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

Sep 27, 2026

9 min

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. 

Sep 27, 2026

9 min

Sep 27, 2026

13 min

Doug tells Matt a series of short stories about humorous police incidents he covered while he was a news reporter. 

Sep 27, 2026

13 min

Sep 12, 2026

20 min

Doug and Matt share stores of the late Rev. Alvin Hoksbergen, one of Doug's great friends and a pastor at Ferrysburg Community Church. 

Sep 12, 2026

20 min

Sep 12, 2026

18 min

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. 

Sep 12, 2026

18 min

Sep 12, 2026

16 min

Doug and Matt commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Humanity for Prisoners.

Sep 12, 2026

16 min

Aug 6, 2026

13 min

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. 

Aug 6, 2026

13 min

Jul 29, 2026

8 min

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!

Jul 29, 2026

8 min

Jul 23, 2026

14 min

Doug and Matt discuss the lengthy process of Maurice Carter's Commutation leading up to his release on July 24, 2004. 

Jul 23, 2026

14 min

Jul 20, 2026

23 min

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. 

Jul 20, 2026

23 min

Jun 24, 2026

17 min

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

Jun 24, 2026

17 min

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