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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 the introduction of football programs and school mergers reshape local culture and student opportunities?

Relive the highs and lows of high school football, as we reminisce about unforgettable playoff runs and league championships under Coaches Palumbo and Protopapa at Mathews. Hear about the intense scrimmages against teams like Lakeview and Farrell, and how these experiences steered me towards a life-changing decision. Discover how a close connection with a National Guard recruiter influenced the path of joining the military. It's a story of camaraderie, competition, and the critical moments that define a young athlete's life.

From the rigid discipline of basic training to the diverse challenges of a law enforcement career in rural Ohio, this episode captures the multifaceted journey of a National Guard member. We explore the hurdles of balancing police academy training with semi-pro football coaching, and the unique tasks faced by a rural officer—like corralling runaway horses. Wrapping up, we express our deep appreciation for those who serve in public safety roles, and share a lighthearted segment of rapid-fire questions to end on a high note. Listen in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of c

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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 hear some lively debates about the best pumpkin-flavored treats, from donuts to beer to coffee.

Tailgating and grilling are staples of the fall season, and our guests have plenty to say on the topic. We discuss the joys and challenges of cooking up a feast in cooler temperatures, and even in snowy conditions. From warm fall days to the best times for autumn activities, Saturdays come out on top as the favorite day to celebrate. This segment is filled with humorous and personal anecdotes about tailgating for football games, making it a fun and relatable listen.

To wrap things up, we dive into fall decorations and seasonal activities. Brittany champions early September decorating while Tony and Jordan lean towards a minimalist approach. We debate whether September is for apples and October for pumpkins, and the longevity of patio dining as the weather cools. Lastly, we highlight local attractions and the importance of supporting small businesses, suggesting charming destinations like Patterson's and Mapleside. So grab a pumpkin spiced latte and join us for

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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 guests take us through their academic journeys at Ohio University, Youngstown State University, Kent State, and Bethany College in West Virginia. We talk degrees, careers, and why they chose their respective institutions. But that’s not all—Chris leads a discussion on the ever-evolving downtown Youngstown, shedding light on its vibrant charm and cultural diversity. From personal stories to vivid observations, we explore how this once-overlooked city is now a burgeoning hub of activity and interest.

Youngstown holds a treasure trove of hidden gems, and our guests are here to share some of the best-kept secrets. From Matt's nostalgic tales of local legends to Andrea and Marsco's favorite spots like Junie's Cafe and the Youngstown Flea Market, we've got the lowdown on what makes this city tick. We'll also dive into the lively Italian festivals, YSU tailgating traditions, and the bustling concert scene that brings the community together. Whether you’re a local or just curious about this underrated city, this episode is packed with engaging stories and insi

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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 the season.

This episode goes deep into which teams and players have the most to prove this year, spotlighting the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers. We scrutinize the pressures facing their coaches and star players, including Mike Tomlin, TJ Watt, Deshaun Watson, Najee Harris, and Jalen Hurts. The stakes are high, and the expectations even higher, as we break down what each team needs to do to succeed. From potential playoff berths to MVP candidacies, we leave no stone unturned.

We wrap things up with our bold Super Bowl predictions and a spirited debate on the top quarterbacks of all time. Will the Jets and Lions be surprise contenders? What’s the future for coaching legend Bill Belichick? Lastly, I share my personal connection to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the unique challenge of supporting both the Steelers and the Buccaneers. Get ready for insights, hot takes, and plenty of NFL excitement as we gear up for another thrilling season. Don’t miss out—hit play and join the conversation!

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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 insights and personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of his dynamic journey.

Revisit the overwhelming yet rewarding world of being a student-athlete at Bethany College with Bob's personal reflections. We share stories of making the travel team, the camaraderie formed with teammates, and how coaching changes influenced the football program’s dynamics. Trips to CMU games, recruiting escapades in Florida, and unforgettable moments with mentors and teammates bring the narrative to life, highlighting the everlasting bonds and life lessons learned on and off the field.

As the episode takes a light-hearted turn, we dive into football season predictions and compare quarterback performances, including a fun "Fast Fiddy Five" segment with random questions. Wrapping up, we reflect on the enduring friendships and positive messages that have stayed with us from our Bethany days. Whether you’re a football enthusiast or someone who loves nostalgic college stories, this episode promises a delightful mix of professional insights, heartfelt memories, and entertaining discussions.

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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-Division I levels.

Ever wondered what it's like to manage the physical and mental tolls of being a student-athlete? This episode uncovers the often underappreciated effort required, with personal anecdotes from Madison's training schedules and experiences at Notre Dame College and Bethany College. From early morning practices in indoor facilities to grueling winter sessions, we highlight the commitment needed to balance academics with athletics. Also, Madison shares how this intense workload contrasts with the more relaxed life post-college, emphasizing the dedication necessary to succeed in sports.

But it's not all hard work and no play! Join us as we lighten the mood with engaging stories about student ambassador roles, workplace dynamics, and the fun-loving energy of Johnny, Madison's Italian colleague at Anytime Fitness. We also explore career paths, the excitement of buying a first home, and a heartwarming conversation on the positive impact of kindness and good fortune. This episode is packed with captivating stories and valuable insights into the world of college athletics and beyond.

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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 weekend crowd entertained, and Dr. Josh Himes! You’ll hear personal stories that underline their love for Pittsburgh and find out how they've built successful businesses in the heart of the Steel City.

What makes Pittsburgh a haven for foodies and adventure seekers alike? We've handpicked the city's top attractions and culinary hotspots just for you. From the baseball thrills at Pirates games to mouthwatering sandwiches at Primanti Brothers, we’ve got the ultimate guide to ensuring you experience the best Pittsburgh has to offer. Learn about unique features in Scotty's Uber rides that are sure to captivate college students and discover our favorite suburbs, each with its own unique charm. This segment promises to leave you with a bucket list of must-visit spots.

Get ready for some heartfelt nostalgia as we reminisce about unforgettable Steelers games and surprise reunions with old friends. We'll take you through the excitement of Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s iconic theme park, and rank our favorite neighborhoods from Squirrel Hill to the Southside. And for the sports enthusiasts, we'll wrap up with a tribute to Pittsburgh's legendary sports teams and the remarkable experiences their venues provide. Tune in for a comprehensive, heartfelt, and en

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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 the comforts of home-cooked meals. This episode is a compelling testament to the dedication and resilience required to excel in wrestling, especially when you start later than most.

Transitioning to college wrestling was no small feat for La'ron, and his story offers invaluable insights into this significant shift. Competing against more physically mature athletes at Notre Dame College, Leron had to adapt quickly. We also explore his role as a student ambassador, where he transformed from an introvert into a confident representative of his school. The episode culminates with La'ron reflects on the emotional highs and lows of being part of Notre Dame's last graduating class and his unforgettable experience at the national wrestling championship. To wrap things up on a lighter note, we discuss the cultural differences in food across the U.S., particularly how steaks are cooked, adding a fun twist to our heartfelt conversation.

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