On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Carmen Docter, Manager of Retail and Specialty Pharmacies at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, about a new partnership with Dispensary of Hope, a nonprofit helping qualifying uninsured and financially challenged patients access prescription medications at no cost.

Carmen shares with us who qualifies, what types of medications are available, and how patients can access the program through Trinity Health Pharmacy – Roosevelt Park in Grand Rapids. The conversation also addresses the real impact of rising prescription costs and what options may be available for people who are skipping or stretching medications because they cannot afford them. 

Important links:

• Dispensary of Hope
• Trinity Health Pharmacy – Roosevelt Park
• Trinity Health Michigan Pharmacy Services

 

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with internationally known author, speaker, and Bible educator Jeff Cavins about his newest project, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible for Young Beginners. Cavins discusses why introducing children to Scripture at an early age matters, how the new Bible makes the larger biblical story accessible to young readers, and the enduring lessons of resilience, forgiveness, courage, hope, and compassion found in its stories.
Our conversation also explores Jeff Cavins’ work helping people understand the “big picture” of the Bible, as well as Ascension’s new Pillars of Faith K–8 curriculum.

Important links:

• The Great Adventure Catholic Bible for Young Beginners
• Pillars of Faith Catholic Curriculum
• Jeff Cavins — Official Website
• Ascension Press

For more than a century, Mel Trotter Ministries has served people experiencing hunger and homelessness in West Michigan, providing not only immediate assistance but pathways toward greater stability and transformed lives.

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, for a conversation about the organization’s mission, the realities of homelessness in our community, and the work being done every day to help individuals move toward housing, employment, and renewed hope.

Chris also previews Mel Trotter Ministries’ 2026 Season of Hope Gala, happening September 10, an annual evening celebrating stories of hope and transformation while raising support for the organization’s work.
The conversation also explores ways West Michiganders can get involved through volunteering, giving, and supporting Mel Trotter’s mission throughout the year.

Learn more:
Mel Trotter Ministries
Mel Trotter Season of Hope Tickets & Info.

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and one of the busiest travel periods of the year—but it can also be a particularly dangerous time on Michigan roads. As drivers prepare for the holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, aimed at preventing impaired-driving crashes and saving lives.

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Alicia Sledge, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, about the realities of impaired driving in Michigan and why alcohol isn't the only concern. They discuss impairment involving marijuana and certain prescription medications, increased enforcement during the holiday period, encouraging trends in Michigan traffic fatalities, and the importance of planning for a safe ride before celebrations begin.
Sledge also discusses Michigan's broader traffic-safety efforts, including the SAFER by 2030 initiative, which seeks to reduce roadway fatalities by 30 percent by 2030, and shares a simple message for everyone traveling Michigan roads this Labor Day weekend.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign runs August 14 through September 7. 
Learn more: Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

Electric vehicles and the infrastructure supporting them are changing quickly.

On this episode of iHeartRadio West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back EV expert Karl Bloss, host of the Zero E Michigan YouTube channel, for an update on the state of electric vehicles in 2026.

Karl explains the rise of “Charging 2.0,” as major retailers and travel centers invest in EV charging, along with the impact of Tesla opening much of its Supercharger network to drivers of other EV brands.

They also discuss whether range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past and how the growing charging network is making longer trips easier for EV owners.

Phil and Karl also look at the increasingly affordable used EV market, what buyers should know about battery health, the growth of independent EV repair options, and some of the most persistent myths about charging, battery life, winter driving, and repair costs.

Plus, Karl looks ahead at what consumers should be watching as the next generation of electric vehicles arrives.

Follow Karl Bloss and learn more:

West Michigan EV Facebook Group:

Karl's YouTube-“Zero E Michigan” 

Michigan-based furniture retailer Gardner White is making history with its first-ever West Michigan location, and in this episode of West Michigan Weekend, CEO Rachel Stewart joins host Phil Tower to discuss what this milestone means for the company and the Grand Rapids community.

Founded in Detroit in 1912, the fourth-generation family-owned business is bringing its customer-focused approach, expansive showroom, and personalized design services to West Michigan for the very first time.


Rachel also shares how Gardner White is pairing business growth with community impact through its "Bring It Home for Kids" initiative, supporting early childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness across Michigan.

It's a conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, giving back, and why investing in communities is just as important as investing in homes.


Online: 

Gardner White
Gardner Whites New Grand Rapids location

Data Centers Are Coming to Michigan—Is the State Ready? Artificial intelligence is fueling a boom in massive data centers, and Michigan has quickly become one of the nation's hottest destinations for these billion-dollar developments. But what do these projects mean for local communities, energy costs, jobs, taxes, and the environment?

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, investigative reporter Lucas Smolcic Larson of MLive joins us to explain why data centers are expanding across the state, the opportunities they present, and the important questions policymakers and residents are asking as Michigan prepares for an AI-driven future.

During our conversation, Lucas discusses why Michigan has emerged as a prime location for data center investment, the debate over tax incentives and electricity demand, and how communities are weighing the economic benefits against concerns about infrastructure and environmental impact.

Whether you're interested in technology, public policy, or Michigan's economic future, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the state's fastest-growing—and most consequential—industries.

Learn more about MLive Investigative Reporter Lucas Smolcic Larson and read his reporting HERE.

Important Links:
How many data center projects have been proposed in Michigan? The total grows 

Whitmer calls on data centers to sign pledge they won’t increase utility bills  

When Big Tech moves in next door: Could Indiana data center town be Michigan’s future? 

In this updated conversation, Phil Tower welcomes back Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer for Traverse City Tourism, with the latest on the second annual Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, happening August 19–23.

Whitney shares exciting new additions to this year's festival lineup, highlights signature events such as The Grand Tasting, and offers insider tips for planning the perfect late-summer getaway to one of Michigan's premier culinary destinations.

From award-winning chefs and world-class wines to unique tasting experiences set against the stunning backdrop of Grand Traverse Bay, discover why this five-day celebration is quickly becoming one of the Midwest's must-attend food-and-wine festivals. 

For the complete schedule, tickets, and travel information, visit traversecityfoodandwine.com

On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes independent journalist, filmmaker, and one of YouTube's most compelling storytellers (he has 4.3 million subscribers!), Peter Santenello, whose millions of followers have joined him on journeys into overlooked communities across the United States.

Peter discusses his new book, Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home, and shares what years of authentic conversations—from remote Alaskan villages and Amish communities to small towns and big cities—have taught him about curiosity, human connection, and the importance of listening before judging.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the conversation with Peter offers a refreshing reminder that some of our nation's most inspiring stories are found far beyond the headlines—and that we may have far more in common than we realize.

Learn more:

• Peter Santenello's official website: PeterSantenello.com
• Peter's YouTube channel.
• Get Peter's new book: Your Fellow Americans: Dispatches from Across the Country We Call Home