What's Up Big Rapids?

What's Up Big Rapids
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Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

  1. 4D AGO

    Speaking Skills, Spring Shifts & Small Town Momentum

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

    1h 10m

  2. APR 8

    Champions, Comebacks & Community Care

    Spring break is over, but Big Rapids didn’t slow down for a second. This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate a huge win for the University of Michigan basketball program, Chris somehow winning the WUBR March Madness pool, and the long-awaited reopening of the Big Rapids Movie Theater to rave reviews 🎬 We’re joined by Trudi Clark from Papa’s Place, an organization providing care, connection, and community for seniors in our area. It’s a meaningful conversation about how small acts — a visit, a meal, a game — can make a huge difference in someone’s life. We also cover a packed calendar of local events, new resources for families, and a ton of ways to get involved in the community this spring. 0:00 – Intro & welcome back from Spring Break1:22 – Thanks to last week’s guest Andrew Hinkle2:14 – Pat is ready to retire to Florida 🌴3:28 – Quick audio glitch (we keep it real 😄)4:30 – Driving in Florida vs Michigan 🚗5:45 – Thanks again to Mayor Guenther6:19 – 🎬 Big Rapids Movie Theater reopens to rave reviews7:35 – Michigan wins the National Championship + Chris wins the bracket 🏀10:45 – Masters Tournament preview ⛳12:25 – Featured Creature: Neocaridina Shrimp 🦐15:00 – April Fool’s recap + city logo fun16:15 – Guest intro: Trudi Clark (Papa’s Place) ❤️18:00 – The story behind Papa’s Place19:45 – Trudi’s 40 years in home care23:30 – Why connection matters for seniors25:15 – What to expect when visiting Papa’s Place26:05 – Activities and options for families30:22 – Games and engagement for all ability levels31:20 – Vision for the future32:38 – How to support Papa’s Place34:33 – Where to learn more37:02 – Family Care reopening on Fuller38:05 – Parent Cafés at the The Bridge Coffee Shop ☕39:20 – “Tall Cop” presentation on youth safety (May 7)40:45 – 🎨 WUBR Art Contest — win up to $50041:45 – Chamber Kickoff Breakfast at The Peaks Event Center42:25 – Little Village ribbon cutting (Stanwood)42:55 – Big Rapids Skating Club production ⛸️43:43 – High Strung Steel live at Sawmill Saloon 🎶44:45 – Business After Hours at Pioneer News45:17 – Shoutout to Breazy Films46:22 – Shoutout to Alley Gutters and Exterior Solutions47:35 – St. Mary/St. Paul Gala (April 18)48:15 – Angels of Action Lunch & Learn49:05 – Ferris Football Championship Parade (April 25) 🏆50:34 – Karaoke for a Cause (May 1) 🎤51:33 – Farmers Market kickoff (May 8) 🌱52:00 – Summerfest (June 6) ☀️54:18 – Dom’s Corrections: Nutella in space 🚀56:05 – Outro & goodbyes #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    57 min

  3. APR 1

    Young Minds, New Movies & Spring Break Moves

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

    45 min

  4. MAR 25

    Theater Time, Town Talk & Spring Surprises

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

    1h 2m

  5. MAR 18

    Movies, Madness & Main Street Momentum

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

    59 min

  6. MAR 11

    Golf, Geckos & The Goat’s Voice

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

    57 min

  7. MAR 11

    Road Trips, Rhythm & Rival Cookies

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

    1 hr

  8. FEB 25

    Winter Whiplash, Wild Adventures & Local Legends

    ❄️🔥🌲 Winter Whiplash, Wild Adventures & Local Legends | What’s Up Big Rapids – 2.25.26 Winter made a surprise return this week — along with a head cold for Chris — but that didn’t slow down another packed episode of What’s Up Big Rapids. We cover everything from a local fire reminder (clean those dryer vents!) to the sale of a longtime red-roofed landmark to expand EMS services. There’s big community momentum happening, even when the weather says otherwise. This week’s guest is Ferris alum, outdoor expert, survivalist, and YouTube creator Brooke Whipple, known for her appearance on the hit show Alone and her wildly popular channel Girl in the Woods (600K+ subscribers). From rafting the Yukon for National Geographic to building cabins and helping run Belle’s Coffee Shop, Brooke shares an incredible journey that somehow circles right back to Big Rapids. Plus: live music, Polar Plunge, drama productions, and the final stretch of Festival of the Arts. 0:00 – Intro & welcome1:51 – Winter returns + Chris battles a head cold ❄️2:20 – Chris at the Drum Circle Conference in Oklahoma 🥁3:55 – Comedy Night at The Peaks + Vendor Market success6:43 – Featured Creature: The Micro Squirrel 🐿️9:40 – Rapid Suds & Dry fire update — clean those dryer vents 🔥10:55 – Uplifting Moment: Pizza Hut property sold for EMS expansion 🚑12:46 – Sugar Creek Restaurant under new ownership13:30 – Thanks to Lauren Perkins from the Library14:40 – Guest intro: Brooke Whipple (Alone, Girl in the Woods) 🌲22:25 – How Brooke ended up on television25:10 – Sourdough characters & remote living26:00 – Rafting the Yukon for National Geographic28:20 – The casting process for Alone33:00 – YouTube success + Belle’s Coffee Shop ☕39:00 – Brooke’s health & fitness channel44:00 – Visit Belle’s for Madcap coffee & lunch45:50 – Final FOTA event rundown 🎭47:34 – BRMS Drama presents Lion King Jr. 🦁48:11 – The Turnips farewell show at the Sawmill 🎸48:46 – Polar Plunge for Special Olympics 🧊49:25 – Kindergarten Round Up50:30 – Glitter & Sawdust at Quinn’s (March 7)51:35 – Chamber After Hours (March 19)52:40 – Taste of Mecosta (March 24) 🍽️53:30 – Would Brooke ever do Survivor?56:00 – Dom’s Corrections: Alaska for $0.02 per acre58:20 – Outro & goodbyes What’s Up Big Rapids podcast, Brooke Whipple Alone, Girl in the Woods YouTube, Belle’s Coffee Shop Big Rapids, Pizza Hut Big Rapids EMS expansion, Rapid Suds fire, Festival of the Arts Big Rapids, Polar Plunge Special Olympics Michigan, Lion King Jr BRMS, Taste of Mecosta 2026 #WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#FestivalOfTheArts#GirlInTheWoods#PolarPlunge#CommunityStrong#SmallTownStories

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Locals Chris Jane and Pat Brooks share the latest weekly happenings and events important to Big Rapids, Michigan, and the surrounding areas.

Information

  • Creator
    What's Up Big Rapids
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © What's Up Big Rapids
  • Show Website
    What's Up Big Rapids?