Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the NFL Draft's future stars with our all-star football panel, including Coach Hal Mumme, Bob Gavalier, Tim Weaver, Jose Jefferson, and Mister Askew! We've just wrapped a thrilling session where we tackled the biggest winners and losers post-draft, debated quarterback prospects like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, and gave some well-deserved attention to the unsung heroes of the gridiron—the offensive linemen. If you're all about the details that forecast the succ...
May 01, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 189
Send us a text Have you ever taken a stroll down memory lane and found yourself embroiled in the heartwarming tales of a small-town hero? That's exactly what happened when I sat down with coach Matt Altomare, the pulse of Leetonia High School football, whose story is as deeply woven into the fabric of Leetonia, Ohio, as the gridiron itself. Our conversation traverses the cherished corridors of community bonds, Italian heritage, and the legacy of following in his father's coaching footsteps, a po...
Apr 24, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 188
Send us a text Ever found yourself chuckling at the notion that beard oil could be the pumpkin spice latte of the grooming world? You're not alone. Buddy Holly joins me, and his experiences as a comedian and beard care aficionado manage to tangle humor, life lessons, and self-care into a conversation that's as enlightening as it is entertaining. We traverse from the joys of a well-maintained beard to the realm of laughter that breaks down barriers, and Buddy's candid stories add a rich flavor to...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 187
Send us a text Have you ever wondered what fuels the fire in the belly of a comedian? Get ready to crack open the world of chuckles with Newark's king of comedy, Destin Richardson, as he joins me, Mike Bono, in an unfiltered journey through the highs and lows of comedic life. We're laying it all out there—from the relentless grind of content creation to the saving grace of cargo shorts on a hot day. Destin peels back the layers on his podcasting experience, and together, we examine how our relax...
Apr 10, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 186
Send us a text Get courtside seats to the most electrifying basketball conversations of the season as we dissect the NCAA Final Four madness with the likes of Mike Worrell and Mark Richmond, two giants in basketball analysis. Feel the pulse of Alabama's and UConn's high-stakes face-off and get under the hoop for NC State's gritty dance with Purdue. Our panelists, who've walked the walk, regale us with tales from the hardwood while serving up rich insights on the teams' strategic maneuvers and th...
Apr 05, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 185
Send us a text When the cozy traditions of Easter weave into conversations, you know it's bound to be a roundtable to remember. Stepping in for Mike Bono, I'm Fiddy, and I was thrilled to host an Easter Roundtable with a dynamic mix of past guests who lit up the discussion with their personal memories and traditions. From the pressures of childhood church speeches to the adaptation of celebrations amidst loss, our panel—JJ Phillips, Brandon Wiley, Chris Marsco, Shannon Stewart, Jason Bickel, and...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 184
Send us a text Step up to the plate for a grand slam discussion on the 2024 MLB season! I'm your host, Fiddy, pinch-hitting for Mike Bono this time around, and we've got the bases loaded with insider predictions, player spotlights, and the managerial chess that could define this year's baseball saga. Joined by the heavy-hitting panel of Tony, TJ, and Austin, we look back at the Texas Rangers' sensational World Series win and pitch our forecasts for the team's chances of a repeat performance. As ...
Mar 22, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 183
Send us a text Crack open a cold one and pull up a seat at our St. Patrick's Day table where the drinks flow as freely as the conversation! I'm your host, Mike Bono, and on today's Ride Home Rants podcast, we're toasting to tradition with a pint of banter, a dash of history, and a spirited panel that includes the likes of Wendy, a wee bit Irish, and Collin, who's half a leprechaun by blood. Together with the rest of our motley crew, including a vampire coach who's seen more St. Paddy's Days than...
Mar 15, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 182
Send us a text Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, the Friday night lights were more than just a game—they were a rite of passage that sculpted the sinews of our character. That's the backdrop of my heartfelt conversation with college buddy Matt Landowski, as we relive the glory days of high school sports. We tackle the nostalgia head-on, discussing how the camaraderie on the field led to lifelong bonds and left an indelible mark on our personal growth. From backyard scraps to the echoes of chee...
Mar 06, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 181
Send us a text Stepping off the well-trodden path, Austin Dudley joins me to unpack a story woven with dedication and a deep-seated love for Division III college athletics. His leap from the comfort zones of St. Louis to the challenges of Webster University's cross-country terrain exemplifies a tale not just of sports, but of personal evolution. Choosing passion over pragmatism, Austin's shift from environmental sciences to education mirrors the very adaptability and resolve intrinsic to the stu...
Feb 28, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 181
Send us a text Join us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Mike Larkin, as we traverse his early years in New Jersey to his defiant track career at The College of New Jersey, and beyond. Mike's leap from his home state to Notre Dame College, peppered with tales of regional food shocks and the bold choices that shaped his future, paints a vivid picture of perseverance and the vital role athletics play in personal growth. Feel the Garden State charm as we recall the close-knit bonds formed t...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 180
Send us a text From the frosty ballparks of Pickering, Canada, to the coaching box at Notre Dame College, Kyle Espineli's baseball journey embodies the grit and growth of the sport beyond America's borders. In our heartwarming chat, Kyle, the assistant baseball coach, unpacks the cultural exchange of bats and balls between Canada and the U.S. He lays bare the realities Canadian athletes face, where hockey skates often overshadow baseball gloves, and how events like Tournament 12 are shaking up t...
Feb 16, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 179
Send us a text Get ready for a Super Bowl roundup like no other, where Fiddy and I team up with football's finest minds to unpack the Chiefs versus 49ers mega-clash. From the strategic nous of former student assistants to the seasoned wisdom of high school coaches, media pundits, and football family royalty, this episode is a full-field press of insight. Special guests Chris Marsco, Tony Bogan, Mister Askew, Bob Gavalier, Jordan DeMarco, Bill Stoy, Joe Cowart, and Nick Tomba join us to share sto...
Feb 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 178
Send us a text When the whistle blows and the stadium lights ignite, that's when Coach Tim Weaver shines brightest – and I had the pleasure of sitting down with this mastermind behind Brown University's defensive maneuvers. Our conversation is more than just X's and O's; it's a deep dive into the heart of collegiate football, from the strategic recruitment plays to the personal growth of players who have sprinted their way from Ivy League fields to NFL glory. We reminisce on Bethany College days...
Jan 31, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 177
Send us a text Step off the spectator stands and into the lives of Andy Santiago and Allie Green, as they swing into our latest episode with stories that link the crack of the bat and the thwack of the tennis ball to real-world wins. Cleveland's own athletic achievers peel back the layers of their college sports days, with Andy diving into the nitty-gritty of baseball and accounting, while Allie serves up insights from her journey from tennis to public health. Their candid memories from campus l...
Jan 24, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 176
Send us a text As the neon lights of Las Vegas faded into the background, Austin Fitch, the inspiring coach from Fort Cherry, PA, joined me to recount the whirlwind of leading his team to the state finals. Journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports with us, where the buzz of New Year's in Vegas sets the stage for a discussion on the city's burgeoning sports scene. From the warm embrace of the Raiders to the triumphs of the Vegas Golden Knights, we explore how geographical ties to t...
Jan 17, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 175
Send us a text When an injury benched my dreams of swimming competitively, I understood the weight of saying goodbye to a lifelong passion. Today, Pat Svihlik, a former college soccer standout who's now shaping futures at Notre Dame College, joins me to share that familiar pang of an athlete's career cut short and the resilience needed to craft new dreams. We follow Pat's journey from his rough-and-tumble childhood games with his brothers to the turning point that saw him hang up his cleats and ...
Jan 08, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 174
Send us a text Unlock the secrets behind the success of college football's elite teams as I sit down with a panel of pros including former players like Johnny "Fiddy" Falconi, Jovon Johnson, brothers Ryan and Drew Barth, Dan Bolson, Mister Askew, Jonas Jackson, and the legendary Hal Mumme. Together, we dissect the brilliance of Nick Saban's Alabama and make our bold predictions for the playoff showdowns ahead. Whether you're a die-hard Crimson Tide fan or just love the strategic battles on the g...
Dec 31, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 3Ep. 173
Send us a text Can you imagine switching from a career in IT to comedy? That's exactly what our guest Mecha Swain, owner and CEO of Slapstik comedy in Columbus, Ohio did! In a fascinating and inspiring journey, Mecha takes us from her broadcasting and journalism studies to the establishment of her own media production company, Mecha Media, and the birth of Slapstik Comedy. She gives us an insight into how a class assignment sparked her passion for journalism, and how brainstorming sessions in a ...
Dec 27, 2023•43 min
Send us a text Ever found yourself locked in a spirited debate about the Christmas-ness of Die Hard? We certainly did! I'm your host, Mike Bono, and I'm thrilled to bring you an episode of Ride Home Rants that's as filled with festive cheer as an overflowing cup of eggnog. Join me and a lively panel of guests as we delve into holiday debates, reveal our unique family traditions, and explore how Christmas Eve holds a special place in our hearts. What's Christmas without a little snow? Or a lot of...
Dec 20, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 172
Send us a text Ever wondered how it feels to ignite passion and spirit on the football field, nurturing young talent and becoming a beacon of inspiration? Join me, Mike Bono, as I sit down with high school football coach Chris Marsco, a man who turned his love for the sport into a fulfilling journey of coaching. Hailing from Cortland (OH), Chris shares his beginnings, early experiences with football, and his journey through the coaching ranks at Youngstown State University and Niles High School,...
Dec 13, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 171
Send us a text Meet Edwin Vereen, a spirited podcaster with a captivating journey that takes us from his South Carolina upbringing to the global spread of his career. Listen to Edwin's mesmerizing tales about his high school days as a varsity athlete, his early attempts at rap, and his dive into the broadcasting world! Edwin's endeavours into the world have been a rollercoaster ride that he openly shares, demonstrating his resilience and determination. Discover how Edwin turned the many ups and ...
Dec 06, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 170
Send us a text Drumroll, please, as we welcome Lance Funderburk, a former Valdosta State University football player and now a corporate highflyer! In this compelling episode, we uncover Lance's unique journey from the football field to the world of sales. He shares exploits of playing in the Air Raid offense under legendary Coach Hal Mumme, transitioning from his high school's Wing-T offense. Tune in for a deep-dive into Lance's intriguing recruitment journey in the '90s that involved VHS tapes ...
Nov 29, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 169
Send us a text Ever find yourself reminiscing about that perfect Thanksgiving turkey or those epic Black Friday shopping sprees? You're not alone! This episode of Ride Home Rants has got you covered with a trip down memory lane. Join us with our special panel of guests - Rusty, JJ, Brennan, and Brandon- as we share stories of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions and memorable moments. From hunting escapades to sunny family gatherings and even a surprise lobster feast, each tale is a nostalgic no...
Nov 23, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 168
Send us a text Feel the game's pulse as we delve into the mind of NFL veteran, James Whalen. Wondering how the iconic air raid offense came to be? Sit back, as James walks us through his and Coach Mumme's journey. They took inspiration from Bill Walsh and LaVell Edwards, creating a system that revolutionized the sport. A believer in mastery over quantity, Coach Mumme's unconventional approach will leave you contemplating your own strategies - in the game and beyond. Moving from Kentucky to the N...
Nov 15, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 167
Send us a text Are you ready to get inspired? Our guest, Marcus Washington, shares his incredible journey from the inner city of Chicago to becoming a college football player. Marcus' love for sports, particularly football, was nurtured despite the lack of proper coaching and facilities in his neighborhood. He turned these challenges into motivation and bravely walked on to a junior college to prove his worth. His story is made even more remarkable by his enduring relationship with his mentor, C...
Nov 08, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 166
Send us a text Who says you can't have both spook and spice in one season? We, at the Ride Home Rants podcast, certainly don't! Wendy, JJ, Jordan, and Brandon join us in this episode brimming with the spirit of fall. We talk about everything that makes this season special - from the whimsy of Halloween to the warmth of Thanksgiving. Wendy, with her love for the family-centric holiday, contrasts with the rest who relish in the thrills Halloween brings. Whether you're a fan of turkey or trick-or-t...
Oct 31, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 165
Send us a text Who will steer the Guardians to victory as their new manager? We've got a thrilling roundtable discussion with Fiddy, TJ Lett, and Tony Bogan to speculate on the potential candidates. Sandy Alomar Jr., Will Venable, Craig Counsel, and a wild card pick of Dusty Baker are all in the mix. We also weigh in on the Texas Rangers' spectacular run and debate over the home field advantage - Does it favor the Rangers or the Arizona Diamondbacks? Ever wondered how time zone changes might den...
Oct 27, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 164
Send us a text Who truly reigns supreme in the basketball universe - Kobe or Magic? Let's hash it out in a high-paced exchange with our panel of experts including Mike Worrell, Tony Bogan, Drew Barth, Bill Stoy, and Mister Askew. As we traverse the exciting world of NBA, we also evaluate the most strategic moves in the recent draft and free agency. Mike Worrell makes a compelling case for the Washington Wizards while Drew Barth champions the Phoenix Suns. Not to be outdone, Bill Stoy places his ...
Oct 21, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 163
Send us a text Ever wondered how to perfectly pronounce 'gnocchi' or the secret behind cooking delectable pasta? Join me and my all-star line-up Italian guests, Mike Bono, Carlo Guadagnino, Andrea Precurato, Brittany Giomuso, and Zach Harklerode as we take you on a culinary journey through our favorite Italian dishes and traditions. Be immersed in the stories of our Italian heritage as we debate over pasta and 'anything that ends in parm'. Dive into the world of Italian pop culture as we explore...
Oct 09, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 162
