Jess for 30

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
 
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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.
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/

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/

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.
 
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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.

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.
 
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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.
 
Guest Info
Darren McCarty: https://www.instagram.com/realdarrenmccarty/

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
 
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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.
 
Sponsors
Clark Lake Golf Course
Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com
Mama Mia's Pizza
Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/
Dr. Tim Kosinski
Website: https://smilecreator.net/

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.

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
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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.
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/

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
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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.
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/