Fired Up Forever!

Chips!

This Alumni group does not disappoint when it comes to highlighting the good times at CMU and finding a creative way to give back in a timely manner.

40 signs you are a Chippewa link
https://www.hercampus.com/school/c-mich/40-signs-you-are-true-chippewa?fbclid=IwAR2cnRdbuuzI6wY3DE5KaUOQzEeO8kqFwu4f9bCTOSyC4J-S1M_d7XwT79A

Early on in the creation of this group, a fellow alumni, Brooke $&%# came up with a brilliant way to infuse the spirit of the group with the making of the Fired Up Forever T-shirt with help from C&O Sportswear.  Part of the proceeds from the purchase would go to the CMU Student Relief Fund.  What happen next has been nothing short of an explosion of orders that has expanded the Fired Up Forever product line and the amount going towards that relief fund.

In this episode, I get to chat with owner Tim MacGregor and his son Joe about the deep ties they have to the community of CMU, how the shirt came about, and the pride they take in getting to know each customer as family. 

This episode is a salute to CMU alumni coming together both in a fun and serious way to show how the state of Michigan can still speak with one voice in looking out for each other. 

If anyone is interested in ordering from C&O, here is their store link and phone number in supporting a GREAT cause while staying in style.

https://www.candosportswear.net/
https://www.facebook.com/COSportswear
(989) 317-2407

Theme Song Credit to  Dan Louisell
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzUd3J3_tT7ETw-fUP80fA

End of show song, "Dancing In The Streets Tonight"  by JD Dominowski  from his Album "Teal"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEXQZLJegA&list=OLAK5uy_kKAeYK83kkJcnGNBe_jET_ULOISknuTJU

Show Email: [email protected]

All The Best,

Michael

HI Chips!

One of the things that makes Mt. Pleasant special to us, no matter where we ended up living in the world, is the surrounding we commonly have shared together.  How many of us snooze off at Park Library while studying, lived in the same apt complex or dorm rooms, eaten at food joints that either makes your throw up or crave for more, or a bar in which we raised a glass to friendship or curse out the significant other that broke your heart?  

One place that seems to be staple to many of those moments in our lives is the Bird Bar and Grill.  I have personally have known the Breidenstein family all through out middle and high school and what they have meant to the community.  In this episode, I get to chat with 3 of the: Stacy, Rachel, and Ben.  I get to find out what has made the Bird tick since the 1930s and what will help keep it ticking through any ups and downs.

If interested in representing your college town,  t-shirts and other Bird swag can be order either by calling the Bird at  (989) 772-2493 or by messaging them on their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/BirdBarMP

Theme Song and Music Credit to Mr. Dan Louisell from The Burning Bushes.  Check out either Dan's Album, "Automaton"  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smrHIy5Xkhk&list=OLAK5uy_lwzHejVZOWh8nz28RG6j6hDwjHnapy7uE&index=4 or the self titled The Burning Bushes on Spotify or iTunes.  Also, Dan does some incredible online family shows that can be checked out on his YouTube page or on his Facebook profile.

https://www.youtube.com/user/DanLouisell

CHIPS Supporting CHIPS! 

Fire Up!

Michael

Chips!

One of the things that has caught my eye since the beginning of the private Facebook group is all the clever Memes.  Having a little chuckle as the day starts or when it is winding down seems to be an important relief factors from all the worldly chaos.  

I reached out to Mr. Adam Shepperd who seems to have the pulse of the Meme game.  Though memes can be simply easy to make, the creative behind the words and the times to post them may not be.  Also, Adam had a personal post that touched a lot of fellow CMU hearts.  November is a month that recognizes and gives thanks to our Military Veterans.  The story of Adam's grandfather serving in World War II and receiving his share of thanks from CMU alumni brings warm tears to the heart.

Music in this episode is provide by Dan Louisell from his album "Automaton" available on iTunes.  I first listened to the entire album on Spotify and then made the decision to purchase.  In my personal preface, I purchase music that I like so I don't have to use up and go over data, or be effective by bad cell phone coverage.  It is nice to have the music at a push of a button when I am running.  More over, I love purchasing music to artists who don't have the big label behind them.  Dan is a fellow chip and I feel proud in doing my part to help support his creative talents.  Please check him out! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3NBPLztfzw&list=PLJalFy3XosCzcAzUYUnric4pdCpIvJC5O&index=5


I can be reached at [email protected].  Drop in a line and maybe your email can be read on the next episode.  

Fire Up!

Michael

Hi Chips!

When I first joined in on the Central Alumni Facebook group in early July of 2020, one of the top viral post was the kid who collected beers cans during tailgating season.  I, like so many others, was like, Holy Shit! I remember that kid and I wonder what ever happen to him.

Once I was able to get this podcast rolling, the "Beer Can Kid" (BCK) moved to the top of list in finding who and how I could get him on the show.  Beyond my surprise, the BCK is actually the little brother of an old friend and classmate of both Shepherd High School and CMU.  

The BCK is actually Neil who now resides in Nashville, Tennessee.  Along with his sister Heather, we finally can get to the bottom of so many questions: 1) Did he drink beer when in college 2) How many fricken cans did he collected from us?

I like to thank Mt. Pleasant Band, "The Burning Bushes" in allowing me to use one of their songs in the production of this episode.  Check them out on Spotify or iTunes.  If you like what you hear, give them a purchase as if the internet will one day fail and streaming will never be possible again.

I can be reached [email protected].  Send an email and it might just get read in the show.

Fire UP Chips!

Michael 

Chips!

Wow! Just wow! This episode is jammed packed full of CMU spirit and the creative talents of Mr. JD Dominowki.  I forever grateful for the  private CMU 2000-2010 Facebook group and all the talented Chippewas who are posting their unbelievable talents and creativity.  

I do want to warn all the men listeners to keep their girlfriends or wives from listening as JD may woo them away with his guitar playing and charming smile.  Or, I suggest that we all start taking guitar lesson this winter.

JD latest Album "Teal" is available on iTunes and Spotify.  I am making my own pledge to buy the album from iTunes ($5) in the spirit of Chips helping Chips.  Even the little things can have a big impact.  JD also has another album "Songs from an American Nobody, Vol 1".  

For all the single ladies, follow JD on twitter @dominowskimusic or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JDDominowskiMusic

In the spirit of the election season, your voice matters.  Please leave a review through iTunes or if you like to reach out to me by [email protected]

Fire Up Chips!

Michael

Chips!

At the core of this podcast series is Chips helping Chips.  One way to help each other is through the magic of story telling; especially, the stories that scares us the most.  In Part 1, Sean shares how CMU Alumni have come to his aid with love and support as he and so many others share their battles against cancer.  

In Part 2, we dive deeper into Sean's personal story of finding out about his cancer diagnosis, the struggles to start facing treatment, and the never ending kindness to those who help with the little things.  

This was more scary part of our chat as I was asking Sean's to be more vulnerable with his story.  I believe, with every inch in my being, it is worth Sean courage to share this story as could help somebody else who might also be struggling with cancer or a life threatening illness.  Keep showing up, like Sean did in one Facebook post, and there will be somebody out there who will understand your struggles.  Nobody should be or is truly alone. 

I like to give a special shout out and thank you to Mr. Dan Louisell in letting me use the rights to his song "After Yesterday."  The lyrics are genuinely touching and I love displaying the talents of one of CMU's own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSL2HqpFYDw

If you like to reach out to the show email me at [email protected]

Fire Up!

Michael 

Chips:

Who would have ever thought, a decade plus since FB started during our college tenure, social media would guide us back to each other whether we knew each other or not at CMU.  Post after post is taking many of us back to remembering where we come from, and knowing that we were once all in the deep end of the pool together while attending CMU.  

Then on September 30th, 2020, Mr. Sean Hartzell, took out his phone, asked a curious question, and the fireworks bursted out from there.  Sean is not the first one in the CMU alumni group to openly talk about his struggles.  I have seen those who are posting about their struggles with alcohol addiction and extremely proud of their sobriety anniversary dates.  They are just as much as courageous as Sean.

What drew me into Sean is his question: I have cancer, does anybody else my age have cancer in this group?  I couldn't stop from my eyes welling up with post after post of CMU alumni coming forward with their story of having cancer while at CMU or like Sean who is dealing with it now.  In that moment, it felt like Sean, fellow cancer survivors, and curren patients were not so alone in the world.  They were connected to each other. 

My God, this is something I don't see too often online from people I am not personally connected with.  Over 200 comments and 1 thousand likes later.  I wanted to understand more about Sean's story and possibly those like him.  We are Chips helping Chips with 1 "Fire Up" at a time.

Sean graciously agreed to chat with me about that day he posted his question.

This is part 1 of 2 to that story...

Fire Up!

Michael

Thank You to JD Dominowski in providing music for this episode.  Check out his full album "Teal" on spotify

https://open.spotify.com/album/3Gi3JqK8w1T1hvnuJzTj7P?si=C-F2KNf-QbWAOLtrskSvOA

[email protected]

CHIPS!

(WARNING: STRONG ADULT LANGUAGE AND CONTENT USED)

With so many FB posts about our college years; it can't go without saying of epic local musicians who helped us unwind after long hours in the classroom.  Back by popular demand, The Burning Bushes are ready to play 1 more song to help guide us through Hell aka COVID-19.

On a personal note, these guys were so much fun and I couldn't help laugh so many times throughout out the interview.  There are 2 full songs at the end for your listening pleasure.  The Burning Bushes can be found on Spotify and YouTube.  I also recommend checking out Dan's solo album (Clean and Dirty) on both streams.  

If, as so many Chips have kids, want to hear more of a family friendly show, become friends with Dan on Facebook as he does a kick ass show almost on a weekly basis that the whole family can join in on.  It is truly remarkable of Dan's creativity.

https://www.facebook.com/dan.louisell

If you like or strongly dislike the show, I can be reached at [email protected].

If you really, really like the show, please leave a review of the podcast through iTunes

Truly love seeing all the FIRE UP CHIPS post on this FB page and support for one another!

FIRE UP!

Love,

Michael 

Fire Up Chips!

I am more than thrilled in getting the first full podcast episode out to the world! What better way to start with Author and Class of 05, Ms. Allyson Bickel

Her book #RAW was released on July 18, 2020 exclusively through Amazon.  Since that time, her book is getting high reviews and nothing but 5 star reviews.  Here is what one reader said about her book (Cassie T), " #Raw is such a refreshing testament to the everyday realities of being a thirty-something mom in the 21st century! Allyson is brutally transparent with her struggles, fears, hopes and dreams. She lays her beautiful heart on the line for all to follow along and journey through her labyrinth called life. This is a fun, entertaining read that leaves you laughing out loud and feeling like she is your best friend. 5 stars! Highly recommended!"

Naturally, when reading this, my curiousity wanted to know more and she if would share a little of her journey in writing this book.  I have to say, Allyson did not disappoint! I hope y'all enjoy listening to Allyson as much as I did!

Link to Allyson webpage and a link to her book on Amazon

https://allysonbickel.com

Amazon Link

Thank You to Dan Louisell in letting me use in his music in the show.  Here is a link to Dan's Album, "Automation" on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/album/1Jt39rzl5xuGZHKK1CiZOn?si=aEs2Qgj9TIOWzY-oa2rJew

Also, find Dan on Facebook and become friends.   Almost every week he streams his family friendly music show. 

-Michael 

Hello Fellow CMU Chippewas!

We have taken the maroon and gold pride to the next level! How many of us, after agonizing months and years of shitty social media posts, were ready to go back in time to find that sweet spot of how we were all connected as CHIPS!? Thanks to the creators of the Facebook group, better known as the 2000-2010 CMU Group, we found a new joy and reconnection to those who also climbed the steep hillside of Mount Pleasant, MI.


I was sitting at home thinking, how could this group go to the next level.  I haven't even visit the 90's group page and yet believed we could step up our game to show the 90s how the 2000s roll.  In seeing, story after story, of fellow Chips sharing their own unique experiences, or pride in shouting at random strangers with the phrase, "Fire Up Chips," is when my curiosity started brewing.  I wanted to dig deeper into these narratives and experiences as a way to continue the connection that is helping us through the shit storm of 2020.  The only way I knew I could is by starting a podcast as to hear and transcend those unique experiences.

My hope is to continue to highlight the pride of being a maroon and gold alumni and be a part of the spirit of Chips helping Chips!  Hopefully one day I will be able to share your story.  Please, keep displaying the posts, memories, and shouts of fire up chips!

Fired Up FOREVER!

Cheers,

Michael Curtiss

[email protected]

Music Credit:

Fired Up Theme Song Credit to Mr. Dan Louisell.  Dan's demonstrates all of his musical talents through his YouTube page or find him on spotify


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzUd3J3_tT7ETw-fUP80fA