Lunch with Dad

Doug tells Matt about a list of uncommon and unusual cars that he has driven. 

Doug shares the story of becoming an ordained minister late in life to help the efforts of Humanity for Prisoners, and the unexpected benefits that have come along with it. 

Doug tells Matt the story of an unfortunate series of events that happened to him 43 years ago. 

Doug and Matt discuss Doug's experiences as a choir director, including the story of the song Doug commissioned to celebrate 35 years of directing. 

Doug tells Matt about his contributions to the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Calvin College in 1976. Now known as Calvin University, the school celebrates its 150th birthday in 2026. 

Doug shares some stories about singers Ernie Hansen and Gary Bomgaars, a duet that Doug accompanied on the piano in locations locally and across the world. 

Doug tells Matt about his career as a radio news reporter and how he used a non-traditional way to educate himself about the career

Doug pays tribute this week to his wife Marcia, who was born April 30, 1937 and we lost April 16 of 2022. Doug highlights Marcia's pioneering life including her nursing career, her musical talents and the amazing job she did as a wife and mother to 4 children. The episode concludes with a recording of Marcia singing "He Giveth More Grace" accompanied by Doug. 

Doug tells Matt about all the different types of airplanes (and helicopters) that he's been on over the years, including the Spirit of St. Louis and flying with the Blue Angels. 

Doug shares some stories of his oldest daughter (and Matt's oldest sibling), Cindy Ingersoll, in celebration of her birthday on April 11th

Doug recalls an April Fool's Day prank from 1953 that didn't exactly go as planned.

Doug and Matt discuss the work of KDOL-FM, a low power non-profit station that would broadcast programming specifically for death row inmates in Livingston, Texas. 

Doug tells Matt the story of being a Spiritual Advisor to Texas death row inmate Charles Anthony Nealy, who was executed in March 20, 2007. 

Doug and Matt talk about Doug's sister Mary Beth "Betsi" (Tjapkes) Reinders, who would have turned 77 this month. 

Doug and Matt recall memories of Sunday Dinners at home over the years, from Doug's childhood to Matt's and beyond. 

Doug tells Matt some stories of former Michigan State Police Trooper Cliff Murray, who was stationed in Grand Haven when Doug owned WGHN Radio. 

Doug shares some memories with Matt about a snowmobile trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Doug and Matt share memories created with WGHN Radio, which Doug owned from 1964-83 and Matt worked at from 2011-18. 

Doug and Matt share memories of Doug's Mom, Mary (Trapp) Tjapkes, affectionately known as Grammy

Doug tells Matt the story of how he met Ron Smeenge, the founder of Spring Lake Wesleyan Church, now known as All Shores Wesleyan. 

Doug and Matt discuss the unexpected friendship Doug shared with John Smietanka (June 28, 1941 – October 28, 2025

Doug tells Matt about some mischief that occurred on Halloween of 1965 in downtown Grand Haven. 

Doug and Matt recall the three months of freedom enjoyed by Maurice Carter

Matt hears the story of Doug and his friend Bill Mouw customizing a 1936 Chevy Sedan and the misadventures that followed

Doug shares a story with Matt about the time he reported a story that went national, only to discover it wasn't true.