West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

From Big Ideas to Big Growth: Inside Start Garden's Reimagined "The 100" (07-04-26)

What does it take to turn a great idea into a successful business? On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Paul Moore, Co-Director of Start Garden, [https://startgarden.com/] about the complete reimagining of The 100 [https://contests.startgarden.com/start-garden-100/]—West Michigan's longtime entrepreneurial competition that has helped launch hundreds of businesses over the past 13 years. This year's competition features more than $500,000  in funding opportunities, expanded investment partners, and a new approach that welcomes businesses at every stage of growth. The 100 is evolving far beyond a traditional pitch competition, as Paul explains how the revamped program works, why entrepreneurs now submit a simple 100-second video, and how the new "Sprint" model is designed to connect founders with the right resources to grow. Applications for The 100 [https://contests.startgarden.com/start-garden-100/] are open through July 12. Learn more and apply at StartGarden.com [https://startgarden.com/]

Tasting Traverse City: Inside Northern Michigan's Premier Food & Wine Festival (07-04-26)

Northern Michigan's rich agricultural heritage, award-winning wineries, acclaimed chefs, and stunning waterfront setting all come together for one unforgettable celebration. On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer of Traverse City Tourism [https://www.traversecity.com/], to preview the second annual Traverse City Food & Wine Festival [http://traversecityfoodandwine.com/] happening August 19–23. Whitney shares how the festival has grown in just its second year into a five-day culinary showcase featuring vineyard tours, chef-led dinners, cooking demonstrations, farm experiences, wine and whiskey tastings, sailing excursions, and conversations with celebrated authors. She also highlights the festival's signature event, The Grand Tasting, where visitors can sample more than 100 wines and craft beverages while enjoying spectacular views of West Grand Traverse Bay. Whether you're a passionate foodie, wine enthusiast, or simply looking for the perfect late-summer getaway, this conversation offers a delicious preview of one of the Midwest's fastest-growing culinary festivals. Learn more, view the complete schedule, and purchase tickets at Traverse City Food & Wine Festival [http://traversecityfoodandwine.com/].

Fueling the Supply: The Red Cross and Michigan Ford Dealers Partner for Critical Blood Drives (06-27-26)

In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Tony Gerheiser, Executive Director of the West Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross.   Tony joins us on this episode to talk about the West Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross [https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/locations/american-red-cross-of-west-michigan.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo2fAxj7_dJXbfkeMInZxIck5gDLjGkEKRssGH3kD21LpgD4kgM] https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/locations/american-red-cross-of-west-michigan.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo2fAxj7_dJXbfkeMInZxIck5gDLjGkEKRssGH3kD21LpgD4kgMand their Roll Up & Give campaign [https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/american-red-cross--neighborhood-michigan-ford-dealers-partner-t.html?srsltid=AfmBOopiza_6st3CaNsOwj-JKPFHryFCvyMysSP2YPBAQWvKV4Q9f07X] in partnership with Neighborhood Michigan Ford Dealers. [https://www.facebook.com/michiganforddealers/] Tony explains why blood donations often decline during the summer months, how donated blood helps accident victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, and others facing medical emergencies, and why community partnerships are essential to meeting this ongoing need. He also discusses the expansion of the Roll Up & Give campaign  [https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/american-red-cross--neighborhood-michigan-ford-dealers-partner-t.html?srsltid=AfmBOopiza_6st3CaNsOwj-JKPFHryFCvyMysSP2YPBAQWvKV4Q9f07X]following a successful 2025 pilot program and shares what first-time donors can expect when giving blood. For more information, to find a donation location, or to schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, [https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=49512] download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Roll Up & Give Campaign Details [https://www.redcross.org/local/michigan/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/american-red-cross--neighborhood-michigan-ford-dealers-partner-t.html?srsltid=AfmBOopiza_6st3CaNsOwj-JKPFHryFCvyMysSP2YPBAQWvKV4Q9f07X]

Rx Kids and the Future of Family Support: Helping Michigan Moms and Babies Thrive (6-21-26)

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Alyssa Stewart, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships for Rx Kids. [https://rxkids.org/] Alyssa joins us on the program to discuss Rx Kids [https://rxkids.org/], a groundbreaking program that is helping families across Michigan build stronger financial foundations during pregnancy and early childhood. Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, providing direct financial support to expectant mothers and families with newborns. Alyssa shares with us how eligible mothers receive a one-time payment during pregnancy, followed by monthly payments after their child is born, helping families meet essential needs during some of life’s most critical months. We also cover how the program got started, who qualifies, how communities are selected, and the rapid expansion of Rx Kids throughout Michigan—including new communities in West Michigan and the addition of Kent County’s 49507 ZIP code. [https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/grand-rapids/rx-kids-to-offer-some-grand-rapids-families-cash-payments] Alyssa also talks about the measurable impact Rx Kids is having on family financial stability, maternal and infant health, and local economies, and what participating families are saying about how the direct cash assistance they receive is helping them navigate the challenges of pregnancy and a child’s first year of life. Learn more about Rx Kids and its growing impact across Michigan at RxKids.org [https://rxkids.org/] Rx Kids on Social Media. [https://rxkids.org/rxkids-news/social-media/]

From West Michigan to the World: Podcast Host Meena Ariagno on Curiosity, Culture & Connection (06-21-26)

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Meena Ariagno, creator and host of Eavesdrop with Meena, [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-eavesdrop-with-meena-265119505] a locally produced podcast with a global perspective that encourages thoughtful dialogue, curiosity, and respectful conversation across cultural, political, and spiritual divides. Meena shares the story behind her podcast, which began as a passion project during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since grown into a platform dedicated to promoting the common good and restoring civil discourse at a time when meaningful conversation can often feel in short supply. She discusses how her global experiences have shaped the show's mission and what it has been like building an independent podcast from West Michigan with an international reach. Phil and Meena also spoke about an upcoming live podcast recording at the Grand Rapids Art Museum [https://www.artmuseumgr.org/] featuring acclaimed artist Warren King. The event will include a screening of the documentary Warren King: King of Cardboard, [https://www.artmuseumgr.org/events/an-evening-with-warren-king-king-of-cardboard] followed by a live conversation exploring art, identity, creativity, and the power of storytelling.  Learn more about Eavesdrop with Meena [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-eavesdrop-with-meena-265119505]at MeenaGlobal.com [https://www.meenaglobal.com/] and on the iHeartRadio app. [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-eavesdrop-with-meena-265119505]