Advertise on podcast: WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

Who tells your neighborhood’s stories—and whose voices still need to be heard? On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, WYCE station manager Phil Tower welcomes Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian, to explore the role of community-powered journalism in Grand Rapids. Their conversation covers neighborhood reporting, building trust, and how residents help shape coverage of housing, accessibility, and transportation. Donahue also discusses Grand Rapids Documenters, which trains and pays community members to document public meetings, and shares ways to contribute stories and support local journalism. The Rapidian’s ongoing fund drive runs through Sunday, November 15. Listeners can contribute therapidian.org to help sustain this community resource. Community Closeup is produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Rev. Linda R. Rubingh, co-founder and co-executive director of New City Kids: Grand Rapids⁠, and Luz Gutierrez, a Union High School senior and Teen Life Intern. Music, mentoring, and meaningful work are helping young people grow as leaders in Grand Rapids, and it's all happening at New City Kids: Grand Rapids⁠. In this episode, we explore the organization’s teen-led music school and how its faith-based after-school programming brings together academic support, music education, paid employment, and leadership development. Linda discusses the New City Kids approach, its commitment to welcoming families from diverse backgrounds, and its Brighter Day program. Luz shares her perspective on working with younger children and growing through nearly four years with the organization. You can learn more about its programs and ways to get involved or offer support at New City Kids: Grand Rapids. WYCE's Community Closeup is produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Erica Soto, artistic director of Compañía de Teatro Hispano de Michigan, a Grand Rapids nonprofit bringing Spanish-language and bilingual theater to West Michigan. Soto shares why the company was created, how it opens doors for Latino artists, and why seeing your language and culture represented onstage matters. Our conversation also explores the diversity of Latino storytelling and how theater’s humor, emotion, and shared human experiences can connect audiences across languages. Soto also discusses nurturing young performers through free bilingual theater classes in partnership with Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, along with opportunities to perform, volunteer, and support the company’s work. Learn more about performances, auditions, classes, and ways to get involved at teatrohispanomi.com. Community Closeup from WYCE Community Radio is produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

In this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Guillermo Cisneros, President and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about advancing Hispanic-owned businesses and developing Latino talent across the region. Cisneros discusses the opportunities and challenges facing local entrepreneurs, the Chamber’s hands-on business support, and its work connecting Hispanic college students and young professionals with West Michigan employers. The conversation also explores the vision for the Chamber’s new Hub for Latino Economic Advancement and Talent Development on Godfrey Avenue in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood. Learn more about the Chamber’s business resources, programs, and upcoming events at westmihcc.org. WYCE’s Community Closeup is produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Close-Up, host Phil Tower welcomes Jocelyn Coria, a former Healthy Housing Specialist with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan and a committee member for its upcoming Trunk or Treat for Lead Defeat event.  We discuss the organization’s work to protect children from harmful housing conditions, including lead hazards and asthma triggers, and how home assessments, education, and community partnerships help families create healthier places to live. Jocelyn also previews the eighth annual Trunk or Treat for Lead Defeat, happening October 29 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Presented in collaboration with Gerald R. Ford Job Corps, the event combines lead-hazard education with Halloween fun, including a student-built maze, a DJ, apple cider and donuts, and raffle prizes. Find updates on the Facebook event page. WYCE's Community Close-Up is produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Sergio Cira Reyes, Climate Justice Catalyst with Urban Core Collective, to explore what climate justice means for Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Their conversation connects environmental challenges to everyday concerns, including rising utility costs, and examines why some communities experience a greater share of the burden. The episode also discusses energy justice, questions residents should ask about large data center developments, and the importance of giving communities a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them. Sergio shares ways listeners can become involved in shaping solutions for their neighborhoods. Learn more at urbancorecollective.org. WYCE’s Community Closeup is produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

In this episode of Community Closeup, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower sits down with Cindy Meyers Foley, Director and CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). Together, they look back on another successful summer of Thursdays on the Terrace and dive into the museum’s bold new strategic plan, which focuses on four key pillars: creative thinking, wellbeing, social connection, and finding meaning through art. Cindy also previews GRAM’s powerful Fall 2026 exhibitions exploring art and the American justice system through two powerful exhibits: Metamorphosis, by Michigan-based artist Ray Materson, and Julie Green's "The Last Supper." Foley also highlights the exhibit A Shared Vision, and teases what is ahead for a major year in 2027—including Renaissance-focused collections, Art in Bloom, and a major Andy Warhol exhibition. Links & Resources: Learn more about upcoming exhibitions and events: artmuseumgr.orgLearn more about WYCE: grcmc.org/wyce

In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower sits down with Jason Wheeler (Executive Director of Great Lakes Music) and Bruce Ling (President of the Grand River Watershed Arts & Music Council). Together, they highlight the upcoming, sold-out 9th annual Great Lakes Music Camp happening October 1st–4th, 2026. In this episode, Jason and Bruce discuss the immersive four-day camp experience, building community through acoustic music, and this year’s stellar instructor lineup. They also reflect on nearly a decade of growth, rising interest in traditional music among younger players, and how listeners can prepare for next year's camp. Featured Guests: Jason Wheeler – Executive Director, Great Lakes Music Bruce Ling – President, Grand River Watershed Arts & Music Council Resources & Links: Learn more and prepare for next year at GreatLakesMusic.org Produced in partnership with 88.1 FM WYCE and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Leah Voigt, CEO of Grand Rapids Ballet, for a conversation about her new leadership role and the future of Michigan’s only professional ballet company. Voigt previews the 2026–2027 season, including Broken Wings, The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Jumpstart, and Fancy Free, while also discussing the Ballet’s work beyond the stage through its school, Junior Company, adult dance classes, community outreach, and Moving with Parkinson’s program. Our conversation also explores her priorities for growing audiences, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability. Learn more about Grand Rapids Ballet, the upcoming season, tickets, classes, and community programs at grballet.com.

In this episode of WYCE's Community Close-Up, we welcome Alli Benedict, Fund Development Director for Our Hope Association, a nonprofit providing residential treatment and support for women recovering from addiction for over 50 years.  The conversation explores Our Hope’s unique 90-day clinical programming, which holistically addresses substance use alongside co-occurring mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.  A major focus of this episode centers on Our Hope Association's crucial upcoming fundraiser, An Evening of Hope Annual Fundraising Gala, taking place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Gilmore in Comstock Park. This special semi-formal dinner and program directly supports the expanding needs of women across Kent County and 37 surrounding Michigan referral counties. For tickets and more information on the organization, you are encouraged to visit the official Our Hope Association Website to purchase event tickets, donate, or explore their vital residential services.

On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Steve Staggs, Executive Director of the Eastown Community Association, and Justen Bowden, Chair of the Youth and Family Connection Committee, for a conversation about the people, programs, and traditions helping keep Eastown connected — and “weird” — since 1973. Staggs and Bowden discuss the new Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians commemorative sign and native plantings, and the Michigan Historical Marker at Lake Drive and Robinson Road. They also share updates on the Eastown Community Garden, monthly Community Bike Rides, the Block Captain Program, the returning Snow Angel Project, and other neighborhood resources and volunteer opportunities. The conversation also previews the Eastown Streetfair and Fun-Filled Fairgrounds, happening Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. along Wealthy Street and Ethel Avenue SE, featuring food and artist vendors, beverages, live music, and a full day of community celebration. Learn more about the Eastown Community Association, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, neighborhood resources, and its monthly eNewsletter through the Eastown Community Association website and social media channels.

Fulton Street Market has been a Grand Rapids gathering place for more than a century, connecting the community with local farmers, growers, food producers, artisans, and small businesses. On this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, Phil Tower welcomes Dana Eardley, Executive Director, and Anissa Mathiasz, Marketing & Communications Coordinator with Fulton Street Market, for a conversation about the Market’s mission, its year-round presence in the community, and the importance of supporting local agriculture and small businesses. Dana and Anissa also preview a busy lineup of fall events, including the Market’s biggest annual fundraiser, A Night at the Market on September 17, along with ART! at the Market on September 13 and October 11 and the Fall Rummage Sale on September 27. They also discuss what’s ahead as Fulton Street Market moves into the fall and winter seasons and why there’s always a reason to visit this historic Grand Rapids destination. Learn more, plan a visit, explore upcoming events, and find information about A Night at the Market on September 17.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower talks with Salvador López, President & CEO of KConnect, a Kent County network bringing together community leaders, experts, and system change-makers to improve prosperity for children and families. Salvador explains KConnect’s collaborative, systems-based approach and its work across the “cradle-to-career” continuum—from kindergarten readiness to thriving family income. He also discusses how KConnect measures progress, the importance of organizations working together to address complex community challenges, and how residents can become involved in creating positive change across Kent County. Learn more about KConnect and its work at k-connect.org.

In this episode of WYCE’s Community Closeup, host Phil Tower welcomes Tyler Loftis, Director of ArtPrize, and Coleman Brook, Co-Director of ArtPrize, for a preview of ArtPrize 2026 and a look at what’s new for one of Grand Rapids’ signature events. Tyler and Coleman discuss ArtPrize’s new four-weekend format, the more than 1,100 participating artists, the importance of the public vote, and efforts to make ArtPrize welcoming and accessible for families, first-time visitors, and longtime art lovers. They also explore ArtPrize’s broader impact on downtown Grand Rapids, local businesses, tourism, and community pride. ArtPrize 2026 runs September 12 through October 3 in downtown Grand Rapids, and admission is free! Find event schedules, artist information, volunteer opportunities, and more at artprize.org.

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities—but what does it take to help families truly thrive? On this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, Phil Tower talks with Dr. Anissa L. Eddie, Director of Foundation-Led Initiatives at the Steelcase Foundation, and Shirley Arill, a Family Leader in the Foundation's Investment in Families Initiative and recovery counselor. Together, they discuss how listening to families, building community partnerships with organizations like ICCF Community Homes, and investing in long-term stability can create lasting change across West Michigan. Learn more at steelcasefoundation.org.