Jess for 30

Jess For 30

The past is worth revisiting. Join Ron Jess as he sits down with people from his past to explore their origins, interests, and memories. Ron’s casual interview style mixed with his guests’ interesting history are sure to keep you entertained. This is #JessFor30.

  1. E52 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 7

    JAN 23

    E52 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 7

    Today is the Mellow Men’s Super Bowl! Join Ron as he takes to the field of the Big House, where the University of Michigan honors the 7 Historic Mellow Men. With their legacy of excellence, unity, and service to the Michigan community, this tribute celebrates not just their seasons and championships, but their lifelong impact as leaders and makers of change.   00:00 Welcome to The Big House 01:32 Interview with Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor 03:23 Billy Taylor on Mellow Men History 04:35 Councilman Chris Watson on Recognition 05:37 Glenn Doughty and Reggie McKenzie 07:14 Honoring the Seven Mellow Men 09:23 Legacy of the Mellow Men _____________ The past is worth revisiting. Join Ron Jess as he sits down with people from his past to explore their origins, interests, and memories. Ron's casual interview style mixed with his guests' interesting history are sure to keep you entertained. This is #JessFor30. Check out the podcast on Youtube!   Guest Links Website: https://historic-7mellowmen.org/the-playbook/ Butch Carpenter Endowment Fund: https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/alden-j.-butch-carpenter-law-memorial-scholarship-301572 Dr. Billy Taylor’s Get Back Up Foundation: https://www.btgetbackup.com/ Reggie McKenzie Foundation: https://reggiemckenziefoundation.org/     Sponsors Clark Lake Golf Course Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com   Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/   Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

    12 min
  2. E51 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 6

    12/19/2025

    E51 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 6

    In this episode, Ron is joined by Niko Blakely, a recipient of the Butch Carpenter Endowment Fund. Hear as they discuss the enduring legacy of Butch Carpenter, a University of Michigan legend whose leadership, fearlessness, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire generations. Through the Butch Carpenter Scholarship and the brotherhood of the Mellow Men, his impact lives on, empowering law students, strengthening community values, and proving that true greatness extends far beyond the field.   03:15 Family, Leadership, and Scholarship 05:57 A Legacy of Fearlessness 14:08 Nico Scholarship Journey 17:23 Shared Aspirations with Butch 21:30 Life Beyond Football 33:30 Learning from Legends and Mentors 43:40 Ann Arbor’s Charm and Culture 49:12 Butch Carpenter’s Law School Legacy 52:40 Impact of the Mellow Men _____________ The past is worth revisiting. Join Ron Jess as he sits down with people from his past to explore their origins, interests, and memories. Ron's casual interview style mixed with his guests' interesting history are sure to keep you entertained. This is #JessFor30. Check out the podcast on Youtube!   Guest Links Website: https://historic-7mellowmen.org/the-playbook/ Butch Carpenter Endowment Fund: https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/alden-j.-butch-carpenter-law-memorial-scholarship-301572 Dr. Billy Taylor’s Get Back Up Foundation: https://www.btgetbackup.com/ Reggie McKenzie Foundation: https://reggiemckenziefoundation.org/     Sponsors Clark Lake Golf Course Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com   Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/   Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

    59 min
  3. E47 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 2

    10/24/2025

    E47 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 2

    In this episode, Ron is joined by Reggie McKenzie, who reflects on the powerful legacy of the “Mellow Men,” Michigan’s trailblazing Black football recruits of 1968, whose success extended far beyond the field. From building lasting friendships and leading community efforts through the Reggie McKenzie Foundation to championing a strong running game philosophy and honoring those who shaped his path, McKenzie shares how grit, gratitude, and giving back remain at the heart of his journey.   00:00 Welcome & Michigan Mellow Men History 03:00 Bonding and Detroit’s Legacy 06:18 Detroit Pride and Community Involvement 09:00 Mama Shoe and College Football Hall of Fame 12:24 Buffalo Bills and Michigan Legends 16:26 Ohio Rivalry and Personal Reflections 20:00 Reggie’s Playing Days and The Mellow Men Reunion 23:57 Turbulent Times and Family Life 27:37 Michigan Football and Running the Ball 32:26 Football’s Impact and Highland Park Rivals 36:51 Mellow Men Brotherhood and Legacy 41:26 Pickle Time and Closing Remarks   _____________ The past is worth revisiting. Join Ron Jess as he sits down with people from his past to explore their origins, interests, and memories. Ron's casual interview style mixed with his guests' interesting history are sure to keep you entertained. This is #JessFor30. Check out the podcast on Youtube!   Guest Links Website: https://historic-7mellowmen.org/the-playbook/ Butch Carpenter Endowment Fund: https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/alden-j.-butch-carpenter-law-memorial-scholarship-301572 Dr. Billy Taylor’s Get Back Up Foundation: https://www.btgetbackup.com/ Reggie McKenzie Foundation: https://reggiemckenziefoundation.org/     Sponsors Clark Lake Golf Course Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com   Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/   Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

    49 min

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The past is worth revisiting. Join Ron Jess as he sits down with people from his past to explore their origins, interests, and memories. Ron’s casual interview style mixed with his guests’ interesting history are sure to keep you entertained. This is #JessFor30.