Brewing for a Cause: Zack and Jessie Bigelow from Ramshackle Brewing

What happens when your neighbor, who works for the local sheriff, wants to buy your homebrew and you realize bootlegging might not be your best business model? You start a brewery — with a little grit, a lot of heart, and unwavering support from your community.In this episode, we sit down with Zack and Jessie Bigelow, the powerhouse duo behind Ramshackle Brewing in Jonesville, Michigan. They share how their DIY beer beginnings (think Dremel-cut keg and Igloo cooler mash tun) evolved into a small but mighty brewery affectionately known as The Community Brewery.We explore:* The grassroots funding journey that launched Ramshackle after multiple near-misses* How collaborations with local businesses (Jonesville Bakery, Carle Meats, Saucy Dogs, Mac Brush Co., and Rebel Farms) fuel creative beers and community bonds* Their beloved Paw Paw beer, Michigan Native Rebel, made with real fruit harvested in Hillsdale County* The wildly popular “beer it forward” wall — complete with sticky notes, surprise reconnections, and Carlton dances* Artist partnerships, storytelling nights, nonprofit trivia takeovers, and the joy of bringing hippies and hunters together over a pintZack and Jessie also reflect on the role small breweries play in connecting people across divides, and what it means to foster creativity, comfort, and conversation in a place with no TVs and lots of duct tape (literally).Whether you’re into banana-fermented beers, community theater collaborations, or just need a reason to visit the “butt crack of Michigan,” this episode is for you.🔗 Links & Mentions:* Ramshackle Brewing* Jonesville Bakery* Rebel Farms* Mac Brush Company* The SAUK Theater* Nash Nurseries – Website* Rob Prince / My Michigan Story (WKAR) 🍺 Beers to Try:* Michigan Native Rebel – Pale ale with real paw paw fruit* Granny’s Jam – Strawberry gosePunk Rock Squirrel – West Coast IPA (collab with Mac Brush Co.)* Bananas Foster Ale – A polarizing fan-favorite for the adventurous* English Drizzle – Jessie’s go-to brew📍 Where’s Jonesville?Halfway between Detroit and Chicago, nestled in Michigan’s southern tier along US-12 — not far from the Ohio and Indiana borders. Small but brimming with local gems, from the historic Powers Clothing (the oldest Carhartt dealer in the U.S.) to saucy BBQ joints and vintage gift shops. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe