About West Michigan Weekend (A Local Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
"The West Michigan Weekend Podcast with Phil Tower is a production of WOOD Radio and iHeartRadio in West Michigan.
Stay connected with the people, places, and events shaping our community and our great state by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love your feedback as well, so please consider leaving us a review!
For more of our episodes, find us here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-michigan-weekend-a-public-affairs-program-from-iheartradio--2572136), or find us on the iHeartRadio app (https://www.iheart.com/). Thanks for listening!"
Roundabouts, Ramps, and Your Daily Drive: These Are Michigan’s Most Dangerous Intersections (10-25-26)
Two Grand Rapids intersections rank among Michigan’s most crash-prone locations—but what makes them trouble spots?
On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower welcomes Brandon Hewitt, chief operating officer and attorney with Michigan Auto Law (https://www.michiganautolaw.com/), to discuss the firm’s 20 Most Dangerous Intersections in Michigan report. (https://www.michiganautolaw.com/legal-resources/most-dangerous-intersections/)
Based on 2025 Michigan State Police crash data, the rankings include US-131 at Wealthy Street and Burton Street at US-131 in Grand Rapids.
Our conversation explores the challenges of busy intersections and freeway interchanges, the role of driver behavior and road design, and what roundabout crash numbers tell us about safety.
Hewitt also shares practical advice for navigating these locations as darker commutes, changing weather, and holiday travel approach.
Important Links:
Explore the complete rankings and crash data, (https://www.michiganautolaw.com/legal-resources/most-dangerous-intersections/) and find additional driver resources at MichiganAutoLaw.com. (https://www.michiganautolaw.com/)
17 Oct 2026
MSU Supply Chain Expert Jason Miller: What Does Buying American Really Mean for Your Wallet—and Michigan Jobs? (10-18-26)
How much does a “Made in America” label influence what you buy—and what happens when supporting American manufacturing means paying more or waiting longer?
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Jason Miller, Eli Broad Endowed Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, for an accessible look at the supply chains behind everyday purchases.
They explore the differences between buying local, buying American, and supporting American companies—and how each connects to jobs and businesses here in Michigan. The conversation examines how shoppers balance price, quality, convenience, and their desire to support domestic manufacturing.
Miller also discusses the challenges small businesses face when suppliers fall through, the potential benefits of sourcing closer to home, and practical questions consumers can ask before making a purchase.
Learn more about Miller through Michigan State University (https://msu.edu/honoredfaculty/directory/miller-jason.html), explore MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business (https://broad.msu.edu/), and find Michigan business resources through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (https://www.michiganbusiness.org/).
17 Oct 2026
Vibrant Fall Colors, Elk Viewing, and More: Exploring Autumn Vibes in Gaylord Michigan (10-18-26)
Fall colors, scenic trails, corn mazes, and hayrides—autumn offers plenty to explore in Gaylord, Michigan!
On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, (https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/) to discuss the best timing for fall color tours, opportunities for elk viewing, and the distinctive sound of elk bugling.
Curious what that sounds like?
Hear an elk-bugling example courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzn0EovMhT4).
Beachnau also highlights must-see destinations around the region, including Dead Man’s Hill (https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/member/deadmans-hill-loop/), and shares the story behind its unusual name.
Our conversation covers lodging reservations and accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges and disabilities.
Explore Gaylord’s fall activities and attractions (https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/pick-your-season/fall/), and find information on everything discussed in this episode and more at GaylordMichigan.net (https://www.gaylordmichigan.net).
Who has been a guest on West Michigan Weekend (A Local Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Carmen Docter
Jeff Cavins
Chris Palusky
Alicia Sledge
Karl Bloss
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
419,108,275
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
93
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
0
Contact West Michigan Weekend (A Local Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
Guest appearances
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Questions about West Michigan Weekend (A Local Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)
Who hosts West Michigan Weekend (A Local Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)?
Phil Tower host the show. Published by WOOD Radio.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does West Michigan Weekend (A Local Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio) take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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