Get Home Safe

On this special Independence Day episode, I'm joined by my brother Sam Heersema from his bunker in Orange County. We chat about some memories from the 4th of July and its powerful significance. Sam and I also ramble about ways to stay motivated on the daily grind. A lot has changed over the years but our brotherhood remains stronger than ever. When Sam and I get together, nothing is off the table. Happy Independence Day!

Happy Holidays everyone! Yes, that's how dumb it sounds in the winter also. When pursuing goals, are you completely committed or just going through the motions hoping big things happen? Why do umpires eject players or managers when they clearly were the ones at fault in missing a call? When you make plans and they don't go your way, how do you respond to the adversity? Life is not what happens to us but rather how we respond to what gets thrown at us.

I graduated high school 20 years ago to the day of this release and share some brief thoughts on a reunion from over the weekend. There is a movie that everyone needs to see immediately. The Denver Nuggets and Las Vegas Knights were recently crowned champions of the NBA and NHL respectively, but I'm most excited for the College World Series that begins this Friday. Do you only pray to God when you need a favor? Are you only looking for signs from Him that point you in the direction you want to go and ignore the ones that might offer the alternative you don't want to hear? After some theological questions I vent about false narratives revolving around umpire ejections and give my two cents to make it make sense.

Happy Mother's Day! I look back on memoires of my mother Diane. As I grow older, I wish I had her around for sound advice and to push me in areas I should improve on. I've made a decision to get back to church and am very excited about two possible fits. My heart is heavy on days like these but my head is full of motivation. I have some very big goals in mind and finally have a blueprint of how to achieve them. Just like bad things often do, good things can also come into our lives at the most random times. As Davy Crockett once said, "Be sure you're right, then go ahead."

Robert James is a Ring Announcer in both Professional Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. He and I crossed paths on the baseball field years ago as we umpired at the collegiate level. Robert grew up in in East Los Angeles and served our country in the United States Army after high school. He is very passionate about climbing the ladder in the combat sports industry and shares what it's like having best seat in the house. It was a pleasure to catch up with Robert especially with the Canelo vs Ryder fight and UFC 288 both going down this evening.

I make a big announcement regarding a new platform you can now watch our show on in addition the current options. Do you have any idea what it feels like to go extra innings? Have you ever wanted to do something for almost 20 years and just never got around to it? I offer a breakdown of a new pattern I'm seeing in professional baseball in response to the new game with a pitch clock. I also think you can do almost anything for 20 minutes if you break it down to that time frame. Finally, did George Orwell predict this is where we would be today in his book 1984?

In a super short episode, I share my thoughts on work ethic and work habits. Do you truly get out of it what you put into it? Can you expect gratification, and can it be fulfilling at all? Are you working hard or hardly working? I also ramble about food and how sometimes it's hard to see any results right away regardless of if you're eating good or bad. What a great weekend of sports with the Ryan Garcia vs Tank Davis fight and of course the Los Angeles Kings' postseason run!

I open this week's show with an analogy from my umpiring days. Sometimes, towards the end of a job or task, we can lose focus because it is almost over. That feeling you get in the 8th inning should instead ignite a more intense focus rather than let down your guard where making mistakes are more likely. In honor of the upcoming NFL Draft, I list 10 moments from my life I would have either done again, done differently, done less of, or not done altogether. Finally, I'm always ready for a good boycott but not for the reasons you would think.

Happy Easter! I recap the Final Four and make the case that UConn is officially the most consistent winning basketball program in America. I also applaud the San Diego State Aztecs who set themselves among the greatest moments in all of San Diego sports history. One thing I'm constantly working on is a fear of failure and am in the middle of a much needed break at work. Is it better to get right back on the horse after falling or is taking some time to recover a better method? Finally, after rather publicized events in the Women's National Championship, I offer up the key differences between Trash Talk and Taunting.

After a recent trip to an LA Kings game, I'm ready for more hockey in my future. The World Baseball Classic was phenomenal, but the biggest challenge moving forward is how to get more top pitchers to participate for the USA. The NCAA Basketball Tournament has also been wild and has left us with two Cinderellas that are vying for a spot in the National Championship Game. Sometimes at work I hear phrases that make me laugh; I totally can relate but I still find them comical. This week I became an official member of an organization that has been around since the 1860s. Do you let compliments go to your head and criticisms go to your heart?

After a break for a few weeks, I return to get back on schedule during one of the best times of the year. Not only does March Madness start today, but we also have the World Baseball Classic in full swing and plenty of other action on the sports calendar. I tell a story from an incident I witnessed between the Cal State Fullerton and Texas baseball teams. Other topics include jersey retirements, a celebration injury, and how the pitch clock might be efficient after all. I also take a deep dive into why people lie. We have been fed plenty of dishonesty the past few years and my only question is simply why?

The one and only Bill Barnes returns for his first appearance of 2023. We discuss a wide range of topics that include the corruption amongst our leaders, why the late call in the Super Bowl was righteous, and how he continues to age well with grace. Bill also takes questions from some of our very loyal listeners and his answers never disappoint. He has high praise for the lovely Ms Donna and celebrates another year of sobriety from umpiring baseball along with me as a new season has just begun. With enough pressure from our fans, maybe we can persuade B2 to come back on the show sooner rather than later. Bill Barnes is a retired police officer and college baseball umpire who never holds back on his opinions.

Last week was our 400th episode of GHS and we celebrate that big milestone on today's show. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57, but the result left many people upset at the officiating toward the end that overshadowed the previous four hours. I dive into the three constant criticism camps that most fans or media seem to always pitch their tent under. I also bring up a pattern I'm seeing in life where no matter what you say or do, your side of the coin is never allowed to come up. In other randomness, I share a couple weird Uber stories, rant about men vs women inviting company over, and wish a great friend a very happy birthday.

Full reaction to both the AFC and NFC Championship Games as we are now set for Super Bowl 57. I attempt to stand up for officiating after the craft took a major hit in multiple sports over a tough weekend. I call out Lebron's theatric tantrum as one of the worst displays of immaturity we've ever seen. I also offer up some experiences from the field when coaches would ask me to look for something, and they were still mad when I would then see it. If EVERY team out there thinks that officials are out to get them, then ironically that disproves the theory.

I make the case that it's time to remove the Dallas Cowboys from among the most elite franchises in professional sports. They have simply not lived up to expectations as I compare their unsuccessful streak to the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Yankees. Sometimes, you just need to move on. I also give my two cents on who I think are the most tortured fan bases in the NFL. Additionally, I do a brief dive into Championship Sunday which features two amazing title games in the AFC and NFC. Outside of the sports world, I examine the media's instant hopeful reaction to another tragedy and why we need to pay attention to when silence is censored.

I recap the Wild Card Weekend in the NFL and congratulate the Dallas Cowboys for their first road playoff victory in 30 years. Tom Brady didn't even have a license to drive a car way back in the 20th century when Dem Boys last accomplished such a feat. That said, the enemy of my enemy is my ally and I have no choice but to pull for America's Team as they face the gold medalist of annoying teams in the next round. I blast the Chargers for their lack of accountability and offer up possible perspectives of the officials who took on a ton of deserved criticism. Random thoughts took me to ask just how many pairs of shoes can a man have before it becomes a Man Card Violation. Mirrors are still legal in this country for now, but it's only a matter of time before they're outlawed for the hurtful feelings created by what looks back at the beholder.

After a terrible National Championship Game, college football has officially come to an end. In regard to sad endings, I ask when the right time is to take down the Christmas decorations, and you won't be shocked by my timetable. I examine the rumors that Sean McVay is considering stepping away from coaching at just 36 years old. It's playoff time in the NFL and that means predictions of all six games this most glorious weekend. On a serious note, how many young athletes need to fall due to medical conditions until we are allowed to start asking why this is happening? On a not so serious note, I combat the charge that says soccer is the most popular sport in the world and how that logic is extremely flawed.

We officially kickoff the 4th season of the podcast with a recap of the amazing games in the College Football Playoff and the huge blown lead by the USC Trojans in the Cotton Bowl. On a serious note, I react to Damar Hamlin collapsing on the field in Cincinatti and offer some thoughts on the matter. Other topics include me attending a wedding solo out in LA on Friday night and driving later hours for Uber on New Year's Eve. I don't do resolutions, but I'm excited for another season full of random thoughts and even stronger opinions. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In our final show of 2022, I look back at the year that was and can't believe we will be starting our 4th season of the Get Home Safe podcast next week. I offer up some of my goals for 2023 and reflect on all the blessings from this past year that included plenty of big moments. I also randomly vent about incapable people at ATMs and give a recap of a very fulfilling Christmas weekend. I will be spending my New Year's Eve behind the wheel driving for Uber/Lyft and anticipate another big night. It's never too late to say "Merry Christmas" in December or too late to say "Happy New Year!" Turn that calendar friends! Old Long Since....

Christmas is the best holiday in the world. It is sacred to me and has given me so many memories. It has lifted me up and also forced me to pick it up when I have been lagging. I reflect on some Christmas moments from the past that I will always remember. I also mention a few specific people in my life that are a blessing each and every day. Merry Christmas to all of the Get Home Safe listeners who have made yet another year of the podcasting journey so special.

The Christmas countdown continues as we are less than two weeks away from the best day of the year! I'm in a rather good mood after my LA Rams came back late against Raider Nation last Thursday albeit with the hated Baker Mayfield at the controls. I share some of my gift buying methods and offer simple advice in shopping for men. I also have thoughts on how ridiculous soccer will always be and the blatant hypocrisy of trading Brittney Griner for a Russian arms dealer. Other fun topics include Christmas movies, songs, and traditions. MERRY CHRISTMAS

We open the show with some Pearl Harbor remembrance and examining why the Greatest Generation seems so long ago. I also dive into a wide range of sports topics and offer my reactions. The great boxing referee Mills Lane passed away and has to be the most recognized sports official ever. I don't think Deion Sanders will be successful at the University of Colorado because the playing field will be more leveled. My LA Rams did the unthinkable and signed one of the players I hate most in the entire league. I disapprove of both the Transfer Portal and NIL in college football because over time it may ruin the sport. Tyson Fury is not only one of the greatest boxers of all time but is an incredible showman and inspiration as well. With the Christmas season in full swing, I argue that one day that the greatest federal holiday we celebrate will be removed from our calendar if we don't stand up to the steady attacks it receives annually this time of year. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A full Thanksgiving recap with plenty of leftovers for the kickoff of Christmas season. I share how my new work schedule is going and how lessons learned come in the strangest forms. I'm also very much looking forward to all the Conference Championship Games this Saturday in College Football. Random questions raised include why are backup quarterbacks no longer serviceable and how could you let a quarterback run into the endzone standing up? Additionally, I share an experience that could have been worse and offer up an example of how sometimes we look for the little things that we are certain are there when there is something much bigger staring us right in the face. Only three more episodes until Christmas!

I open the show with sad news from the University of Virginia football program. My Rams fandom will never dwindle but it is officially time to punt on this current season. They can only be the defending champions for a couple more months. I announce some new scheduling for the podcast due to some recent good news in my work life. It's time to not only save up money for Thanksgiving but also some calories in anticipation for a weeklong feast. In closing, I challenge everyone to ask what brings them personal joy and find time to partake in it as often as possible.

After a week off from the GHS pod, I return to give my thoughts on Election Day, proclaiming my favorite sport, and embracing the upcoming Christmas season. I ask weird questions like why does it take so long to count votes in some states rather than others? I also recommend some of my favorite shorter in length podcasts for those that don't have a great deal of time. Other random topics include philosophies on cooking bacon, why people can't figure out seatbelts, and how most people cling to only one or two issues when voting.

Jesse Segura is the second most well known Jesse from Alburquerque, New Mexico. Jesse Pinkman from the great show Breaking Bad might be more popular but only by a small margin. Segura and I met in the summer of 2018 as members of the same umpiring crew in the American Association. We have become very close friends over the years and sat down to reminisce while Jesse is in town. Random topics include our favorite candy for Halloween, not liking scary movies, and sometimes landing where you were supposed to in this crazy life. We also share some umpiring memories and how the journey is more important than the destination. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The LA Dodgers have once again not lived up to expectations. Are they cursed or just incompetent? If the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing while expecting different results, then at what point does a change in philosophy take place? I also have thoughts on USC football losing their first game and challenge them to look inward rather than make excuses. Additionally, Georgia has had record turnout in both their primaries and early voting for midterms. Weren't their new laws supposed to suppress the rights to vote? I also challenge those out there who paint broad brushstrokes over groups of people without providing evidence of your charges.

Today is definitely a show of venting. Yes, my LA Rams are struggling but that's not what I'm most upset about. I challenge the conspiracy theorists out there to put their money where their mouth is. If you knew what was going to happen or will happen in the future, then why don't you place a bet on it? Similar to politicians with mask mandates, could it be that you actually don't believe your logic or lack thereof? Another thing I'm annoyed about is setting clocks a few minutes early. Time only changes twice a year and we live in a time management pandemic of the non-punctual. I also vent about the movement to make the violent sport of football unrecognizable and ask why are we so terrified of seeing injuries when they are simply part of the game?

The first show of October has a wide range of topics. I open with a tragic story involving a member of the local Citrus College football team. I transition to baseball talk as the MLB Postseason gets under way this weekend. I have some opinions on the Tua injury discussion as well as the Brady/Gisele divorce speculation. There is plenty to vent about regarding the recent pitiful performance by my Los Angeles Rams in their game against the rival San Francisco 49ers. Finally, I end the show with a segment called Popular Things I Don't Like!

I have multiple rants today where I demand change, listening to reason, and thinking for ourselves. I make an argument that one NFL team has a truly insensitive mascot name that is appalling in 2022. President Biden has declared the pandemic is over, but for most of us it has been for quite some time. ESPN continues to show their incompetence with a story regarding BYU and Oregon from Saturday. We have all dated people we know we shouldn't have and perhaps it is the perfect analogy for the love affair involving running quarterbacks in the NFL. Happy birthday to my old man, Dave Heersema!

I react to the first weekend of NFL games and USC's fast start. I am super fired up for the Sun Belt Conference making some huge noise with three big upsets as well. Why do certain fan bases go into hiding for six months and then pop out to run their mouths when their teams are irrelevant? I also explain why it was perfectly acceptable for Seahawk fans to boo Russell Wilson in his return to Seattle on Monday night. Other random topics include posting a flag for big cities facing crime, one group of people that annoys me, and some useful household hacks. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALERIE BYRNES!

As football is about to return at all levels, I lay out a few rules to live by for the best time of the year. It may seem like I'm only kidding, but there is plenty of truth in these policies. I give my take on finally seeing Top Gun Maverick and offer why a new show needs to step their game up. I also recently saw Operation Flagrant Foul as well as the Joe Rogan interview of Aaron Rodgers and have strong opinions on both. Every football fans needs an air fryer; it will change your game snacking forever. Finally, beware of truth being disguised as lies and vice versa.

I ramble about the recent news of student loan forgiveness and how we should apply this to other areas of our lives. I also can't believe how inconsiderate and disrespectful people can be when someone is addressing a group of others. In honor of the summer coming to a close, I offer up my 10 most memorable experiences from my summers over the years. Additionally, with football season about to start, I share a list of the 10 most memorable fields I officiated on throughout my career and why each one is special. Don't miss all the upcoming coverage on the Charge To Keep podcast with the Rio Hondo Prep season kicking off tomorrow!  

CONTACT THE GET HOME SAFE PODCAST 

Email: GetHomeSafePodcast@yahoo.com   

Voicemail: https://anchor.fm/15mph/message

After a two week hiatus, I start off our new Thursday episode format with a wide range of topics. We open with a tragic story out of Texas involving parents fighting at a nine year old football game that ended in murder. Why is this not a bigger story and why has youth sports deteriorated so much? I also ramble about pizza math, a technique for binging a list of shows, and reasons to outlaw the snooze button. Additionally, I share an experience during a hospital visit that got my blood boiling. Questions answered during the show: When does Covid end? Were those censored right the whole time? What is an "underrepresented" group? Why do women refer to their friends as "girlfriends?" How are scars way cooler than tattoos?  

Email: GetHomeSafePodcast@yahoo.com    

Voicemail: https://anchor.fm/15mph/message

Maura Drain is the Director of the Royal Friends program for Kare Youth League. She is also the mother to the wonderful Drain kids and wife to long-time Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain. Maura gives us all the intel on her amazing family with plenty of behind the scenes stories. She discusses what it's been like as the spouse of one of the most legendary coaches at RHP and how she knows first hand what it means to fight through difficult circumstances. The Drain family has been an inspiration to all of us with their conquering of adversity and constant positive attitude that we should all admire. Mrs Maura Drain is not only the centerpiece to one of the most respected families I know, but she can't help but make you smile when she enters a room. God Bless The Drain's.

The best part of opening the show with a rant about knowing important dates for sporting events is totally messing up the day of the MLB All Star Game. I make the case that men need to send "Save The Date" invitations to their significant others to prepare for proper uninterrupted viewing. I also ramble about making the most of being a backup quarterback and how you can still be a very viable second string with the right mindset. I witnessed a dog being walked/transported in a wagon and I feel that this is another example of our nation's decline. I want to recommend a few sports documentaries and offer up a new technique to combine cooking food while watching UFC. Additionally, I have strong thoughts on some female athletes recently making headlines.

Dr Marsha Johnson is the Principal at Rio Hondo Prep. She just finished her first year in the position and has plenty to share from the last few months. Marsha attended RHP during a very special era before moving on to earn her Doctorate at UC Riverside. Marsha shares her memories from the past school year as the person in charge and the incredible contributions from the great people around her. She discusses what the future looks like for Rio and how to always balance that academics/athletics tug of war. You won't find a better high school experience out there and it is in large part due to the fine leadership from those such as Dr Marsha Johnson.

A recap of a fantastic Independence Day weekend which included great food, good company, and plenty to be grateful for. Sometimes all you need to appreciate life in the USA is to sit in your front yard and embrace God's blessings. I flaunt some new merchandise that a fan sent me and explain why Joey Chestnut should now be considered an American icon. Outkick made a list of the most patriotic moments in sports that I wanted to share. I also have many thoughts on both USC and UCLA leaving the Pac 12 for the Big 10. What does this mean for the future of college football and what other dominoes may fall? In the Bottom Of The 9th segment, I offer up what the definition of a swing is and why players refer to others as "Meat." HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Major Bill Lee spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. He discusses the significance of Independence Day and why it means more to him every single year. Bill shares plenty of stories from his career in the USMC as well as some memories from his time as a bodyguard in private security. He also talks about the origin of the Marines, the importance of masculinity, and why serving others has been a life-long calling. Bill now resides in Wrightwood, CA where he manages the sacred ground of Mount Kare and is greatly fulfilled by what he considers to be his dream job. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Ole Miss won the College World Series over the weekend after being the last team selected into the NCAA Tournament. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. I spend most of the show venting about a rather controversial topic that will certainly divide my audience. The side I take on this one will probably surprise you. I also ask a question that a listener posed to me: "Is virtue signaling done by the people who care the least? In the Bottom Of The 9th segment, the rule of the day revolves around issuing warnings in throwing situations. We have a huge Independence Day episode this Friday! You will hear who our special guest is in today's finale.

Two police officers were killed last week in El Monte, CA. Joseph Santana and Michael Paredes died as heroes when they rushed to a call for help in a city that is a handful of miles away from here. Los Angeles District Attorney is 100% to blame for this incident with his soft on crime policies. The movement to villainize cops is also at fault with its complete disrespect for authority. How did we get here and where do we go from here? It's time to pick a side.... For other far less serious topics, I vent about dog owners lacking training, College World Series observations, and the contradicting approaches to safety. In the Bottom Of The Ninth segment, I share a couple of terms used for umpires working the plate and dive into the importance of knowing the basics for a "foul tip."

My brother Sam Heersema joins me share some memories and lessons from our father , Dave Heersema. We reflect back on the hilarious and serious moments from the past three decades that have shaped both of our lives. Sam and I are incredibly honored to have such a hard working father who has a style unlike anyone on Earth. We love you Dad! Thanks for always giving us wisdom, courage, and guidance. Happy Father's Day!