The ATO Show

James “Kodi” Kodrowski (Alabama-Huntsville '01) is an entrepreneur, and at 45, plays professional hockey for the Singapore National Team. After starting in the oil and gas industry, Kodi built a life in Singapore, where he now runs a financial services firm. He was vital in the formation of the team in Singapore and is the current president of the Singapore Ice Hockey Association (SIHA). Kodi is also representing Singapore in the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship happening in Querétaro, Mexico, from April 27 – May 3, 2025. He joined The ATO Show from the ice rink for his interview. Kodi grew up in New Jersey and started playing hockey on a frozen pond behind his house with cousins and friends. He played junior A hockey in Montana before walking on to the Division I team at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, where he studied engineering. Though Kodi didn't arrive at college with any knowledge of fraternities, he found himself drawn to the people in ATO. They were academically serious, involved in community outreach, and committed to athletics—qualities that aligned with Kodi's values. He attended leadership conferences and met fellow members. After graduation, Kodi accepted a role with an international oil company because of one pitch: “We'll pay to fly you around the world.” Eventually, he settled in Singapore after meeting his now-wife. There, he transitioned out of the oil industry and into entrepreneurship, starting in restaurants (a nod to his mother's dream of owning one), and later building a financial services company, Right Choice Capital Group.Today, Right Choice operates in Singapore and the Philippines, providing business loans to small and mid-sized enterprises. The company has grown into a group with a technology arm and a stake in a small bank. Kodi is also deeply engaged in advocacy work through his businesses, promoting financial literacy, healthy lifestyles, and support for underprivileged families.Kodi was instrumental in forming the Singapore National Hockey team. He began by playing casually in Singapore and volunteering to help run the local hockey association. Eventually, he took an active role in helping the association gain local recognition from Singapore's sports authority. After local recognition, Kodi led the process of applying for and securing membership with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This membership was necessary for Singapore to compete in international tournaments and officially field national teams. Once recognition was in place, Kodi helped create the men's national team. He coached the team for the first few years, and in 2016, when he was granted citizenship in Singapore, he was invited to return to the team as a player. He had to lose 20 pounds to keep up with his teammates who are half his age.

In this episode of The ATO Show we explore the fascinating history of ATO brothers who have made significant contributions as explorers. We hear stories from the archives about alumni who have achieved greatness on land, in the air, and in space. The episode highlights Dr. Lewis Sims Jr., who flew an ATO flag over Antarctica during a 1940 expedition, inspired by early aviation pioneer and fellow ATO member Ben Eielson. Eielson's achievements in polar aviation are discussed, including his record-setting transpolar flights. The conversation then turns to five ATO brothers who became NASA astronauts. Notable figures like Charles Duke, the 10th man to walk on the moon, and David Wolf, who spent significant time on the International Space Station, are celebrated for their contributions to space exploration.

Hear from tech pioneer and philanthropist David Bohnett discuss the transformative impact of technology on organizations and society. David, co-founder of the groundbreaking early web platform Geocities, shares his journey from a Business and Computer Science major at USC to selling Geocities to Yahoo for a staggering $3.5 billion in 1999. Plus we tackle the role of social media in voter education and registration and where AI fits in to the current technology landscape and the broader impact it can have on ATOs.

Wynn Smiley sits down with the trailblazing social entrepreneur, Sean Seipler in this episode of The ATO Show. As the founder of Clean the World, Sean shares his incredible journey from noticing wasted soap in hotels to spearheading a global movement that recycles soap and distributes hygiene products to those in need. Discover how a simple idea evolved into a hybrid organization, generating $25 million annually and collaborating with 9,000 hotels worldwide. Sean unveils the trials and triumphs of starting Clean the World amid the 2009 economic downturn, including personal sacrifices and early financial challenges. He recounts a pivotal trip to Haiti and the profound impact it had on his commitment to combating hygiene-related child mortality. From media breakthroughs to strategic partnerships, Sean explains how Clean the World expanded its reach and scaled operations. Listeners will learn about innovative programs that empower local economies, refugee assistance initiatives, and cutting-edge plastic recycling efforts. Sean also touches on the psychological benefits of service and the growing significance of social entrepreneurship in today's world. Tune in to explore how purpose-driven business models can effectuate lasting change and the vital role of supportive networks in achieving social impact.

Host Wynn Smiley sits down with behavioral designer and best-selling author Nir Eyal to unpack the keys to managing distraction and building life-enhancing habits. Together, they explore the profound impact of fraternity life, the nature of social connections, and the importance of developing meaningful relationships during college years. **Highlights:** - **Fraternity Life and Social Connections**: - Wynn and Nir highlight the lifelong benefits of fraternity friendships and the essential role of social networks in combating loneliness among men. - **Psychology of Distraction**: - Nir Eyal delves into the psychological underpinnings of distraction, arguing that internal triggers like boredom and anxiety are largely to blame rather than just external factors such as phones and social media. - Eyal introduces actionable strategies to manage distractions, including mastering internal triggers, prioritizing time for traction, hacking back external triggers, and using pre-commitment pacts. - **Technological Optimism**: - Despite common negative perceptions, Eyal shares his positive outlook on technological advancements. He recommends Hans Rosling's book "Factfulness" for a balanced understanding of global progress. - **Role of Routine and Time Management**: - Emphasizing the importance of routines over habits, Eyal suggests using a time-boxing method to structure one's day effectively, thereby fostering greater focus and productivity. - **Impact on Youth**: - Discussion focuses on the importance of psychological nutrients like competency, autonomy, and relatedness for children's well-being, advocating for the benefits of free play and less regimented schedules for kids. - **Personal Connection to ATO**: - Nir shares how his membership in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Emory University has supported his personal and professional growth, including fostering projects like Emory Reads. **Contact Nir Eyal**: - Visit nirandfar.com to learn more and access Nir's latest book, "How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life."

In this episode of The ATO Show, we chat with Dennis Boyd, DePauw '78, about how he's successfully opened and sold several bond trading firms, investment funds and most recently a dog food business. We get into the power of ATO's leadership training and how it gave Boyd the confidence to be an entrepreneur.

At the 86th ATO Congress in Tucson, Alpha Tau Omega honored this year's Thomas Arkle Clark honoree and National Presidents Award recipient. In this episode, we get to hear their remarks and a bit about what is so impressive about these two ATOs. Grant Hershbine and Comforted Keen are two ATOs we could all learn a lot from.

In this history-focused episode of The ATO Show, host Wynn Smiley delves into the early history of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity with archivist Deborah Walters from the University of Illinois. As the fraternity's 86th Congress approaches, they explore the significance of the first few ATO congresses, starting with the inaugural congress in 1870. Walters sheds light on how founder Otis Allan Glazebrook's forward-thinking vision led to a truly national fraternity. The conversation highlights the fraternity's rocky years in the 1870s and the critical role played by Joseph R. Anderson, known as the second founder, in revitalizing ATO. Filled with intriguing historical anecdotes and insights into ATO's foundational principles, this episode offers a captivating look at the fraternity's evolution and enduring legacy.

ATO Show Host Wynn Smiley sits down with Missouri ATO Alumnus Phil Bender. Bender has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry, but that barely scratches the surface of what he's accomplished. From navigating the fascinating landscape of NIL to creating dynamic leadership focused cultures to coaching individuals to CEO mindset, he's about as muli-layered as you can get.

Wynn Smiley speaks with Kyle Jackson, chief of staff for Congressman Larry Bucshon, about his transition from fraternity life to a career on Capitol Hill. Jackson reflects on his time with ATO at Texas Tech, citing the fraternity's historical roots and leadership opportunities as pivotal in his development. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding others, teamwork, and learning from setbacks—skills that have proved vital in his professional journey. Jackson offers valuable advice for undergraduates and those pursuing political careers, stressing the benefits of leadership programs, internships, and showcasing leadership capabilities. The conversation also covers the fast-paced nature of work in Washington, the impact of social media on Capitol Hill, and the relationship-based culture of the town. Jackson discusses managing both Washington and Indiana operations, and how the pandemic has strained congressional relationships. This episode is rich with practical advice, historical perspectives, and personal anecdotes, making it essential listening for aspiring leaders and political enthusiasts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

ATO CEO Wynn Smiley catches up with Jim Perry, a DePaul alumnus and the Sales and Marketing Director for the Indiana Sports Corporation. Jim dives into the behind-the-scenes action of organizing the USA Swimming Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, juggling everything from ticket sales to building temporary pools. He also reflects on his previous role with ESPN's high school sports coverage, including working with athletes like Bronny James. Jim shares how his ATO fraternity experience played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Tune in for a mix of sports insights, career advice, and fraternity talk. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

This is The ATO Show. In today's episode, host Wynn Smiley dives into a thought-provoking conversation with guest, RJ Taylor, CEO of Phired Up. Taylor's company is dedicated to transforming how college fraternities and sororities connect with students, but he has a personal passion for creating community at large. Taylor recounts his incredible journey, including a year-long global adventure with his wife, partnering with organizations in 11 different countries. From teaching English to community rehabilitation, and while living in conditions ranging from tents to local homes, Taylor's experiences have deeply impacted his views on community and belonging. We'll explore how these global insights parallel the camaraderie found in fraternity life and discover why fostering genuine relationships is more crucial than ever, especially considering today's mental health challenges and shifting recruitment trends on campus. Everything in Taylor's life is some variation of gathering people together, building genuine relationships, and helping create places of community where people can thrive. Hear all about it in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

Welcome to The ATO Show. Today, we're diving into the powerful impact of serving as a leadership consultant with ATO. Join us as we hear personal testimonies from former consultants, Sam Satterfield, David Bushart, and Michael Millard, who share their transformative experiences. From gaining unparalleled leadership skills and self-reliance to influencing their professional paths and achieving remarkable growth, our guests detail how their time with ATO equipped them for a variety of challenging roles in the real world, from politics to senior corporate positions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

Join us as Howe Wallace, a former ATO National President and current CEO of the nation's largest new pallet manufacturing company, shares his journey from ATO Undergraduate to leading a major corporation. He'll discuss the skills and values that fraternities can instill – from leadership to generosity – and why these are more relevant than ever in today's society. We'll also explore Howe's unique insights into the pallet industry and how his fraternity experience influenced his professional ethos and hiring practices. From personal challenges to community impact, this episode unpacks the lifelong benefits of engaging with fraternities like ATO and how these communities strive to make a meaningful difference. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

We are speaking with Garrett Cornelison, an alumnus of the Simpson Beta Alpha chapter. Cornelison has an uncanny ability to recognize opportunities and be willing to follow them. An example is the 50-state road trip which he leveraged into a successful commercial photography career in Los Angeles. There he worked with companies like Apple, Coachella, Lincoln Motor Company, eBay, and more. When the pandemic hit, Cornelison moved home to Des Moines. He learned to sew and turned his vast personal vintage collection into a vintage clothing and antique store called the Dust Collective. “I think when you recognize opportunities, and you're open to them, and you're willing to follow those….man, life just sort of unlocks in some mysterious, wild, wonderful ways. I think that's just what I've always tried to do” Connect with Garrett on Instagram: @reallykindofamazing or @thedustcollective.co --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

In this episode of The ATO Show, we get insight from several ATO Chapter Presidents for 2024 academic year. From what they're hoping to accomplish, to what it means for them to be a president, these are the thoughts uppermost in the minds of today's chapter president. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

We're talking to former NFL fullback and Money Vehicle CEO Jed Collins to hear insights into how he advises both ATOs and current NFL players on how to plan for their financial future. His tips and advice are priceless when it comes to making sure you understand how to make the most of the next phase of your life journey. If you want to access more information about resources available to ATOs, you can go to ato.org or reach out to your chapter's Leadership Consultant. This, is the ATO Show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

In this conversation, Wynn Smiley interviews Kyle Stepp, an alumnus of the New Mexico ATO chapter and 2016 Thomas Arkle Clark Honoree, about his exceptional life story. Kyle shares his journey of overcoming stage four cancer, living in foster care and boys homes, and beating the odds to become a paratriathlete and advocate for LGBTQ and disability rights. Throughout the conversation, Kyle emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in pain and using personal experiences to make a positive impact on others. He also discusses the impact of his involvement in ATO and how the fraternity provided him with a sense of belonging and a platform to create change. Kyle reflects on the lessons he has learned and the personal growth he has experienced and his success as a paratriathlete. Kyle's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and pursuing a purpose bigger than himself. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

Eric Maddox, Oklahoma Delta Kappa Alumnus, shares his story of being a lead interrogator on the Special Task Force that captured Saddam Hussein. Plus, we hear how Maddox's ATO journey pushed him to be the best he could be, and kept him from taking the easy path. Connect wth Maddox at eric@ericmaddox.com Learn more about Maddox at https://www.ericmaddox.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message

Welcome to The ATO Show, the official podcast of the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity. We will be featuring the incredible stories of the ATO alumni and undergraduates who live out the eternal and immutable principles our founders built our organization on. From in-depth discussions with distinguished ATO alumni to advice on leadership, networking, and personal growth, this podcast is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-ato-show/message