PODCAST · news
Get Home Safe
by Matt Heersema
Sports, Ride Share Driving, Officiating, and Current Events. As an alumnus of Rio Hondo Prep and former Minor League Baseball umpire, Matt Heersema shares random thoughts and opinions with a wide range of guests. Step in and stay a while.
Episodes
-
Man On Fire
In this special edition of Get Home Safe, Bill Barnes and I get back together to reminisce over the many events that have taken place since our last recording a few years ago. Let's just say he has plenty to rant about. We cover the fire tragedies taking place in Los Angeles and why it is a…
more -
Mr Red, White, and Blue
On this special Independence Day episode, I'm joined by my brother Sam Heersema from his bunker in Orange County. We chat about some memories from the 4th of July and its powerful significance. Sam and I also ramble about ways to stay motivated on the daily grind. A lot has changed over the years...
-
Focus & Finish
Happy Holidays everyone! Yes, that's how dumb it sounds in the winter also. When pursuing goals, are you completely committed or just going through the motions hoping big things happen? Why do umpires eject players or managers when they clearly were the ones at fault in missing a call? When you...
-
June Gloom
I graduated high school 20 years ago to the day of this release and share some brief thoughts on a reunion from over the weekend. There is a movie that everyone needs to see immediately. The Denver Nuggets and Las Vegas Knights were recently crowned champions of the NBA and NHL respectively, but...
-
Be Sure You're Right, Then Go Ahead
Happy Mother's Day! I look back on memoires of my mother Diane. As I grow older, I wish I had her around for sound advice and to push me in areas I should improve on. I've made a decision to get back to church and am very excited about two possible fits. My heart is heavy on days like these but…
more -
"It's Fight Night!"
Robert James is a Ring Announcer in both Professional Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. He and I crossed paths on the baseball field years ago as we umpired at the collegiate level. Robert grew up in in East Los Angeles and served our country in the United States Army after high school. He is very...
-
Let's Get Ready To Rumble
I make a big announcement regarding a new platform you can now watch our show on in addition the current options. Do you have any idea what it feels like to go extra innings? Have you ever wanted to do something for almost 20 years and just never got around to it? I offer a breakdown of a new...
-
Gratification Direction
In a super short episode, I share my thoughts on work ethic and work habits. Do you truly get out of it what you put into it? Can you expect gratification, and can it be fulfilling at all? Are you working hard or hardly working? I also ramble about food and how sometimes it's hard to see any...
-
That 8th Inning Feeling
I open this week's show with an analogy from my umpiring days. Sometimes, towards the end of a job or task, we can lose focus because it is almost over. That feeling you get in the 8th inning should instead ignite a more intense focus rather than let down your guard where making mistakes are more...
-
Trash Talk
Happy Easter! I recap the Final Four and make the case that UConn is officially the most consistent winning basketball program in America. I also applaud the San Diego State Aztecs who set themselves among the greatest moments in all of San Diego sports history. One thing I'm constantly working…
more -
March Mayhem
After a recent trip to an LA Kings game, I'm ready for more hockey in my future. The World Baseball Classic was phenomenal, but the biggest challenge moving forward is how to get more top pitchers to participate for the USA. The NCAA Basketball Tournament has also been wild and has left us with…
more -
Restore Order
The one and only Bill Barnes returns for his first appearance of 2023. We discuss a wide range of topics that include the corruption amongst our leaders, why the late call in the Super Bowl was righteous, and how he continues to age well with grace. Bill also takes questions from some of our very...
-
Heads I Win, Tails You Lose
Last week was our 400th episode of GHS and we celebrate that big milestone on today's show. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57, but the result left many people upset at the officiating toward the end that overshadowed the previous four hours. I dive into the...
-
KC BBQ vs Philly Cheesesteaks
In a very special Super Bowl preview episode, I have two great friends on the program who happen to be fans of the two teams playing this Sunday. Carlos Martinez lives in Kansas City and is a diehard Chiefs fan. He and I were umpiring partners in Minor League Baseball over ten years ago....
-
Life Isn't Fair
Full reaction to both the AFC and NFC Championship Games as we are now set for Super Bowl 57. I attempt to stand up for officiating after the craft took a major hit in multiple sports over a tough weekend. I call out Lebron's theatric tantrum as one of the worst displays of immaturity we've ever...
-
Cowboys Out To Pasture
I make the case that it's time to remove the Dallas Cowboys from among the most elite franchises in professional sports. They have simply not lived up to expectations as I compare their unsuccessful streak to the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Yankees. Sometimes, you just need to…
more -
That's On You
I recap the Wild Card Weekend in the NFL and congratulate the Dallas Cowboys for their first road playoff victory in 30 years. Tom Brady didn't even have a license to drive a car way back in the 20th century when Dem Boys last accomplished such a feat. That said, the enemy of my enemy is my ally...
-
Decisions and Decorations
After a terrible National Championship Game, college football has officially come to an end. In regard to sad endings, I ask when the right time is to take down the Christmas decorations, and you won't be shocked by my timetable. I examine the rumors that Sean McVay is considering stepping away...
-
2023
We officially kickoff the 4th season of the podcast with a recap of the amazing games in the College Football Playoff and the huge blown lead by the USC Trojans in the Cotton Bowl. On a serious note, I react to Damar Hamlin collapsing on the field in Cincinatti and offer some thoughts on the...
-
Auld Lang Syne
In our final show of 2022, I look back at the year that was and can't believe we will be starting our 4th season of the Get Home Safe podcast next week. I offer up some of my goals for 2023 and reflect on all the blessings from this past year that included plenty of big moments. I also randomly...
-
Christmas 2022
Christmas is the best holiday in the world. It is sacred to me and has given me so many memories. It has lifted me up and also forced me to pick it up when I have been lagging. I reflect on some Christmas moments from the past that I will always remember. I also mention a few specific people in…
more -
Who's Your Team; What's Your Drink?
The Christmas countdown continues as we are less than two weeks away from the best day of the year! I'm in a rather good mood after my LA Rams came back late against Raider Nation last Thursday albeit with the hated Baker Mayfield at the controls. I share some of my gift buying methods and offer...
-
The Boxer, The Baker, The Holiday Maker
We open the show with some Pearl Harbor remembrance and examining why the Greatest Generation seems so long ago. I also dive into a wide range of sports topics and offer my reactions. The great boxing referee Mills Lane passed away and has to be the most recognized sports official ever. I don't...
-
Life Leftovers
A full Thanksgiving recap with plenty of leftovers for the kickoff of Christmas season. I share how my new work schedule is going and how lessons learned come in the strangest forms. I'm also very much looking forward to all the Conference Championship Games this Saturday in College Football....
-
It's All Bill's Fault
Fan favorite Bill Barnes makes an appearance on the show in honor of Thanksgiving. We chat about the current state of California and the rest of the United States. Bill also vents about politics, law enforcement, and the sun going down early. We share a few stories about some people we've lost...
-
Preparation and Anticipation
I open the show with sad news from the University of Virginia football program. My Rams fandom will never dwindle but it is officially time to punt on this current season. They can only be the defending champions for a couple more months. I announce some new scheduling for the podcast due to some...
-
Timely Manner
After a week off from the GHS pod, I return to give my thoughts on Election Day, proclaiming my favorite sport, and embracing the upcoming Christmas season. I ask weird questions like why does it take so long to count votes in some states rather than others? I also recommend some of my favorite...
-
Jesse From Alburquerque
Jesse Segura is the second most well known Jesse from Alburquerque, New Mexico. Jesse Pinkman from the great show Breaking Bad might be more popular but only by a small margin. Segura and I met in the summer of 2018 as members of the same umpiring crew in the American Association. We have become...
-
October Observations
The LA Dodgers have once again not lived up to expectations. Are they cursed or just incompetent? If the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing while expecting different results, then at what point does a change in philosophy take place? I also have thoughts on USC football losing…
more -
Prove It
Today is definitely a show of venting. Yes, my LA Rams are struggling but that's not what I'm most upset about. I challenge the conspiracy theorists out there to put their money where their mouth is. If you knew what was going to happen or will happen in the future, then why don't you place a bet...
-
Immediate Urgency
The first show of October has a wide range of topics. I open with a tragic story involving a member of the local Citrus College football team. I transition to baseball talk as the MLB Postseason gets under way this weekend. I have some opinions on the Tua injury discussion as well as the...
-
Smell Handsome
Look good, smell good, feel good, play good. I often wonder if I use big words correctly. Sometimes I have to stop and look them up to make sure. Language is important and it can be used in a way to sway opinions. With Aaron Judge recently hitting his 61st homerun, I look back at the summer of…
more -
Harmful Hateful Hurtful
I have multiple rants today where I demand change, listening to reason, and thinking for ourselves. I make an argument that one NFL team has a truly insensitive mascot name that is appalling in 2022. President Biden has declared the pandemic is over, but for most of us it has been for quite some...
-
Unvirtuous Signaling
I react to the first weekend of NFL games and USC's fast start. I am super fired up for the Sun Belt Conference making some huge noise with three big upsets as well. Why do certain fan bases go into hiding for six months and then pop out to run their mouths when their teams are irrelevant? I also...
-
Thermostat Autonomy
The NFL Season kicks off tonight as the defending World Champion Los Angeles Rams host the Super Bowl favorite Buffalo Bills. The Rams will unveil their championship banner before the game and then turn the page to the 2022 season. I share some quotes from my girlfriend Valerie Byrnes who has had...
-
You Know Where To Find Me
As football is about to return at all levels, I lay out a few rules to live by for the best time of the year. It may seem like I'm only kidding, but there is plenty of truth in these policies. I give my take on finally seeing Top Gun Maverick and offer why a new show needs to step their game up.…
more -
Forgiveness
I ramble about the recent news of student loan forgiveness and how we should apply this to other areas of our lives. I also can't believe how inconsiderate and disrespectful people can be when someone is addressing a group of others. In honor of the summer coming to a close, I offer up my 10 most...
-
Wake Up
After a two week hiatus, I start off our new Thursday episode format with a wide range of topics. We open with a tragic story out of Texas involving parents fighting at a nine year old football game that ended in murder. Why is this not a bigger story and why has youth sports deteriorated so…
more -
Finding Fulfillment
August is here! We count down the final days of summer as we patiently wait for football season at all levels. How did you find your calling in life? Is it in your career or in some other form? I've found the most peace in my journey when I stopped hoping for others to bring me along instead of...
-
7/27/08
It has been 14 years to the day since a big moment changed my life forever. I reflect on the buildup to a difficult memory and the aftermath that followed. We have no idea when harsh obstacles will arise in our lives or where devastating blows will come from. I have lived my life knowing that at...
-
The Starting 5 and The 6th Man
Maura Drain is the Director of the Royal Friends program for Kare Youth League. She is also the mother to the wonderful Drain kids and wife to long-time Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain. Maura gives us all the intel on her amazing family with plenty of behind the scenes stories. She discusses what...
-
Planning and Preparing
The best part of opening the show with a rant about knowing important dates for sporting events is totally messing up the day of the MLB All Star Game. I make the case that men need to send "Save The Date" invitations to their significant others to prepare for proper uninterrupted viewing. I also...
-
Crimen Servare
Dr Marsha Johnson is the Principal at Rio Hondo Prep. She just finished her first year in the position and has plenty to share from the last few months. Marsha attended RHP during a very special era before moving on to earn her Doctorate at UC Riverside. Marsha shares her memories from the past...
-
Independence and Freedom
A recap of a fantastic Independence Day weekend which included great food, good company, and plenty to be grateful for. Sometimes all you need to appreciate life in the USA is to sit in your front yard and embrace God's blessings. I flaunt some new merchandise that a fan sent me and explain why...
-
Semper Fidelis
Major Bill Lee spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He discusses the significance of Independence Day and why it means more to him every single year. Bill shares plenty of stories from his career in the USMC as well as some memories from his time as a bodyguard in private security.…
more -
Hotty Toddy
Ole Miss won the College World Series over the weekend after being the last team selected into the NCAA Tournament. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. I spend most of the show venting about a rather controversial topic that will certainly divide my audience. The side I take on this one...
-
Shift Left, Shift Right
Sean O'Leary is a former coach who led Temple City High School to a CIF Championship in 2018. He also played in the NCAA D-II College World Series back in 2007 as a player. Sean has incredible knowledge of the game and is someone I greatly respect for his baseball IQ. We chat about how much the...
-
Human Control
Two police officers were killed last week in El Monte, CA. Joseph Santana and Michael Paredes died as heroes when they rushed to a call for help in a city that is a handful of miles away from here. Los Angeles District Attorney is 100% to blame for this incident with his soft on crime policies.…
more -
Happy Father's Day Dad
My brother Sam Heersema joins me share some memories and lessons from our father , Dave Heersema. We reflect back on the hilarious and serious moments from the past three decades that have shaped both of our lives. Sam and I are incredibly honored to have such a hard working father who has a…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sports, Ride Share Driving, Officiating, and Current Events. As an alumnus of Rio Hondo Prep and former Minor League Baseball umpire, Matt Heersema shares random thoughts and opinions with a wide range of guests. Step in and stay a while.
HOSTED BY
Matt Heersema
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Get Home Safe have?
Get Home Safe currently has 411 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Get Home Safe about?
Sports, Ride Share Driving, Officiating, and Current Events. As an alumnus of Rio Hondo Prep and former Minor League Baseball umpire, Matt Heersema shares random thoughts and opinions with a wide range of guests. Step in and stay a while.
How often does Get Home Safe release new episodes?
Get Home Safe publishes regularly with 411 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Get Home Safe?
You can listen to Get Home Safe on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Get Home Safe?
Get Home Safe is created and hosted by Matt Heersema.
URL copied to clipboard!