Lunch with Dad
Have lunch with a father-son combo who both happen to be award-winning broadcasters! Hi everyone - My name is Matt Tjapkes. I'm a freelance sports broadcaster (in addition to my career in sales), but I have spent many years in the media as both a writer and broadcaster. I’m now 47 and at the stage of life where I try to create and preserve as many memories as possible, and what better resource than my 89-year-old dad, Doug Tjapkes? Doug has had many careers, from radio to church organ sales to non-profit work with prisoners, in addition to being a life-long musician. Though all his vocations and passions, he has a lot of great stories to share. A couple of times each month, Dad and I get together for lunch. After we eat, we sit down for about 15-20 minutes and just let Dad recall great stories from his life. Our topics will be all over the place - some are more personal, some are related to West Michigan, some are funny, some are sweet. Every episode might not be for every person, but I bet if you give us a listen, you’re gonna find something you like. What to sponsor or host Lunch with Dad? Feel free to reach out to me - lunchwithdadpodcast@gmail.com
Episodes
Doug shares a story about when he was the instructor for a news writing class at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. Among Doug's students was Andy Kay, who is now the founder of the World Literacy Foundation out of Australia, and who was speaking at the United Nations General Assembly the same day Matt and Doug recorded the episode.
Doug tells Matt a series of short stories about humorous police incidents he covered while he was a news reporter.
Doug and Matt share stores of the late Rev. Alvin Hoksbergen, one of Doug's great friends and a pastor at Ferrysburg Community Church.
Doug shares stories of his friend and world renowned organist Carlo Curley, concluding the podcast with Carlo's performance of Widor - Toccata from Organ Symphony No. 5 in F Minor.
Doug and Matt commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Humanity for Prisoners.
Doug tells Matt the story of the primary election victory for Bernard "Bud" Grysen in the race for Ottawa County Sheriff in August of 1958.
As Grand Haven celebrates the US Coast Guard Festival, Doug tells Matt a story about a festival fireworks show in the 1950s that concluded with the blowing up of a house on Dewey Hill!
Doug and Matt discuss the lengthy process of Maurice Carter's Commutation leading up to his release on July 24, 2004.
Doug shares the history of the foundation of HIS MEN, the men's chorus he directed, including their final performance with Doug as the full-time director at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA.
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.
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