Beyond the Punchline: Life, Loyalty, and Sports

Send us a textFormer college football player Luke Secrist takes us on a journey from the steel mill town of Follansbee, West Virginia, to his decision to hang up his cleats and chart a new course. Growing up in a tight-knit community of just 1,500 people, Luke shares how small-town life shaped him—where "everyone knows everyone and everything about everybody," making it impossible to get away with much mischief but creating bonds that last a lifetime.The conversation weaves through Luke's experience at Brooke High School, where he benefited from innovative vocational programs that prepare students for trades in communities where traditional college paths aren't always the norm. His football career at Glenville State College reveals the less glamorous side of collegiate athletics—predawn workouts, managing injuries, and ultimately facing the difficult decision to step away from the sport when his passion faded and academics took priority.Food emerges as a central thread connecting Luke to his roots. The passionate debate about regional pizza establishments (DeCarlo's vs. DeFelice Brothers) soon gives way to a cultural revelation: pepperoni rolls, a West Virginia staple so regionally specific that residents of neighboring states have no idea what they are. "When I moved and asked for pepperoni rolls at pizza shops, they looked at me like I was crazy," Luke laughs, highlighting how food traditions mark our cultural identity.Between stories of modest sports betting adventures and the notorious "Fast Fiddy Five" segment of random questions, a deeper message emerges about finding your path. "Live life to the fullest, don't take anything for granted," Luke advises. "You only get one life." Whether staying in your hometown or venturing out to see what else the world offers, the key is making that choice consciously—and perhaps, as host Mike suggests, remembering that "you don't only live once; you live every day. You only die once."Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEBuddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Sweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Tactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textWhat does true loyalty look like in today's world? Whether it's sticking with your heartbreaking hometown sports teams or staying at the same company for over three decades, John Middleton embodies a steadfast commitment that feels increasingly rare in our current culture.In this engaging conversation with host Mike Bono, John shares the emotional rollercoaster of being a Cleveland sports fan—from the gut-wrenching "Drive" and "Fumble" eras through the Baker Mayfield years to the current Deshaun Watson debacle. "You have to be loyal," John insists. "I cannot go away from my hometown." This devotion extends beyond sports into his professional life, where he's built a 33-year career at Component Repair Technologies, rising from factory worker to visual dimensional inspector for jet engine parts.The discussion takes a fascinating turn when Mike opens up about his 13-year journey as the self-described "angry white comic" navigating today's comedy landscape. Both men reflect on how growing up in close-knit families (Italian for Mike, Scottish for John) fostered the resilience needed to thrive in a world increasingly sensitive to humor. "I think if people just laughed more, we would be a much happier society," John observes.Their conversation weaves through shared passions—from golf's unique appeal as an individual sport to the powerful pull of ancestral homelands. John's trips to Scotland have connected him with family and history, while Mike speaks of his future plans to visit Italy: "It's not if we go, it's when we go."The episode concludes with John's simple yet profound advice: approach life positively and learn from every experience. As Mike notes, "Failure doesn't mean you lost, it just means you learned something." In a world fixated on constant change, there's something refreshing about celebrating the quiet dignity found in loyalty, perseverance, and maintaining a sense of humor through life's inevitable challenges.Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseBuddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Sweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textA special gathering of Bethany College football legends spans two decades of program history in this nostalgic and often hilarious reunion episode. Former players and coaches from the early 2000's through 2021 come together to share the untold stories that defined their college football experience at this small but mighty program.The conversation quickly reveals the deep connections formed through shared hardships and triumphs. Program-defining victories take center stage as Coach Garvey recounts their monumental 2013 win against W&J—their first in 33 years—while Coach Mister describes an incredible comeback against Thomas More where they overcame a three-touchdown deficit. These weren't just games; they were cultural turning points that participants still remember with crystal clarity years later.What makes this episode truly special is the unfiltered humor that flows throughout. From the player nicknamed "Snacks" who interrupted a serious team meeting to ask about snacks, to the fullback who "couldn't feel his legs" after a touchdown celebration, and other quirky tales, these stories capture the unique culture of small college football that rarely makes headlines but creates lifelong memories.Beyond the laughter, there's remarkable wisdom in these reminiscences. Players discuss how coaches emphasized that every team member had equal importance regardless of playing time—a philosophy that shaped their own leadership approaches later in life. Coach Mister shares how moving from an HBCU to Bethany created unexpected friendships across cultural differences, demonstrating how football can bridge diverse backgrounds.Whether you played college football yourself or simply appreciate authentic stories of teamwork and personal growth, this reunion offers a heartwarming glimpse into the profound impact that small college athletic programs have on the lives they touch. As these Bethany alumni demonstrate, sometimes the most meaningful fooSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textWhen DJ Jacobucci resigned from his firefighting career and dumped his pension into opening Upgraded Industries, it wasn't just a business decision—it was a leap of faith into a lifelong passion. "That's betting on yourself," he explains on the Ride Home Rants podcast. "That's either saying I'm going to be poor or this is going to work."This all-or-nothing mentality has shaped Upgraded Industries into what DJ lovingly describes as a "dysfunctional family that you can't help but love." Starting as a personal trainer while navigating a difficult divorce, DJ gradually built his business until he could focus on his true passion—combat sports. With a background as a wrestler and fighter himself, he's created a training environment where accountability and self-motivation are non-negotiable. "I don't hold hands," he states plainly, reflecting his belief that fighters must develop discipline alongside technique.The gym's success speaks for itself, producing fighters like Tony "The Latin Assassin" and attracting talented coaches who share DJ's vision. What began as Sunday wrestling sessions with whoever would show up has evolved into an elite training facility that stays true to old-school toughness while adapting to modern training methods. Between training professional fighters, raising his identical twin sons who wrestle competitively, and managing all aspects of the business, DJ embodies the fighter's mentality in everything he does.Throughout the conversation, DJ offers candid insights on the state of combat sports, expressing concern that UFC might follow boxing's self-destructive path, while sharing stories of the tight-knit community he's built at Upgraded Industries. Whether you're a fighting enthusiast or simply appreciate stories of entrepreneurs betting on their passion, DJ's journey from firefighter to gym owner demonstrates what's possible when you commit fully to building something meaningful around what you love.• Betting everything on his dream by resigning from firefighting and investing his pension into the gym• Balancing fatherhood with running the gym, prioritizing family while maintaining high standards for his figSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardBuddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Sweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textWhat does it truly mean to serve others in today's disconnected world? Blake Burkhart is redefining success through authentic service and community impact in Northeast Ohio.From walking onto his college football team despite doubters telling him he was "too small" to now transforming lives through his work at Royalty Roofing, Blake embodies the underdog spirit that refuses to quit. His approach to business goes far beyond transactions—offering free repairs to those in need and building genuine connections with every client he serves."I feel like I'm more than a roofer," Blake shares, recounting stories of tarping damaged roofs at no charge and the surprised reactions when homeowners learn they won't be billed. This servant-leader mentality stands in stark contrast to the high-pressure tactics common in his industry, where most companies last only 3-5 years.What drives this 27-year-old's uncommon dedication? A grounding in faith, the unwavering support of his fiancée and a profound belief that we're called to help one another regardless of differences. Blake laments how technology and political division have eroded our sense of community: "People forgot the one thing—it's not whose side you're on, it's that we're there to be together."His message resonates with universal truth: "Live with patience, with a little more faith in yourself and others... inch by inch, day by day, you will get to where you want to go if you believe in yourself." In a world hungry for authentic connection, Blake's journey offers both inspiration and a practical roadmap for making a meaningful impact.Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover how small, consistent acts of service can transform not just your community, but your own sense of purpose and fulfillment. Share your thoughts with us after listening!Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseBuddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Sweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textFire up your imagination as we dive deep into the soul of summer with our special grilling roundtable! I've assembled a passionate panel of backyard BBQ enthusiasts who share their hard-earned wisdom about everything from equipment choices to flavor techniques.The conversation sizzles with personality as we explore the great debates of grilling culture: charcoal versus propane, the perfect wood for smoking, and the ideal doneness for a steak (which sparks some hilarious disagreement). Our guests reveal their go-to meats—from Charles who smokes an impressive 30+ briskets annually to Mister who surprises everyone with his enthusiasm for grilled beets and duck.Beyond food, we uncover the full sensory experience of outdoor cooking. The panel shares their essential grilling soundtracks ranging from 90s hip-hop to reggae and country, plus the beverages that complete their perfect cookout atmosphere. You'll hear passionate arguments about inappropriate cookout side dishes and learn which of our guests brave snowstorms to maintain their year-round grilling schedules.Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just getting started with your first grill, this episode delivers practical advice wrapped in entertaining stories and genuine camaraderie. Our guests' enthusiasm is contagious as they share techniques for everything from smoked mac and cheese to the perfect burger. By the time you finish listening, you'll be ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game and create unforgettable summer memories around your own grill.Grab your tongs and prepare to be inspired—the grilling season awaits!Subscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textGrab your clubs and join us for a laid-back journey through the world of golf with host Mike Bono and a lively roundtable of enthusiasts who share their passion, opinions, and occasional wild tangents about the sport that connects generations.The conversation tees off with lighthearted icebreakers about preferred shower soaps and whether fighting angry deer or a coyote presents the better survival story—setting the relaxed, humorous tone that carries throughout. Matt Landowski introduces his customized golf glove business, Sweet Hand Sports, offering listeners a special discount code (BONO10) for 10% off their purchases.As the discussion moves to personal golf histories, we discover how childhood experiences shaped each panelist's relationship with the game. From neighborhood courses where they snuck onto the sixth hole to emotional connections formed during family challenges, these origin stories reveal golf's unique ability to create lasting memories and relationships across decades.The surprising revelation that the Midwest contains more golf courses than any other U.S. region sparks a geographical exploration of favorite courses, from local community gems to breathtaking destination resorts in the Carolinas. The panel passionately defends golfers as legitimate athletes, breaking down the complex coordination required throughout the entire body to execute even basic golf movements—with one panelist boldly asserting that driving a golf ball straight requires more variables than shooting a basketball.Tiger Woods' transformative impact on golf viewership emerges as a pivotal moment that changed the sport forever, while YouTube creators and social media personalities like Bob Does Sports are credited with bringing fresh energy and younger audiences to a traditionally formal game. The conversation wraps with a spirited defense of miniature golf as a legitimate entry point to the sport, complete with the surprising revelation of professional putt-putt tournaments.Whether you're a dedicated golfer or someone who hasn't picked up a club since childhood, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on a timeless sport that conSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textChris "The Grit" Droege invites us into the fascinating intersection between combat sports, entrepreneurship, and personal growth in this compelling conversation that transcends the typical fighter interview.From the wrestling mats of Youngstown to the MMA cages of Cleveland, Chris shares how wrestling shaped not just his fighting style, but his entire approach to life. "Nobody's gonna care about you as much as you are," he explains, detailing how the individual responsibility inherent in wrestling transferred directly to his business mindset.Rather than following a traditional career path despite holding two master's degrees, Chris launched his own painting company to create the flexibility needed for his fighting career. This strategic decision removed the financial pressure that plagues many fighters, allowing him to approach MMA "purely for the love and just try to be the best in the world." His perspective on creating parallel paths—one for stability and another for passion—offers a blueprint anyone can apply to their creative pursuits.The disciplined mindset Chris developed through wrestling permeates everything from his training methodology to his business approach. He draws a brilliant parallel between paying dues in combat sports and other fields: "You don't sign up for the high school football team to make a million dollars. You're doing it for the experience, for the love of the sport." This refreshing perspective counters our instant-gratification culture with timeless wisdom about mastery requiring investment before rewards.Whether you're a fight fan, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to align your passions with sustainable success, Chris's insights will reshape how you approach your own journey. Check out his upcSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEReaper Apparel Reaper Apparel Co was built for those who refuse to die slowly! Reaper isn't just clothing! Tactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textWhat happens when the comfort zone becomes a cage? In this captivating conversation, boxing coach Luke Freshour reveals how stepping into the ring transforms not just fighters, but people. Having started boxing at 22—considered late by most standards—Luke's journey from losing his first three fights to becoming a two-time Golden Gloves champion offers powerful lessons in resilience that transcend the sport itself."Fear is excitement, it's stepping out of your comfort zone," Luke explains, sharing the psychology he now imparts to his fighters at Upgraded Industries in Cleveland. His approach to coaching goes far beyond technique, focusing on mental preparation and visualization that builds character capable of withstanding life's inevitable challenges. When he tells his fighters that "the experience of fighting is life in a 5-10 year period condensed," he's speaking from hard-earned wisdom.Host Mike Bono brings his own perspective as both a comedian and former martial artist, creating a fascinating parallel between different forms of performance anxiety. Their discussion reveals surprising commonalities between facing an opponent in the ring and an audience on stage – both requiring the courage to fail publicly and the resilience to keep showing up. Mike's story about getting knocked out in his 29th Taekwondo match by a female opponent creates one of the episode's most authentic moments of vulnerability.The conversation delves into practical aspects of boxing training for MMA fighters, the psychology of competition, and how combat sports build transferable confidence. From visualization techniques to reframing nervousness as energy, listeners will discover actionable insights for any challenging situation in life.Whether you're a fighSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEReaper Apparel Reaper Apparel Co was built for those who refuse to die slowly! Reaper isn't just clothing! Tactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Send us a textWhat really happened with Shedeur Sanders in the NFL Draft? Is Travis Hunter the next two-way superstar? And who actually makes the final call in draft rooms across the league?The Fab Four panel dives deep into these burning questions from the 2025 NFL Draft in an unflinching, no-holds-barred discussion that reveals the complex realities behind draft day decisions. When Sanders unexpectedly fell to the fifth round, was it truly about his on-field performance at Colorado, where he went 13-11 as a starter? Or did NFL teams balk at the media circus that follows him? Our experts offer radically different perspectives – from questioning his fundamental ability to allegations of league-wide bias.Travis Hunter's selection at #2 overall sparks passionate debate about his ceiling as both a wide receiver and cornerback. While the panel universally acknowledges his generational athletic gifts, they question whether Jacksonville can properly harness his talents and if his slight frame can withstand the punishment of playing both ways at the professional level. As one panelist boldly states, "It would be more surprising if he wasn't a Hall of Famer."The conversation shifts to the inner workings of NFL draft rooms, exposing the power dynamics between coaches, general managers, and owners. Drawing from insider knowledge, our experts reveal how successful franchises operate versus struggling ones – "Some teams draft for clicks, we play for wins." This distinction perfectly encapsulates why certain organizations consistently draft effectively while others repeatedly miss.Whether you're a casual fan or hardcore football analyst, this episode delivers expert insights that will change how you view NFL team-building. Subscribe now and join the conversatiSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEReaper Apparel Reaper Apparel Co was built for those who refuse to die slowly! Reaper isn't just clothing! Tactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy