Best MyFirstRodeo Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 48 - Comedian Rahn Hortman 52:32

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4d ago52:32

52:32

Send us a text Rahn Hortman drops by to talk about having the courage to go full-time in comedy, some of his firsts along the way, marriage, the challenge of raising children with Sickle Cell Disease, and learning from comedy legends. He's one of the good ones! @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 47 - Jenn Weeks, Comedian 50:52

12d ago50:52

50:52

Send us a text There is no one else like her. Jenn is relatable, expressive, and hilarious. Jenn drops by the show to talk about how it all started for her, backing into things, "waiting her turn," authenticity, grief and being clean in the not always so clean world of comedy. @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 46 - Comedian and Spoken Word Poet, Nick Harvey 1:14:47

12d ago1:14:47

1:14:47

Send us a text Who doesn't love Nick Harvey! From growing up in segregated Jackson, Tennessee to taking his first mic on a Navy frigate about to pass the equator, to being "gang life adjacent," Nick shares his inspiration for comedy, poetry and for life! @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 45 - Comedian, Jamie Shriner - @JamieShrinerSings - and so she does! 1:00:17

21d ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Send us a text The former theatre kid, who seamlessly blends humor, song and theatrical performance on topics that range from body image to womanhood, dating to divorce, and depression to life as a middle child, joins Mike to talk about her approach to it all! @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 44 - Patric Young - Basketball Star and Public Speaker on Hope and Survival 1:20:26

5M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

Send us a text From 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, cour…

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Episode 43 - John Delaney - Former Mayor and University and College President 1:08:32

6M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Send us a text Too 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, befo…

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Episode 42 - Adam Lehman - President and CEO of Hillel International 1:06:41

8M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Send us a text Adam 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 entrepre…

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Episode 41 - Comedian/Actress - Helen Hong 1:12:33

8M ago1:12:33

1:12:33

Send us a text After 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 r…

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Episode 40 - Seth Miller - Executive Director - Innocence Project of Florida. 1:03:49

8M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Send us a text 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 IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 39 - Comedian Lee Hardin 1:02:41

11M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Send us a text A 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…

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Episode 38 - A. Zachary Faison - HBCU President 58:11

11M ago58:11

58:11

Send us a text The 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!…

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Episode 37 - Alex Ebert - Bloomberg News 1:01:16

1y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Send us a text When 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 al…

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Episode 36 - College President Tim Cost 57:00

1y ago57:00

57:00

Send us a text This 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…

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Episode 35 - Samantha Rose Freed 28:39

1y ago28:39

28:39

Send us a text You 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 gen…

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Episode 34 - Comedian Claude Stuart 58:36

1y ago58:36

58:36

Send us a text From "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, Missi…

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Episode 33 – Boston Marathon Race Director – Dave McGillivray 50:05

1+ y ago50:05

50:05

Send us a text Dave 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 t…

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Episode 32 – Exoneree / Football Player – Brian Banks 1:32:55

1+ y ago1:32:55

1:32:55

Send us a text As 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 persever…

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Episode 31 — Comedian Michael Palascak 1:01:52

1+ y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Send us a text 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’…

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Episode 30 - Kate Snow - Television Journalist 59:58

1+ y ago59:58

59:58

Send us a text Get 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 IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 29 - Marc Pollina - Author - The Boston Marathon Handbook 1:01:12

2y ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Send us a text An 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…

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Episode 28 - Dr. John Oertle, Chief Medical Director at Envita Medical Centers in Arizona 1:00:16

2y ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Send us a text If 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 D…

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Episode 27 - Boston Marathon Champion Jack Fultz 56:30

2y ago56:30

56:30

Send us a text Boston 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…

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Episode 26 - Rodeo Stars Herbert and Marcus Theriot 59:08

2y ago59:08

59:08

Send us a text Mike 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 IG…

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Episode 25 - Comedian Rio Paris 41:18

2y ago41:18

41:18

Send us a text Comedy, 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 IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 24 - Ultra Marathoner Jay Birmingham 1:01:45

2y ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Send us a text Meet 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 restauran…

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Episode 23 - Comedy Club Guru Fred Pozin 1:04:26

2y ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Send us a text The 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 s…

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Episode 22 - US Congressman Aaron Bean 38:27

2y ago38:27

38:27

Send us a text Today 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. …

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Episode 21 - Ezra Freeman - Star of "The Real Love Boat" 1:10:37

2y ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Send us a text 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 th…

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Episode 20 - Actor / Comedian Michael Siegel 1:14:42

2y ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Send us a text Michael 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 thea…

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Episode 19 - Mohamedou Ould Slahi 1:11:09

2+ y ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Send us a text Mohamedou 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 to…

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Episode 18 - Sports Agent Jim Tanner 58:18

2+ y ago58:18

58:18

Send us a text Mike and guest co-host Nik Patel chat with sports super agent Jim Tanner about breaking into the industry, managing the careers of basketball greats like Grant Hill, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Duncan, Ray Allen, Jeremy Lin, and Ja Morant, the changing industry, E-sports, and the value of not being star struck. @freedtolaugh on IG…

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Episode 17 - Honorable Scott D. Makar 1:05:58

2+ y ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Send us a text Mike pays tribute to his father, Allan B. Freed, and then sits down with the Honorable Scott D. Makar - appellate court judge, former solicitor general and legal scholar. Scott details his first argument before the U.S. Supreme Court. They cover the reputation of the judiciary, the politicization of the courts and why it’s important …

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Episode 16 - Comedian Danny Johnson 1:02:13

2+ y ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Send us a text Mike and Guest Host Chaz Miranda get to hang with one of the most successful Clean Comics working today — Drybar Comedy sensation Danny Johnson. Danny shares his first comedy stories, his audition for Last Comic Standing and why he loves doing voice overs and commercials. @freedtolaugh on IG…

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Episode 15 - Comedian / Author Billy O’Connor 1:04:04

2+ y ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Send us a text Mike and guest host Chaz Miranda sit down with Billy O’Connor to talk about his comedy career and everything that preceded it including working with the mob, Joe Pesci, getting sober, surviving 911, and his successful book projects. @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 14 - NBA Hall of Famer, Artis Gilmore 55:52

2+ y ago55:52

55:52

Send us a text NBA Hall of Famer, (7'2") Artis Gilmore -- "The Gentle Giant" - "The A Train" -- joins Mike and Guest Host and Comic Jenn Weeks. They talk about his amazing college career with the Cinderella Story Jacksonville University Dolphins who played the NCAA Championship Game against UCLA; his front-seat view to racism in the South coming th…

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Episode 13 - Tony Nominee Brad Oscar 1:04:53

2+ y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Send us a text Tony Nominated Broadway actor -- Brad Oscar -- joins Mike and Guest Host and Comic Jenn Weeks. Brad shares behind-the-scenes stories of his path to stardom, including The Producers, Something Rotten, Spam Alot, Mel Brooks, The Tony's and how his first acting experiences in Rockville Maryland, and his regular trips to see Broadway sho…

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Episode 12 - Olympian Garrett Scantling 1:03:13

2+ y ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Send us a text Join Mike and guest host Comedian Jpaw as they chat with Garrett Scantling - decathlete, Olympian, and world record setter. They talk Olympic Village, University of Georgia, the NFL with the Falcons and the Jags, and transitioning to coaching! @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 11 - Hollywood Producer Frank Pace 59:50

2+ y ago59:50

59:50

Send us a text Emmy nominated producer Frank Pace personifies Hollywood. He’s an old school TV producer with almost 1,000 episodes of your favorite TV credits to his name: Murphy Brown, Night Court, George Lopez, Suddenly Susan, Head of The Class and more! Comedian Jenn Weeks joins Mike to get behind the scenes insights from one of Hollywoods most …

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Episode 10 - Mike and Olivia 23:53

2+ y ago23:53

23:53

Send us a text Listeners said they wanted more Liv and Mike Banter. So here you go! No guest this week. Get to know Mike and Liv as they talk about the 2023 Oscar’s, their favorite shows as kids, teacher crushes, why Liv was a “bad bad girl,” Liv’s dislike of hair brushes, Don Irrera’s roast of Mike and more. @freedtolaugh on IG…

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Episode 9 - Litigator Nancy Hollander 48:12

2+ y ago48:12

48:12

Send us a text Liv and Mike get a chance to talk with Nancy Hollander about her life work representing defendants in the toughest of cases and how surreal it was to have Jodie Foster play her in the Hollywood blockbuster The Mauritanian. @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 8 - Innocence Project Director Justin Brooks 51:10

2+ y ago51:10

51:10

Send us a text Mike and Liv talk first rodeos with the head of the Innocence Project or California who has walked 38 innocents out of prison. They chat about his first exoneration, playing rock n roll in prison and what it was like to have Greg Kinnear portray him in the Brian Banks movie - a great movie about an exoneree who went on to sign an NFL…

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Episode 7 - Country Singer Reed Foley 42:13

2+ y ago42:13

42:13

Send us a text Mike and Liv chat with country Music Recording Artist Reed Foley. They talk first show, first hit and Reed’s love of Disney World. Plus Liv shares more about her Weiner Dog cause listeners can never get enough. Yee haw. @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 6 - Brain Surgeon Dr. Ali Chahlavi 52:57

3y ago52:57

52:57

Send us a text This week we sit down with close friend Dr. Ali Chahlavi to talk about his first rodeo. Dr. Ali tells us what its like when your first rodeo has all the pressure and consequences of brain surgery! Ali Chahlavi, MD, FAANS, provides personalized, compassionate neurosurgery care at Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville, …

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Episode 5 - Sports Broadcaster Andy Freed 59:35

3y ago59:35

59:35

Send us a text This week we have family in the building, Mike's Cousin Andy joins us to talk about his first rodeo. Andy's voice has been the signature of Tampa Rays radio for the last 19 years, previously his radio career has featured work with the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Trenton Thunder, and the St. Lucie Mets in minor league baseball. He also did…

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Episode 4 - NFL Pro Bowler Johnny Rembert 47:14

3y ago47:14

47:14

Send us a text Mike and Olivia sit down with former NFL Superstar, Johnny Rembert, Jr., Johnny played for the New England Patriots for ten seasons, before that playing at Clemson. He shares some wild stories of his time playing in the NFL! @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo

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Episode 3 News Producer Stacey Newman 40:31

3y ago40:31

40:31

Send us a text This week Mike and Olivia interview Stacey Newman, a boss lady and role model to all. Stacey is a producer for major networks including Warner Brothers, CNBC, HLN and produced the Nancy Grace show on CNN for nearly a decade. Stacey shares her insight on working with tough people and making it in a competitive industry. @freedtolaugh …

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Episode 2 Historic Sheriff Nathaniel Glover 59:05

3y ago59:05

59:05

Send us a text This week Mike and Olivia interview Sheriff Nat Glover who is a pioneer in leadership locally in Jacksonville. He was the first African American Sheriff since the reconstruction. He shares with us his first hand experience in the Ax Handle Saturday and as the first FBI trained hostage negotiator. @freedtolaugh on IG…

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Episode 1 Lawyer Robert Billott 40:01

3y ago40:01

40:01

Send us a text This week Mike and Olivia interview Attorney Robert Billott, an internationally recognized environmental attorney who won the battle against DuPont, which led to multiple books, articles, songs, documentaries and even a movie “Dark Waters” feat. Mark Ruffalo, inspired by Billotts Story. @freedtolaugh on IG…

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My First Rodeo Podcast (Trailer) 0:36

3y ago0:36

0:36

Send us a text @freedtolaugh on IGBy MyFirstRodeo