Ride Home Rants

Mike Bono

"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!

  1. 17H AGO

    From Eggnog Debates To Hallmark Towns: A Christmas Roundtable

    Send us a text 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 cartoon Grinch, both Home Alones, Polar Express, and the underappreciated Charlie Brown specials—and shout out favorite characters like Buddy the Elf, Ralphie, Yukon Cornelius, and the Heat Miser vs. Snow Miser duo. Then we hop towns to find real places that look like movie sets: Chagrin Falls and Hudson in Ohio, Carmel’s rink and German market in Indiana, Sugarcreek’s Amish charm, and West Virginia’s Berkeley Springs with its storybook main street. If you’re building a holiday road trip, we’ve got a ready-made list: Oglebay Festival of Lights, Pittsburgh’s PPG Place rink and the Point, Cleveland’s Zoo Lights, downtown Willoughby’s Light Up Night, and the A Christmas Story House. Food gets personal fast. Ham and scalloped potatoes, beef tenderloin, and an avalanche of Christmas cookies take center stage, with regional favorites like Sarris chocolate adding bite. We also take on the live-sports-on-Christmas question (most of us say stay home unless it’s a great NBA matchup) and rank gifts—dinner out tops the list, edging gift cards, with candy a distant third. The why is clear: shared experiences beat stuff when the goal is connection. If you’re craving ideas for holiday fun, movie nostalgia, or new traditions that actually fit your life, this co Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardWebb WesternWebb Western is for those who roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    49 min
  2. 4D AGO

    Hawaii Bowl 2025 Preview: Culture, Travel, And The Run And Gun

    Send us a text 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 quarterbacks and receivers who want touches, and where it can backfire if the QB isn’t decisive and accurate. Our coaches explain the real defensive cost of tempo, how short drives can wear down your own unit, and why precision in the red zone decides bowl games. We spotlight playmakers like the “Tokyo Toe” on special teams and the Human Hammer at running back, plus how staff continuity and bowl-week structure can neutralize paradise-level distractions. We also talk recruiting reality. Geography narrows the pool, NIL dollars tilt the map, and live evaluation is harder from the middle of the Pacific. Still, Hawaii’s pitch is strong: national TV moments, a quarterback-friendly system, and immediate opportunity in a competitive Mountain West. Then it’s prediction time. With Cal in transition and Hawaii at home, we call the game script, the key possessions, and how a late kick could swing the final margin. Settle in after your holiday plans and press play. If you enjoy the show, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so more fans find us before kickoff. Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardWebb WesternWebb Western is for those who roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    1h 21m
  3. DEC 13

    Nineties Nostalgia, Unpacked

    Send us a text 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 chases, and quarterbacks who defined eras, we tally the legends and ask if a decade could ever stack stars like that again. Then it’s straight into the booth with John Madden and Pat Summerall—why their chemistry felt effortless and how their calls still echo in our heads. On the big screen, we revisit the Batman hype machine, the marketing that swallowed whole summers, and the films we still stop to watch—Heat, Forrest Gump, Mallrats, Billy Madison, Tombstone, Friday, and more. TV gets a full tour: 90210’s taboo-breaking storylines, the TGIF routine, Seinfeld vs Friends, Fresh Prince, Married with Children, X-Files, Nickelodeon game shows, and the eerie charm of Are You Afraid of the Dark? We fire up the Monday Night Wars—WWF vs WCW, the NWO invasion, ECW chaos, and the Attitude Era’s lightning-in-a-bottle energy that made pay-per-views must-see. Music rounds out the culture shift: grunge and alt-rock, hip-hop’s canon from Biggie and Tupac to Outkast and Wu-Tang, pop’s boy band takeover, Hootie’s singalongs, and TRL’s daily decider that turned tastes into a scoreboard. We close where so many memories started: McDonald’s birthday parties, ball pits, Happy Meal toys, Pizza Hut red roofs, Ponderosa buffets, Denny’s late nights, Chi-Chi’s chips and salsa, and that perfect McD Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardWebb WesternWebb Western is for those who roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    1h 22m
  4. DEC 6

    From Diapers To Decisions: Real Talk On Parenting, Schools, And Growing Up

    Send us a text 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 responding can defuse toddler storms, why asking for help isn’t weakness, and how to protect vulnerability instead of shutting it down. We also unpack the school choice puzzle with practical criteria you can use tomorrow: classroom size, IEP support, community culture, diversity, extracurriculars, and whether your child will be seen—not just counted. Real parents share moves across cities, public vs private debates, and the data they trusted when rankings weren’t enough. By the end, the biggest lesson stands out: kids don’t need perfect parents; they need present ones. That can look like taking the midnight drive with a screaming baby, scheduling daily check-ins with teens in the format that works for them, or choosing a district where curiosity thrives. If you’re a new or soon-to-be parent, you’ll leave with grounded advice, empathy, and a few lines you can borrow on the hard days. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more parents find us. Your stories and questions make this community stronger—what’s one topic you want us to tackle next? Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardWebb WesternWebb Western is for those who roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    1h 11m
  5. NOV 27

    Turkey, Traditions, And Tough Choices

    Send us a text 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 day—timing meals around football, planning for naps and travel windows, and the art of double dinners. The table talk gets lively as we eliminate one side between cranberry sauce, applesauce, and salad, then crown the essentials: stuffing with gravy, old-school mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes built for leftovers. We break down turkey tactics, from brining to frying, and why white meat often wins the sandwich wars while dark meat delivers flavor on the bone. The debate widens to big-picture choices: Is a holiday about the big-city spectacle or cozy traditions? Would you actually spend Thanksgiving in New York to catch the balloons up close? We also rank the big four holidays—Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and New Year’s—and the results might surprise you. Mixed in are practical tips like the overlooked value of New Year’s Day sales and the no-waste approach to post-feast turkey stew. If you’re juggling multiple households, optimizing the menu, or simply deciding when to carve, this conversation will feel like your own living room—warm, honest, and a little competitive. Subscribe for more candid roundtables, share with a friend who hosts, and drop your rankings of the big four. Which side would you cut, and what’s the one dish you refuse to skip? Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    49 min
  6. NOV 19

    From Slippery Rock To Sidelines: A Coach’s Journey And Work Ethic

    Send us a text 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 respecting the games you “should” win. The story widens beyond the field. By day, AJ keeps doctors and devices moving inside Highmark/AHN, turning outages into solutions and tech into patient care. He draws straight lines from IT to football: fast teamwork, crisp escalation, systems that hold up under pressure. Then we go personal. Married 11 years, a dad and youth coach, he breaks down how he schedules film around family, uses PTO with intent, and treats “little wins” as the glue that holds everything together. It’s practical, real, and repeatable. We rewind to Slippery Rock: the surprise switch from defensive back to running back, a humbling hit in camp, the return to DB under a top-tier coach, and how belief changes players. AJ also pulls back the curtain on arena football—tight walls, high motion, constant evaluations—and candidly shares CFL workouts and NFL looks that didn’t stick. The takeaway isn’t a near-miss; it’s a roadmap: adapt, serve, and invest in the next generation. If you care about coaching, culture, and doing hard things the right way, this one’s for you. If the episode hit home, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a review with your favorite takeaway. Your support helps more listeners find real stories that actually help them win the week. Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    51 min
  7. NOV 12

    Ranking Sly: Rocky, Rambo, Legacy

    Send us a text 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 favorites like Demolition Man and Judge Dredd for pure joy. The conversation heats up when we stack Stallone against Schwarzenegger, Statham, Van Damme, Norris, and Bruce Willis. Is he the definitive action GOAT or the timeless bridge between eras? We also spotlight Tulsa King, where Sly’s big-screen presence translates into a sharp, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt crime series that proves his range and endurance. Then we tackle the extremes: the reported 2.8% body fat for Rocky III, the risks behind the look, and how far is too far for physical transformations. We talk plastic surgery, aging on-screen, and why audiences connect with Stallone’s blend of toughness and vulnerability. And yes, we honor the immortal line—“Yo Adrian, we did it”—as a cultural touchstone that captures shared victory and the soul of the Rocky saga. If you love action cinema, iconic quotes, and spirited debate, hit play and weigh in. Subscribe, share with a friend, and drop your rankings and hot takes in a review—we want your Sly top 3. Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    47 min
  8. NOV 8

    From Gym Legend To Global Icon: Ranking Schwarzenegger’s Legacy

    Send us a text 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 sometimes remade—his image. Terminator 2 gets the love for the rare sequel that outshines the original, while Predator remains a master class in squad tension and physical stakes. We celebrate curveballs like True Lies and Last Action Hero for their humor and self-awareness, and revisit Conan’s mythic brawn, cheesy effects and all. We also call out the misses: Mr. Freeze’s ice puns that froze a franchise in place and late-era misfits that couldn’t find the right tone for Arnold’s presence. Could anyone repeat his arc today? We unpack why the 80s appetite for mass and spectacle has given way to leaner aesthetics, fragmented fame, and a different model of toughness. The debate turns to best role versus biggest impact—Terminator’s “I’ll be back” looms large—but True Lies emerges as a showcase for timing and warmth. We cap it with the eternal rivalry: Arnold or Stallone for 80s–90s dominance. Some of us value Rocky’s cultural myth, others point to Arnold’s broader range and global recognition. Either way, the conversation is rich with film history, gym lore, and the audacity it takes to reinvent yourself—again and again. Enjoyed the ride? Subscribe, share with a friend, and drop your top three Arnold films in a review so we can feature your picks on a future show. Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Follow us on all social media X: @mikebonocomedy Instagram: @mikebonocomedy @tiktok: @mikebono_comedian Facebook: @mikebonocomedy

    54 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

"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!