🎃🏆🎭 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 more
The 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
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🏃🎶🏛 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 more
Our 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 👋
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Want 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 fun
Our 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! 👋
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🎶🚴📰 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 Regatta
Our 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 🎶🔥
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#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 win
4:00 – 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 Ride
This 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 welcome
1:00 🔙 Weekend Recap
2:30 🤠 Rodeo on the Pond
3:30 🎒 Back to School Checklist
4:32 🎶 Chris checks a musical bucket list dream
5:53 🌈 Tie Dye Festival at Burley Park this weekend
8:05 ⛳ WCAR Golf Outing – the last of the year for the guys
11:15 🐖 Pork for a Purpose Aug 23rd (benefiting local families)
12:40 🍽️ Dinner & a Show at The Peaks this Friday
13:40 🏈 Football season is back!
14:19 🏡 Chris recaps the summer in local real estate
16:28 🎡 Labor Day Festival – Sept 1st
17:45 🚴 Big Dam Bike Ride – Sept 13th
19:48 👮 Guest: Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller
23:00 📈 Jail numbers are up this summer
25:30 🎓 Sheriff’s favorite time of service = school liaison officer
27:10 🏫 History of school resource officers in Mecosta County
34:45 🏀 Coaching days with Sheriff Miller
36:45 ❤️ Why Big Rapids? Why not Big Rapids!
38:20 👨👩👧 Family & Team: the sheriff’s department strategy
38:30 🗳️ Brian & Chris swap favorite school board stories
43:57 🙌 Thanks to Sheriff Miller for joining us!
44:25 🤓 Dom’s Corrections
44:54 👋 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 Michigan
Hashtags:
#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 welcome
1:50 – Weekend recap
2:10 – 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 classrooms
34:40 – BR buses travel “to Florida” daily 🚌
36:35 – Bus safety & flashing lights 🚦
37:30 – Job openings in BRPS
39:00 – Leveling the education field in 2025
40:12 – Future of learning
43:10 – Spotting good vs. bad info (ChatGPT 5) 🤖
44:12 – How Tim got his start in education
45:26 – Why Big Rapids? ❤️
48:15 – Pat & Chris wish they were Cardinals 🐦
50:25 – Teachers build platforms for life
51:40 – Thanks to Tim Haist & Dom’s corrections
52:53 – 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 recording
7:55 – 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 week
17:00 – 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 Welcome
2:10 – 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 service
Then 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 & Welcome
1:55 – Thanks, Roger Meinert! 🎙️
3:23 – Jonah Foundation Fundraiser recap
4:16 – 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 Peaks
16:29 – 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. 26
This 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 families
So 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. 25
This 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 matters
Plus, 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. 24
This 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-Stamps
0:00 – 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. 23
This 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