What's Up Big Rapids?

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 recap a busy weekend that included live music, a marriage retreat, and a whole lot of community activity.We’re joined again by Ferris State University President Dr. Bill Pink, who gives updates on everything from the new marching band energy on campus to major projects like Stadium Hall, the Jim Crow Museum, and a planned indoor activity facility. It’s a great look at how Ferris continues to grow and shape the future of Big Rapids.Plus: farmers market kickoff, Mother’s Day plans, car shows, concerts, job fairs, and one very serious debate about Schuburgers.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:05 – The mystery of the white flowering trees 🌸 (Callery Pear!)2:10 – Chipotle site nearly ready for construction 🌯3:40 – Sawmill show recap + marriage retreat weekend6:15 – Are mixtapes still a thing? 🎶7:40 – Thanks to Arthur Johnson from Artworks8:15 – The Beard Mechanic ribbon cutting 💈9:15 – Featured Creature: Heckel Discus fish 🐟11:15 – Guest intro: Dr. Bill Pink (Ferris State President) 🎓11:45 – Strong opinions on mixtapes (analog wins)14:55 – New marching band energy on campus16:10 – Campus construction updates (Stadium Hall, Jim Crow Museum)19:20 – Dorm upgrades coming soon22:05 – Jim Crow Museum timeline (September opening)23:05 – Indoor activity facility plans 🏟️29:05 – Katke Golf Course update ⛳30:00 – Cody “Beef” Franke story & legacy31:32 – Diesel Days impact on students33:40 – RAM Clinic returning May 30–3135:20 – Building connections with local clergy41:35 – The Big Event + community connection45:00 – Thanks to Dr. Pink47:45 – Farmers Market starts Friday 🌱48:05 – Library love + Book It program returns 📚50:33 – Theater updates (tickets + signage) 🎬51:41 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show 🚗52:20 – Mother’s Day plans 💐53:20 – The guys’ Mother’s Day strategies (or lack thereof 😄)54:55 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (May 15)55:55 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16) 🏃56:46 – Pocket Park music series starts May 29 🎶58:20 – WISE 5K (May 30)58:45 – Free RAM medical clinic at Ferris59:45 – Back to the Bricks + Summerfest (June 5–6) ☀️1:01:10 – Hot Dogs & Hot Jobs hiring event 🌭1:02:30 – Final thoughts with Dr. Pink1:03:15 – Schuberg’s debate + Pizza Hut talk 🍔1:08:30 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 events.We’re joined by Arthur Johnson, Director of Artworks, who shares his journey into the role, his vision for expanding access to the arts, and what’s coming next — including exciting plans to bring creative experiences out into more rural parts of the community.We also touch on everything from new businesses opening up, to car shows, concerts, and a growing list of ways to get involved around town — plus a heartfelt moment supporting a local family in need.0:00 – Intro & welcome (winter tries to come back ❄️)1:23 – Shoutout to Ferris students for The Big Event 🧹1:57 – Studio chaos with Dom and the intern 😄2:35 – Real estate wins + Pat heads to a marriage retreat 🏡3:25 – National Championship parade recap 🏆3:50 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (Saturday) 🎶4:45 – Detroit sports update + golf season talk ⛳6:50 – New businesses opening soon in Big Rapids 💼7:25 – Thanks to the Pickleball Club8:15 – Featured Creature: Denizen Barbs (Roseline Sharks) 🐟11:23 – Guest intro: Arthur Johnson (Artworks Director) 🎨12:55 – Arthur’s background before Artworks15:25 – What brought him to Big Rapids17:55 – Transition to leadership20:45 – Vision for Artworks moving forward21:45 – Expanding art access to rural communities24:30 – Artworks Gala shifting back to spring + Artstock preview27:10 – How to support Artworks29:05 – Thanks to Arthur for joining us30:25 – Check out the Painted Turtle gift shop 🛍️31:12 – Scooter accident footage debate 😬32:33 – Big Rapids named Tree City (48th year!) 🌳34:04 – Movie talk: Michael 🎬36:30 – The Shark is Broken at Crossroads Auditorium39:00 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤40:55 – Farmers Market returns soon 🌱42:05 – Blessing of the Iron Car Show (May 9) 🚗43:50 – Mother’s Day Brunch at the Peaks 💐46:07 – Dom’s questionable gift choice 😅46:30 – Comedy Night at the Peaks (May 15)50:10 – Wheatlake 5K (May 16)50:45 – WISE 5K (May 30)53:35 – Pocket Park Music Series begins May 29 🎶56:00 – Free Pop-Up Medical Clinic at Ferris (May 30–31)57:00 – Back to the Bricks (June 5)57:57 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️1:00:28 – Supporting Jennifer Knowles after house fire ❤️1:01:38 – Dom’s Corrections: Tigers stats + viral moment1:04:15 – Outro & thanks to Arthur

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 Rotary’s highway cleanup, and check in on exciting progress around town — from the new Chipotle build to Tommy’s Car Wash taking shape.Our guest this week is Scott Lacourse, president of the Big Rapids Pickleball Club. Whether you’re brand new or already hooked, Scott breaks down how the sport works, why it’s exploding in popularity, and how anyone can jump in and play.We also preview a packed weekend of events, highlight ways to get involved this spring and summer, and somehow end up debating the shared universe of the Jetsons and the Flintstones.Just another week in Big Rapids.0:00 – Intro & welcome0:55 – Chris heads to Cincinnati + new interns join the show3:05 – Flooding update & community support 🌊5:07 – Rotary cleanup + Chris sits in with Kelly Quinn Blues Experience 🥁5:45 – Chamber After Hours recap + Chipotle & Tommy’s Car Wash updates 🏗️7:45 – Featured Creature: Banana Ball Python 🐍11:25 – Thanks to Toastmasters guests13:15 – Guest intro: Scott Lacourse (Pickleball Club) 🥒14:51 – First introduction to pickleball18:10 – Playing across different skill levels19:30 – “Up and Down the River” explained22:10 – Club size and growth23:45 – Is pickleball just for seniors?25:45 – How to get involved (and cost)27:05 – Future of the club and the sport28:45 – Drop-in session details30:25 – Where to find more info (Facebook)31:55 – Thanks to Scott for joining us32:40 – Perry & State construction update 🚧33:45 – Championship Weekend preview 🏆36:45 – Banded Raccoon indoor market (last of season)37:30 – Karaoke for a Cause 🎤38:35 – Farmers Market returns May 8 🌱39:05 – Free pop-up medical clinic at Ferris40:20 – Pocket Park music series kicks off May 29 🎶41:45 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗42:30 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (May 2) 🎸43:35 – Dom’s Corrections: pickleball growth, robots & Wrestlemania 🤖48:25 – Jetsons vs Flintstones debate 🤯49:26 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 representatives from the Ferris State Toastmasters Club, including Dr. Scott Dell and student president Alex. It’s a great conversation about communication, confidence, and why learning to speak well might be one of the most valuable skills you can develop — at any age.We also highlight a major community recognition, preview a packed calendar of events, and dig into everything from road construction headaches to pickle-themed internet algorithms.0:00 – Intro & welcome0:45 – Spring is here… but everyone’s busy 🌸2:45 – Masters recap + Chamber kickoff success + city momentum4:25 – Thanks to Trudi Clark from Papa’s Place ❤️5:35 – No school Friday or Monday — calendar debate6:35 – MDOT road cleanup — watch for volunteers 🚧7:50 – Featured Creature: PacMan Frog 🐸9:10 – Is Pacman the villain?? 🤯12:50 – Guest intro: Ferris State Toastmasters Club 🎤14:30 – Life in Big Rapids as a Ferris professor16:00 – SS Badger ferry talk 🚢17:07 – Why Toastmasters matters19:20 – What Toastmasters is all about21:38 – What a meeting looks like26:00 – Why Chris wishes he found this earlier28:07 – Meet Alex, student president30:55 – Plans after college32:15 – Public speaking fears vs reality33:35 – The power of group encouragement34:48 – Cross-generational learning benefits35:30 – Preparing for life’s big moments36:50 – How to join (Ferris Business Building, Room 111)40:30 – Thanks to Dr. Scott & Alex41:45 – Local updates: road construction & closures 🚧43:41 – Theater update — sold out shows! 🎬44:45 – Hanchett property likely becoming senior housing45:22 – Chipotle, car wash, Five Below updates — lots of growth 🏗️47:02 – Uplifting Moment: Debe Mitchell honored for 44 years of service 👏49:30 – WUBR logo contest — $500 in prizes 🎨52:00 – Business After Hours (Luau theme) 🌺52:55 – Championship Weekend (April 23–25) 🏆54:25 – Banded Raccoon indoor market55:00 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤56:09 – FSU Jazz & Concert Band performances 🎶59:28 – Farmers Market returns May 8 🌱1:00:29 – Chamber Golf Outing ⛳1:01:15 – Pocket Park music series begins May 291:02:05 – Back to the Bricks (June 5) 🚗1:03:18 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️1:05:45 – Tigers spend big + Pistons playoff talk 🏀1:07:57 – Dom’s pickle algorithm mystery 🥒1:09:24 – Outro & next week preview (Pickleball Club!)#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 rave reviews 🎬We’re joined by Trudi Clark from Papa’s Place, an organization providing care, connection, and community for seniors in our area. It’s a meaningful conversation about how small acts — a visit, a meal, a game — can make a huge difference in someone’s life.We also cover a packed calendar of local events, new resources for families, and a ton of ways to get involved in the community this spring.0:00 – Intro & welcome back from Spring Break1:22 – Thanks to last week’s guest Andrew Hinkle2:14 – Pat is ready to retire to Florida 🌴3:28 – Quick audio glitch (we keep it real 😄)4:30 – Driving in Florida vs Michigan 🚗5:45 – Thanks again to Mayor Guenther6:19 – 🎬 Big Rapids Movie Theater reopens to rave reviews7:35 – Michigan wins the National Championship + Chris wins the bracket 🏀10:45 – Masters Tournament preview ⛳12:25 – Featured Creature: Neocaridina Shrimp 🦐15:00 – April Fool’s recap + city logo fun16:15 – Guest intro: Trudi Clark (Papa’s Place) ❤️18:00 – The story behind Papa’s Place19:45 – Trudi’s 40 years in home care23:30 – Why connection matters for seniors25:15 – What to expect when visiting Papa’s Place26:05 – Activities and options for families30:22 – Games and engagement for all ability levels31:20 – Vision for the future32:38 – How to support Papa’s Place34:33 – Where to learn more37:02 – Family Care reopening on Fuller38:05 – Parent Cafés at the The Bridge Coffee Shop ☕39:20 – “Tall Cop” presentation on youth safety (May 7)40:45 – 🎨 WUBR Art Contest — win up to $50041:45 – Chamber Kickoff Breakfast at The Peaks Event Center42:25 – Little Village ribbon cutting (Stanwood)42:55 – Big Rapids Skating Club production ⛸️43:43 – High Strung Steel live at Sawmill Saloon 🎶44:45 – Business After Hours at Pioneer News45:17 – Shoutout to Breazy Films46:22 – Shoutout to Alley Gutters and Exterior Solutions47:35 – St. Mary/St. Paul Gala (April 18)48:15 – Angels of Action Lunch & Learn49:05 – Ferris Football Championship Parade (April 25) 🏆50:34 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤51:33 – Farmers Market kickoff (May 8) 🌱52:00 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️54:18 – Dom’s Corrections: Nutella in space 🚀56:05 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 project SpendSomeTime. It’s a fascinating conversation about creativity, technology, and what it looks like to start building something meaningful at a young age.We also celebrate a major milestone for Big Rapids — the movie theater is reopening this week, kicking things off with Super Mario Bros Galaxy in the newly remodeled space 🎬Add in spring break stories, Easter plans, a new website for the show, and a call for YOUR creativity with the WUBR logo contest… and you’ve got another fun, community-centered episode.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:15 – Thanks for all the comments + we need an intern!1:50 – Kenzie fills in again — and might need a new vehicle 😄3:40 – Recording from the “recent past” — Pat is in Florida ☀️4:18 – New website is live: whatsupbigrapids.com 🌐6:00 – Thanks to Mayor Guenther for joining last week6:45 – Featured Creature: Mountain Horn Lizard 🦎10:45 – Guest intro: Andrew Hinkle 🧠12:50 – What is SpendSomeTime?19:50 – How do you decide what to do when you can do anything?21:00 – Getting started building online22:00 – Apps vs websites — what’s easier to create?23:00 – Coding languages: HTML, Python & more24:35 – What’s next after high school?26:00 – Where to follow Andrew’s progress27:45 – Thanks for joining us!28:10 – 🎬 Big Rapids Movie Theater reopens this Friday!29:26 – WUBR logo contest — win up to $250 💰32:00 – Easter weekend services at Res Life ⛪32:45 – Pat checks in from Naples, Florida 🌴33:45 – Favorite spring break memories39:30 – Kenzie’s spring break stories41:25 – Andrew heads to Washington DC for college visits 🏛️44:45 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 next week 🎬We’re also joined by returning guest Mayor Dr. Fred Guenther, who brings a full slate of updates on what’s happening around town — from new businesses and infrastructure improvements to long-term possibilities like housing, grocery options, and even a sports complex.There’s a lot happening right now in Big Rapids, and this episode is packed with updates, ideas, and a look at where things might be headed.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:20 – Theater reopens next week! 🎬2:00 – Taste of Mecosta recap 🍽️4:35 – March Madness update (Chris leads, Dom trails 😄)7:30 – Spring Break countdown — where is everyone going?8:00 – Thanks to last week’s guest, Jordan Stancil9:12 – Featured Creature: Watermelon Pleco 🐟11:10 – Guest intro: Mayor Dr. Fred Guenther14:30 – What’s new around town?15:30 – Possible senior living development at Hanchett property17:30 – Five Below & Burlington Coat Factory updates 🛍️20:00 – National Championship Parade (April 25, noon) 🎉22:20 – Mayor’s second term reflections25:35 – Could Big Rapids get a sports complex?28:52 – Chipotle update 🌯30:30 – Upscale men’s barber shop coming 💈31:30 – Potential low-cost grocery store33:45 – East side streetlights & infrastructure improvements38:30 – Birdwatching talk takes over 🐦40:15 – Spring Craft Fair + Banded Raccoon vendor market42:05 – Chamber After Hours success43:00 – Chamber Kickoff Breakfast (April 9)44:58 – The Big Event returns46:40 – St. Mary/St. Paul Gala (April 18)49:00 – Karaoke for a Cause 🎤52:56 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️55:09 – Dom’s Corrections: signs of spring, MLB Opening Day & internet chaos1:01:14 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 story this week? The return of the Big Rapids Movie Theater.We sit down with new owner Jordan Stancil, who shares his family’s deep-rooted connection to theaters, what it takes to bring movies back to a small town, and what we can expect when the doors reopen. It’s a conversation that blends nostalgia, business insight, and a whole lot of excitement for what’s ahead.We also highlight new businesses coming to town, a logo design contest for WUBR, and a packed lineup of community events — from comedy and trivia to Taste of Mecosta and the National Championship parade.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:30 – Chris tries African drumming 🥁2:15 – Gus Macker weekend recap 🏀2:45 – Winter returns + Pyramid Scheme show & upcoming Saving Abel gig 🎸3:45 – March Madness bracket challenge (password: WUBR)4:45 – WUBR logo contest — win $250 + merch 🎨7:55 – New businesses coming to town (including upscale barbershop)10:00 – Books and Beats opening next to Quinn’s Music 📚🎶11:00 – Featured Creature: Hillstream Loaches 🐟13:20 – New restaurant sparks breakfast sandwich debate 🍳15:38 – Guest intro: Jordan Stancil (Big Rapids Theater owner) 🎬16:30 – First impressions of Big Rapids19:00 – Community response to the theater news22:12 – Family history in theaters dating back to 191524:10 – First job in the theater business25:19 – Why popcorn became the go-to movie snack 🍿28:40 – Challenges of booking films as an independent theater31:10 – Choosing what movies to show32:30 – Tough calls between big releases33:40 – What movies we can expect locally35:35 – Theater reopening timeline update37:50 – Thanks to Jordan for investing in Big Rapids38:50 – Thanks to last week’s guest Chuck Brooks40:08 – Walmart conversation takes a turn43:00 – Michigan Adventures & amusement park nostalgia45:20 – Spicy Standup at The Peaks (Friday)45:55 – Rotary Quiz Bowl at the Elks (Friday)47:08 – Taste of Mecosta (March 24) 🍽️49:40 – Chamber Community Breakfast (April 9)51:31 – Must See TV: Skating Edition (April 10–11) ⛸️52:52 – National Championship Parade (April 25)54:14 – Dom’s Corrections: popcorn history & 90s throwbacks57:55 – Next week: Mayor Guenther joins the show58:30 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

⛳🦎🎙️ 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, and Chris checks off a major musical bucket-list moment by performing at the Pyramid Scheme with Hand of Giants.Our guest this week is Chuck Brooks, better known online as The Goat’s Voice — a golf YouTuber and digital creator who’s built a following by showing the honest, sometimes hilarious reality of the game. Chuck shares how he got started creating content, how he helps small businesses grow their online presence, and why the message “Be your own GOAT” resonates with so many people.We also celebrate a historic moment for Big Rapids High School wrestling, preview a busy stretch of community events, and somehow end up talking about muffins, ketchup, and internet CEO challenges.Another week in Big Rapids!0:00 – Intro & welcome1:45 – Surviving the wild Michigan weather 🌨️2:25 – Spring break plans: where is everyone headed?3:20 – Chris says the spring real estate market is heating up 🏡4:50 – The Banded Raccoon keeps adding creative events… including wrestling?6:00 – Chris reminds Dom about basic manners (and the point of the show) 😅7:20 – Hand of Giants plays the Pyramid Scheme — bucket list moment 🎸9:05 – Gus Macker tournament weekend 🏀10:30 – Featured Creature: Madagascar Day Gecko 🦎13:30 – Two Black Fridays, a Worm Moon, and strange calendar timing17:30 – Guest intro: Chuck Brooks (The Goat’s Voice) ⛳19:19 – How Chuck got started creating digital content22:30 – Building websites for townships23:20 – Why he started posting honest golf content online26:00 – Where he hopes his content career goes next27:25 – Enjoying winter golf and outdoor life28:00 – Helping small businesses grow online31:00 – Favorite YouTube golf channels32:55 – Ferris fundraising for a $61M indoor athletics facility 🏟️36:22 – Feel Good Moment: BRHS female wrestlers reach the state championships38:43 – Business After Hours at Tacia Wealth Management (March 19)40:35 – Comedy Night at The Peaks (March 20)41:05 – Rotary Quiz Bowl at the Elks42:03 – Chris forced to eat muffins out of “good manners”43:00 – Taste of Mecosta returns March 24 🍽️43:50 – Theater update teaser for next week 🎭45:50 – Banded Raccoon pop-up vendor market (March 28)46:36 – Chamber Kickoff Breakfast (April 9)47:30 – Must See TV: Skating Edition (April 10–11) ⛸️48:44 – National Championship celebration parade April 2549:45 – Summerfest returns June 6 ☀️51:44 – Dom’s Corrections: gecko facts, CEO challenges & ketchup debate56:14 – Outro & goodbyes#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

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 passionate cookie war between Crumbl and Insomnia.This week’s guest is Dr. Kate O’Conner, Dean of Ferris State University’s College of Engineering and Technology. She shares her journey from helping rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to shaping the next generation of skilled trades and STEM professionals right here in Big Rapids. Plus, she highlights the upcoming Jill of All Trades event designed to introduce young women to careers in engineering and technology.We also celebrate a fantastic performance of Lion King Jr, check in on the newly reopened laundromat after the fire, and run through a packed list of community events including Rotary trivia, live music, Taste of Mecosta, and Summerfest.0:00 – Intro and welcome1:00 – Chris recaps his epic road trip to New Mexico 🚗1:58 – Should you work out on vacation? Chris says yes3:24 – Pat slips on the diet but gets back on track5:50 – Cookie controversy: Insomnia vs Crumbl 🍪7:20 – Chris reflects on the Drum Circle Facilitator’s Guild conference 🥁11:50 – Lion King Jr. was a huge success in Big Rapids 🦁13:00 – Featured Creature: Elephant Nose Fish 🐟15:25 – Thanks to last week’s guest Brooke Whipple16:42 – Guest intro: Dr. Kate O’Conner (Ferris State CET Dean)18:38 – Helping rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina20:57 – Adjusting to life in Big Rapids23:18 – What the College of Engineering & Technology covers27:35 – Trends in trades and industry careers30:58 – Advice for young people choosing career paths32:58 – Jill of All Trades event coming to Ferris (March 19)37:00 – More advice for the next generation38:30 – Construction progress on the new Dawg Pound39:08 – Laundromat reopens after the recent fire40:20 – Why Chris has been yelling in the yard42:00 – Pat shares an awkward encounter story45:35 – Glitter and Sawdust at Quinn’s Music (March 7) 🎶46:25 – Chamber Business After Hours (March 19)47:35 – Rotary Quiz Bowl at the Elks (March 20) 🧠49:34 – Taste of Mecosta returns March 24 🍽️51:00 – “Must See TV: Ice Skating Edition” coming in April ⛸️53:42 – Summerfest announced for June 6 ☀️53:55 – Dom’s Corrections: burger wars, barrel talk & Ruby’s salad bar59:13 – Outro and goodbyesWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Ferris State engineering technology, Kate O’Conner Ferris State, Drum Circle Facilitators Guild, Big Rapids community events, Jill of All Trades Ferris State, Taste of Mecosta 2026, Big Rapids Summerfest, Lion King Jr Big Rapids, Quinn’s Music live music#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#FerrisState#SupportLocal#STEMCareers#TasteOfMecosta#SummerfestBR#SmallTownStories

❄️🔥🌲 Winter Whiplash, Wild Adventures & Local Legends | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.25.26Winter 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 those dryer vents!) to the sale of a longtime red-roofed landmark to expand EMS services. There’s big community momentum happening, even when the weather says otherwise.This week’s guest is Ferris alum, outdoor expert, survivalist, and YouTube creator Brooke Whipple, known for her appearance on the hit show Alone and her wildly popular channel Girl in the Woods (600K+ subscribers). From rafting the Yukon for National Geographic to building cabins and helping run Belle’s Coffee Shop, Brooke shares an incredible journey that somehow circles right back to Big Rapids.Plus: live music, Polar Plunge, drama productions, and the final stretch of Festival of the Arts.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:51 – Winter returns + Chris battles a head cold ❄️2:20 – Chris at the Drum Circle Conference in Oklahoma 🥁3:55 – Comedy Night at The Peaks + Vendor Market success6:43 – Featured Creature: The Micro Squirrel 🐿️9:40 – Rapid Suds & Dry fire update — clean those dryer vents 🔥10:55 – Uplifting Moment: Pizza Hut property sold for EMS expansion 🚑12:46 – Sugar Creek Restaurant under new ownership13:30 – Thanks to Lauren Perkins from the Library14:40 – Guest intro: Brooke Whipple (Alone, Girl in the Woods) 🌲22:25 – How Brooke ended up on television25:10 – Sourdough characters & remote living26:00 – Rafting the Yukon for National Geographic28:20 – The casting process for Alone33:00 – YouTube success + Belle’s Coffee Shop ☕39:00 – Brooke’s health & fitness channel44:00 – Visit Belle’s for Madcap coffee & lunch45:50 – Final FOTA event rundown 🎭47:34 – BRMS Drama presents Lion King Jr. 🦁48:11 – The Turnips farewell show at the Sawmill 🎸48:46 – Polar Plunge for Special Olympics 🧊49:25 – Kindergarten Round Up50:30 – Glitter & Sawdust at Quinn’s (March 7)51:35 – Chamber After Hours (March 19)52:40 – Taste of Mecosta (March 24) 🍽️53:30 – Would Brooke ever do Survivor?56:00 – Dom’s Corrections: Alaska for $0.02 per acre58:20 – Outro & goodbyesWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Brooke Whipple Alone, Girl in the Woods YouTube, Belle’s Coffee Shop Big Rapids, Pizza Hut Big Rapids EMS expansion, Rapid Suds fire, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Polar Plunge Special Olympics Michigan, Lion King Jr BRMS, Taste of Mecosta 2026#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#FestivalOfTheArts#GirlInTheWoods#PolarPlunge#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

📚🐦🎶 Birding, Books & Big News | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.18.26This 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 concert tickets, and downtown continues to build steam with new businesses on the horizon. But the heart of this episode is a fantastic conversation with Lauren Perkins, Director of the Big Rapids Public Library, who reminds us just how much more a modern library offers than most people realize.Spoiler alert: You can check out a ukulele. You can check out seeds. There’s even a hedgehog named Quill-iam Shakespeare.It’s another full week of Festival of the Arts events, live music, workshops, comedy, and community connections.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:30 – Chris catches the birding bug + Badfish tickets at The Intersection 🐦🎸2:30 – Real estate help this spring3:30 – Uplifting Moment: Cole Haist hits 1,000 career points 🏀5:04 – Banded Raccoon indoor farmer’s market (10–4 Saturday)6:15 – Featured Creature: Phantom Glass Catfish 🐟9:25 – Guest intro: Lauren Perkins, Director of the BR Public Library 📚11:00 – Lauren’s path to becoming a librarian15:05 – What does it cost to join the library? (Hint: Free!)15:30 – Learn 110 languages free through the library 🌎16:52 – Yes, you can check out a ukulele 🎶17:30 – Citizen Science kits & activity packs available21:55 – Borrowing movies & music — is that still a thing?26:25 – Tool lending library possibilities 🔧28:00 – March is Reading Month & Chris’ embarrassing story29:10 – What does a modern library look like?33:40 – Surprises inside the BR Library: seeds & Quill-iam Shakespeare 🦔🌱36:20 – Join the Friends of the Library38:29 – Burlington Coat Factory & Five Below applications submitted 👀40:55 – Birding 101 success + new public artwork unveiled43:05 – New Big Rapids Regional Chamber director coming soon43:50 – Dom returns! Thanks to Kenzie44:48 – FOTA events: MoSo (Museum of Sexist Objects) + Dolby Atmos demo47:28 – Birdseed wreath workshop, public art walk & tropical bouquet class49:30 – What happened with the Ed Mallett Quartet?51:50 – Hawk & Owl String Band jam & contra dance52:24 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill 🎸53:10 – Third Coast Swing at Immanuel Lutheran54:50 – Motown History with Paul Kwant55:55 – Live comedy at The Peaks56:35 – Lion King Jr tickets on sale 🦁57:11 – Turnips farewell show (Feb 28)57:34 – Polar Plunge for Special Olympics 🧊59:00 – Glitter & Sawdust at Quinn’s (March 7)1:00:00 – Taste of Mecosta returns March 24 🍽️1:02:20 – Dom’s Corrections: Library 50-item limit!1:06:24 – Outro & goodbyesWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Public Library Lauren Perkins, Burlington Coat Factory Big Rapids, Five Below Big Rapids, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Birding Big Rapids, Banded Raccoon vendor market, Polar Plunge Michigan, Taste of Mecosta 2026#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#FestivalOfTheArts#BigRapidsLibrary#ShopLocalBR#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

❄️✨🎭 Fresh Signs, Full Schedules & February Feels | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.11.26We’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 Pizza & Pub, Festival of the Arts is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of things to do as we head into Valentine’s weekend.From live music and comedy nights to drama productions and vendor markets, February is proving that winter in Big Rapids doesn’t mean slowing down.We also celebrate local talent, revisit childhood movie memories ahead of the theater reopening, and highlight some big events coming up across town.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:10 – 10% of the year already — how are your goals going?2:00 – New signs downtown: The Banded Raccoon & Cottage Inn 🍕4:05 – Festival of the Arts in full swing 🎨4:30 – Ukulele Fridays at Artworks 🎵5:00 – FSU Drama & MEBA nights at Toppings6:15 – Chris is a new fan of the duo of Cliff Monear and Miguel Guttierez 🎹7:48 – Super Bowl recap & Pat hosting at the new event space 🏈8:50 – Justin Verlander retires as a Detroit Tiger ⚾10:15 – Thanks to Jennifer Knowles & Kenzie13:30 – Featured Creature of the Week: Red Eye Crocodile Skink 🦎16:55 – FOTA rundown for the week — how do you choose?22:20 – Valentine’s Day plans ❤️23:50 – Galentine’s Day + Daddy Daughter Dance 💃25:35 – Cran Hill Winterfest (Feb 15) ❄️26:47 – Monthly standup comedy at The Peaks (Feb 20)27:50 – Indoor Vendor Market at The Banded Raccoon (Feb 21)30:16 – Mom 2 Mom Sale at St. Mary’s Parish31:12 – Summerfest is June 6 (vendors wanted!) 🌞32:41 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (Feb 21) 🎸34:50 – Glitterball Gayla at The Peaks supporting Pride Big Rapids ✨35:49 – BRMS Drama presents The Lion King 🦁37:00 – Movie nostalgia & excitement for the theater reopening 🎬44:00 – The Turnips farewell show (Feb 28)47:37 – Taste of Mecosta returns March 24 🍽️49:20 – The guys look forward to escaping the cold for a few days51:30 – Dom’s Corrections (via Kenzie): Skinks & Valentine’s history53:05 – Outro & goodbyesWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Banded Raccoon Big Rapids, Cottage Inn Pizza Big Rapids, Cliff Monear jazz pianist, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Glitterball Gayla Pride Big Rapids, BRMS Drama Lion King, Taste of Mecosta 2026, Big Rapids theater reopening#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#FestivalOfTheArts#ShopLocalBR#WinterInMichigan#SupportLocalArts#CommunityStrong#SmallTownBuzz

🌱❤️🎉 Fresh Starts, Full Focus & February Fun | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.4.26February 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 behind the producer desk, and the show rolls on with plenty of laughs, community updates, and a meaningful guest conversation.This week features a great discussion with Jennifer Knowles from Special Olympics of Michigan, joined by athlete Nick, sharing how the organization supports athletes and families — and how the community can get involved, including the upcoming Polar Plunge.You’ll also find a packed rundown of Festival of the Arts events, live music, theater progress, classes, workshops, and ways to stay connected during the heart of winter.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:20 – Welcome to February! How are those goals going?3:10 – Chris discovers the “salad genius” combo: French + Ranch 🥗4:51 – Chris reviews Mission: Impossible 🎬5:50 – Pat’s near-miss at the Euchre tournament (pasta prize consolation) ♠️6:40 – Weekend recap: concerts, Festival of the Arts & more7:40 – Dom on a missions trip; Kenzie returns to the producer chair 🎙️8:20 – Banded Raccoon indoor vendor market (Feb 21, 10–2)8:55 – Summerfest vendor applications now open 🌞11:00 – Major theater progress update 🎭12:13 – Featured Creature of the Week: The Rope Fish 🐟14:45 – Super Bowl Sunday predictions 🏈16:50 – Guest intro: Jennifer Knowles (Special Olympics of Michigan) & athlete Nick18:45 – What Special Olympics is all about ❤️23:15 – How fundraising supports athletes and programs24:50 – Jennifer shares a personal story about her son Andrew27:00 – How to get involved as a volunteer, supporter, or athlete28:15 – Polar Plunge preview (jump optional!) 🧊31:33 – FOTA update: Alfred Hitchcock Movie Sampler (Thursdays in Feb)33:27 – Ukulele classes with George Arndt start Friday 🎵34:38 – Youngman and Oldmen perform at Immanuel Lutheran Church35:00 – Artworks workshops: Zentangle art & blackout poetry ✍️35:45 – FSU Drama presents Scenes and Songs at Toppings36:45 – Learn to make viral videos with Levi Arrington 📱39:02 – Immediate Family film screening (Feb 11)40:27 – BRHS Drama presents Queens (Feb 6–7) 🎭41:20 – Daddy Daughter Dance (Feb 13) 💃41:47 – Winterfest at Cran Hill (Feb 15) ❄️43:30 – Studio remodel DIY update 🔨44:35 – Comedy Night at The Peaks (Feb 20) + Glitterball Gayla fundraiser ✨46:41 – Glitter & Sawdust continues live music series at Quinn’s (Mar 7)48:41 – FSU Dance Team hosts kids skills clinic 🩰49:50 – Dom’s Corrections (via Kenzie): FRANCH dressing & Rope Fish facts 🤓52:35 – Goodbyes & outroWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Special Olympics Michigan Polar Plunge, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Quinn’s Music live shows, Big Rapids theater update, Banded Raccoon vendor market, BRHS Drama Queens, Cran Hill Winterfest, Big Rapids community podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#CommunityStrong#SpecialOlympicsMichigan#FestivalOfTheArts#ShopLocalBR#WinterInMichigan#SmallTownStories

🐾❄️🎨 Frigid Days, Full Hearts & Festival Season | What’s Up Big Rapids – 1.28.26This 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 sub-zero temperatures, frozen pipes, and winter wear-and-tear — balanced by gratitude, creativity, and a reminder of just how much is happening in our community right now.We’re joined by Dr. Scott Cohen, who helps pull back the curtain on the Festival of the Arts — how it began, what it takes to pull off, and why Big Rapids continues to attract incredible talent year after year. With more than 70 events over the next month, this episode is a great reminder that winter doesn’t mean slowing down — it just means finding new ways to gather.Along the way, we celebrate uplifting moments in sports, highlight local music and arts, and share plenty of opportunities to get out, support one another, and stay connected.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:01 – Remembering Loosey, a very good dog 🐾6:00 – Sub-zero temps cause real problems for rentals & pipes ❄️9:10 – Thanks to Budd Greenman & everyone at the High Strung Steel show 🎸9:30 – Studio remodeling, This Old House style 🔨12:00 – Pat gets another tattoo during a family milestone 💉13:00 – Sports update: UFC, Super Bowl & Belichick legacy 🏈16:35 – Uplifting Moments:• FSU grad Shawn Smith named Super Bowl Head Ref• Kaydyn Blanchard sets all-time basketball scoring record 🏀19:45 – Guest intro: Dr. Scott Cohen, Festival of the Arts 🎨21:40 – Scott’s journey to Big Rapids & life after retirement25:00 – Music as a shared language around the world 🎶27:45 – How Festival of the Arts came to be31:15 – What “Town & Gown” really means32:45 – Connection between Artworks & FOTA34:03 – How Big Rapids attracts top-tier talent35:45 – What kinds of events to expect this year39:35 – Bob Craig Quartet, Sat Jan 31 at Immanuel Lutheran 🎼42:35 – Festival kickoff & over 70 events in the next 30 days48:50 – Bird City Week & Hitchcock film feature 🐦51:00 – Encouragement to get out and support local arts54:54 – Featured Creature: Pixie Bullfrog 🐸57:50 – Pioneer People’s Choice voting now open 🗳️59:04 – Live music returns to Quinn’s Music (Sat at 3pm) 🎶1:00:00 – Free sledding day, Euchre tournament & more this weekend1:02:15 – Daddy Daughter Dance (Feb 13) 💃1:03:15 – BRHS Drama presents Queens (Feb 6–7) 🎭1:06:00 – Public Arts Collective sculptures & murals around town1:07:48 – Comedy Night returns to The Peaks 😂1:08:30 – Dom out for two weeks; Kenzie fills in 🎙️1:09:10 – Dom’s Corrections: cold facts, Caitlin Clark & more 🥶1:11:43 – Outro & goodbyesWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Festival of the Arts, Dr. Scott Cohen FOTA, Artworks Big Rapids, Big Rapids Bird City, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Quinn’s Music live shows, Big Rapids winter events, BRHS Drama Queens, Public Arts Collective Big Rapids, Big Rapids community podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#FestivalOfTheArts#SupportLocalArts#CommunityStrong#ShopLocalBR#HighStrungSteel#ArtworksBR

🎸🐡🏙️ Frozen Furnaces, Fiddle Traditions & Downtown Momentum | What’s Up Big Rapids – 1.21.26Winter 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 illness, and the guys talk habits, health, and why sticking with change takes longer than people think.This episode features a fantastic deep dive into local music history with Budd Greenman, the new owner and steward of Quinn’s Music. From fiddle traditions and instrument repair to the return of live music and lessons, it’s a conversation rooted deeply in the culture of Big Rapids.You’ll also hear updates on the new theater, Festival of the Arts, winter events, student programs, and plenty of ways to get involved locally — even if you don’t leave the house much in January.0:00 – Intro & welcome1:20 – Furnace problems in the studio (thanks ELI HVAC!) 🔥2:55 – Quitter’s Day explained: why habits take longer than you think 💪5:05 – Pat rebounds from illness with gym & volleyball 🏐6:05 – From Schuberg’s lunches to the salad bar: slow progress counts 🥗6:58 – Thanks for a successful first vendor market at The Banded Raccoon 🦝8:35 – New theater updates: aiming for a Spring Break opening 🎭11:40 – Featured Creature of the Week: Pea Puffer Fish 🐡14:05 – Guest intro: Budd Greenman, new owner of Quinn’s Music 🎸15:35 – A brief history of Quinn’s Music in Big Rapids18:05 – What is a luthier? Budd explains instrument building & repair19:30 – Falling in love with traditional music20:54 – The origins of High Strung Steel21:20 – North American fiddle traditions explained22:45 – Why Budd gravitates toward 150–200+ year-old instruments25:45 – Live music returns to Quinn’s (Jan 31) with Stanley & Quiggle 🎶28:35 – Music lessons return to Quinn’s Music 🎼32:05 – Strings & Things event at Festival of the Arts: instrument setup tips33:35 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill this Saturday (free show!)34:45 – Crossroads launches an e-sports program for students 🎮38:15 – Fat Tire Bike Race at St. Ives supporting Angels of Action 🚴41:00 – Cran Hill Winterfest dates announced ❄️42:48 – Elks Euchre Tournament supports Comfort Home ♠️44:42 – Festival of the Arts kicks off Jan 30 🎨50:10 – BRHS Drama presents Queens Feb 6–7 🎭51:27 – FSU Arts & Lecture Series hosts filmmaker Denny Tedesco 🎬53:40 – Daddy Daughter Dance at the Middle School 💃55:21 – Next week: Festival of the Arts leadership joins the show56:00 – Polar Plunge preview for Special Olympics 🧊56:45 – Sarah Dixon hired as new Big Rapids Regional Chamber leader59:00 – Dom’s Corrections: habits, spring training & Prairie Home Companion1:01:50 – Farewell & goodbyes with Budd GreenmanWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Quinn’s Music Big Rapids, Budd Greenman Quinns Music, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Big Rapids theater opening, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Cran Hill Winterfest, Pea Puffer Fish E&E Tropical Fish, Crossroads esports program, Angels of Action fundraiser, Fat Tire Bike Race St Ives, Big Rapids community newsHashtags#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#MichiganPodcast#ShopLocalBR#QuinnsMusic#HighStrungSteel#FestivalOfTheArts#CommunityFirst#SmallTownStories

❄️🔥🏙️ Cold Roads, Hot Takes & Downtown Updates | What’s Up Big Rapids – 1.14.26Two 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 Michigan roads demand respect.This week’s episode is packed with Big Rapids news, updates, rumors confirmed, and plenty of laughs — including a near-miss on the freeway, a first-time snow driving story, and a surprise reversal of a past WUBR award.We also cover major local updates like new businesses opening, fundraisers, arts and culture events, live music, and yes… Dunkin’ Donuts is officially coming to Walmart ☕👀0:00 – Intro & welcome1:18 – Two weeks into New Year goals & co-ed volleyball 🏐4:55 – Chris survives icy freeway chaos to paint a mural honoring Bob Weir 🎨11:40 – Pat’s first time driving in the snow ❄️13:30 – Camp Brethren Heights hosts free Winterfest Sledding Day (Jan 31) 🛷14:25 – Sneaker giveaway update 👟15:25 – Featured Creature of the Week: Sulcata Tortoise 🐢17:40 – CONFIRMED: Dunkin’ Donuts is coming to Walmart ☕18:40 – BIGGBY fundraiser for Middle School Drama (Jan 22) 🎭19:25 – The Banded Raccoon officially opens + indoor vendor market 🦝20:53 – Chipotle delayed again… optimism fading 🌯21:28 – Jim Crow Museum nearing completion 🏛️23:05 – Threads North exits town — award rescinded, Treetops Tattoo takes the crown 💉26:00 – Chamber update + new DBA leadership 🤝27:12 – Comedy Night at The Peaks (Jan 16) 😂28:10 – Y-102 Bridal Show at The Peaks 💍29:11 – High Strung Steel releases free recording + Sawmill show 🎸31:30 – Live music returns to Quinn’s Music (Jan 31) 🎶35:10 – Euchre Tournament at the Elks for Comfort House ♠️37:00 – Festival of the Arts season kicks off 🎨39:50 – FSU Arts & Lectures hosts filmmaker Denny Tedesco 🎬41:25 – Daddy Daughter Dance (Feb 13) 💃42:18 – Polar Plunge coming up for Special Olympics 🧊43:50 – Dom’s Corrections: Bob Weir & Grateful Dead facts 🤓46:13 – Outro & goodbyeWhat’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Dunkin Donuts Walmart Big Rapids, The Banded Raccoon Big Rapids, Chipotle Big Rapids update, Jim Crow Museum Ferris State, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Quinn’s Music live shows, Big Rapids comedy night, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Camp Brethren Heights sledding, Polar Plunge Big Rapids, Big Rapids community news#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#MichiganPodcast#CommunityFirst#ShopLocalBR#FerrisState#HighStrungSteel#BigRapidsEvents#SmallTownStories

❄️🥗🎒 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 enjoying salads 🥗), while Pat spends his weekend working on his newest downtown venture, The Banded Raccoon 🦝.Our first guest of 2026 is Austin Bancroft, Director of Camp Brethren Heights, who shares his journey from the Navy to leading one of the area’s most beloved camps — plus details on sledding days, rentals, and how the camp serves the community year-round.We’ve also got:🏀 Rec volleyball & basketball updates🎭 Comedy, music, and events at The Peaks & Sawmill🎶 Live music returning to Quinn’s Music🃏 Euchre for a cause🧊 Polar Plunge planning👀 And yes… a Dunkin rumorSeason Two starts exactly how Season One ended — full of stories, laughter, and Big Rapids pride.0:00 – Intro & welcome to Season 2 🎉1:25 – Chris is 7 days into New Year goals (salads included) 🥗5:08 – Back-to-back snow days for the kids ❄️6:05 – Pat works on The Banded Raccoon downtown 🦝8:00 – Lions season ends — a sad but peaceful goodbye 🦁8:48 – Pat coaching basketball & Pistons hopes 🏀9:35 – Co-ed Rec Volleyball starts this week 🏐10:05 – Chris reviews Over the Top (very unprepared) 🎬12:45 – Featured Creature of the Week (E & E Tropical Fish) 🐠14:30 – Guest intro: Austin Bancroft, Camp Brethren Heights 🎙️15:45 – Austin’s journey from the Navy to Big Rapids 🇺🇸22:45 – Camp amenities & rental opportunities 🏕️25:10 – Free sledding day at Camp Brethren Heights (Jan 31) 🛷28:45 – “Everybody comes from somewhere” — Big Rapids stories ❤️30:40 – Bulldog Spirit Day at the Eisler Center (Jan 12) 🐾31:50 – Rumor of the Week: Dunkin at Walmart? 👀☕35:00 – 2026 goal: creating iconic Big Rapids artwork 🎨36:40 – Dom heading to Nicaragua ✈️38:48 – Live comedy at The Peaks (Jan 16) 😂39:25 – First event at The Banded Raccoon (Vendor Pop-Up Jan 17) 🛍️41:18 – Y-102 Bridal Show at The Peaks (Jan 18) 💍43:20 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill (Jan 24) 🎸44:45 – Live music returns to Quinn’s Music (Jan 31) 🎶46:15 – Euchre tournament at the Elks for Comfort House ♠️48:00 – Polar Plunge for Special Olympics (Feb 28) 🧊50:55 – Dom’s corrections (IMDB + volleyball officials needed) 🤓56:00 – Outro & goodbyes 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Camp Brethren Heights, Austin Bancroft interview, Big Rapids snow days, The Banded Raccoon Big Rapids, Bulldog Spirit Day Ferris State, Big Rapids rec volleyball, Quinn’s Music live performances, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Polar Plunge Big Rapids, Special Olympics Michigan, Big Rapids comedy night, Euchre tournament Elks Club, Big Rapids community podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SeasonTwo#CampBrethrenHeights#TheBandedRaccoon#FerrisState#HighStrungSteel#CommunityPodcast#MichiganPodcast#BigRapidsEvents

🎉🎮🎅 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 episodes, dozens of guests, and a full year of telling Big Rapids stories together. Dom even crowns us the “Regis and Kathie Lee of Big Rapids” (we’ll take it).From ice storms and snowboarding at Caberfae 🏂 to retro video games 🎮, Christmas gifts that hit you right in the feels, and the surprising stat that only 44% of podcasts make it past three episodes — this one is equal parts gratitude and joy.Then we roll out the FIRST-EVER WUBR AWARDS 🏆Favorite Guest. Segment of the Year. Event of the Year. Rumor of the Year. Only in Big Rapids Moment. Accidental Moment. Community MVP. And more.We close it out by looking ahead to 2026, new goals, and a promise that Season Two is going to be even bigger than the first. ❤️0:00 – Christmas greeting from Santa Claus 🎅0:25 – Intro & happy one-year anniversary to WUBR 🎉1:50 – 51 episodes in the books! Dom dubs us the Regis & Kathie Lee of Big Rapids 😂3:00 – Ice storms, power outages & snowboarding at Caberfae 🧊🏂5:00 – Chris sells a house the day after Christmas — rentals needed! 🏡5:40 – Pat’s surprise seafood boil & Xbox Christmas 🎮🦞7:45 – First video game systems you played & owned 🎮11:00 – Duck Hunt gun trivia 🤯11:55 – Dom started with Intellivision… moment of silence 😅14:08 – Chris gifts his son a 20,000-game handheld 🎮14:57 – Chris’ first console ever: GoldenEye on N64. Legendary. 🕶️16:00 – Christmas gifts recap & Chris becomes a reluctant Ugg convert 👢18:00 – Pat gives Jordans & a bicycle to his mom — tears were shed ❤️🚲20:35 – Dom gifts Elevation Worship tickets & finally gets his dream multitool 🎶🔧23:40 – Podcast longevity stats — WUBR is heading toward top 5% 🎙️27:10 – 🎉 WUBR AWARDS BEGIN 🏆28:33 – Favorite Guest of the Year32:21 – Segment of the Year34:28 – Event of the Year39:50 – Uplifting Moment of the Year42:00 – Community MVP of the Year43:27 – Breakout Business of the Year46:36 – Big Rapids Rumor of the Year 👀49:44 – Most Likely to Only Be Talked About Online53:30 – Only in Big Rapids Moment of the Year58:10 – Accidental Moment of the Year 😂1:00:00 – New Year’s resolutions & hopes for 2026 🎯1:05:25 – Season Two confirmed — and it’s going to be bigger 🚀1:06:55 – Outro & goodbye 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, WUBR Awards, Big Rapids Michigan podcast, Big Rapids community show, Ferris State area podcast, Caberfae Peaks snowboarding, Big Rapids events 2025, podcast anniversary episode, WUBR Season One recap, Big Rapids rumors, Big Rapids community MVP, local Michigan podcast, Elevation Worship concert tickets, retro video games discussion, Big Rapids real estate talk#WhatsUpBigRapids#WUBR#BigRapidsMI#PodcastAnniversary#WUBRAwards#CommunityPodcast#MichiganPodcast#OnlyInBigRapids#SeasonTwo#ThankYou

🎄🏆🎂 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 into full holiday mode with gifts, gratitude, and a little birthday chaos — because yes, it’s Pat’s birthday, and being a Christmas baby is… complicated. 🎂🎄Chris recaps powerful Christmas services at Rez Life, a very late night at the Musician’s Christmas Party that raised money for local veterans, and the guys reflect on holiday traditions, movies that still (or don’t) hold up, and what it means to close out the first full year of WUBR.Add in Lions frustration 🦁, fake Olive Garden rumors 🍝, New Year’s Eve plans 🎉, icy roads ❄️, and a preview of the first-ever WUBR Awards, and you’ve got a cozy, end-of-year episode made for Christmas week listening.0:00 – Intro & congrats to the 2025 D-II National Champion Bulldogs 🏆1:25 – Merry Christmas! Chris gifts plaques for a year of WUBR 🎄3:00 – It’s Pat’s birthday! The struggle of being a Christmas baby 🎂😅5:58 – Christmas services at Rez Life were incredible ✝️7:50 – Musician’s Christmas Party recap (fundraiser for VFW & Amvets) 🎶🎖️10:06 – Lions continue to disappoint Pat 🦁💔12:32 – Boxing talk: Jake Paul loss 🥊16:08 – Photoshopped Olive Garden rumor fooled way too many people 🍝😂19:40 – New Year’s Eve party at The Peaks 🎉21:28 – Chris plans a snowboarding trip with family 🏂22:20 – Does Ernest Saves Christmas still hold up? 🎬🎅24:20 – Holiday movie watchlists 📺25:30 – Family traditions: Chinese food & the movies 🍜🎥26:57 – Roller rink & library events over Christmas break 🛼📚27:50 – Pat’s birthday wish: a White Christmas ❄️29:22 – Icy road conditions — be careful out there 🚗30:00 – New Year’s goals: Chris plans to work out daily 💪36:12 – Tease: First-ever WUBR Awards next week 🏆36:56 – Merry Christmas & thank-yous from the crew ❤️37:50 – Outro & goodbye 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan Christmas, Ferris State Bulldogs national champions, WUBR Christmas episode, Big Rapids holiday traditions, Rez Life Christmas services, Musician’s Christmas Party Big Rapids, Lions frustration podcast, Olive Garden rumor Big Rapids, New Year’s Eve Peaks Event Center, Big Rapids roller rink winter events, WUBR Awards, Big Rapids community podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #MerryChristmas #FSUBulldogs #NationalChampions #ChristmasEve #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #HolidaySeason #WUBRAwards

🎄🏔️❤️ 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, and—oops—realizes on-air that he forgot his 21st wedding anniversary. 💍😬 We celebrate big news for Hand of Giants, debate the cultural importance of Ugg boots, and talk frozen real estate markets as winter settles in. ❄️Our featured guests are Jeffrey Auguste and Harley Rogers from Our Brother’s Keeper, who share powerful insight into homelessness in our community, how local agencies work together, and how you can help—especially during the coldest months of the year. ❤️Add in Ferris State heading to the national championship AGAIN, Christmas services, New Year’s Eve plans, Polar Plunge prep, and what to do with the kids during holiday break—and you’ve got a heartfelt, hope-filled holiday episode.0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:50 – Caberfae Peaks conditions + High Strung Steel at the Sawmill 🎿🎸3:00 – Chris forgets his anniversary… 21 years married! 💍😅4:21 – Hand of Giants lands a song in a movie?! 🎬🎶6:45 – Ugg boots: ugly or perfection? 👢🤔8:13 – Pat preps the house for Christmas 🏠🎄9:35 – Chris is way behind on outdoor decorations 😬11:30 – Is the real estate market frozen? 🏡❄️12:12 – Christmas services this weekend — join us at Rez Life ✝️13:35 – Musician’s Christmas Party lineup: HSS & Hand of Giants 🎶🎄16:00 – Guests: Jeffrey Auguste & Harley Rogers from Our Brother’s Keeper ❤️20:50 – What it takes to stay at OBK & winter dangers outdoors 🧤23:30 – How agencies collaborate to help those in need 🤝25:25 – OBK hosts Thanksgiving dinner at Angels of Action 🍽️27:07 – How the public can get involved 🙌29:05 – Trends in local homelessness 📊31:20 – Progress toward a larger OBK facility 🏗️33:16 – Uplifting Moment: FSU heads to the national championship AGAIN! 🏆🐾35:29 – Parking lot work near Family Farm & Home → future carwash 🚗36:04 – Pat celebrates a huge personal workout streak 💪39:13 – Christmas services at Rez Life (5 options!) 🎄40:47 – New Year’s Eve at The Peaks 🎉45:00 – New Year’s goals: Chris wants to get healthier 🏃‍♂️45:30 – BR Polar Plunge seeks sponsors (Special Olympics) 🧊46:35 – Holiday break fun for kids: rink, library, sledding 🛷50:00 – Jeffrey’s journey from Haiti → Indiana → Big Rapids 🇭🇹❄️53:15 – Harley shares why Big Rapids became home 🏡54:50 – Dom’s Fun Fact: Oranges in Christmas stockings 🍊56:30 – Coming up: First Christmas episode + first-ever WUBR Awards 🎁🏆57:19 – Outro & goodbyes 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan, Caberfae Peaks conditions, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Hand of Giants movie song, Our Brother’s Keeper Big Rapids, homelessness support Mecosta County, Ferris State national championship, FSU Bulldogs football, Big Rapids Christmas services, Rez Life Church Big Rapids, Musician’s Christmas Party, New Year’s Eve Peaks Event Center, Polar Plunge Big Rapids, Special Olympics Michigan, Big Rapids holiday events 2025#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #OurBrothersKeeper #FSUBulldogs #NationalChampionship #CaberfaePeaks #HighStrungSteel #HandOfGiants #ChristmasInMichigan #CommunityStrong #MichiganPodcast #HolidaySeason #PolarPlunge

🎿🎄🎸 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, while Pat spent the weekend wrenching on cars and celebrating birthdays — and then had his mind absolutely blown by his first Trans-Siberian Orchestra show. 🤯🎸⚡We talk snow days, Christmas movies, Stranger Things theories, and give shoutouts to the Ferris Bulldogs volleyball and football programs for another great season.PLUS — holiday events everywhere:✨ Home for the Holidays🎸 High Strung Steel this Saturday at the Sawmill🎶 The Musicians Christmas Party on December 23🥳 New Year’s Eve at The Peaks🍞 Farewell to Two Cheesy Guys (but 3 Girls Bakery to the rescue!)And in our Uplifting Moment of the Week, Pat gets unexpected help from a random “street angel.” ❤️A warm, cozy, funny holiday episode — perfect for a snow day.0:00 – Intro & welcome 👋2:05 – Opening weekend at Caberfae + Crossroads sledding 🎿🛷5:11 – Surprise snow day! ❄️6:17 – Pat’s weekend: mechanic mode & birthday parties 🔧🎉7:28 – Pat sees Trans-Siberian Orchestra for the first time 🤯⚡🎸9:53 – Our first Christmas as a podcast! 🎄🎙️11:20 – Shoutout to Ferris volleyball & football 🏐🏈13:02 – Stranger Things talk + favorite Christmas movies 📺🎅26:50 – Two Cheesy Guys closing. 3 Girls Bakery taking over menu 🧀🍞27:48 – Home for the Holidays is TOMORROW at 5pm 🎄✨29:20 – High Strung Steel at the Sawmill this Saturday (Brian’s Suitcase at 7, HSS at 8) 🎸🎶31:08 – Musicians Christmas Party Dec 23 at the Eagles 🎄🎸🎤33:20 – New Year’s Eve at The Peaks: Comedy, music & food 🥳🎉34:08 – Thanks to last week’s guest, Coach Jake Schumann 🥎35:30 – Thanks to everyone who supported Giving Day ❤️36:42 – Uplifting Moment: Pat meets a street angel 😇38:09 – Dom’s weekend in California 🌴✈️39:35 – Dom’s corrections 📚41:23 – Thank yous & outro 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan news, Caberfae Peaks opening weekend, Crossroads sledding hill, Trans-Siberian Orchestra review, Ferris State football, Ferris volleyball, Home for the Holidays Big Rapids, High Strung Steel Sawmill Saloon, Musicians Christmas Party Big Rapids, New Year’s Eve Peaks Event Center, 3 Girls Bakery Big Rapids, Two Cheesy Guys closing, Stranger Things season discussion, Big Rapids holiday events 2025, Big Rapids podcast Christmas episode#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #CaberfaePeaks #HighStrungSteel #FerrisState #TransSiberianOrchestra #HomeForTheHolidays #MusiciansChristmasParty #MichiganPodcast #ChristmasInMichigan #CommunityPodcast

🎄🦁🥎 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 Good, surviving (or avoiding) the Turkey Trot 5K, and cheering the Lions through Thanksgiving. Then Chris talks about performing alongside Santa Michael at Reed City’s tree lighting — with the mayor literally ringing sleigh bells. 🎅🔔The guys honor two MVP wives:🏅 Shavon wins another pickleball gold🎉 Brandi celebrates her birthday like a champPLUS! A fantastic guest this week: Ferris State Softball Head Coach Jake Schumann, who shares insights from a 25-year coaching career, recruitment at Ferris, the effects of NIL on softball, and details on their January benefit dinner filled with amazing auction prizes. 🥎🔥Stick around for firefighters raising awareness, Christmas bazaars, concerts, Santa schedules, and even the lighting of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Park. (Yes… our Paris Park.) 🎄🗼A warm, energetic, community-filled episode to kick off the holiday season.0:00 – Intro & welcome 👋2:04 – Weekend recap: Wicked: For Good 🌪️🎭5:00 – Did Pat & Dom run the Turkey Trot storm run? 🏃‍♂️❄️6:45 – Lions Thanksgiving recap + halftime show 🦁🦃9:40 – Chris & Santa sing at Reed City tree lighting 🎅🎶10:00 – Shoutout to Shavon (pickleball gold!) & Brandi (happy birthday!) 🎉🏅11:33 – Sports talk → Introducing Coach Jake Schumann 🥎15:04 – Career highlights from 25 years of coaching ⚾✨17:15 – How Ferris softball recruits new players 🔍21:30 – How the team has evolved since Coach arrived 🔥22:45 – NIL challenges & changes in softball 💰🏟️23:30 – Softball benefit dinner on Jan 10th — big auction items! 🎟️34:18 – Uplifting moment: Firefighters & No-Shave November 🚒36:35 – Theater update 🎬39:30 – Live Nativity at Cran Hill ⭐🐪40:30 – Sip & Shop at The Peaks (Thu–Fri) 🛍️41:09 – St. Mary/St. Paul Christmas Bazaar 🎁42:04 – Voca Lyrica, HSS, & Musicians Christmas Party concerts 🎶48:09 – Eiffel Tower lighting at Paris Park (!!) 🗼🎄49:35 – Coffee with a Cop at Belle’s Coffeehouse ☕👮50:20 – Updated Santa visit schedule 🎅51:05 – Home for the Holidays next Thursday! 🎄53:40 – Dom’s corrections: Rivalry flashbacks 🏈54:50 – Outro and goodbye 👋What’s Up Big Rapids, Big Rapids Michigan, Wicked musical review, Lions Thanksgiving game recap, Ferris State softball, Coach Jake Schumann interview, Big Rapids Santa schedule, Reed City tree lighting, Cran Hill Star of Wonder, Paris Park Eiffel Tower lighting, Home for the Holidays Big Rapids, Sip and Shop Peaks, St. Mary Christmas Bazaar, Ferris athletics, Big Rapids concerts December 2025, Big Rapids holiday events, Big Rapids podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #FerrisState #FSUSoftball #WickedMusical #TurkeyTrot #Pickleball #StarOfWonder #HomeForTheHolidays #MichiganPodcast #CommunityPodcast #ParisPark #ChristmasInMichigan #SantaSightings

🎄🎅🏈 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 (and their favorite floats), recap a weekend of packing Thanksgiving meals, and celebrate Vintage Vibes for raising money for the Ferris marching band. ❤️🎺Pat updates us on the Lions 🦁, the guys debate Black Friday vs Small Business Saturday vs Cyber Monday 🛍️, and Chris tells the legendary story of his wildest Black Friday adventure.PLUS: Reed City’s tree lighting, Cran-Hill’s Star of Wonder live nativity, China One adding Hibachi (!!), Ferris sports victories, Sip & Shop at The Peaks… and the big question:👉 How fast can Pat and Dom run the Turkey Trot? 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️💨A warm, funny, community-filled episode to kick off the holiday season.0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋2:05 – Festival of Lights Parade recap 🎄🚚✨7:01 – Weekend recap: Thanksgiving meal packing + Vintage Vibes fundraiser 🧡🎶9:50 – Pat recaps the Lions season so far 🦁12:25 – Spicy Standup Comedy at The Peaks 🌶️😂15:20 – Tree lighting events this weekend 🌲🎅16:50 – China One Buffet adds Hibachi on demand 🔥🍜18:55 – Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey Trot predictions 🏃‍♂️🦃22:37 – Black Friday vs Small Biz Saturday vs Cyber Monday vs Giving Tuesday 💸24:35 – Chris’s Black Friday survival story 🛍️😂31:00 – Wicked hits theaters — who’s in? ✨🎥32:45 – Star of Wonder Live Nativity at Cran-Hill ⭐🐪34:00 – Free Thanksgiving dinners across the county 🍽️35:46 – Mecosta Giving Day — Dec 2 at the Eagles ❤️37:49 – Thanks to last week’s guests, the Hahns 🙏38:19 – Big congratulations to Ferris football & volleyball! 🏈🏐39:35 – Sip & Shop December 4 at The Peaks 🍷🛍️42:00 – DBA releases Santa schedule 🎅42:49 – Pat reminds us to slow down & share gratitude ❤️48:23 – Dom’s corrections 📚53:09 – Outro & goodbyes 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Festival of Lights Big Rapids, Big Rapids Michigan events, Thanksgiving meals Big Rapids, Reed City tree lighting, Cran Hill Star of Wonder, Turkey Trot Big Rapids, Ferris State football playoffs, Ferris volleyball, China One Buffet Hibachi, Small Business Saturday Big Rapids, Sip and Shop Peaks, Big Rapids holiday events, Michigan Christmas events, Big Rapids community podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #FestivalOfLights #Thanksgiving2025 #TurkeyTrot #FerrisState #SmallBusinessSaturday #CranHill #StarOfWonder #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #BigRapidsEvents #HolidaySeason

🦃🎄❤️ 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 with High Strung Steel 🎸, and we welcome Randy & Amanda Hahn from the Jonah Foundation and Reaching the Forgotten Ministries for an eye-opening conversation about hope, second chances, and how to support jail ministries in our region.PLUS — Big Rapids officially becomes a Bird City! 🐦The FSU Bulldogs enter the playoffs undefeated 🏈Local organizations are hosting free community Thanksgiving meals 🦃AND it’s a weekend packed with parades, tree lightings, comedy nights, markets, and holiday events across Mecosta County.A warm, heartfelt episode full of service, gratitude, and hometown love. ❤️0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:15 – Pat sees Now You See Me at the theater 🎥2:15 – Chris plays a great show with High Strung Steel + hangs with an old friend 🎸4:38 – Guests: Randy & Amanda Hahn from Jonah Foundation & Reaching the Forgotten 🙏16:30 – How to volunteer & support local jail ministries ❤️21:20 – Big Rapids earns Bird City status! 🐦🎉22:41 – FSU Bulldogs head into playoffs undefeated 🏈🔥23:20 – Thank you to everyone feeding others this Thanksgiving 🙏🧡24:30 – OBK hosting Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Angels of Action 🦃25:45 – Morley American Legion also offering free Thanksgiving meal 🇺🇸26:25 – Still time to sign up for Thanksgiving help — watch our page 🤝27:30 – Scooter’s Coffee offering discounts for donations ☕🛍️29:10 – Chris heading to Lions Thanksgiving game — excited for Jack White 🎶🏈32:20 – Reed City Christmas Tree Lighting on Black Friday 🎄🎅33:30 – Pat & Dom running the Turkey Trot for 4H 🏃‍♂️🦃35:30 – Big Rapids Theater announces Q1 2026 reopening 🎬37:50 – Spicy Comedy Night at The Peaks 🌶️😂38:26 – Final Farmers Market of the year this Friday 🧺39:20 – First annual tree lighting in downtown Stanwood 🎄39:55 – Festival of Lights Parade this Saturday ✨43:00 – Mecosta County Giving Day Dec 2 at the Eagles Club ❤️47:48 – Home for the Holidays coming Dec 11 🎁49:33 – Popping for Prisoners event Dec 19 — volunteers needed 🙌51:55 – Dom’s Corrections: Star of Wonder Nativity, Cars movie hoax, Turkey Trot origins 😆54:10 – Outro & goodbyes 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Jonah Foundation, Reaching the Forgotten Ministries, jail ministry volunteer opportunities Michigan, Big Rapids Bird City, FSU Bulldogs playoffs, Big Rapids Thanksgiving meals, Angels of Action Thanksgiving, Reed City Christmas Tree Lighting, Stanwood MI Tree Lighting, Festival of Lights Parade Big Rapids, Mecosta County Giving Day 2025, Home for the Holidays Big Rapids, Big Rapids Theater reopening, Turkey Trot Big Rapids, High Strung Steel live, Big Rapids community podcast#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #JonahFoundation #ReachingTheForgotten #Thanksgiving2025 #BirdCity #FSUBulldogs #FestivalOfLights #HomeForTheHolidays #MecostaCounty #BigRapidsEvents #MichiganPodcast #CommunityStrong #LocalNewsPodcast

🎸🎖️🏈 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, Pat moves offices 🏢, and the show raises money for Angels of Action by auctioning off a seat in the guest chair! 🙌Plus: 🎭 Seussical the Musical steals the show, 🏈 Big Rapids Football conquers Escanaba, 🍜 China One Buffet reopens, and 🎤 High Strung Steel gets ready to record a free live show at the Sawmill Saloon this Saturday night.It’s gratitude, good news, and just enough chaos to keep it real in Big Rapids. ❤️0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:15 – Thanks to Santa Claus for last week’s inspiring visit 🎅1:57 – Weekend recap – Light Up the Night & Veterans Day concert 🎆🇺🇸5:57 – Auctioning off a guest-chair spot for Angels of Action 💖11:35 – Pat’s big office move 📦12:00 – Chris clowns with Clown-Vets at the Veterans Day Concert 🤡15:08 – Seussical the Musical was fantastic! 🎭👏16:14 – Detroit Lions drama 🦁🏈17:22 – Veterans Day Parade & Chris at entrepreneur panel 💼19:15 – Pat’s new Maple office & space for rent 🏢21:13 – Uplifting Moment: SGT Matthew Webber honored with US-131 stretch 🎖️24:43 – Big Rapids Football beats Escanaba & Reed City dominates districts 🏆25:45 – China One Buffet is back after just 3 weeks! 🍜29:40 – Vote now for People’s Choice Awards 🗳️32:40 – Comedy Night – Amateur Edition 🎤😆36:43 – 🎸 Free Show: High Strung Steel & Brian’s Suitcase Experience at the Sawmill 🎶39:05 – Next 5K: Thanksgiving Day for Mecosta 4-H 🏃‍♂️🦃41:00 – Holiday Market Nov 21 🛍️41:50 – Pat’s Pre-Black-Friday appliance wins 💪42:55 – Chris fixes the furnace (again) 🔥46:44 – Mecosta County Giving Day Dec 2 🎁47:45 – Parade plans – walk or ride? 🚗🎅48:40 – Festival of Lights Parade Nov 22 🎄49:43 – Home for the Holidays Dec 11 🎁51:30 – Spirit Christmas takes over the season ✨53:50 – Be part of High Strung Steel’s live recording this Saturday 🎸🎥55:00 – Dom’s Corrections & Highlights 🤓57:10 – Thank you & Outro ❤️What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan events, Veterans Day Big Rapids, Clown-Vets, Angels of Action fundraiser, High Strung Steel live recording, Sawmill Saloon Big Rapids, Seussical the Musical Big Rapids, China One Buffet reopens, Big Rapids Football vs Escanaba, Reed City District Champs, People’s Choice Awards 2025, Festival of Lights Parade Big Rapids, Home for the Holidays 2025, Mecosta 4-H 5K, Mecosta County Giving Day#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #VeteransDay #ClownVets #AngelsOfAction #HighStrungSteel #SeussicalTheMusical #FestivalOfLights #HomeForTheHolidays #Mecosta4H #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #BigRapidsEvents #FerrisState

🎅🎄🎁 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 Claus himself 🎅 — straight from the North Pole!They ask the questions everyone’s wanted to know:🎁 How does Santa deliver to every child in one night?🤔 What about kids who don’t celebrate Christmas?💫 And what advice does he have for adults struggling to find their holiday spirit?Plus: election updates 🗳️, community news, Seussical the Musical, Light Up the Night, Spicy Stand-Up ticket giveaways, and a peek at what’s coming for Big Rapids this winter ❄️.Stay to the end for Santa’s dad-joke of the day 🎅😂 and a heartfelt farewell message.0:00 – Intro & Welcome 🎬1:00 – Season flip! Why are Chris & Pat dressed like reindeer? 🦌2:30 – Please welcome Santa Claus! 🎅4:09 – How does Santa deliver gifts in one night? 🕒6:05 – What about kids who don’t celebrate Christmas? 🌎7:10 – Advice for adults who’ve lost their holiday spark ✨8:07 – Are adults ever surprised by their own belief? ❤️8:50 – Too old to believe? Never. 🎁9:45 – Santa’s most touching moments in the red suit 💫13:07 – Chris & Santa recall their viral video 📹15:15 – Best & worst gifts ever received 🎁16:35 – Pat’s worst Christmas memory 😅18:25 – Dom’s first bike 🚲19:34 – Chris’s childhood drum-set dream 🥁20:52 – Local talk: elections, Pat’s office move, Chris vs trees 🌳23:50 – Community food-resource list 🍽️28:27 – Bad news for Escanaba – Go Cards! 🏈29:07 – Local gossip: Burlington Coat Factory? 👀30:00 – Light Up the Night reminder ✨31:00 – Big Rapids running on Dunkin’? ☕33:55 – Old pawn shop → community center? 🏛️35:00 – Jason Hanson at FSU Arts & Lecture 🏈38:18 – Michigan Works Resource Expo 🤝40:05 – Seussical the Musical this weekend 🎭41:31 – Amateur Comedy Night Nov 13 🎤42:20 – Santa’s Christmas dad joke 🤣42:50 – Spicy Stand-Up ticket giveaway 🌶️44:10 – Free concert @ Sawmill 🎶46:08 – Next 5K benefits Mecosta 4-H 🏃‍♀️48:45 – Farmers Market season wrap 🧺49:20 – Home for the Holidays Dec 11 🛍️50:30 – Santa vs the Grinch 💚51:15 – Wish-list gifts for Big Rapids 🎁57:20 – Craft season & Halloween recap 🎃58:35 – Chris finally fixes that 4-year home-project 🛠️59:35 – Dom’s corrections 📚1:00:54 – Santa’s farewell message 🎅❤️1:01:28 – Outro & goodbyes 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids Michigan, Santa Claus interview, Michael the Mitten State Santa, Big Rapids events, Light Up the Night 2025, Seussical the Musical Big Rapids, Angels of Action fundraiser, Big Rapids Community Center, Jason Hanson Ferris State, Mecosta 4-H 5K, Home for the Holidays Big Rapids, Holiday Farmers Market 2025, Big Rapids podcast Christmas episode#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SantaClaus #MittenStateSanta #LightUpTheNight #SeussicalTheMusical #HomeForTheHolidays #AngelsOfAction #FerrisState #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #HolidaySeason #BigRapidsEvents #ChristmasSpirit

🎃🏆🎭 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 $750 for Artworks!), and thousands of kids scored 70,000+ pieces of candy at the Trunk or Treat 🍬.The Halloween Bash rocked with Hand of Giants and High Strung Steel bringing the noise 🔥, Ferris beat GVSU to keep the Anchor-Bone Trophy 🏈, and we’re already rolling toward Light Up the Night, Seussical, Comedy Night, and the Festival of Lights Parade.Oh — and free hockey tickets? 🎟️ Free sneakers? 👟 You bet. Tune in and find out how to win!0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋2:00 – Shoutout to Josh Pyles for an awesome Fall Fest 🍁2:35 – Pat sets a personal best at the Skeleton Skurry 5K 🏃‍♂️3:25 – Chris wins the Pumpkin Roll Trophy & $750 for Artworks 🎃💰8:25 – Trunk or Treat gives away 70,000+ pieces of candy 🍬9:45 – Halloween Bash rocked by Hand of Giants & High Strung Steel 🎸11:03 – Dawgs After Dark dunk contest highlight reel 🏀12:38 – FSU beats GVSU 38–31 for the Anchor-Bone Trophy 🏈13:35 – From “Uplifting” to “Lifting Up” — ways to serve the community ❤️18:10 – Trick-or-treat plans for the weekend 🎃20:30 – Scavenger Hunt at the Library this Friday 🔍22:08 – FSU Arts & Lecture Series: Jason Hanson next Wednesday 🦁23:55 – Get your tickets now for Seussical the Musical 🎭25:08 – Light Up the Night fundraiser Nov 7th ✨26:25 – 🎟️ Free Ferris hockey tickets giveaway! Comment to win!28:20 – 👟 Sneaker giveaway for new subscribers — details inside!29:55 – The Peaks Comedy Night Nov 20th — spicy edition 🌶️😂31:00 – Festival of Lights Parade Nov 20th 🎄32:55 – Holiday Market Nov 21st 🎁34:00 – Pat’s a “gift-giving expert” — cash, card, or thoughtful? 🎅36:55 – Spontaneous tattoos? Treetops has a Halloween flash sale 🕸️41:03 – Pat’s sports update & a farewell to Sister Jean 🙏43:50 – Dom schools Chris on bowling legend Pete Webber 🎳46:12 – Outro & goodbyes 👋What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids MI events, Pumpkin Roll Big Rapids, Skeleton Skurry 5K Angels of Action, Fall Fest Big Rapids, Trunk or Treat Big Rapids, Light Up the Night 2025, Seussical the Musical Big Rapids, Hand of Giants, High Strung Steel, FSU vs GVSU football, Ferris hockey tickets giveaway, Big Rapids Farmers Market, Festival of Lights Parade Big Rapids, Treetop Tattoos flash sale#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SkeletonSkurry #PumpkinRoll #FallFest #SeussicalTheMusical #LightUpTheNight #FestivalOfLights #AngelsOfAction #HandOfGiants #HighStrungSteel #MichiganPodcast #CommunityPodcast #FerrisState

🎃🏃‍♂️🏈 Bruises, Boo Zoos & Big Rapids Boos | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 41 (10-22-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris gives a “colorful” update on his recovery (spoiler: still bruised 🟣🟢) and shares how the family celebrated Sweetest Day at the Boo Zoo 🦁🎃. Pat’s been sanding, staining, and watching sports — all while plotting our big subscriber sneaker giveaway 👟 (details below 👇).We’re also joined by returning guest Josh Pyles from the City of Big Rapids & Downtown Business Association, who previews all the spooky fun around town — including the Skeleton Skurry 5K, Fall Fest Trunk-or-Treat, and that infamous Pumpkin Roll 🎃💥 (Chris and Pat are both rolling for glory!).Add in new updates on city construction 🚧, sports 🏈, Seussical 🎭, and Light Up the Night ✨ — and you’ve got another jam-packed week in Big Rapids!0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:45 – How’s Chris feeling? (Now available in shades of purple & green 💜💚)3:12 – 4-day weekend adventures & Boo Zoo at John Ball Park 🦓🎃5:30 – Ferris Volleyball & Sweetest Day date nights 💕6:49 – Pat reviews One Battle After Another 🎬8:50 – Pat stains his cabinets… and everything else 🖤9:30 – Huge weekend ahead: Fall Fest, Skeleton Skurry & FSU vs GVSU 🏃‍♀️🏈10:20 – Trick-or-treat talk 🍬12:45 – 🍂 Leaf pickup begins! Check city map or your water bill.14:23 – 👟 Giveaway time! Free Nike sneakers from Murph’s when we hit 1K YouTube subs & 10K Facebook followers!16:45 – Uplifting Moment: Larry Schuberg Memorial Pig Roast supports trade students 🛠️18:26 – Michigan sports update ⚾🏈19:30 – New parking lot next to theater = future pocket park 🌳20:40 – Dawgs After Dark celebrates FSU hoops 🏀21:20 – City construction updates (China One, Habitat, Chipotle) 🚧22:30 – Skeleton Skurry 5K this Saturday 👻23:34 – Light Up the Night tickets available now ✨25:27 – Seussical the Musical Nov 6-9 🎭27:16 – Guest: Josh Pyles returns! 🏙️29:10 – Skeleton Skurry route details — don’t hit the runners 😅30:20 – Fall Fest Trunk-or-Treat: 50+ cars & 60,000 pieces of candy 🍭35:04 – Dom interrupts with Gen Z slang 😆37:03 – FSU vs GVSU = a wild weekend for Big Rapids 🏈38:10 – Farmers Market → Festival of Lights Parade ✨🎄42:20 – Join our team! We’re looking for a production helper 🎥44:00 – Hemlock Park’s 249” cottonwood tree 🌳46:19 – What’s next for Big Rapids? Home for the Holidays 🎅52:04 – Dom’s Add-Ons: Military Ball at the Elks 🎖️What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids MI events, Josh Pyles Big Rapids, Skeleton Skurry 5K Angels of Action, Fall Fest Big Rapids 2025, Trunk or Treat Big Rapids, Pumpkin Roll Big Rapids, Light Up the Night 2025, Seussical the Musical Big Rapids, Larry Schuberg Memorial Pig Roast, Big Rapids giveaways, Hemlock Park cottonwood tree, Big Rapids Pocket Park, FSU vs GVSU football 2025#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SkeletonSkurry #FallFest #LightUpTheNight #SeussicalTheMusical #BigRapidsEvents #BRPodcast #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #FerrisState #AngelsOfAction #LocalNews

🏈🎭🎃 Recoveries, Rivalries & Rising Dawgs | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 40 (10-15-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris is on the mend after his hit-and-run scare 🙏 and back in the swing of things — hitting the Mecosta vs Cancer Bar Crawl, Ozzfest, and catching live music from the Tyler Gitchel Band. 🎶Pat’s nursing heartbreak of his own after both the Tigers ⚾ and Lions 🦁 went down swinging. But there’s good news all around town:🦚 A beautiful peacock bench dedicated to former Mayor Tom Hogenson,🍕 Cottage Inn Pizza opening updates,🥢 China One Buffet under renovation,😂 Make It Spicy Comedy Night at The Peaks, and💡 A call for public ideas for the Old Jail Building project.Our guest this week is Stephanie Shaw, the new Athletic Director for Big Rapids Public Schools! She talks sports, community partnerships with Ferris, future plans for local athletics, and why the Cardinals are soaring this season. 🏆0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:34 – Chris nearly healed after Jeep accident 🙌2:30 – Thank you, Big Rapids, for the support ❤️4:07 – Mecosta vs Cancer Bar Crawl + Ozzfest & Tyler Gitchel Band 🎶5:38 – Pat’s heartbreak: Tigers lose 😢⚾6:57 – Ferris Athletic Luncheons return 🍽️8:33 – Lions loss adds insult to injury 🦁💔10:02 – Thanks to Mandy Kilpatrick from last week 🎗️10:25 – Uplifting Moment: Peacock bench for Tom Hogenson 🦚11:45 – Cottage Inn Pizza update 🍕13:00 – China One Buffet closed for renovations 🥢14:05 – Make It Spicy Comedy Night this Thursday at The Peaks 🎤15:20 – City seeks input on Old Jail building ideas 🏛️17:55 – Dawgs After Dark: one student can win $10K 💸19:40 – Skeleton Skurry 5K Oct 25 👻20:20 – Fall Fest Oct 25 downtown 🎃22:22 – Fall Fest at Evergreen Terrace this Saturday (2–4PM) 🍂23:45 – OBK Fright Night Oct 24 👻25:10 – Holiday Farmers Market Nov 21 🎁25:45 – Light Up the Night Nov 7 ✨27:55 – Seussical The Musical Nov 6–9 🎭29:00 – Guest: Stephanie Shaw, BRPS Athletic Director 🎙️32:30 – Ferris partnership benefits BRPS athletics 🤝33:40 – What does an Athletic Director really do? 🏫35:40 – Big Rapids Football dominating this year 🏈36:14 – Stephanie’s sport growing up 🏐37:22 – Big Rapids athletics already shining 🌟39:32 – Yes, there’s an equestrian team! 🐎40:40 – How new sports become BRPS programs 🏒🏀42:30 – Five-year goals for the athletics department 📈44:20 – Winter sports season on the way ❄️45:05 – Thanks to Stephanie Shaw & best wishes! 🙌46:25 – Dom’s Fun Facts: Pumpkin carving history 🎃🧠47:52 – Outro & goodbyes 👋Big Rapids podcast, Stephanie Shaw Big Rapids Public Schools, BRPS Athletic Director, Big Rapids football team 2025, Ferris athletics partnership, Old Jail building community input, Cottage Inn Pizza Big Rapids opening, China One Buffet renovation, The Peaks comedy night, Skeleton Skurry 5K Angels of Action, Fall Fest Big Rapids 2025, Seussical The Musical BR Drama, Light Up the Night fundraiser#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #StephanieShaw #BigRapidsAthletics #BRCardinals #FerrisState #LightUpTheNight #SkeletonSkurry #FallFest #SeussicalTheMusical #AngelsOfAction #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #LocalEvents

🚗🎗️🎃 Hit-and-Run, Hope & Halloween Plans | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 39 (10-8-25)This week’s episode of What’s Up Big Rapids has a little of everything — drama, gratitude, and community spirit. 🙏🚗 Chris narrowly avoids disaster after a hit-and-run accident that lands him in the hospital (he’s okay 💪).🎗️ We’re joined by Mandy Kilpatrick, Director of Mecosta County vs Cancer, who shares her personal journey, the group’s inspiring mission, and details on this weekend’s Crawl for Cancer 🍻.🎃 Plus: fall events galore — Skeleton Skurry 5K, Fall Fest, Trunk or Treat, Celebrity Pumpkin Roll, and Light Up the Night.Add in Michigan sports talk, pickleball medals, and a special shout-out to FatBelly’s Benefit for lifting up a local family — it’s a full hour of heart, humor, and hometown pride. ❤️0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:12 – Chris’s hit-and-run story → hospitalized but healing 🚗💥4:10 – If you have leads, let us know 🙏6:45 – Federal shutdown affects ArtPrize, but it’s still worth the trip 🎨8:20 – Pat’s weekend = remodeling + Michigan sports 🏈🏀⚾10:07 – Uplifting Moment: FatBelly’s Benefit for a local family ❤️11:45 – Shavon’s pickleball team wins silver 🥈 and 5K medal talk 🏃‍♂️13:11 – Next up: Skeleton Skurry 5K (Oct 25) 👻14:30 – Chris playing Morley Halloween Bash 🎸🎃15:05 – Fall Fest (Oct 25): Trunk or Treat + Celebrity Pumpkin Roll 🎃16:30 – Angels of Action expands to Osceola County 📚17:30 – Light Up the Night (Nov 7 at Canadian Lakes Castle) ✨20:20 – Royal View Assisted Living seeking vendors & crafters 🧵20:55 – Seussical the Musical (Nov 6-9 by BR Drama) 🎭22:14 – Mecosta County vs Cancer Bar Crawl this Saturday 🍺23:00 – Guest: Mandy Kilpatrick joins the show 🎙️24:55 – Mandy’s cancer story & how the organization began 🎗️27:15 – Vision for the future 💡28:16 – How to get involved 🤝29:08 – Early success story that kept her going ❤️32:00 – Crawl for Cancer timeline & route 🍻34:28 – What’s next for Mecosta vs Cancer 🚀37:00 – Thanks to Mandy Kilpatrick 🙌39:18 – Dom’s Corrections: Chris misnames a pizza place 🍕 and learns crash stats 🚨41:08 – The Mitten State Santa season begins 🎅41:53 – Outro & Goodbyes – Excelsior! 💫Big Rapids podcast, Chris Jane accident, Big Rapids hit and run, Mandy Kilpatrick interview, Mecosta County vs Cancer, Crawl for Cancer Big Rapids, FatBelly’s Benefit, Angels of Action Osceola County, Light Up the Night Canadian Lakes, Skeleton Skurry 5K, Fall Fest Big Rapids 2025, Seussical the Musical BR Drama, Morley Halloween Bash#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #MecostaCountyVsCancer #CrawlForCancer #AngelsOfAction #LightUpTheNight #SkeletonSkurry #FallFest #SeussicalTheMusical #MorleyHalloweenBash #FatBellysBenefit #BigRapidsEvents #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast

🏆🎂🎃 Trophies, Tile & a Birthday Twist | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 38 (10-1-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids:🏃 Chris & Pat finish the ResRun 5K (with minimal whining)💍 Chris officiates another wedding and wants more!🏈 Big Rapids football keeps the Pioneer Trophy by defeating Reed City🎂 Chris celebrates his birthday (with cake courtesy of Pat)🙌 Uplifting moment: Lady Cardinals golf team clinches their division🎉 Local events: Charter Block Party, Motawi Tiles Exhibit, Light Up the Night fundraiser, Fall Fest, and moreThe guys also debate Kai Cenat, eating competitions, horror movies, and the real mystery of the week: who’s performing the Super Bowl halftime show — Bad Bunny or Benny Blanco? 🎤0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:10 – Send us your community events! 📅2:10 – Chris burning the candle at both ends 🔥2:35 – ResRun 5K finished (with minimal whining) 🏃‍♂️5:33 – Chris officiates another wedding 💍9:30 – Big Rapids beats Reed City! Pioneer Trophy stays home 🏈10:47 – Pat’s weekend: sports + house inspections 🏡13:35 – Team USA struggles at Ryder Cup ⛳17:20 – Tigers in the playoffs ⚾17:55 – Uplifting Moment: Lady Cardinal golf team wins division 🏆19:20 – Chris’ birthday surprise 🎂21:50 – Thanks to last week’s guest, Dr. Jen Cochran 🙌22:10 – Charter Revision Block Party at Hemlock Park 🎉23:25 – New pavilion at Riverside Park for disc golfers 🥏25:50 – Walmart Halloween Safety Event 🎃27:13 – Mecosta County vs Cancer Bar Crawl 🍻27:45 – Motawi Tiles Exhibit opening Thursday 🖼️29:30 – Ferris MEBA program hosts top songwriter 🎶30:50 – Light Up the Night fundraiser for Angels of Action ✨33:26 – Looking ahead: end-of-year celebration & “Woober Awards”? 🏆😂34:15 – Who is Kai Cenat? Pat explains 📱36:20 – Fall Fest for Downtown Big Rapids 🎃40:08 – Eating competitions + a former champion resurfaces 🌭44:40 – Big Rapids Theatre launches a FB page 🎭45:55 – Great new movies coming soon 🍿46:45 – Pioneer’s People’s Choice nominations open 🗳️48:10 – Super Bowl halftime act? Bad Bunny or Benny Blanco 🎤51:55 – Horror movies: yay or nay? 👻56:35 – Dom’s corrections 🤓58:25 – Outro & goodbyes 👋Big Rapids podcast, Pioneer Trophy game Big Rapids vs Reed City, Chris Jane officiant weddings, Lady Cardinals golf team win, Big Rapids Charter Revision Block Party, Motawi Tiles Exhibit Big Rapids, Light Up the Night fundraiser Angels of Action, Big Rapids Fall Fest 2025, Big Rapids Theatre reopening, Mecosta County vs Cancer Bar Crawl, Pioneer People’s Choice Awards, Super Bowl halftime show predictions#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #PioneerTrophy #BRCardinals #ResRun5K #LadyCardinals #LightUpTheNight #FallFest #MecostaCounty #MotawiTiles #AngelsOfAction #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast #LocalEvents

🏃🎶🏛 Races, Records & Revising the Charter | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 37 (9-24-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids:🏡 A late-season boom in real estate🎶 Weekend plans, gigs, and Columbia House memories🏃‍♂️ Upcoming 5Ks: Res Run, Crossroads, and Skeleton Skurry🎃 Fall events: Trunk or Treat, Pumpkin Roll, and moreOur special guest is Jen Cochran — former City Commissioner and current Charter Revision Committee member. Jen shares her story from growing up near A Christmas Story’s setting to helping build Ferris’ FLITE Library, earning multiple degrees, and now guiding the future of Big Rapids through the charter process. 🏛From French poetry to civic engagement, this one’s got it all.0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:15 – Real estate’s late-season boom 🏡1:55 – Weekend plans: Max McKnown at The Intersection 🎶3:15 – Pat attends a wedding in sneakers 👟💍4:00 – Chris is officiating a wedding ❤️6:32 – Res Run 5K this Saturday 🏃‍♂️8:40 – High Strung Steel gig in White Cloud 🎸9:15 – Pat’s house projects + Murph’s Sneaker Shop 👟11:00 – Chris’ one-generation solution to roadside litter 🗑️12:15 – Detroit sports talk ⚾🏈🏀14:15 – Ferris football: 97-point favorites 🐾14:55 – Thanks to Alicia Pillbeam from The Peaks 🙌16:20 – Good Neighbor Day – Sept 27 @ Library 📚19:00 – Grammy-winning songwriter at Ferris 🎶20:35 – First music purchases & Columbia House nostalgia 💿25:00 – How music downloading changed the game 💻26:50 – Fairgrounds winter storage + Mecosta vs Cancer beer crawl 🍺28:20 – Crossroads 5K – Oct 4 🏃28:40 – Skeleton Skurry 5K – Oct 25 🎃👻 (costume ideas?)30:13 – Trunk or Treat signups 🎃31:00 – Celebrity Pumpkin Roll – new format 🎃😂32:40 – Guest intro: Jen Cochran 🎙️34:38 – Jen’s first music purchase 🎵35:25 – Growing up near A Christmas Story 🏠36:10 – Helping build Ferris’ FLITE Library 🎓📚37:37 – French, ESL, Doctorate = wow! 🎓41:55 – Chris recalls his “fat vegan” era 🥗😅42:35 – Jen’s parents & family background 👨‍👩‍👧44:42 – Meeting her husband through French poetry ❤️📖50:00 – Commission candidate forum tonight @ City Hall 🏛52:52 – Charter Revision Process explained 📝1:01:35 – How listeners can get involved 🤝1:03:25 – Keeping track of the process 📲1:06:12 – Public comment: your voice matters 🎤1:10:14 – Thanks to Jen for inspiring higher education 🙏1:12:00 – Dom’s corrections: Chris wins big 🏆1:15:08 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Jen Cochran interview, Big Rapids Charter Revision, Big Rapids City Commissioner, FLITE Library Ferris, Res Run Big Rapids, Skeleton Skurry 5K Angels of Action, Crossroads 5K, Good Neighbor Day Big Rapids, Max McKnown Intersection show, Murph’s Sneaker Shop, Big Rapids fall events 2025, community podcast Michigan#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #JenCochran #CharterRevision #CityCommission #FLITELibrary #FerrisState #ResRun5K #SkeletonSkurry #Crossroads5K #GoodNeighborDay #BigRapidsEvents #LocalPodcast #MichiganPodcast #CommunityVoiceWant me to also draft a 30-second social teaser that highlights Jen’s charter insights + the fun fall events (like costumes & pumpkin roll)?

🏈🎭🎉 Homecoming, Highlights & The Peaks | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 36 (9-16-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids:🎓 Big Rapids & Ferris Homecoming celebrations🦁 Pat’s questionable Lions bet (involving his living room furniture)🙌 Feel-good shoutout to new Eagle Scout Parker Eling🍴 Crusted Creations gets its liquor license🎨 Artworks Gala this Friday✨ Upcoming fall festivals, 5Ks, and community funOur special guest is Alicia Pillbeam, co-owner of The Peaks Event Center, who shares the story behind transforming the space into one of Big Rapids’ premier venues. From weddings to concerts to Ferris events, The Peaks has become a true community hub—and there’s more to come. 🎶🎉0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:07 – Technical difficulties in the studio 😅1:50 – Weekend recaps 🌞2:55 – Big Rapids Homecoming parade & photos 🎓5:20 – Ferris Homecoming this Saturday 🏈 (3PM kickoff!)6:50 – How about those Lions? 🦁8:23 – Pat bets his living room furniture on a Super Bowl win 🛋️😂9:55 – Thanks to last week’s guest, Darren Iozia 📰10:30 – Viewer video from the Mecosta County Regatta 🚤11:45 – Feel-good moment: Eagle Scout Parker Eling 🦅13:30 – Old pawn shop renovations 🔨14:45 – Construction updates around town 🚧15:25 – Crusted Creations scores liquor license 🍹16:23 – Artworks Gala Friday (6–9PM) 🎨18:20 – Light Up the Night set for Nov 7 ✨20:12 – Fall events from the City of BR 🍂20:55 – 4th Annual Baker Car Show – Sept 20 🚗22:00 – FSU Arts & Lecture Series kicks off 🎭23:40 – ResRun Sept 27 🏃‍♂️25:23 – Skeleton Skurry 5K coming in October 💀25:15 – Fall Fest BR – Oct 25 🎃26:45 – Comedy Show at The Peaks this Thursday 🎤28:00 – Guest: Alicia Pillbeam from The Peaks Event Center 🎙️33:35 – Thanks to everyone who supported summer events 🙌34:15 – Rent The Peaks for your next event 🎉36:55 – Alicia’s big dream for the venue 🌟40:10 – Biggest uses of The Peaks: weddings, business, Ferris 💍📊🎓42:03 – What’s next for The Peaks? 👀43:10 – Thanks to Alicia! 🙏44:05 – Get tickets at thepeaksbr.com 🎟️44:28 – Dom’s corrections 🤓47:19 – Outro & thanks for sticking around! 👋Big Rapids podcast, Alicia Pillbeam Peaks Event Center, Big Rapids homecoming 2025, Ferris State homecoming 2025, Crusted Creations liquor license, Artworks Gala Big Rapids, Baker Car Show, ResRun Big Rapids, Skeleton Skurry 5K, Fall Fest Big Rapids, Light Up the Night Angels of Action, Big Rapids events September 2025#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #ThePeaksEventCenter #AliciaPillbeam #BigRapidsHomecoming #FerrisHomecoming #ArtworksGala #FallFest #SkeletonSkurry #ResRun #LightUpTheNight #BakerCarShow #BigRapidsEvents #MichiganPodcast #CommunityPodcast

🎶🚴📰 Heroes, Homecoming & Headlines | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 35 (9-10-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we bring you a sneak peek at the brand-new Hand of Giants song Hate vs Heroes! 🎶 Chris recaps an inspiring marathon weekend with Shavon, and the guys cover everything from Homecoming to history: 9/11 reflections, community events, and $41K raised by Pork for a Purpose. 🙌We also look ahead at:🚴 Big Dam Bike Ride🎥 Movie Night at Roben-Hood (Top Gun!)🎶 Save the Ponds concert & Folk Jamboree🍦 Half-off ice cream at the Milkshake Spot🎭 Comedy at The Peaks featuring a Kill Tony star⚓ The real — and dangerous — Mecosta County RegattaOur special guest is Darren Iozia, Editor-in-Chief of the Pioneer. We dive into his journey from Stonehenge to Cambridge to Big Rapids, the evolution of newsrooms, standout stories, and where traditional media is headed. 📰Stick around until the end for the world debut of “Hate vs Heroes” from Hand of Giants! 🎶🔥0:00 – Teaser: Hand of Giants – Hate vs Heroes 🎶0:29 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:50 – Chris supports Shavon’s marathon run 🏃‍♀️3:10 – Shavon completes her first marathon 🎉7:33 – Chris on his new Concept 2 Rower 🚣‍♂️9:19 – Homecoming is here! 🎓10:10 – 9/11 reflections 🕯️12:51 – Big Rapids Homecoming dance 💃🕺13:18 – Wrong Number documentary debuts locally 🎥20:40 – Uplifting moment: $41K raised by Pork for a Purpose ❤️21:40 – Big Dam Bike Ride this Saturday 🚴‍♂️23:30 – Movie night at Roben-Hood: Top Gun ✈️24:09 – Save the Ponds concert at Paris Park 🎶25:20 – Canadian Lakes Folk Jamboree 🎵26:30 – Ice cream lovers: 50% off at the Milkshake Spot 🍦28:07 – Comedy Night at The Peaks with Kill Tony star 🎭29:08 – Light Up the Night returns in new format 💡30:00 – Baker Group Car Show for Angels of Action 🚗31:44 – Res Run & Skeleton Skurry coming soon 🏃‍♂️33:07 – The Mecosta County Regatta is real — and dangerous ⚓33:50 – Guest: Darren Iozia, Pioneer Editor-in-Chief 📰35:36 – From Stonehenge to Big Rapids? 🌍37:47 – Studying in Cambridge 🎓40:00 – Florida vs Michigan ☀️❄️41:32 – What did you want to be as a kid? 👦42:40 – Photography journeys 📸45:58 – Leaving photography for the editor’s chair 🪑47:15 – How newsrooms have changed 📰50:15 – A standout story that grabbed attention 📰🔥51:48 – Facing distrust in “the media” 🤔54:52 – Does the editor lay out the paper? 🗞️58:30 – Where is traditional media headed? ⏩1:03:35 – Longest episode yet? Thanks, Darren! 🙌1:06:30 – “There are many Grand Rapids, but only one Big Rapids!” 🐦1:07:49 – Dom’s corrections & tangents (Salisbury steak, Tiger Woods, 80s/90s cartoons) 🤓1:11:30 – Stay tuned for the Hand of Giants video 👀1:12:25 – World debut: Hate vs Heroes by Hand of Giants 🎶🔥Hand of Giants Hate vs Heroes, Big Rapids podcast, Darren Iozia Pioneer editor, Big Rapids Homecoming 2025, Wrong Number documentary, Big Dam Bike Ride, Save the Ponds concert, Canadian Lakes Folk Jamboree, Angels of Action car show, Mecosta County Regatta, Kill Tony comedian Big Rapids, local newsrooms Michigan, Big Rapids Pioneer newspaper#WhatsUpBigRapids #HandOfGiants #HateVsHeroes #BigRapidsEvents #PorkForAPurpose #BigDamBikeRide #TopGunMovieNight #SaveThePonds #CanadianLakes #MilkshakeSpot #ComedyNight #LightUpTheNight #AngelsOfAction #MecostaCounty #PioneerNews #LocalJournalism #MichiganPodcast

🍕🚴‍♂️🎶 Pizza, Parades & Powerful Moments | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 34 (9-3-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris takes us on a Chicago deep-dive—literally—after a weekend full of deep dish pizza, museums, and big city adventures. 🍕🦖 Meanwhile, Pat is officially a Big Rapids resident (welcome home!), and the guys cover everything from football season to the largest Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show ever.We look ahead to a packed September with the Big Dam Bike Ride, Wheatland Festival, Hot Boat Party, and more. Plus: comedy, concerts, Culver’s, cruises, and a very spirited debate about donuts. 🍩Stick around for the uplifting moment of the week — you’ll leave smiling.0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:05 – Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸1:30 – Chris’ Chicago weekend trip 🏙️3:00 – Deep dish pizza debate 🍕5:15 – Giordano’s frozen vs Lou Malnati’s 😲7:10 – Must-see museums: Field & Griffin 🦖🔬9:10 – Chicago = beautiful, clean & safe 🙌11:25 – Pat is officially a Big Rapids resident 🏡12:30 – Biggest Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show ever 🎨14:28 – Another high school hole-in-one! ⛳16:40 – Football season is back 🏈17:20 – Thanks to Dr. Atwood — who should be next guest? 🎙️19:40 – Big Dam Bike Ride next weekend 🚴‍♂️21:20 – Movie night at Roben-Hood Airport ✈️🎥22:30 – Labor Day bittersweet: summer’s end 🌅23:18 – 52nd Annual Wheatland Music Festival 🎶26:40 – Hot Boat Party at Hardy Dam 🚤27:00 – Boat life & cruise talk ⛴️31:15 – Canadian Lakes Folk Jamboree 🎵32:23 – Angels of Action + Culver’s “Dine for a Difference” 🍔33:20 – Jelly vs cream-filled donuts debate 🍩😂36:40 – Books & Brats at Sawmill (9/6) 📚🌭37:54 – Uplifting Moment of the Week ✨41:46 – Comedy Night at The Peaks (Sept 18) 🎭45:38 – Mecosta County Regatta?? More info needed! 🚤51:42 – Dom’s Corrections 📝53:40 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Chicago weekend trip, Giordano’s vs Lou Malnati’s, Field Museum Chicago, Griffin Science and Technology Museum, Big Rapids Arts & Crafts Show, Big Dam Bike Ride 2025, Wheatland Festival 2025, Hardy Dam Hot Boat Party, Canadian Lakes Folk Jamboree, Angels of Action Culver’s fundraiser, Big Rapids library events, Sawmill books and brats, Peaks comedy night#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #ChicagoTrip #DeepDishPizza #BigDamBikeRide #WheatlandFestival #HotBoatParty #CanadianLakes #AngelsOfAction #BooksAndBrats #ComedyNight #LaborDayWeekend #MichiganPodcast #LocalPodcast #CommunityEvents

🥁🏈🎶 Marching Bands, Marathons & Marvel Bands | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 33 (8-27-25)This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris and Pat recap a jam-packed week: hole-in-ones, house projects, and rocking out at the Tie Dye Festival 🎸. We talk Labor Day weekend plans, the Big Dam Bike Ride, local construction updates, and even a Top Gun movie night at Roben-Hood Airport. ✈️Our special guest is Dr. Daniel Atwood, the new director of the revived FSU Marching Band! 🥁 He shares the hard work behind bringing back the band, the difference between pep and marching bands, and what’s next for Ferris’ music programs. Spoiler: the Marching Bulldogs will be at games, parades, and community events near you. 🎶🐾0:00 – Intro & Welcome 👋1:00 – Thanks to last week’s guest, Sheriff Brian Miller 👮2:00 – Ever been pepper sprayed or tased? 😳3:20 – Golf is fickle ⛳ Congrats to Tommy Fleetwood on PGA win4:00 – Shoutout: Kate Posey’s first Hole in One at Katke! 🏌️‍♀️5:00 – Weekend recaps: Pat’s house work 🏡 + Chris rocks the Tie Dye Festival 🎸6:30 – Res Life FunRun for expansion – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon 🏃‍♂️9:20 – Football season kicks off! Go Cardinals 🏈10:40 – Holiday weekend = Labor Day Festival 🎡12:50 – Welcome back, Ferris students! 🎓13:50 – Last Pocket Park Concert: Darrel Marvel Band 🎶14:45 – Business moves & construction updates 🚧17:02 – Shooter’s facade renovation 🧱18:40 – Rotary’s 2nd Annual Big Dam Bike Ride 🚴21:15 – Movie night at Roben-Hood Airport: Top Gun ✈️22:15 – Do you have “go-to videos” for certain moods? 📺23:58 – Canadian Lakes Folk Jamboree – Sept 12 🎵24:50 – Guest: Dr. Daniel Atwood, FSU Marching Band Director 🎺27:00 – Dr. Dan roasts Pat for skipping the season opener 😂28:00 – Who is Dr. Atwood & his journey to Big Rapids 🎶30:45 – Rebuilding Ferris’ Marching Band 🥁33:10 – Pep Band vs Marching Band 🎺34:30 – Dr. Atwood’s intro to band 🎼36:20 – Band size this season 🎵37:30 – Dom models the new Bulldog uniforms 🐾38:50 – New Ferris branding looks sharp 🔴⚪41:00 – Atwood also directs the String Orchestra 🎻43:00 – Future of the Community Concert Band after Dr. Cohen 🎶45:20 – Thanks to Dr. Atwood & the new marching Bulldogs 🐾46:35 – Bulldogs bringing the music to games, parades, and more 🎉47:15 – Dom’s corrections 📝49:00 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, FSU Marching Band, Dr. Daniel Atwood Ferris State, Big Rapids Labor Day Festival, Big Dam Bike Ride 2025, Ferris State music programs, Canadian Lakes Folk Jamboree, Pocket Park Concert Series, Roben-Hood Airport Top Gun, Ferris students return 2025, Big Rapids events August 2025#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #FerrisState #MarchingBulldogs #FSUMarchingBand #DrDanielAtwood #PocketParkConcerts #LaborDayFestival #BigDamBikeRide #CanadianLakes #TopGunMovieNight #FerrisMusic #CommunityPodcast #MichiganPodcast

🎙️ Episode 32 (8-19-25): Buckets, Backpacks & the Big Dam RideThis week on What’s Up Big Rapids —Chris and Pat cover rodeos, festivals, football season, and even a musical bucket list moment before diving into a big interview with Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller. From back-to-school checklists to local festivals and bike rides, there’s a lot happening in Big Rapids — plus, we say farewell to intern Kenzie and welcome MJ to the team! 🚀0:00 🎧 Intro and welcome1:00 🔙 Weekend Recap2:30 🤠 Rodeo on the Pond3:30 🎒 Back to School Checklist4:32 🎶 Chris checks a musical bucket list dream5:53 🌈 Tie Dye Festival at Burley Park this weekend8:05 ⛳ WCAR Golf Outing – the last of the year for the guys11:15 🐖 Pork for a Purpose Aug 23rd (benefiting local families)12:40 🍽️ Dinner & a Show at The Peaks this Friday13:40 🏈 Football season is back!14:19 🏡 Chris recaps the summer in local real estate16:28 🎡 Labor Day Festival – Sept 1st17:45 🚴 Big Dam Bike Ride – Sept 13th19:48 👮 Guest: Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller23:00 📈 Jail numbers are up this summer25:30 🎓 Sheriff’s favorite time of service = school liaison officer27:10 🏫 History of school resource officers in Mecosta County34:45 🏀 Coaching days with Sheriff Miller36:45 ❤️ Why Big Rapids? Why not Big Rapids!38:20 👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Team: the sheriff’s department strategy38:30 🗳️ Brian & Chris swap favorite school board stories43:57 🙌 Thanks to Sheriff Miller for joining us!44:25 🤓 Dom’s Corrections44:54 👋 Farewell to intern Kenzie + Welcome to MJ!Big Rapids podcast, Mecosta County news, Sheriff Brian Miller, Big Rapids events, Big Dam Bike Ride, Labor Day Festival Big Rapids, Tie Dye Festival Burley Park, Pork for a Purpose, WCAR golf outing, Angels of Action, Peaks Event Center, Big Rapids real estate, What’s Up Big Rapids, community podcast MichiganHashtags:#BigRapids #MecostaCounty #LocalPodcast #CommunityMatters #WhatUpBigRapids #BigDamBikeRide #SheriffBrianMiller #TieDyeFestival #SupportLocal #PodcastMichigan

🎓🎭🏞 Reunions, Rodeos & the Road to Back-to-School | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 31 (8-13-25)It’s a packed week on What’s Up Big Rapids! Chris and Pat swap stories from their weekend adventures—🎓 awkward class reunions, 🎥 summer movie magic, 🎶 festival fun, and even a surprise trip to the E.R. (Pat’s OK!). We talk tie-dye, rodeos, upcoming 5Ks, and the 57th Annual Labor Day Festival.Our special guest this week is Tim Haist, Superintendent of Big Rapids Public Schools, who joins us to talk about the upcoming school year, reopening schools, bus safety, job openings, the future of learning, and how Big Rapids is leveling the playing field for students. 📚🚌From community events to conversations that matter, this week’s show is equal parts small-town charm and big ideas.0:00 – Intro and welcome1:50 – Weekend recap2:10 – The awkward beauty of class reunions 🎓3:50 – Summer movies are delivering 🍿5:30 – Storms at the Hoxey Festival ⛈️6:20 – Chris heads to Bellaire 🎶6:50 – Tie Dye Festival Aug 22–23 🎨8:15 – Pat lands in the E.R. (again) 🚑9:22 – Tire recycling Aug 14 ♻️10:40 – Angels of Action Giveaway Day Aug 15 🎁11:35 – Rodeo on the Pond 2025 in Morley 🤠14:10 – Chris can’t finish his chores 🛠️14:50 – Pork for a Purpose Aug 23 (for two families) ❤️16:41 – Church in the Park this week ⛪17:45 – Res Run races this fall 🏃‍♂️20:55 – 57th Annual Labor Day Festival 🎡22:00 – Guest: Tim Haist, BRPS Superintendent 🎙️24:45 – Outlook for the 2025–26 school year 📚25:55 – Reopening Hillcrest & Eastwood 🏫28:12 – Reflecting on 15 years of growth 📈30:00 – Who’s moving to Big Rapids?31:50 – First day of school Aug 21 📅34:02 – The team behind the classrooms34:40 – BR buses travel “to Florida” daily 🚌36:35 – Bus safety & flashing lights 🚦37:30 – Job openings in BRPS39:00 – Leveling the education field in 202540:12 – Future of learning43:10 – Spotting good vs. bad info (ChatGPT 5) 🤖44:12 – How Tim got his start in education45:26 – Why Big Rapids? ❤️48:15 – Pat & Chris wish they were Cardinals 🐦50:25 – Teachers build platforms for life51:40 – Thanks to Tim Haist & Dom’s corrections52:53 – Goodbyes & outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Tim Haist interview, Big Rapids Public Schools, BRPS Superintendent, back to school Big Rapids, Labor Day Festival Big Rapids, Angels of Action, Rodeo on the Pond, Tie Dye Festival Burley Park, Bellaire Michigan events, Big Rapids class reunion, Big Rapids events August 2025, Mecosta County news, What’s Up Big Rapids#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #BRPS #BackToSchool #MecostaCounty #LaborDayFestival #TieDyeFestival #RodeoOnThePond #AngelsOfAction #BigRapidsEvents #MichiganPodcast #CommunityPodcast #LocalEvents #BusSafety #SuperintendentInterview

🎹🎪🎬 Play Back, Pork & Pat’s Big Move | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 30 (8-7-25)After a tech fail that almost wiped out the show (RIP to Yesterday’s lost episode 🎤💀), the guys are back and better than ever! Chris returns from serving at a disability camp 💚, Pat surprises everyone with a spontaneous review of Rango 🦎, and… he’s officially moving to Big Rapids! 🏡We also:– Announce our Dueling Pianos ticket giveaway winners 🎹– Preview this weekend’s Hoxeyville Festival 🎶– Shout out the success of the All-Class Reunion– Spotlight great causes like Pork for a Purpose, the Angels of Action clothing giveaway, and Rodeo on the Pond 🐖🤠– Talk about a lobster food truck rollin’ into the Farmer’s Market 🦞– And preview next week’s guest: Superintendent Tim Haist from BRPS 🎓Also: Did you survive Y2K? Are you still paying for a Napster subscription? Let’s talk about it.0:00 – Pre-roll: the tech fail that deleted yesterday’s show 💻3:30 – Official intro and welcome 🎙️5:40 – Pat’s spontaneous Rango review 🦎🎬7:11 – Apologies + creative new way to mess up a recording7:55 – Chris returns from disability camp 🙌10:35 – Yet another glitch mid-show 😅11:10 – Pat’s MOVING TO BIG RAPIDS! 🏠12:30 – No truck & tractor pull this year in Morley 🚜13:50 – All-Class Reunion = a smash hit 🎓14:50 – Thanks again to Josh Pyles for joining us last week17:00 – Dueling Pianos at The Peaks this Friday 🎹18:15 – Giveaway winners announced 🎉19:00 – Chris plays at Hoxeyville Fest 🎶21:00 – Pat previews his weekend events 🗓️22:25 – Tire and waste disposal events ♻️24:45 – Angels of Action clothing giveaway 👕26:30 – Rodeo on the Pond in Morley 🤠29:13 – Pork for a Purpose fundraiser 🐖31:00 – Church in the Park next weekend ⛪34:00 – Labor Day Arts & Crafts Fair coming up 🎨36:00 – Saved by the Bell nostalgia hits hard 📺38:15 – Lobster food truck at the Farmer’s Market 🦞43:00 – Subscription overload: what are you still paying for? 💸48:50 – Next week’s guest: Tim Haist from BRPS 🎓49:15 – Dom’s corrections 📋50:15 – Outro ✌️Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids dueling pianos, Hoxeyville Festival, Angels of Action giveaway, Pat moving to Big Rapids, Pork for a Purpose fundraiser, Morley Rodeo on the Pond, BRPS Superintendent Tim Haist, Big Rapids events August 2025, Big Rapids Farmers Market, lobster food truck Michigan, tire disposal Mecosta County, What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris Jane#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #WUBR #CommunityEvents #Hoxeyville #PorkForAPurpose #AngelsOfAction #LobsterFoodTruck #SavedByTheBell #DuelingPianos #SubscriptionLife #PodcastLife #MidMichiganPodcast #TimHaist #BRPS #RangoReview

🎹🎾🎭 Pianos, Parks & Pyles | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 29 (7-28-25)This week’s episode hits all the right notes—🎹 from dueling pianos to prime rib dinners, summer camps, and community pool splashdowns! Chris is packing for his 20th straight year at summer camp 🏕️, while Pat is navigating the chaos of “turnover season” at work (we get it, teachers). Plus, the guys deliver a spoiler-free review of Happy Gilmore 2 🍿 and give Trino the Comedy Magician a 5-star rating for his show at The Peaks! 🎩🎉 We're also joined by special guest Josh Pyles from the City of Big Rapids to break down summer rec updates—including free daily open swim, dog day at the pool, tennis programs, concerts, and more!0:00 – Intro and Welcome2:10 – Happy Gilmore 2 review (spoiler-free!) ⛳6:23 – Chris preps for his 20th straight year at summer camp 🏕️9:05 – Pat’s in turnover season at work 📚9:50 – Trino the comedy magician earns 5 stars! 🎩11:30 – Dueling Pianos coming to The Peaks next Friday 🎹14:15 – Big Rapids All-Class Reunion August 2 🎓15:08 – Tire recycling & household hazardous waste drop-off ♻️17:30 – Hosts react to the tragic TC incident 💔20:20 – Prime rib & Prime shopping at the Commission on Aging 🛒22:10 – Mom 2 Mom Sale at St. Mary’s 👶🛍️24:10 – Guest Josh Pyles joins the show 🎙️26:30 – Free community pool access through August 15 🏊‍♀️32:35 – Dog Day at the pool 🐶💦33:42 – Competitive swim camp making a splash 🏊‍♂️37:49 – Pocket Park concerts every Friday at noon 🎶40:45 – Farmer’s Market bonus Saturday afternoons 🌽🍅43:00 – Tennis in the park for ages 4–13 🎾43:55 – Community event season is in full swing 🎪52:08 – Follow BR Parks & Rec and the city for updates 📲55:55 – Dom’s corrections 🔧59:00 – Thanks to Josh & Outro 🎤Big Rapids podcast, Josh Pyles interview, Big Rapids Parks and Rec, free pool access Big Rapids, summer activities in Big Rapids, tennis for kids BRCTA, dueling pianos Big Rapids, summer camp in Michigan, Farmer’s Market Big Rapids, comedy magician Trino, community events Mecosta County, What’s Up Big Rapids#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #JoshPyles #ParksAndRec #WUBR #CommunityEvents #BigRapidsSummer #FreePoolDay #DogDayAtThePool #TrinoMagic #HappyGilmore2 #TennisInThePark #FarmerMarketFinds #MecostaCounty #PodcastGuest #MidMichiganPodcast

🎭🎹🎬 Musicals, Movies & Magic | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 28 (7-24-25)This week’s episode is packed tighter than a high school theater prop closet! Chris and Pat recap Pat’s wild weekend 🕺, shout out the Jonah Foundation Fundraiser 🙌, and announce the winner of our Magic Show Ticket Giveaway! 🎩✨We’ve got big news:– 🎹 Dueling Pianos at The Peaks in 2 weeks– 🚲 White Pine Trail is officially complete!– 🧑‍🎓 Cardinal All-Class Reunion August 2– 🎶 Hemlock Concert Series keeps rolling– ♻️ Tire Recycling Event at the fairgrounds– 🚌 Crossroads expands bus serviceThen we welcome Devann Hattis, director of Matilda the Musical, who shares the magic (and madness!) of putting on a licensed production in Big Rapids. From casting and choreography to Broadway dreams and stunt-casting Pat and Chris (👀), this is one for the theater kids and closet performers alike.🎟️ Tickets for Matilda are still available for this weekend — don’t miss it!0:00 – Intro & Welcome1:55 – Thanks, Roger Meinert! 🎙️3:23 – Jonah Foundation Fundraiser recap4:16 – Pat’s wild weekend 🍻5:57 – Celebrity drama — rough week for the stars 🌟8:36 – Hand of Giants in the studio 🎸10:00 – Pat’s movie marathon weekend 🎬13:02 – Magic Show Giveaway winner revealed! 🎩15:34 – Dueling Pianos 🎹 coming to The Peaks16:29 – White Pine Trail officially finished 🚲18:44 – Cardinal All-Class Reunion 🧑‍🎓19:51 – Hemlock Park concerts 🎶20:49 – Tire Recycling Event ♻️21:57 – Crossroads expands bus routes 🚌23:35 – Chamber news tease 👀24:20 – Guest: Devann Hattis joins the show 🎭28:13 – What it takes to bring a show to BR 🎟️36:54 – Stage-M vs BRPS drama shows 🎤38:37 – Devann’s favorite Broadway play 🎶41:57 – Tickets still available for Matilda! 🎟️43:12 – Licensing big shows like Lion King & Annie 🦁👒48:39 – Pat & Chris on stage someday??50:26 – Dom’s corrections 📋52:11 – HULKAMANIA outro 🟢💪Big Rapids podcast, Matilda musical Big Rapids, Devann Hattis interview, Stage-M theater, White Pine Trail completed, Hemlock Park concert series, Big Rapids events July 2025, Cardinal Reunion, Dueling Pianos Big Rapids, Magic show ticket winner, Big Rapids drama program, Chris Jane, What’s Up Big Rapids#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #MatildaTheMusical #StageM #WhitePineTrail #CardinalReunion #BigRapidsEvents #LiveMusic #MagicShow #HemlockConcertSeries #WUBR #MidMichiganPodcast #SupportTheArts #CommunitySpotlight #PodcastGuest #DuelingPianos

🚣‍♂️💉🎉 Tubing, Tattoos & Turning 150 | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 27 (7-16-25)Michigan is showing off this week — sunshine, rivers, community cleanups, and big celebrations just up the road in Reed City, turning 150 years old! 🎉 We swap weekend stories (tubing legends were made), talk the new Superman 🦸, and shout out Tree Tops Tattoos for doing real good with a river cleanup.We’ve got event alerts galore: Matilda, Swede Hill Skate Park ribbon cutting, Trino the Comedy Magician & Dueling Pianos at The PEAKS (ticket giveaway below!), new Ready for Life campus, and extended Splash Pad hours.Then we welcome Roger Meinert, Mayor of Reed City, for a lively look at RC’s 150th celebration: lumberjack shows, trap shooting champs, $40M in grants, a student-designed logo legacy, and a new pocket park coming with skating & concerts. Big small-town energy. ❤️🎟 MAGIC SHOW GIVEAWAY: Tag a friend + @WUBR + @ThePeaks in the comments to enter. Winner announced next week!0:00 – Intro 👋1:17 – Michigan is beautiful — summer brag time 🌲🏞️3:30 – Noble: undisputed master of tubing 🚣‍♂️4:23 – Pat’s weekend recap 🗓️6:55 – Talking the new Superman 🦸9:43 – Tree Tops Tattoos river cleanup shoutout 💧💉11:50 – Thanks, Kim (Angels of Action), for last week’s visit 🙏13:16 – Jonah Foundation Fundraiser is July 17 📅13:56 – Upcoming plans for the WUBR crew 🎙️15:19 – Go see Matilda! 🎭16:23 – Ready for Life opening a campus in Big Rapids 🎓17:35 – Bathrooms now open at Depot & Northland Parks 🚻18:30 – Swede Hill Skate Park ribbon cut & open! 🛹19:03 – Two shows at The PEAKS: Trino Comedy Magician & Dueling Pianos 🎩🎹20:45 – Win Magic Show Tickets! Tag a friend + #WUBR + #ThePeaks 🎟️23:18 – 2025 Big Rapids All-Class Reunion Aug 2 🎓26:05 – City hosting competitive swim camp 🏊27:31 – City hiring — check openings 💼29:15 – Guest: Roger Meinert, Mayor of Reed City 🎤30:56 – Local trap shooting teams success 🎯34:27 – Reed City Turns 150! Four-day celebration starts July 17 🎉35:20 – Lumberjack shows at the party 🪓36:50 – Wild & fun RC150 events — see RC150.com 🤠38:28 – Reed City logo: created by students 50 years ago! 🎨39:35 – 10 years of progress in Reed City 🔧42:11 – Community-focused Reed City Council 🏛️43:15 – How Chris & Roger first met 🤝47:47 – Business drives RC success; mayor on growth 📈50:06 – ~$40M in grants fueling community projects 💰51:25 – Yoplait sold… what comes next? 🏭54:15 – Reed City ranked #9 for bike trail access! 🚴56:46 – Breaking ground: Pocket Park (ice skating, concerts & more) ❄️🎶59:52 – RC150 weekend packed with events — don’t miss it! 📅1:01:15 – Thanks, Roger! 🙌1:03:32 – Dom’s Corrections 📝1:06:11 – Outro & thanks for watching! 👋Reed City 150 celebration, RC150 events, Reed City Mayor Roger Meinert interview, Tree Tops Tattoos river cleanup, Big Rapids Matilda show, Swede Hill Skate Park opening, Ready for Life campus Big Rapids, Big Rapids all class reunion 2025, Trino Comedy Magician The PEAKS, Dueling Pianos Big Rapids, Michigan tubing, Big Rapids summer events#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #ReedCity150 #RC150 #TreeTopsTattoos #SwedeHillSkatePark #MatildaMusical #ReadyForLife #ThePeaks #TrinoMagic #DuelingPianos #MichiganSummer #SmallTownStrong #CommunityPodcast #BigRapidsEvents #TagToWin #WUBR

💦🛹🍗 Swim Days, Skate Parks & Supporting Angels | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 26This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the summer sun is blazing but the community is even hotter! ☀️💥 We recap fireworks and demolition derbies, talk heat-beating tips, and celebrate the ribbon cutting at Swede Hill Skate Park. 🛹Then, we welcome a very special guest — Kim Eastler, Director of Angels of Action, to talk about the incredible programs they’re running:🍗 Grilled chicken dinners at the fair🎒 Weekend food programs for kids🧑‍🍳 Virtual cooking classes📚 Tutoring and The Giving Shop for familiesSo much heart, and so many ways to help! 🧡0:00 – Intro and Welcome 👋0:50 – Live listener comment + next guest tease 🎧2:40 – Fireworks review 🎆4:15 – Pat hits the Demolition Derby in Sand Lake 🚗💥9:40 – Weekend plans: Burt & Mullet Lakes 🛶11:15 – Beat the heat! Open swim hours + splashpad 💦12:23 – Extra Farmers Market day this summer 🥕14:50 – Ribbon cutting at Swede Hill Skate Park ✂️🛹16:15 – Jonah Foundation hosts 2nd annual fundraiser 🤝18:57 – Fall REBOOT event for vets & first responders 🇺🇸20:44 – Party nights at The PEAKS Event Center 🎉22:49 – It’s fair time! Angels of Action Chicken Dinner 🍗24:51 – Welcome Kim Eastler from Angels of Action 🎤27:11 – Weekend food program growth: 25 kids to hundreds 🧃28:22 – Tutoring program made possible by volunteers 📚29:10 – The Giving Shop – free private shopping for families 👕31:44 – Virtual cooking classes to help feed families 🍳34:19 – Small things = Big impact 💛35:07 – How to support Angels (even with little time) 🙏38:50 – Want to volunteer? Here’s how 💪39:59 – Get your chicken dinner! 🍗41:20 – Two simple ways to give back ❤️42:01 – Kids Day at the Fair – July 9 🎡43:29 – Thank you Kim & Angels for all you do 🙌44:55 – Dom’s Corrections 📝45:50 – Thank yous & Outro 👋Big Rapids Fair 2025, Angels of Action, Kim Eastler, Big Rapids chicken dinner, Sand Lake demolition derby, skate park Swede Hill, Big Rapids Farmers Market, Big Rapids splash pad, Jonah Foundation fundraiser, REBOOT veterans event, virtual cooking classes Michigan, community podcast Big Rapids#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #AngelsOfAction #SwedeHillSkatePark #ChickenDinner #CommunityMatters #SummerInMichigan #FarmersMarket #BigRapidsFair #REBOOT #JonahFoundation #LocalEvents #MichigansBest #SkateParkOpening #VirtualCooking #WUBR #LiveLocalGiveLocal

🎶🥕📍 Music, Markets & Discovering Montcalm | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 25This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we’re kicking off July with fireworks, fairs, farmers markets, and a fantastic guest — Duane Weed from Discover Montcalm! 🎙️We talk:4th of July Fireworks in Big Rapids (July 3rd!) 🎆Big Rapids Fair returns with sulky races, beer tents, BBQ & more 🎡Live music every Wednesday night at the Bandshell 🎶Library events, summer shows, and why local mattersPlus, Duane shares powerful stories from the road and reminds us: every community has a story worth telling 📍Tag us using #WUBR and let us know who we should feature next!0:00 – Intro 👋1:20 – Recap on the guys’ weekends ☀️2:40 – Shout out to the wives behind the scenes ❤️5:18 – Closer to 2050 than 2000?! 😳8:36 – Music at the Bandshell every Wednesday 🎶11:38 – 4th of July Fireworks – July 3rd in Big Rapids 🎆13:56 – Big Rapids Fair starts next week 🎡15:29 – Chicken BBQ – support Angels of Action 🍗16:03 – Sulky Race Tuesday at the fairgrounds 🐎16:59 – Elks Beer Tent Monday with live music 🍻🎸17:48 – Big Rapids Library summer events 📚19:00 – Farmers Market now open Fridays & Saturdays 🥕20:03 – Tag us! #WUBR 📱20:20 – Challenges finding new guests 🤝24:24 – Welcome Duane Weed to What’s Up Big Rapids! 🎙️26:35 – Getting to know the people behind the signs 🔍29:09 – Duane shares one of his favorite interviews 💬31:51 – Sharing communities, not fences 🛤️34:34 – Reaching out and looking for storytellers 🌟36:25 – No limits: everyone has a story 🎤37:37 – DW Multimedia can help your online presence 💻39:41 – Community Orgs & Band of Locals 👥41:04 – Teachers & other professions worth featuring 🍎41:55 – Highlighting events on Discover Montcalm 📅43:17 – Involving other communities 🤝44:11 – Making guests into co-hosts?? 👀45:59 – Chris joins Discover Montcalm soon! 📺47:05 – Remembering the start of What’s Up Big 🎬48:10 – Thank you Duane Weed for joining us 🙏50:20 – Kenzie’s Recaps 📋50:00 – Outro 👋Big Rapids fireworks 2025, Big Rapids fair events, Discover Montcalm, Duane Weed, Big Rapids Farmers Market, Angels of Action Chicken BBQ, Michigan sulky race, Big Rapids music series, DW Multimedia, community podcast, Montcalm County stories, Michigan library events#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #MusicAndMarkets #DiscoverMontcalm #DuaneWeed #CommunityPodcast #SummerInMichigan #BigRapidsEvents #FarmersMarket #BandShellConcerts #MontcalmCounty #DWMultimedia #LocalStories #MichiganPodcast #ChickenBBQ #WUBR

☀️🎶💙 Heatwaves, High Notes & Heartfelt Moments | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 24This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the heat is on and the community calendar is full! Chris officiated another wedding 💍, High Strung Steel made their debut at Creekfest 🎸, and we take a moment to honor Pat’s cousin, share a prayer for Tuba Bach’s Ed Mallett, and wrap up Chris’s year as Rotary President.Also in this episode:Ribbon cutting at Depot Trailhead Park ✂️Extended Splash Pad hours 💦Drum Circle, Pridefest, and Airfest are all happening this weekend 🎉Plus: fireworks 🎆, tennis, pickleball, BBQ chicken 🍗, and dinner & a show at The Peaks.Use #WUBR to enter our weekly contest!⏱️ Time-Stamps0:00 – Intro and Welcome 👋1:01 – The heat is real this week ☀️🔥4:50 – Chris pulls back the curtain on the show’s schedule 🎙️5:24 – Chris officiated another wedding 💍9:22 – High Strung Steel debuts at Creekfest 🎶11:38 – Pat’s Return Event recap 🎉14:00 – Prayers for Pat’s family on the loss of his cousin 🙏15:14 – Chris wraps up his year as Rotary President 🎖️17:35 – Support Angels of Action’s Chicken BBQ at the fair 🍗20:22 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at the Bandshell 🎵23:10 – Big Rapids Drum Circle this Friday, 6–8 PM 🥁24:25 – Ribbon cutting at Depot Trailhead Park ✂️26:09 – Updates on the theater and Chipotle 🎭🌯27:30 – Splash Pad hours extended! 💦29:50 – Airfest is this Saturday from 7–11 AM 🛩️34:19 – Would you jump out of a plane? 🪂39:06 – Tennis lessons for kids at Hemlock Park 🎾41:04 – Fireworks show in Big Rapids 🎆42:44 – Pridefest Big Rapids is this Sunday 🏳️‍🌈46:13 – Dinner & a Show Friday night at The Peaks 🍽️🎭47:48 – Learn to play Pickleball! 🏓49:15 – Please pray for Tuba Bach founder Ed Mallett 🙏51:50 – In case of annihilation, our love to all ❤️😅52:33 – Dom’s corrections and info 📝53:19 – Use #WUBR to win prizes! 🎁54:51 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Creekfest 2025, Angels of Action BBQ, Big Rapids fireworks, Pridefest Big Rapids, Depot Trailhead Park, Chipotle Big Rapids, Rotary Club Big Rapids, Airfest 2025, Big Rapids splash pad, Hemlock Park tennis, High Strung Steel band, dinner at The Peaks, Dom’s corrections, WUBR contest#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #Creekfest #HighStrungSteel #AngelsOfAction #DrumCircle #DepotTrailhead #Airfest #BigRapidsPride #FireworksShow #RotaryClub #BBQChicken #ThePeaks #TubaBach #Pickleball #CommunityEvents #WUBR #MichiganPodcast #LocalNews

🍔🎶🏆 Contests, Cookouts & Community News | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 23This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we’re recapping Father’s Day, looking ahead to Creek Fest, and firing up the grill for some Angels BBQ where Chris will be cooking! 🍔🔥We announce our latest contest winner Lauren Stout 🎉, spotlight Summit Insurance opening on Maple Street, and talk about all the summer fun from block parties to band shell concerts, the upcoming Big Rapids Fair, and even a little golf and airport talk (yes, really).Plus: Who should we interview next? Let us know!0:00 – Intro 👋0:55 – Recap of last week’s show with President Pink 🎓2:39 – Father’s Day highlights 👔4:58 – Weekend plans ahead ☀️6:10 – Creek Fest coming up 🎉6:57 – Pat heading to Lions Club Outing + The Return 🦁10:30 – #WUBR Updates 📣11:45 – Summit Insurance opens on Maple Street 🏢12:54 – Winner Lauren Stout announced! Car Show & Children’s Miracle Network June 28 🚗🎗️15:42 – Thanks to all our contest participants! 🙌16:40 – Angels of Action Block Party 🎈17:20 – Business After Hours 🥂18:10 – Band Shell Concert Series continues 🎶21:15 – Airfest at Roben-Hood Airport – June 28 🛩️24:00 – Big Rapids Fair coming July 7 🎡25:20 – Angels BBQ — Chris will be there cooking! 🍖26:06 – Senior Enrichment Day – June 25 👵🧓28:44 – The Peaks summer schedule 🎭31:14 – Hope Networking building becomes Cooks Manufacturing 🏭32:57 – Formerly The Buff, now Ozzy’s Bar 🍻33:40 – JR Customs spotlight 🚘34:39 – Who should we interview next? 🎙️35:53 – No hitters, made putts, and unfavorable conditions ⚾⛳🌧️38:08 – Thanks again to Dr. Pink and Lauren Stout 🙏38:46 – Dom’s corrections 📝40:55 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Creek Fest 2025, Big Rapids Fair, Children’s Miracle Network Michigan, Summit Insurance Big Rapids, Lions Club outing, Angels BBQ, Block Party Big Rapids, Airfest Roben-Hood Airport, Business After Hours, JR Customs, Ozzy’s Bar Big Rapids, Senior Enrichment Day, Chris Jane BBQ#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #CreekFest #BigRapidsFair #CommunityEvents #AngelsOfAction #WUBRWinner #LaurenStout #BlockParty #BandShellConcert #DomCorrections #MichiganPodcast #OzzyBar #JRCustoms #Airfest #ChildrenMiracleNetwork #BBQTime #InterviewIdeas

🛹☀️🎙️ Skate Park, Summer Events, and a Special Guest! | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 22This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we’re rolling into summer with new parks, big events, and a very special guest — Dr. Bill Pink, President of Ferris State University! 🎓We cover:New student housing on Top Taggart Field 🏗️The Jim Crow Museum groundbreaking 📚NIL drama in college athletics 💰Ferris’ new Carnegie Classification 🏅And the important question: What should we name “The Dog House?” 🐶Plus, we're talking Summerfest recaps, Father’s Day plans, Swede Hill Skate Park, and the mysterious half-life of Marie Curie (you’ll see).🕹️ Dom tries to survive this week’s WUBR Game. No guarantees.⏱️ Time-Stamps0:00 – Intro and Welcome 👋1:12 – Summerfest Recap 🎉4:25 – Father’s Day Plans for the guys 👨‍👦‍👦6:01 – Intro to Dr. Bill Pink 🎓7:59 – Construction on Campus 🏗️8:30 – New Residence Hall on Top Taggart Field 🛏️11:01 – “Hotel-style” rooms & golf packages 🏨⛳12:32 – “The Dog House” name still up for grabs 🐕13:40 – Ferris Athletics update 🏈16:34 – Division II vs Division I breakdown 🎯17:42 – NIL Issues for student athletes 💸19:29 – Music Department updates 🎼21:44 – Jim Crow Museum breaks ground 📚24:58 – Dr. Pink’s take on the Museum 🗣️27:01 – Carnegie Opportunity Classification 🏅28:58 – New programs, degrees & student opportunities 🎓31:06 – Free RAM Clinic with Ferris Health programs 🏥32:50 – Ferris Billboard near Grand Valley 🛣️34:20 – Thank you, Dr. Pink! 👏36:05 – Swede Hill Skate Park now open! 🛹38:16 – The half-life of Marie Curie (don’t ask) 🧪39:30 – Summer Block Party 🎈39:48 – Hemlock Bandshell summer series 🎶40:10 – Business After Hours 🍻40:55 – Mecosta County Fair coming soon 🎡41:22 – The Wheat Scouts: kids' learning parties 🌾42:18 – Community Pool opening soon 🏊43:12 – WUBR Game 🎮47:28 – Dom’s Corrections 📋48:35 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Dr. Bill Pink, Ferris State University, Top Taggart housing, NIL college sports, Jim Crow Museum Ferris, Carnegie Classification, Swede Hill Skate Park, RAM Clinic Ferris, Summerfest Big Rapids, Father’s Day Michigan, Big Rapids community events 2025, WUBR Game#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #FerrisState #DrBillPink #SkateParkOpening #SummerEvents #MecostaCountyFair #TopTaggartField #JimCrowMuseum #NILDebate #CarnegieClassification #RAMClinic #WUBRGame #HemlockBandshell #CommunityPodcast #LocalNews #MichiganSummer #BigRapidsPodcast

🎭🌮🏃‍♂️ Theater, Tacos & 5K Triumphs | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 21This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we’re catching our breath after the WISE 5K, hyping up Summerfest and local concerts, and breaking the big news: a brand-new theater is coming to Big Rapids! 🎉We’ve also got ribbon cuttings at Taco Frieda 🌮 and Depot Park, a behind-the-scenes update from Krist Oil, and Ferris State's President Pink joining us next week. 💬From mixology nights to youth academies, hot dogs to hot jobs, it’s a full episode of community energy, summer vibes, and the kind of chaos only Dom can deliver.🎥 Plus: We launch a new contest — Show Us What’s Up, Big Rapids! 📸⏱️ Time-Stamps0:00 – Intro and Welcome 👋1:47 – Next week’s guest: President Pink! 🎓2:40 – Ferris rebrand & Building of the Future 🏗️3:30 – What happened at A&W? 🤔6:09 – The boys survive the WISE 5K 🏃‍♂️8:46 – Summerfest is this Saturday! 🎉11:10 – Hand of Giants in concert Saturday night 🎸12:05 – Ferris/Community Concert Band kicks off 🎺13:15 – Worship in the Park – free for all ⛪14:17 – Summer is here! ☀️15:09 – Planet Fitness offers free summer program 💪16:28 – Youth Academy starts next week! 👮‍♂️👧17:48 – BREAKING NEWS: New Theater coming to Big Rapids! 🎭20:08 – Couples Mixology Night 🍸22:28 – Business After Hours coming up 🥂24:18 – Krist Oil gets a decor update, still waiting on license 🛢️25:40 – Hot Dogs and Hot Jobs – Michigan Works hiring party 🌭💼27:51 – Pie Hole in Paris switching to produce & deli 🥬🥪29:05 – Casey becomes part-owner of Premier Auto Sales 🚗29:53 – New Contest: Show Us What’s Up Big Rapids! 📸35:30 – Dom’s Corrections 📝38:15 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Big Rapids new theater, WISE 5K 2025, Summerfest Big Rapids, Ferris State President Pink, Taco Frieda ribbon cutting, Hand of Giants concert, Big Rapids events June 2025, Michigan Works Big Rapids, Ferris community concert, Pie Hole Paris Michigan, Planet Fitness summer pass, Depot Park Big Rapids, Show Us What’s Up Big Rapids contest#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #TheaterNews #WISE5K #Summerfest2025 #TacoFrieda #PresidentPink #BigRapidsEvents #NewTheater #HandOfGiants #KristOil #FerrisState #CommunityPodcast #LocalNews #PlanetFitnessSummer #ShowUsBigRapids #MichiganPodcast

🐦🐝🐻 The Birds, The Bees, and The Bear | What’s Up Big Rapids Ep. 20This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the Mayor enters the chat 🧑‍⚖️ and drops major updates on housing, parks, and zoning. We recap Memorial Day, the Splash Pad opening, and the ribbon cutting at Depot Park 🎉 — plus we dive into rumors, listener questions, and a mysterious reference to… Bird City?! 🦅Also in the mix: food trucks, skate parks, Chipotle finally breaking ground 🌯, fire department news 🚒, and possibly… Olive Garden coming to Big Rapids? 🥖👀We cap it all off with zoning drama, community planning, and our usual dose of heart, humor, and local hot takes.0:00 – Intro and Welcome 👋5:00 – Splash Pad Opening recap & Memorial Day happenings 💦🇺🇸6:59 – The Mayor enters the chat 🧑‍⚖️8:42 – Mathew James Hanson Memorial 🕊️10:38 – More improvements to our local parks 🌳11:12 – Food Truck Festival 🍔🚚12:48 – Depot Park ribbon cutting ✂️14:58 – Mayor Guenther shares updates on housing 🏘️17:47 – Chris asks about zoning challenges 🧱19:44 – Pat shares rental struggle stories 🛏️20:45 – Theater update 🎭23:37 – Chipotle will be breaking ground soon! 🌯25:11 – The Mayor hates seeing empty lots 😠26:38 – Ferris and the City’s relationship 🤝27:22 – Fire Department Merger 🚒29:30 – Skate Park Opening in June 🛹32:07 – Sculpture City update 🗿34:40 – Bird City? 🐦37:53 – Questions from a listener 💬40:40 – Olive Garden coming to Big Rapids? 🥗🥖43:02 – Funding source challenges 💰46:35 – Hanchett Property seeks community input 🏞️51:35 – Full summer planned in BR 🌞🎶54:33 – Recap on local updates 📋55:40 – Outro 👋Big Rapids podcast, Mayor Guenther, Olive Garden Big Rapids, Chipotle Big Rapids, Ferris State housing, zoning in Big Rapids, Big Rapids summer events, Sculpture City, Bird City Michigan, Depot Park ribbon cutting, fire department merger, Hanchett property Big Rapids, Splash Pad Hemlock Park, Big Rapids theater update, food truck festival Michigan#BigRapids #WhatsUpBigRapids #MayorGuenther #DepotPark #BirdCity #SculptureCity #ChipotleBigRapids #OliveGardenRumors #ZoningTalk #FerrisState #BigRapidsParks #SplashPadOpening #SkatePark #LocalPodcast #MichiganNews #CommunityPlanning #FoodTruckFestival #TheaterUpdate