigan and 155+ local organizations in the United States and Canada. Goodwill even has a national online shopping site with incredible deals at shopgoodwill.com
    Online: Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Attorney Tom Sinas on preventing head injuries with Lids for Kids, plus Jay Follis with The Gilmore Car Museum(05-26-24).

    Attorney Tom Sinas on preventing head injuries with Lids for Kids, plus Jay Follis with The Gilmore Car Museum(05-26-24).
    May 24 2024
    On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Tom Sinas, partner at The Sinas Dramis Law Firm. Tom is a long-time advocate for those with head injuries and bicycle safety with the Lids for Kids bicycle helmet giveaway. Sinas Dramis Law Firm and community partners are hosting Lids for Kids, one of Michigan's longest-running and best-known free bike helmet giveaways. Each year, events are held in Lansing and Grand Rapids, and this year's event is in Grand Rapids at Garfield Park on Saturday, June 1st. Tom told us that Lids For Kids draws families across West Michigan.

    Online: Lids for Kids

    In part two of our program, Phil welcomed the Collections Specialist & Historian Jay Follis with The Gilmore Car Museum. The Mission of the Gilmore Car Museum is to tell America's history through the automobile. We foster experiences that connect people with the automobile's history, heritage, and social impact by collecting, preserving, and interpreting its story. Gilmore also offers chauffeured rides in classic cars from the Gilmore Car Museum's collection, which is offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from May through September. Jay also talked about their newest automotive exhibit, "Are We There Yet?"…. Focusing on America's favorite station wagons through the years, and highlighted the always popular model T driving school offered by the museum.

    Online: The Gilmore Car Museum.
    https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • A JA Focus on financial literacy in high schools, plus The MEDC's STEAM Ahead internship opportunities(05-19-24)

    A JA Focus on financial literacy in high schools, plus The MEDC's STEAM Ahead internship opportunities(05-19-24)
    May 18 2024
    On the program this week, host Phil Tower, welcomes Bill Coderre, president and CEO of Junior Achievement Michigan Great Lakes. JA's primary focus these days is helping students with financial literacy. A big reason for that push with Junior achievement is that a new law passed in 2022 by the Michigan legislature requires that students must take a course in personal finance that is aligned with the personal finance content expectations or take a course in which the content expectations are embedded. Students earn ½ credit once they have demonstrated learning about personal finance content expectations.

    Online: Junior Achievement Michigan Great Lakes

    In our second half of the program this week, Phil spoke with Kerry Ebersole Singh, Executive Vice President & Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In mid-April, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation changed the focus of its STEM Forward program to “STEAM Ahead” by building in new internship roles and opportunities that focus on the intersection of arts and science, technology, engineering, and math careers such as front-end web developers and industrial designers. The MEDC also announced new incentives through the STEAM Ahead program that are focused on helping Michigan businesses of all sizes to hire interns, add work experience opportunities for college students, and potentially find long-term, highly skilled talent to hire

    Online: “STEAM Ahead"
    Show more Show less
    28 mins