PODCAST · news
What's Up Big Rapids?
by What's Up Big Rapids
Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.
Episodes
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Jobs, Jobseekers & Jack-o'-Lanterns
Looking for a job? Trying to hire someone? Or just wondering what resources are available to help local businesses grow? This week we're joined by Jon Eppley and Kevin Welch from Michigan Works! West Central to talk about connecting people with jobs, helping employers find and train workers, and...
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Fish, Fundraisers & Fall Fun
This week we're joined by Melanie Rey James and Linda Telfer from the GFWC Big Rapids, a group that's been quietly making things better around town for 55 years. We talk about the organization's history, the many local projects and charities they support, and the story behind Ryco the Recycling...
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Careers, Chameleons & Community Connections
This week we're learning that the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District is a whole lot more than the Career Center. Superintendent Steve Locke and Assistant Superintendent Amanda Kimball join us to talk about everything happening at the MOISD—from career and technical education to special...
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Growth, Groundbreakings & Geckos
There’s a lot being built around Big Rapids lately—and this week we’re talking about one of the biggest projects underway. Our guest is Pastor Ross Scheer from Res Life Church, where construction has begun on a roughly 30,000-square-foot expansion. Ross talks about what’s driving the church’s...
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Grants, Getting Around & Good Things Growing
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we're talking about how some of the behind-the-scenes work at City Hall eventually turns into real improvements you can see around town. Our guest is Megan Eppley, grant writer for the City of Big Rapids—and Chris' former co-host from the Live Big Rapids days....
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Ponds, Paris & Pigskins
Labor Day is behind us, football is officially back, and this week we're digging into a piece of local history that goes all the way back to 1881. Our guest is Rick Hatkowski, Chair of the Save The Ponds Committee, who joins us to talk about the past, present and future of the historic Paris Fish...
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Hope, Home & Hometown Happenings
September is here, Ferris students are back, football season is kicking off, and there's plenty happening around Big Rapids. Our main guest this week is Pastor Mark Robb from Connect Church, who shares a remarkably personal story about his own experiences with abuse, homelessness, addiction and...
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History, Healing & Hot Happenings
This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. Dr. Pilgrim takes us back to the beginnings of the museum, explains what Jim Crow actually means, and gives us a look inside the incredible new facility...
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Trails, Tie-Dye & Transformation
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris is back from a run of shows with The Michael Allman Band, school is about to start, and somehow tie-dye season is upon us. Our guest is Paul Griffith from Friends of the White Pine Trail, and this one turned into a really interesting history lesson. We…
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Purpose, Pork & Positive Things Happening
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch up on everything happening around town, from trivia wins and dream gigs to new businesses finally opening their doors. Our guests are Liz Prescott and Alex Ashley from Pork For a Purpose, who share the incredible story behind one of Mecosta County's...
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Small Towns, Big Dreams & Summer Nights
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris shares stories from playing with the Kelly Quinn Blues Experience at Horrocks, the crew recaps helping with the Res Life livestream, and we remind everyone that High Strung Steel is back at the Sawmill this Saturday. Our guest is Tyler Huntey, who talks...
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Public Art, Popcorn & Big Rapids Creativity
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch our breath after another busy summer weekend, swap fair stories, talk movies, and spend some time appreciating one of the things that makes Big Rapids unique—its public art. Our guests are Carrie Weis and Steve Gove from the Public Art Collective, who...
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Chicken, Community & Caring for Neighbors
It's Chicken BBQ week in Big Rapids! This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we talk summer heat, golf, county fair week, Five Below, and somehow find time to laugh at a picture of Dom dressed as a giant chicken. Our guest is Kim Easler, Executive Director of Angels of Action, who shares what it takes...
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Global Connections, Great Pizza & Summer in Full Swing
Summer keeps rolling in Big Rapids! This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the guys recap the Fourth of July festivities, debate whether they've officially become too old to get excited about fireworks, and somehow end up talking movies again. Our guest is Tara Braun, Executive Director of...
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Patriotism, Progress & Proud Traditions
Happy (almost) Fourth of July! This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate America's 250th birthday, recap a fantastic ArtStock weekend, talk summer heat, golf, weddings, and all the events filling up the calendar. Our guest is Mark Brejcha—retired military officer, longtime educator, and...
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Cats, Concerts & Community Spirit
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we're squeezing the show in early before one of the busiest weeks of the summer. Chris is headed off for his 20th straight year serving with Through the Roof Disability Ministry, Pat is filling his calendar with golf outings, and Big Rapids is packed with events...
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Champions, Chamber Talk & Community Connections
This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch up on summer concerts, birthday parties, movie nostalgia, and a whole lot of community momentum. Our guest is Tyler Schuberg, lifelong Big Rapids resident, fourth-generation business owner, Chamber President, and apparently a seven-time insurance sales...
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Golden Glizzies, Summer Nights & Small-Town Surprises
Summerfest is in the books, the Golden Glizzy has a champion, and Big Rapids is rolling full speed into summer. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the guys take a breather from guest interviews and catch up on everything happening around town. From the massive success of Summerfest and Back to…
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Birthdays, Business & Big Summer Energy
Summer has officially arrived in Big Rapids, and so has one of the busiest weekends of the year. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate Dom's 50th birthday, preview Summerfest, debate the upcoming hot dog eating contest, and welcome Sarah Dixon and Matt Schneider from the newly formed...
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Cars, Concerts & Community Comeback
Big Rapids is officially in full summer mode. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from road trips and Korean BBQ to a growing list of events, projects, and momentum across the community. We’re joined by Jennifer Faris Jones, Director of Explore Big Rapids, who breaks down how…
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Photos, Percussion & Summer Kickoff
Big Rapids is hitting that early summer stride — and this week’s episode covers a little bit of everything. Chris recaps a trip to the Chicago Drum Show, Hand of Giants gets ready to open for Saving Abel, and the guys try to make sense of Detroit sports and… whatever was going on with nutrition…
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Birds, Burgers & Big Rapids Boom
Big Rapids is buzzing — and not just with birds. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate the unveiling of the new bird statue at Northend Riverside Park, talk bird walks, and even float the idea of bringing back the local Audubon Society. We’re joined by Jenn Rumsey, owner of Schuberg’s…
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Spring Blooms, Bulldog Builds & Big Rapids Buzz
Big Rapids is officially in that sweet spot — trees blooming, projects moving, and the calendar filling up fast. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we finally solve the mystery of those white flowering trees downtown (spoiler: not dogwoods), check in on the Chipotle construction progress, and…
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Art, Accolades & Spring Ahead
Winter tried to sneak back in this week… but Big Rapids isn’t slowing down. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we recap a huge community turnout for the National Championship parade, celebrate local wins in real estate and business growth, and look ahead to a packed spring calendar full of…
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Pickleball, Progress & Championship Parade
Big Rapids is buzzing this week — with Championship Weekend, new development across town, and one of the fastest-growing sports in the country taking center stage. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we send our thoughts to those affected by recent flooding, celebrate community efforts like…
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Speaking Skills, Spring Shifts & Small Town Momentum
Spring has finally arrived in Big Rapids… even if everyone’s a little too busy to enjoy it. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we cover everything from the aftermath of The Masters and a successful Chamber kickoff to a wave of new development and momentum across town. We’re joined by...
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Champions, Comebacks & Community Care
Spring break is over, but Big Rapids didn’t slow down for a second. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate a huge win for the University of Michigan basketball program, Chris somehow winning the WUBR March Madness pool, and the long-awaited reopening of the Big Rapids Movie Theater to…
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Young Minds, New Movies & Spring Break Moves
Spring is officially here, and this week’s episode is packed with fresh energy, new beginnings, and one of the most impressive young guests we’ve ever had on the show. We welcome Andrew Hinkle, a young creator and builder who’s already diving into websites, apps, and big ideas — including his...
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Theater Time, Town Talk & Spring Surprises
Spring is trying to show up, and Big Rapids is right there with it. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate some big wins — Taste of Mecosta was a hit, March Madness is heating up (with Chris somehow in the lead), and most importantly… the Big Rapids Movie Theater is officially reopening...
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Movies, Madness & Main Street Momentum
March is rolling, and Big Rapids is buzzing. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris shares his experience trying authentic African drumming, Pat recaps a full weekend of Gus Macker basketball, and the guys embrace the chaos of Michigan weather while gearing up for March Madness. But the big…
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Golf, Geckos & The Goat’s Voice
⛳🦎🎙️ The weather has been all over the place lately, but one thing is clear — spring energy is starting to build in Big Rapids. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris reports that the spring real estate market is waking up, the Banded Raccoon continues to expand its lineup of creative events,...
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Road Trips, Rhythm & Rival Cookies
Chris returns from a massive road trip to New Mexico after attending the Drum Circle Facilitator’s Guild Conference, and it turns out the experience may have been life-changing. Along the way the guys debate vacation workouts, Pat confesses a run-in with Insomnia Cookies, and Dom launches into a...
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Winter Whiplash, Wild Adventures & Local Legends
❄️🔥🌲 Winter Whiplash, Wild Adventures & Local Legends | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.25.26 Winter made a surprise return this week — along with a head cold for Chris — but that didn’t slow down another packed episode of What’s Up Big Rapids. We cover everything from a local fire reminder (clean…
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Birding, Books & Big News
📚🐦🎶 Birding, Books & Big News | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.18.26 This week’s episode is packed with local momentum — from birding breakthroughs and basketball milestones to big retail rumors becoming real applications. Chris may have officially caught the birding bug, Shavon surprised him with...
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Fresh Signs, Full Schedules & February Feels
❄️✨🎭 Fresh Signs, Full Schedules & February Feels | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.11.26 We’re officially 10% of the way through 2026 — how are those New Year goals holding up? This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, downtown momentum continues with new signs going up at The Banded Raccoon and Cottage Inn...
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Fresh Starts, Full Focus & February Fun | What’s Up Big Rapids
🌱❤️🎉 Fresh Starts, Full Focus & February Fun | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.4.26 February is here, and the guys check in on New Year goals, weekend adventures, and a surprisingly controversial food discovery that may or may not change salads forever. With Dom away on a missions trip, Kenzie is back...
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Frigid Days, Full Hearts & Festival Season
🐾❄️🎨 Frigid Days, Full Hearts & Festival Season | What’s Up Big Rapids – 1.28.26 This week’s episode of What’s Up Big Rapids starts on a tender note as Chris and his family say goodbye to a beloved four-legged friend. From there, the conversation moves through the very real challenges of…
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Frozen Furnaces, Fiddle Traditions & Downtown Momentum
🎸🐡🏙️ Frozen Furnaces, Fiddle Traditions & Downtown Momentum | What’s Up Big Rapids – 1.21.26 Winter is testing everyone this week — from furnaces and fitness goals to snow-packed weekends — but Big Rapids keeps moving forward. Chris battles studio heating issues, Pat bounces back strong after...
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Cold Roads, Hot Takes & Downtown Updates
❄️🔥🏙️ Cold Roads, Hot Takes & Downtown Updates | What’s Up Big Rapids – 1.14.26 Two weeks into the New Year and the guys are still standing — mostly. Chris is sticking with his goals, Pat fights through illness to make his co-ed volleyball game, and winter driving stories remind us all why...
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Snow Days, Salads & Season Two Begins
❄️🥗🎒 Snow Days, Salads & Season Two Begins | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 52 (1-7-26) Season Two is officially underway! 🎉 Chris, Pat, and Dom kick off 2026 with snow days, salads, new goals, and a whole lot happening around Big Rapids. Chris is one week into New Year goals (and surprisingly...
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One Year In, WUBR Awards & Only in Big Rapids
🎉🎮🎅 One Year In, WUBR Awards & Only in Big Rapids | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 51 (12-31-25) It’s our one-year anniversary episode — and what a ride it’s been. 🥹🎉 We kick things off with a Christmas greeting from Santa Claus himself, then take a moment to realize something kind of wild: 51...
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Championships, Christmas Plans & Birthday Candles
🎄🏆🎂 Championships, Christmas Pland & Birthday Candles | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 50 (12-24-25) It’s Christmas Eve on What’s Up Big Rapids, and the vibes are exactly what you’d hope for. 🎄❤️ We kick things off by celebrating the 2025 D-II National Champion Ferris State Bulldogs 🏆, then shift...
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Anniversaries, Angels & A Dawg Dynasty
🎄🏔️❤️ Anniversaries, Angels & A Dawg Dynasty | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 49 (12-17-25) This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, it’s a true holiday mix of music, marriage, miracles, and community care. 🎄 Chris recaps the latest conditions at Caberfae Peaks, a big weekend show with High Strung Steel,...
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Snow Days, Sled Hills & Season’s Greetings
🎿🎄🎸 Snow Days, Sled Hills & Season’s Greetings | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 48 (12-10-25) It’s our first Christmas season as a podcast, and Big Rapids is officially in full holiday mode. ❄️🎄 Chris kicks things off with opening weekend at Caberfae Peaks and some serious sledding at Crossroads,...
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Wicked Weather, Winning Wives & Winter Softball
🎄🦁🥎 Wicked Weather, Winning Wives & Winter Softball | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 47 (12-3-25) It’s December in Big Rapids, which means snowstorms, tree lightings, Santa sightings, and a whole lot of community magic. ❄️🎄 This week, Chris & Pat kick things off with a recap of seeing Wicked: For...
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Parades, Patience, and Pumpkin Pie
🎄🎅🏈 Parades, Patience & Pumpkin Pie | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 46 (11-25-25) It’s Thanksgiving week on What’s Up Big Rapids, which means parades, tree lightings, turkey trots, community meals, and holiday chaos in all the best ways. 🦃🎄 Chris & Pat break down the Festival of Lights Parade…
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Thanksgiving, Tree Lightings & The Forgotten
🦃🎄❤️ Thanksgiving, Tree Lightings & The Forgotten | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 45 (11-19-25) This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we kick off the Thanksgiving season with gratitude, giving, and some incredible guests. 🧡 Pat reviews his trip to the movies 🍿, Chris had a huge weekend performing…
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Veterans, Victories & Very Tiny Hands
🎸🎖️🏈 Veterans, Victories & Very Tiny Hands | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 44 (11-12-25) This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the crew is fresh off an incredible Light Up the Night weekend and a powerful Veterans Day celebration. 🇺🇸 Chris recounts clowning around (literally 🤡) with the Clown-Vets,...
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Santa, Stand-Up & Seasonal Shenanigans
🎅🎄🎁 Santa, Stand-Up & Seasonal Shenanigans | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 43 (11-6-25) It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year on What’s Up Big Rapids! Chris & Pat are dressed as reindeer 🦌, Dom’s on his best behavior (mostly), and their very special guest is none other than Santa…
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Pumpkin Rolls, Personal Bests & Pete Webber
🎃🏆🎭 Pumpkin Rolls, Personal Bests & Pete Webber | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 42 (10-29-25) It was a huge weekend in Big Rapids, and the guys are still catching their breath! 🏃♂️💨 Pat sets a personal best at the Skeleton Skurry 5K 🥇, Chris finally brings home the Pumpkin Roll Trophy 🎃🏆 (and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.
HOSTED BY
What's Up Big Rapids
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What's Up Big Rapids? have?
What's Up Big Rapids? currently has 89 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What's Up Big Rapids? about?
Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.
How often does What's Up Big Rapids? release new episodes?
What's Up Big Rapids? has 89 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to What's Up Big Rapids??
You can listen to What's Up Big Rapids? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What's Up Big Rapids??
What's Up Big Rapids? is created and hosted by What's Up Big Rapids.
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