Get Home Safe

In this special edition of Get Home Safe, Bill Barnes and I get back together to reminisce over the many events that have taken place since our last recording a few years ago. Let's just say he has plenty to rant about. We cover the fire tragedies taking place in Los Angeles and why it is a direct result of incompetent leadership. We also chat about the upcoming term of President Elect Donald Trum...

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 ta...

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 hap...

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...

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 o...

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...

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 thi...

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...

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 don...

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 rig...

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 hea...

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...

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 celeb...

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 br...

In a very special Super Bowl preview episode, I have two great friends on the program who happen to be fans of the two teams playing this Sunday. Carlos Martinez lives in Kansas City and is a diehard Chiefs fan. He and I were umpiring partners in Minor League Baseball over ten years ago. Representing the Philadelphia Eagles is Connecticut's own Jeff Andrews. He and I were on the same Spring Traini...

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,...

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 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...

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 g...

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...

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 s...

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 wh...

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...

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 m...

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...