Quick answer: Episode 145 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast introduces its new “Chatting Local” segment, featuring Chris Jane, host of “What’s Up Big Rapids.” This infotainment-style podcast, co-hosted with Pat Brooks, explores local stories, culture, and community insights in Mecosta County, aiming to connect with and understand the people behind local happenings.

Key Takeaways

  • Episode 145 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast launches a new “Chatting Local” segment.
  • This segment features Chris Jane, host of the “What’s Up Big Rapids” podcast, which originates from Mecosta County.
  • “What’s Up Big Rapids” is an infotainment-style podcast, co-hosted by Chris Jane and Pat Brooks, blending fun, conversation, and community insight.
  • The podcast focuses on getting to know the people and stories within their local community.

Crossing County Lines: A Chat with Chris Jane

What’s Up Big Rapids Chatting Local feature: Crossing County Lines with Chris Jane. Episode 145 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, a vibrant **regional storytelling podcast**, kicks off a brand new segment: Chatting Local — where we go beyond Montcalm County to shine a light on neighboring voices making a difference in their communities. In this first feature, we head north into Mecosta County to connect with podcast host and longtime radio voice Chris Jane, the energy behind What’s Up Big Rapids. This infotainment-style podcast blends fun, conversation, and community insight, offering compelling **Michigan community stories** with zero agenda, just good vibes and local narratives. As Chris puts it, “We want it

In this first feature, we head north into Mecosta County to connect with podcast host and longtime radio voice Chris Jane, the energy behind What’s Up Big Rapids. This infotainment-style podcast blends fun, conversation, and community insight — with zero agenda, just good vibes and local stories.

As Chris puts it, “We want it to be the place our local folks check in to see what’s happening… but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

Co-hosted with Pat Brooks (a Morley native and former Pioneer ad rep), What’s Up Big Rapids brings humor, culture, and connection to the mic. Whether they’re talking pop culture, local happenings, or simply laughing through lunch stories, their chemistry makes it all feel real.

Chris shares his heart behind the mic: “I want to get to know the person behind the sign… what makes you tick.”

And that’s exactly why Discover Montcalm is thrilled to feature this kind of grassroots storytelling. Because wherever you’re from — Montcalm, Mecosta, or anywhere in between — your story matters.

Check out episode 145– Chatting Local: What’s Up Big Rapids with Chris Jane.  https://www.facebook.com/whatsupbigrapids 


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    Chatting Local: Crossing County Lines with “What’s Up Big Rapids” a new Discover Montcalm feature episode 145

    by Discover Montcalm Podcast

    Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast

    Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. 

     

    Sources & Methodology

    Publication Date: August 1, 2024
    Last Updated: August 1, 2024

    This content is presented by Duane Weed, the driving force behind DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, a multimedia production company proudly rooted in Howard City, Michigan. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in video production, digital storytelling, and community engagement, Duane brings a wealth of expertise to the Discover Montcalm Podcast. His work consistently focuses on capturing authentic local narratives and amplifying community voices, demonstrating a profound understanding of effective communication and media production.

    The Discover Montcalm Podcast, and this accompanying blog post, are dedicated to showcasing the diverse stories and vibrant communities within Montcalm County and its neighboring regions. Content is developed through direct interviews with local individuals, community leaders, and organizations, aiming to provide firsthand insights and foster community connection. Our methodology prioritizes grassroots storytelling, ensuring that local perspectives are authentically represented and shared with our audience.

    While this post primarily serves to promote a specific podcast episode, the underlying content and discussions within the Discover Montcalm Podcast draw from extensive local community engagement and publicly available information about Montcalm and Mecosta Counties. For general information on these regions and their official resources, please consult the following:

    We adhere to ethical content creation standards, ensuring that all featured stories and interviews are conducted with respect and accuracy. Our commitment is to provide valuable, trustworthy, and engaging content that genuinely reflects the heart of our community.

    Beyond the Mic: Exploring the Heartbeat of Our Communities

    While Chris Jane and Pat Brooks bring the laughs and local insights, the vibrant tapestry of Big Rapids and Montcalm County is woven from countless threads. Think about the energy of Ferris State University, a cornerstone of Big Rapids, shaping its culture and economy with innovation and youthful spirit. Or consider the majestic Muskegon River, a natural artery offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from fishing and kayaking to scenic trails that invite exploration. These are the backdrops for so many local stories.

    Beyond the natural beauty and academic life, our communities thrive on a rich calendar of local festivals and events—from bustling farmers’ markets to seasonal celebrations that bring everyone together. And let’s not forget the diverse array of small businesses and agricultural roots that form the economic backbone, each with its own unique narrative of passion and perseverance. These elements, whether it’s the buzz of a local fair or the quiet determination of a family farm, are the very essence of what makes these places special and provide an endless wellspring of “good vibes and local stories” for podcasts like ours to discover and share.