Jess for 30

Jess For 30

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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.

1d ago

E58 | A Michigan Man Who Lives What He Coaches with Lawrence 'Jake' Sweeney

In this episode of #JessFor30, Ron sits down with Lawrence 'Jake' Sweeney, a four-year starting center for legendary University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler, decorated U.S. Border Patrol agent, performance coach, and author of the book You Are Allowed to Try. With a foreword written by 1997 national champion head coach Lloyd Carr, it is one of the most honest and practical reads on discipline, adversity, and personal excellence you will find. Jake shares stories from his small-town upbringing in Alma, Michigan, his recruitment by Bo Schembechler, and what four years of Michigan football actually taught him about life. He opens up about his decade with the U.S. Border Patrol, his faith journey, his family, and the coaching philosophy that gets him to the gym at 4:30 every morning. Ron and Jake also get into the distraction epidemic, which is hurting young athletes today, and why face-to-face relationships still beat everything else. Timestamps 03:19 Recruitment and Choosing Michigan 13:26 Michigan Football and Teammates 19:07 Faith and Sobriety 20:45 U.S. Border Patrol Career 25:12 Why Jake Wrote His Book 31:47 Third-Generation Coach and Bo’s Impact 42:09 Understanding Performance Coaching 51:24 Encouragement vs. Reality 58:26 Legacy: Helping Others Improve Guest Links Website: https://vipelnk.com/LawrenceSweeney You're Allowed to Try: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Allowed-Lawrence-Jake-Sweeney/dp/1950880877 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/youre-allowed-to-try-lawrence-jake-sweeney/1148353026 https://www.walmart.com/ip/You-apos-re-Allowed-to-Try-Paperback-9781950880874/17900659863?classType=REGULAR&from=/search _________________ 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! Sponsors Clark Lake Golf Course Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/ Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

1h 4m
May 29

E57 | An Irishman on the Bench with Honorable Michael J. Riordan

In this episode of #JessFor30, Ron sits down with the Honorable Michael J. Riordan, Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, and proud Bishop Borges and Michigan State University alumnus. The two dive deep into Mike's Irish roots, his parents' journey from County Kerry to Detroit's west side, and trace his unlikely path from immigration officer and SEC enforcement attorney to 14 years on the bench. Along the way, they reminisce about growing up Catholic on the west side of Detroit, the bonds forged at Bishop Borges and St. Agatha, and the lasting lessons of discipline that Catholic school sports instilled in both of them. Ron and Mike also reflect on sobriety, faith, and gratitude, and share a moving conversation about the importance of preserving family stories before it's too late. Mutual friend Frank Murphy joins toward the end to round out a conversation rich with Irish heritage, community pride, and Detroit history. As always, it wouldn't be #JessFor30 without pickle time. Timestamps 02:51 Family, Education, and Heritage 11:03 Irish Community 23:48 Career Path to Judge 33:44 Catholic Central, Kids, and Athletic Director 36:06 Legal Philosophy 45:58 Alcohol's Decline & AI's Impact 57:26 Family Legacies & Podcast Purpose 1:02:20 Pickle Time with Frank Murphy Guest Links mriordan@courts.mi.gov 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! Sponsors Clark Lake Golf Course Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/ Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

1h 10m
Apr 25

E56 | St. Paddy's Day Parade with Paul Palazzolo

On this episode of Jess for 30, Ron sits down with the President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Paul Palazzolo just before the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Detroit. As they get ready to ride together with the Knights of Equity, they reflect on their shared connections to Ireland, stories from Paul's life and connection with Detroit. Ron also discusses his childhood memories visiting Most Holy Trinity Church with his mom every St. Patrick's Day. ************************************** 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.

11 min
Mar 28

E55 | St. Paddy's Day Parade with Darren McCarty

On this episode of Jess for 30, Ron sits down with Detroit Red Wings legend Darren McCarty just before the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Detroit for a laid-back and meaningful conversation. As they get ready to ride together with the Knights of Equity, they reflect on their shared connections to Ireland, with stories from Darren’s travels and Ron’s family trip he took in June of 2006. Ron also discusses his childhood memories visiting Most Holy Trinity Church with his mom every St. Patrick's Day. They also touch on deeper topics including supporting veterans, giving back to local charities and the importance of sobriety. A genuine conversation filled with culture, tradition and purpose right in the heart of Detroit. ************************************** 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. Guest Info Darren McCarty: https://www.instagram.com/realdarrenmccarty/

11 min
Feb 27

E54 | Healing Veterans Through Community with Bryan Bradford

In this episode at Brighton’s Smokin’ Rock and Blues Festival, Ron sits down with Bryan Bradford, who shares how Veterans Connected has provided over $800,000 in support to veterans who often fall through the cracks of traditional benefit systems. From organizing a suicide prevention march to leading community-driven efforts, Bryan highlights the urgent need for awareness, private funding, and volunteerism to bring hope and healing to those who served. 3:00 Bryan's Veteran Advocacy 9:08 Michigan Legends and Local Life 15:15 Hope, Faith, and Future Growth ************************************** 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. Sponsors Clark Lake Golf Course Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/ Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

21 min
Feb 13

E53 | The Spirit of Sports, Family, and Local Pride with Dan Mulvihill

On this episode of Jess for 30, Ron records live from the Brighton Smokin' Rock-and-Blues Festival with longtime Brighton resident and real estate leader Dan Mulvihill. Their conversation weaves through stories of northern Michigan lakes, fishing traditions, and the environmental challenges facing inland waters. They swap memories of growing up in a different era, when kids filled parks until the streetlights came on, contrasting it with the faster pace and structured sports culture of today. Dan reflects on his athletic career in baseball and football, recalling standout seasons at Catholic Central and the University of Michigan. The two also highlight community growth in Brighton, the work of the Chamber of Commerce, and the importance of humility and service, tying together themes of sport, family, and local pride. 00:00 Welcome and Lake Talk 03:01 Lake Ecology and Depth 07:58 Brighton’s Evolution and Youth Sports 13:37 Sandlot Baseball and Real Estate 16:28 High School Sports and Humility 22:50 Chamber of Commerce and Knights of Equity 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.

25 min
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
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

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.

Creator

Jess For 30
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

57
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright Speakeasy Podcast Network
Show Website

Jess for 30