The Brandy Show Jim Brandstatter, The Brandy Show - Jim Brandstater, Jim Brandstatter - Conversations with...

Since it is the first month of the 2023 NFL season, we thought it appropriate to go to the Pro's. So, let's visit with one of Detroits' most celebrated favorite sons and an NFL Hall of Famer. Jerome Bettis is a Detroit native whom I have know since he was in high school at Mackenzie High in Detroit. I first met Jerome when I was helping my team mate, Reggie McKenzie with his All Pro Football camp in the summers. The camp was, and still is, a lifesaver for young aspiring athletes and scholars in Detroit. Well, back in the day, Jerome was a young camper and he was destined for greatness as football player and as a person. You could see it back then, and Reggie's camp just was a stepping stone for him. The rest, as they say is history. He went on to star in college football at Notre Dame. From there he was a top draft pick for the LA Rams, and while he became one of the NFL's best on the west coast, it wasn't until his last stop in the league in PIttsburgh that he become a legend. For the Steelers he became "The Bus" and in the last game of his NFL career, he won the Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit at Ford Field. It's truly a fairy tale, but along the way it had twists and turns. We talk about a fabulous life, and some of those twists and turns, which included going back to Notre Dame and completing his education and getting his degree from Notre Dame in my Conversation with....Jerome Bettis

This episode is an historical textbook reliving the last 40 to 50 years of University of Michigan Athletics. I am joined by Bruce Madej, who was hired way back in the day by the legendary Don Canham. He lived through over 40 decades of unparalleled success on a national scale of the Michigan Athletics brand. He was instrumental in helping grow the brand as the Sports Information Director, and media relations expert for athletics for years and years. He dealt with the wins and losses. He was behind the scenes and an advisor on just about every major story since the mid 70's. From Chris Weber's infamous time out in the NCAA title game, to the Gary Moeller / Lloyd Carr transition in football, not to mention Bo Schembechlers retirement, and the Bill Frieder to Steve Fisher change in basketball. I guess it's pretty safe to say Bruce has scene it all. He's a good friend, and a fabulous guest, so sit back, relax, and enjoy a fascinating trip down Wolverine memory lane in my conversation with...Bruce Madej

The Detroit Lions are being touted as one of the stronger teams in the NFL in 2023. After more than half a century of frustration, is it the Lions time? Who better to discuss that with than a former Lion great who still has ties to the team and the community. That man is former Lion great Eddie Murray. A mainstay as the Lions placement kicker for years, after he left Detroit, he was able to go to Dallas and actually make it to the top of the mountain and win a Super Bowl.
Eddie has the insight to talk about what it takes to get to the top. He saw it in Dallas, and it is different than what he experienced all those years in Detroit. Eddie also talked about his teams when he was a Lion and how close and how far they were from making it work. We discuss team mates, coaches, teams and the NFL in my fascinating conversation with...Eddie Murray

This episode is the conclusion of my Conversation with former Michigan Athletic Director and Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Hackett. In this episode, the business of running a business and the challenges of moving that business in to the 21st century takes a back seat. What is front and center in this episode is the job of the modern day athletic director. It's a tough job given the direction of NIL, and the transfer portal. But, what might be tougher is identifying and hiring a head football coach who can navigate these rough and tumultuous waters and win with integrity. That's exactly what Hackett had to do when he took the job as Athletic Director at Michigan. The story of his journey to hire Jim Harbaugh is quite an adventure. You get to hear it all today in my Conversation with...Jim Hackett

Jim Hackett is one of the most interesting guys I have ever met. We share an unconditional love for offensive linemen in football since we both played the position. We share a love for Michigan football since we both lettered for the Wolverines. And, we both share a deep respect and admiration for our coach, Bo Schembechler. He taught us both so much.
from that point Jim and I headed off in different directions. I went to broadcasting, and Hackett went into business, and his journey in business is legendary. in 1977 after his playing career at Michigan he joined Proctor and Gamble in management and sales, and then moved to Steelcase where he eventually became their long serving CEO. From there, he jumped into the Athletic Directors chair at his alma mater where he found time to hire Jim Harbaugh for the football program. If that wasn't enough, he went from that job to the CEO of the Ford Motor Company. Really!
I can't recall another captain of industry that can boast the same resume as Jim Hackett. That being said, he's a perfect guest to talk athletics, business, automobiles, electric vehicles, computer chips and a lot more...so, sit back and listen in to part 1 of my Conversation With....Jim Hackett

A conversation with one of Michigan footballs greatest kickers and one of the State of Michigan's greatest advocates for autism. Jake Moody is the kicker, and Xavier DeGroat is the advocate for autism. They have joined forces for an event that will raise awareness and funds for autism. Jake is lending his name and presence to the event because it is his opportunity to make a difference, and give back. Xavier's foundation has put the program together that is scheduled for July 7, 2023 at Webers Inn in Ann Arbor.
While that's the event that brings these two together, this conversation is about much more. Jake talks about the pressure cooker that is a kicker's life in a big time college football program. He also talks about the process it takes to really excel at the craft, and all the angst that surrounds the NFL draft, and his ultimate choice in the 3rd round by the San Francisco 49ers.
Xavier, on the other hand, talks about his dedication to the cause of raising awareness and making life better for those on the autism spectrum. On the spectrum himself, Xavier tells his story about growing through the pains of dealing with autism and suffering from the stigma that comes with it. It's a story of tremendous heart and perseverance. It's really a great conversation with..... Jake Moody and Xavier DeGroat