Jess for 30
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.
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Episodes
Episodes
Nov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025
24 min
This episode honors the accomplishments and legacy of the Historic Mellow Men of Michigan, seven University of Michigan football legends who built a brotherhood rooted in discipline, service, and shared purpose. From iconic moments on the field to decades of community impact, personal resilience, and educational outreach, their story is a testament to the power of unity, values, and giving back.
___________________
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 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/
Nov 7, 2025
Nov 7, 2025
36 min
In this episode, Ron sits down with Jim Brandstatter to talk Michigan football, what it was like playing for U of M and legendary coach Bo Schembechler and a lifetime behind the mic. Glenn Doughty of The 7 Mellow Men also joins to talk about being honored. This episode also honors the accomplishments and legacy of the Historic Mellow Men of Michigan, seven University of Michigan football legends who built a brotherhood rooted in discipline, service, and shared purpose.
__________________
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/
Oct 24, 2025
Oct 24, 2025
48 min
In this episode, Ron is joined by Reggie McKenzie, who reflects on the powerful legacy of the “Mellow Men,” Michigan’s trailblazing Black football recruits of 1968, whose success extended far beyond the field. From building lasting friendships and leading community efforts through the Reggie McKenzie Foundation to championing a strong running game philosophy and honoring those who shaped his path, McKenzie shares how grit, gratitude, and giving back remain at the heart of his journey.
00:00 Welcome & Michigan Mellow Men History
03:00 Bonding and Detroit’s Legacy
06:18 Detroit Pride and Community Involvement
09:00 Mama Shoe and College Football Hall of Fame
12:24 Buffalo Bills and Michigan Legends
16:26 Ohio Rivalry and Personal Reflections
20:00 Reggie’s Playing Days and The Mellow Men Reunion
23:57 Turbulent Times and Family Life
27:37 Michigan Football and Running the Ball
32:26 Football’s Impact and Highland Park Rivals
36:51 Mellow Men Brotherhood and Legacy
41:26 Pickle Time and Closing Remarks
_____________
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/
Oct 16, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
23 min
In this episode, Ron is joined by Leo Wines, who shares the story behind Ponderosa Ridge Farm Market, a family farm dating back to 1918. He discusses the joys and challenges of running a modern farm, the importance of community support, and his mission to keep local agriculture alive by offering homegrown beef and goods from local vendors, all while preserving a legacy for future generations.
00:00 Welcome and Farm Life04:35 Ponderosa Ridge Farm Market09:39 Community and Family History12:50 The Evolution of Farming19:02 Future of Ponderosa Ridge Farm
Sponsors
Clark Lake Golf Course
Website: https://clarklakegolfcourse.com
Mama Mia's Pizza
Website: https://mamamiasredford.com/
Dr. Tim Kosinski
Website: https://smilecreator.net/
Sep 30, 2025
Sep 30, 2025
15 min
On this episode of Jess for 30, Ron records live from the Brighton Smokin’ Rock-and-Blues Festival with guest Rob Johnson of Wayne Media. The conversation covers community, sports, and the ambitious new project celebrating the Mellow Men, a group of former University of Michigan football players who played under Bo Schembechler. Ron and Rob discuss the honor of a possible recording at Michigan Stadium, and the importance of preserving football history. They reflect on legendary players, the excitement of working with the university, and the evolving world of college athletics with NIL changes. The episode also captures the energy of the Brighton festival and the value of local partnerships, highlighting how storytelling and community events bring people together.
00:00 Welcome and Wayne Media Expansion
02:20 The Mellow Men and Michigan History
06:19 Interviewing Legends and College Football
08:52 NIL in College Football: Chaos
10:55 Community Events and Brighton Safety
13:23 Podcast Freedom and Gratitude
_____________
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/
Sep 26, 2025
Sep 26, 2025
1 hr 16 min
This episode honors the accomplishments and legacy of the Historic Mellow Men of Michigan, seven University of Michigan football legends who built a brotherhood rooted in discipline, service, and shared purpose. From iconic moments on the field to decades of community impact, personal resilience, and educational outreach, their story is a testament to the power of unity, values, and giving back.
00:00 Introducing the Mellow Men
04:02 Historic Players and October 4th
06:47 Playing for Coach Bo Schembechler
11:09 Billy Taylor’s Game-Winning Touchdown
16:47 Vietnam and The Den’s Legacy
24:01 Sobriety and Spiritual Awakening
27:36 NFL Career and Ohio State Rivalry
30:50 Coaching and Michigan’s Winning Culture
35:00 Vietnam War and Campus Activism
38:39 Michigan’s Legacy and Billy’s New Book
42:16 NFL CTE and Recovery Houses
44:22 Mellow Men’s Future Initiatives
47:34 Mellow Men’s Historic Den and Legacy
49:59 Mellow Men’s Historic Marker Unveiling
53:44 Remembering Four Mellow Men Brothers
57:12 Mellow Men’s Military Service
01:00:38 Foundation, Faith, and Camaraderie
01:05:51 Mama Shu and Personal Legacies
01:09:19 Leaving a Legacy of Impact
01:12:41 Final Thoughts and Future Podcasts
_____________
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/
Aug 22, 2025
Aug 22, 2025
1 hr 9 min
In this episode, Ron is joined by Doug Brzezinski, who reflects on the lessons that shaped his life, from his Livonia roots and time at Catholic Central to the NFL and beyond. He shares powerful insights on mentorship, faith, and family, offering a look at the values that matter most and his desire to leave a legacy built on gratitude and making a difference.
_____________
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/
Aug 14, 2025
Aug 14, 2025
1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Ron is joined by Frank Guirlinger, who shares his remarkable journey from building Detroit’s Ford Field to rebuilding his own life after paralysis. Through faith, grit, and a shift to holistic healing, Frank opens up about overcoming opioid addiction, embracing alternative medicine, and pursuing his dream to barefoot water ski again, proving that resilience can turn tragedy into triumph.
_____________
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/