The Future of Higher Education in Michigan: A Conversation with WMU President Russ Kavalhuna (06-14-26)

The Future of Higher Education in Michigan: A Conversation with WMU President Russ Kavalhuna (06-14-26)

What does the future of higher education look like in Michigan—and why does it still matter? On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower sits down with Russ Kavalhuna, the 10th president of Western Michigan University, [https://wmich.edu/] to discuss his unique journey from commercial airline captain and federal prosecutor to university president, and his vision for one of Michigan’s leading public universities. Kavalhuna shares what inspired his early passion for aviation, the experiences that led him into higher education leadership, and the priorities guiding his presidency since taking office in July 2025. The conversation also explores the growing national debate over the value of a college degree, how universities can better align with workforce needs, and the important role higher education plays in developing talent and strengthening Michigan’s economy. In addition, Kavalhuna discusses his work as co-chair of Michigan’s Higher Education Workgroup, efforts to expand college access and opportunity, and why he remains a strong advocate for the transformative impact of higher education. Learn more about Western Michigan University at wmich.edu [https://wmich.edu]. Additional resources: * Western Michigan University College of Aviation [https://wmich.edu/aviation] * Henry Ford College [https://www.hfcc.edu] * Growing Michigan Together Council [https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2023/06/01/whitmer-establishes-the-growing-michigan-together-council-to-focus-on-population-growth] West Michigan Weekend is a weekly public affairs program hosted by Phil Tower and heard across the iHeartRadio West Michigan radio stations and podcast platforms.

Author Dave Eggers on Contrapposto: Art, Friendship, and a Lifetime of Creativity (06-07-26)

On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes artist and designer turned best-selling author, Dave Eggers, for a conversation about his new novel, Contrapposto. Known for bestselling and critically acclaimed works, including his groundbreaking debut,  A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/45415/a-heartbreaking-work-of-staggering-genius-by-dave-eggers/], and What Is the What, [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/45422/what-is-the-what-by-dave-eggers/] Eggers joins the program to explore the inspiration behind Contrapposto, a sweeping story that follows the lifelong friendship of Cricket Dib and Olympia Argyros across six decades of art, ambition, creativity, and personal transformation. During our conversation, Eggers discusses the novel’s unique title—borrowed from the classical artistic technique that creates balance through asymmetry, and how his own background as a visual artist helped shape the story. As Eggers explained, "think of a statue of Michelangelo balancing on one foot." He also reflects on themes of friendship, aging, creativity, and the often-absurd nature of the art world. Later, in our conversation, Eggers shares his passion for educational opportunity and literacy through organizations he helped establish and support, including ScholarMatch [https://www.scholarmatch.org], which helps first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds earn bachelor’s degrees, and 826michigan [https://www.826michigan.org/about/], which provides free writing and literacy programs for K–12 students across Southeast Michigan. Eggers also talks about his upcoming appearance with the National Writers Series [https://nationalwritersseries.org/author-event/dave-eggers/]in Traverse City, and what continues to inspire him after decades as one of America's most influential literary voices. Learn more about his terrific new novel, Contrapposto [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768682/contrapposto-by-dave-eggers/], from Penguin Random House [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/768682/contrapposto-by-dave-eggers/], or pick up a copy from your favorite local bookstore.

Morphine and Malts: Natasha Warren's Journey Through Her Father's Cancer, Caregiving, and Letting Go (06-07-26)

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes West Michigan author Natasha Warren to discuss her deeply personal memoir, Morphine and Malts: A Daughter's Path Through Her Father's Cancer, Caregiving, and Letting Go. Warren's book chronicles the 105 days between her father John's terminal cancer diagnosis and his passing, offering an honest and heartfelt look at the realities of caregiving, grief, family relationships, and finding moments of grace during life's most difficult seasons. She also shares how she navigated the sudden transition into the role of caregiver, the challenges of supporting a fiercely independent parent, and the lessons she learned about love, resilience, and letting go. Natasha reflects on the moments of laughter, family connection, and unexpected joy that helped sustain her family through an incredibly difficult journey. Whether you're currently caring for a loved one, have experienced a significant loss, or simply want to better understand the caregiving experience, this conversation offers valuable insights, encouragement, and hope. Learn More * Natasha Warren's book: Morphine and Malts [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSWPCVNB?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true] * Cancer caregiver resources from American Cancer Society [https://www.cancer.org]

Championship Fields & Economic Yields: The Future of West Michigan Sports Tourism (05-31-26)

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission [https://www.westmisports.com/], for a conversation about the continued growth and regional impact of the West Michigan Sports Commission and the exciting expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex [https://meijersportscomplex.com/]in Rockford.   Mike shares news about the official opening of four new championship softball fields at the Meijer Sports Complex, part of a major expansion project designed to support the growing demand for youth and amateur sports tourism in West Michigan. Our conversation highlights how the Meijer Sports Complex has become one of the premier destinations for baseball, softball, and pickleball events in the Midwest. Phil and Mike also explore the economic impact of sports tourism on the region, including the millions of dollars generated annually through tournaments and visitors traveling to West Michigan for national and regional events.  Mike also previews several major upcoming events hosted at the complex, including national softball championships and expanding pickleball tournaments, and the return of The Hartford Nationals [https://moveunitedsport.org/events/nationals/], July 10-16, the largest U.S. youth and adult sport competition for people with disabilities.      Learn more about the West Michigan Sports Commission and the Meijer Sports Complex at West Michigan Sports Commission. [https://www.westmisports.com/]

The bigLITTLE Legacy: How the Laing Brothers Built a Hand-Crafted Michigan Wine Brand (05-31-26)

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower brings you an on-location conversation with Michael and Peter Laing, co-founders and co-owners of bigLITTLE Wines, [https://www.biglittlewines.com/] based in Leelanau County, Michigan. The Laing brothers share their personal story behind their family’s journey into winemaking, which began in 2002 when their parents relocated to the Suttons Bay area and planted two vineyards.  Michael and Peter discuss growing up around the vineyards, balancing outside jobs in the early years, and eventually returning to Northern Michigan to help build what would become the bigLITTLE Wines brand. Our conversation explores the growth of Michigan’s wine industry, the unique characteristics of the Leelanau Peninsula wine region, and the passion and craftsmanship required to operate successful vineyards and wineries in a competitive and evolving market. The brothers also talk about managing both MAWBY [https://mawby.wine/] and bigLITTLE Wines, while continuing to expand their family’s legacy in Michigan winemaking. The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Michigan’s most respected wine-producing regions and the people helping shape its future through innovation, hospitality, and a deep connection to the land. Learn more at bigLITTLE Wines. [https://www.biglittlewines.com/]