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 welcome
1:00 – Chris recaps his epic road trip to New Mexico 🚗
1:58 – Should you work out on vacation? Chris says yes
3:24 – Pat slips on the diet but gets back on track
5:50 – 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 Whipple
16:42 – Guest intro: Dr. Kate O’Conner (Ferris State CET Dean)
18:38 – Helping rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
20:57 – Adjusting to life in Big Rapids
23:18 – What the College of Engineering & Technology covers
27:35 – Trends in trades and industry careers
30:58 – Advice for young people choosing career paths
32:58 – Jill of All Trades event coming to Ferris (March 19)
37:00 – More advice for the next generation
38:30 – Construction progress on the new Dawg Pound
39:08 – Laundromat reopens after the recent fire
40:20 – Why Chris has been yelling in the yard
42:00 – Pat shares an awkward encounter story
45:35 – 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 bar
59:13 – 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