Shows
My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 44 - Patric Young - Basketball Star and Public Speaker on Hope and SurvivalFrom the heights of collegiate basketball success to the depths of a Nebraska roadside ditch, Patric's life experience will encourage anyone who is wrestling with hope. Mike and Patric talk basketball, coachability, family, identity, about the accident that robbed Patric of the ability to walk, and the journey forward. Strength, courage, pain and positivity feature prominently.@freedtolaugh on IG2025-07-301h 20My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 43 - John Delaney - Former Mayor and University and College PresidentToo many firsts to name! Historic Jacksonville Mayor who preserved land, invested in infrastructure and pursued innovative ways to understand and represent everyone - not just those who voted for him. Public University and Private College President - who won over critics who initially saw him as not "enough of an academic." And, before all that, Chief Assistant State Attorney, City General Counsel and Mayoral Chief of Staff. Curiosity, reaching across the aisle, humility, and kindness feature prominently in this episode.@freedtolaugh on IG2025-07-071h 08My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 42 - Adam Lehman - President and CEO of Hillel InternationalAdam took the helm of Hillel, the world's leading Jewish student organization, just months before the Pandemic. So, there has been no shortage of crises for the man who heads an organization that counts 180,000 Jewish students in 850 colleges and universities as its constituency. Mike and Adam get into how the lawyer, turned entrepreneur, turned playwright, and oh yeah a capella singer, brings problem- solving, creativity, technology, empathy and good humor to bear in leading in unusually divisive times. Listening, learning, and laughing feature prominently.@freedtolaugh on IG2025-05-191h 06My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 41 - Comedian/Actress - Helen HongAfter her debut performance as a fairy in elementary school, Helen didn't perform again for decades. She has been on a pretty good tear ever since - playing memorable characters in Jane the Virgin, Never Have I Ever, booking her first commercial (Comcast Cable) and then her first acting audition: a Coen Brothers classic, becoming a regular on NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell me, and hosting her own game show, Go Fact Yourself -- meanwhile entertaining comedy audiences across the country with a unique brand of quirky, expressive, edginess and well-crafted jokes. The immigrant exper...2025-05-121h 12My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 40 - Seth Miller - Executive Director - Innocence Project of Florida.Seth and Mike talk, growing up Jewish with the shadow of the Holocaust front and center and how, for Seth, this permeated his DNA and his being and drew him to innocence work. The Bone Valley Murder, college protests, and passion feature prominently.@freedtolaugh on IG2025-05-021h 03My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 39 - Comedian Lee HardinA touring theatre comedian out of Nashville, Tennessee, Lee has two successful DryBar comedy specials.Mike and Lee talk, comedy entrepreneurship, creating opportunities vs. being angry about the opportunities that don't come, television work, upbringing, lacking luxury but being provided for and encouraged, and growth.@freedtolaugh on IG2025-02-141h 02My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 38 - A. Zachary Faison - HBCU PresidentThe millennial president is on this episode. He became the 30th president of Edward Waters College, now University, in 2018. Since then he’s shaken things up for EWU and the entire HBCU world. He is enthusiastic, thoughtful, demanding of himself and others, and above all passionate. Want to find out how he got that way? Check it out!@freedtolaugh on IG2025-02-0358 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 37 - Alex Ebert - Bloomberg NewsWhen it comes to news reporting, Alex Ebert is at the same time a throwback to old school journalism and a foreshadowing of what newsrooms are becoming. Perspective, exuberance, how stories impact the lives of real people and the judicial process, learning from mistakes, pursuing passion, and work life balance. This episode has it all.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-12-031h 01My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 36 - College President Tim CostThis episode is all about leadership and service. No one better exemplifies both than the man who has led at the highest levels of PepsiCo, Eastman Kodak, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and now his own alma mater (and Mike”s too), Jacksonville University. Passion, encouragement and loyalty feature prominently.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-10-2157 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 35 - Samantha Rose FreedYou asked for it, you got it: a larger dose of the reality show that is produced for an audience of two in the home of a 56 year old comedian/lawyer and his 15 year old daughter. This episode gives you a taste of the bantar, sarcasm, sharing, exploring and compassion that occurs daily in the home of two people from very different generations. You will be as captivated by the intellect and candor of my sweet Samantha Rose as I am each day!@freedtolaugh on IG2024-10-1428 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 34 - Comedian Claude StuartFrom "The Tonight Show" to "Last Comic Standing" - from appearances on "That 70's Show," ""Scrubs," "Will & Grace," and "Agent Carter," - and from commercials for Honda, Heineken, Doritos and even Midol -- there is no shortage of firsts to discuss. This high energy conversation covers a bunch. From his upbringing in Greenville, Mississippi to the comedy stage and everything in between, you don't want to miss a minute of the Prince of Self-Deprecation.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-10-1058 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 33 – Boston Marathon Race Director – Dave McGillivrayDave joins Mike to talk about the challenges and failures that inspired him to run over 3,400 miles --- coast to coast – in 80 days, run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days, and to do triathlons every day for 32 days – all to raise money and awareness for charities!!! His accomplishments, and impact through inspiration, too great to list. “His Game, His Rules!” “Accomplisher!” “Relevant!” And he does it all at 5 foot, 4 inches and change. @freedtolaugh on IG2024-07-1550 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 32 – Exoneree / Football Player – Brian BanksAs portrayed in the Hollywood feature film, “Brian Banks,” Brian was destined for football stardom when he was wrongfully accused of sexual assault and took his lawyer’s advice to plead “no contest.” He spent the next six years in prison only to be exonerated when his accuser confessed to lying. Brian shares with Mike how he persevered, continued to dream and to realize dreams. This episode is about system failures, tenacity, and the value of being heard and helping others to be heard.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-06-151h 32My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 31 — Comedian Michael Palascak He’s performed on The Tonight Show, Letterman, Colbert, James Corden, Craig Fergusson and was a finalist on Last Comic standing.Michael shares how making the family laugh around the dinner table and the encouragement of his parents gave him the confidence and patience to build a successful career as a Touring Stand-up Comedian. Lot’s of great insight from one of the nicest guys in the comedy business.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-05-231h 01My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 30 - Kate Snow - Television JournalistGet to know one of the consummate television news journalists of our day, her history, her heart and her approach to relaying the news and exploring personalities, stories and issues with compassion and objectivity. @freedtolaugh on IG2024-05-0359 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 29 - Marc Pollina - Author - The Boston Marathon HandbookAn informative and fun conversation about the unique piece of Americana and running lure that is The Boston Marathon. Marc talks to Mike about his first Boston in 2003 as a Bandit, 17 Bostons since, fun facts about the race, the importance in finding beauty in imperfection and the intrinsic value of a beautiful question. This episode is for runners and non-runners alike!@freedtolaugh on IG2024-03-221h 01My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 28 - Dr. John Oertle, Chief Medical Director at Envita Medical Centers in ArizonaIf you or someone you know is battling cancer, you won’t want to miss this episode with Dr. John Oertle - a leading expert in advanced precision medicine and the Chief Medical Director at Envita Medical Centers in Arizona specializing in individualized outcome-based care models for chronic disease and integrative oncology. Mike and Dr. Oertle talk cancer genomics, immunotherapy, and even chronic Lyme disease. Find out why and what traditional medicine can miss on this episode of My First Rodeo. @freedtolaugh on IG2024-02-261h 00My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 27 - Boston Marathon Champion Jack FultzBoston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz sits down with Mike to lay out what it takes to win; the differences between success and winning and between competition and enemies. Fultz lays out the formula to use a platform for the greater good and the psychology behind the athlete. You don’t want to miss these insights from the winner of the “run for the hoses.”@freedtolaugh on IG2024-01-2956 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 26 - Rodeo Stars Herbert and Marcus TheriotMike chats with two generations of actual rodeo royalty. Listen in to a conversation about practice, hard work, relationships, role models and family in an ageless sport where winning is the ultimate goal. And join Mike to celebrate the first season of the My First Rodeo Podcast.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-01-1559 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 25 - Comedian Rio ParisComedy, TV, movies and even battle rapping - Rio Paris does it all with excellence.In this episode, Rio and Mike talk about the best comedy advice, how to be kind and successful and how parenting changes everything.@freedtolaugh on IG2024-01-0141 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 24 - Ultra Marathoner Jay BirminghamMeet the man who ran without any support from California to New York in just over 71 days. He then set the record for running Badwater - 147 miles in 73 hours. And then ran through 26 states in 147 days straight. Mike and Jay Chat about momentum, the importance of being unrelenting and why it’s best to order the food that a restaurant serves most!@freedtolaugh on IG2023-12-181h 01My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 23 - Comedy Club Guru Fred PozinThe business of comedy is on tap as we dive into the hilarious and unpredictable world of club ownership with guest Fred Pozin, the long time owner of The Comedy Zone. We talk about the unique demands of comedians, from quirky rider requests, working with SNL comics and the rises and falls of comedy careers. Fred shares captivating stories of working with legendary comedians, navigating the changing landscape of the comedy industry, and the impact of social media and technology on comedy consumption. Join us as we take a side-splitting journey through the hig...2023-11-271h 04My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 22 - US Congressman Aaron BeanToday on the Podcast we have Congressman Aaron Bean, a rising star in Florida politics. We reflect on Aaron's journey from being the youngest mayor in Fernandina Beach history to his current role as a U.S. Congressman. They discuss Aaron's approach to politics, his unique use of humor, and his commitment to serving his constituents. Aaron shares insights on the challenges of bipartisan cooperation and the power dynamics in the House of Representatives. We also chat about Aaron's diverse interests, his support of Mike’s upcoming charity run, and the important role Aaron...2023-11-1338 minMy First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 21 - Ezra Freeman - Star of "The Real Love Boat"Ezra Freeman is a viral social media influencer and so much more. An actress, a tv star and a brand ambassador! She wraps them all into a bundle of energy and authenticity that is inspiring. Learn about what makes her tick, what inspires her, how the world rewards her positivity and her amazing story of finding her birth family in the Country of Georgia after being trapped at sea for 67 days.@freedtolaugh on IG2023-10-301h 10My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 20 - Actor / Comedian Michael SiegelMichael Siegel is a familiar face from the stage, memorable commercials and the big screen, including cult classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space. Mike and Michael talk about their “first rodeo” together - the national tour of Camelot in the early 80’s, and Siegel’s many first rodeos since including comedy, circus, and immersive theater. @freedtolaugh on IG2023-10-161h 14My First Rodeo PodcastEpisode 19 - Mohamedou Ould SlahiMohamedou Ould Slahi was taken from his home in Mauritania, imprisoned and tortured for over 14 years in Guantanamo Bay and Jordan, wrongfully suspected of being the mastermind of the September 11 attacks on the United States. He was ultimately exonerated and went on to publish his account in Guantanamo Diary and to have his story told in the Hollywood Blockbuster, “the Mauritanian.” Despite it all, he is filled with love, kindness and even forgiveness and a commitment to democracy and freedom. You don’t want to skip this episode.@freedtolaugh on IG2023-10-021h 11