What's Up Big Rapids?

September is here, Ferris students are back, football season is kicking off, and there's plenty happening around Big Rapids.

Our main guest this week is Pastor Mark Robb from Connect Church, who shares a remarkably personal story about his own experiences with abuse, homelessness, addiction and incarceration—and how those experiences shaped his desire to help people who are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. It's ultimately a conversation about something pretty simple: giving people hope.

Then Lisa David from Band of Locals joins us to preview this year's Big Rapids Labor Day Festival and everything happening downtown.

Plus: the Recycle Fish debate, High Strung Steel at Pocket Park, Cottage Inn reviews, baby dragons, robot videos and somehow a recumbent bicycle gets mistaken for Jimothy.

⏱️ Timecodes

0:00 – Intro & welcome

1:00 – What's everybody saying about the Recycle Fish sculpture? 🐟

2:55 – Hello, September. Take a breath.

3:45 – Welcome back, Ferris students! 🐶

4:25 – Cardinals & Bulldogs football kicks off 🏈

5:18 – Chris wraps up his busiest music month of the year 🥁

7:00 – Chris would like to sell your house. Yes, yours. 🏡

7:47 – Pat's Pork For a Purpose recap 🐖

8:45 – Remembering Jess McCallie ❤️

10:35 – Featured Creature: Desert Agama baby dragons 🦎

13:45 – Thanks to Dr. David Pilgrim

15:30 – Welcome Pastor Mark Robb from Connect Church

17:20 – How did Mark end up in Big Rapids?

21:30 – Mark shares his story of abuse, homelessness, addiction & incarceration

24:25 – Sometimes giving someone hope can change a life

26:02 – What's happening at Connect Church?

32:30 – How to learn more & get connected

33:25 – Is that Jimothy on the White Pine Trail? 🚲🦝

34:28 – High Strung Steel at Pocket Park + album news 🎻

35:45 – Tony Halchak at Pocket Park Friday 🎶

36:38 – Labor Day weekend at The Banded Raccoon

37:50 – Surprise second guest: Lisa David from Band of Locals

42:55 – Everything you need to know about the Labor Day Festival

45:45 – The official WUBR Cottage Inn review 🍕

48:00 – Robots, weighted pull-ups, Wile E. Coyote & rescued puppies — thanks, Dom

52:45 – Top Gun: Maverick at Roben-Hood Airport ✈️

53:40 – Thanks to our guests — and 86 episodes of WUBR! 🎉

54:22 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids

#BigRapidsMI

#SupportLocal

#CommunityStrong

#WhatsHappeningBR

This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.

Dr. Pilgrim takes us back to the beginnings of the museum, explains what Jim Crow actually means, and gives us a look inside the incredible new facility being built right here in Big Rapids. More importantly, we talk about why studying difficult history matters, how we can get better at having uncomfortable conversations, and the role the museum hopes to play for generations to come.

As Dr. Pilgrim put it: “The trick is not to stop talking about it, it’s to talk about it better.”

Plus, Chris is still on the road with the Michael Allman Band, Pat and Brandi celebrate 16 years, we recap Tie Dye Festival, meet a Spotted Congo Puffer, and run through another packed list of things happening around town.

⏱️ Timecodes

0:00 – Intro & welcome

0:55 – Catching up: After Hours, touring & a busy week

2:00 – Thanks to Paul Griffith & Friends of the White Pine Trail

3:15 – Hand of Giants at Tie Dye Festival

4:12 – Happy 16th anniversary to Pat & Brandi! ❤️

5:35 – Pork For a Purpose this Saturday

6:05 – Featured Creature: Spotted Congo Puffer 🐡

7:40 – Welcome Dr. David Pilgrim

9:08 – Chris' first experience at the Jim Crow Museum

10:35 – Why is the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris?

12:05 – Creating uncomfortable but important conversations

13:30 – “Witness, understand and heal”

14:28 – A new space dedicated to sharing stories

15:20 – There's never a bad time to learn history

16:45 – Putting Ferris in the national conversation

17:53 – Where did this journey begin for Dr. Pilgrim?

19:48 – What exactly was Jim Crow?

22:36 – The museum's mission as an educational institution

24:25 – The importance of listening to other perspectives

25:29 – “The trick is not to stop talking about it, it's to talk about it better.”

25:55 – The first piece Dr. Pilgrim collected — and why he broke it

27:41 – An antique dealer who changed his perspective

30:06 – Shoutout to the Museum of Sexist Objects

31:18 – How did the new museum become a reality?

33:18 – The museum will begin accepting pieces again

34:42 – The team behind the project

35:37 – Choosing the location and designing the building

37:07 – How to support the museum & what to know before visiting

39:18 – Come with an open mind

40:39 – How exactly do you build a museum?

44:17 – Thank you, Dr. Pilgrim!

44:50 – Peter Jordan at Pocket Park 🎶

45:35 – Balsam Brothers at the Bandshell

45:55 – Free pudding at Whipped & Dipped!

46:40 – Big Dam Bike Ride cancelled

47:00 – Pork For a Purpose – August 29 🐖

47:19 – Big Rapids Labor Day Festival

48:00 – R2 ResRun26 – September 19

49:39 – Skeleton Scurry 5K coming Halloween 🎃

49:55 – What's being built behind Cardinal Stadium? 👀

51:20 – Chalk the Walk – September 19

52:28 – Congrats to WUBR T-shirt winner Skylar Callendar!

53:00 – Brothers Blue Jean Ball – September 19

54:00 – Remembering Dolly Parton & Tim Curry

55:55 – “9 to 5” at the Changing of the Guard

57:00 – Robot Olympics get weird 🤖

58:20 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids

#BigRapidsMI

#JimCrowMuseum

#FerrisState

#SupportLocal

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris is back from a run of shows with The Michael Allman Band, school is about to start, and somehow tie-dye season is upon us.

Our guest is Paul Griffith from Friends of the White Pine Trail, and this one turned into a really interesting history lesson. We talk about the effort to pave and improve the trail, the restoration of the Depot, the railroad that once ran through Big Rapids, and how the trail continues to affect businesses and development around town.

Plus, we finally announce the winner of the WUBR T-shirt design contest, run through a packed end-of-summer calendar, and Pat gives us his extremely important Cottage Inn order.

⏱️ Timecodes

0:00 – Intro & welcome

1:10 – Tie-dye shirts & the upcoming Tie Dye Festival 🌈

2:12 – Chris' shows with Michael Allman 🥁

4:45 – Pat's week

6:00 – Business After Hours at The Banded Raccoon

8:00 – First day of school is almost here! 🎒

8:50 – Shoutout to Pork For a Purpose

9:21 – Featured Creature: The Oranda 🐟

12:34 – Welcome Paul Griffith

12:45 – Paul's background & how he ended up here

16:24 – What is the Casanova?

18:06 – When the Casanova was a bowling alley 🎳

19:35 – Getting involved with Friends of the White Pine Trail

22:00 – The push to pave the trail

25:23 – Let's talk about the Depot 🚂

26:02 – The Depot transformation

27:30 – How the Depot was purchased from the DNR

28:58 – A look at the Depot in 1913

31:22 – Shoutout to Einstein Cycles 🚲

32:40 – Mapping the White Pine Trail

35:53 – Michigan Trails Magazine features the Depot

38:50 – The remonument effort

41:28 – New culvert project

44:19 – Who pays for trail improvements?

46:26 – Appreciating the people who make projects like this happen

47:50 – Thanks to Paul for joining us

50:15 – How to connect with Friends of the White Pine Trail

51:30 – Six new businesses located along the trail

53:58 – Where to learn more

55:27 – The 460-mile Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad

57:15 – WUBR T-shirt contest WINNER: Skylar Calendar! 🎨🏆

1:02:40 – Ferris students are coming back to town

1:03:20 – Burlington & Cottage Inn are hiring

1:03:40 – Pat's Cottage Inn order 🍕

1:05:07 – Planet Fitness closing briefly for new equipment

1:07:36 – Welcome new BRHS Athletic Director Cole Andrews

1:08:10 – The city wants your feedback on future projects

1:09:30 – What should WUBR be talking about? Tell us!

1:11:09 – Lisa Carol at Pocket Park 🎶

1:11:35 – John Hayes at Pocket Park Friday

1:12:30 – Big Dam Bike Ride 🚲

1:13:30 – Pork For a Purpose 🐖

1:13:50 – Big Rapids Labor Day Festival

1:14:50 – Recreating White Chicks with strangers 😂

1:16:04 – Scott Steiner's son brings wrestling to the football field

1:17:03 – Qdoba is back! 🌯

1:19:50 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #WhitePineTrail #SupportLocal #ThingsToDo

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch up on everything happening around town, from trivia wins and dream gigs to new businesses finally opening their doors.

Our guests are Liz Prescott and Alex Ashley from Pork For a Purpose, who share the incredible story behind one of Mecosta County's favorite community fundraisers. We talk about how it got started, the families it's helped over the years, and why this event continues to bring people together.

Plus: Cottage Inn is officially open, Burlington is on the way, Raised on Radio is coming to Pocket Park, and somehow Jimothy the raccoon returns... with a friend.

⏱️ Timecodes

0:00 – Intro & welcome

0:53 – Chris' dream gig playing drums with Michael Olmen 🥁

2:15 – Thanks to Chad Coon for joining us last week

3:46 – Why joining the Chamber is worth considering 🤝

5:30 – Pat's championship trivia team 🏆

7:50 – Featured Creature: Freshwater Stingray 🐠

11:25 – Guest intro: Liz Prescott & Alex Ashley (Pork For a Purpose) 🐖

11:42 – How Pork For a Purpose got started

13:45 – How much has been raised?

14:20 – The families and causes it's helped ❤️

15:25 – Favorite part of putting on the event

16:45 – What else happens at the pig roast?

17:42 – How to attend and get involved

18:26 – Pork For a Purpose is August 29

19:27 – Volunteer opportunities

20:39 – The moments that make it all worthwhile

21:39 – Liz shares her family's deeply personal connection to the event

23:55 – Returning home to Michigan

24:55 – Pork For a Purpose merchandise

26:47 – Other upcoming events

29:07 – Thanks to Liz and Alex

30:26 – Something new is coming to the east side of town 👀

31:17 – Planet Fitness temporary closure

31:55 – Burlington opening update 🛍️

32:16 – Cottage Inn is officially open! 🍕

33:24 – Raised on Radio at Pocket Park 🎸

34:34 – Final Bandshell concert of the summer 🎶

34:55 – The Andrews at Pocket Park

35:10 – Tire Recycling Event ♻️

35:22 – A packed August 15: Baker Auto Carnival, Stanwood Summerfest & Jurassic Park at the airport 🎡🦖

37:27 – Angels of Action Back-to-School Giveaway 🎒

38:18 – Business After Hours at The Banded Raccoon

39:39 – Big Dam Bike Ride 🚴

42:52 – Labor Day Festival preview 🎉

43:57 – Jimothy gets a friend named Johnmothy 🦝

44:41 – Nicolas Cage as John Madden? 🤔

45:50 – Soccer celebration... interrupted 😬

47:50 – Introducing Liz and Alex to Jimothy 😄

48:35 – Pumpkin Spice season is back ☕

50:00 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids

#BigRapidsMI

#SupportLocal

#CommunityStrong

#PorkForAPurpose

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, Chris shares stories from playing with the Kelly Quinn Blues Experience at Horrocks, the crew recaps helping with the Res Life livestream, and we remind everyone that High Strung Steel is back at the Sawmill this Saturday.

Our guest is Tyler Huntey, who talks about the incredible momentum happening in Stanwood, why investing in small communities matters, and how the Chamber of Commerce is helping create opportunities for businesses and families alike.

Plus: concerts, movie giveaways, Jurassic Park at the airport, bike rentals, wrestling, recycling, and somehow... a viral raccoon named Jimothy.

⏱️ Timecodes

0:00 – Intro & welcome

1:00 – Chris plays Horrocks with the Kelly Quinn Blues Experience 🎸

2:40 – WUBR helps with the Res Life livestream 🎥

4:05 – Movie ticket giveaway winner announced! 🎟️

5:30 – Have you seen High Strung Steel yet? 🎻

6:42 – Featured Creature: "Piglet" the Fly River Turtle 🐢

8:45 – Guest intro: Tyler Huntey

11:55 – Tyler's path to the Chamber of Commerce

14:10 – Why regional collaboration is working 🤝

15:05 – Chamber Investor Drive & Quiz Bowl at Crankers

17:50 – Stanwood's surprising resurgence ✨

19:00 – How one relationship led to downtown investment

21:00 – New indoor play place for kids 🛝

25:40 – White Pine Bike Rentals opens 🚲

29:30 – Why invest in a small town?

33:00 – Help preserve Stanwood's history 📖

36:40 – Stanwood Summerfest preview 🎉

39:05 – Thinking about starting a business? The Chamber can help.

40:10 – This week's live music lineup 🎶

41:57 – Dueling Pianos giveaway at The Peaks 🎹

43:15 – Jurassic Park movie night at Roben-Hood Airport 🦖

44:20 – Business After Hours at The Banded Raccoon

44:50 – Meet Jimothy the viral raccoon 🦝

48:30 – Youth Wrestling Tournament 🤼

49:25 – Tire Recycling Event ♻️

51:15 – Spider-Man premiere & Comic-Con excitement 🕷️

55:17 – Outro & goodbye

📣 Hashtags

#WhatsUpBigRapids

#BigRapidsMI

#SupportLocal

#CommunityStrong

#ShopLocal

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch our breath after another busy summer weekend, swap fair stories, talk movies, and spend some time appreciating one of the things that makes Big Rapids unique—its public art.

Our guests are Carrie Weis and Steve Gove from the Public Art Collective, who share how the organization got started, why public art matters, and the story behind the new book highlighting the sculptures and murals that have become part of our community.

Plus: new businesses, concerts, movie talk, bike rides, golf outings... and whatever a marshmallow-stuffed donut is supposed to be.

0:00 – Intro & welcome
0:55 – Busy summer weekends all around ☀️
2:20 – Pat's demolition derby recap 🚗
2:37 – Spain wins the FIFA World Cup ⚽
4:15 – What's coming up this week
5:25 – Walmart's surprisingly great playlist 🎵
6:26 – Featured Creature: Chinchilla 🐭
9:15 – Appreciating the public art around Big Rapids 🎨
10:45 – Shoutout to the Public Art Collective's new book 📖
11:53 – Guest intro: Carrie Weis & Steve Gove
15:15 – What first drew them to art?
17:07 – Sharing your passion with others
17:52 – Carrie's role at Ferris and in the community
19:08 – How the Public Art Collective began
22:49 – Where to get the new book
23:07 – What's next for the organization?
26:05 – Chris shares his appreciation for collecting art
27:05 – Future public art projects
29:22 – Why art matters in a community
31:28 – How to get involved
32:45 – Thanks to Carrie & Steve ❤️
33:41 – Ferris dorm construction update 🏗️
34:46 – Kraken Jiu Jitsu officially opens 🥋
36:45 – Movie ticket giveaway winner announced 🎟️
37:58 – Odyssey and Avengers movie discussion 🎬
40:11 – Tell Pat your favorite movies of the year!
41:37 – Pocket Park concert this Friday 🎶
42:28 – Thursday Night Concerts begin 🎵
43:25 – Bandshell concert tonight
43:55 – Christmas in July Golf Scramble ⛳
45:10 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash
45:46 – Big Rapids All-Class Reunion 🎓
46:55 – Big Dam Bike Ride 🚴
49:05 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖
50:07 – Bison vs. tourist... the internet delivers again 😳
52:35 – Marshmallow-stuffed donuts? 🍩
55:00 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids
#BigRapidsMI
#SupportLocal
#CommunityStrong
#PublicArt

⏱️ Timecodes📣 Hashtags

It's Chicken BBQ week in Big Rapids!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we talk summer heat, golf, county fair week, Five Below, and somehow find time to laugh at a picture of Dom dressed as a giant chicken.

Our guest is Kim Easler, Executive Director of Angels of Action, who shares what it takes to organize one of the community's biggest fundraisers, how the organization continues to grow, and the many ways volunteers make a difference throughout the year.

If you've ever wondered where your Chicken BBQ dollars go—or how you can help your neighbors—this is a great conversation.

⏱️ Timecodes

0:00 – Intro & welcome

1:15 – Surviving the summer heat & Chicken BBQ volunteer tips ☀️🍗

3:39 – Golf season is in full swing ⛳

4:45 – Dom... in a chicken costume 🐔

5:32 – Conor McGregor discussion

6:18 – Five Below grand opening review 🛍️

9:18 – Featured Creature: African Pygmy 🐟

11:05 – Guest intro: Kim Easler (Angels of Action) ❤️

12:30 – Is the Chicken BBQ the biggest fundraiser?

13:00 – Behind the scenes of organizing community events

13:54 – How many dinners were served last year?

14:50 – Pat declares this year's chicken the best ever 🍗

17:20 – Shoutout to Mancino's for donating bread 🥖

18:22 – Chris rolls the dice on eating lettuce 😄

20:13 – How many chickens does it take?

22:32 – Kim's journey with Angels of Action

23:25 – What she's most proud of

24:00 – Growing the Literacy in Action program 📚

26:00 – Why literacy matters

27:40 – What's next for Angels of Action?

28:00 – Virtual cooking classes for families 👩‍🍳

29:30 – Volunteers are always needed

30:40 – Other ways to support the mission

33:10 – Christmas in July Golf Scramble 🎄⛳

35:05 – Managing multiple golf outings

36:40 – Back-to-school event coming soon 🎒

36:58 – Looking ahead to Light Up the Night ✨

37:50 – Final Chicken BBQ days!

38:18 – How to volunteer or donate

39:30 – Special Olympics Ice Cream Social 🍦

40:13 – High Strung Steel & Whorled at Quinn's 🎶

41:50 – Pat's movie ticket giveaway 🎬

43:54 – Pocket Park concert series continues 🎵

44:42 – Blue Water Ramblers at the Bandshell

45:15 – Fair Week is here! 🎡

47:21 – Thursday Night Concerts begin next week

49:12 – H.O.B.O. Basketball Camp 🏀

50:35 – Chris doesn't have room for another cult 😂

50:55 – Cornhole tournament at The Peaks

52:12 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash

52:40 – Eagles 80th Anniversary Open House

54:06 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖

54:51 – AI imagines Big Rapids 🤖

57:02 – Daylight Saving Time update ⏰

58:25 – Outro & goodbye

📣 Hashtags

#WhatsUpBigRapids

#BigRapidsMI

#SupportLocal

#CommunityStrong

#AngelsOfAction

Summer keeps rolling in Big Rapids!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, the guys recap the Fourth of July festivities, debate whether they've officially become too old to get excited about fireworks, and somehow end up talking movies again.

Our guest is Tara Braun, Executive Director of International Studies at Ferris State University and outgoing Rotary President. It's a fascinating conversation about international education, why over 60 countries are represented right here in Big Rapids, and Tara's vision for creating sister-city relationships that could connect our community to the rest of the world.

Plus: Cottage Inn sneak peeks, Five Below finally opens, Fair Week begins, and there's live music just about everywhere you look.

0:00 – Intro & welcome
1:25 – Chris Jane Sells Houses is back! 🏡
2:50 – Fourth of July parade & fireworks recap 🎆
4:40 – Movie reviews return (and Chris struggles with movie trivia again) 🎬
8:45 – Heat wave reminders ☀️
9:15 – Featured Creature: Serpae Tetra 🐟
11:20 – UFC legends making comebacks 🥊
12:40 – USA falls to Belgium in the World Cup ⚽
15:10 – Guest intro: Tara Braun 🌎
18:00 – Growing up in Big Rapids and discovering the world
20:45 – First international trip and how it changed her perspective
22:10 – The value international students bring to a community
24:35 – More than 60 countries represented at Ferris 🌍
30:20 – Connecting international students with the community
33:15 – Michigan's sister relationship with Shiba, Japan 🇯🇵
36:30 – Building future sister-city relationships
39:30 – "Is this like dating for cities?" 😄
42:00 – How to get involved
45:15 – Thanks to Mark Brejcha
46:00 – New wheelchair swing at Hemlock Park ❤️
47:15 – Sneak peek inside Cottage Inn Pizza 🍕
48:05 – Five Below & Whipped and Dipped are open!
50:10 – Fill-A-Bus for the Youth Attention Center 🚌
52:08 – Pocket Park & Bandshell concerts continue 🎶
53:20 – Fair Week begins! 🎡
56:45 – Were you a 4-H kid?
59:15 – More live music around town 🎸
1:01:45 – H.O.B.O. Basketball Camp 🏀
1:03:25 – Cornhole tournament at The Peaks
1:04:00 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash & Eagles Open House
1:06:09 – Big Rapids High School All-Class Reunion
1:07:53 – Drone light show & Dom's all-time worst dad joke 😂
1:09:15 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids

Happy (almost) Fourth of July!

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we celebrate America's 250th birthday, recap a fantastic ArtStock weekend, talk summer heat, golf, weddings, and all the events filling up the calendar.

Our guest is Mark Brejcha—retired military officer, longtime educator, and Director of Michigan Boys State. He shares his remarkable journey from Big Rapids to military service and explains how Boys State has been helping shape future leaders for generations.

Plus: Dunkin' is finally open, Spirit Halloween is back, the Dog House keeps taking shape, and Dom somehow finds himself discussing travel-sized ranch dressing.

0:00 – Intro & welcome 🇺🇸
1:02 – Happy 250th Birthday, America! World Cup talk ⚽
3:30 – ArtStock recap 🎨
4:40 – Chris plays a friend's wedding (and the nerves that came with it) 🎶
9:57 – Pat's golf-filled summer ⛳
11:34 – Birthday celebrations at home 🎂
12:10 – Heat wave & thunderstorms ☀️⛈️
12:34 – Featured Creature: African Cichlid 🐟
14:25 – Library events coming up 📚
16:40 – Guest intro: Mark Brejcha 🎖️
17:14 – Military career & retirement
17:35 – Why he chose military service
18:30 – The path that led him there
19:45 – Growing up in Big Rapids
20:45 – His family story
22:20 – Becoming a middle school teacher
25:55 – What Boys State is all about
30:03 – Famous Boys State alumni
30:45 – The history of the program
32:45 – Inspiring young leaders today
34:08 – Goals as director
35:55 – Building the next generation of volunteers
37:35 – How to get involved
38:38 – VFW vs. AMVETS vs. American Legion
41:30 – Big Rapids' incredible participation in Boys & Girls State
43:11 – Thanks to Mark for joining us
43:50 – Spirit Halloween returns 👻
44:34 – Labor Day Festival announcement 🎡
45:25 – Red Fox Market celebrates 10 years 🎉
46:25 – Whipped & Dipped grand opening 🍦
48:07 – Ferris' new "Dog House" dorm update 🏗️
49:35 – Dunkin' officially opens ☕
50:27 – Pocket Park concert (July 3) 🎶
51:15 – Independence Day celebration 🇺🇸
52:37 – AMVETS & American Legion BBQ 🍔
55:31 – Five Below grand opening 🛍️
58:17 – Coon MMA opens new facility 🥋
1:00:00 – Fair week is almost here 🎡
1:00:47 – Angels of Action Chicken BBQ 🍗
1:01:55 – Thursday Night Concerts begin 🎵
1:02:50 – Bandshell concert rescheduled due to heat
1:03:44 – Hustle Our Buts Off basketball camp 🏀
1:04:30 – Quantum Wellness Summer Bash
1:05:04 – Eagles 80th Anniversary Open House
1:06:13 – Pork for a Purpose 🐖
1:08:03 – Happy Bobby Bonilla Day 😄
1:10:02 – Tiny bottles of ranch dressing 😂
1:12:26 – Dom's viral moment of the week
1:14:44 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we're squeezing the show in early before one of the busiest weeks of the summer.

Chris is headed off for his 20th straight year serving with Through the Roof Disability Ministry, Pat is filling his calendar with golf outings, and Big Rapids is packed with events as we head toward Independence Day.

Our guests are Jennifer Thede and Bonnie Clark from TNR Mecosta, who share the incredible story behind their Trap-Neuter-Return program and the impact they've had on the local cat population over the last decade.

Plus: ArtStock, AirFest, concerts, fairs, fireworks, and a surprisingly passionate discussion about ear wax.

0:00 – Intro & welcome
1:11 – Recording early for a packed week ahead
3:15 – Through the Roof camp, audiobooks, and windshield time 🚐
4:54 – Pat's charity golf marathon ⛳
6:50 – Featured Creature: Super Pastel Ball Python 🐍
9:45 – Thanks to Tyler Schuberg
10:15 – Guest intro: Jennifer Thede & Bonnie Clark (TNR Mecosta) 🐱
11:40 – What is Trap-Neuter-Return?
13:45 – Nearly 1,500 cats helped in 10 years
15:10 – How locations are selected
16:30 – Bonnie's journey into TNR
18:55 – Wiener Wednesdays at the Sawmill 🌭
20:45 – Why this mission matters
22:20 – One cat can become 11,000 😳
23:25 – How to get involved
26:20 – Scooter's fundraiser on June 30 ☕
27:15 – Monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities
27:45 – New menu items at Gypsy Nickel 🍜
28:29 – Admiral stations become Citgo locations ⛽
29:40 – The pool is open! 🏊
30:55 – Theater update: Toy Story 5 & Spider-Man 🎬
32:10 – Bandshell concerts every Wednesday 🎶
33:10 – Hand of Giants at Pocket Park & ArtStock 🎸
34:00 – ArtStock nearly sold out 🎨
37:15 – Tennis in the Park 🎾
37:35 – AirFest at Roben-Hood Airport ✈️
39:10 – Mecosta County Free Fair update 🎡
40:50 – July 3rd celebration & fireworks 🇺🇸
42:00 – Special Olympics garage sale & ice cream social 🍦
42:53 – Chris vs ear wax 😄
45:00 – Will Cottage Inn open this week? 🍕
47:30 – Thanks to TNR and Jeremiah
48:05 – World Cup excitement ⚽
50:45 – Next week: our favorite librarian returns 📚
51:15 – Outro & goodbye

#WhatsUpBigRapids#BigRapidsMI#SupportLocal#CommunityStrong#SummerInBigRapids