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 from taking up running for mental health. The scholarship seeks to provide recipients with the motivation and accountability to keep running. Still, ...
Jun 27, 2025•15 min
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 already know how powerful the human animal bond is and how it can change lives. CSNIP promises no judgment, no attitude... just kindness and support. Sha...
Jun 20, 2025•14 min
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 about the history of the Pride Center and also discussed the upcoming PrideFest 2025, happening on Calder Plaza on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, Jun...
Jun 13, 2025•16 min
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 of connection, celebration, and culture. It features live music and food trucks, local vendors, and many family activities. Rock the Block transforms...
Jun 06, 2025•13 min
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 and healing. Where racism and sexism give rise to domestic and sexual violence, the YWCA works to transform lives with expert services for victims, an...
May 30, 2025•17 min
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 variety of services for the clients/individuals they serve. North Kent Connect serves a very broad geographic area in northern Kent County. You can see that...
May 23, 2025•16 min
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 construction, manufacturing, and municipal clean-up. The organization works to stabilize and empower its teammates to create high-quality products and...
May 16, 2025•16 min
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 justice, peace, and equality. The chorus is a diverse, volunteer group of women who are devoted to musical excellence and using the power of music to ...
May 08, 2025•13 min
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 leadership has conducted two separate studies that have each recommended that the city become the single hauler for residential services. Currently, ...
May 02, 2025•15 min
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 For All" finals and accessibility at the theatre. Established in 1926, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts is one of the oldest a...
Apr 25, 2025•15 min
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-traditional talent to thrive in the industry. The Tech Collaborative exists to bridge the gap between technology and social good while fostering diverse and i...
Apr 18, 2025•15 min
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 Hope You Fail Better , is currently on exhibit through May 16 at SC4A. It’s an exhibit where playful and thoughtful pieces are brought together by Ne...
Apr 11, 2025•16 min
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 the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory comes alive with the return of Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming ! The annual Butterfl...
Apr 04, 2025•13 min
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 Econ Summit was founded in 2024 by Monk Mattheus , founder of Monk Recordings LLC., and is happening again this year, April 11-13 at The Grand Rapids...
Mar 28, 2025•17 min
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 individuals with physical, cognitive, mental, and sensory disabilities and their families. Dave spoke with us about their upcoming Disability Awareness Da...
Mar 21, 2025•14 min
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 national nonprofit, providing both training & platforming opportunities for incredible talent, fostering inclusion in the art world, and dr...
Mar 21, 2025•17 min
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 Street: A night of clean comedy with Kyle Underwood, Terri DeBoer, Rick Vuyst, Matt Sharpe, and Brian Atkinson." It is a fundraiser for the Mental He...
Mar 07, 2025•14 min
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 on healthcare, education, and civic engagement. In pursuit of its mission and vision, the WMAAA’s current programs and activities include a scholarshi...
Feb 28, 2025•15 min
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 Grand Rapids Sophia’s done a significant amount of research on early African American women’s clubs and the remarkable women who led these organizati...
Feb 21, 2025•13 min
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 1967 as a coffee house for college students and a few people from the neighborhood who came for music, poetry, coffee, and to discuss issues. They wante...
Feb 14, 2025•15 min
On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The 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 of services, including a healthy food pantry and farm fresh market, a community garden, education, services, volunteering, and groups. Pablo noted t...
Feb 07, 2025•13 min
In this week's episode, WYCE station manager, Phil Tower welcomes Lynne Brown Tepper, Executive and Artistic Director Circle Theatre. Lynne joined us for a preview of the upcoming exciting 2025 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 in order to allow community performers of all ages to continue honing their craft and to provide another opportunity for directors, choreographers, m...
Jan 31, 2025•15 min
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 assistance, and find better strategies to help the people we serve. In this episode, Enid gave us an overview of the broad range of support and se...
Jan 31, 2025•14 min
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 Michigan (NACOWMI), and they immediately set out with lofty goals. Early projects included several conservation easements, Saul Lake Bog, Lake Breeze natura...
Jan 17, 2025•14 min
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 M ichael Crittenden , Musician and President Mackinaw Harvest Music Group. Brian provided us with an overview of the recovery services offered through Guiding Light. The program offers no charge substance abuse, addiction, recovery for men and women. Guiding Light is hosting its first-ever, live benefit concert,...
Jan 10, 2025•16 min
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 and other waterways in southwest Michigan. Most of the Grand River Bands’ current membership resides in Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties. Their mi...
Jan 09, 2025•15 min
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 management entity for the combined operations of the Downtown Development Authority , the Downtown Improvement District , and the Monroe North Tax Increme...
Dec 27, 2024•16 min
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 young adults to pursue their academic and professional goals. Steepletown strives to promote the idea of neighbors helping neighbors live with dignity...
Dec 20, 2024•15 min
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 additional language that protects green space and trees. Andy discussed some of the particular elements of the recently approved 10-year master plan, includin...
Dec 16, 2024•15 min
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 Music, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and Tanglewood Music Center. On this episode, Keith Elder joined us to...
Dec 06, 2024•14 min
