What does it take to make 41 saves in an Olympic gold medal game and what can it teach us about leadership? In this episode of The BOBcast, recorded at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference, Bob Riney sits down with Commerce Township native and USA Hockey legend Connor Hellebuyck, whose extraordinary performance in the 2026 Winter Olympics delivered America's first men's hockey gold medal since 1980. Connor opens up about the rare mental state he experienced the morning of the gold medal game, the iconic stick save that stopped Canada's best, and the deep belief in himself that shaped his entire journey from Michigan street hockey to the Olympic podium. Connor's story is more than a sports triumph; it's a reminder of the unbreakable passion, community, and pride that defines Michigan and continues to inspire the next generation of champions.

Time Stamps

Connor Hellebuyck's Journey to Olympic Glory
:33- Bob Riney introduces Connor Hellebuyck, highlighting his achievement as the best goaltender at the Winter Olympics and his Michigan roots.
1:59- Connor describes the emotions of skating out for Team USA at the Olympics for the first time, feeling adrenaline and excitement.
2:53- Connor talks about unique experience of playing in front of a mixed crowd at the Olympics, similar to college tournament games.
3:42- Connor shares the special feeling of patriotism and support from USA fans during the Olympics.

The Unique Atmosphere of the Olympics
4:00- Bob and Connor discuss the patriotism and excitement at the Olympics, which is different from an NHL game.
4:51- Connor recalls the morning of the final game, feeling confident and calm, which he attributes to his good performance and team's play.
5:27- Bob and Connor reflect on the iconic stick save in the gold medal game.
6:35- Connor reflects on being named the best goaltender at the Olympics, emphasizing the importance of celebrating with his team.

Team Dynamics and Legacy
7:03- Connor describes the chemistry and grit of the team that captured the gold medal, focusing on the team's unity rather than individual accolades.
7:28- Connor speaks to the significance of the USA winning an Olympic gold in men's hockey since.
7:58- Connor shares his realization of being in the role of a legend, similar to players he idolized growing up.
8:29- Connor talks of the experience of sharing the victory with hockey legends and the overall impact of the win.

Return to Winnipeg and Early Hockey Influences
8:51- Connor talks about the animosity from Winnipeg fans after defeating Team Canada, acknowledging the city's passion for hockey.
9:22- Connor recalls his early hockey influences, including family street hockey games and the hockey boom in Detroit.
10:09- Connor explains his transition to becoming a goalie in street hockey, influenced by his older brother.

Leadership and Future Aspirations
10:53- Connor reflects on the different forms of leadership, emphasizing the importance of confidence and hard work.
11:30- He expresses interest in coaching in the future, drawing from his experience teaching young kids at Puck Masters.
12:25- Connor advises young hockey players to truly believe in themselves and their goals, which shapes their path and work ethic.
13:15- The impact of Michigan's strong hockey culture and the passion of Michiganders for sports is highlighted.

Non-Hockey Interests and Family Support
14:24- Connor shares his hobby of bass fishing tournaments, which might surprise people given his hockey mask at the Olympics.
14:43- He talks about the importance of family support in his journey, while thanking his wife for her role in raising their kids and providing stability.
15:20- Bob praises Connor for his achievements, leadership, and representation of Michigan.

What if the greatest comeback of Kirk Gibson's life had nothing to do with baseball? From iconic World Series moments to a Parkinson's diagnosis that threatened to sideline him, Gibson shares how resilience, purpose, and refusing to quit led to a new mission: helping others live well with the disease. In this episode, Bob Riney leads a discussion with Gibson and Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation, on the groundbreaking Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness, the power of community, and why hope may be the most important medicine of all.

Time Stamps
Kirk Gibson's Introduction and MLB Career Highlights
:34- Bob Riney introduces Kirk Gibson, highlighting his achievements in baseball and his work with the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness.
2:12- Kirk reflects on his MLB career, emphasizing the importance of resilience and being there for teammates.
2:34- Kirk recounts a pivotal moment in 1987 when the Tigers swept the Blue Jays, despite being down by four and a half games with a week left in the season.
3:52- Bob asks Kirk about his favorite stadiums to play at, and Kirk mentions Dodger Stadium and Tiger Stadium as his favorites.

Kirk Gibson's Parkinson's Diagnosis and Personal Journey
4:41- Bob shifts the conversation to Kirk's personal journey, including his diagnosis of Parkinson's in 2015.
4:50- Kirk describes his first symptoms in 2007 and how his condition progressed over the years, leading to his diagnosis in 2015.
5:28- Kirk shares his experience of being ignored by the Diamondbacks due to health concerns and how a friend's doctor eventually diagnosed him with Parkinson's.
6:22- Kirk emphasizes the importance of providing hope and a path to quality of life for those with Parkinson's.

Steve Annear's Role and the Vision for the Center
6:32- Bob introduces Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation and chairman of the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness.
7:05- Steve discusses the vision for the center, which began with Kirk's challenge to do more for people with Parkinson's in Michigan.
7:18- Steve explains the limited availability of care for Parkinson's and the importance of movement-based programs in slowing down the symptoms.
7:55- The center's partnership with an organization in Cleveland called In Motion helped them understand best practices and led to the decision to open the wellness center in 2023.

Kirk Gibson's Leadership and the Center's Impact
8:31- Bob asks Steve about Kirk's leadership qualities, highlighting his relentlessness and focus on filling the gap in care for people with Parkinson's.
8:58- Steve praises Kirk for his dedication and the impact he has on the community, emphasizing the importance of never giving in.
10:13- Kirk discusses the need to prove the center's credibility as a care option and the importance of a preventative approach to Parkinson's.
10:54- Kirk outlines ways people can support the center, including telling others about the center, fundraising, and volunteering.

Kirk Gibson's Take on the Tigers and Final Thoughts
11:35- Bob asks Kirk about his thoughts on the current Tigers team and who he is watching closely.
11:49- Kirk expresses excitement about Kevin McGonigal and other young players in the organization, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
13:13- Kirk reflects on the joy of winning a World Series and the positive impact it has on a city, drawing parallels to the work being done at the center.
13:49- Bob Riney thanks Kirk and Steve for their contributions and leadership, concluding the episode of The BOBcast.

Sandy Baruah is President & CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and in this episode, he joins Bob for a candid conversation about leadership, relationships and the future of Michigan. Drawing on his experience in Washington, D.C. and years spent navigating the intersection of business, policy and economic development, Sandy shares how those experiences prepared him to lead one of the nation’s most influential regional chambers. Bob and Sandy also discuss the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference and this year’s theme: A Quest for Common Ground. From economic competitiveness and talent retention to collaboration across industries and ideologies, the conversation explores what it will take for Michigan to move forward. It’s a thoughtful, timely discussion about leadership, trust, civic responsibility, and why relationships still matter more than ever.

Time Stamps
Sandy Baruah's Journey and Role at the Detroit Regional Chamber
:17- Bob Riney introduces Sandy Baruah, highlighting his role as President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber since 2010.
1:58- Sandy shares his experience working in Washington, DC, starting at 20 years old for a US Senator and later for Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
3:02- Bob asks Sandy about the impact of his Washington experience on his current role, to which Sandy responds that it taught him perspective and when to push and when not to.
3:21- Sandy reflects on his introverted nature and wishes he had been more social during his time in Washington.

Defining Success at the Mackinac Policy Conference
3:36- Bob inquires about Sandy's definition of a successful Mackinac Policy Conference.
3:48- Sandy hopes that attendees leave with new perspectives and open to new ideas, reducing polarization in American society.
5:25- Bob and Sandy discuss the strategic choice of the island, which isolates attendees from their daily routines, promoting focused engagement.

Excitement for Gary Sinise's Participation
6:36- Bob asks Sandy about the speakers he is most excited to hear at the conference.
6:49- Sandy expresses his enthusiasm for Gary Sinise, who will bring a different perspective to the conference, focusing on patriotism and veterans' issues.
7:10- Bob and Sandy agree that finding common ground on supporting veterans is crucial.
8:04- Sandy highlights the importance of relationships in policy and business, and the potential for attendees to form new connections and friendships.

Themes and Goals for the Mackinac Policy Conference
8:28- Bob and Sandy discuss the theme of "common ground" and its relevance in today's polarized society.
8:54- Sandy hopes that attendees will return with a renewed commitment to finding common ground on various challenges facing Michigan.

Future Prospects and Collaboration
10:14- Sandy discuss the importance of accountability and big ideas in driving Michigan's future prosperity.
10:54- Sandy compares the adoption of new technologies to policy change, emphasizing the importance of early adopters and fast followers.
11:34- Bob encourages local and national listeners to pay attention to the conference and its impact on Michigan's future.