Beste Conversations Of Connection podcaster (2024)

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

3d 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

10d 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

13d 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

23d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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 …

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The ongoing positive impact of the Hispanic Center of West Michigan(10-05-24) 15:29

3M ago15:29

15:29

On the program this week, we welcome Gaby Cordova, Director of Engagement, to the Hispanic Center of West Michigan. Gaby joined us for an update on some important events that the Hispanic Center will be sponsoring later this year, especially in early 2025, when they will host a large Latinx Youth Conference at GRCC. Gaby also informed us that the H…

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Building better neighborhoods with the Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association (09-28-24) 14:13

3M ago14:13

14:13

On the program this week, host Allison Donahue welcomes Katy Hoffman, the Executive Director of Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association. Their mission is to preserve and improve their neighborhood's unique human and physical characteristics through resident involvement. Members are committed to equitable and inclusive programming, ensuring that eve…

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Celebrating the power of short stories with Kent District Library(09-21-24) 13:36

3M ago13:36

13:36

This week on the program, Phil Tower talks with Josh Mosey, KDL's Digital Marketing Strategist and leader of the Write Michigan team. Kent District Library recently announced its thirteenth annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew over 1,150 entries last year.   Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categorie…

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Revitalizing a neighborhood gem with The Fans of Valley Field (09-14-24) 15:27

3M ago15:27

15:27

On the program this week, Phil Tower speaks with Paul Soltysiak - Vice-President and Co-Founder of Fans Of Valley Field, and Steve Tibbe - Chief Officer of Fans Of Valley Field. Fans of Valley Field is a grassroots effort to restore and revitalize Sullivan Field (originally named Valley Field), a historic baseball field located on the West Side of …

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A preview of the 2024 Grand Rapids African American Art & Music Festival(09-07-24) 15:33

4M ago15:33

15:33

On this episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Lisa Knight, board chair for the Grand Rapids African American Arts and Music Festival and a city commissioner for Grand Rapids’ 2nd Ward. The festival will be held on Saturday, September 14, from noon to 10 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids African American Arts and …

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Empowering West Michigan families to grow their own food with HOPE Gardens(08-31-24) 14:23

4M ago14:23

14:23

On the program this week, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower welcomes Julie Brunson, executive director of HOPE Gardens, a local nonprofit based in Wyoming, MI. HOPE Gardens was established nine years ago with the mission of teaching nature-based gardening, a sustainable, cost-effective, and organic method. Their main focus is establishing educational…

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Previewing Grand Rapids' Fiesta Mexicana with Ruben Ramos, President, The Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan(08-24-24) 15:04

4M ago15:04

15:04

On the program this week, host Allison Donahue spoke with Ruben Ramos, president of the Mexican Heritage Association. The Mexican Heritage Association exists to promote and educate the public about Mexican culture, customs, history, traditions, and the contributions of Americans with Mexican Heritage through promoting and participating in community…

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A preview of this year's Great Lakes Music Camp (08-17-24) 15:04

5M ago15:04

15:04

On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower spoke with Jason Wheeler, co-founder of The Great Lakes Music Camp, a talented musician and founder of The Round Creek String Band. Jason told us that the 7th year of The Great Lakes Music Camp is honored to return to the beautiful shoreline of Lake Michigan at Camp Blodgett, October 3-6, 2024…

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The power of activating climate voters with Grand Rapids Climate Coalition(08-10-24) 14:59

5M ago14:59

14:59

On this week's episode episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Janet Zahn, co-chair, of Grand Rapids Climate Coalition. The Grand Rapids Climate Coalition is a growing alliance of individuals, community groups, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, faith groups, businesses, and educational institutions. The Grand Rapids Climate Coalit…

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A preview of the 2024 Piecing Together Unity Festival with Daryl Reece (08-03-24) 13:29

5M ago13:29

13:29

On this week's program, WYCE station manager Phil Tower welcomes Daryl Reece, co-founder, along with his wife, Debra Reece, of the Pieces of Reeces Foundation. Pieces of Reeces Foundation is again presenting the annual Piecing Together Unity Festival on Saturday, August 17, at Rosa Parks Circle and downtown Grand Rapids. The festival runs from 1 to…

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Previewing Girls Rock! Grand Rapids 2024 with Grandville Avenue for Arts and Humanities(07-27-24) 13:09

5M ago13:09

13:09

On this week's program, host Phil Tower speaks with Noemi Gonzalez, Community Engagement Coordinator with Grandville Avenue for Arts and Humanities(GAAH). Grandville Avenue for Arts and Humanities is once again sponsoring Girls Rock! Grand Rapids. 2024 marks the 11th year of Girls Rock! Grand Rapids camp and the staff at GAAH are excited to continu…

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The inside, scoop on parking, riding, and enjoying downtown Grand Rapids from Mobile GR(07-20-24) 15:23

5M ago15:23

15:23

In this week's program, Phil Tower speaks with Jennifer Kasper, assistant director with MobileGR. We covered a number of issues in our conversation, including some soon to happen. Parking increases at meters and city own parking ramps for the city of grand Rapids, we also discussed the use of bikes and electric scooters, as well as DAH Routes, ridi…

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Curbside recycling in Grand Rapids goes high-tech. (07-13-24) 14:45

6M ago14:45

14:45

On this weeks episode, we speak with John Gorney, Director of Public Works for the City of Grand Rapids The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), The Recycling Partnership, and Prairie Robotics to launch a six-month pilot project. This innovative initiative utilizes high-tech …

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Previewing The 3rd Annual Fallasburg Village Celebration 15:49

6M ago15:49

15:49

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower(in for Allison Donahue) speaks with Bruce Doll, Vice President of the Fallasburg Historical Society, and Bruce Ling, Musician/Band Leader, a long-time supporter of the Fallasburg Historical Society. The third annual Fallasburg Village Celebration will be held on Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM in the historic Fal…

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Christmas In July with Care Resources of West Michigan 14:29

6M ago14:29

14:29

On this week's program, Phil Tower speaks with Veronica Horsley-Pettigrew, the Community Outreach and Marketing Supervisor at Care Resources, and Karen Altom, the office manager with Care Resources Christmas, about their Christmas in July effort for older persons served by their programs. Care Resources is a West Michigan-based program for people 5…

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Key Takeaways from The Community Health Needs Assessment with The Kent County Health Department 14:05

6M ago14:05

14:05

This week, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian, speaks with Maris Brummel, a Public Health Epidemiologist at the Kent County Health Department. The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) recently completed its latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), highlighting the most pressing health concerns as identified by county resi…

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Summer vibes with the Grand Rapids Symphony at the 5/3 Bank Summer Concert Series at Frederik Meijer Gardens 15:59

7M ago15:59

15:59

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Bob Bernhardt, Pops Conductor, Grand Rapids Symphony and John VanderHaagen, Director of Communications for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Once again the Grand Rapids Symphony Will be appearing on three different evenings at the 5/3 Bank Summer Concert Series at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sc…

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A preview of PrideFest Grand Rapids with Jazz McKinney 15:01

7M ago15:01

15:01

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Jazz McKinney, MA, LLP. Jazz is the executive director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center. On June 21, 1988, the first Pride Celebration was held at the Monroe Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids. Over the last 35+ years, it has now grown into one of the largest one-day events in Grand Rapids. G…

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A preview of Grand Rapids' Festival of The Arts 2024 with executive director, Missy Summers 14:59

7M ago14:59

14:59

On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Missy Summers, Executive Director, Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids. Mark your calendars! The Festival of the Arts is back, and it's happening from June 7th to 9th in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Don't miss out on this exciting event that brings together art, music, and food in one vibra…

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The inside scoop on Bus Benefit, presented by: Buses by the Beach 14:42

7M ago14:42

14:42

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue speaks with Amy Acton, CEO of The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Buses By The Beach President, Beth Smith about the upcoming bus benefit May 24-27 (Memorial Day Weekend) Bus Benefit is presented by Buses by the Beach at Smiling Acres in Trufant, MI. It is a fundraiser for the Phoenix Society for …

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The YWCA West Central Michigan...on a mission to inspire hope and healing. 15:12

8M ago15:12

15:12

On this week's program, host Allison Donahue welcomes Dana Romero-Vogg, development coordinator for donor communications with YWCA West Central Michigan. The YWCA West Central Michigan exists to inspire hope and healing. Where racism and sexism give rise to domestic and sexual violence, staff at the YWCA West Central Michigan transform lives with e…

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A Profile of Still I Run: Runners with a Mission 16:26

8M ago16:26

16:26

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue speaks with Sasha Wolff, the founder and Executive Director of "Still I Run." Still I Run is a community of runners and mental health warriors determined to take control of our physical and mental health while also breaking the stigma surrounding people who live with a mental illness. Still I Run is the …

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A look at the vibrant food truck culture in West Michigan with The GR Food Truck Association⁠ 13:30

8M ago13:30

13:30

On this week's program, host Alison Donahue welcomes Thomas Gottschalk, food truck owner-operator and CEO of Collar Brass Solutions, and Lauren D’Angelo, also a food truck owner and operator as well as secretary of the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association. The Grand Rapids Food Truck Association is dedicated to the promotion and education of food tr…

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A preview of The Gratitude Concert...Presented by The Delta Project 15:56

8M ago15:56

15:56

On this wee's episode, host Allison Donahue speaks with Cole Williams, Executive Director of The Delta Project, and Joel Van Kuiken, cofounder of the Delta Project. The Delta Project began in 2017 with a desire to use simple human storytelling to help people see their circumstances from a different perspective. The Delta Project is committed to amp…

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A preview of WYCE's Spring Fund Drive 15:07

8M ago15:07

15:07

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower for a conversation on why community radio is unique and the importance of listener donations during WYCE's spring on-air fund drive. As the region's only volunteer-run, listener-supported community radio station, fundraising is a critically important part of keepi…

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A Conversation With Austin McWilliams, Choir Director at Fountain Street Church on "The Bernstein Mass" 13:25

9M ago13:25

13:25

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Austin McWilliams, Choir Director at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids. Austin also serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Aquinas College and is the conductor of an upcoming performance at Fountain Street Church: The Bernstein Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers…

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An in-depth preview of the 1st annual Music Econ Summit 15:57

9M ago15:57

15:57

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue speaks with Monk Mattheus, culture and training coordinator with The Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation and organizer with the 1st annual Music Econ Summit takes place on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation to support entrepreneurship and wealth …

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A preview of the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo 14:32

9M ago14:32

14:32

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Mariah Malone, events coordinator with John Ball Zoo. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival returns to John Ball Zoo on April 10 and is expected to be another record-setting event for the zoo. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place in Michigan where you can see these incredible works of art. The lante…

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An insider's look at Albatross Aviary, an avian rescue and sanctuary(03-24-24) 15:25

9M ago15:25

15:25

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue speaks with Gairen Tembreull, Director of Albatross Aviary in Grand Rapids. Albatross Aviary is a unique avian rescue and sanctuary dedicated to providing permanent care, shelter, and rehabilitation for companion parrots and other exotic birds when rehoming options are scarce. Albatross Aviary is a bird …

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A conversation with Amy Thomas-Mellema, Executive Director of Revive & Thrive Project(03-09-24) 13:00

10M ago13:00

13:00

On this week's episode, host Allison Donahue, program manager at The Rapidian, speaks with Guest Amy Thomas-Mellema, Executive Director of Revive & Thrive Project. Revive & Thrive Project was founded by nutritionist and cancer survivor Wendy Borden. After learning about the Ceres Community Project, Wendy made a heartfelt commitment to model the pro…

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A behind the scenes update from the leadership of Broadway Grand Rapids (03-16-24) 15:46

10M ago15:46

15:46

On this week's show, host Allison Donahue welcomes Guests: Meghan Distel, Broadway GR President and CEO, and Jennifer Pascua, Broadway GR Marketing Director. Broadway Grand Rapids was established in September of 1988 and opened the first season with South Pacific The mission of Broadway Grand Rapids is to bring the very best of national touring Bro…

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Butterflies, Art Exhibits, Summer Concerts and more with John Vanderhaagen from Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. 13:53

10M ago13:53

13:53

On this week's program, host. Allison Donahue welcomes John Vanderhaagen, communications director at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. John spoke with Allison about the featured art exhibit at the gardens, as well as the always popular upcoming butterflies exhibition, the summer concert series, and the number of volunteer opportunities at…

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Previewing the laughs and focus for this year's LaughFest Grand Rapids(02-24-24) 11:31

10M ago11:31

11:31

On this week's program, host. Allison Donahue speaks with Zack Berends, the festival and events manager for Laughfest and Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids sponsors the 14th annual LaughFest from March 6 to 10. This year's event features comedians such as Tammy Pescatelli, Josh Johnson, Piff the Magic Dragon, and Demetri Martin. …

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A conversation with Rodney Brown, the founder of GR MIFI, The Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator. Part 2 of 2 (02-17-24) 12:50

11M ago12:50

12:50

In this week's *program, host Allison Donahue (Program Manager for The Rapidian) continues her conversation with Rodney Brown, the founder of GRMIFI. (*The Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator). During the program, Allison and Rodney discussed the utilization of film and media as a means to tell the untold stories of Grand Rapids and GRMI…

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A conversation with Rodney Brown, the founder of GR MIFI, The Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator.Part 1 (02-10-24) 13:24

11M ago13:24

13:24

In this week's *program, host Allison Donahue (Program Manager for The Rapidian) welcomes Rodney Brown, the founder of GRMIFI. (*The Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator) During the program, Allison and Rodney discussed the utilization of film and media as a means to tell the untold stories of Grand Rapids, GRMIFI's role in cultivating th…

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A conversation with Pattijean McCahill, director of marketing and development, at Feeding America West Michigan(01-27-24) 13:29

11M ago13:29

13:29

In this week's episode, host Alison Donohue speaks with Pattijean McCahill, director of marketing and development, at Feeding America West Michigan. Feeding America West Michigan is at the center of a united community effort driven by the core belief that hunger is unacceptable and meals can change lives. Feeding America West Michigan works to gath…

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Talking sustainability, and slow fashion with Janay Brower, Founder and CEO of Public Thread (01-20-24) 17:49

12M ago17:49

17:49

On the program this week, Allison Donahue speaks with Janay Brower, Founder and CEO of Public Thread Public Thread is a West Michigan-based manufacturer and retailer that works with with upcycled textiles and materials. Public Thread moved last week into a 10,000-square-foot space at 446 Cesar Chavez Ave. SW, the start of a new chapter for the fash…

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Marcial Benavidez, with the Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative(01-13-24) 13:45

12M ago13:45

13:45

Marcial Benavidez - Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative Communications Specialist Podcast descriptions:English: In this week's episode, host Allison Donahue welcomes Marcial Benavidez, Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative Communications Specialist.The Kent County Welcome Plan Collaborative is a multi-organizational group that represents over 5…

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