We’ve got a great episode for you this week where we explore Big Rapids, including some of the college kids’ cars that drive on the street, a program highlight, and a little bit of trolling. Stay tuned for more.
Big Rapids Life
In this week’s episode of Ferris in Focus, we kick things off by exploring the story behind Blue Cow Café, a beloved fine dining spot in downtown Big Rapids that has been serving up delicious meals since it opened in June 2008. Owner and chef Connie Frieberg shares her incredible journey—from attending culinary school in Houston, Texas, to running a successful catering business, and eventually opening Blue Cow. New executive chef Isaac Strong, who has worked his way up from the fast-casual kitchen to kitchen manager, reflects on the positive impact Connie’s leadership and mentorship have had on both him and the team. Employees speak highly of her guidance, noting the strong sense of camaraderie and support that permeates the workplace.
College Kids Cars
Next, host Mark Kibbe sits down with college student Luke Wilda, who shows off his prized 2002 Subaru Forester. Luke talks about the many modifications he’s made to the car, including swapping the engine, and shares memorable stories from his time in Arizona behind the wheel. The conversation offers a glimpse into Luke’s deep passion for cars and how this Subaru has become a cherished part of his adventures.
Program Spotlight
We also turn the spotlight on Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management program. Through interviews with faculty and students, we uncover why this program is so effective at helping graduates land jobs in the tennis industry. With a stellar reputation and a strong emphasis on practical skills, the program is a stepping stone for students looking to jumpstart their careers in professional tennis.
Ferris Asks
This week’s Ferris in Focus brings us a heartfelt and thought-provoking “Ferris Asks” segment. The crew visited the busy David L. Eisler Center to ask students the compelling question: “If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?” The responses were as diverse as the students themselves, with many sharing valuable insights about self-acceptance, the importance of embracing mistakes and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. A common theme emerged—resilience—and many students offered advice on how to push through life’s obstacles. Tune in for these inspiring messages that reflect the growth and wisdom gained during the college journey.
Memory Lane
In a special segment of Ferris in Focus, we take a nostalgic trip down “Memory Lane” with Professor Andrew Tingley, who revisits the golden age of 8-bit gaming—specifically the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System. Professor Tingley recalls his childhood mornings spent racing against the clock in Super Mario 3 before catching the school bus, and the competitive fun of Duck Hunt with his siblings. He also shines a light on some underrated gems, like Tiny Toon Adventures and the mystery-solving Deja Vu. For fans of retro gaming, this segment is a must-watch!
Cineskits
This week’s episode of Ferris in Focus also features a hilarious skit from the “Ferris Cineskits” crew. In “Good Cop, Bad Cop,” Brooke Baron, Mara Mitchell, and Jeremiah Kuhns deliver laughs in their roles as police officers in a high-stakes drug deal interrogation. Detective Meyers (played by Jeremiah) is the “bad cop,” but his interrogation style is a little… unconventional. As Brooke tries to keep the peace as the “good cop,” Mara finds herself more and more confused by Detective Meyers’ bizarre distractions. What is distracting him during this critical investigation? Tune in to find out!
Ferris Trolls
For another round of laughs, Ferris in Focus presents the “Ferris Trolls” segment, where Adam Jewell hits the Ferris State campus with a challenge for unsuspecting students. Armed with a collection of made-up, bizarre Mad Lib words, Adam asks students to answer questions about their outfits using these absurd terms. The reactions range from confusion to outright amusement as students try to make sense of the strange vocabulary. Tune in for some truly hilarious moments and creative responses.
Animals of the ARC
Finally, we shine a light on a furry friend in need of a forever home in the “Animals of the Arc” segment. Meet Scooby-Doo, a one-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix with a playful personality and a heart of gold. Scooby-Doo is up-to-date on vaccinations and walks beautifully on a leash, making him an ideal companion for daily walks or adventures in the snow. If you’re looking for a loyal friend to add to your family, Scooby-Doo could be the perfect match. For more information about adopting this lovable pup, visit ARCMecostaCounty.com.
Join us next week for another episode of Ferris in Focus!