"Middle-Aged Men On…" is a podcast that offers unique reflections, commentary, and genuine laughs on topics accessible to all listeners, but mainly anyone who knows, is friends with, and loves a middle-aged man. A twist: some episodes feature titles with
The Men welcome in the latest member of the MAMO 3-Timers Club, Matt, to discuss the origins of the video game industry up through the early 2000's. Nerd out with this former mall video game store clerk who would later make it all the way to Electronic Arts and EA Sports. From the arcade to the basement console, Pong to Pac Man, Tecmo to Madden and everywhere in between, enjoy this nostalgic trip (with fun sound effects)!
Before we do a deeper dive into the evolution of video games, consoles and the industry itself...learn a little more about Matt, the newest member of the MAMO 3-Timers Club! In this entertaining 10-minute discussion, you'll feel his passion for video games that led to a job with Electronic Arts (EA) in San Francisco and Vancouver. Matt shares a bit about his journey, the culture at EA, and some of the games he worked on as part of the iconic company. This mini-sode is just a teaser for what's coming next...nerding out on pure nostalgia!
The Men welcome back the first member of the 3-Timers Club as Kelly McFarland, Ph.D. leads listeners through the history of the conflict in the Middle East that stems back generations. A foreign policy and diplomacy expert from Georgetown University, Dr. McFarland contextualizes the current state-of-affairs, explains the nuances as only he can, as well as the key players involved. Get educated in this two-part episode! Part 2 covers the 1960's through present day (December of 2023).
The Men welcome back the first member of the 3-Timers Club as Kelly McFarland, Ph.D. leads listeners through the history of the conflict in the Middle East that stems back generations. A foreign policy and diplomacy expert from Georgetown University, Dr. McFarland contextualizes the current state of affairs, explains the nuances as only he can, as well as the key players involved. Get off social media and get educated in this two-part episode!
Settle in for Part 2 as the Men examine the fanatical history and memorabilia of the Michigan "super fan" and celebrity who has been featured on HBO documentaries, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and other outlets.
The Men are back for Season 4 and kicking things off on Thanksgiving Eve to talk about the holiday, its origins and traditions, including that other side dish - pigskin. Gene and Dave are joined by a special guest who has been featured on HBO documentaries, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and many other outlets. Stick around for Part 2 to hear all about the "super fan" of Michigan athletics as well as predictions for the 2023 edition of THE Game.
In the epic conclusion to the MAMO Disney trilogy, Gene and Dave travel south together with their families in tow. Listen as The Men document their time battling busy airports, hunting Baby Yoda at Hollywood Studios, delivering 11 foot-long hot dogs through a sea of humanity at Magic Kingdom, and surviving hellish temperatures (per usual) at Animal Kingdom. There were laughs, tears, celebrity sightings and more, so grab some comfy walking shoes and enjoy this one!
At the height of the annual basketball season, Gene (age 43) finally sits down to watch the movie "Hoosiers." The Men, joined by Dave's son Andrew (also a Hoosiers first-timer), podcast during the epic final scene and share reflections on signature moments, favorite characters, and the movie's place on the all-time list in the genre. Enjoy this mini-sode...but don't get caught watching the paint dry!
Listen to the full episode for more from Life and Leadership Coach Dave O'Connor.
In a serendipitous episode of MAMO, The Men welcome on Dave O'Connor, a life and leadership coach, to talk through mid-life career changes and finding purpose. Listen and thank us later for a free, 50-minute coaching session! Note: Rated Mature for some language
Did you know Dave was once a high school guidance counselor in Indiana back in 2004-05? It's true, and one of his former students (who he hasn't seen in almost 20 years!) stops by to talk dropping out of grad school and making a go at stand-up comedy down in Atlanta. Stick around for a Dad Joke battle between Gene and Dave toward the end of the episode. You be the judge who wins!
Gene and Dave are joined by repeat guest "The Dizz" on Friday the 13th to discuss the origins of some of the most well-known (or not) superstitions. The Men also explore interesting and bizarre superstitions from the world of sports, and share a few of their own traditions and routines that have brought them good luck over the years. Don't tempt fate...listen today!
The Men are back in Season 3 and kicking off 2023 with their own resolutions and "words of the year" that will best represent their mindset heading forward. You'll also get a little history lesson on the tradition and hear the debut of a new theme song.
The Men look back on 50 episodes including some memorable moments, fascinating guests, a few what ifs and a look at what the future holds for this podcast. Stick around until the end for some fun surprises as past guests share their well-wishes and congratulations to Dave and Gene. There will be laughs, there will be tears, there will be golf, and there will be beers. Cheers to 50!
Dave and Gene tap music expert and co-host of 2 Twins & An Album, "Nubs," for the guest spot as the Men discuss growing up in the MTV generation and what it meant for middle-aged human beings. Learn about the fascinating rise and fall of the network in the first 20 minutes of the podcast, and then enjoy a walk down memory lane of music videos of yesterday, from well-known to forgettable (until now!), all broken down into the following categories: Game-changing, Comical, Scary, and Babes.
The Men are joined by the head of sports marketing & partnerships for PepsiCo., Justin Toman, to talk sports marketing strategy, Left Shark and other Super Bowl halftime shows, and the time he beat out Tom Brady for a collegiate honor. "Comin' real, it's the next episode." — Dr. Dre
On Holy Saturday, the Men are joined by old friend and current pastor of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Rev. Paul Dickerson. In Part 1, learn about Paul's incredible journey from Oakland County prosecutor in Detroit to preacher in the Midwest. You will be inspired by his story, his mission, and his example of servant leadership. Part 2 dives deeper into God, the relevance of faith in our every day lives, mega-churches, and some laughs with a spirited round of "Rapid Fire."
On Holy Saturday, the Men are joined by old friend and current pastor of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Rev. Paul Dickerson. In Part 1, learn about Paul's incredible journey from Oakland County prosecutor in Detroit to preacher in the Midwest. You will be inspired by his story, his mission, and his example of servant leadership. Part 2 dives deeper into God, the relevance of faith in our every day lives, mega-churches, and some laughs with a spirited round of "Rapid Fire."
Gene heads to Augusta, Georgia with three buddies (brother Brian, "Cue", and Dave...not that Dave, another one) to walk the exclusive and legendary course on the Monday of Masters Week. Hear about how the grass feels...and even tastes, the fragrances of the flowers, what exactly is in a pimento cheese sandwich, and who the fellas pick to win the 2022 Green Jacket based on their up close and personal look at the practice round.
Earlier this season, we heard from Gene, live in Disney World. Now the tables have turned as Dave is poolside at Disney's Port Orleans resort and in the interview seat to recap his eventful family trip to the most magical place on earth. Compare and contrast the experiences of these two dads and their quests for the perfect family vacation.
Ready for the Final Four? In this mini-sode, hear all about Gene's experience working courtside with March Madness legends on the call for the first two rounds of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in San Diego.
It's Academy Awards week and Dave and Gene are joined by Mark Johnson, member of the Hollywood Critics Association and Editor at Awardsdaily.com, to talk about the film industry, predictions on this year's big awards, and his newfound friendship with Will Smith and the Williams Sisters. The film critic also goes on the hot seat for an entertaining round of "Rapid Fire."
Dave flies solo and invites back a friend from Season 1 to discuss Putin, Ukraine, and whether we're on the brink of World War III. Former intelligence analyst and diplomacy expert, Kelly McFarland Ph.D. (Georgetown University) walks us through the fall of the Soviet Union, the unique history of Ukraine, the impact of US and NATO sanctions, and how things might continue to unfold in the region. For straight talk and a crash course on this conflict, don't miss this episode. And don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom! This episode was recorded on March 1, 2022.
Coming off the NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, the Men are joined by the voice of the World Champion Milwaukee Bucks, Lisa Byington, who talks about her career, memories of All-Star Weekends past, her all-time starting 5, and the stretch run of the 2022 NBA season.
Ever sat next to a celebrity on a flight? Had drinks at a bar with someone famous? Stepped into an elevator only to be standing next to an Academy Award winner? Listen along to the Men and MAMO "celebrity" guest Matt as they share some of their hilarious, raucous, and flirtatious encounters with the A List...and maybe some C listers too! This bonus episode features a little more of the latter!
Ever sat next to a celebrity on a flight? Had drinks at a bar with someone famous? Stepped into an elevator only to be standing next to an Academy Award winner? Listen along to the Men and MAMO "celebrity" guest Matt as they share some of their hilarious, raucous, and flirtatious encounters with the A List...and maybe some C listers too! Stick around for the bonus episode for more fun.
In the first pod crossover of Season 2, the Men welcome on upstart Noah of the Open Mic Night podcast, part of the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Learn about Open Mic Night, some of the big name guests he's booked, and play along with some Downriver Trivia!
In a new year and episode, The Men bring on a new guest and get a little cranky as they walk through their top three things everybody else seemingly loves, but not them. Listen to see if you find yourself nodding along or shaking your head. Get off their lawn and enjoy some fun conversation!
Ever wonder what it's like to be a member of a Big 10 Conference football coaching staff? Or what it's really like to play Division I football? From the shock and uncertainty of coaching staff transitions, to battles for a freshman debut on ESPN, Gene and Dave detail their personal accounts, including the highs and lows that underscore the business side of big time college athletics. "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Teddy Roosevelt
Gene and Dave prepare for the 117th meeting of Ohio State and Michigan on the gridiron with special guests representing both sides. Known as the "Godfather" of Michigan athletic media relations, Bruce Madej brings his more than four decades of experiences and memories while Brendan Gulick who covers the Buckeyes for Sports Illustrated breaks down this year's match up. Hang on, Sloopy...as we Hail to the Victors in an epic episode for fans of this rivalry and college football!
Live from the Magic Kingdom, Gene becomes the interview subject and gives his expert opinion on all things Disney. This mini-episode features planning tips, cost-saving maneuvers, and must-do experiences for fellow middle-aged men who might be planning a family trip to the happiest place on Earth! Plus, Dave puts Gene on the hot seat for Rapid Fire!
All-Star guest "T-Bone" joins the Men to discuss the origins of Halloween, the cliche candy ranking bit (but with a twist), memorable costumes as children and our college years, and plenty of other tricks and treats. Enjoy the soundtrack on this one, it's a spooky good time!
With Halloween approaching, Gene and Dave travel to the most haunted location in America, Gettysburg National Park, to tell ghost stories on the battlefield at dusk. Joining the Men is Gene's brother Brian who has worked on the hallowed grounds for over a decade. If you truly want to get "Spooked," then listen to this episode...and sleep with one eye open.
"The People's Chef" joins Middle Aged Men On for a step-by-step cooking demonstration of the perfectly prepared steak dinner. Learn about Chef Sam's backstory and journey from cooking in the dorm rooms at Ohio University to successful entrepreneur. This episode brings the heat and delivers some laughs.
It's shaping up to be an epic return for the Men. Get a sneak peek at some of the topics that will be covered in Season 2!
Enjoy clips from previous Middle-Aged Men On guests responding to one simple question - Who is the all-time greatest coach from a movie or television show? Stick around until the end as the Men unveil their own selections. This episode was several months in the making and helps conclude Season 1 of the podcast. Clear eyes, full hearts...this episode can't lose!
It's a kids takeover of Middle-Aged Men On... as we celebrate fatherhood on Father's Day! Warning: An abundance of potty jokes.
The Men get a pep talk from scholar, coach, author, editor, and consultant Brian Gearity Ph.D., an expert in sport coaching. This episode serves as the perfect refresher regarding what's most important when kids play sports and your role as a youth coach.
In arguably the most fascinating discussion to date, James and Dave sit down for a crossover episode with Kelly McFarland, Ph.D., of Georgetown University and the Diplomatic Immunity podcast. Learn more about the role of diplomacy and how it has shaped US foreign policy in Part 1 and hear some incredible stories in Part 2 from the man who provided the daily briefing for then Secretary of State John Kerry, as well as his thoughts on footwear, an epic high school football story, and a cameo from his British colleague, Alistair Somerville, who we learned is not a character on Ted Lasso.
In arguably the most fascinating discussion to date, James and Dave sit down for a crossover episode with Kelly McFarland, Ph.D., of Georgetown University and the Diplomatic Immunity podcast. Learn more about the role of diplomacy and how it has shaped US foreign policy in Part 1 and hear some incredible stories in Part 2 from the man who provided the daily briefing for then Secretary of State John Kerry, as well as his thoughts on footwear, an epic high school football story, and a cameo from his British colleague, Alistair Somerville, who we learned is not a character on Ted Lasso.
Just in time for summer vacation and that trip to the beach, the Men welcome in a personal trainer and managing partner of Society Fitness (Miami, FL) to talk healthy weight loss, strength building on a busy schedule, and broken alarm clocks.
A local sports radio host drops in, à la Jim Nantz, to guide Gene and Dave through nine questions in nine holes of golf, capped off with a different spin on the traditional "19th hole."
On Draft night, the Men catch up with a busy NFL executive who ranks among the best in the league at what he does - which is promote his team, engage his fan base, and fill a stadium and its luxury suites each Sunday. His season started by landing the greatest quarterback of all time and ended holding the Lombardi Trophy, all while navigating a global pandemic.
The Men, with the help of friend and toy enthusiast Matt, watch the pilot episode of He-Man and the Master's of the Universe while providing running commentary and eating snacks.
Toy enthusiast and long-time friend, Matt, joins the Men as they walk through the most memorable cartoons of their childhood and the fun, interesting, and obscure toys that went with them. Listen to hear if your favorite toy was mentioned and discussed. Spoiler alert: it's probably still in Matt's Cincinnati-area basement! This one is all about nostalgia and serves as half the battle with a bonus episode to follow!
Two industries that once lived in the shadows come to light with the help of two of Dave's former teammates - Bobby and Josh. These two game-changers break down the recent history, changing landscape, and emerging trends in the cannabidiol (CBD) and sports betting arenas. Enjoy one of the most educational episodes to date and have fun while doing so.
The Men had the rare opportunity to sit down with NFL insider Adam Schefter and NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky to discuss careers, football, and life away from the game. Adam and Dan are at the top of their professions and you'll learn why in this special episode, divided into two parts.
The Men had the rare opportunity to sit down with NFL insider Adam Schefter and NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky to discuss careers, football, and life away from the game. Adam and Dan are at the top of their professions and you'll learn why in this special episode, divided into two parts.
TEASER: So far in Season 1, you've heard from a leading urologist, a college basketball legend, and, of course, T-Bone (friend of show). Now, the Men preview their next episode with two very special guests who have close to 9 million Twitter followers between them. Yeah, we can't believe we got them either.
In honor of the unofficial holiday that historians believe dates back to 1582, the Men establish the framework of a truly special prank, and share some of their favorites they've played, or been privy to, over the years. This episode is no joke...actually it's a complete joke!
In Part 3, the Men debate the state of college basketball then vs. now, and close things out rather appropriately with a performance of "One Shining Moment."