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

Inside Michigan's Election Process: A Conversation with Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons (07-18-26)

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Kent County Clerk and Register of Deeds, Lisa Posthumus Lyons, [https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1469/County-Clerk-Register-of-Deeds] about everything voters need to know before heading to the polls. From early voting and absentee ballots to voter ID requirements, election security, and important deadlines, Lisa offers practical, nonpartisan guidance to help Kent County—and all Michigan voters—cast their ballots with confidence. Whether you're a first-time voter or a longtime participant in the democratic process, this conversation will help you prepare for the upcoming elections. Election dates to know include: Tue Aug 4, 2026 - Michigan Congressional, State, and Gubernatorial Primary Election Tue Nov 3, 2026 - Michigan Congressional, State, and Gubernatorial General Election For more information, to verify your voter registration, find your polling location, or view your sample ballot, visit: * Kent County Votes [https://kentcountyvotes.com/] * Michigan Voter Information Center [https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/] This episode of West Michigan Weekend [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-michigan-weekend-a-public-affairs-program-from-iheartradio--2572136] is available anytime on the iHeartRadio app [https://news.iheart.com/apps/] and wherever you get your podcasts.

Can the Church Heal? Author Skot Welch on Unity, Diversity & Mending Sunday (07-11-26)

Can Christians disagree without becoming divided? Author Skot Welch joins Phil Tower to discuss his new book, Mending Sunday [https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/], exploring how churches can embrace diversity, strengthen unity, and build healthier communities through grace, understanding, and meaningful relationships. On this episode of iHeartRadio's West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes author Skot Welch to discuss his latest book, Mending Sunday: Embracing Differences in a Church Torn by Division. [https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/] As churches and communities continue to navigate deep cultural and political divides, Welch explores why unity doesn't require uniformity—and how embracing our differences can strengthen both faith and relationships. In their conversation, they discuss practical steps toward reconciliation, what healthy diversity looks like in today's church, and why hope, humility, and meaningful conversations are more important than ever.  Skot’s terrific new book, Mending Sunday [https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/], is available locally at your favorite bookstore. Get the book online here. [https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513817682/mending-sunday/]

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]