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

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 [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 [https://clarklakegolfcourse.com/] Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/ [https://mamamiasredford.com/] Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/ [https://smilecreator.net/]

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.

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/

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 [https://clarklakegolfcourse.com] Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/ [https://mamamiasredford.com/] Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/

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.