Grand Convos | Podcast on RSS.com

Grand Convos

by Margaret & Amanda

Society & Culture

Season 1

Grand Yappin: Adulting 101 - Things We Should’ve Known Sooner

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 plenty of “wait, WHAT?” moments.

Acrisure Amphitheater: The Sound of Progress

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 farther than expected, discuss the complaints about shows running past the 11 p.m. cutoff, and brainstorm a few ideas that could make everyone a little happier. Because at the end of the day, every growing city has to answer the same question: How much inconvenience is worth it for progress?

Grand Yappin': The Hills We're Dying On

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 plenty of yappin'.

West Michigan Summer Bucket List: Beaches, Brews & Hidden Gems

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 everyone. Grab your sunglasses, make a list, and join us as we explore some of our favorite ways to spend a West Michigan summer!

Grand Yappin': Our Ride-or-Dies & Random Tangents

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 completely unhinged. Come yap with us!

The Skyline That Changed Grand Rapids

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 recognizable buildings, discuss the history behind the skyline, compare local venues, and share plenty of memories from concerts, games, and downtown adventures. If you've ever driven through Grand Rapids and wondered about the stories behind those towering buildings, this episode is your backstage pass.

Grand Yappin': We're Yappin’ Through the Conspiracy Theories

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 on her ongoing ketamine therapy journey, opening up about where she’s at mentally and how things have been progressing since starting treatment. And because this is Grand Yappin, the episode naturally derails into conversations about vacuums, questionable business ideas, hair tools, and whatever else our brains decide to latch onto along the way. So grab your tin foil hat and come yap with us.

Aundria Bowman: A West Michigan Mystery Finally Solved

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 details of the crime, the years of unanswered questions, and the extraordinary chain of events that eventually led investigators to uncover the truth and bring justice to Aundria’s case. The story later became the focus of the Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter documentary, but for many in Michigan, this case has always felt painfully close to home. This episode contains discussions of violence, abuse, and murder that may be difficult for some listeners.

Grand Yappin: Ketamine, Courage & Getting Real

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 down the “Readers Digest version” of the science behind ketamine therapy, why researchers believe it can work differently than traditional antidepressants, and how it may help create new pathways in the brain. Then Margaret gets completely honest about the actual infusion experience: the nerves beforehand, what she felt during treatment, the emotional and physical effects afterward, and the thoughts that stayed with her once it was over. It’s vulnerable, informative, emotional, occasionally funny, and probably one of the rawest conversations we’ve had on the show yet.

Pinky Up! Ranking West Michigan’s Snobbiest Cities

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 Convos.

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