The Talking Friendship with Mike D Podcast

Send us Fan MailIn Season 7 Episode 4 of Talking Friendship with Mike D, Mike welcomes Todd Pretty, Grant Nickels, and Fletcher Walters for a deep, funny, and occasionally heartfelt conversation about the TV show Shoresy. The guys talk about why this vulgar, hockey-soaked Canadian comedy works so well, from favorite characters and best chirps to Sudbury, the music, the romance, the hockey culture, and the moments that make the show hit harder than it has any business hitting.Follow the podcast on Bluesky at @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please also rate and review the podcast.Key moments from the pod:0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Season 7 Episode 4, a full-on Talking Shoresy episode.1:55: Mike catches listeners up on what’s been going on with him, including donating some of his sweet, sweet O Negative blood and checking out live IndyCar racing in downtown Detroit for the first time.3:50: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of the episode, including some background on Shoresy, why the show stands on its own, and why spoilers are very much on the table.7:44: Mike welcomes Todd Pretty, Grant Nickels, and Fletcher Walters to the podcast and gives life updates on all three guests that are so detailed you may feel like you’re suddenly related to them.16:40: The guys talk about their overall relationship to hockey, from lifelong fandom to the vibes and rhythms of the sport.22:10: The guys share how they first came to Shoresy, including Mike’s initial reluctance to get on board and why the show eventually won him over in a big way.27:40: The guys try to answer the big question: what is it about this damn show that makes them love it so much?38:00: The guys talk through their favorite characters on Shoresy, including the players, coaches, owners, media personalities, and assorted beauties who make the show work.57:00: The guys discuss which Shoresy character makes them laugh the hardest.1:01:00: The guys pick their favorite opposing player or character from the world of Shoresy.1:06:00: The guys get into the best chirps, lines, and recurring bits from the show.1:15:45: Mike and the guys talk about why Shoresy has real heart underneath all the jokes, fighting, profanity, and glorious nonsense.1:29:00: The guys discuss why Sudbury is the perfect setting for the show and why the city feels like part of the cast.1:34:00: The guys celebrate the amazing music of Shoresy and how the show uses songs to set the tone perfectly, including power ballads, a country classic, a techno jam, and a French disco banger.2:01:00: Last but not least, the guys close out the main conversation by sharing their favorite moments from the show.

Send us Fan MailIn this shorter companion episode, Mike welcomes Jay and Chris Bibby, aka the Bibby Brothers, to talk about Sudbury, Ontario, the proud, rugged, blue-collar Northern Ontario city that helps give Shoresy so much of its soul. Before the main Shoresy episode drops, the guys spend some time on Sudbury’s people, geography, hockey culture, family connections, and general vibe.Follow the podcast on Bluesky at @friendsofmiked Email the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.  Please also rate and review the podcast.  Key moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Season 7 Episode 3, a Shoresy companion episode focused on Sudbury, Ontario.1:45: Mike catches listeners up on what’s been going on with him, including an epic trip to Charm City with his buddy PJ featuring Camden Yards, the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, blue crabs, Natty Bohs at Mum’s, and a whole lot of new Baltimore memories.7:30: Mike sets the tone for the episode with a musical tribute to Sudbury.11:45: Mike welcomes Jay and Chris Bibby, aka the Bibby Brothers, to the podcast to talk all things Sudbury.14:30: The guys talk about the last time they saw each other and what they were up to.17:30: Mike lays out the plan for the episode before Jay and Chris dig into their family’s history in Sudbury.20:30: The Bibby Brothers talk about their personal connection to Sudbury and what keeps pulling them back.25:30: Jay and Chris talk about the people of Sudbury, the feel of the place, and, of course, the area’s amazing Italian-influenced food.27:00: The guys discuss why a place like Sudbury works so well as the setting for Shoresy, including the pride people have in a city outsiders might underestimate.30:00: Jay and Chris explain what makes Northern Ontario different from the rest of the province, including nickel, blueberries, and a whole lot of rugged local identity.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Mike takes listeners through his recent holiday to Portugal, covering Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, and just enough airport chaos to keep things interesting. Along the way he talks great hotels, walking tours, cod in its many forms, wine, port, football culture, cocktail bars, trains, fado music, and why Portugal quickly became one of his all-time favorite trips. Follow the podcast on Bluesky at @friendsofmiked Email the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.  Please also rate and review the podcast.  Key moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Season 6 Episode 2.  2:10: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of the episode.5:00: Mike kicks things off with the travel day from Detroit to Lisbon. The plan was simple enough: DTW to Boston, Boston to Lisbon. The execution was…less simple. A not-quite-smooth start to the trip, but eventually Portugal appeared on the horizon.6:30: Mike walks through his first full day in Lisbon, which included getting settled, rooftop drinks, a guided tour of São Jorge Castle, and ending the night properly with cocktails at Red Frog, one of Lisbon’s best-known speakeasy-style bars.13:00: Day 2 starts strong with an excellent breakfast at the Bairro Alto Hotel, where Mike learns, perhaps a little later in life than expected, how to pronounce açaí. From there, it’s a private walking tour of historic Lisbon with Ugo, followed by afternoon beers at BREW and Delirium Café. The day wraps with a petiscos and wine tour, which proves that small plates and multiple pours are a very good way to understand a city.21:40: Day 3 brings a trip to a beautiful neoclassical food hall, a visit to the historic Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, and maybe the surprise meal of the whole Lisbon portion of the trip: a Mozambican restaurant that makes a serious case for being one of the best meals in the city. The night ends with live fado, because sometimes you should just let Portugal be Portugal.28:20: Day 4 means saying goodbye to Lisbon, at least for now, and taking the train north to Porto. Mike gets settled, joins a walking tour that includes a famous bookstore with no need to invoke Harry Potter every three seconds, and then opts for a quiet, restorative night at the Renaissance Porto Lapa.33:50: Day 5 is all about the Douro River Valley: a boat cruise, wine, more wine, a genuinely memorable lunch, still more wine, and the kind of easy new friendships that sometimes happen when everyone in the van has been drinking excellent Portuguese wine all day.37:50: Day 6 starts with Mike climbing Clérigos Tower, which turns out to be taller than anticipated, both physically and spiritually. From there, it’s a visit to a distinctive religious art museum, followed by a craft beer and local food tour through Porto’s hidden gems. This includes the famous francesinha, a sandwich that is less “lunch” and more “delicious cardiovascular event.”44:00: Day 7 is the last full day of the trip. Mike takes the train back to Lisbon, then heads out for a tour of Benfica’s Estádio da Luz, one of the most famous football stadiums in Portugal. A little soccer, a little travel logistics, and the sense that the trip is starting to wind down.47:00: Day 8 is travel-home day, and Lisbon Airport decides to become Thunderdome. Mike closes out the trip with one last round of airport chaos before heading back to Detroit, slightly tired, very full, and pretty convinced Portugal was worth every minute.

Send us Fan MailIn the Season 7 premiere, Mike welcomes good friends Tom Fishman and Mike “Kuz” Kuzan to the pod for a deeply scholarly, deeply unserious, and deeply Jersey conversation about music from New Jersey artists and the powerful, mysterious, occasionally misunderstood pull of the Garden State. Tom brings the perspective of someone who grew up in Queens and lived in Hoboken, Kuz joins from Asbury Park as both a Jersey resident and actual musician (like Tom), and Mike contributes as a music-loving outsider whose New Jersey knowledge comes largely through short visits, TV, movies, songs, and a healthy respect for places that inspire both pride and defensiveness.Follow the podcast on Bluesky at @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.  Please also rate and review the podcast.  Key moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Episode 1 of Season 72:00: Mike gives some life updates on what’s been going on with him, including some trip updates (London, St Pete Beach, a hockey trip north and Amsterdam).4:50: A quick podcast staff wellness check10:15: Mike welcomes Tom Fishman and Mike “Kuz” Kuzan onto the podcast for a rollicking discussion of who they are and why they’re the perfect guests for this episode on New Jersey music.17:10: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of the episode.18:00: The guys discuss the New Jersey myth/vibe and how New Jersey is everywhere.25:00: What makes an artist “Jersey”29:00: Kuz describes what it’s like living in Asbury Park35:00: Mike kicks off the NJ song draft by explaining the ground-breaking format36:00: A song about the entire country with deep ties to the Garden State AND Saginaw, Michigan.43:30: A very deep cut song from the Boss about being born to move fast.52:30: A supergroup track from a bunch of dudes who travel and sing songs about life.1:02:30: A perfect song to drive into New Jersey if you’re a mob boss.1:12:05: An homage to the females of Jersey from an icon with a unique singing voice.1:21:10: This crooner could only approach life one way: his way.1:30:00: A song about the nostalgia of suburban life in NJ1:37:00: A rewritten alma mater at Eastside High, take a bow, Mrs. Powers.1:43:00: A pop punk classic the evokes the 90s in the Garden State perfectly.1:52:00: Boss-written, Band-performed: AC, baby2:00:10: A 1970s protest anthem that propels you through a quest for justice2:14:00: A rollicking bluegrass jam that truly tells a NJ story

Send us Fan MailMike kicks off the finale to Season 6, where he discusses one of his favorite end-of-the-year holiday songs.  A herculean task to get things down to just 20, Mike and the podcast staff are confident the 20 tracks Mike goes over will set your end-of-the-year holiday mood just right. Follow the podcast on Bluesky at @friendsofmiked Email the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.  Please also rate and review the podcast.  Key moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Episode 6 of Season 6.2:10: Mike talks a bit more about the format for this holiday music-themed episode5:20: Mike breaks down his favorite 20 holiday songs of all time (spoiler alert: they are objectively the 20 best to many people)

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 5 of Season 6 Mike welcomes noted college football fans and expert prognosticators Tim Horvath and Chad Massey for the guys’ annual college football preview of the 2025 season.Follow the podcast on BLUESKY: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S6E51:40: Mike updates the listeners on the plan for the rest of Season 6 of the podcast2:25: What’s been going on with Mike?  Namely trips to Philadelphia and morning horror movies4:30: Mike breaks down the rest of this episode and features a song that best encapsulates the attitude of the Michigan Wolverines heading into the 2025 season (spoiler alert: it’s not an old attitude)9:45: Mike welcomes Tim Horvath and Chad Massey onto the podcast.  There’s definitely some insurance humor involved as well as some life updates15:15: Mike sets the table for the rest of the episode, starting with a quick recap of the 2024 season as well as a tailgate tradition that involves the mantra29:20: The guys give their thoughts on the big offseason recruiting news about incoming freshman QB Bryce Underwood37:50: The fellas then talk about which true freshmen they’re most excited about outside of Bryce Underwood43:45: Next up is discussing their favorite pickups in the transfer portal for the Wolverines46:40: The Big 10 has some annoying head coaches and the guys discuss them in non-annoying detail54:15:  Should the College Football Playoff be expanded from 12 to 16 teams?  The guys debate this (in a respectful manner)57:10: Reasons for optimism for the 2025 Michigan football season1:01:00: Reasons for concern for the 2025 Michigan football season1:04:00: Key position groups for the 2025 Michigan football season1:07:00: Key individual players for the 2025 Michigan football season1:11:00: The guys break down every game on Michigan’s 2025 schedule, starting with game 1 with the game against New Mexico Lobos1:12:30: Oklahoma1:17:00: Central Michigan1:18:00: Nebraska1:20:00: Bye Week (First ever Big House concert)1:21:40: Wisconsin1:24:50: USC1:28:00: Washington1:31:00: Michigan State1:34:45: Purdue1:36:15: Bye week1:36:30: Northwestern (at Wrigley Field)1:39:00: Maryland1:41:00: Ohio State1:46:00: The guys finish up by picking the Big 10 champions, the teams who will make the College Football Playoff and the National Champion.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 4 of Season 6 Mike welcomes his observational-in-a-comedic-way dear friends Todd  Pretty, Tim Rechtien, John Baker and Chris Allan to talk about two things: Life + Seinfeld and how much it’s meant to them over the years (this is Part 2 of an epic two part pod).Follow the podcast on BLUESKY: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S6E4 featuring four dear friends (Todd Pretty, Tim Rechtien, John Baker and Chris Allan) for part 2 of a love letter to their favorite show from the 90s about nothing aka Seinfeld!2:30: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of Season 63:10: Mike corrects an English river-based mistake from S5E24:10: What’s been going on with Mike D? Mike breaks things down and they involve Mike getting a new Tottenham-related customized tattoo somewhere on his body, trips to Cleveland and Philadelphia, some great TV (The Bear on Hulu and The Eternaut on Netflix).11:30: Mike kicks off Part 2 of the conversation about Seinfeld by catching up with the guests and learning how their lives have changed (for the better) since Part 1 dropped.15:30: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of the episode of talking about the guys’ favorite 10 individual episodes of the show16:00: The Contest33:10: The Bizarro Jerry48:50: The Merv Griffin Show1:03:30: The Pitch/Ticket1:18:35: The Opposite1:32:20: The Strike1:45:50: The Pony Remark2:00:00: The Understudy2:16:50: The Wizard2:28:20: The Marine Biologist

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 3 of Season 6 Mike welcomes his observational-in-a-comedic-way dear friends Todd  Pretty, Tim Rechtien, John Baker and Chris Allan to talk about two things: Life + Seinfeld and how much it’s meant to them over the years (this is Part 1 of an epic two part pod).Follow the podcast on BLUESKY: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S6E3 featuring four dear friends (Todd Pretty, Tim Rechtien, John Baker and Chris Allan) for a love letter to their favorite show from the 90s about nothing.2:00: Mike updates the listeners on a recent trip to one of his favorite cities: Toronto, capping things over with an anthem about his new favorite soccer clubs, Toronto FC (7:05).12:00: Mike welcomes the crew from Monk’s (Todd, Tim, John and Chris) to the podcast and checks in w/ how they each are doing life-wise.17:45: The guys then check in on when they last saw each other in person, including a new baby in Denver and a disease known as Tigers Fever.23:30: Mike lays out the premise for the rest of the episode and starts by asking the guys how they first found Seinfeld, which includes several home recordings that weren’t exactly street legal.33:00: The guys then talk about whether the show grabbed them right away as something they loved.37:40: Next up the guys quickly talk about their favorite character of the “Big 4” (Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer).51:50: Has the show stood the test of time?  The guys definitively answer this question.59:40: It’s the meat of this Part 1: the guys talk through their top ancillary (non-core 4) Seinfeld characters.1:00:30: George Steinbrenner1:06:10: Bob Sacamano1:11:00: Tim Whatley1:18:20: Izzy Mandelbaum1:25:15: Jackie Chiles1:32:20: Lt. Joe Bookman1:44:40: Jacolo “J” Peterman1:48:20: David Puddy1:56:00: Newman2:06:10: Frank Costanza

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 2 of Season 6 Mike welcomes his mate from Sheffield (England), Mark Charlton, for a scholarly discussion of the music of BritPop, redefining the genre in the process.Follow the podcast on BLUESKY: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S6E2 featuring Mark Charlton and a deep dive on all things BritPop2:10: Mike updates the listeners on what’s been going on with him, including a trip to the Balkans (specifically Belgrade) for a mix of history,  and going to see a phenomenal new film Sinners12:20: Mike welcomes Mark Charlton to the podcast and he tells his life story having grown up in Sheffield, England and how it reminds him a bit of Detroit16:00: The guys then trace the origins of their friendship via the Ann Arbor Mug Club including the last time they saw each other as well as a discussion of some amazing music artwork/infographics (wearedorothy.com) in Mark’s basement20:40: Mike lays out the premise of the episode and discuss what BritPop means to them, including the music itself and the movement around it (and of course the rivalries!)27:30: The guys discuss their 14 favorite BritPop songs of all time, starting with a song about a type of gold from one of Manchester's most decorated bands40:30: A song for all people and one that involves a biting take down of class tourism that is also a propulsive jam53:00: One of all time best Deborahs gets referenced in this romantic jam from one of Sheffield’s all time greatest bands1:02:00: A song about going on holiday in Greece and letting you freak flag fly1:12:00: A song from a massive BritPop band that’s both fun and a bit a surprising1:21:20: A song about being alone on a motorcycle1:30:30: An epic, atmospheric heightening song in every note1:41:20: A B-side from a pioneer BritPop band about a glorious river1:48:15: An amazing cover that completely reinvents the original song around a BritPop beat for the ages1:57:25: An underrated song from band with instructions to sit (not stand)2:05:40: A song from a UK band from the West Midlands who actually know a lot2:13:00: A (largely) romantic upbeat song from the vision of one man2:19:20: The swagger-inducing and enhancing song from a band with a flower in its name that’s also about love2:28:15: The last song of the episode is a fitting end that focuses on looking forward (not backward)

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 1 of Season 6 Mike welcomes two good buddies onto the podcast to kick off the season for a free flowing conversation about the friendship ties that bind and a yearly tradition that has become legendary from coast to coast.  Follow the podcast on BLUESKY: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S6E1 featuring Mark Sgriccia and Zach Drennen!1:45: Mike sets the table for Season 6 of the podcast2:28: MIke then talks about what’s been going on with him since Season 5 of the pod ended and it involves A LOT of amazing traveling including trips to:3:20: Cancun!4:00: Glasgow! (where Mike tried to play the bagpipes and failed miserably)6:00: London! (where Mike scaled monuments, watched football (soccer), and learned some rock and roll history).8:00: Canada (specifically Alberta) to see the Red Wings take down the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames along with soaking in some Canadian culture and fresh brews.11:00: Italy (specifically Rome, Florence and Milan) for history, food, art, architecture, sport and friendship building!14:15: Mike plays a smidge of an Italian song that he was listening to while traversing Italia on the trip.18:00: Mike brings on two true blue Wolverines who have skyrocketed up his personal FQR (friendship quality rankings).21:00: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of the episode, including introducing a long-standing friendship tradition22:45: The guys get into the last time they saw each other, including an epic March Madness gathering at Zach’s as well as at the beginning of the Dusty May era.28:00: Zach and Mark give their respective histories about becoming Michigan fans.33:15: Zach then talks about how he’s become the wizard of recaps.34:15: The guys talk about how they first crossed paths at the Michigan/Penn State game in State College in 2023.42:30: Zach and Mark reflect on what the 2023 Michigan football season means to them.47:15: The guys then talk about the 2024 season and how it compared to 2023 as well as noting how Ohio State’s 2024 “championship” season will forever be less than.55:00: Mark and Zach then give the history of their road game weekend tradition.1:02:00: The guys then go over the most recent iteration of this epic tradition: the Michigan/Washington game in Seattle in 2024.1:09:00: Mark then talks through how the specific road game for the RGWT (road game weekend tradition) gets chosen which involves a west coast BBQ, a powerpoint/Google slides presentation and data-informed decision making.1:15:00: The guys then discuss the plans for the 2025 Michigan/USC road game in LA (which is NOT necessarily the official RGWT choice for the 2025 season.1:19:00: The guys then talk about the vibes for the 2025 Michigan football team as of the spring of 2025.1:24:45: The episode comes to an end with the guys sharing what makes the RGWT special and where it might go.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 17 of Season 5 Mike and the usual college football preview crew (Tim Horvath and Chad Massey) pick back up for their fourth annual college football preview podcast episode, this time focused on the 2024 season with a slight focus on the Michigan Wolverines (reigning national champions of the whole nation).Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E17 featuring Tim Horvath and Chad Massey3:00: Mike talks about the plans for the podcast offseason and Season 6 and then corrects some huge errors from prior episodes, including an inaccurate description of Great Britain and her component nations as well as a misallocated sack in the Rose Bowl (apologies to Josiah Stewart)5:30: Mike then recaps his trip to CDMX aka Mexico City (and how much he loved it).6:45: Finally, Mike features a small bit of a new Eddie Vedder cover track that speaks to the current state of the Michigan Wolverine football team.13:30: Mike welcomes Tim Horvath and Chad Massey into the podcast studio and the guys give comprehensive life updates, including Tim’s son spurning Purdue to become a Wolverine.20:30: The guys touch on their thoughts on college football conference realignment.24:15: Next up is a discussion of the revamped Michigan coaching staff led by Sherrone Moore, including new Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale.31:00: The guys then talk about the evolution of Michigan’s approach to name, image and likeness (NIL) rights, including how critical using NIL to retain players has been for the Wolverines.37:15:  The Big 10 has brought in several new head coaches and the guys discuss who they are most intrigued by coming into 2024.41:15: The guys then go through their reasons for optimism for Michigan football in 2024.  The future is bright!45:40: Next up are reasons for concern for the 2024 Michigan Wolverines.49:20: The guys then talk about their key players for Michigan’s season.56:00: Key Michigan football position groups for the season.58:45: The guys then go game by game through Michigan’s season starting with Fresno St1:00:15: Texas1:03:15: Arkansas St1:04:05: Southern California1:06:00: The Battle for the Brown Jug (Minnesota)1:07:40: Washington1:11:30: Illinois1:14:30: Michigan State1:20:00: Oregon1:23:15: Indiana1:25:00: Northwestern1:27:15: Ohio State1:34:45: The guys predict the Big 10 Champion1:36:30: The guys then predict the 12 Team playoff and national champions1:41:45: The episode wraps up with an emotional sign off

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 16 of Season 5 Mike and his best in the nation Michigan fan buddies Irfan Bhabhrawala and Kevin Werner put a bow on a legendary season of college football, friendship and life by discussing the 2024 National Championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies.  Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E16 featuring Irfan Bhabhrawala and Kevin Werner4:00: Mike corrects zero mistakes from past episodes5:00: What’s been going with Mike D?  Practicing gratitude and how Mike is incredibly grateful for what the 2023 Michigan football team has given to him.15:15: Mike welcomes on Irfan and Kevin to set the table for a deep dive on the 2024 National Championship game with Irfan and Kevin also telling their respective life stories, which include Irfan becoming a titan of finance and Kevin impressing his wife with his level of internet fame among Michigan fans.34:30: The guys talk about the last time they saw each other and what they were doing as well as their thoughts coming into the 2023 Michigan football season.44:00: Next up is a discussion about their thoughts on the National Championship game opponent for Michigan, the Washington Huskies. 53:00: The guys talk about some of the logistical challenges in even getting to Houston as fans (especially Irfan and Kevin), including Irfan’s command of the travel logistics variables.  Truly legendary.1:02:00: It’s game day in Houston!  The guys discuss their now iconic hotel lobby tailgate and unique the feeling was that Monday leading up to the game.1:09:50: The guys then break down Michigan’s National Championship victory over the Washington Huskies.1:38:00: Michigan are your national champions!!!  The guys reflect on what it felt to be there and the immediate aftermath of the glorious victory, which includes the best (or at least most satisfying) burrito Kevin and Irfan have ever eaten.1:45:00: The guys wrap up with a philosophical reflection on the lasting meaning of Michigan’s 2023 season.  It’s one that will never be forgotten.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 15 of Season 5 Mike and his cool California buddies PJ and Arvind talk the 2024 Rose Bowl, the site of Michigan’s now iconic playoff win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Overtime, in one of most memorable Michigan football wins in the history of not only the Michigan program but all of college football.  Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E15 featuring Prashant “PJ” Jolepalem and Arvind Ramakrishnan2:45: Mike corrects some embarrassing gaffes from past episodes, including misstatements about where in North Carolina he recently visited and his friend Jay Bibby’s citizenship.4:15: Mike talks (very quickly) about what’s been going on with him, including invoking “res ipsa loquitur” to describe the conversation later in the episode with his buddies PJ and Arvind, and the song that captures the vibe of this legendary game and experience.10:30: Mike welcomes Prashant and Arvind onto the podcast and they introduce themselves to the listeners and the three trace the origins of their friendship.17:30: The guys talk about the importance of thinking through “tailgate logistics” ahead of time.20:30: Next up the guys talk about their thoughts about this Michigan football team coming into the season, looking back on how Michigan got to Pasadena and whether Mike D received a championship ring based on this season.28:00: The guys talk about what the experience was like leading up to the game itself in Southern California, including meeting up with their good buddy Zach, watching Lions/Cowboys from LA Live and how Mike was fighting a brutal cold (but pushed through!).33:00: It’s January 1, 2024 aka game day in Pasadena.  The guys talk about taking LA public transit up to the game, the Tournament of Roses parade, walking to the Stadium (eschewing the shuttle) and tailgating on the golf course.40:00: Next the guys head into the stadium itself and begin the tale of what happened in the game itself.1:19:00: Ecstasy and relief!!  Michigan wins and the guys try to describe it.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 14 of Season 5 Mike and his longtime Michigan football buddy Ryan Lewin talk the 2023 Big 10 Championship game, including what the experience is like attending this college football fiesta in person in Indianapolis and how the Wolverines clinched their third straight undisputed Big 10 Championship against the hapless Iowa Hawkeyes.  Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E14 featuring Ryan Lewin (S1E2 + S3E2.5)2:00: Mike corrects…..nothing....again!3:00: Mike then updates the listeners on what’s been going on with him, including a trip to North Carolina and watching the TV show Shoresy.7:00: Mike sets the table for the rest of the episode, including identifying a song that comes from a band both this episode’s guest Ryan Lewin and he love and how the track encapsulates the feeling of the Michigan football team and its fans like Mike and Ryan heading into the 2023 Big 10 Championship Game (and featured in S3E2.5).13:00: Mike welcomes Ryan Lewin back to the Podcast, they talk about the new Bleachers album and Ryan gives an update on his amazing life (including the addition of Roscoe the dog) and how it's going.18:30: The guys then talk about the pure objectivity of the Michigan football team fandom of Ryan’s sons as well as the last time they saw each other in person.24:00: Next up the guys look back about how they were feeling as Michigan’s season played out up to this point.28:00: American Hero Conor Stalions is discussed and the mental state of the team around this “scandal”31:00: The guys talk about the entire experience of heading to Indianapolis for the Big 10 Championship Game in person and how it’s a sports experience not to be missed, including the fan fest and how Mike set a pitching speed record as well as the rest of the day leading up to the game.  The guys talk about how Ryan’s son Oliver is a very level headed, objective Michigan fan.36:30: Next up the guys set the table for this old fashioned Big 10 slugfest (largely due to Iowa’s anemic offense).42:00: Mike and Ryan go deep on the key plays from the Big 10 Championship Game.53:00: Mike talks about the satisfaction of being able to hang another Michigan banner in Lucas Oil Stadium once the game was won by Michigan.55:40: The guys talk about what was next for Michigan in the College Football Playoff and who they thought the four teams should’ve been.1:01:40: Ryan talks about what it is about Michigan football that keeps his passion.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 13 of Season 5 Mike brings back two foremost experts on Michigan Football in former guests (and current dear friends) Brock Steere and Tim Horvath to talk THE GAME (Michigan football v Ohio State from 2023) and discuss what the rivalry means, where it’s been and how Michigan came out on top in the greatest rivalry in sports.Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E13 featuring Brock Steere (S1E12) and Tim Horvath (S1E11)2:00: Mike corrects…..nothing!2:20: Mike then summarizes what’s been going on with him, including a road trip to Cin City aka Cincinnati to see the Tigers take on the Reds and take in all Cincinnati has to offer (which is a lot).6:45: Mike plugs a recent film he saw on long time best bud Todd Pretty’s recommendation: Snack Shack, a true coming of age story set in the 90s (when Mike came of age in real life!) and a (new) classic song from the closing credits of the movie.13:40: Mike kicks off a rousing conversation with Brock Steere and Tim Horvath to talk Michigan/Ohio State as the guys give some updates on their lives.20:00: The guys set the table for the rest of this epic episode featuring an epic rivalry and their thoughts about this game coming into it as well as the evolution of the rivalry overall.29:00: How Michigan has been the tougher team in this rivalry and it eats the Buckeyes up inside.34:30: Brock then speaks to what OSU fans feel about Ryan Day from an Ohio resident’s perspective and why this particular Michigan/OSU game was even more important than normal.38:40: The guys then talk about the Friday night before the game and running into Bill Steere along with the epic tailgate beforehand and how there’s no other feeling like the morning of a Michigan/OSU game.45:00: Next up is a breakdown of THE GAME in a level of detail that may give you chills (in a good way, not like in a flu-like way), clarifying that the Ohio State Buckeyes are not, in fact, world famous and are also great at getting beat by Michigan, how this game showed how much Michigan will miss QB JJ McCarthy, the really unfortunate Zak Zinter injury and how Michigan bounced back (1:03:00), and Rod Moore calling game (1:14:00).1:20:00: The guys wind down the episode talking about what the game ultimately came down to as well as celebrating the win and the feeling coming out of this game with respect to the rest of the season.1:24:00: Brock and Tim share what Michigan football means to them.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 12 of Season 5 Mike welcomes back one of the foremost authorities on Michigan football, insurance and friendship in all of Washtenaw County nay the State of Michigan nay the World in longtime guest and friend Chad Massey to talk through a class Michigan football “trap game” from the 2023 season in their final road tilt of the season at the University of Maryland Terrapins. Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E12 featuring Mike’s wise friend Chad Massey.1:45: Mike goes on to correct a HUGE mistake from S5E11 (The Penn State episode) relating to a missed fact that is super embarrassing for Mike.2:45: Mike then gives an update on what’s been going on with him, including continuing to watch both the Euros and Copa America, attending an MMJ concert in Detroit, an epic 4th of July party at the Bibbys (Season 5 Episode 8 guests Jay and Andrea Bibby), and Season 3 on Hulu.5:30: Mike then features a bit of a track dedicated to this episode’s guest (Chad Massey) and his deep passion for all things insurance.12:30: Mike welcomes long time guest Chad Massey back onto the podcast to give a quick life update.16:30: The guys then talk about the last time they saw each other at Detroit Tigers Opening Day.18:00: Chad talks about who his longest running friend is and what’s kept that friendship going over the years as well as his thoughts on how Michigan football had performed up to this point in the season including managing the Conor Stalions nonsense.22:00: Mike and Chad then set the table for the Maryland game with Michigan missing Head Coach Jim Harbaugh for the second straight game.29:00: Mike leads a discussion of the key moments from the 2023 Michigan/Maryland game including how Chad decided to make the trip down to College Park, and how this was a truly historic win in the annals of Michigan football.45:45: The guys talk about how they were feeling coming out of this narrow win by Michigan over Maryland and Chad shares some inside info about just how banged up JJ McCarthy really was coming out of this game.51:00: Chad finishes up by talking about what it is about Michigan football that keeps him passionate about life and college football.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 11 of Season 5 Mike introduces the listeners to a first time guest to the podcast, “Positive” Greg Shuraleff, to talk through Michigan football’s first true test of the 2023 season: the Penn State Nittany Lions.  The guys talk Beaver Stadium architecture, awkward Air Bnb’s, (Bill) Pickles and a weekend in State College, PA they’ll never forget. Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E11 featuring Mike’s Wolverine buddy Greg Shuraleff.2:00: Next up is the traditional corrections segment, where Mike corrects the driving time from Ann Arbor to East Lansing, an apology to Scottish listeners, and finally a miscalculation of the number of times Michigan football has played on NBC Saturday night football.4:20: What’s going on with Mike D, which includes a 2nd annual Kalamazoo day trip via the train and live roller derby (shout out to Skinny Minnie).7:20: Mike then sets the table for the dramatic weekend in Happy Valley that is the subject of this episode, including an encounter with the Michigan football team at the State College Regional Airport and a galvanizing rallying cry born from that moment.9:45: Mike and the staff then play a smidge of a track that best exemplified the vibes of that weekend in State College vis a vis the Michigan football team.14:00: Mike welcomes Greg Shuraleff into the virtual podcast studio.15:40: Greg then tells his entire life story for the listeners and it’s quite the tale (including how he was NOT originally a Michigan fan as a kid and a transfer averted).18:00: The guys then trace the origins of their friendship in Chicago and a mutual love of the State of Michigan sports and then discuss the last time they saw each other in person (which was in Pasadena, CA).23:30: Greg tells the listeners who his longest running friend is and why that friendship has remained so strong (and how it started when we had to switch schools as a kid).26:50: The guys then talk about their thoughts on the state of Michigan football coming into the season and this critical Penn State game.31:15: Next up the guys talk about the Friday night and Saturday morning in State College leading up to the game itself, including the challenges of actually getting there and finding lodging close to campus, posting up at the legendary Bill Pickles Tap Room, an awkward AirBnB, Greg’s pre-game ritual at road games, an Uber situation that almost ended a friendship, and finding a Michigan-friendly tailgate very close to Beaver Stadium.44:45: Mike and Greg then break down the epic highs and lows (mostly highs) of Michigan’s win over Penn State, including the architectural “charm” of Beaver Stadium.59:00: The guys start wrapping things up by talking about Interim Coach Sherrone Moore’s legendary post-game interview, the team’s celebration and how they capped off their trip in Happy Valley.1:03:00: Greg then caps the episode by talking about what Michigan football means to him.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 10 of Season 5 Mike welcomes Eric Wobser, the pride of both Michigan law and city of Sandusky, OH to talk all things regional and local development focused as well as the Michigan v Purdue football game from the 2023 Season.Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E10 featuring Mike’s legal and regional development-focused sports buddy Eric Wobser.2:05: Mike then corrects some major mistakes from past episodes, including an embarrassing omission from Season 5 Episode 7 (the Bob Stinchcombe/Minnesota game episode) related to the movie Spaceballs.4:20: Next up is the classic “What’s Going on with Mike D” segment which includes some soccer (both in Detroit and Germany) and a new mystery novel (or at least new to him) from Canadian author Louise Penny.6:00: Mike then pays tribute to the city he most associates with Eric in the form of both fun facts and song: Cleveland, OH.14:00: Mike welcomes Eric Wobser onto the podcast where Mike gives Eric the opportunity to tell his entire life story and Eric accepts (and shares how an Ohio boy ended up at law school at the University of Michigan).19:00: The guys then talk about meeting at Michigan Law School on an iconic Ann Arbor patio known formally as Wonderful Times Charles.22:00: Eric breaks down his love of the sport of wrestling (real and “real”) and how the cities of Cleveland and Detroit are kindred spirits27:00: Eric then talks about how his son has made Mike his role model in life (only behind Eric).28:30: The guys then lay out the plan for the rest of the episode, starting with Eric talking about his longest running friend in his life and how he thinks about friends as “layers on a tree”.31:00: Eric shares where he was with Michigan football coming into this season, including what it’s been like as a Michigan fan living in Ohio.32:30: Mike and Eric set the table for this Michigan/Purdue game, including the outbreak of the Sign-Gate “scandal” (aka a big nothingburger), including the tailgate.37:00: The guys then go through the many highs (and very few lows from a Michigan perspective) of this game.44:30: Eric shares what it is that motivates him to stay connected to the Michigan football program.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 9 of Season 5 Mike welcomes Mike “Fulk” Fulkerson, MTE (master tailgate extraordinaire) to talk about how he became one of the top tailgaters in all of Michigan Wolverine nation and then break down the Michigan v Michigan State football game from the 2023 Season in all of its rivalry glory.Follow the pdcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E9 featuring Mike’s tailgating role model Mike “Fulk” Fulkerson.2:00: Mike quotes the late, great Jerry Orbach and admits some embarrassing mistakes, including a mistake within a mistake related to S5E5 (The Rutgers episode featuring Fletcher Walters) and S5E8’s (the Indiana episode featuring the Bibbys) failure to reference the greatest TV-based romance in Canadian history.5:10: Mike then breaks down what’s been going on with him, including a trip up to Traverse City for a Pure Michigan weekend with Ann Arbor Mug Club and prepping to play possibly the biggest pub quiz game of his life, along with his strategies for a successful pub quiz night.12:00: Mike finishes off the opening segment with a tribute to the Michigan/Michigan State rivalry and extends a musical olive branch to his Spartan friends and listeners.17:20: Mike welcomes Mike Fulkerson into the podcast studio.18:20: Mike Fulkerson then tells his entire life story and the story of the Plymouth Canton/Salem/Plymouth High Schools, which is a multi-campus adventure for the students who come through there.21:10: Next up the guys talk about the last time they saw each other in person at the famed Houston NRG Wyndham for a new infamous “lobby tailgate”.24:20: Fulk talks about who his longest running friend is and how that friendship has lasted all of these years.28:15: Mike D then asks Fulk about how his legendary Michigan football tailgates have evolved over the years at Ann Arbor Golf and Outing (as great tailgates do).36:30: The guys then talk about how they first met…..at a Michigan tailgate in Bloomington, IN and then again in Lincoln, NE.41:00: A prank gets played on Mike D by Fulk and their friends “Fun” Ron and Strikeout and Mike doesn’t get mad at all.44:00: Fulk talks about his thoughts about the 2023 Michigan football team coming into the season and how the season had gone so far in his mind.47:00: The guys then touch on the emergence of the Conor Stalions backstory for Michigan football.49:20: How tailgating at Michigan State differs from tailgating at Michigan and an audio picture of the Michigan/Michigan State game as told by Mike and Mike.1:03:30: Mike F then talks about whether this game changed his opinion of Michigan’s chances the rest of the season as well as why Michigan football has remained a priority for him in his life.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 8 of Season 5 Mike welcomes two of his closest and most spirited friends in Andrea and Jason “Jay": Bibby aka the Bibbys to the podcast to talk about how their friendship started over a Canadian TV show about real life issues and only grew due to a shared love of Michigan football.  The “KLA Crew”, as they’re known, then break down the Michigan v Indiana Hoosiers football game from the 2023 Season in all of its dramatic glory.Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E8 featuring Mike’s all time dear friends Andrea and Jay Bibby.1:45: Mike then corrects a massive mistake from S5E7 (The Minnesota Game episode featuring Bob Stinchombe about when Mike actually moved back to the state of Michigan from California.2:50: Mike talks about what’s been going on with him, including volunteering with an amazing organization named Food Gatherer’s (foodgatherers.org) and checking out the action smash film Furiosa.  5:20: Mike then gives some background on this episode’s two guests (Andrea and Jay Bibby), including a shared passion for music with Andrea and a shared love of all things Windsor, Canada with Jay, including Mike’s favorite memories of Windsor as a kid.12:20: Then comes a deep dive of one of Andrea, Jay and Mike’s all time favorite Canadian exports and that’s Degrassi.  To quote the Zit Remedy: Everybody Wants Something!!!14:45: Mike then counts down his 5 favorite Degrassi characters!25:00: Mike then welcomes Andrea and Jay Bibby to the podcast and has them tell their life stories in grave detail.31:00: Jay tells the story of how he and Andrea reconnected for good at a Michigan football game through Andrea’s mom having a keen eye.33:00: The crew then talk about their initial group friendship “meet cute” in Dexter and how a Canadian teen dramedy drew them together instantly and also how each of their homes was designed by a legendary builder and now feature iconic basement pubs/bars.36:40: Next up is a discussion of the last time the crew saw each other, which was less than 24 hours prior to recording this episode and involved ribs and “sauce toss”38:30: Jay and Andrea then talk about their respective longest running friends and what’s kept their friendships going all of these years as well as a discussion of a marital agreement around Don Cherry and the magic of “Windsor Pizza”.47:50: Mike then asks about Jay and Andrea’s thoughts on Michigan football coming into the 2023 season.51:20: Andrea then shares her family’s rich history about tailgating for Michigan football.57:30: The crew then talks about the Indiana game tailgate and what tailgating in Ann Arbor is really like.1:02:00: Next up is a detailed breakdown of the dramatic Michigan/Indiana 2023 football showdown.1:08:00: The crew shares their thoughts coming out of the big Michigan 52-7 win and what Michigan football means to the Bibbys.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 7 of Season 5 Mike welcomes a true friend of his from childhood, Robert “Bob” Stinchcombe to the pod to talk not only about the introduction of camcorder technology to homework assignments in the 1990’s but also the 2023 Michigan football game against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E7 featuring Mike’s multi-decade friend Bob Stinchcombe.1:50: Mike then corrects some seriously embarrassing errors, including continuing to reference Google as an option for podcast listening, a missed scarlet fever reference, and an explanation why there was no sultry sax in the Nebraska (S5E6) episode intro.4:45: Mike talks about what’s been going with him recently, including what Mike’s new favorite burger in all of Michigan has in common with his favorite burger of all time from Au Cheval in Chicago, another example of how Mike is a man of the people (as is this episode’s guest Bob Stinchcombe).8:00: Mike gets into why he loves Minneapolis, the importance of rocking the best gear possible when attending a road game, a Warehouse District brewery tour, waking up early to watch Tottenham with Minneapolis Spurs, and a musical tribute to one of Minnesota’s greatest musical sons.17:00: Mike welcomes Cabrini legend Bob Stinchcombe onto the podcast and Bob shares some basics about himself.19:00: Bob then retraces literally every single important moment of his life for the listeners and why he enjoys the city of Minneapolis.22:30: Bob then talks about his family’s love of the Detroit Tigers.24:15: The guys then talk about the new movie about Mother Cabrini (the namesake of their school from growing up).25:30: Next up is when the guys go deep on using digital video to do homework and how it springboarded their academic careers to success.29:30: The guys then talk about the Thunderdome-like environment at Cabrini High School’s “Open” Campus during the 90’s.34:30: Mike and Bob go over the last time they saw each other and then Bob talks about which friend of his he’s been friends with the longest (spoiler alert: it’s a former guest of the podcast who’s name rhymes with Lyle Burek).37:20: The guys shift to Michigan football where Bob talks about his feelings on the 2023 Michigan football team coming into the season as well as how they’d been performing coming into the Minnesota game (cue the classic boa constrictor analogy!).42:25: Next up is a full recap of the Michigan/Minnesota game from 2023, including Bob (not) attempting to break down what Ski-U-Mah means.55:00: The guys finish up talking about their thoughts on Michigan coming out of the game (including why the Brown Jug is still a great trophy) with Bob sharing why he still cares so much about Michigan football at this point in his life.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 6 of Season 5 Mike welcomes long time listener favorite John Baker back to the pod to go DEEP on the 2023 Michigan football game against Nebraska as well as a tribute to, in my Mike’s opinion, the greatest movie ever made about downhill skiing: Better Off Dead.Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E6 featuring Mike’s dear old friend John Baker.1:50: Mike corrects some horrible mistakes from the Rutgers/Fletcher Walters episode (S5E5) including a hugely embarrassing verbal faux pas by Mike as well as Mike and Fletcher not being able to bend the space/time continuum with the NFL Draft.4:40: Mike then updates the listeners on what has been going on with him, including attending a live to tape show of Wheel of Fortune from the beautiful Fisher Theater in Detroit.8:45: Mike then transitions to a tribute to this episode’s guest’s current place of residence and a leisure activity that occurs there, along with his favorite movies about said leisure activity (I want my $2!!!).17:30: Mike welcomes John Baker BACK into the Podcast Studio and John provides an update on what’s been going on with him in Denver, including a lot of skiing.22:00: The guys talk about the last time they saw each other in person, which was at another Michigan football game from the 2023 season, a fairly big one at that.24:10: Mike sets the table for the rest of the episode about the Michigan/Nebraska game from 2023, as well as where John was coming into the 2023 Michigan football season on his expectations for the team.29:00: The guys then talk about how they’d felt the season had gone to date and then reminisce about attending the 2021 Michigan/Nebraska game in Lincoln how it impacted their thinking coming into this game.32:00: Next up is a deep dive recap of the game before the game (aka the tailgate) and the palpable “Nebraska niceness” on display throughout the day, including from mascot Lil’ Red (warning: there’s a second Uncle Rico reference in three episodes in there at some point).38:00: A surprise guest (and his iconic trophy) shows up to the tailgate!48:10: The guys then break down the Michigan/Nebraska game in vivid detail, including the etiquette that should be considered when sitting in a visiting section.1:00:00: The game ends with a complete performance for Michigan and the guys talk about their feelings about the game itself and where this team was heading.1:05:00: John then explains what it is about this Michigan football program that keeps him coming back year after year as a life priority.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 5 of Season 5 Mike welcomes Fletcher Walters to the pod to go DEEP on the 2023 Michigan football game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights as well as provides a musical homage to the great state of New Jersey and also putting out a “call to friendship” about the sport of pickleball.  Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E5 featuring Mike’s good friend Fletcher Walters.1:55: Mike corrects some massive errors from S5E3 (the UNLV episode featuring the Lawrence-Luptons), including an apology to the Lawrence-Lupton cat Dobby.3:10: Mike then updates the listeners on what’s been going on with him, including an amazing day trip to Ypsilanti (Transit Center to Transit Center).5:15: Mike talks about dabbling with the sport of pickleball and just wants someone to offer to play with him as the podcast staff refuses to play.7:25: Mike pays tribute to the great state of New Jersey and gives some history on Rutgers, including giving it props as the birthplace of college football.13:30: Mike then takes that Jersey tribute up a notch or 10 with a musical nod.19:40: Mike welcomes Fletcher Walters into the virtual podcast studio.20:30: The guys trace the origins of their friendship including Fletcher keeping Mike’s now iconic nickname of “Neighbor Mike” going.  Fletcher then tells his entire life story in a few minutes.  It’s a rollercoaster.22:30: Fletcher goes over his legendary college crew from Amherst College and talks about his experience playing pro basketball in Europe as well as his two oldest friends and what keeps their friendship (and all of his friendships) going at this point in life.  Spoiler alert: it involves FGAs.31:25: The guys talk briefly about the last time they hung out in person at the famed LIttle Caesars Arena in Detroit (there’s a D2A2 shout out in there as well!).33:20: Next up the guys shift into talking about the 2023 Michigan football team, with Fletcher going over his thoughts on the team coming into the season and his unwavering belief in Michigan QB JJ McCarthy.38:40: The guys then break down the Rutgers game in vivid and beautiful detail, including how critical #0 Mike “Mikey” Sainistrill was to the Michigan defense.49:10: Fletcher and Mike then talk about how he was feeling coming out of this 31-7 Michigan win over Rutgers.52:30: Fletcher then explains why Michigan football holds such a special place in his heart and a proud “Walmart Wolverine”.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 4 of Season 5 Mike welcomes back a listener favorite from all the way back in Season 1 (episode 3) in Megan Mazurek and her husband Kyle for a neighborly discussion of the 2023 Michigan v Bowling Green Falcons game.  Not only do Mike, Kyle and Megan break down the game itself but also talk about how it fits in the “big picture” of Michigan’s legendary 2023 season.  What a discussion it is!Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E4 and breaks down the plan for the episode.2:05: Mike corrects a huge omission from S5E2 (the East Carolina episode) about the ranch from the hit Nickelodeon show Hey Dude! and podcast guest Kelly Worman.3:10: Mike then updates the listeners about what’s been going on with him, including going to see AFC Ann Arbor soccer live and how that in NO way conflicts with his love of Detroit City FC.5:15: Mike introduces the theme of this episode, including how the concept of being a neighbor comes into play as well as a classic and in no way awkward song about his guests for the pod.16:15: Mike welcomes Kyle and Megan Mazurek, his former neighbors and current good friends, to the podcast.17:30: The crew trace the origins of their friendship.19:40: Kyle gives some critical background information on his life and does not hold back.21:20: The Mazureks share their passion for another Michigan sport: hockey while Mike brings up the pathetic pizza at Yost Ice Arena (Buddy’s Pizza: you’re officially on blast!)24:50: The crew talks about the last time they saw each other in person and how they established a friendship with Michigan hoops great Caris LaVert.26:50: Kyle and Megan share how they were feeling coming into the 2023 Michigan Football season.29:50: Next up: a discussion of the pre-game tailgating approach for this Bowling Green game given it was a night game, including the famous snack Megan likes to bring and Kyle’s exotic craft beer cooler, Megan’s mom Nancy, the #1 ranked usher at Michigan Stadium and Megan’s dad Geoff’s biking gear.33:00: Mike sets the table for the Bowling Green game, including reminiscing about the first Michigan football night game in Michigan football history (the 2011 win over Notre Dame).  There’s also a story of touching the Butts in this segment.35:00: Mike breaks down what happened in this historic game.43:00: Mike, Megan and Kyle talk about how they were feeling about Michigan’s chances for the rest of the year coming out of the BG game.45:40: The Mazureks then explain why they bleed maize and blue.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 3 of Season 5 Mike welcomes back a listener favorite from Season 4 (S4E1 guest Rachael Lawrence-Lupton) and THREE other members of the Lawrence-Lupton family: David, Daniel and even Elle (all three are also good friends of Mike’s!) for a spirited discussion of the 2023 Michigan football vs UNLV game.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E3 and breaks down the plan for the episode.3:00: Mike then corrects a few embarrassing errors from S5E2, including Mike using the term “native city” for the City of Detroit, mixing up the shows Hey Dude! with Salute Your Shorts, and when the first Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special happens in the sequence of the show.8:15: Next up Mike recounts his recent trip to New York City, from taking advantage of public transit to seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (and not showing up his tour guide) to food and drink tours to the Tigers/Yankees game as well as checking out the One World Observatory and 9/11 Memorial Museum.17:15: Mike then explains his special attachment to UNLV and honors that attachment with his favorite Vegas-themed song.22:00: Mike welcomes on his three guests for this special episode (Rachael, David, and Daniel Lawrence-Lupton) along with a cat.  David then gives some background on himself as having grown up in Ann Arbor along with Rachael. Daniel then introduces himself to the podcast community by talking about his personal friendships with several University of Michigan football players.27:30: Daniel then vividly describes how excited he was to attend his first Michigan game in person.28:30: The crew talks about the last time they all saw each other, including when Daniel took down Mike in chess as well as how they were feeling about Michigan football heading into the 2023 season.30:00: Next up: passionate and well reasoned thoughts from the Lawrence-Luptons on how they thought Michigan was going to do coming into the 2023 football season.32:30: Miike sets the stage for the UNLV game34:00: The gang talks about their shared passion of tailgating and the tradition of David, Rachael and their families stopping by with Rachael’s signature shortbread, a KEY ingredient to Michigan home victories!37:45: Next up is a detailed/vivid recap of the game itself.46:30: The crew talk about what they were feeling coming out of this game about the Michigan team and the rest of the season, including Daniel NEEDING to get to more games (but NOT a night game).51:00: The Lawrence-Luptons talk about what it is about Michigan football keeps them coming back year after year.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 2 of Season 5 Mike welcomes two listener favorites back to the podcast (S1E7 guest Kelly Worman and S2E9 guest Kyle Urek) for a rousing discussion of the 2023 Michigan football vs East Carolina game.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S5E2 and breaks down the plan for the episode.3.00: Mike then gives the listeners an update about what’s been going on with him, starting with an epic triple trip to the Motor City all facilitated by the D2A2 bus (D2A2.com).4:00: First up was a trip up to Hamtramck to catch a Detroit City FC soccer match.5:25: Next up was checking out the NFL Draft and a sea of humanity in the best possible way.6:30: The epic week of Detroit outings ended with the Tigers/Royals baseball game.8:00: Mike then describes a new (well, new to him) TV show called Gavin and Stacey that’s caught not only his eye but also his funny bone and his heart.15:00: Mike welcomes his dear friends Kelly Worman and Kyle Urek onto the podcast.20:00: Kyle and Kelly then give some updates on what’s been happening with them.23:40: The guys then discuss when they last saw each other.26:15: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of the episode and the guys talk about their overall feelings on Michigan football coming into the 2023 season.33:00:  Kelly talks about how special a weekend it was to come up to Ann Arbor with his two oldest daughters and Kyle goes over the bond he’s been building with his daughter over Michigan football.34:00: The guys talk through the Michigan/East Carolina game, including the grave injustice of a suspension laid on Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh and how this was the first Michigan football game on Peacock.44:20: Did anything about the guys’ feelings about the chances of the Michigan football team the rest of the season change from this game?46:40: Kyle and Kelly finish the episode by breaking down why Michigan football keeps a special place in both of their hearts.

Send us Fan MailMike kicks off season 5 with a true “setting the table” episode where he lays out the concept for the season ahead.  It’s going to involve a lot of things, including life lessons, friendship, obstacles, overcoming obstacles, travel, music, and memories.Follow the podcast on Twitter/x: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Episode 1 of Season 5, a very special podcast season focused on a very special season of Michigan football and friendship.2:40: Mike then discusses why Season 4 was only a few (albeit amazing) episodes.4:10: MIke gives an update on what’s been going on with him.  Spoiler alert: A lot, including a major trip to the United Kingdom.4:45: Mike breaks down his trip to Scotland and England, starting with Edinburgh and then London.5:50: Mike discusses a song from his favorite Scottish Band that encapsulates his trip to their hometown Ediburgh.10:10: Mike then pivots to the London portion of his trip, discussing various sites he absorbed, including taking a guided walk of SoHo, a trip to the Sir John Soane Museum, eating a lovely dinner with his dear friends Emily and Guy,  and taking in a Tottenham Hotspur football/soccer match. 15:30: Mike then discusses an English punk song he loves to play on jukeboxes wherever he goes.22:25: Mike finishes the episode by discussing the theme for Season 5.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 3 of Season 4 Mike welcomes the College Football Crew (S1E11 guest Tim Horvath and Chad Massey) for their annual tradition of talking all things college football for the 2023 season with SLIGHT focus on the University of Michigan Wolverines. Follow the podcast on Twitter/X: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike kicks off the podcast with a special pre-intro intro that sets the stage for the rest of the episode.2:45: Mike welcomes listeners to S4E3 featuring the College Football Crew (CFC) of Mike and S1E7 Guest Tim Horvath along with Chad Massey.4:30: Mike corrects a MAJOR fail from S4E2 (Part 2) in leaving out two critical former Detroit pro sports teams.6:00: Mike then breaks down what’s been going on with him, including a trip to the cinema and a quick road trip to the City by the Lake.8:00: The College Football Crew (Mike D, Tim Horvath, Chad Massey) are gloriously reunited to talk 2023 college football. 10:30: Tim gives a quick update on his 2023 summer.12:50: Chad then updates the listeners on his 2023 summer (huge insurance news!) as well as pays tribute to his mom, Diana Massey including an EPIC story about how she helped bring home the 1989 Final Four Michigan win over Illinois.22:00: The guys then recap some of their favorite memories from their joint tailgates during the 2022 season where they joined forces like Voltron.  One story that gets highlighted is the classic tailgate “protest” staged by Chad’s younger son involving chair-tipping.28:45: The fellas go back through their 2022 predictions and hold themselves accountable as well as discussing their favorite moments from last season, including the Penn State, Michigan State, Indiana, Illinois, and of course Ohio State.48:00: The famous Big Ten Championship Game after party in Indianapolis is discussed, including admissions by Chad and Tim over borderline neglectful parenting as well as the unparalleled toughness of Kim Horvath.52:30: The fellas then take it macro and discuss a bit about college football conference realignment.1:00:00: Next up: a discussion of the guys’ favorite Big Ten road trips.1:06:00: The fellas break down their reasons for optimism on Michigan’s 2023 season.1:09:05: Reasons for concern/awareness for Michigan’s 2023 season.1:13:45: The key players for the 2023 season.1:18:25: Key positions group for the 2023 season.1:22:50: The guys go game by game with their predictions for the 2023 Season1:23:20: Michigan v East Carolina1:24:00: Michigan v UNLV1:25:30: Michigan v Bowling Green1:26:40: Michigan v Rutgers1:28:45: Michigan at Nebraska1:31:30: Michigan at Minnesota1:34:15: Michigan v Indiana1:37:15: Michigan at Michigan State1:44:30: Michigan v Purdue1:46:44: Michigan at Penn State1:53:30: Michigan at Maryland1:57:00: Michigan v Ohio State2:02:00: The guys give their Big 10 Championship predictions, college football playoff predictions, and national champion predictions.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 2 (part 2!) of Season 4 Mike welcomes FOUR of his good friends (Todd Pretty, Tim Horvath and Kyle Urek)  on the podcast for a continuation of their scholarly discussion of their favorite Detroit pro sports athletes from their youth.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S4E2 featuring three of Mike’s dearest of dear friends, S1E1/Movie Crew Guest Todd Pretty, S1E11/College Football Preview Pod guest Tim Horvath, and S2E9 guest Kyle Urek, to the second half of their discussion about their favorite Detroit pro sports athletes from growing up.4:45: Chet Lemon and a song that is also known as The H is O.17:00: Joe Dumars and a song that absolutely used to rock the Palace of Auburn Hills28:00: Bill Laimbeer and a song for bad boys who were great37:30: Chris Spielman and a true stadium anthem that can be belted from the clouds46:40: Bob Probert and a song about what Probie’s opponents would do before facing him56:40: Nicklas Lidström and the perfect song for the player known as the “Perfect Human”1:03:50: Sergei Federov and a rock-filled jam the epitomized a Saturday night out at the Joe

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 2 (part 1!) of Season 4 Mike welcomes FOUR Of his good friends (S1E1 guest and Movie Crew member Todd Pretty, S1E11 and College Football Preview pod guest Tim Horvath, and S2E9 Guest Kyle Urek for a rollicking discussion of their favorite Detroit pro sports athletes from growing up in Allen Park, MI.  In addition, there’s a special added musical gift with each selection you won’t want to miss!Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S4E2 featuring three of Mike’s dearest of dear friends in Todd Pretty, Tim Horvath, Kyle Urek.2:55: Mike talks about what’s been going on with him, including a myriad of day trips to Detroit to go see Detroit City FC soccer (via the famed D2A2 shuttle service), two trips to Chicago via the Amtrak, and one day trip to Kalamazoo via the Amtrak with the Wing Kings.  Mike also discusses his favorite TV show of the summer (The Bear).8:20: Mike welcomes BACK Todd, Tim and Kyle to the podcast and finds out what’s been going on with each of them.15:40: The guys then go through the last time they saw each other, including Todd forcing his daughter to leave a USMNT soccer game early, the long concession lines at Soldier Field, celebrating Tim’s son's academic accomplishments at a low end local spot, and Tigers Opening Day.21:25: Mike then breaks down the theme of this episode: the guys’ all time favorite Detroit sports figures from their collective youths.23:00: The guys then recall some of their favorite sports memories from their youth.31:00: Next up the guys each talk about three of their favorite Detroit sports athletes from their youth and a song that best embodies that player:31:30: Steve Yzerman + a song from the pride of Ann Arbor about staying consistently great43:20: Barry Sanders + a song for the working man in honor of a working man’s RB56:25: Isaiah Thomas + a song that evokes the attitude Zeke instilled in the Bad Boys Pistons1:09:30: Alan Trammell + a song about how time can be an asset1:20:00: Lou Whitaker + a song that cannot be used to put anyone (especially Baby) in a corner

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 1 of Season 4 Mike welcomes his good friend Rachael Lawrence-Lupon for a DEEP dive on their favorite duet songs from the golden age of duets (the 1990s) as well as Rahael’s passion for music and the joy and comfort she brings people through her work as a music therapist.  Mike and Rachael also discuss an amazing fundraiser event throughout Michigan called Barley, Beats and BBQ (https://www.hom.org/barley-bbq-beats-2023/).Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S4E1 featuring Mike’s musical friend Rachael Lawrence-Lupton1:40: Mike talks about what’s been going on with him, including an epic train trip to Canada, involving a transit adventure, discovering a wonderful Canadian mystery novel series by Louise Penny, a lot of NHL hockey, and a whole lot of Canadian culture.12:00: Mike then recalls the St. Patrick’s Day Party he hosted in the Daniel Pub (aka his basement pub) that involved double digit friends showing up.13:15: Mike goes over his recent trip to the continent of Europe and what it entailed.14:10: Mike goes over the plan for the podcast going forward and what it is evolving into.  Spoiler alert: it’s changing a bit!16:20: Mike then brings on his friend Rachael Lawrence-Lupton to talk their favorite duet jams from the 90s.17:40: Rachael gives some background on her as an Ann Arbor native18:40: Mike and Rachael talk about how they know each other (which Mike actually MISREMEMBERS) and how their friendship blossomed over pub trivia.23:30: The topic of Rachael’s good luck snack she brings to every Michigan football tailgate party at Mike’s house.25:30: Rachael talks about the music therapy work she does at Arbor Hospice and its impact on the people she provides therapy to, as well as the Barley, BBQ and Beats fundraiser events (https://www.hom.org/barley-bbq-beats-2023/) happening all over the State of Michigan.28:15: Rachael breaks down who her longest running friend is (he doubles as her roommate and husband!).29:30: Mike and Rachael go over the theme and format for this episode on 90s duets and how they define “duet” (Rachael’s definition is much more scientific than Mike’s).36:00: Mike and Rachael then break down their top 7 favorite duets from the 1990s in serious detail, starting with Rachael’s #7 duet which involves a classic father/daughter collaboration.42:40: A song about not knowing a lot except one critical thing, a beautiful higher pitched male voice and a road trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor.50:25: Two legendary R&B crooners in a dispute over a boy.58:00: A beautiful duet about losing love (which sometimes does happen).1:05:00: A track about a new world that’s not half full, but instead very full.1:13:20: Wu-Tang and an R&B Legend in a groundbreaking crossover duet.1:20:45: A Country Duet that’s an all time wedding reception emotional banger featuring one half of the queen of Canadian country music.1:27:30: A classic cover duet featuring an established rocker and an up-and-coming prodigy.  This one gets wild in the evening.1:33:00: A duet featuring two of the most powerful vocalists of all time, one from north of the border and the other a legendary Broadway artist.1:41:35: An alternative rock duet with a killer message that will leave you hungry for more.1:48:15: An R&B duet with a killer string opening that Mike used to play on loop in his dorm room back in 1997-1998.1:55:10: A country duet from a boyfriend to a girlfriend who later became husband and wife.2:01:40: MC + WH = Raw Duet POWER2:09:30: An R&B/Hip Hop Duet Crossover that encapsulates the 90s.  

Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of this special Season 3 off-season Point Five Mike welcomes FOUR of his favorite peeps onto the podcast (an expanded “Movie Crew” featuring S1E1 guest Todd Pretty, S1E5 guest Tim Rechtien, S2E1 guess Amy Pretty and Jess Rechtien) for a rollicking discussion over their favorite Romantic Comedy (aka RomComs) Films of all time.  The Crew goes deep into the remaining eight of the fifteen total RomComs they cover between both parts of this amazing episode.  Part 1 has already become legendary.  Part 2 will NOT let you down!Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Part 2 of S3E8.5 featuring the Movie Crew (Todd Pretty and Tim Rechtien, along with S2E1 guest Amy Pretty and joining the pod for the first time Jess Rechtien) where they warmly discuss films 8-15 on their respective lists.  Some all time classics for sure!2:25: A movie about an Italian family where passion knows no bounds (Jess’ 2nd Round Pick)14:50: A hooker with a heart of gold?!  Don’t judge (Tim’s 2nd Round Pick)24:40: Don’t we all wish we could be 30, flirty, and thriving? (Amy’s 2nd Round Pick)34:35: A little RomCom about Jack and Diane (Amy’s 3rd Round Pick)47:10: An unforgettable RomCom set in Hawaii that’s heavy on the Com with just the right amount of Rom thrown in (Tim’s 3rd Round Pick)1:01:20: A movie where the goal is to lose love but one where that goal is definitely NOT met (Jess’ 3rd Round Pick)1:12:50: A 90s take on a classic Shakespearean RomCom (Mike D’s 3rd Round Pick)1:27:20: A movie that explores what happens with a therapist has to balance the needs of her patient and her son (to often hilarious ends!) ((Todd’s 3rd Round Pick)1:43:30: The Movie Crew takes this epic two part episode home with some legit banter, including what other movies they thought about choosing.

Send us Fan MailIn Part 1 of this special Season 3 off-season Point Five Mike welcomes FOUR of his favorite peeps onto the podcast (an expanded “Movie Crew” featuring S1E1 guest Todd Pretty, S1E5 guest Tim Rechtien, S2E1 guess Amy Pretty and Jess Rechtien) for a rollicking discussion over their favorite Romantic Comedy (aka RomComs) Films of all time.  The Crew goes deep into seven of the fifteen total RomComs they cover between both parts of this amazing episode.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Part 1 of S3E8.5 featuring the Movie Crew (Todd Pretty and Tim Rechtien, along with S2E1 guest Amy Pretty and joining the pod for the first time Jess Rechtien).1:40: Mike gives a breakdown of what a Point Fiver episode is and what the theme of this particular episode is along with its format.4:30: Mike welcomes the four guests onto the podcast.8:50: Mike then breaks down the plan for the episode.10:00 The Movie Crew then discuss why they love RomComs.  Some seriously wise words here, including how their collective friendship began with a “Meet Cute”.14:50: The MC goes over their criteria for making RomCom selections.20:30: The Crew then dives into discussing the films they chose21:20: A movie that could easily be called Definitely, Definitely (Amy's 1st Round Pick)29:30: Can men and women ever really be friends?  This classic tries to answer that ageless question (Tim's 1st Round Pick)40:00: Kurt.  Goldie.  Amnesia.  Kidnapping?!  What a romance (Jess' 1st Round Pick)48:00: A Dare to be Great RomCom featuring a hell of a boom box and a ton of moxy (Mike D's 1st Round Pick)1:05:50: Marriage?  Marriage is what brings us together, today (Todd's 1st Round Pick)1:13:30: A movie filmed in the 90s but about as 80s as it gets.  Why hire a DJ for a wedding when you can hire a true showman with a heart of gold? (Todd's 2nd Round Pick)1:24:20: It’s cold.  It’s Pennsylvania.  The same day keeps happening over and over.  The only thing left to do is open up your heart while you say some hilarious stuff (Mike D's 2nd Round Pick)

Send us Fan MailIn the Season Finale of Season 3 Mike welcomes his Windy City buddy Mike Cygan onto the podcast where they discuss a range of topics including Detroit sports, Chicago neighborhoods, and places to crush bevies and food in Wrigleyville.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E8 featuring one of Mike’s top buddies Mike Cygan.1:45: Mike then lays out the plan for future seasons of the podcast, as well as teasing an off-season Point Fiver on movies that will literally knock some socks off of some listeners.2:40: Mike corrects a major error from S3E7.5.5 (NFL Preview Podcast) by Matt Slater involving a classic cliche Matt butchers.3:40: The WGOWMD (What’s Going On with Mike D) Segment and it involves an activity known as…..tailgating!7:05: Mike welcomes Mike Cygan into the Virtual Podcast Studio.8:25: Mike C then gives some background on his amazing life broken up by major parts, including why they’ve stayed living in the City of Chicago.12:00: Mike C then breaks down a recent trip to Charleston, SC he took with his wife Heide along with the finish of summer baseball for Mike’s son at the famed league in Hamlin Park in Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood.14:20: Mike C talks about his oldest friends in his life and what’s kept that friendship going.16:20: The guys then break down the last time they hung out which was at a Cubs/Cardinals game at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field and why a Friday afternoon home Cubs game is the absolute best.19:15: The fellas then discuss the earliest memories of their friendship, which were largely formed around the streets of Chicago (the “City of Neighborhoods”).24:00 Next up the guys talk about their love of Detroit sports, life on the road as a management consultant33:00: MIke C breaks down some of his favorite neighborhoods in Chicago to eat and drink, including the amazing beer garden scene in the city.36:40: The guys then go through a special segment where they break down their five favorite establishments in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago.39:00: Cubby Dog43:30: Wrigley Field Section 407L, Row 1, Seats 3-1046:15: Tango Sur 49:20: The Lucky Dorr52:00: Bernie’s53:30: Nisei Lounge (including a DEEP dive into Malort the beverage)57:50: Sheffield’s1:00:50: The Goose Island Brewpub1:02:40: Murphy’s Bleachers1:07:30: Cygs gives his keys to a great friendship at this point in our lives.1:09:00: Cygs then talks about what he’s excited about coming up in his life.1:09:50: The guys then finish up with the Rapid Fire segment where Mike C talks about his favorite place he’s ever posted up for a work project, favorite activities with his kids, favorite spots to eat with his lovely wife, and places he wants to travel with his family.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 7.5.5 of Season 3 Mike brings on long time fan favorite Mike Cygan and first time guest Matt Slater for a deep dive (with a heavy focus on the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears) of the 2022 National Football League Season.   It's packed with informative analysis that will not only prepare you for the season but also tap on your funny bone.Key Highlights from the Pod:0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E7.5.5 featuring Mike’s good friends Mike Cygan and Matt Slater (aka “Slater”).1:30: MIke confirms that Season 2 NFL Podcast Episode guest Zach Williams is still a dear friend of Mike’s.4:40: Mike welcomes Mike Cygan and Matt Slater into the Virtual Podcast Studio.  Mike gives a quick update on what’s been going on with him and Slater then gives the listeners some background on who the heck he is and how he’s part of one the most notorious Bear families in the greater Chicagoland area.9:30: Slater gives his classic manifesto on how Chicago approaches liquor licenses in the City for its various bars, pubs and taverns as well as his thoughts on the refreshing beverage Malort.  12:00: Mike then lays out the plan for the rest of the episode.12:30: The guys then discuss their favorite players when they were kids who did NOT play for their home teams, including QB Bills, QB Browns and QB Eagles.20:20: The fellas then go over which team they hated losing to the most when they were a kid,24:10: Next up: reflecting on what went right and wrong last season for the Lions and Bears, as well as discussing the picks in last season’s NFL Preview Podcast episode.29:40: The guys then discuss what gives them hope in the 2022 season with their teams as well as reasons for concern.37:40: The fellas then go through the three key individual players for their respective teams as well as key position groups.46:20: A game-by-game analysis by the guys for the Lions and Bears for the 2022 season.46:40: Week 148:25: Week 251:30: Week 353:20: Week 455:30: Week 557:10: Week 658:00: Week 759:20: Week 81:01:15: Week 91:03:20: Week 101:05:40: Week 111:06:40: Week 121:08:40: Week 131:10:20: Week 141:11:20: Week 151:12:15: Week 161:13:15: Week 171:14:30: Week 181:16:30: The guys then predict the playoff teams in both the NFC and AFC as well as who will win the Super Bowl.1:13:00: The guys finish things up by talking about an NFL road venue they’d like to check out for their teams.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 7.5 of Season 3 Mike leads another Point Fiver with the College Football Crew (Tim Horvath and Chad Massey aka the Insurance King of the Midwest), this time on the topic of college football, his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines, and, of course, friendship.  Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E7.5 featuring Mike’s good friends Tim Horvath (S1E11 Guest) and Chad Massey.3:05: Mike welcomes Tim Horvath and Chad Massey into the Virtual Podcast Studio, welcoming back Tim and Chad.  Tim gives an update about his lovely wife Kim and her health.  Chad then gives the listeners what they truly want: insurance updates.8:15: Mike then lays out the plan for the rest of the episode8:50: The guys then announced some HUGE tailgating news for the 2022 season.  Seriously, it's massive news.  11:05: Before you can look forward you need to look back and the guys reflect on the joy that was the 2021 college football season, including going back over their predictions from the 2021 pod episode.17:05: The guys then talk about some of their favorite specific memories from the 2021 season, including (with what is the least surprising spoiler of all time) the Ohio State game and Mike closing down the Blissfield McDonald’s on the drive down to Indianapolis for the Big 10 Championship Game.34:30: Next up is an honest discussion of how the guys were feeling when Coach Harbaugh was interviewing with NFL teams in the offseason.38:50: The fellas then discuss their feelings about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments within college football.45:50: The guys then talk about the additions of USC and UCLA to the Big 10.  California dreamin' indeed.55:00: The guys then talk about where the 2021 OSU game ranks in their all time U-M sports rankings.58:30: Are the fellas optimistic for the 2022 season? They are and they talk about why (including the Pride of Northville TOWNSHIP, MI).1:05:00: Are there still reasons for concern with the 2022 season? Of course there are and the guys discuss them head on.1:09:00: Next up: the guys list their top 3 key U-M players for the 2022 season.1:15:00: Like Season 2 Episode 9.5 the fellas then go game by game through Michigan’s schedule and make predictions.1:16:00: Colorado State (including a discussion of the Week 0 tailgate)1:18:00: Hawaii1:19:00: UConn1:21:00: Maryland1:23:20: Iowa1:27:25: Indiana1:30:00: Penn State1:32:00: Michigan State1:36:00: Rutgers1:38:00: Nebraska1:40:40: Illinois1:42:00: Ohio State1:45:45: The fellas give their CFB postseason predictions1:48:48: The guys give their keys as fans to a great season (spoiler: it involves having a great tailgate)

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 7 of Season 3 Mike welcomes his former high school (and still current) broham Chris Allan onto the podcast where they discuss their mutual love of illegal roller blade hockey, high school hoops, the State on MTV and hip hop, with a particular focus on the Wu-Tang Clan.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E7 featuring Mike’s longstanding buddy Chris Allan.1:50: Mike then gives an update on the plan for the rest of Season 3 of the podcast.2:20: Mike moves onto corrections from past episodes, where he comes clean about two monumental mistakes from past episodes (one from S3E4.5 related to Jimi Hendrix and one related to S3E6 (the Lance Havelka Episode)).4:20: Mike then gives listeners an update on what’s been going on with him and it revolves around an emotional fever he caught from Season 4 of the much ballyhooed TV program Virgin River.  Mike then breaks down his top 5 MVPs from Season 4 of the show. 15:15: Mike welcomes Chris Allan into the virtual podcast studio.16:00: Chris then gives the listeners his ENTIRE life story and it’s amazing (including why he is known as the “straw that stirs the drink” at his place of employment).18:55: Chris gives an update on what’s been going on with his family this summer, which involves a HUGE trip to the POINTE (Cedar Pointe).  Chris then tells the story of Mean Streak Henry.22:30: Want to know who Chris’ longest standing friend is?  Listen to this segment.24:30: The guys talk about the last time they hung out in person, which was going to a Pistons game at Little Caesar’s Arena and buying tickets in the “Drinking Row”.26:05: The fellas then trace the origins of their friendship which involves catholic school, hoops, roller blade hockey, hip hop and the TV Show Webster.31:00: Basketball is a shared love for Mike and Chris and they talk about their true athletic glory days of playing hoops at Cabrini High School on some of the best teams in the history of Michigan High School basketball, which never lost to St. Alphonsus.  The guys talk about playing over the summer at Team Camp at Olivet College (where Chris would bring satin sheets like he was a member of royalty) as well as dominating local park courts all over the Detroit area like Kemeny Park and Basketball City.40:40: The guys talk about how they used to love just “driving around” (usually in Dodge Neons) as an activity in high school.44:10: Next up: the guys discuss their shared passion for the MTV Sketch Show from the 90s “The State” and the impact it had on their humor.48:30: The fellas then break down their love of hip hop overall and specifically hip hop group the Wu-Tang Clan and their favorite tracks from that legendary group.1:30:30: Chris then talks about his keys to a good friendship at this point in life.1:32:20: Mike takes Chris through the Rapid Fire Segment where they discuss Chris’ favorite place to eat during senior year of high school open campus lunch, the favorite spots Chris has ever traveled to with his family, Chris’ favorite member of the Bad Boys Pistons, and Chris’ prediction for when the Pistons will win their next NBA Title.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 6 of Season 3 Mike welcomes his friend of many passions and interests, Lance Havelka, onto the podcast.  The guys hit on a range of topics, including their time in Los Angeles, what drew them both back to the Detroit area and their love of the Motor City along with some of its more underrated establishments.  Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E61:45: Mike comes clean on two HUGE corrections from past episodes, including one from S3E4 (the Nick Hopwood Episode) related to financial movies and one from S3E5 (the James Park episode) related to the Kansas hoops player who will live in infamy for getting shot over by Trey Burke in the historic 2013 Sweet 16 victory by Mike’s beloved Michigan Wolverines.4:15: Mike then gives the listeners an update on his holiday to London, England and how amazing it was as well as two huge upcoming weekend trips.6:00: Mike gives some background on this episode’s guest Lance Havelka and, in a tribute to Lance, talks about his favorite underrated Motown song.12:30: Mike welcomes Lance Havelka into the virtual podcast studio.13:20: Lance then tells the listeners about himself and what makes him tick, including an activity by activity breakdown of every day of his life as well as how he grew up in a classic suburban city that had more than ample shopping square footage. 17:00: Lance then talks about gaining an appreciation for whiskey from living in Scotland and became inspired to open his own distillery on the eastside of Detroit named Drexel Small Batch Spirits (www.drexelwhiskey.com).23:45: Lance then breaks down who his oldest friend is and it’s a power trio, all initially formed through the power of sports!30:00: The guys trace the origins of their friendship back in Los Angeles (including how impressed Lance was when Mike got from Downtown Los Angeles to Manhattan Beach solely via public transportation), as well as the last time they saw each other down in Eastern Market in Detroit.39:00: Lance talks about what drew him back to Detroit from Scotland and LA and the origins of his love for the Motor City and the city’s spirit and essence.43:50: The guys go through some of their underrated and underappreciated spots around Detroit they’ve both been together that has served as a real foundation of their friendship.46:30: The Dakota Inn50:10: Tom’s Tavern53:30: The Stonehouse56:00: The Two Way Inn58:20: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge1:02:00: The Raven Lounge1:05:10: Lance breaks down his key to a good friendship.1:07:45 What’s next for Lance and Drexel Spirits?  A LOT1:09:00: Mike takes Lance through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about Lance’s favorite Scotch, his favorite places in Los Angeles, the favorite place he’s ever traveled to that he’d like to get back to, and what keeps him in Detroit.

Send us Fan MailIn S3E5 Mike welcomes his musical good buddy James Park onto the podcast where they discuss their mutual love of college hoops, music, the performance art form that is pub trivia and then take a deep (dish) dive on one of their favorite forms of sustenance: pizza.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E5 featuring Mike’s good buddy James Park.1:30: Mike corrects a major pronunciation error he personally made in Episode 4.5 of Season 3.3:00: Mike talks about what’s going on with him, which essentially doubles as a quick recap of Season 3 so far, including a reference to a recent walkabout he took in his neighborhood, and a hearty thank you to the listener community.6:15: Mike then identifies a classic (literally) song that features an instrument James  knows really, really well in the violin as a tribute to James.10:30: Mike welcomes James Park into the virtual podcast studio.11:35: James gives his life story,  Mike brings up a touchy subject about how the NCAA left his hometown.  James then talks about his passion for music and the violin and why Ann Arbor is a great town for music.17:20: James talks about his oldest and dearest friend (the infamous Rob/Robert) and the guys prove a math equation on friendship.22:45: The guys talk about the last time they saw each other (spoiler alert: it was watching America’s national pastime).26:00: The guys trace the origin of their friendship back to a single event, a very orderly but also fun work party in 2016 and what Mike was wearing to that party (a tuxedo tracksuit).29:30: Mike and James talk a bit about their shared passion for the sport of college hoops, with James’ loyalties lying with a bird and Mike’s with a mammal.  They also get into a piece of memorabilia in Mike’s basement pub that requires a trigger warning for James before he sees it. 35:10: The guys then break down one of their all time favorite activities known as Pub Trivia/Pub Quiz and how their team Prune Tracy (EAT YOUR PRUNES!!) became legends in the late 2010’s around the Eastern Michigan trivia scene.40:40: James throws down the infamous “7 Day Trivia Challenge” to Mike and he…..accepts!44:00: The guys discuss one of their favorite shared foods (a little known delicacy known as pizza), how they fell in love with it, then break down their favorite pizza places they’ve ever been to.  The discussion covers a ton of ground on “pie”, including discussing why New Haven, CT is known as a pizza hotbed, where Mike would get pizza before school dances, where James would get pizza with friends while playing music and why they both love Chicago pizza.48:00: Pizzeria Uno, Overland Park, Kansas49:50: Bricks Pizza, Chicago, IL52:15: Frist Campus Center on the campus of Princeton University in Princeton, NJ54:20: Little Caesars, Allen Park, MI (includes a non-sequitur from James on an amazing Japanese TV show called “Old Enough”)59:00: Koronet Pizza, New York, NY1:02:30: Buddy’s Pizza, Dearborn, MI1:05:20: Modern Apizza, New Haven, CT1:11:20: Frank Pepe’s, New Haven, CT1:13:30: Pequod’s, Chicago, IL1:17:00: James then drops some knowledge as to how to keep a friendship going.1:19:00: James updates the listeners on what he’s excited about coming up in his life.1:21:00: Mike takes James through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about when James' favorite music venues, his top feature of living in Ann Arbor, MI (spoiler alert: it’s not the roads), the trivia topic he feels most comfortable answering (including how he used to con his mom to get Little Debbie snacks in order to learn about US Presidents), and where he’d love to travel to soon that he’s never been to.

Send us Fan MailMike kicks off another classic music-based “Point Fiver” where he discusses one of his favorite kinds of songs: songs based off of other songs aka cover songs aka cover jams. PPW (Poor Pronunciation Warning): Mike attempts to speak Italian and Cantonese in this episode.  Follow the podcast on Twitter at @friendsofmiked Email the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.  Please also rate and review the podcast.  Key moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Episode 4.5 of Season 3.2:10: Mike talks a bit more about the format for this Point Fiver on his favorite cover songs of all time.4:40: Mike breaks down his favorite 20 cover songs of all time.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 4 of Season 3 Mike welcomes his all around solid (and financially savvy) friend Nick Hopwood onto the podcast to discuss travel mishaps around sporting events, a truly epic roaad trip to Miami, FL for the Orange Bowl and their favorite movies involving finance/the markets and why they're each amazing films.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E featuring Mike’s good friend Nick Hopwood.1:50: Mike then corrects some major errors from past episodes, including S3E2 featuring Nick Kacher (specifically about a wrestler left off of the guys’ best wrestlers list, the true inspiration behind one of Nick’s classic failed nicknames, where they guys actually DID eat on their way back from Miami (OH) as well as a mistake from S3E2.5 featuring Ryan Lewin.6:00: Mike then updates the listeners on a HUGE upcoming trip to London that was hugely helped plan by the amazing team at Wanderlark Travel (wanderlark.com) in Ann Arbor, MI.8:30: Mike welcomes Nick Hopwood into the virtual podcast studio.10:45: Nick then gives some background on himself and how he and his family recently moved to the fine city of Plymouth, MI and their new summer house in Pinckney, MI.13:40: Nick then gives the listeners what they want: a deep give about his career in building his own business in Peak Wealth Management (www.peakwm.com).16:20: Mike and Nick talk about how Nick also hosts his own podcast (The Retire WIth Confidence Podcast with Nick and Jim), which the Talking Friendship with Mike D podcast endorses as the TOP personal wealth podcast out there, as well as Peak Wealth’s sponsorship of leading University of Michigan sports fandom blog and podcast Mgoblog.19:00: Nick then talks about who his oldest friend is and what’s made that friendship tick all of that year (GRAUF!).21:30: The guys talk about the last time they saw each other in person which was in Madison, WI for Michigan’s drubbing of the Badgers and how Nick almost never made it out of Milwaukee for the game and then how he almost missed the Orange Bowl due to travel mishaps.29:00: Mike and Nick then trace the origins of their friendship like amateur anthropologists, including joining the legendary IM Flag Football Team and hanging out at Mike’s college house, the BC.33:02: The guys then discuss their epic road trip to Miami, FL to go to the 2000 Orange Bowl, just in time for the Willenium, including touching on Nick’s sweet Nextel cell phone, crashing in a bare bones apartment on hard tile floors, how they had no real set plans, being introduced to Roll Tide, partying with the band Blondie on South Beach on New Year’s Eve 1999, and the legend of of Richard “Rich” Grauf,  44:40: Mike and Nike talk about their feature film debut as actors in a classic, Oscar-nominated motion picture.47:50: The guys then each rank their top 3 favorite movies of all time revolving around the stock market/high finance.  48:30: Glengarry Glen Ross50:20: Boiler Room54:00: Wall Street57:20: The Big Short1:00:25: The Wolf of Wall Street1:03:00: Quicksilver1:06:05: Nick gives his key to a good friendship1:07:20: Mike takes Nick through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about Nick’s favorite place to eat as a kid in Haslett, MI, favorite place to get late night food during undergrad at the University of Michigan, his all time favorite University of Michigan sports moment, and how he has a dream to take his family to Hopwood, England.1:09:50: Nick turns the tables on Mike and asks him about Mike’s former main nickname of Danny Boy.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 3 of Season 3 Mike welcomes top notch Englishman and dear friend Ian Haynes onto the Podcast for an international discussion of philosophy, soccer/football, music, refreshments and of course, friendship.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E3 featuring Mike’s good friend Ian Haynes.1:30: Mike corrects a major omission from S3E1’s discussion of Park Ave in Allen Park, MI and S1E4 guest John Baker.  Mike tries to mend a broken friendship fence with John.3:15: Mike gives the listeners an update on what’s going on with him, including getting outside more AND getting hooked on the amazing new HBO show “We Own This City” from the creators of the Wire.5:15: Mike introduces this episode’s guest Ian Haynes and discusses one of Ian and Mike’s mutually favorite musicians in English rocker Billy Bragg.10:45: Mike welcomes Ian into the actual podcast studio where gives some background on Ian Haynes, the Man, his family, his origins in England and his precocious dog Biggles.15:45: Ian talks about his best friend over the years (Nigel) and what’s kept their friendship going and how he’s Ian’s anchor for his “northerness”.17:10: The guys talk about the last time they saw each other as well as their initial connection via the famed Ann Arbor Mug Club (and it’s one by-law).23:30: Ian gives his philosophy on beer and the local beer scene (spoiler alert: he has strong opinions).25:50: The guys talk about a recent field trip down to one of their favorite Detroit-based activities: Detroit City FC soccer and fowling in Hamtramck.27:15: Mike and Ian then transition into discussing one of their true shared passions: soccer/football.29:55: Ian goes over how he became a supporter of his favorite soccer club: Oldham Athletic.35:20: Mike gives the listeners the backstory behind how he became a Tottenham fan.40:00: The guys then proceed to count down each of their top 5 favorite soccer players in their lives and why.40:40: Colin Bell44:40: Jurgen Klinsman47:50: Eric Cantona52:50: Alexi Lalas56:40: George Best1:00:15: Landon Donovan1:04:30: Denis Irwin1:08:30: Son Heung-min1:10:30: Andy Ritchie1:15:30: Harry Kane1:18:45: Ian then gives his key to a good friendship.  What an answer it is!1:20:30: Mike takes Ian through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about Ian’s favorite beers, favorite spots to eat in the Ann Arbor/Saline area, and where he wants to travel next with his wife Jane.

Send us Fan MailMike kicks off the first “Point Fiver” of season 3.  This one involves Season 1 Episode 2 guest Ryan Lewin and Mike’s shared love of the band Bleachers and their catalog of catchy, heartfelt and inspirational pop-rock/indie-pop/amazing jams.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Episode 2.52:00: Mike comes clean on a mistake from the previous episode (S3E2 featuring Nick Kacher) about the inspiration for Nick Kacher’s very popular (and still to this day frequently used) nickname “Special K”.5:15: Mike goes over what a Point Fiver is.6:50: Mike welcomes Ryan Lewin into the virtual podcast studio for this special Point Fiver episode.8:00: Ryan gives a quick life update on what’s been going with him since he last appeared on the podcast.12:00: The guys talk about their epic road trip to Lincoln, NE in the fall of 2021 to see a football game and strengthen their friendship.14:30: Mike and Ryan then shift to the main topic of this Point Fiver: music and the band Bleachers, including key background on the band you can find nowhere else on the Internet.19:45: The guys then go through each of their top 7 Bleachers songs via a draft. 14 songs total.  And they’re all…..amazing!

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 2 of Season 3 Mike welcomes long time friend and trained wrestler Nick Kacher to the podcast to discuss a myriad of non-controversial but still edgy topics like nicknames, rollerblading in Ohio and wrestling.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3EE featuring Mike’s good friend Nick Kacher1:45: Mike teases the next episode of the podcast, which will be a Point Fiver!2:45: Mike corrects a major error by his sister Colleen Tate in S3E1.3:50: Mike then gives an update on his beloved Tottenham Hotspur Football (Soccer) Club.6:50: Mike then gives a short intro of this episode’s guest Nick Kacher.8:10: Mike welcomes Nick into the virtual podcast studio.9:05: The guys discuss the origins of an old nickname for Mike D that Nick and a few others still refer to him as (DBoy).10:00: Nick gives some background on himself as a person, including his life in Grand Rapids, MI and a bit about his youth in Iowa, including having to give up a burgeoning political career to move to Michigan.15:50: Nick then talks about what’s been going on with him lately, including getting swole in his home gym as well as forcing his children and elderly father to exercise with him, watching his daughter crush it in youth soccer and a tradition known as Doughnuts and Documentaries.21:30: Nick talks about the friends he’s been friends with longest and what’s made those friendships survive, including what it was like to move states and change schools as an 8th grader (it includes getting hit in the head with a can of Coke).27:45: The guys talk about the last time they hung out in person and the penultimate time they hung out in person, along with their good friends (and U-M football greats) Charles Woodson and Jake Long.  They also discuss how the (not so) popular app Voxer keeps Nick and Mike in close contact (along with their friends Eric Lemieur (S2E6 guest) and Mike Cygan (S2E9.5.5 guest)).33:25: The guys discuss the birth of their friendship back in the late 90’s.43:00: Mike and Nick then discuss party hopping after a tough Michigan football loss their sophomore year with some buddies on the team and dealing with some obstacles.45:50: Mike and Nick talk about playing actual football on the Michigan Stadium turf with their buddy Bill Alexander (S2E10 Guest).47:10: The guys then talk about a road trip down to Oxford, OH to watch Nick wrestle that involves a crazy rollerblader in Wapakoneta, OH.51:00: Nick talks about his memories of living in the famed BC house (341 E. Jefferson) in Ann Arbor, MI during college with Mike.56:45: Mike and Nick talk about Nick’s attempts to create not one (Stroller) but two (Special K) nicknames for himself and how poorly this worked out.59:35: Mike and Nick go DEEP on the sport of wrestling and Nick’s passion for it.1:06:00: The guys then count down their top 5 favorite wrestlers of all time.1:06:50: Tom Brands1:08:00: Koko B. Ware1:11:00: Ryan Bertin and Andy Hrovat1:12:45: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan1:16:40: Dan Gable1:19:20: The Ultimate Warrior1:23:40: Cael Sanderson1:25:45: Randy “Macho Man” Savage1:31:00: Jordan Burroughs1:33:40: Hulk Hogan1:40:30: Nick gives his philosophy on being a great friend1:44:20: Nick talks about what he’s looking forward to coming up in his life.1:45:20: Mike takes Nick through the (not so) Rapid Fire Segment, including Nick’s favorite spots in the state of Iowa, Jerks vs Gents golf, Nick’s signature wrestling move and his favorite activities to do with his kids.

Send us Fan MailIn the Season 3 Premier Mike welcomes his sister (and friend) Colleen Tate onto the podcast for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about growing up down the hall from each other and of course friendship.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S3E1 featuring Mike’s younger sister Colleen Tate.1:35: Mike then introduces the plan for Season 3.3:40: Mike then goes on to NOT correct any past mistakes (which was the result of negotiations w/ the podcast staff).4:45: Mike talks the single greatest public transit option in the history of the world: the D2A2 connector from Ann Arbor to Detroit and vice versa.6:50: Mike discusses a TV show he just cranked through named “Chad” that is guaranteed to make you really laugh but also learn about life.8:30: Mike gives some background on this episode’s guest and pays her tribute as his sister through choosing a song to best encapsulate her essence.13:55: Mike welcomes his sister Colleen into the virtual podcast studio with a classic joke he’s been making for years.15:50: Colleen gives some background on herself, basically telling her entire life story and puts her brother on blast for originally being an MSU Spartan fan.20:10: Colleen then talks about her two friends she’s been friends with the longest and why their friendship has thrived all of these years.24:20: Mike and Colleen discuss the last time they saw each other in person including how well behaved Colleen’s sons were in Church, the absence of the Cabrini Church Cry Room and how a couple of young parishioners were really owning their recent First Communion Tribute March.28:00: Mike and Colleen talk about whether you can still call a meal “brunch” if it starts at 2:00 pm.29:00: Mike and Colleen then discuss their first memories of each other, including a vicious He-Man/She-Ra toy rivalry.31:00: Mike and Colleen then go through some of their favorite shared memories from their youth, starting with their dad Bill sanctioning a game of catch with a hardball that was not authorized by their mom Janet while “babysitting” his children.34:05: Christmas in the Daniel household is recounted in hilarious detail by Mike and Colleen, including their parents’ approach to wrapping presents from Santa (e.g. very little effort in the wrapping but amazing effort in the gift procurement department) as well as how they both learned that Santa is (likely) not a current person alive in North Pole via some fake cousins (likely) hired from Craig’s List.40:00:  Mike and Colleen go deep on school uniforms at St. Francis Cabrini as well as forced recess.42:25: Mike and Colleen then discuss their memories of hanging out at Camp Dearborn with their families as kids, which involved playing with very little adult supervision, smelly slides and tons of great memories.47:00: Mike and Colleen then go DEEP on their favorite streets in the all-American town of Allen Park, MI. Warning: if you’ve never been to AP this segment will make you feel like you grew up there yourself.48:25: Quandt Ave50:40: Reeck Road53:20: Rose Dr55:30: Andrews Ave57:00: Park Ave1:02:00: Champaign Rd1:04:00: Wick Rd1:05:05: Englewood Ave1:08:40: McLain Ave1:11:00: Colleen then discusses her philosophy on being a good friend as an adult.1:12:00: Mike takes Colleen through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about her favorite place to eat in Allen Park as a kid (Mama Mia’s), her favorite vacations as kids (including how their dad got the nickname “Caption Man”), her favorite spot to grab food while a student at MSU, and her favorite activities with her sons, her favorite nicknames for her sons and ideal vacation spot for her family.

Send us Fan MailMike kicks off a special off-season “point fiver” where he both gives an off-season update on his extremely exciting life, including on the high points that happened since the summer of 2021, touches on the plan for Season 3 and then discusses his top 10 favorite songs from 2021.  Follow the podcast on Twitter at @friendsofmiked Email the podcast with any questions or requests at [email protected] Please subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.  Please also rate and review the podcast.  I’d really appreciate it and the podcast staff would appreciate it.Key moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Episode 10.5.2:15: Mike clears the air on the fact this is technically still an episode from Season 2 and then discusses the plan for Season 3.4:15: Mike provides an update on what’s been going on with the Podcast since the most recent episode (S2E12) which dropped in the late summer of 2021, including staff moving on for various reasons, the Fall 2021 college football season, Tottenham soccer, Michigan basketball and 9:30: Mike talks about the format of this Point Fiver11:30: Mike breaks down his favorite 10 songs of 2021.

Send us Fan MailIn the Season 2 Finale (Episode 10) Mike welcomes his old dorm and college friend Bill Alexander into the virtual podcast studio for a rousing conversation about friendship and many other key life topics.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to Season 2 Episode 10, the Season 2 Finale.2:45: Mike corrects a few embarrassingly large mistakes from some recent episodes, including messing up a very basic video game code from the Nintendo game Contra.5:20: Mike then gives the listeners an update on what’s been going on with him, including reciting an original poem titled “Ode to Tailgating” and then reflecting on Season 2 of the podcast and what it’s meant to him and the staff.11:40: Mike welcomes the pride of Forest Hills Central High School, Bill Alexander, into the virtual podcast studio for a rousing conversation on friendship and life.12:35: Bill gives the listeners a little background on himself and why he may be Grand Rapids’ #1 citizen as well as what he’s been doing recently, which is really project-based.  The guys also talk axe throwing.17:10: Bill then breaks down the home arcade in his basement, which is amazing and the guys talk about some old video game battles, including Bill utilizing Christian Laettner to take Mike down.19:00: Bill talks about a few of his oldest friends from growing up and what’s kept their friendship going.20:40: Bill and Mike talk about the last time they hung in person, which was over a Michigan/MSU game at the Crisler Center with S1E1 Guest Todd Pretty.  Bill also references why he had to head back to Grand Rapids early to intimidate his daughter’s date.23:40: The guys then retrace the origin of their friendship, including how Bill used to play the game Yahtzee for blood and a daring cross-campus bicycle ride.29:50: Next up is going through some of Mike and Bill’s favorite memories of their friendship, starting with pledging the ultra exclusive and prestigious Pi Kappa Phi fraternity along with living in the fraternity house their Sophomore year.35:00: The guys then discuss moving into the famed “BC” college house (located at 341 E. Jefferson) and “unleashing the Co-Op”.39:45: The guys discuss some legendary pickup hoops game during college as well as their 5’10 and under IM team that multiple people talk about to this day that truly showed no mercy to their opponents.43:00: the fellas touch on the Raiders flag football team that featured Bill’s custom playbook.45:00: The guys then discuss moving to the Windy City after college and their creative use of the intercom system at the apartment on Southport, as well as how Bill’s original plan was to instead move to Wilmington, NC to be an extra on the TV show Dawson’s Creek.48:40: Bill gives his philosophy on what makes a good friendship tick and what he’s excited about at the moment.51:45: Mike takes Bill through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about Bill’s favorite activities with his daughters, his favorite thing about Grand Rapids, MI, his favorite party games and how he embraces awkwardness while playing, his favorite brewery in GR, and Bill’s  prediction for Michigan hoops in 2021/2022.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 9.5.5 of Season 2 Mike talks 2021 NFL football, with a focus on the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears with  two dear friends: Season 2 Episode 2 Guest Zach Williams and first time guest Mike Cygan.   The level of NFL knowledge in this episide is immense (as is the friendship on display!).Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S2E9.5.5 featuring Mike’s good friends Zach Williams (S2E2 Guest) and Mike Cygan.2:20: Mike gives an update about resolving a set of grievances from the Podcast staff.3:45: Mike then lays out the plan for the rest of this episode, including giving a little background on this episode’s guests Zach and Mike.7:00: Mike welcomes Zach Williams and Mike Cygan into the Virtual Podcast Studio.  Zach gives an update on how his life has changed since last coming on as a guest and Mike gives a quick intro about himself. The guys then talk a bit about a recent Chicago Cubs game they attended together, including post-gaming at the famous Nisei Lounge on Clark St in Wrigleyville as well as the Cygan family’s new “party porch”.11:30: Mike then lays out the plan for the rest of the episode.12:30: The guys tell the story about how they came to love their respective NFL teams, including playing Tecmo Bowl to build fandom back in the day as well as Mike D admitting he even kind of liked the 85 Bears.22:30: The guys then tell the story of their favorite games for their teams they’ve attended in person, with Mike Cygan admitting his son is currently a Ravens fan, Zach talking about how his wife Debbi stepped up when none of his dude friends would, and Mike D taunting Bears fans in Soldier Field over strategic punting.34:45: The fellas quickly reflect on the 2020 Season.37:25: Next up are reasons for optimism for the 2021 Season.44:30: The guys list their top 3 players who need to step up for their teams to have a successful season.48:00: The fellas then break down their key position group for their teams for 2021.49:10: The guys go game by game through the Lions and Bears’ schedules and predict their record.  Talk about some well reasoned prognostications!1:08:30: The guys then predict the playoff teams in both the NFC and AFC as well as who will win the Super Bowl.1:13:00: The guys finish things up by talking about their favorite pre-game traditions before NFL football.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 9.5 of Season 2 Mike leads another Point Fiver, this time on the topic of college football, his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines, and, of course, friendship.  Joining Mike for this spirited conversation are two top notch Wolverines (and friends): Season 1 Episode 11 Guest Tim Horvath (@timhorvath on Twitter) as well as first time guest Chad Massey (@cmassey99 on Twitter).Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S2E9.5 featuring Mike’s good friends Tim Horvath (S1E11 Guest) and Chad Massey.1:45: Mike lays out the plan for the rest of Season 2 and gives a brief background on the concept of the Point Fiver episode format.5:30: Mike welcomes Tim Horvath and Chad Massey into the Virtual Podcast Studio, welcoming back Tim and welcoming Chad for the first time.  Tim gives an update on some challenging health news for his family but his spirits remain high while Chad tells his life story and it is quite gripping.13:00: The guys each tell the story of how they came to love college football and the Michigan Wolverines (spoiler alert: it’s been a very different journey for all three), including how Mike D was originally a HUGE MSU Spartan fan.21:50: The guys then talk about their love of the college football-adjacent tradition of tailgating and how it’s a true art.23:10: The guys tell the oral histories behind their favorite home and road games they ever attended.  If you didn’t attend these particular games (or even remember then) listening to these stories will make you feel like you were there.46:20: Next up for the guys is an autopsy of the terrible 2020 season.  Warning: this is a real low point in the episode.51:00: The guys then turn to the 2022 Season and their reasons for optimism this year.  And there are many!56:40: The guys then choose their three key players to make or break the 2022 season.1:01:30: The fellas then turn to their key position group for the 2022 season.1:02:30: The guys give their game-by-game predictions for the Wolverines this season.  Of these three sets of predictions Mike D’s are probably the most accurate.1:29:45: The guys then give their Big Ten East and West Champions as well as overall Big Ten Champs.1:31:00: Next up are the guys’ predictions for the College Football Playoff and overall champion.1:33:30: The guys finish up by naming their favorite food and beverage item at a college football tailgate.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 9 of Season 2 Mike welcomes his old friend from McLain Ave Kyle Urek to the podcast where they discuss little league baseball diamonds and ice cream traditions, an amazing math teacher & their love of snacks.Follow the podcast on Twitter: @friendsofmikedEmail the podcast at [email protected] moments from the pod: 0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S2E9 featuring Kyle Urek.2:30: Mike celebrates another MAJOR milestone for the podcast, which includes crossing the 2.5K download threshold.3:20: Corrections from Episodes 8 (Eric Metz) and 8.5 (the Point Fiver on 80s Action/Adventure Movies).  Mike deeply apologizes to the entire Detroit Pistons organization, Hip Hop Artist Nelly, and step brothers/half brothers for different but equally offensive mistakes.6:50: Mike updates the listeners on what’s been going on with him, which involves donating blood through the American Red Cross and their extremely strong snack game.8:30: In honor of this episode’s guest Kyle Urek (a top notch accountant) Mike reveals his favorite song about cash money.13:30: Mike welcomes S2E9 Guest Kyle Urek onto the podcast.14:35: Kyle gives some background on himself, including his involvement with the Gleaners Food Bank and his childhood dream of becoming an accountant.18:50: Kyle then gives the latest on what’s going on with him during the summer of 2021, which involves a trip to Hawaii, where they utilized the famed Janet Daniel airport shuttle service to get to and from the airport.22:25: Kyle then talks about his longest running friendship and what’s made it last all of these years.24:10: Mike and Kyle talk about the last time they saw each other, which was over cornhole that included another former podcast guest.27:20: Mike and Kyle then trace the origins of their friendship, which are very windy and old and involve little league baseball.  They also talk about how Kyle’s dad kept Moneyball-level stats for each kid on their team.30:45: Mike and Kyle discuss the joy of growing up in a town like Allen Park, MI.  They also discuss the quite painful game “9 Lives” they played as kids.33:15: The guys discuss another family of kids they spent a significant amount of time with growing up (the Guerrerio family) and how 7 kids could all fit in a midsize car to get home from school.35:00: Mike brings up his memories of the amazing snack game at the Urek household growing up.36:30: The guys discuss their love of Nintendo games, including Contra, Zelda, and Double Dribble as well as the architectural differences between Kyle and Mike’s houses growing up and how that impacted allowable noise levels during video game playing.39:45: The guys discuss the different baseball diamonds they grew up playing on in Allen Park as kids and they get DEEP on the topic.43:30: The guys then break down the legendary ice cream wars that were taking place in Allen Park back in the late 80s and 90s.45:45: Mike brings up that Kyle’s family were the first family in Allen Park, maybe the entire United States, to have access to the Internet via Prodigy.49:00: The guys then discuss their Honors Math Class taught by legendary Mrs. Coats at Cabrini Grade School.52:20: The guys then reminisce about marching in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Honor Corps aka the “Nerd Corps”.54:05: Kyle then tells the listeners what the key to a good friendship is in his eyes.56:15: Kyle breaks down some things he’s excited about in the next few months.58:00: Mike takes Kyle through the (not so) Rapid Fire segment, including talking about Kyle’s favorite snack from growing up, his favorite activity at his family cottage, his favorite things to do activity-wise with his daughter, and his all-time favorite University of Michigan sports memories.