Grand Convos

Why did no one tell us? This week on Grand Yappin, we’re sharing the things we learned embarrassingly late in life—from “mythical” creatures that turned out to be very real, to life hacks we somehow missed for decades. Plus, is your ceiling fan actually helping you cool down… or working against you? Join us for a very relatable episode full of late discoveries, questionable common knowledge, and p...

The Acrisure Amphitheater is officially open, and Grand Rapids has opinions. Some people love having major concerts downtown. Others say they can hear every song from miles away, and the late-night noise has become a real problem. This week we're diving into both sides of the debate. Margaret shares her experience attending one of the first concerts, we unpack why the sound is traveling so much fa...

Everyone has an opinion they're willing to defend forever, and this week we're sharing ours. From Diet Coke debates and everyday annoyances to bigger conversations about healthcare and everything in between, we're planting our flags and refusing to budge. Are we right? Maybe. Are we changing our minds? Absolutely not. Grab a drink and join us for an episode full of hot takes, strong opinions, and...

Summer is finally here, and we're sharing our ultimate West Michigan bucket list! From beach days and patio drinks to family adventures, wine tastings, outdoor dining, and hidden gems you may have never heard of, we've packed this episode with ideas to help you make the most of the season. Whether you're planning a staycation or looking for your next weekend adventure, we've got something for ever...

You asked, we delivered! This week we're revealing the 10 people, places, and things we absolutely cannot live without—and you might be surprised by what made the list. Margaret also shares her official Mommy Must Haves, we break down our summer TV watch guide, uncover a deep dark family secret, and somehow end up discussing... goose breasts? No topic is safe, no tangent is too far, and it's all c...

From iconic towers to packed concert nights, the story of downtown Grand Rapids is written in its skyline. This week on Grand Convos, we're exploring the buildings and venues that helped transform the city—including the outsized role of Van Andel Arena in turning downtown from a quiet district into the vibrant heart of West Michigan. We'll uncover what happens inside some of the city's most recogn...

This week on Grand Yappin, we’re diving headfirst into the wild world of conspiracy theories — and honestly? Some of them are completely unhinged… while others feel just believable enough to make you spiral at 2am. From Britney Spears theories to Michigan’s legendary Dogman, we cover a huge range of conspiracies, including a few with a distinctly Grand Rapids twist. Margaret also shares an update...

In this episode of Grand Convos , we take a closer look at the heartbreaking case of Aundria Bowman — the Hamilton, Michigan teen whose disappearance remained a mystery for decades before the shocking truth finally came to light. What began as a missing persons case ultimately revealed a horrifying reality: the person responsible was her adoptive father, Dennis Bowman. We recount the devastating d...

This week on Grand Yappin , Margaret opens up about one of the most personal experiences she’s ever shared publicly — her first ketamine infusion therapy session. From the initial conversations with her doctor to making the decision to pursue treatment, she walks us through what led her here and why ketamine therapy is becoming a real option for people struggling with mental health. We also break...

Grab your champagne and designer sunglasses...we’re talking snobbery. After finding a list of Michigan’s 100 most "refined" cities, we were shocked to see how many West Michigan favorites were high on the list. From high-end zip codes to "exclusive" vibes, we’re asking the hard questions: Is your town snobby, or just misunderstood? Plus, we give you a sneak peek at what’s coming up next on Grand C...

In this episode of Grand Yappin’, we’ve got opinions… and unfortunately, the public keeps giving us reasons to use them. We kick things off with a truly unhinged drive line moment - because why is a child sticking out of a sunroof while the car is moving?? From there, we get into a passionate discussion about Tesla Cybertruck and why we simply cannot get on board. We also officially file a motion...

In this episode of Grand Convos, we’re diving into something almost everyone in West Michigan has experienced—the pull of coming back home. Why do so many people leave Grand Rapids… only to return a few years later? We break down the “boomerang effect”, exploring the real reasons people move away—whether it’s for college, career opportunities, or just a change of scenery—and what ultimately brings...

In this episode of Grand Yappin’, we’re putting ourselves (and each other) to the test with a series of awkward “what would you do?” situations—and let’s just say… the answers are questionable at best. From uncomfortable social encounters to straight-up unhinged scenarios, we’re breaking down how we’d react in the moments most people try to avoid. Along the way, you’ll also learn some very importa...

In this episode of Grand Convos, we’re uncovering the hidden gems of West Michigan—and trust us, there’s more than you think. From underrated bars and must try restaurants to fun, unexpected spots to take the family, we’re sharing some of the best places flying under the radar around Grand Rapids. And yes… we also discovered there’s an inflatable water park in West Michigan. How did we not know ab...

In this episode of Grand Yappin’, we’re diving headfirst into the latest reality TV chaos—and there’s a LOT to unpack. We break down the headlines surrounding Taylor Frankie Paul, including the recently released abuse video involving her child’s father Dakota Mortensen, and the conversations it’s sparked online. Then we get into the surprising news that The Bachelorette has been pulled from ABC—wh...

In this episode of Grand Convos, we take a closer look at the haunting disappearance of Deanie Peters, a 14-year-old who vanished without a trace from Grand Rapids in 1981. Deanie was attending her younger brother’s wrestling practice at Forest Hills Central Middle School when she told her mom she was going to the bathroom. She walked out of the gym—and was never seen again. No signs of a struggle...

May the luck of the Irish be with you during this episode of Grand Yappin. In this episode we tackle the chaos of Daylight Saving Time and whether losing an hour of sleep is secretly ruining all of our lives. Then we dive headfirst into the wild world of Easter candy—specifically the ever-growing list of flavors from Peeps. Seriously… how many marshmallow variations does the world need? We also re...

In this episode of Grand Convos , we dive into a topic that’s quickly becoming a big conversation in our community: artificial intelligence and the possibility of new data centers coming to the Grand Rapids area. With several proposed projects on the table, we explore what this could mean for our region—from potential economic growth and tech opportunities to concerns about energy use, infrastruct...

We’re talking favorites—what we’re eating, watching, loving, and side-eyeing lately. This Grand Yappin episode is equal parts comfort chat and mild chaos, featuring some unexpectedly great questions you’d never think to ask but now desperately need answered. Grab a snack and yap along with us.

Long before breweries and bridges, Grand Rapids began with a journey. In honor of the city’s 200th anniversary, we trace Louis Campau’s path from Detroit to the west side of Michigan, exploring how trade, travel, and perseverance led to the founding of Grand Rapids. It’s a richer, more nuanced story than fur trading alone, and one that shaped the city we know today.

Margaret dug up a 1955 list on how to be a “good wife” and thought it would be perfect guidance for Amanda, who’s newly married. We break down the most ridiculous advice, laugh our way through the antiquated norms, and talk about how modern relationships look very different today. And because this is Grand Yappin, we also get deeply invested in the ripple vs. wavy debate.

Everyone online is reliving 2016, so we decided to do it the Grand Rapids way. We’re reminiscing on local places that opened or closed, concerts we were going to (or wish we had gone to), and the bigger trends that defined that year worldwide. It’s a laid-back throwback episode that proves 2016 really was… a time.

It’s a Grand Yappin week! We chat Whole30 cravings, sleep-time blanket rules, weird food combos, and the childhood snacks we’d do anything to have back. Plus, we pose a deeply unserious—but absolutely necessary—question about Jello.

On this episode of Grand Convos , we talk about what Grand Rapids needs from its businesses, restaurants, and cultural spaces as the city continues to grow. What’s working, what feels missing, and what could make GR even better.

Our new biweekly segment dedicated to opinions nobody asked for. No Grand Rapids required. Just topical debates, off-the-cuff thoughts, and a whole lot of yappin. In our first-ever Grand Yappin , we’re talking New Year’s resolutions. Are they a meaningful reset, or just a January tradition that fizzles out by mid-February?