Ride Home Rants
"Ride Home Rants" is a podcast brought to you by Comedian Mike "Bono" Bonaventura. The podcast has a different guest each week from a different career field and background talking about what led them into their career and the stops along the way. These guests are your everyday people who provide insight into their own journeys and life goals which we all have. Tune in, check us out, and hear from these great guests!
The College Athlete Mindset Shift
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Being “the guy” in high school feels great until you land in a gym where you’re suddenly the third shortest player and everyone is faster, stronger, and more polished. That’s where this conversation with Kyle Mars, the men’s volleyball coach at Baldwin Wallace University and a former Penn State D1 player, gets real fast.
We talk about Kyle’s path from Rochester, New York to the Big Ten, why he chose Penn State, and what it’s like to embrace a program knowing you may not start right away. The bigg...
The Best Of Both Worlds College
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A college decision can change your life, but a good campus visit can change your mind even faster. We sit down with Blair Suttles, assistant director for first-year admission at Baldwin Wallace University, to talk about what admissions work actually looks like when it’s done with care. Blair explains how BW coordinates personalized visits that go beyond a standard walking tour, helping prospective students meet professors, connect with coaches, and see the parts of campus that match their goals.
We also dig into what makes Baldwin Wallace University feel like “the...
Brad Johnson Explains What It Takes To Build A Division III Program
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A season can swing on one awkward landing, one freak play, one practice rep you never see coming and Brad Johnson has lived that reality. Brad joins us from Cleveland as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Baldwin Wallace University, and we get into what it’s like to return to your alma mater with big standards, a young roster, and a year that gets hit early by injuries. We talk through how a staff keeps players focused, how culture shows up when the rotation disappears, and why the Ohio Athletic Conference is a...
How We Spend Easter With Family And Food
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A holiday can be loud, crowded, and still feel like rest if you’re with the right people. We sit down for an Easter roundtable and talk about what the day really looks like for us, from staying local around Cleveland to making the trip back to West Virginia to see grandparents, siblings, and the full extended family. Between coaching schedules, school calendars, and work, we dig into the simple truth about Easter traditions: most plans are built around who you can realistically be with, not what looks best on paper.
Fr...
2026 Final Four Roundtable
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The Final Four is stacked, the storylines are loud, and the arguments are even louder. We sit down with our “Excellent Eight” roundtable to preview the 2026 NCAA Final Four on Easter weekend and we don’t just pick winners, we dig into why these matchups feel like a collision of eras: UConn vs Illinois and Arizona vs Michigan, with the title game waiting on Easter Monday.
We start with the question everyone keeps dodging: where does Danny Hurley actually belong in college basketball history right now? We compare today’s coaching job to t...
Heather Willis Explains How Student Affairs Shapes Campus Life
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College doesn’t feel like a community by accident. It takes people behind the scenes who obsess over the details, fight for student leadership opportunities, and turn “a campus” into a place students actually belong.
We sit down with Heather Willis, Assistant Director for Engagement at Case Western Reserve University, to talk about the real work of student affairs and student engagement. Heather walks us through how student organizations are supported, how big traditions like homecoming get built, and why school spirit is especially tricky at a high-achieving research university where studen...
MLB 2026 Season Preview With Bold Picks And Big Debates
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The MLB 2026 season is almost here, and we’re not waiting for the standings to tell us what to think. We kick things off with a real fan question that turns into a bigger debate: is 162 games still the right length when the MLB playoff format keeps expanding and October weather starts changing how the sport looks on TV and in the ballpark? From freezing April nights to the idea of starting closer to May, we get honest about what makes the baseball experience better for players and fans.
Then we go...
St. Patrick's Day Rants
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St. Patrick’s Day hits different depending on where you live, who you’re with, and whether you’re celebrating on a Tuesday or turning the whole weekend into a mission. We bring in our “big three” roundtable crew Mister Askew, Collin Pope, and Dave Frank to talk all things green, all things Irish, and all the little choices that make the day legendary (or just messy).
We start with the debate nobody agrees on: should St. Patrick’s Day be a federal holiday? From there it turns into a practical guide for ho...
How Small Brands Power A Growing Podcast
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Ever wonder which sponsors are worth your time—and which ones we actually use? We open the garage and pull every tool off the shelf: the golf gloves that came from a college teammate’s hustle, the beard oil a touring comic perfected, the veteran-built shirts with a purpose, the cheeky golf gear that keeps rounds fun, and a ranch-born hat brand preaching the art of being a straight shooter. This is a behind-the-scenes tour of small businesses with big missions and the real ways they support our show and our listeners.
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Building A Winning Culture At Baldwin Wallace
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A shoulder injury changed the plan, but not the passion. We sit down with Baldwin Wallace defensive coordinator Ethan Nichol to unpack how a would-be sports broadcaster became a college coach, why a cross-country move to Wyoming collided with COVID, and how a family-first choice brought him back to Ohio—and into a program built on grit and continuity.
Ethan shares the apprenticeship years at Heidelberg, where doing everything from DB drills to administrative grind taught him how a program works under real pressure. He opens up about that eerie pandemic ro...
Steelers Nation, Unfiltered
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The kind of football that makes Pittsburgh feel like Pittsburgh isn’t an accident—it’s a choice. We open the playbook on what defines the Steelers now: the city’s unmatched stadium atmosphere on the North Shore, the legends who set the bar, and the decisions that could turn a short window into a serious run. From the animated Mount Rushmore debate to reliving Polamalu’s chaos and Hines Ward’s grin-through-the-hit toughness, we map the DNA that still drives this team.
Then we get current and honest. Mike McCarthy’s hire lands w...
From Lakefront Legacy To Brook Park: Browns Future, Coaches, And Quarterbacks
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What if the Browns’ next era starts with a new address and a new attitude? We dive into the looming stadium move to Brook Park and unpack why an indoor, multi-use venue could transform Cleveland’s sports economy—Super Bowls, Final Fours, mega concerts—while weighing the real impact on downtown businesses and fan traditions.
From there, we turn to the sideline. Todd Monken may not be the splashy headline, but we make the case for why an organized, veteran play-caller could be the right pivot after years of offensive churn. We revis...
Breaking Down A Defense-First Super Bowl Showdown
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Big game energy meets blunt analysis as we bring a full panel to break down Seahawks vs Patriots through the lens that matters most: defense, coaching, and quarterback poise under pressure. We open with why New England’s run under a first-year head coach surprised almost everyone, then look at how a favorable schedule met a smart, disciplined defense at the right time. Seattle’s physicality and speed on defense set the tone the other way, pushing this matchup toward a lower total where red zone calls, hidden yards on special teams, and one...
Cart Wars: Dollar Stores, Big Boxes, And Buying In Bulk
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The cart says more about us than the receipt. We pulled together our Fab Five to map the real world of shopping right now: where we go, what actually feels good, and why some stores become habits you can’t quit. From Dollar General’s convenience to Dollar Tree’s unbeatable card aisle, we compare the dollar store trifecta with honest logic you can use on your next errand run.
Then we zoom out: one grocery store we trust, the best place to buy a new TV, and the unexpectedly strategic role o...
Miami vs Indiana: Who Takes The Crown?
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Two programs, two roads to the same stage. Miami arrives on a heater, leaning into pressure, speed, and opportunistic plays. Indiana shows up like a metronome—disciplined run game, cleaner defense, and a quarterback who knows when to be Clark Kent and when to flash the cape. We put their strengths under the brightest light: can Miami force a shootout, or does Indiana’s structure suffocate the tempo and win the margins?
We unpack Fernando Mendoza’s profile with real comps—think Matt Ryan’s command, Jimmy Garoppolo’s rhythm, a touch of Bro...
Finding Community, Craft, And Joy In The Work You Choose
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A college choice can change everything. Martell Prayear takes us from Glenville to Baldwin Wallace, breaking down why a small-school environment—where people learn your name and invest in your growth—can become the foundation for a career, a community, and a life you actually want to live.
We dig into the real work of admissions through Martell’s lens: fit over flash, personal attention over volume. He shares how he left healthcare staffing to reclaim balance, added officiating as a flexible second lane, and built a rhythm that protects family time...
From Cleveland Roots To Global Roads: Stephanie Nunley On Travel, Band Life, And Building Business Careers
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What if a single decision—book the ticket, join the band, raise your hand—could tilt your life toward courage and curiosity? That’s the energy running through our conversation with Stephanie Nunley, Senior Director of Admissions and Recruitment Strategy at Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management, who brings world travel, Division I band grit, and people-first admissions wisdom to the table.
We kick off with vivid travel stories that double as life lessons: a five-city sprint through India, a Celtic tour of Dublin and Edinburgh (yes, Steelers flags in Irela...
How A Division III Coach Built Stability, Traveled The World, And Led Through Adversity
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A coach who chose roots over rungs. That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with Case Western Reserve University head football coach Greg Debeljak, whose uncommon path in a nomadic profession shows what happens when you build a program—and a life—around staying power.
We dig into why Division III fit his wiring, how mentors like Tony DiCarlo and Jim Tressel shaped his approach, and what “family culture” looks like when it’s lived for decades. Greg opens up about their international tours to Italy and Greece, where club teams play for lov...
From Eggnog Debates To Hallmark Towns: A Christmas Roundtable
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What makes a Christmas tradition stick—the flavor, the place, or the story you tell about it? We gathered five friends from across the map to trade brutally honest eggnog takes, map out Christmas Eve and Day rituals, and argue for the movies that still make us feel like kids. From beach fires in North Carolina to church services and the Feast of the Seven Fishes, the thread running through it all is simple: small moments, strong memories.
We dive into the comfort classics—Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation, the original cartoo...
Hawaii Bowl 2025 Preview: Culture, Travel, And The Run And Gun
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Christmas Eve, 80 degrees, and a football game that doubles as a tradition—this Hawaii Bowl breakdown brings together coaches, players, and diehard fans to unpack what makes Honolulu in December feel electric and unforgiving at the same time. We walk through the Bowl’s history, memories of late-night kickoffs, and the tug-of-war between island wonder and competitive edge.
We dig into Hawaii’s identity on offense—fast, wide, and relentlessly rhythmic—tracing its roots from June Jones to Timmy Chang. You’ll hear why the run-and-gun thrives in the island climate, how it lures...
Nineties Nostalgia, Unpacked
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Press play and step through a time portal to the 1990s—sports dynasties on every screen, movie tie-ins on your soda cup, sitcoms that rewired comedy, and a Monday night where wrestling made the whole country pick a side. We hand the reins to our manager, Fiddy, and bring a lively panel together to relive the decade that shaped how we watch, listen, and eat.
We kick off with the big question: were the 90s the true peak of sports dominance? From Jordan’s Bulls to Gretzky and Lemieux, home run chas...
From Diapers To Decisions: Real Talk On Parenting, Schools, And Growing Up
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Sleepless nights, impossible choices, and a love that refuses to quit—this roundtable takes you inside the parts of parenting we usually gloss over. We start light with a gum-and-July icebreaker, then drop into the real work: dads confronting fear and balance during the infant stage, moms naming the mental load and default-parent trap, and all of us learning why presence matters more than perfection.
Our guests open up about the hardest early moments—sickness, silence, and second-guessing—and what ultimately carried them through. You’ll hear how a simple pause before r...
Turkey, Traditions, And Tough Choices
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Four chairs, one feast, and a lot of opinions. We sat down for our annual Thanksgiving roundtable to tackle the choices that make or break the day: where to spend it, when to eat, which sides survive, and whether the Macy’s Parade is better in person or from the couch. What starts as a friendly debate about gummy bears and toothpaste quickly shifts into a real conversation about how couples and families merge holiday traditions without losing what feels like home.
We dig into the logistics that quietly run the da...
From Slippery Rock To Sidelines: A Coach’s Journey And Work Ethic
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Forget highlight reels—this conversation lives where the work actually happens. We sit down with coach and former arena pro AJ Saunders for a grounded ride through high school football, family balance, and a hospital IT career that runs on urgency and trust. AJ opens up about a 5–5 season with Plum High School, a wild blocked field goal turned touchdown, and a playoff exit that still taught the right lessons. He maps out the 5A grind—smarter schemes, bigger bodies, recruiting pressures—and the coaching habits that matter: early scouting, honest communication, and respecti...
Ranking Sly: Rocky, Rambo, Legacy
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Ready for a heavyweight bout over the legacy of Sylvester Stallone? We gathered a lively panel to rank Sly’s greatest franchises, argue his place among action icons, and unpack the line that still makes crowds cheer. From Rocky’s underdog magic to Rambo’s ferocious lone-wolf mythology and The Expendables’ star-studded mayhem, we break down why the order Rocky > Rambo > Expendables just works—and where we disagree.
We go deep on best vs favorite films: Rocky and Rocky II for emotional punch and performance, Copland for quiet, serious craft, and cult favor...
From Gym Legend To Global Icon: Ranking Schwarzenegger’s Legacy
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What makes an icon endure: muscle, myth, or mindset? We gather a lively panel to track Arnold Schwarzenegger’s improbable climb from Austrian bodybuilder to global action star to California governor—and why that exact trajectory may never be possible again. We start by ranking his “big three” careers and quickly find ourselves weighing influence against output: Mr. Olympia titles that mainstreamed bodybuilding, a blockbuster run that minted catchphrases for generations, and a centrist political chapter that defied expectations in a polarized state.
From there, we dive into the movies that made—and...
From Perfect Halloween Weather To Overrated Costumes: A Spooky Roundtable
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The air gets cooler, the leaves start to whisper, and our panel is ready to argue about everything that makes Halloween unforgettable. We start where the night really begins: what “feels” like Halloween weather. Is it a hoodie-and-moonlight kind of chill or a rare 70-degree evening that lets you show off your costume without hiding it under a coat? From there, we dive into the joyful chaos of kids’ costumes, couple fits, and the eternal split between simple, clever ideas and full-on slasher icons.
Candy talk hits hard, because it always does...
Dodgers vs Blue Jays: Who Takes It?
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A juggernaut from Hollywood meets a nation’s heartbeat under a closed roof. We break down Dodgers vs Blue Jays from every angle: the tactical edges, the noise under the dome, and the human details that tilt a World Series. Our panel calls the series with conviction—some see LA’s depth ending it in five, others ride Toronto’s underdog momentum to a seventh-game win—and we explain exactly what would have to happen on the mound and in the sixth through eighth innings for either script to play out.
We get can...
Inside The 2025–26 NBA: Coaches, Contenders, And Chaos
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If you love bold calls and smarter hoops talk, pull up a chair. We’re breaking down the 2025–26 NBA season with a roundtable that isn’t afraid to challenge the consensus: international stars versus U.S. headliners, why culture may beat hype this year, and how one coaching switch could redefine the Knicks’ identity. We get specific on who gains ground in the East, which West team can actually threaten OKC, and whether Denver’s quiet roster shifts leave Jokic carrying too much on his own.
We start with the talent map, ackno...
What Happens When Laughter Meets Purpose and Education
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The car is moving, the mics are live, and Big Energy fills the cabin. We welcome Steve from Cleveland’s southeast side—a former class clown turned campus champion—who proves that humor, heart, and hard work can live in the same room. We trade locker room stories and tight five timing, then unpack what makes a great set: reading the crowd, owning the mic, and turning a heckle into momentum. If you’ve ever wondered what the comedy grind really looks like beyond the hour on stage, this conversation pulls the curtain back on...
From Mat to Mentor: Jaleel Richardson on Wrestling, BW Pride, and Building a Life That Lasts
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A single visit changed everything. Jaleel Richardson walked Baldwin Wallace with his family on a bright day, talked wrestling with Coach Gibbs, spotted a comic shop across the street, and realized the fit was bigger than a roster spot. That decision took him from injured freshman to culture carrier, from athlete to advisor, and today he’s the first call for students trying to figure out where they belong.
We dive into the heart of BW wrestling’s rise and what Jacket Tough Mentality really means when the room is young and...
Cool Breeze and Autumn Leaves; Why the Fall Season is the Best
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Our annual All Things Fall episode kicks off with our panel of guests representing greater Northeast Ohio while Mike represents Central Ohio in Columbus. This panel of contributors breaks down their opinions of last falls exceptionally warm weather and how nice a warm fall can be. They dive into deep discussions about pumpkin spice, corn fields, and their thoughts on family pictures in the fall!
Make sure you get your notebooks out as the guests break it down on the best fall locations to check out and visit. Are you a...
Finding Your Path: From Journalism to Education with Steve Scheidt
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Ever wonder how your earliest experiences shape your entire worldview? Steve Scheidt knows firsthand. After spending his first five years in Nairobi, Kenya, his return to the United States came with a startling question at the Chicago Zoo: "Why are all the animals behind bars?" Having only known wildlife in their natural habitat, Steve's perspective was forever changed by these formative experiences.
From those unique beginnings, Steve shares his journey through athletics, education, and family life that led him to his current role at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of...
Behind the Scenes: Leadership in College Athletics with TJ Shelton
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Ever wondered who orchestrates the complex symphony of college athletics? In this riveting conversation with TJ Shelton, Director of Athletics and Chair of the Physical Education Department at Case Western Reserve University, we pull back the curtain on collegiate sports administration and discover the invisible architecture that supports student-athletes.
TJ brings a wealth of experience to our discussion, having spent 15 years at Ohio State University before taking the helm at Case Western in 2022. What makes his perspective particularly valuable is his experience across both Division I and Division III athletics, highlighting...
NFL 2025 Season: Coaches on the Hot Seat and Dark Horse Contenders
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Football season is upon us, and the Ride Home Rants podcast has assembled a passionate panel of fans to break down everything you need to know heading into kickoff. This lively roundtable discussion dives deep into the most compelling storylines across the NFL landscape, from coaching hot seats to championship aspirations.
Our panel doesn't hold back when assessing which coaches are feeling the heat this season. Kevin Stefanski finds himself atop the danger list despite his previous Coach of the Year honors, while even Mike Tomlin's remarkable streak of winning seasons...
High Stakes & Hilarity: Casino Tales from the Pros
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Three seasoned gamblers pull back the velvet rope on what really happens at casinos across America. From the glittering floors of Las Vegas to regional venues like Erie's Presque Isle and Mountaineer in West Virginia, our guests share unfiltered stories from their collective decades at the tables.
Blackjack emerges as the unanimous favorite game, though as Bill admits, "they take all my money most of the time I show up there, and I have a blast doing it." The panel doesn't hold back when discussing slot machines, with John calling them "...
From Tic-Tac-Toe to Cards Against Humanity: Exploring the Games That Bring Us Together
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Games reveal who we truly are. In this lively, sometimes heated conversation with guests Matt Landowski and Tony Bogan, we explore the classic pastimes that define our social gatherings and family reunions.
The humble board game sparks surprising passion as we debate the merits of simplicity versus strategy. Matt champions tic-tac-toe for its accessibility and Tony confesses his complicated relationship with Monopoly—a game that simultaneously tops his "favorite" and "most hated" lists. We explore how these tabletop classics have evolved over generations, with Monopoly's marketing genius creating everything from NFL ed...
The GOAT Debate: Defining Athletic Greatness
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What makes a truly great athlete? Is it dominance in a single sport, versatility across multiple disciplines, or possessing physical gifts that defy normal human limitations? In this thought-provoking roundtable, our panel of sports experts – Matt, Mike, and TJ – tackle the fascinating question of who deserves recognition as the greatest athletes of all time.
The conversation begins with a surprising debate about which professional sports league features the most athletic players. While the NFL receives its expected praise for specialized athleticism, the panel makes a compelling case for NHL players deserving more...
Finding Purpose Beyond the Diamond: Logan Bell's Baseball Life
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Logan Bell's story begins not in a town, but in a village—a one-square-mile dot on the map called Lisbon, Ohio. It's here where his baseball journey took root, nurtured by parents who somehow balanced demanding work schedules with never missing a game. When most people ask where Lisbon is located, he simply references Youngstown, a familiar landmark that anchors his small-town origins in something recognizable.
The rhythm of Logan's early life followed the seasons of sports—football in fall, basketball in winter, and baseball dominating the summers. But what stands out...
The Hidden Costs of Homeownership: Real Talk with Real Homeowners
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Buying a home might be the American dream, but nobody warns you about the secret nightmares lurking beneath those picturesque front yards. In this eye-opening roundtable discussion, three seasoned homeowners pull back the curtain on what really happens after you get those keys.
Our special guest host Fiddy welcomes Wendy, a Cleveland-based realtor with dual expertise as both a property professional and homeowner; Collin, whose 1964 house has taught him the true meaning of "fixer-upper"; and Andrea, who discovered the hard way that previous owners don't always disclose raccoon infestations in the...
