Hangin With The AD Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Hangin' with the AD Podcast. This week we head west to Texas and sit down with leadership author and speaker Stephen Mackey. The episode kicks off with Mackey outlining his "6 Habits of Championship Character," a blueprint for cultivating student-athletes who pursue excellence in every aspect of life. He shares insights on whether these habits follow a specific order and which habit he believes is the essential starting point when developing champions from scratch.We close with a discussion on excellence — what it truly means, why it is a non-negotiable for leaders, and why so many people settle for less rather than choosing to pursue excellence consistently.Whether you're an athletic director, coach, educator, or leader in any space, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, authentic encouragement, and actionable strategies for shaping the next generation of leaders. Let's settle in and get to know Stephen Mackey

Welcome to a special Masters Week edition of the Hangin' with the AD Podcast. Today we have the distinct honor of sitting down with a man who stands at the helm of one of the most revered institutions in all of sports—Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.In this conversation, recorded just days before the azaleas bloom and the world turns its eyes to Augusta, Chairman Ridley takes us inside the inner workings of an event that has become synonymous with tradition, excellence, and vision. We explore what it truly means to lead an organization where the standard is not just maintained—but raised year after year.We'll talk about the discipline it takes to manage time when the calendar never slows down, how to lead with purpose at the highest level, and what it takes to turn long-term vision into reality while honoring a legacy that spans generations.Whether you're a golf enthusiast, a leader, or simply someone inspired by excellence—you're in for a rare glimpse behind the green curtain. Let's settle in and get to know Chairman Fred Ridley.

Today we stay closer to home and sit down with author and speaker Clay Scroggins. His book “How to Lead When You're Not in Charge” is a must for anyone whether they are in a position of leadership or not. Everyone answers to someone, and Clay left us with some great nuggets as we all look to get better in the space and place, we are in currently. Let's settle in and get to know Clay Scroggins.

Today we stay a little closer to home but revisit the college ranks and sit down with Jim Peeples who serves as the Director of Athletics at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA. Jim is a product of being surrounded by some of the best in the business when he was younger, and he talks about how it shaped him into the leader he is today. He is an intentional servant leader and he left us with some great leadership lessons in this conversation. Let's settle in and get to know Coach Jim Peeples.

Today is the first for the podcast as we head to South Dakota and sit down with retired AD Joey Struwe. We discuss his military service and how it influenced his leadership as an AD and how, as leaders, we must continually place a focus on the “little things” in order to lead effectively. Let's settle in and get to know Joey Struwe. 

Today we sit down with Benj Miller who is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, podcast host, and the Co-Founder and CEO of System and Soul, which is a business leadership development company. We talk about the common principles between the athletic and business worlds, the rewarding of failure amongst those we lead and understanding that success is not a straight line. Let's settle in and get to know Benj Miller.

Today we head back to the great state of Oklahoma and sit down with Amanda Snider who serves as the Deputy Director of Athletics at Broken Arrow High School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She spoke about the importance of always doing your best because you never know who is watching and the demands the AD position can place on both your work and home families. Let's settle in and get to know Amanda Snider. 

Welcome to season 6 of the Hangin' with the AD Podcast. We kick off this season with a top tier AD in the country in Emily Barkley of Union High School or Tulsa Union in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Emily talks about the power of the team that surrounds any athletic leader and the role they play in the success of the overall department and the support they provide the leader in any building. She also speaks to the power of alumni coming back to coach and work at their alma mater and how powerful that can be to the school community. Let's kick off season 6 and get to know Mrs. Emily Barkley.

We wrap up 2024 with a great conversation with retired athletic director Jean Ashen. The long-time athletic director at North Salinas High School in Salinas, California, Jean talks to us about the close friendships that are made in the athletic administrator community, leading through change, and being an impactful leader to those we serve daily. Let's settle in and get to know Jean Ashen.

Today we sit down with the last piece of the Pure Athlete podcast in former athletic director and co-founder of Pure Athlete Brad Williams. We talk about marketing your program to your community and building your brand both inside and out with vison and hard work. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Brad Williams.

Brian Dodd sits down with us for the 5th instalment of his Top 10 Sports Leadership books list. Get ready to fill up your Amazon cart as Brain gives us some great ideas for our next book!CLICK HERE to visit Brian's website and see the full list.

Today we head out west again and sit down with Tol Gropp who serves as the Activities Director at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho. We talked about the importance of increasing your capacity and learning from failure in order to be your best self and navigating the demands of being an athletic administrator today. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Tol Gropp.

Today we head to the great state of Louisiana and sit down with Mister Kirkwood who serves as the athletics director and head boys basketball coach at Holy Cross School in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mister believes in training the next generation of leaders up while surrounding yourself with good people in the process. Let's settle in and get to know Mister Kirkwood. 

Today we head back west to sit down with Xavier Antheaume who serves as the Director of Athletics and Title IX Compliance for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV. We talk about the power of communication, positivity, and the desire to find fulfillment in the job of athletic administration. Let's settle in and get to know Xavier Antheaume

Today we head to Virginia and sit down with one of great veteran leaders of our profession in Dick Kemper, the retired former Executive Director of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association. Dick spoke to us about the power of not only continuing your professional development by taking LTC courses through the NIAAA but also giving back by teaching courses as well. We also talk about the courage needed to lead and the power of building positive relationships to help one grow in their leadership journey. Let's settle in and get to know one of the best in Mr. Dick Kemper.

Today we head a few miles north and check in with Kelly Fish. Kelly is the Assistant Head of School for Advancement and Strategic Initiatives at Currey Ingram Academy in Brentwood, TN and served as the athletic director there for 11 years previously. A Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award in 2023, Kelly grew up surrounded by athletics and educators who have impacted how she leads as we talk about leading through change and the importance lessons learn through education-based athletics that help prepare our young people for their next chapter as well as the difference between the middle and high school athlete. Let's settle in and get to know Mrs. Kelly Fish.

Today it's back to the college ranks for a conversation with a leader we have had on our short list for some time in Greg Byrne, who serves as the Director of Athletics at the University of Alabama. We talk about the importance of continual growth as a leader and learning from those on our team to ensure the overall department reaches it greatest potential. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Greg Byrne.

Today we stay close to home and head down to Milledgeville, Georgia and check-in with Wendell Staton who serves as the Director of Athletics for Georgia College and State University. This is a powerful conversation about keeping the first thing first as a leader and not getting lost in the job, which we all know if easy to do. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Wendell Staton.

Today we stay a little closer to home and head south to Lakeland Florida as we sit down with CMAA Dan Talbot who serves as the Senior Director of Athletics for the Polk County School System. We talk to Dan about a NIAAA course he has helped develop on managing tragedy within an athletic department. This is a heavy topic but one we need to lean into because, more likely than not, the skills learned from this upcoming course will be needed at some point in our careers. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Dan Talbot. 

Today we head north and meet with Dr. Troy Urdahl who serves as the Director of Athletics, Activities, Facilities, & Transportation at St. Anthony Village High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. We talk about how to get better each and every day and defining our leadership purpose as we guide those we serve. Let's settle in and get to know Dr. Troy Urdahl.

Today we have the pleasure of introducing you to an AD who is not a stranger to success. Tim Selgo was at the helm at Grand Valley State University in one of the most successful runs of any university at any level. It's our hope that you lean in today and learn from one of the best to ever do it. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Tim Selgo.

There is a saying that if you are the smartest person in the room…you need to find another room. Well, we found a much smarter room today as we sit down with Jennifer Baker who serves as the Associate Vice Provost and Director of Athletics & Recreation at Johns Hopkins University. A military veteran, Jennifer speaks to how her service has benefitted her in her role as well as other leadership lesson she has learned along the way. Let's settle in and get to know Jennifer Baker.

Today we wrap up our back-to-back episodes with two of the three co-hosts of the Pure Athlete podcast as we sit down with former Major League Baseball standout and current broadcaster Jeff Francoeur. Jeff talks about the coaches who poured into him, and we dive deeper into the importance of both youth and interscholastic sports and the best ways to navigate them. Let's settle in and get to know Jeff Francoeur.

Today we sit down with Britt Lee, the co-founder of Pure Athlete, an organization and podcast that helps youth athletes maximize their potential for success in sports and in life. Their pillared approach focuses on vision, grit, skill, belief, and character and helps to also guide parents through the youth sports journey to find success both on and off the field. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Britt Lee. https://pureathleteinc.com/

This week we have another installment of our Single Topic Series as we sit down with Kevin Petroski, Athletic Director at Athens Academy in Athens, Ga. to discuss his annual AD Workshop. This is a concept that we think can catch on across the country as athletic leaders look to find professional development close to home that gives them tools and information that they can immediately implement into their programs to take them to the next level. Let's settle in and learn about the AD Workshop with Kevin Petroski.

Today we head north to sit down with Trish Witkin who serves as the director of athletics at Glastonbury High School in Glastonbury, Connecticut. A past president of the NIAAA, Trish let's us behind the curtain of a successful career and we have no doubt you'll be better after our conversation today. Let's settle in and get to know Trish Witkin.

Today it's off to the great state of Texas as we sit down with Kevin Goll who serves as the Senior Associate AD and Chief Strategy Officer for the Baylor Bears of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Kevin talks about his unique route to athletic leadership and the lessons he has learned along the way. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Kevin Goll.

Today we stay close to home and sit down with Kirk Call of Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek Georgia. Kirk is wrapping up his first year as an AD and you'll find that he is wise beyond his years in the role as we talk about the transition from coach to AD and leadership in general. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Kirk Call.

Today we step out of the athletic world a bit and step in the president's office…not necessarily the president's office but we sit down with Dr. Kyle Marrero who serves as the president of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. A leader who took an alternative route to the president's chair, Dr. Marrero was more than generous with his time as he talked leadership and the importance of athletics and the role it plays in the development of leaders. Let's settle in and get to know Dr. Kyle Morrero.

Today we head to Charlette, North Carolina and sit down with one of the country's best leaders of in the field of mental performance in Jeremy Boone. Jeremy has worked with championship race car drivers, Olympic athletes, record-setting college football players, and Hall of Fame coaches and today he's going to make you better. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Jeremy Boone.www.winningleader.comwww.desiretolead.com X & IG @athletebydesign 

It's back to the collegiate ranks today as we had the pleasure of sitting down with Auburn University Head Baseball Coach Butch Thompson. As he enters his ninth season at the helm of the program in 2024, Coach Thompson has established himself as one of the top recruiters in the country who will past the 300-win mark soon. He is a humble, purpose driven leader and we can't wait for you to learn from him as we did. Let's settle in and get to know Coach Butch Thompson.

Today we stay closer to home and sit down with a great leader in Clay Smith who serves as the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA. This is a powers house leadership conversation, and it is our hope that you dig in and get better today just like we did. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Clay Smith. 

Today we head south and sit down with Lauren Otero, who serves as the Project Administrator for Operations in the Hillsborough County Public School System in Tampa, Florida. This is a big role in a big district, and we know that there is a lot to be learned from her day to day as well as her career experience. Let's settle in and get to know Lauran Otero. 

Welcome to season 5 of the Hangin' with the AD Podcast! If this is your first ride with us or if you have been with us for a while, we would like to say a quick thank you and we appreciate you more than you know. Today we head to Glenpool, Oklahoma and sit down with Jason Culler who serves as the Associate Athletic Director for the Jenks Public School System. We discuss the Border States Summit that Jason was a founding piece of as well as hiring and his process for determining the right products and services for his athletic department but be sure to hang on for probably the best 2-minute drill we have every experienced. Hold and buckle-up as we get to know Mr. Jason Culler.

Today we once again head west and sit down with Brandon Larson who serves as the Athletic Director for Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona. Brandon's people first approach has created a winning culture and his ability to put people in positions to be successful is second to none. Let's settle in and get to know Brandon Larson. 

This week we continue with our "Single Topic Series" and take a look at officiating as we look to recruit a new generation of officials across the country. 

Brain Dodd is back to give us his annual list of the top sports books of the year. Visit his blog for more information.https://briandoddonleadership.com/2023/11/12/the-top-10-sports-books-of-2023/

Today we head west and sit down with Jamie Boggs, Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Jamie's people first, team-oriented approach to leadership is second to none and it won't take long for you to see why she and Grand Canyon are finding success both on and off the field. Let's settle in…and get to know Mrs. Jamie Boggs.

Wow! We can't believe that we've made it to episode 100! We can't believe that we have people that wanted to listen to us talk, and that we've found people who have said “yes” over and over again to spend time with us as we, and you, have learned so much from them.  Today's episode is no different and we couldn't think of anyone better to learn from on such a milestone episode than Mr. Positivity himself, Jon Gordon. Jon talks leadership and his new book “The One Truth.” Let's settle in and learn from one of the best in Mr. Jon Gordon. 

Today we head north and sit down with current NIAAA President and the Director of Athletics at Stafford High School in Stafford Springs Connecticut, CMAA Damian Frassinelli. Damian has a great story of leadership that began in the private sector and has now led him to being a pivotal part of not only the interscholastic athletic leadership of the state of Connecticut but the nation through his involvement with the NIAAA. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Damian Frassinelli. 

Today we stay closer to home and sit down with Gene Durden. Gene serves as the assistant athletic director and head girls basketball coach at Buford High School in Buford, GA. Coach Durden is one of the most successful basketball coaches in the country with over 900 career victories and multiple state titles, and it is his views on leadership that will guide our conversation today. Let's settle in and get to know Coach Gene Durden.

Today we head back to the college ranks and sit down with Jamie Pollard who serves as the Director of Athletics at Iowa State University. Jamie is the longest-tenured Director of Athletics in Iowa State history and fourth-longest serving active Power Five Director of Athletics and it will not take long for you to realize why. His wealth of knowledge combined with a great perspective on leadership highlights our conversation today. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Jamie Pollard.

Today we head to the NIAAA headquarters in Indianapolis, IN and sit down with Becky Moran, a CMAA, who serves as the Associate Executive Director of Marketing & Development for the NIAAA. A veteran AD with a ton of insight into becoming the best version of ourselves, you'll be glad you took the time today to learn from this great leader in our profession. Let's settle in and get to know Becky Moran.

Today we head to Mt. Sterling Kentucky and sit down with Austin Maples who serves as the athletic director and assistant principal at Montgomery County High School. We talk about the importance of being organized and how best to balance the dual role of AD and AP as we lead both our coaches and young people. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Austin Maples.

Today we head west to speak with Dr. Dustin Smith who serves as the Executive Director of Athletics at Broken Arrow Public Schools in Broken Arrow, OK. Dustin is also the co-host of the Pairadocs podcast and if you aren't listening to it you need to make sure to make it part of your podcast lineup. Dustin drops some great information in our conversation today and you'll see why is one of the shinning stars of our profession once your done today. Let's settle in and get to know Dr. Dustin Smith. 

Today we travel to the Sunshine state and sit down with one of the best in the business as we learn from Lanness Robinson who serves as the Director of Athletics for the Hillsborough County Public School District in Tampa, FL. This is no small feat as Lanness oversees athletics for one of the largest districts in the country while also maintaining an important presence at the national level evidenced as his role of president of the NIAAA leading athletic leaders through the pandemic. You better have something to write with and on for this one. Let's settle in and get know Mr. Lanness Robinson. 

Today we once again stay close to home and chat with Ashley Lott. Ashley serves as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Fayette Co. High School in Fayetteville, GA. Ashley is a rising star in the state of Georgia and on the National level who brings a wealth of knowledge across multiple sports from her days coaching that is helping guide her as a leader today. At the time of our conversation, Ashley was the Athletic Director at Hampton High School before making the move to Fayette Co. this summer. Let's settle in and get to know Ms. Ashley Lott.

This week we stay close to home and chat with one of Georgia's best in Ricky Turner of Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, GA. Ricky is a people first leader with a servant's heart, and it won't take long for you to understand why he is a go resources for athletic leaders in the deep south. Let's settle in and get to know…Mr. Ricky Turner. 

Today we head back to the college ranks and the SEC as we sit down with Ray Tanner, the Director of Athletics at the University of South Carolina. A champion on the field leading the Gamecock baseball program to back-to-back titles, Coach Tanner has proven to be a winner in his role as an athletic administrator and we know you'll learn a lot from him today. Let's settle in and get to know Coach Ray Tanner.

Today we have the pleasure of learning from a name you may recognize most from tuning into a college basketball broadcast on ESPN as we sit down with broadcaster and author Jimmy Dykes. We break down his book “The Film Doesn't Lie” and talk about the intersection of athletics, leadership, and faith and how best to navigate each one. Let's settle in and get to know Coach Jimmy Dykes. 

Today you are in for a treat as we sit down with one of the best leadership experts in the business in Mr. Kevin Paul Scott. Kevin is an author, a speaker, and an entrepreneur whose leadership journey has taken him from a small town outside of Atlanta, GA to six continents and seen him speak to leaders from more than 100 countries. He believes that when organizations pause and invest in their leadership, they discover new potential and we're glad you've taken the time to learn from him today. Let's settle in and get to know Mr. Kevin Paul Scott.