DiscoverRide Home Rants
Ride Home Rants
Claim Ownership

Ride Home Rants

Author: Mike Bono

Subscribed: 1Played: 65
Share

Description

"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!
240 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text Duke vs Houston and Florida vs Auburn - this Final Four may be chalk with all top seeds, but our basketball roundtable delivers bold predictions and passionate debates about who's cutting down the nets in San Antonio. Our panel of coaches, broadcasters and basketball lifers tackle the burning questions: Is Duke's Cooper Flagg truly the greatest freshman in college basketball history? Does Houston's top-ranked defense give them the edge over Duke's offensive firepower? Which co...
Send us a text Dive into a sweet escape with our special guest host Fiddy and "The Fab Five" as they unwrap their deepest dessert opinions and share hidden bakery gems you won't want to miss. This episode is a sugar-coated journey through the world of treats that will have you reaching for your car keys to hunt down local pastry treasures. Our guests reveal surprising consensus on some topics (ice cream beats cookies every time) while passionately disagreeing on others. When it comes to bake...
Send us a text Lacing up for track season brings a flood of memories to anyone who's ever competed, and this star-studded panel takes us straight to the starting blocks. From Olympic trial qualifier Jose Jefferson who triple jumped 51'11" to All-American javelin thrower Lauren Lubarski who broke her university record as a freshman, these track legends deliver a masterclass in what it takes to excel in the sport. The conversation quickly reveals how track and field creates versatile athletes ...
Send us a text Baseball's economic divide has never been more pronounced, yet the beauty of America's pastime remains in its unpredictability. Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as clear World Series favorites after their offseason spending spree, there's something magical about baseball that money simply can't buy – and that's exactly what makes this upcoming MLB season so compelling. The Baltimore Orioles stand as this year's most intriguing challenger, with their young core poised t...
Send us a text Join us for a vibrant, music-filled episode that dives into the genres, artists, and unforgettable concert experiences that shape our lives! We kick things off with some light-hearted icebreakers, setting the tone for an exciting exploration of our varying musical tastes. Our panel shares their go-to genres, revealing personal stories behind their choices—from reggae and rock to country and everything in between. As we discuss our favorites, we dive into the emotional connecti...
Send us a text Join us on this exciting episode of Ride Home Rants as we welcome Tony Tortorici, a fierce competitor in the MMA world and the recent champion of Made Man Promotions. With a perfect record and replete with dedication, passion, and drive, Tony shares his unique journey from an aspiring fighter to a champion, encompassing the struggles, triumphs, and deep love for the fight game. Listen as Tony dives into the nitty-gritty of training, the importance of wrestling as his foundatio...
Send us a text What if the Patriots aren't the NFL's most unpredictable team after all? Explore this and more as we dissect the mind-boggling moments of the recent NFL season with our Fab Five: Mike Worrell, JJ Phillips, Drew McLaughlin, Bill Garvey, and Dave Frank. Listen as we unravel the shocking Super Bowl showdown where the Eagles soared past the Chiefs, leaving fans in awe. Our guests bring their diverse backgrounds to the table, sharing their unique takes and adding a splash of flavor ...
Send us a text Imagine being related to a famous comedian, having a run-in with a baseball legend, and moving from the bustling streets of Baltimore to the Midwest charm of Ohio. That's just a taste of our conversation with Cole Schneider from Case Western Reserve University. His stories about cultural shifts, jazz jams, and sports fanaticism are as entertaining as they are relatable. Cole's unique journey is a vivid tapestry of experiences that offer a fresh perspective on embracing change a...
Send us a text What if the magic of the Super Bowl lies in the unpredictable challenges of the elements? Join me, Fiddy, alongside a stellar lineup of sports professionals, as we dissect this exhilarating rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. With guests like Bill Stoy, Jose Jefferson, Kurt Barth, Mike Worrell, and Hal Mumme, our conversations are rich with personal anecdotes and professional insights from the worlds of football and basketball, offering a unique ...
Send us a text What if the roots of a small town could shape the career of a remarkable coach? Alyssa Johnson, a distinguished coach and former soccer player, shares how her hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania, with its rich industrial history and vibrant sports culture, laid the foundation for her journey. From her early days at Lafayette College to her fervent support for Philadelphia's Eagles, Alyssa's story reveals a deep connection to her roots and an unwavering passion for coaching. ...
Send us a text What if the outcome of one game could change the trajectory of two legendary college football programs? Join us for a thrilling National Championship Preview Show as we explore this possibility with an incredible panel of guests: Tony, Coach Amp, Matt, Mister, Jeremy, Bob, and Chris. Our discussion begins with an entertaining debate on the ranking of NFL quarterbacks Steve Young, Eli Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intense pressures...
Send us a text Ever wondered how growing up on the sidelines shapes a future coach? Meet Luke Worrell, son of renowned coach Mike Worrell, as he shares his distinctive upbringing surrounded by the world of college athletics. Luke gives us an insider look at his journey from being a ball boy to carving out his own coaching path, enriched by his academic background in psychology and his experiences at various institutions like Illinois College and Muskingum University. His connection to Ohio ad...
Send us a text Ever wondered how busy professionals juggle a hectic lifestyle while staying fit and healthy? Our latest episode promises to unlock the secrets behind maintaining a balanced lifestyle as we sit down with an inspiring panel of fitness aficionados. Joining me, Fiddy, as I sub for Mike Bono, are Jason, Byron, Shawn, JJ, Nicole, Jordan, and Josh, each bringing their unique fitness philosophies to the table. From full-body workouts to targeted muscle group exercises, discover how th...
Send us a text What if the ultimate action hero showdown from the 80s and 90s could settle the age-old debate: Schwarzenegger or Stallone? Join me, Fiddy, along with our hilarious guests Bob, Collin, and Dave, as we navigate this and more on the Ride Home Rants podcast. We kick off with quirky confessions about our birth months and the animals that make us quiver. Our chat then rolls into fond zoo adventures across Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, and beyond—where else can you meet a kangaroo...
Send us a text Discover the hidden intricacies of running a successful collegiate athletic program as we sit down with Kevin Loney, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Events Management at Bowdoin College. From his remarkable shift from coaching football to orchestrating events for 31 sports teams, Kevin unveils the meticulous planning and teamwork required to ensure flawless sporting events. Ever wonder what it takes to keep things flowing smoothly behind the scenes, even when fac...
Send us a text Charles Bell joins us to share his incredible journey from a high school athlete in Newcomerstown, Ohio, to managing a family-owned business in Lisbon, Ohio. Charles reveals how his dreams of becoming a physical therapist shifted to engineering, all thanks to a chance encounter with college baseball and his future wife. I even share my own twist of fate—a career-ending injury that reshaped my path and led me to meet my significant other. Together, we reflect on the unexpected t...
Send us a text Four years ago, my daily rants on the ride home sparked an idea that blossomed into the Ride Home Rants podcast. Join me, Mike Bono, and our trusty podcast manager, Johnny "Fiddy" Falconi, as we reminisce about our podcasting journey and share the hilarious moments and behind-the-scenes chaos that brought us here. From spontaneous episodes recorded mere days before airing to a more organized process, we’ve had our fair share of learning curves and triumphs. We even had a few fu...
Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to transition from being a player to a coach, and the rollercoaster journey that follows? Join me, Mike Bono, and a panel of seasoned coaches as we navigate their remarkable career stories across various sports, from high school fields to the electrifying arenas of professional leagues. We kick things off with some amusing small talk—think breakfast beverages and snowplows—but quickly shift gears to the heart of the matter: each coach's unique path, ...
Send us a text Lucas Hegeman joins us for a fascinating conversation about her dual pursuits in soccer and engineering, and her journey from her sports-centric upbringing in Maryland to becoming a semi-pro soccer player and research engineer. Her story is a testament to resilience and perseverance, as she navigated the competitive landscape of youth soccer, overcame an ACL injury, and ultimately became a key player in the semi-pro leagues in Michigan. Lucas's experiences offer unique insights...
Send us a text Ever wondered how a spontaneous road trip could spark a lifelong interest in the paranormal? Join us as we chat with Lori and Brandon Spicer, who recount their transformative journey to Gettysburg that kindled their passion for ghost hunting. We reminisce about the unexpected start to their supernatural adventures and chuckle over the quirky contact name I have for Brandon in my phone. Fueled by a love for ghost shows and Civil War history, the Spicers share how their newfound ...
Send us a text Get ready for a boxing showdown like no other as we gather with special guests Tony, Rusty, Mister, and Matt to discuss the electrifying matchup between the legendary Mike Tyson and the YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. With each guest introducing their own fighting nickname, the conversation quickly turns into a lively debate over movie theater popcorn—will it be butter or just salt? This entertaining banter sets the stage as we dive into what this fight means for both Tyson's ...
Send us a text Ever wondered which animal you'd be if not a dog? In our latest episode of the Ride Home Rants podcast, we bring that fun question to life with our delightful guests Andrea, Collin, and Jordan. Andrea dreams of waddling as a penguin to Today's Hits, while Colin imagines soaring high as an eagle to the nostalgic beats of the 90s. Jordan takes the road less traveled by exploring albums alphabetically. This playful banter sets the tone as we explore our mutual admiration for our c...
Send us a text What happens when breakfast classics clash in a Halloween-themed debate? Picture this: pancakes vs. waffles, with JJ Phillips and Jordan DeMarco singing praises of pancake nostalgia, while Rusty Bliss, Brandon Wiley, and Matt "Lando" Landowski argue for waffle superiority with an arsenal of toppings. And just when you think breakfast wars are over, we switch gears to a muscle showdown between two Hollywood heavyweights: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Mark Wahlberg. With most of ...
Send us a text Is Bill Belichick destined to lead the Cleveland Browns in 2025? Our lively panel—Tony, Fiddy, TJ, and Bill—dive into this provocative question with gusto, bringing their usual mix of humor and insight. We kick things off with a hilarious debate about culinary skills, where Tony defends his penchant for well-done steak, Fiddy flexes his grilling muscles, TJ keeps it real with eggs, and Bill dazzles us with his pasta expertise. As the conversation shifts from the kitchen to the...
Send us a text Imagine a world where NBA players debate the legacy of an NFL fullback. Intrigued yet? Our panel of experts kicks off this episode with a passionate discussion on the underrated or overrated status of Mike Alstott. Opinions swing wildly, but that’s just the beginning. We transition seamlessly into an unexpected exploration of life's deeper themes, pondering happiness and fulfillment with personal tales and societal insights that might just resonate with you. The heart of the e...
Send us a text Transitioning from college sports to life beyond the field is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Our panel of inspiring former college athletes, hailing from Bethany College, Eureka College, East Carolina University, and Elizabeth City State, share their unique stories of resilience and growth. From overcoming severe injuries to balancing academic and athletic commitments, these athletes provide profound insights into the character-building nature of sports and the ...
Send us a text Are penguins the happiest animals on Earth? Buckle up for an amusing and heartwarming discussion as we kick off this episode of Ride Home Rants with our dynamic guests sharing their quirky takes on this question, along with their favorite beverages. From coffee aficionados to those with unique drink concoctions, we set the stage for an engaging exploration of Willoughby, Ohio, and its vibrant local culture. Craving some culinary adventures? Our guests guide us through their to...
Send us a text What if your high school didn't have a football team? Join us as Jordan Hefner takes us through the unique experience of moving from Kinsman, Ohio, a town without a high school football program, to Mathews High School, where the Friday night lights gleamed brightly. Jordan shares the emotional turbulence of leaving behind a familiar community and forging new friendships amidst the roar of cheering crowds. We also contemplate the potential future of small school districts—could ...
Send us a text Ever wondered when fall truly begins? Join us on the Ride Home Rants podcast where we settle this debate with our special guests Brittany, Tony, and Jordan in our All Things Fall episode. We kick things off with a light-hearted introduction to each guest and their favorite fruits—apples and strawberries being the stars of the show. As we transition into the essence of fall, our guests use words like "cozy" and "football" to describe their feelings about the season. Expect to he...
Send us a text Is Dr. Pepper the ultimate soft drink, or is it just overrated hype? Join us on the Ride Home Rants podcast as we kick off a spirited debate with our fantastic guests Andrea, Bill, Collin, Matt, and Chris. Each one brings their own flavor to the table, offering unique perspectives on the fizzy icon. This episode promises plenty of laughs and maybe even a few surprising revelations about your favorite—or least favorite—soda. Education shapes us in more ways than we realize. Our...
Send us a text Can the Dallas Cowboys finally break their playoff curse? Join host Mike Bono and an all-star panel featuring Matt Landowski from Bethany College, Bill Stoy from Kent State, and Aaron Frye from Bethany College as we kick off the NFL season with some high-energy discussions. We reminisce about our football backgrounds and share our favorite pregame songs, from ACDC's "Thunderstruck" to DMX and Metallica’s "Enter Sandman," setting the tone for an exciting and nostalgic start to t...
Send us a text What happens when a former college football coach transitions to a pivotal educational role? Join us on the Ride Home Rants Podcast for a heartfelt and engaging episode with our guest, Bob Niziol. Bob, who once coached at Bethany College and now serves as the Director of Pupil Services at Bentworth School District, takes us through his career evolution. From the highs and lows of collegiate coaching to the diverse challenges in education administration, Bob offers unique insigh...
Send us a text Madison Olszewski takes us on an extraordinary journey from Elyria, Ohio, through the highs and lows of her collegiate sports career. Listen as she recounts her initial struggles at Cedarville University's strict religious environment, which eventually led her to transfer to Notre Dame College. Madison gives us a closer look at the intense demands and rigorous schedules that college athletes face, providing a rare glimpse into the resilience and discipline required even at non-...
Send us a text Ever wondered what makes Pittsburgh a city worth exploring? Join me, Fiddy, as I fill in for Mike Bono and take you on a tour of Pittsburgh's rich culture, thriving business ventures, and beloved sports teams. This episode features Matt "Lando" Landowski, the mastermind behind Sweet Hand Sports, who will share the inspiring journey of his sports gear company, Scotty "Uber Driver," who gives us an inside look at his one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh Party Uber service that keeps the week...
Send us a text How does one go from a late start in wrestling to becoming an All-American athlete? La'ron Parks joins us to share his remarkable journey from Euclid, Ohio, to the national wrestling stage. Despite starting his wrestling career in his sophomore year of high school, La'rons natural athletic prowess propelled him to early success. He opens up about the challenges he faced, from the intense physical demands of the sport to the personal struggles of balancing rigorous training with...
Send us a text Get ready to uncover the secrets behind a successful high school football season! Join us as we chat with Mathews Mustangs assistant coaches Drew McLaughlin and Jordan Hefner. Learn from Drew's decade of experience and Jordan's fresh perspective as they share their journey and discuss the lessons learned from a tough 2023 season. Discover how a revamped schedule and strategic team changes are setting the stage for a promising season ahead. Curious about the dynamics of Divisio...
Send us a text Ever wondered what makes the perfect vacation destination? Join us on the Ride Home Rants podcast as we uncover the hidden gems and overrated spots with our lively guests Nicole, Andrea, Rusty, Drew, Wendy, and Jordan. From high school mascots to personal walk-in songs, we kick off with some light-hearted banter before diving headfirst into our favorite vacation memories. Nicole and Andrea share their love for Florida, Montreal, South Beach in Miami, and more, giving you plenty...
Send us a text Can you imagine watching "Dumb and Dumber" on a flight without headphones? Jordan did, and he kicks off our Movie Roundtable with this hilarious anecdote. Our diverse panel, including JJ, Mister, and Mike, share their all-time favorite films. JJ's love for horror shines through with his pick of John Carpenter's original "Halloween," while Mister passionately quotes lines from "Scarface." Mike takes a unique approach by categorizing movies by genre, especially favoring older cla...
Send us a text What if starting a sport in high school could still lead you to championship glory? Join us as we chat with Jordon Tague, who made a triumphant switch from baseball to wrestling later than most and quickly rose to the top. Discover how he went undefeated in JV, clinched multiple championships at Winter Springs High School, and leveraged his passion and outstanding coaching to find success at both Coker College and Notre Dame College. Jordon's story is a testament to the power o...
Send us a text Ever wondered who Rocky Balboa's toughest opponent was? Join us as we unravel the legends and lore of the Rocky Balboa movie franchise with host Mike Bono and a stellar panel including Johnny "Fiddy" Falconi, Matt Altomare, Brandon Wiley, and Josh Himes. We kick off by reminiscing about our favorite non-Rocky boxing films like "Cinderella Man" and "Southpaw," before plunging headfirst into the heart of the Rocky saga. From iconic bouts to memorable characters, we debate and cel...
Send us a text Ever wondered how psychology can shape residence life in higher education? Join us as we sit down with Alexander Doyle, a dedicated professional who has seamlessly blended his background in general psychology with his career in residence life. From Cleveland to Fisk University in Tennessee, and now at Kentucky State University, Alexander shares his journey and the unique insights he’s gained along the way. Discover how his expertise in psychology helps manage student behavior a...
Send us a text Which side of Cleveland truly reigns supreme: East or West? Join us as we host a spirited debate with local experts Tony Bogan, Jordan Whetson, Steve Thompson, and Wendy Kunash, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. Tony passionately advocates for the close-knit communities and notable suburbs of the east side, while Jordan finds charm and spacious homes on the west side irresistible. Steve stands by the west side’s allure with its professional sports and vibran...
Send us a text What if witnessing a tragic event could redefine your entire life's trajectory? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Tyler Gancos from Ashtabula County, Ohio, as he recounts his journey from growing up in a tough Cleveland neighborhood to finding peace in the rural serenity of Jefferson, Ohio. Tyler takes us through his high school adventures at Jefferson High School, where he navigated the complexities of adolescence through football, music, and theater, often finding ref...
Send us a text Ready for a courtside experience that takes you into the heart of the NBA Finals? Buckle up as we bring you a deep dive into the electrifying matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. Our star-studded panel, featuring Tony Bogan, Mister Askew, Bill Stoy, Drew McLaughlin, Mike Worrell, and Bob Gavalier, kick things off with a spirited debate on the greatest Lakers player of all time—think Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Get ready to uncove...
Send us a text As a former student-athlete turned head coach, Shawn Dodd's story is more than just a professional arc—it's a heartfelt journey back to the roots that shaped him. In our latest conversation, we're thrilled to host Coach Dodd, who takes us along on his nostalgic trip from North High School in Eastlake, Ohio, to the football fields of Europe, and back again. His tale is one of full-circle moments, where past and present connections with Nick Tomba and Jason Bickel illuminate the ...
Send us a text Ever found yourself completely enraptured by the charm of a bustling outdoor patio? That's exactly where Fiddy and I, Mike Bono, along with a panel of guests, take you in our latest episode. We unpack the often overlooked pleasures of patio lounging, from the sun-kissed afternoons in Cleveland to the electric nights out with friends. Uniting under the banner of patio appreciation, we toast to the camaraderie and tranquility these outdoor havens offer, proving that patios are an...
Send us a text Dive headfirst into the heart and hustle of high school sports with David Frank, an Erie native with a playbook full of wisdom from his coaching career, which spans the fields of Pennsylvania to the courts of North Carolina. This episode is an intimate huddle that will have you reminiscing about the golden days of high school athletics and the coaches that shaped us. We're tackling everything from the cultural melting pot of sports loyalties in Erie, to the emotional rollercoas...
Send us a text They say life is what happens when you're busy making other plans, and our guest, Jordan Whetson, is the epitome of that adage. From reminiscing about Don King's boxing camp to taking the Ohio radio scene by storm, Jordan's life reads like an adventure novel, filled with twists, turns, and a soundtrack that's just as eclectic as his career path. Settle in as we traverse through his narrative, discovering how each pit stop and detour crafted the man who now sets the stage for li...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the NFL Draft's future stars with our all-star football panel, including Coach Hal Mumme, Bob Gavalier, Tim Weaver, Jose Jefferson, and Mister Askew! We've just wrapped a thrilling session where we tackled the biggest winners and losers post-draft, debated quarterback prospects like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, and gave some well-deserved attention to the unsung heroes of the gridiron—the offensive linemen. If you're all about the details that forecast the s...
Send us a text Have you ever taken a stroll down memory lane and found yourself embroiled in the heartwarming tales of a small-town hero? That's exactly what happened when I sat down with coach Matt Altomare, the pulse of Leetonia High School football, whose story is as deeply woven into the fabric of Leetonia, Ohio, as the gridiron itself. Our conversation traverses the cherished corridors of community bonds, Italian heritage, and the legacy of following in his father's coaching footsteps, a...
loading
We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.