Harig Hangout Podcast

Harig Hangout Podcast

0.0 (0)
Personal Journals
Weekly

Harig Hangout is a podcast built around real conversations with real people. Hosted by Zach Harig, each episode dives into the stories, journeys, and perspectives of athletes, professionals, and members of the West Michigan community. From sports to careers to life lessons, it’s all about learning what makes people tick and sharing insights you can take with you.

Sep 13

Kevin Craig: 25 Years at FOX 17, His Exit & the Changing World of Local TV

After 25½ years at FOX 17, longtime Chief Meteorologist Kevin Craig joins Zach Harig for an inside look at the chaos, challenges and unforgettable moments of a career in local television. Kevin shares how he broke into broadcasting, the shockingly low salaries that come with starting in TV, the reality of contracts and non-competes, and how FOX 17 evolved during his more than two decades in West Michigan. Zach and Kevin also compare their experiences inside the FOX 17 newsroom and discuss shrinking staffs, the disappearance of the station's sports department, corporate cuts, AI and automation, and what those changes could mean for the future of local news. Kevin also opens up about how he learned his contract would not be renewed, why he made it clear that he did not retire, what those final months at FOX 17 were really like, and what may be next for him. It's a candid conversation between two former FOX 17 colleagues about an industry they still care deeply about — and a side of local television viewers rarely get to hear about. The Harig Hangout is presented by Arbora Managed IT, a locally owned West Michigan company helping businesses take the stress out of technology through IT support, cybersecurity, backup and recovery, and more.
Jun 9

B4 Foundation: A Father’s Mission After Unimaginable Loss - Terry Hessbrook

Episode Description: In one of the most powerful conversations yet on the Harig Hangout Podcast, former Ithaca High School football coach and athletic director Terry Hessbrook shares the story that changed his life forever. Many know Coach Hessbrook as one of Michigan's most successful high school football coaches, leading Ithaca to five state championships and a remarkable 69-game winning streak. But this conversation isn't about football. On January 27, 2023, Terry and his wife Kristy lost their son, Brady, when he died by suicide at just 20 years old while attending Wayne State University. Brady was a talented athlete, a beloved son, a caring friend, and someone who many believed had everything going for him. In the years since, the Hessbrooks have turned unimaginable grief into a mission. Through the B4 Foundation, they have spoken to more than 36,000 students at over 130 schools, encouraging young people to speak up, seek help, and understand that struggling is part of being human. In this episode, Terry discusses: Brady's life and legacyThe hidden realities of anxiety, depression, and mental health strugglesThe pressure facing today's student-athletesWhat parents, coaches, and educators need to knowFaith, grief, and finding purpose after tragedyHow the B4 Foundation is helping save lives across Michigan and beyondThis episode is emotional, inspiring, and incredibly important. If you're a parent, coach, educator, student, or simply someone who cares about others, this conversation is for you. EDIT: Daniel Olson passed away in 2012, not 2018 as stated in the episode. Find details on Do It For Daniel here. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is available, and you are never alone. Learn more about the B4 Foundation:B4 Foundation
May 8

2,800 Miles of Purpose: West Michigan Women Take on the World’s Toughest Row

What would make two West Michigan women willingly row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean? For Julie Bennett and Susan Katt, the answer is simple: the mission is about something bigger than themselves. In this episode of the Harig Hangout Podcast, Zach sits down with members of Team Moar Than Us as they prepare for the World's Toughest Row – Pacific — a grueling 2,800-mile journey from Monterey Harbor to Hanalei Bay that will take roughly 42-49 days to complete. The conversation dives into: How Team Moar Than Us was formedTraining for nonstop rowing shifts around the clockBattling sleep deprivation and the mental side of enduranceFaith, family, and resilienceWhy both women are passionate about promoting healthy body image and proving that age, body type, or background should never limit someone from chasing a challengeWhat it means to do “hard things” at any stage of lifeJulie and Susan also discuss the support they’ve received from West Michigan, the charities they’re rowing for, and why this journey is about far more than just crossing an ocean. Subscribe to the Harig Hangout Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Apr 29

From Berlin Raceway to NASCAR Cup Series Victory Lane: Carson Hocevar's Rise in Racing - Mike Bursley

On this episode of the Harig Hangout Podcast, host Zach Harig sits down with Mike Bursley to break down a historic moment for West Michigan racing—Carson Hocevar capturing his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Talladega Superspeedway. From a 13-year-old phenom turning heads—and stirring controversy—at Berlin Raceway to a Cup Series winner on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages, Hocevar’s journey is anything but ordinary. Bursley shares firsthand stories of mentoring Carson during those early Berlin days, the moment he realized the talent was real, and how that underage win helped spark national attention. The conversation dives into Hocevar’s relentless drive, personality, and the path that took him from local short tracks to NASCAR’s biggest spotlight—along with what this win means for Berlin Raceway, West Michigan racing, and what could be next for one of the sport’s rising stars. A must-listen episode packed with behind-the-scenes insight, hometown pride, and the story of a racer who’s been building toward this moment for years.
Apr 6

From MLB Draft Pick to True Purpose: Luke Thelen’s Faith, Family, and Finding What Matters Most

Luke Thelen was a 2024 draft pick of the Colorado Rockies, a standout pitcher from Western Michigan University, and a kid who said at five years old he’d make it to professional baseball—and did. But this episode isn’t just about baseball. In this conversation, Zach sits down with his cousin Luke to unpack a journey filled with highs, struggles, and a life-changing perspective shift. From battling adversity and failure on the mound, to a breakout 2024 season that put him on the MLB radar, to walking away from the game altogether—Luke shares what led him to step away from the dream he worked his whole life to achieve. We dive into: Growing up chasing the dream of pro baseballThe mental battles and pressure of college athleticsGetting drafted and what that moment really feels likeLife in pro baseball—and why it wasn’t everything he thoughtThe role of faith in reshaping his identity and purposeChoosing family, future, and fulfillment over fameThis is a raw, honest conversation about identity, resilience, and what truly matters when the dream changes. Sometimes the biggest win isn’t making it—it’s knowing when to walk away.
Apr 3

From Small-Town Michigan to the NFL Doorstep: Colin Weber’s Journey

What does it take to go from a small-town high school to the doorstep of the NFL? In this episode of The Harig Hangout, Zach sits down with Hopkins graduate and Rutgers tight end Colin Weber to talk about his incredible journey—from Friday night lights in West Michigan to preparing for the NFL Draft in Florida. Colin opens up about: Life at Hopkins and why high school football still means the mostHis college career at Charlotte and transition to the Big Ten at RutgersThe reality of the transfer portal and NIL from a player’s perspectiveTraining alongside NFL players and preparing for the biggest opportunity of his lifeThe mindset, resilience, and faith that fueled his riseThis is a laid-back, real conversation about chasing a dream, staying grounded, and putting in the work.
Mar 27

Behind the Broadcast: Detroit Tigers VP of Communications & Broadcasts Ben Fidelman

Episode 1 of the Harig Hangout kicks off with Ben Fidelman, Vice President of Communications and Broadcasting for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, overseeing the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. Fresh off Tigers Opening Day, Ben joins Zach to break down the fast-moving world of sports media — from launching a new TV network to managing broadcasts for two professional teams. They dive into Ben’s journey from intern to executive, what fans don’t see behind the scenes, and how the industry is changing in real time. We also dive into: What it really takes to run broadcasts for two Detroit pro teams, what are Jason Benetti and Dan Dickerson are really like, the behind-the-scenes of launching the new Detroit SportsNet TV Network and the grind, pressure, and passion behind sports media. This is a laid-back, honest conversation about sports, storytelling, and the people behind it all.

7 Episodes

Harig Hangout is a podcast built around real conversations with real people. Hosted by Zach Harig, each episode dives into the stories, journeys, and perspectives of athletes, professionals, and members of the West Michigan community. From sports to careers to life lessons, it’s all about learning what makes people tick and sharing insights you can take with you.

Creator

Harig Hangout Podcast
Years Active

2026
Episodes

7
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Harig Hangout Podcast
Show Website

Harig Hangout Podcast