Raff and the Meatballs - MUHS Podcast

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, the crew welcomes Jon Parsons, a longtime MUHS teacher who has spent the past 23 years bringing sociology, psychology, and the history of Milwaukee to life for his students.But his passion for history doesn't stop at the classroom door. During the summer, Jon leads bicycle tours throughout the Milwaukee area, exploring the city's neighborhoods, landmarks, and rich cultural history.From the classroom to the bike trails, the Meatballs get a chance to learn more about John's love of Milwaukee, the stories that make the city unique, and what keeps him passionate about teaching after more than two decades on the Hilltop.

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, the crew welcomes Dr. Gonzalo Barinaga, a 2004 MUHS graduate who went on to play college football for the Ball State Cardinals before pursuing a career in medicine.Today, Dr. Barinaga is an orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin, specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery. With training in everything from microsurgery to complex injuries, he's come a long way from his football days on the Hilltop.From the football field to the operating room, it's another great opportunity for the Meatballs to catch up with a fellow Hilltopper and learn about the path that brought him to where he is today.

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, Chris Lese, a 1992 MUHS graduate and longtime history teacher, joins the show for a conversation that goes in just about every direction imaginable.Chris talks about his years producing and co-directing the MUHS Follies, launching rockets with students in Human Innovations, his experience as an extra in Gettysburg, and why Kairos had such an impact on his own time at MUHS.And then there are the things his students probably didn't know, including his skateboarding days, long orange permed hair, an unforgettable car story, and a surprisingly spirited debate about whether we really landed on the moon.It’s a funny and genuinely interesting look at the person behind the teacher, and a very Raff and the Meatballs conversation.

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, we welcome Steve Novak, former Marquette University standout and NBA sharpshooter. Steve’s professional career took him to a number of NBA teams, including stops with the Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and several others.After hanging up the sneakers, Steve moved behind the microphone, spending several years as an analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks before returning to New York, where he now works on air with the Knicks.Steve talks with Raff and the Meatballs about his Marquette days, life in the NBA, the art of shooting, and what it’s like making the transition from playing the game to talking about it.

Season 4 rolls on as Raff and the Meatballs welcome Anders Bjork, the new head coach of MUHS Hockey.Bjork brings a wealth of hockey experience to the Hilltop, including playing at the collegiate and professional levels. Now he’s taking on a new challenge behind the bench, helping lead the next generation of Hilltopper hockey players.In Episode 4, Anders talks hockey, coaching, his playing career, and what brought him to MUHS. Of course, Raff and the Meatballs manage to have a few laughs along the way.

Description:This week on Raff and the Meatballs, Jeff Bridich, a 1996 MUHS graduate, joins the show to talk baseball, leadership, and his journey from the Hilltop to the front office of Major League Baseball.After MUHS, Jeff attended Harvard University, where he played four years of baseball and served as team captain. His career eventually took him to the Colorado Rockies, where he worked his way through the organization before becoming the team’s General Manager in 2014.Jeff talks with Raff and the Meatballs about his MUHS days, his time at Harvard, life inside Major League Baseball, and what it’s like making decisions when the stakes are a little higher than your average fantasy baseball league.

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, MUHS college counselors Katy Holahan and Michael Hennicke join the show to talk about one of the biggest questions facing students: What comes next?Katy and Michael discuss the college search and application process, but the conversation goes beyond the traditional four-year path. They also talk about the trades and other opportunities after high school, and the importance of finding the path that fits each student.Along the way, they share their own experiences, offer some practical advice, and have plenty of laughs with Raff and the Meatballs.

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, we welcome Quinn Meyer, a 2022 MUHS graduate who has taken a pretty unusual path since leaving the Hilltop. Quinn went on to Marquette University, where he studies political science, international affairs, and economics.But his side gig is where things really get interesting. Quinn is also a professional acrobatic dunker, flying off trampolines and throwing down dunks in front of crowds at NBA arenas around the country.Tune in for a conversation about college, life after MUHS, and how exactly someone gets into the business of flying through the air with a basketball.

For the final episode of the 2025 - 2026 school year, Raff and the Meatballs may have saved the biggest guest for last. Joining the show is Rev. Daniel J. Kennedy, SJ, recently announced as the 12th president of Marquette University High School.Currently serving at University of Detroit Jesuit, Fr. Kennedy brings years of experience in Jesuit education, student leadership, retreats, and ministry. A native of Toledo, Ohio and graduate of Boston College and Saint Louis University, he shares his journey, his passion for accompanying young people, and what excites him most about joining the MUHS community.Tune in as the Meatballs close out the school year by getting to know the man who will help lead the next chapter on the Hilltop.

This week on Raff and the Meatballs, just in time for Mother’s Day, we turn the tables and bring in some very special guests—the moms of hosts Ronnie and Cruz.In this Mom Pod, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like raising Meatballs. From childhood stories and family memories to a few laughs (and maybe a little friendly embarrassment), this episode is a fun and heartfelt reminder of the people who’ve been there since day one.A perfect listen as we celebrate the moms who make it all possible.