Slightly Less Scripted

What does it take to build a career at some of the world's most influential technology companies? On this episode of Slightly Less Scripted, Stephen and Shaun sit down with Catholic Central alumnus Gordy Hao 2009 , Sales Manager, Mid-Market B2B Services at Reddit, to discuss the rapidly changing worlds of technology, social media, artificial intelligence, and digital advertising. Gordy reflec...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we welcome Nicolas Petrucci ’10 , Catholic Central alumnus, community partner, and successful real estate professional, for an insightful conversation about the evolving housing market and the human side of sales. Nick shares his perspective on today's real estate landscape, from shifting buyer expectations and the growing demand for turnkey homes t...

In episode 25 of Slightly Less Scripted, we welcome the next President and Vice President of the CC Mothers' Club, Maureen Squires and Andrea Ladasz.  The Mothers' Club operates on a mission to "Share, Serve, and Preserve," acting as a vital support system for the school's faculty, students, and families. This conversation highlights how the club fosters a "sisterhood...

In Episode 24 of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Mr. Nick George , Catholic Central theology teacher and strength & conditioning coach. Nick shares his philosophy for motivating students in the classroom and the weight room, emphasizing the power of consistency, accountability, and daily habits. He also opens up about his personal journey—from entering the seminary to ultimately find...

On this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we welcome Sherry Diederich—Catholic Central parent, Board Member, former Mothers Club President, and President of TDA Insurance. Sherry reflects on the journey of building TDA Insurance with her husband, Mark, and the values that guided their family and business through the years. The conversation highlights what Catholic Central has meant to the Dieder...

On this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we welcome Fr. Dennis Noelke, CSB ’71, a Basilian priest, former Principal of Catholic Central, and lifelong educator who has served communities across the country. Fr. Noelke shares memories from his time attending and leading CC, offering a glimpse into the relationships, challenges, and moments that shaped his tenure. Grounded in the Basilian traditio...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we welcome Joe Fadool ’84 , CEO of BorgWarner , for a conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of mobility. Joe shares his journey from Catholic Central to leading a global automotive technology company, offering insight into how he rose to the role of CEO and the lessons learned along the way. He also dives into his vision for the future o...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted, we welcome Mike Duggan ’76, former Mayor of Detroit and current gubernatorial candidate, as he returns to Catholic Central for a campus tour and conversation. Mike reflects on his formative years at the Outer Drive campus, his path from law into public service, and the experiences that shaped his leadership style. He also shares his strategic vision for M...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Matt Rizik for a wide-ranging conversation on impact, leadership, and vision. Matt shares powerful stories from his philanthropic work saving Flint Beecher High School, how he built a tax portfolio of NBA clients , and his perspective on Dan Gilbert’s role in Detroit’s revitalization . He also gives an inside look at Rocket’s long-term s...

On this episode of Slightly Less Scripted, Director of Student Activities, Mike Carrier '06, joins us for a candid conversation about the unmatched school spirit involved in the DRIVE each year. He breaks down the planning and process for running a successful DRIVE each year and shares some of his favorite memories over the years.  Watch highlights from the DRIVE: https://www.catholiccentral....

In this special episode of Slightly Less Scripted, we welcome Mrs. Janice Sharkey, longtime teacher and Director of Student Activities at Catholic Central, whose impact on generations of Shamrocks can’t be measured. Mrs. Sharkey shares the story of how she first became involved at CC, her journey into teaching, and the many memories she’s made along the way. From the excitement of the DRIVE to the...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , Stephen sits down with Aaron Babicz ’93 , Athletic Director at Catholic Central, for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to lead well. Aaron shares his philosophy on creating a positive, values-driven culture , the importance of pouring back into the Catholic Central community, and why “ filling the buckets ” of coaches, student-athletes,...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted, we sit down with John Fitzpatrick ’08 and Luke Stevenson ’15. What began as an alumni introduction led John to bring Luke onto the production crew for the Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Unknown. They share what it’s really like working behind the scenes on a major television production, how trust and mentorship opened doors, and what it meant t...

On this episode of Slightly Less Scripted, we welcome Chris Rizik, CEO of Renaissance Venture Capital and publisher of the world’s largest online magazine dedicated to soul music, Soul Tracks. Chris dives into how AI-generated music is reshaping the music industry, disrupting music news outlets, and challenging the way artists create and share their work. He also offers an inside look at how Renai...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Dominic Recchione ’26 , the creative force behind @OfficialDrEffects and one of Catholic Central’s most talented young sports cinematographers. Dominic shares how his journey began with simple edits on his cell phone and grew into producing electric highlight reels that have become a staple of CC athletics. He takes us behind the lens—te...

On this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Dr. Ron Kuzdak ’87 , whose journey has taken him from the battle-ready decks of the U.S. Navy to the corridors of modern medicine. He opens up about how his Catholic Central roots shaped his character, his long and distinguished career in naval service, and the calling that led him to become a physician. Dr. Kuzdak reflects on moments of...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Mike Cox ’80 , former Michigan Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate , for a candid conversation about leadership, law, and the lessons learned along the way. A proud Catholic Central alumnus , Mike reflects on how he and his brothers found their path to CC, the foundation it built for his career, and what ultimately led him into...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Al DiPrima , Catholic Central’s School Safety Officer from Fortis Group , whose journey from a career in law enforcement to serving the CC community is both powerful and inspiring. Al shares stories from his years in the field, the lessons learned from moments of challenge and sacrifice, and how his faith and family ultimately guided him...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Caleb White ’20 — founder of the Caleb White Project , Nickelodeon HALO Award winner , University of Michigan graduate , and aspiring actor . From launching a youth-led movement to help the unsheltered and empower young leaders, to pursuing his passion for storytelling and performance, Caleb’s journey is a testament to empathy and action...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Evan Stockton ’14 , one of Detroit’s brightest young voices in sports broadcasting. From calling Triple-A baseball games at just 20 years old to earning back-to-back Michigan Emmy Awards for Sports Play-by-Play, Evan’s career has been defined by passion, preparation, and perseverance. Now a national broadcaster for ESPN , and the TV voic...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Ed Turek ’85 , Catholic Central’s first lay-President, to explore his journey from student to school leader. Ed reflects on his days as a Shamrock, how he helped shape the Admissions Office, and what life was like for him after graduation before returning to CC. Now at the helm of the school, Ed shares his vision for Catholic Central tod...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Randy Shacka , President of Two Men and a Truck — the nation’s largest franchised moving company. From starting as an intern in Lansing while studying engineering at Michigan State to leading a company with more than 95 consecutive months of growth, Randy’s journey is one of humility, perseverance, and servant leadership. He shares insig...

In this episode of Slightly Less Scripted , we welcome Lou Yeager ’89 , a Catholic Central Football All-American whose journey took him from the U.S. Air Force Academy to earning a law degree and building a successful career in commercial insurance . Lou opens up about the challenges he faced along the way and how the foundation formed in Catholic Central’s classrooms, fields, and Chapel gave him...

In Episode 4 of Slightly Less Scripted , we sit down with Varsity Basketball Head Coach Tory Jackson and Assistant Coach Brian “LB” Booker , who not only lead on the court but also serve as part of the full-time Catholic Central staff . Together, they share candid reflections on CC Basketball , their family connections , and how their upbringing in Saginaw, Michigan shaped their lives and careers....

In Episode 3 of Slightly Less Scripted, Stephen sits down with Jim Shannon ’93, beloved as the “Voice of Shamrock Athletics” for his years announcing CC football and other athletic events on campus. By day, Jim works at Ford Motor Company, but on Friday nights you’ll find him behind the mic, bringing Shamrock spirit to life. Jim shares how he first got into broadcasting, his favorite memories from...