In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key 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 Season

1:23:20: Michigan v East Carolina

1:24:00: Michigan v UNLV

1:25:30: Michigan v Bowling Green

1:26:40: Michigan v Rutgers

1:28:45: Michigan at Nebraska

1:31:30: Michigan at Minnesota

1:34:15: Michigan v Indiana

1:37:15: Michigan at Michigan State

1:44:30: Michigan v Purdue

1:46:44: Michigan at Penn State

1:53:30: Michigan at Maryland

1:57:00: Michigan v Ohio State

2:02:00: The guys give their Big 10 Championship predictions, college football playoff predictions, and national champion predictions.

In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key 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 Hills

28:00: Bill Laimbeer and a song for bad boys who were great

37:30: Chris Spielman and a true stadium anthem that can be belted from the clouds

46:40: Bob Probert and a song about what Probie’s opponents would do before facing him

56:40: 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

In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key 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 great

43:20: Barry Sanders + a song for the working man in honor of a working man’s RB

56:25: Isaiah Thomas + a song that evokes the attitude Zeke instilled in the Bad Boys Pistons

1:09:30: Alan Trammell + a song about how time can be an asset

1:20:00: Lou Whitaker + a song that cannot be used to put anyone (especially Baby) in a corner

In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key moments from the pod:

0:30: Mike welcomes listeners to S4E1 featuring Mike’s musical friend Rachael Lawrence-Lupton

1:40: 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 native

18:40: 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 POWER

2:09:30: An R&B/Hip Hop Duet Crossover that encapsulates the 90s.

In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key 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.

In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key 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 chose

21:20: 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)

In 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: @friendsofmiked

Email the podcast at talkingfriendship@gmail.com

Key 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 consultant

33:00: 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 Dog

43:30: Wrigley Field Section 407L, Row 1, Seats 3-10

46:15: Tango Sur

49:20: The Lucky Dorr

52:00: Bernie’s

53:30: Nisei Lounge (including a DEEP dive into Malort the beverage)

57:50: Sheffield’s

1:00:50: The Goose Island Brewpub

1:02:40: Murphy’s Bleachers

1:07:30: 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.

In 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 1

48:25: Week 2

51:30: Week 3

53:20: Week 4

55:30: Week 5

57:10: Week 6

58:00: Week 7

59:20: Week 8

1:01:15: Week 9

1:03:20: Week 10

1:05:40: Week 11

1:06:40: Week 12

1:08:40: Week 13

1:10:20: Week 14

1:11:20: Week 15

1:12:15: Week 16

1:13:15: Week 17

1:14:30: Week 18

1:16:30: 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.