Best WYCE Independent Community Radio Podcasts (2025)

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How Great Lakes Music Camp offers equitable access to traditional music education (09-20-25) 14:34

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3d ago14:34

14:34

In this episode, we speak with Jason Wheeler and Bruce Ling, cofounders and instructors for the annual Great Lakes Music Camp. This year's Great Lakes Music Camp is October 2-5. Once again, this year's session is sold out, but there are opportunities to be added to a waiting list for next year's session. Great Lakes Music Camp is an inspiring and c…

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How MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative helps Michigan Communities Heal and Grow (09-13-25) 14:44

10d ago14:44

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In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Stefanie Pohl, Senior Content Specialist · Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In July, a unique Crowdfunding Campaign called "Northeast Grand Rapids: A City of Healing" was launched with a $50,000 goal to win a matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative. …

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How the Rapidian is boosting media transparency and making city government more accessible to its readers (09-06-25) 16:48

17d ago16:48

16:48

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Allison Donahue, Program Manager, The Rapidian. Allison joined us on this program to provide us with an update about everything happening with The Rapidian. In 2023, the Rapidian introduced the Grand Rapids Documenters program, part of the nationwide Documenters Network, to create …

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Up close with Cindy Meyers-Foley, the Director and CEO of The Grand Rapids Art Museum 17:10

24d ago17:10

17:10

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Cindy Meyers-Foley, the Director and CEO ofThe Grand Rapids Art Museum. Cindy spoke with us about several programs and happenings at the GRAM, including their new "Thursdays on the Terrace" programming, the GRAM on The Green Concert Series, a partnership with WYCE Community Radio. Cindy a…

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How WMCAT is providing a culture of opportunity for people throughout West Michigan (08-24-25) 16:35

1M ago16:35

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On this week's program, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Jamon Alexander, President + CEO, WMCAT (West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology) Jamon joined WMCAT in 2015 and now leads the organization’s work to provide access to opportunity as president & CEO. Previously, he was the director of workforce development at WMCAT, where he spen…

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Up close with Hal Phillips, from the Eastown Community Association (08-16-25) 14:10

1M ago14:10

14:10

On this week's episode, we welcome Hal Phillips, board chair of the Eastown Community Association. The Eastown Community Association is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit Neighborhood Association that was formed through the joint efforts of Aquinas College and Eastown residents in 1973. The ECA works with City officials, the Grand Rapids Police Department, othe…

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A Preview of Grand Rapids Greatest Generation Celebration: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II (08-09-25) 15:02

1M ago15:02

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In this episode, we welcome Joel Westphal, Deputy Director, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Joel spoke with us about the upcoming multi-day event: The Greatest Generation Celebration: Honoring the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II. The events will be spread across several days from September 1-7, 2025. This Historic Celebra…

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How A Glimpse of Africa Festival celebrates diverse African cultures from West Michigan (08-02-25) 10:21

2M ago10:21

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In this episode, WYCE's John Rumery welcomes Guest: : Guest: Fridah Kanini, the Founder and CEO of A Glimpse of Africa. A Glimpse of Africa is a West-Michigan-based non-profit that brings people together by showcasing, educating, celebrating, and sharing diverse African cultures while fostering community through programs that voice, advocate for, a…

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A preview of Hispanic Festival 2025: Celebrating West Michigan’s rich Latino heritage! (07-26-25) 13:47

2M ago13:47

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On this episode, we welcome Gaby Cordova, Director of Engagement with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Founded in 1978, the goal of the Hispanic Center is to provide unmet social services to the Hispanic Community in Greater West Michigan. The Hispanic Center of West Michigan is located on Cesar Chavez Ave. in Roosevelt Park, the largest La…

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A preview of the Piecing Together Unity Festival with co-founder Daryl Reece (07-19-25) 13:59

2M ago13:59

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On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Daryl Reece, Executive Director and co-founder of the Pieces of Reeces Foundation. The Pieces of Reeces Foundation will once again bring the community together on Saturday, August 9, from 1-8 pm, for their third annual Piecing Together Unity Festival at Rosa Parks Circle. The festival is hosted by the Piece…

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How Fulton Street Market is connecting communities, supporting local farmers and artisans, and celebrating West Michigan's diverse culture(07-12-25) 15:28

2M ago15:28

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In this week's episode, WYCE station manager Phil Tower welcomes Dana Eardley, executive director of Fulton Street Market, and Anissa Mathiasz, assistant market manager at the Fulton Street Market. Fulton Street Market celebrates the power of community and grassroots activism. Established in 1922, Fulton Street Market has been a staple of Grand Rap…

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How The Diatribe's mission to inspire, educate, and disrupt is positive impacting West Michigan(07-05-25) 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

In this episode, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Wardell Frazier, Jr., Executive Director of The Diatribe, and J-Lin Tamminga, Director of Education at The Diatribe. Both Wardell and J-Lin spoke about the Diatribe Vision: Creating art that is informative because we know that some of the most complex topics can be digested easier through…

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Running for Better Mental Health with Still I Run's Sasha Wolff and The Well Being's Brendan Kelly (06-28-25) 15:23

3M ago15:23

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In this episode, host Janet Zahn speaks with Sasha Wolff, founder and executive director of Still I Run, as well as Brendan Kelly, licensed therapist and owner and CEO of The Well Being. Both West Michigan organizations have partnered to offer the Starting Line Scholarship, a program designed to remove any barriers that may be blocking individuals …

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How West Michigan's CSNIP provides affordable vet care for pet families (06-21-25) 13:59

3M ago13:59

13:59

In this episode, WYCE. Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sharon Caldwell-Newton, Executive Director with CSNIP. CSNIP positively impacts thousands of families each year in our mission to reduce the gap in veterinary care by providing affordable vet care for pet families in our 10-county community. They're here to help---If you have a pet, you alr…

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A preview of the 2025 PrideFest: celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the 2-SLGBTQ+ community (06-14-25) 16:28

3M ago16:28

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On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Jazz McKinney, executive director of The Grand Rapids Pride Center. The mission of The Grand Rapids Pride Center is to create positive change for the 2-SLGBTQ+ community by breaking down barriers, creating awareness, providing inclusive services, and bridging relationships. Jazz spoke…

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Celebrating a party with a purpose: LINC UP's Rock The Block (06-07-25) 13:00

4M ago13:00

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On this episode, host Janet Zahn welcomes Lakiya Jenkins, executive director of LINC UP, and Donald Thompson, events coordinator with LINC UP. They joined Janet to discuss their upcoming Rock the Block Festival on June 14th in Grand Rapids LINC UP’s Rock the Block brings neighbors, local businesses, and community partners together for a vibrant day…

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Dana Romero on how YWCA West Central Michigan inspires hope and healing(05-31-25) 16:37

4M ago16:37

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On this episode, we welcome back Dana Romero-, BSCD. They are the Development Coordinator for Donor Communications at YWCA West Central Michigan. YWCA West Central Michigan is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and girls, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA West Central Michigan seeks to inspire hope …

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Building a community of thriving people with Adrienne Goodstal, Executive Director at North Kent Connect (05-24-25) 15:46

4M ago15:46

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On this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Adrienne Goodstal, the Executive Director of North Kent Connect. North Kent Connect is a Christian service organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence. They provide a wide variet…

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Next Step of West Michigan: helping people heal and grow through work and relationships (05-17-25) 16:27

4M ago16:27

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On this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with David Bult, executive director of Next Step of West Michigan, and Darion Boyd, Carpentry-Community Builder with Next Step of West Michigan. Next Step of West Michigan is a faith-based, social enterprise non-profit that provides job skills training, as well as employment opportunities in c…

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How the women and music from The Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus educates and inspires West Michigan(05-10-25) 12:50

5M ago12:50

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On this week's episode, host , John Rumery from WYCE speaks with Lindsay Ellis, a member of the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus. The Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus is dedicated to singing music that celebrates and honors the diversity of women’s lives. Drawing on music from many cultures, the Chorus strives to educate and inspire its community to promote …

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Talking curbside trash and recycling with Nicole Rapacki from the Grand Rapids Department of Public Works(05-03-25) 15:18

5M ago15:18

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On this episode, WYCE's Janet Zahn speaks with Nicole Rapacki, the Recycling Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Department of Public Works. Nicole and Janet spoke about the efforts by the city of Grand Rapids to consider becoming the sole trash hauler for residential properties, according to city officials. The Grand Rapids Department of Public Works…

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A preview of the 2025-26 Season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre(04-26-25) 15:23

5M ago15:23

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On this week's episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Noddea Skidmore, the Director of Marketing and Communications with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Noddea gave us a preview of the upcoming 20 25–20 26 season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and talked as well about ticket packages that patrons can take advantage of. We also discussed the upcoming "Ten…

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How the Tech Collaborative empowers West Michigan non-profits with innovative tech solutions(04-19-25) 15:09

5M ago15:09

15:09

On this week's episode, host John Rumery welcomes Lydia Kauffman, a Project Manager at Carnevale and COO at The Tech-Collaborative The Tech Collaborative empowers non-profits with innovative tech solutions, enabling them to maximize their impact. They are committed to nurturing the next generation of tech by providing opportunities for non-traditio…

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Previewing Curiousity In Action: A Conference In Doing at The Saugatuck Center for The Arts(04-12-25) 15:52

5M ago15:52

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On this week's program, Station manager, Phil Tower welcomes Whitney Valentine, Director of Education + Exhibitions, with the Saugatuck Center for The Arts, and New York Times best-selling author in speaker Brad Montague. Brad Montague is the keynote speaker for the Curiosity In Action Conference on April 26 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. We…

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Behind the scenes at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with John Vanderhaagen(04-05-25) 13:09

6M ago13:09

13:09

On this week's episode, we welcome John VanderHaagen - Director of Communications, with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. John provided us with a timely update on some important and newsworthy happenings at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. As the curtain falls on another long West Michigan winter, it's that time of year again when …

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The 2025 Music Econ Summit: creating sustainable income and upward economic mobility for the Michigan music community(03-29-25) 17:13

6M ago17:13

17:13

In this episode, WYCE Station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Nik Thomasma, the Executive Director of The Michigan Music Alliance. The Michigan Music Alliance is presenting the Music Econ Summit at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation in partnership with Monk Recordings LLC., Push the City Cipher and Triumph Music Academy. The Music…

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David Bulkowski, with Disability Advocates of Kent County on the importance of Disability Awareness Day on every day life (03-22-25) 14:26

6M ago14:26

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In this episode, host, Phil Tower speaks with David Bulkowski, executive director, Disability Advocates of Kent County. Disability Advocates’ mission is “to work alongside persons with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives.” They provide a wide array of services throughout Kent, Mecosta, Ionia, Montcalm, and Osceola counties to indi…

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BAM Talent: celebrating, promoting, and advocating for Black and underrepresented artists in West Michigan! (03-15-25) 16:31

6M ago16:31

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In this episode, we welcome Darius Colquitt, Founder, President, Producing & Artistic Director, of BAM Talent. BAM (or Black Art Matters) Talent, was created & founded in 2021 as a forward-thinking organization, located in Grand Rapids, MI., dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and advocating for Black and underrepresented artists. BAM works as a n…

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A behind the scenes preview of The Live From Wealthy Street Comedy Fundraiser (03-08-25) 13:39

7M ago13:39

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On this week's program, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with comedian Brian Atkinson, plus therapist Matt Sharpe and radio & podcast host Rick Vuyst. All three are set to appear with Kyle Underwood, and special guest Terri DeBoer in a Clean Comedy Show at the Wealthy Theatre, Wednesday, March 26. The event is billed as "Live From Wealthy Str…

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Previewing the Asian American Leadership Summit with Bing Goei of The West Michigan Asian American Association(03-01-25) 14:46

7M ago14:46

14:46

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcome Bing Goei, cofounder of the West Michigan, Asian American Association. Founded roughly 16 years ago, the West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc. is a Michigan nonprofit corporation that seeks to build a collaborative, active, and committed Asian American community in West Michigan with a focus …

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Profiling the pioneering progressive African American women of Grand Rapids with Sophia Ward Brewer (02-22-25) 13:22

7M ago13:22

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On this episode, host & WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Sophia Ward Brewer, Serials and Collection Development Librarian at GRCC and Vice President of the Greater GR Women's History Council. Sophia recently gave a presentation at Grand Rapids Public Library titled Tracing the Steps | African American Women During the Progressive Era in Gra…

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How Dégagé Ministries is serving the homeless and hungry in West Michigan (02-15-25) 15:11

7M ago15:11

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On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Thelma Ensink, executive director of Dégagé Ministries. Dégagé Ministries, established in 1967, offers hope and opportunity to those facing homelessness and poverty in our community. Dégagé Ministries was started in the basement of the Salvation Army at 160 Fountain Street NE in 19…

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How SECOM is empowering families to achieve their full potential (02-09-25) 13:21

8M ago13:21

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On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager atThe Rapidian, speaks with Pablo Garcia, Executive Director, SECOM. SECOM is a key Resource Center that gives help and hope to their neighbors by empowering families to achieve their full potential through healthy living, education, and economic opportunities. SECOM offers a wide range …

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Exceptional performances! Previewing Circle Theatre's 2025 Season(02-02-25) 14:51

8M ago14:51

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In this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower welcomesLynne Brown Tepper, Executive and Artistic Director Circle Theatre. Lynne joined us for a preview of the upcoming exciting2025 Season at Circle Theatre. Circle Theatre is the only community theatre in the West Michigan area that specializes in summer theatre. The Theatre was founded i…

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Understanding Arbor Circle's Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment & Counseling Programs (01-25-25) 14:25

8M ago14:25

14:25

On this episode, we welcome Enid Gaddis, MA, - Director of Equity & Inclusion at Arbor Circle. Arbor Circle is one of West Michigan’s most comprehensive providers of mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and family services. Arbor Circle Staff collaborates with local resources to address the needs of our community, promote new ways of …

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Protecting West Michigan's natural areas with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (01-18-25) 13:48

8M ago13:48

13:48

On this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower speaks with Marie Orttenburger, Advancement Manager with Land Conservancy of West Michigan. In 1976, four volunteers met to lay out a plan that would identify, protect, and care for West Michigan’s natural areas. They created an organization called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michig…

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Previewing "Guiding Light Live" An Acoustic All-Star Benefit Concert to Fight Addiction (01-11-25) 15:33

9M ago15:33

15:33

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Brian Elve, Executive Director Guiding Light, David Madiol, Director of development and communications with Guiding Light; and Michael Crittenden, Musician and President Mackinaw Harvest Music Group. Brian provided us with an overview of the recovery services offered through Guiding Light. T…

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Chairman Ron Yob on The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians fight for federal recognition(01-04-25) 14:55

9M ago14:55

14:55

On this week's program, WYCE's Phil Tower speaks with Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians is a native sovereign nation with agreements with the federal government dating back to 1795. The Grand River Bands originally included 19 bands of Ottawa people who lived along the Grand River …

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Previewing The World of Winter Festival 2025 with DGRI's Bill Kirk(12-28-24) 15:45

9M ago15:45

15:45

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Bill Kirk, Communications Director with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is the organization responsible for city building and place management in the urban core of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 2013, DGRI serves as the singular mana…

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The positive impact of Steepletown Neighborhood Services with Executive Director, Emilio Zamarippa (12-21-24) 14:30

9M ago14:30

14:30

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower speaks with Emilio Zamarippa, Executive Director of Steepletown Neighborhood Services. Emilio started at Steepletown 11 years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. Emilio's personal mission is to empower youth and …

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Behind the scenes at John Ball Zoo with Andy McIntyre, the Zoo's Chief Operating Officer (12-14-24) 15:01

9M ago15:01

15:01

On this week's program, host Phil Tower (* sitting in for Allison Donahue) speaks with Andy McIntyre, chief operating officer at John Ball Zoo. Andy gave us an overview of the recently approved 10-year master plan for John Ball Zoo. The plan which was passed in early December after a 16 to 3 vote before the Kent County Commission, includes addition…

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Behind the scenes with Keith Elder, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony(12-07-24) 13:57

10M ago13:57

13:57

On this week's episode, we welcome Keith Elder, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. Keith Elder joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as its President & CEO on July 1, 2023. Before that, he served as president of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He’s also had roles with the Aspen Music Festival and School, Eastman School of Mus…

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The positive and long-lasting impact of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County Volunteers(11-30-24) 15:42

10M ago15:42

15:42

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian, speaks with Stephanie Sheler, Executive Director of CASA of Kent County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County organizes and empowers community members to provide best-interest advocacy for children in Kent County’s child welfare system. Their program co…

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The impact of the Ford Presidency with Brooke Clement, director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum (11-23-24) 15:43

10M ago15:43

15:43

This week's episode welcomes Brooke Clement, director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Brooke Clement began her career with the National Archives as an archives technician at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She then held archival and supervisory positions with the George H.W. Bush Presidential L…

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Previewing Enlighten: a winter light spectacle, with Carol Kendra, COO of Frederik Meijer Gardens(11-16-24) 15:57

10M ago15:57

15:57

On this week's episode, Phil Tower speaks with Carol Kendra, COO of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Carol shares how she became Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park's first Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Frederik Meijer Gardens, Kendra was Vice President of Business Development, Strategic Growth, and Engagement at The Henry …

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The importance of mental health counseling with Sister Colleen Ann of The Franciscan Life Process Center(11-09-24) 16:34

11M ago16:34

16:34

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, Executive Director and Counselor at The Franciscan Life Process Center in Lowell, MI. The mission of The Franciscan Life Process Center is topromote relationships with God that bring dignity and hope to the sacred process of all life through programs that assist, educat…

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Care Resources (PACE) celebrates a new location and honoring West Michigan veterans with the Veterans Day 5(11-02-24) 15:51

11M ago15:51

15:51

On this week's program, host Allison Donahue speaks with Veronica Horsley-Pettigrew, Community Outreach/Marketing Supervisor · Care Resources (PACE). Veronica joined Allison to discuss the community open house for Care Resources’ new location in Lowell, Michigan. Care Resources is a community-based program for people 55 or older that promotes healt…

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The importance of mobile mammography in battling breast cancer (10-26-24) 12:33

11M ago12:33

12:33

On this week's program, host Allison Donahue speaks with Becky Mercier, Trinity Health Breast Imaging Supervisor on the importance of mobile mammography in the battle against breast cancer. In just one year, the mobile mammography unit at Trinity Health Grand Rapids has completed over 2,000 breast screenings and diagnosed 13 patients. The 40-foot b…

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Previewing The Grand Rapids Mayoral Debate (10-19-24) 14:38

11M ago14:38

14:38

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian about the Rapidian's Mayoral Debate on Monday, October 21 at Wealthy Theatre. Allison previews the debate featuring Grand Rapids mayoral candidates former state representative David LaGrand and former Grand Rapids commissioner Senita…

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The positive impact of equipping and empowering youth with Bridge Street Ministries (10-12-24) 15:41

12M ago15:41

15:41

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Ryan Waalkes, the founder and executive director of Bridge Street Ministries Ryan joined us to discuss the origins of Bridge Street Ministries' program and its focus on discipleship and youth development, especially for middle schoolers with “high potential.” The mission statement …