E57 | An Irishman on the Bench with Honorable Michael J. Riordan
From Jess for 30 by Jess For 30
May 29, 2026 · 1h 10m
About this episode
Ron interviews Judge Michael J. Riordan about his Irish roots, career, and the importance of family stories.
In this episode of #JessFor30, Ron sits down with the Honorable Michael J. Riordan, Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, and proud Bishop Borges and Michigan State University alumnus. The two dive deep into Mike's Irish roots, his parents' journey from County Kerry to Detroit's west side, and trace his unlikely path from immigration officer and SEC enforcement attorney to 14 years on the bench. Along the way, they reminisce about growing up Catholic on the west side of Detroit, the bonds forged at Bishop Borges and St. Agatha, and the lasting lessons of discipline that Catholic school sports instilled in both of them. Ron and Mike also reflect on sobriety, faith, and gratitude, and share a moving conversation about the importance of preserving family stories before it's too late. Mutual friend Frank Murphy joins toward the end to round out a conversation rich with Irish heritage, community pride, and Detroit history. As always, it wouldn't be #JessFor30 without pickle time. Timestamps 02:51 Family, Education, and Heritage 11:03 Irish Community 23:48 Career Path to Judge 33:44 Catholic Central, Kids, and Athletic Director 36:06 Legal Philosophy 45:58 Alcohol's Decline &…
People in this episode
Host: Ron
Guest: Michael J. Riordan
Topics covered
- Irish heritage
- judicial career
- Catholic upbringing
- sobriety
- family stories
- community pride
- Detroit history
Keywords
- Irish roots
- Judge
- Catholic school
- sobriety
- family legacies
- Detroit history
- pickle time
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Michigan Court of Appeals, Bishop Borges, Michigan State University
Places: County Kerry, Detroit, Detroit's west side, St. Agatha
More episodes of Jess for 30
- E58 | A Michigan Man Who Lives What He Coaches with Lawrence 'Jake' Sweeney · June 12, 2026 · 1h 4m
- E56 | St. Paddy's Day Parade with Paul Palazzolo · April 25, 2026 · 11 min
- E55 | St. Paddy's Day Parade with Darren McCarty · March 28, 2026 · 11 min
- E54 | Healing Veterans Through Community with Bryan Bradford · February 27, 2026 · 21 min
- E53 | The Spirit of Sports, Family, and Local Pride with Dan Mulvihill · February 13, 2026 · 25 min
- E52 | The University of Michigan’s 7 Mellow Men: Episode 7 · January 23, 2026 · 12 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Jess for 30 podcast page.