Ride Home Rants

Mike Bono
  • 5.0 (11)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"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. 5D AGO

    Building A Winning Culture At Baldwin Wallace

    Send a text 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 road trip, the decision to keep his kids close to grandparents, and the surprising upside of coaching where the players know your children by name. From there we get tactical: a defense returning seven to eight starters after ranking top 29 nationally against the pass, an offense with elite red zone and third down numbers under OC Matt Brown, and a staff nucleus staying intact to turn language and reps into second nature. The theme is clear—8–2 is the floor. The next step demands adaptability, smarter in-game adjustments, and the humility to do the simple things perfectly. We also zoom out to what makes Baldwin Wallace different. Born from a quarry owner’s belief in access, BW blends small-school focus with a big-city backdrop, pairs excellence with affordability, and boasts a 97% job placement rate. Ethan calls the OAC “only allowing calluses,” a wink to the students who pull up sleeves and make opportunity real. Along the way, we trade laughs about colleague Steve Thompson’s people skills, Fiddy's encyclopedic trivia, and the chaotic joy of parenting through game weeks. If you care about culture, development, and how stability beats flash, this one hits home. If you enjoyed the show, be a friend. Tell a friend. 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

    53 min

  2. FEB 18

    Steelers Nation, Unfiltered

    Send a text 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 with mixed energy—some want a long-haul architect, others see a proven leader who understands Pittsburgh’s culture and knows how to assemble a staff. Bridge coach or not, the task is clear: pick a quarterback path and build hard around it. We lean into the Rodgers question—one more year of elite processing and on-field coaching—or hand the keys to Will Howard and commit to development. Either way, the roster must match the vision. That’s where the draft and free agency come into focus. Wide receiver is priority one: a WR2 who separates, wins late in the route, and stretches safeties. We talk names, traits, and how a true vertical threat reshapes the offense. From there, we zero in on tackle depth to keep the quarterback upright and a secondary upgrade to survive a league engineered for points. And yes, we tackle the TJ Watt question head-on—what loyalty, value, and timing mean when your best players carry big contracts and bigger expectations. If you love real Steelers talk—stadium lore, coaching nuance, cap realities, and a draft board that actually fits the scheme—you’ll feel at home here. Hit play, ride along, then tell us your Steelers Mount Rushmore and WR1 target. Subscribe, share with a fellow fan, and leave a review so more of Steele 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

  3. FEB 11

    From Lakefront Legacy To Brook Park: Browns Future, Coaches, And Quarterbacks

    Send a text 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 revisit the Baker Mayfield to Deshaun Watson saga, distribute accountability across the building, and lay out how that decision still shapes today’s roster math and draft strategy. Roster talk gets specific: rebuild the offensive line, secure a true WR1, and restore an identity that travels. We debate Shedeur Sanders’ upside versus turnover risk, outline Dillon Gabriel’s likely role as a steady reserve, and explain why clarity at quarterback starts with cleaner pockets and defined reads. Then we stack Stefanski against Browns history—does two Coach of the Year awards put him in the franchise top five?—and close with bold but reasoned 2025 win totals grounded in defense-first football and incremental offensive gains. If you care about Cleveland Browns news, NFL coaching changes, QB development, and draft strategy, this roundtable hits every angle with candor and receipts. Tap play, then tell us: are you Team 10–7, 8–9, or 6–11? Subscribe, share with a fellow fan, and leave a review with your record prediction—we’ll read the best ones on air. 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

    57 min

  4. FEB 7

    Breaking Down A Defense-First Super Bowl Showdown

    Send 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 take 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

  5. JAN 31

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

    Send 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

  6. JAN 19

    Miami vs Indiana: Who Takes The Crown?

    Send 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 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

    48 min

  7. JAN 14

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

    Send 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 friend, 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

  8. JAN 7

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

    Send 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. B 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
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5
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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
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ride Home Rants
  • Show Website
    Ride Home Rants