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

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 [https://vipelnk.com/LawrenceSweeney]   You're Allowed to Try: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Allowed-Lawrence-Jake-Sweeney/dp/1950880877 [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.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 [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 [https://clarklakegolfcourse.com/] Mama Mia's Pizza Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/ [https://mamamiasredford.com/] Dr. Tim Kosinski Website: https://smilecreator.net/ [https://smilecreator.net/]

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/