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.

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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 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 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/

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

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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 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 Life

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 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

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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/

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/

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/

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/

In this episode, Ron and Tony “T Money” Green connect over their shared Detroit roots, reflecting on family, music, and the city’s changing face. From Tony’s journey through the music industry, touring with legends and working with Snoop Dogg, to Ron’s personal story of sobriety and growth, hear a heartfelt tribute to resilience, respect, and the power of community.

_____________

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/

Yorg Kerasiotis is a multi-talented, social media influencer and music producer from Detroit. He's known for his work with Singers in the Round, a monthly event showcasing singer-songwriters, and his involvement in various music and creative projects in the Detroit area. He is also the guitar player in the Louie Lee Show Band!

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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/

Guest Info:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yorgk/

X: https://x.com/yorgdetroit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorgdetroit/

Website: https://www.brokenblanket.com/