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Lunch with Dad
By Matt TjapkesHistory
Lunch with Dad episodes
- Episode 34 - Ron Smeenge and the early days of All Shores Wesleyan
Doug tells Matt the story of how he met Ron Smeenge, the founder of Spring Lake Wesleyan Church, now known as All Shores Wesleyan.
14 min - Episode 33 - Remembering John Smietanka
Doug and Matt discuss the unexpected friendship Doug shared with John Smietanka (June 28, 1941 – October 28, 2025
17 min - Episode 32 - Halloween of 1965
Doug tells Matt about some mischief that occurred on Halloween of 1965 in downtown Grand Haven.
12 min - Episode 31 - The final days of Maurice Carter
Doug and Matt recall the three months of freedom enjoyed by Maurice Carter
20 min - Episode 30 - A custom 1936 Chevy Sedan!
Matt hears the story of Doug and his friend Bill Mouw customizing a 1936 Chevy Sedan and the misadventures that followed
13 min - Episode 29 - Doug's Gaffe Goes National
Doug shares a story with Matt about the time he reported a story that went national, only to discover it wasn't true.
10 min - Episode 28 - Doug and Marcia's Anniversary
Doug tells Matt the story of his wedding to Marcia in 1957
17 min - Episode 27 - Doug's First Radio Job
Doug tells Matt the story of how he broke into the radio business
15 min - 27 min
- Episode 25 - Matt's First Baseball Game
Doug and Matt remember attending a Chicago Cubs game in September of 1986 that included a visit with Harry Caray.
14 min
About Lunch with Dad
From the publisher's feed
Have lunch with a father-son combo who both happen to be award-winning broadcasters!
Hi everyone -
My name is Matt Tjapkes. I'm a freelance sports broadcaster (in addition to my career in sales), but I have spent many years in the media as both a writer and broadcaster. I’m now 47 and at the stage of life where I try to create and preserve as many memories as possible, and what better resource than my 89-year-old dad, Doug Tjapkes? Doug has had many careers, from radio to church organ sales to non-profit work with prisoners, in addition to being a life-long musician. Though all his vocations and passions, he has a lot of great stories to share.
A couple of times each month, Dad and I get together for lunch. After we eat, we sit down for about 15-20 minutes and just let Dad recall great stories from his life. Our topics will be all over the place - some are more personal, some are related to West Michigan, some are funny, some are sweet. Every episode might not be for every person, but I bet if you give us a listen, you’re gonna find something you like.
What to sponsor or host Lunch with Dad? Feel free to reach out to me - [email protected]