Send us a text What does true loyalty look like in today's world? Whether it's sticking with your heartbreaking hometown sports teams or staying at the same company for over three decades, John Middleton embodies a steadfast commitment that feels increasingly rare in our current culture. In this engaging conversation with host Mike Bono, John shares the emotional rollercoaster of being a Cleveland sports fan—from the gut-wrenching "Drive" and "Fumble" eras through the Baker Mayfield years to the...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 249
Send us a text A special gathering of Bethany College football legends spans two decades of program history in this nostalgic and often hilarious reunion episode. Former players and coaches from the early 2000's through 2021 come together to share the untold stories that defined their college football experience at this small but mighty program. The conversation quickly reveals the deep connections formed through shared hardships and triumphs. Program-defining victories take center stage as Coac...
Jun 18, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 248
Send us a text When DJ Jacobucci resigned from his firefighting career and dumped his pension into opening Upgraded Industries, it wasn't just a business decision—it was a leap of faith into a lifelong passion. "That's betting on yourself," he explains on the Ride Home Rants podcast. "That's either saying I'm going to be poor or this is going to work." This all-or-nothing mentality has shaped Upgraded Industries into what DJ lovingly describes as a "dysfunctional family that you can't help but l...
Jun 11, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 247
Send us a text What does it truly mean to serve others in today's disconnected world? Blake Burkhart is redefining success through authentic service and community impact in Northeast Ohio. From walking onto his college football team despite doubters telling him he was "too small" to now transforming lives through his work at Royalty Roofing, Blake embodies the underdog spirit that refuses to quit. His approach to business goes far beyond transactions—offering free repairs to those in need and bu...
Jun 04, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 246
Send us a text Fire up your imagination as we dive deep into the soul of summer with our special grilling roundtable! I've assembled a passionate panel of backyard BBQ enthusiasts who share their hard-earned wisdom about everything from equipment choices to flavor techniques. The conversation sizzles with personality as we explore the great debates of grilling culture: charcoal versus propane, the perfect wood for smoking, and the ideal doneness for a steak (which sparks some hilarious disagreem...
May 28, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 245
Send us a text Grab your clubs and join us for a laid-back journey through the world of golf with host Mike Bono and a lively roundtable of enthusiasts who share their passion, opinions, and occasional wild tangents about the sport that connects generations. The conversation tees off with lighthearted icebreakers about preferred shower soaps and whether fighting angry deer or a coyote presents the better survival story—setting the relaxed, humorous tone that carries throughout. Matt Landowski in...
May 21, 2025•45 min•Season 5Ep. 244
Send us a text Chris "The Grit" Droege invites us into the fascinating intersection between combat sports, entrepreneurship, and personal growth in this compelling conversation that transcends the typical fighter interview. From the wrestling mats of Youngstown to the MMA cages of Cleveland, Chris shares how wrestling shaped not just his fighting style, but his entire approach to life. "Nobody's gonna care about you as much as you are," he explains, detailing how the individual responsibility in...
May 14, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 243
Send us a text What happens when the comfort zone becomes a cage? In this captivating conversation, boxing coach Luke Freshour reveals how stepping into the ring transforms not just fighters, but people. Having started boxing at 22—considered late by most standards—Luke's journey from losing his first three fights to becoming a two-time Golden Gloves champion offers powerful lessons in resilience that transcend the sport itself. "Fear is excitement, it's stepping out of your comfort zone," Luke ...
May 07, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 242
Send us a text What really happened with Shedeur Sanders in the NFL Draft? Is Travis Hunter the next two-way superstar? And who actually makes the final call in draft rooms across the league? The Fab Four panel dives deep into these burning questions from the 2025 NFL Draft in an unflinching, no-holds-barred discussion that reveals the complex realities behind draft day decisions. When Sanders unexpectedly fell to the fifth round, was it truly about his on-field performance at Colorado, where he...
May 03, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 241
Send us a text The journey from fighter to coach often reveals the deepest insights about combat sports. Billy Freedson, standing at just 5'5", began his martial arts journey with what he calls "Napoleon syndrome" – a chip on his shoulder and a readiness to fight that eventually transformed into a sophisticated understanding of striking, grappling, and the intricate dance between them. Billy's expertise spans multiple disciplines: Muay Thai, K-1 kickboxing, wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, and even F...
Apr 23, 2025•47 min•Season 5Ep. 240
Send us a text Easter traditions spark passionate opinions, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughter in this seasonal gathering of friends. From the unanimous dislike of Peeps marshmallow treats to heated debates about the best Easter candies (Reese's eggs and Cadbury caramel eggs emerge victorious), our panel dives deep into what makes this spring holiday special across generations. Food takes center stage as guests share their traditional Easter meals – ham remains a staple for most, while I...
Apr 19, 2025•41 min•Season 5Ep. 239
Send us a text Anthony "The Violence" Pirozzoli doesn't live up to his nickname when he's laying bricks at his day job, but step into the ring with him, and you'll quickly understand how he earned it. Growing up wrestling in middle school before abandoning sports to "go work and make money," Anthony eventually found his calling later in life when his love of watching MMA transformed into an irresistible desire to step into the ring himself. What makes Anthony's journey fascinating is his rapid e...
Apr 09, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 238
Send us a text Duke vs Houston and Florida vs Auburn - this Final Four may be chalk with all top seeds, but our basketball roundtable delivers bold predictions and passionate debates about who's cutting down the nets in San Antonio. Our panel of coaches, broadcasters and basketball lifers tackle the burning questions: Is Duke's Cooper Flagg truly the greatest freshman in college basketball history? Does Houston's top-ranked defense give them the edge over Duke's offensive firepower? Which coach ...
Apr 05, 2025•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 237
Send us a text Dive into a sweet escape with our special guest host Fiddy and "The Fab Five" as they unwrap their deepest dessert opinions and share hidden bakery gems you won't want to miss. This episode is a sugar-coated journey through the world of treats that will have you reaching for your car keys to hunt down local pastry treasures. Our guests reveal surprising consensus on some topics (ice cream beats cookies every time) while passionately disagreeing on others. When it comes to bakeries...
Mar 26, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 236
Send us a text Lacing up for track season brings a flood of memories to anyone who's ever competed, and this star-studded panel takes us straight to the starting blocks. From Olympic trial qualifier Jose Jefferson who triple jumped 51'11" to All-American javelin thrower Lauren Lubarski who broke her university record as a freshman, these track legends deliver a masterclass in what it takes to excel in the sport. The conversation quickly reveals how track and field creates versatile athletes – Jo...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 235
Send us a text Baseball's economic divide has never been more pronounced, yet the beauty of America's pastime remains in its unpredictability. Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as clear World Series favorites after their offseason spending spree, there's something magical about baseball that money simply can't buy – and that's exactly what makes this upcoming MLB season so compelling. The Baltimore Orioles stand as this year's most intriguing challenger, with their young core poised to bu...
Mar 15, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 234
Send us a text Join us for a vibrant, music-filled episode that dives into the genres, artists, and unforgettable concert experiences that shape our lives! We kick things off with some light-hearted icebreakers, setting the tone for an exciting exploration of our varying musical tastes. Our panel shares their go-to genres, revealing personal stories behind their choices—from reggae and rock to country and everything in between. As we discuss our favorites, we dive into the emotional connections ...
Mar 05, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 233
Send us a text Join us on this exciting episode of Ride Home Rants as we welcome Tony Tortorici, a fierce competitor in the MMA world and the recent champion of Made Man Promotions. With a perfect record and replete with dedication, passion, and drive, Tony shares his unique journey from an aspiring fighter to a champion, encompassing the struggles, triumphs, and deep love for the fight game. Listen as Tony dives into the nitty-gritty of training, the importance of wrestling as his foundation, a...
Feb 26, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 232
Send us a text What if the Patriots aren't the NFL's most unpredictable team after all? Explore this and more as we dissect the mind-boggling moments of the recent NFL season with our Fab Five: Mike Worrell, JJ Phillips, Drew McLaughlin, Bill Garvey, and Dave Frank. Listen as we unravel the shocking Super Bowl showdown where the Eagles soared past the Chiefs, leaving fans in awe. Our guests bring their diverse backgrounds to the table, sharing their unique takes and adding a splash of flavor by ...
Feb 20, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 231
Send us a text Imagine being related to a famous comedian, having a run-in with a baseball legend, and moving from the bustling streets of Baltimore to the Midwest charm of Ohio. That's just a taste of our conversation with Cole Schneider from Case Western Reserve University. His stories about cultural shifts, jazz jams, and sports fanaticism are as entertaining as they are relatable. Cole's unique journey is a vivid tapestry of experiences that offer a fresh perspective on embracing change and ...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 230
Send us a text What if the magic of the Super Bowl lies in the unpredictable challenges of the elements? Join me, Fiddy, alongside a stellar lineup of sports professionals, as we dissect this exhilarating rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. With guests like Bill Stoy, Jose Jefferson, Kurt Barth, Mike Worrell, and Hal Mumme, our conversations are rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights from the worlds of football and basketball, offering a unique per...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 229
Send us a text What if the roots of a small town could shape the career of a remarkable coach? Alyssa Johnson, a distinguished coach and former soccer player, shares how her hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania, with its rich industrial history and vibrant sports culture, laid the foundation for her journey. From her early days at Lafayette College to her fervent support for Philadelphia's Eagles, Alyssa's story reveals a deep connection to her roots and an unwavering passion for coaching. Listeners...
Jan 29, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 228
Send us a text What if the outcome of one game could change the trajectory of two legendary college football programs? Join us for a thrilling National Championship Preview Show as we explore this possibility with an incredible panel of guests: Tony, Coach Amp, Matt, Mister, Jeremy, Bob, and Chris. Our discussion begins with an entertaining debate on the ranking of NFL quarterbacks Steve Young, Eli Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intense pressures fa...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 5Ep. 227
Send us a text Ever wondered how growing up on the sidelines shapes a future coach? Meet Luke Worrell, son of renowned coach Mike Worrell, as he shares his distinctive upbringing surrounded by the world of college athletics. Luke gives us an insider look at his journey from being a ball boy to carving out his own coaching path, enriched by his academic background in psychology and his experiences at various institutions like Illinois College and Muskingum University. His connection to Ohio adds ...
Jan 15, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 226
Send us a text Ever wondered how busy professionals juggle a hectic lifestyle while staying fit and healthy? Our latest episode promises to unlock the secrets behind maintaining a balanced lifestyle as we sit down with an inspiring panel of fitness aficionados. Joining me, Fiddy, as I sub for Mike Bono, are Jason, Byron, Shawn, JJ, Nicole, Jordan, and Josh, each bringing their unique fitness philosophies to the table. From full-body workouts to targeted muscle group exercises, discover how these...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 225
Send us a text What if the ultimate action hero showdown from the 80s and 90s could settle the age-old debate: Schwarzenegger or Stallone? Join me, Fiddy, along with our hilarious guests Bob, Collin, and Dave, as we navigate this and more on the Ride Home Rants podcast. We kick off with quirky confessions about our birth months and the animals that make us quiver. Our chat then rolls into fond zoo adventures across Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, and beyond—where else can you meet a kangaroo up...
Jan 01, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 224
Send us a text Discover the hidden intricacies of running a successful collegiate athletic program as we sit down with Kevin Loney, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Events Management at Bowdoin College. From his remarkable shift from coaching football to orchestrating events for 31 sports teams, Kevin unveils the meticulous planning and teamwork required to ensure flawless sporting events. Ever wonder what it takes to keep things flowing smoothly behind the scenes, even when faced ...
Dec 27, 2024•59 min•Season 4Ep. 223
Send us a text Charles Bell joins us to share his incredible journey from a high school athlete in Newcomerstown, Ohio, to managing a family-owned business in Lisbon, Ohio. Charles reveals how his dreams of becoming a physical therapist shifted to engineering, all thanks to a chance encounter with college baseball and his future wife. I even share my own twist of fate—a career-ending injury that reshaped my path and led me to meet my significant other. Together, we reflect on the unexpected turn...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 222
Send us a text Four years ago, my daily rants on the ride home sparked an idea that blossomed into the Ride Home Rants podcast. Join me, Mike Bono, and our trusty podcast manager, Johnny "Fiddy" Falconi, as we reminisce about our podcasting journey and share the hilarious moments and behind-the-scenes chaos that brought us here. From spontaneous episodes recorded mere days before airing to a more organized process, we’ve had our fair share of learning curves and triumphs. We even had a few furry...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 221
Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to transition from being a player to a coach, and the rollercoaster journey that follows? Join me, Mike Bono, and a panel of seasoned coaches as we navigate their remarkable career stories across various sports, from high school fields to the electrifying arenas of professional leagues. We kick things off with some amusing small talk—think breakfast beverages and snowplows—but quickly shift gears to the heart of the matter: each coach's unique path, fil...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 220
