🎉🎮🎅 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 Year
32:21 – Segment of the Year
34:28 – Event of the Year
39:50 – Uplifting Moment of the Year
42:00 – Community MVP of the Year
43:27 – Breakout Business of the Year
46:36 – Big Rapids Rumor of the Year 👀
49:44 – Most Likely to Only Be Talked About Online
53:30 – Only in Big Rapids Moment of the Year
58:10 – 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 👋
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🎄🏆🎂 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 👋
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🎄🏔️❤️ 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 👋
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🎿🎄🎸 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 👋
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🎄🦁🥎 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 champ
PLUS! 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 👋
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🎄🎅🏈 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 👋
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🦃🎄❤️ 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 👋
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🎸🎖️🏈 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 ❤️
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🎅🎄🎁 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 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 👋
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
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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 🎶🔥
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 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