Ride Home Rants

Mike Bono
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"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. 2D AGO

    Breaking Down A Defense-First Super Bowl Showdown

    Send us a text 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 or two third-and-medium conversions could swing the trophy. We wrestle with the stage itself: should the Super Bowl live indoors to protect timing routes and create a clean showcase, or outside to honor the league’s grit and reward trench play when conditions bite? The room splits, but the strategic implications are clear—dome games favor precision and pace, while elements compress calls and spotlight ball security. Then it’s quarterbacks: Sam Darnold’s hard-earned calm versus Drake Maye’s fireworks and untested composure in a moment this bright. Most of us lean Darnold today and May tomorrow, acknowledging that pass protection, not just arm talent, will dictate who looks heroic in the fourth. Legacy talk gets spicy. Does New England own the “greatest franchise” mantle with 12 appearances and six rings, or do Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Dallas still crowd the throne? We sort through rings, eras, and sustainability before landing on a top-tier verdict, not a coronation. Finally, we deliver exact score picks, a mostly unified nod to the under, and a candid look at repeat odds and early 2026 guesses—from steady powers like San Francisco and Kansas City to hopeful risers with the right roster tweaks. Ride with us for sharp t 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

    45 min

  2. JAN 31

    Cart Wars: Dollar Stores, Big Boxes, And Buying In Bulk

    Send us a text 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 of store layout in what lands in your cart. Parents will relate as we break down the “Mario on hard mode” that is shopping with kids—plus how free samples, coffee stops, and smart aisles can turn chaos into calm. We also settle a modern classic: Target’s clean consistency versus Walmart’s raw, late‑night energy, and how both win for different reasons. Memberships matter too. Where Costco exists, loyalty follows; where it doesn’t, Sam’s Club delivers with selection, outdoor gear, and those clutch samples. We talk gift cards without the guilt—when they’re thoughtful, when they’re lazy, and how to make them land well. Finally, we rebuild the struggling mall with experiences people will actually leave the house for: a fitness anchor, a proper movie theater, hotel‑event spaces, Dave and Busters, jump parks, even a destination sneaker spot. The theme is clear—design for daily life and shared moments, and the shopping comes naturally. If you’re navigating online vs in‑store, raising little cart captains, or dreaming up a better mall, this one’s for you. Listen, subscribe, and leave a quick review to tell us your dollar store ranking and your must‑have mall pick—we’ll feature the best takes next 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 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

    52 min

  3. JAN 19

    Miami vs Indiana: Who Takes The Crown?

    Send us a text 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 Brock Purdy’s moxie. The takeaway isn’t hype; it’s fit. Right system, right timeline, real staying power. Wrong situation, and early draft status becomes an anchor. From there, we shift to the sidelines, comparing staff cohesion and identity. Indiana’s continuity shows in the small things—receivers finishing blocks at 40–0, a defense that communicates through motion. Miami’s staff counters with disruptive ideas and personnel that can flip a quarter in three snaps. Zooming out, we get honest about the 12-team playoff, why byes have been a trap, and how a 16-team field could level games and calendars. We also call out the quiet advantages of staying home for a title—less travel, familiar climate—without overplaying the crowd factor in a city that often arrives late. Finally, we test a big question: can Indiana sustain this rise in an NIL and transfer era? Culture still compounds, but it now has to coexist with aggressive roster building and big-money suitors. You’ll leave with clear score predictions, the matchup levers that matter, and early picks for next year’s contenders. If you enjoy smart football talk without fluff, hit follow, share this with a fan who loves game theory as much as highlights, and drop your score pick in the 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

    48 min

  4. JAN 14

    Finding Community, Craft, And Joy In The Work You Choose

    Send us a text 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. A simple shared calendar becomes a secret weapon; date nights stay on the schedule; and a five-year-old’s activities slot around a purpose-driven job that still leaves room to breathe. Then the whistle blows. Martell contrasts football’s Friday night rush with the claustrophobic thrill of a rivalry gym, walking us inside high school playoffs, semipro snaps, and the judgment calls that keep games honest. He’s firm on hecklers and crystal clear about respect: athletes deserve the spotlight, and officials enforce it. We also celebrate leadership done right with BW athletic director Steve Thompson—present, down-to-earth, forward-thinking—and highlight a major move on campus: the launch of women’s flag football, expanding opportunities for women’s varsity sports. There’s laughter, too. We trade stories about play-by-play booths, the electricity of a hot crowd, and why comedy and officiating share the same core skill: read the room, set the tone, protect the moment. Martell leaves us with a compass we can use anywhere—find something that makes you happy and find someone who makes you happy—and a reminder that the right environment multiplies your effort. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a frien 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

    59 min

  5. JAN 7

    From Cleveland Roots To Global Roads: Stephanie Nunley On Travel, Band Life, And Building Business Careers

    Send us a text 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 Ireland), and a mind-bending Alaska summer where the sun never sets. Each trip rewired routines and sharpened resourcefulness—qualities that power real careers. From there, we dive into the discipline behind Bowling Green’s D1 band: Hell Week heat, rapid-fire halftime shows, and the camaraderie that teaches timing, resilience, and attention to detail. It’s performance training that translates seamlessly to leadership, product launches, and public speaking. Then we open the hood on admissions strategy at Weatherhead. Stephanie shares how she blends data with empathy, recruiting locally across Ohio and Pennsylvania while engaging global talent for specialized master’s programs in finance, accountancy, supply chain management, and business analytics. The big lesson for applicants: clarity of purpose wins. Tell a real story, show your impact, and engage—because people don’t want to be talked at; they want to be part of something. We even swap notes on crowd work, from comedy clubs to Zoom rooms, and why participation turns passive listeners into invested collaborators. There’s a dash of paranormal chills—a night in a haunted prison—and a warm, practical challenge to close: try one new thing every year 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

    56 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    How A Division III Coach Built Stability, Traveled The World, And Led Through Adversity

    Send us a text 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 love of the game, the NCAA grants extra padded practices, and players come home with stories of the Vatican, Pompeii, and island sunsets that tighten a locker room more than any lift. He breaks down the season’s chaos, from back-to-back lightning delays and a tie at Rowan to finishing a road game at a local high school because the stadium had no lights—then the gut punch of losing star QB Aaron Phillips, the rise of Sam DiTilio, and a four-game win streak that kept them in the title hunt. Leadership and relationships sit at the center. Greg shares how AD TJ Shelton’s people-first style turns mistakes into solutions, why admissions partner Johnny “Fiddy” Falconi proved invaluable for grad recruits, and what he learned coaching All-American Cam Brown, son of NBA coach Mike Brown. You’ll hear a vivid account of Mike’s visit and his film-backed talk on rebounding from heavy losses—a masterclass in resetting a team’s mindset. We also explore Case Western Reserve’s transformation: bigger enrollment, booming international presence, and a research ecosystem that launches careers across STEM, business, and beyond. Greg’s final message for families is clear: choose your circle with care. Fit is the multiplier that shapes who you become. I 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

    50 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    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

  8. 12/20/2025

    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
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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Bono
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    285
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ride Home Rants
  • Show Website
    Ride Home Rants