Podcasts about Chaz

Jeff and Chaz recap the Pack's 6-2 start to the ACC season and what lies ahead in the coming weeks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to call in with their stories of falling from a moving vehicle. Stories included golf cart mishaps, toboggan fails and Chaz's mother-in-law getting dumped out of a Chevy Bel Air. (0:00) CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon was on the phone with Chaz and AJ this morning to talk about his recent announcement to run again for the same office. He shared the commercial that included the announcement, and the music he wanted to include. (17:22) ESPN's Kevin Negandhi was on the phone with Chaz and AJ to talk about Bill Belichick being snubbed from the NFL Hall of Fame in his first ballot, and who he likes in the Super Bowl. (32:26) 

Live Nation's Jimmy Koplik was on with Chaz and AJ this morning, to tease a big announcement coming early next week - a huge show coming to Rentschler Field for 2026. Plus, the Tribe called in their questions about Metallica, AC/DC, and Sublime. 

On this episode of What Happened When, Tony and Conrad go PUNK ROCK as they welcome special guest Chaz Warrington, better known to wrestling fans as MOSH, one half of the legendary tag team The Headbangers! Chaz joins the show to talk about his brand-new book, Beneath the Skirt, pulling back the curtain on the wild, uncensored story of his rise to WWE Tag Team legend status. The fun doesn't stop there — the guys sit back and watch three of Chaz's matches, including his very first match as a professional wrestler, as he shares behind-the-scenes stories, road tales, and plenty of laughs along the way. It's loud, it's chaotic, and it's a must-listen edition of What Happened When! BETTER WILD - Right now, Betterwild is offering our listeners up to 40% off your order at http://betterwild.com/WHW  CASH APP - Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6677p45x #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. BLUECHEW - Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code WHW at http://BlueChew.com  SAVE WITH CONRAD - Stop throwing money away by paying those high interest rates on your credit card. Roll them into one low monthly payment and on top of that, skip your next two house payments. Go to https://www.savewithconrad.com  to learn more.

Chaz and AJ spoke with Tribe member Tom in Dumb Ass News, who shared his unfortunate porta-potty story with the crew. (0:00) Scott has had a few viral videos on social media, including his recent "pizza guy" delivery during the ice storm in Texas. Chaz and AJ played audio from the video then spoke to Scott about coming up with these characters and how his neighbors inadvertently provided plenty of inspiration. (6:31) Sitting in studio with Chaz and AJ, DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto agreed to take calls and suggestions from the Tribe. The commissioner also addressed the recent snow storm, and took Chaz's big suggestion about AI traffic lights very seriously. (18:54) 

Bret Michaels called Chaz and AJ this morning to talk about his tour coming through Mohegan Sun. Bret explained how they like local bands to join them on stage at every tour date, so he was introduced to the Rum Runners live on the air. Plus, what actually happened with the canceled Poison anniversary tour? Photo courtesy: Bret Michaels

Topic 1 (Lead Debate):Is AJ Styles the greatest pure in-ring performer of all time?⸻Topic 2:Did AEW mishandle the signing and immediate release of Trey Miguel—or was this a corporate decision AEW couldn't avoid?⸻Topic 3 (Royal Rumble Predictions):Who should win the Royal Rumble — and who actually will?

Chaz offered his review of "Bugonia," a best picture nominee for the Oscars this year. He started with a big spoiler warning, then launched into a little review/rant after the movie was suggested to him by both Ruth and Phil. Plus, Mike S. does the Top 10 snowy movies. (0:00)  In Bad Idea Island, Ruth dug up the 1991 movie starring Vanilla Ice that killed his acting career for quite a long time. (15:44)  In Dumb Ass News, a man stole a full-sized harp, took off his clothes, and jumped into a river. (23:20) Which heroes went overlooked during the winter storm? Chaz and AJ played a clip from their buddy Jimmy Cash, and then took some calls from the Tribe. (30:50) During Stump the Chumps, Chaz and AJ took a few strange calls from Long Island (42:59) 

Chaz and AJ, and everyone listening yesterday, was surprised when their cold weather survivalist, Kevin Estela recommended wiping with some fresh snow. In honor of that moment, the Tribe called in with the things they are surprised to find delightful, from a fresh port-o-potty to picking scabs. 

Chaz and AJ spoke with DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto about the hard work being done to cleanup after the heavy winter storm. Plus, some of the snowfall totals have been scrutinized by the Tribe, so Scot Haney was on the phone as Jennifer went out to measure live on the air. 

Chaz and AJ asked Dr. Ron Clark to handle the Top 10 list this morning, which are the most common winter time accidents and injuries that bring people to the hospital. Be careful shoveling! (0:00) A Connecticut plow driver makes Dumb Ass News for crashing through a garage, and causing a trail of carnage before admitting to police he had snorted coke. (15:57) The winter storm is over, but the cold weather is here to stay. CT State Police spokesperson Sgt. Rodney Valdes was on the phone with some information about emergency response. (23:12) A live call from a Tribe member changed the headline in Dumb Ass News, when Cody shared the story of making sure to have kitty litter in the car during snow storms. (30:22)  

The 1989 Oscars ended one career for sure, and seriously threatened another. Ruth leads Chaz and AJ through the cringe in Bad Idea Island. (0:00) Snow and extreme cold is expected this weekend. Chaz and AJ spoke with a mailman who will be out on his walking route through the intense weather. (8:02) In Dumb Ass News, a man attempted to steal brisket by shoving it into his pants. (14:40) Scot Haney was on the phone with Chaz and AJ to talk about the weather, but spent more time talking about his little surgical procedure, and introduced the guys to "Heated Rivalry." (19:19) Jim Donovan is a former Philadelphia news anchor, and now holds the Guinness World Record for socks. (38:07) Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to share the craziest or strangest items they keep in the car. Someone went through a lot of trouble to keep a baboon in the backseat. (49:32) Commander Keith was in for his Top 5, which was all about the weirdest people he meets. This is your TW for any Disney adults. (1:06:10) 

Chaz and AJ invited a 22-year-old student, Skyler Chan, on this morning to talk about his plan and business model for a hotel on the moon. The interview was cut short when  the vocal fry was too much to handle. 

This week: Gates surprises Joshua with a day trip to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, Neela returns to work and makes a cool save, the ER staff are all getting free spa treatments from a grateful patient's mom, Pratt treats a former NFL player with a bad hip, Chaz is getting hazed by his new EMT partner, Morris scares a small child, a new desk clerk joins the staff, and Abby's downfall truly begins after Joe is brought to the ER with a head injury.

Chaz and Jeff recap the win over Clemson, play some trivia and check in on the latest from the transfer portal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chaz and AJ opened the show with the forecast for snow, and plenty of it this weekend. Roger Susanin from WFSB was on the phone to talk about the preparations in place for the snow removal professionals. (0:00)  In Dumb Ass News, William Shatner's "viral" cereal moment. (12:03) Live Nation's Jimmy Koplik dropped some concert news right out of the gate regarding the Tedeschi Trucks Band and Sheryl Crow. Plus, an update on his quest to bring Metallica back to Connecticut, and answering questions from the Tribe. (18:02) A throwback Thursday to the time AJ hosted an 8-year-old's birthday party. (44:52)  

Chaz and AJ had Bert Kreischer on the phone this morning to talk about his new show, "Free Bert" on NetFlix. Bert also remembered the time he was kicked off of a big comedy tour that wound up making negative headlines in Connecticut. 

Chaz and AJ immediately addressed the brutally cold weather, and even gave the cayenne pepper sock trick a whirl. Plus, an AI song created in the wake of Chaz's Buffalo Bills rants. (0:00) A second Sphere is going to be built in the DC area. Chaz and AJ called Tom Cantone from Mohegan Sun this morning to talk about the venue, and share stories from the wheel of celebrities. (12:12) In Dumb Ass News, a musician shares why it's important to play "House of the Rising Sun" in the correct key, and a former teacher of the year was arrested for punching a child. (25:04) Comedian Anthony Rodia was in studio, complaining about his neighbor who constantly battles with him about the sound of his truck warming up. (34:05) Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe for stories of getting complaints at work. One caller, who worked at an unnamed fruit delivery company, took an angry call from a customer who claimed to have broken a tooth on a strawberry. (44:54) 

After hearing his rant about the Bills game a few times, Chaz came to the conclusion that he needs to find some zen. The Tribe called in their suggestions, including the cleansing sounds of bowl therapy. 

Chaz and AJ opened the show talking about the weekend of NFL playoff games, including the "catch" that was ruled against the Buffalo Bills. (0:00) Connecticut Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma went viral for complaining about the pizza that was brought to the team after a game. Kevin from Pepe's was on the phone with Chaz and AJ to talk about bringing "the real stuff" to the team. (13:09) A live change of topic for Dumb Ass News, after Tribe member Ed in East Haven called to bitch about the lady that put her hands on his kid in the cereal aisle. (26:02) Today is a super cold day, the first of a few this week. Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to share their tips and hacks to surviving the cold weather, after hearing that Rams players used cayenne pepper in their socks. (34:08) 

Chaz and AJ celebrated National DJ Day by reliving one of their most infamous interview moments. Martha Wash was in studio, and repeatedly claimed to not be the person we all thought she was. 

Chaz and AJ welcomed comedian Jiaoying Summers back into the studio, while taking calls from the Tribe about their crazy public sex. 

Chaz and AJ ended the week with yet another, impossibly creepy doll for children. Bad Idea Island focuses on the "repeating" Tarzan toy that was almost immediately pulled from shelves. (0:00) WFSB's Scot Haney was on the phone with Chaz and AJ this morning, and started the call singing his new favorite song by Raye. Plus, Jennifer called in to talk about the dinner plans they have for next weekend. (7:58) Brian Stroehlien was on the phone with Chaz and AJ to talk about his "career" as a nude male model for artists to sketch. Brian admitted this all began at Burning Man, and has since posed nude for hundreds, if not thousands of sketches. (28:07) Photo courtesy: Brian Stroehlein 

Chaz and Jeff break down the last two games for the Pack as Will Wade's team has posted road wins at Boston College and Florida StateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chaz and AJ spoke with Live Nation's Jimmy Koplik this morning, who shared some details about a concert being announced this week. Plus, an update on his plans to bring Metallica back into Connecticut for 2026. 

Believe it or not, another creepy doll that hit the market in Bad Idea Island. Chaz and AJ got to watch the commercial live on the air for the first time, for Baby Wee-Wee and the too-real anatomical parts. (0:00)  Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to share stories about the time they were saved by their safety gear, like steel toe boots. The calls came in, which included a tow truck running over someone's foot. (7:40) Yesterday, Chaz and AJ played some audio from "My Strange Addiction," a woman named Kathryn who snorts all of her meals. Kathryn Andrea was on the phone with the show this morning with an update. (17:10) Comedian Adam Ray was on the phone with Chaz and AJ to talk about his "Dr. Phil" moments, and even helped Chaz through an old interview that went badly. (32:12)Photo credit: Adam Ray 

Check out an all-new episode of the RTI: Press Pass as hosts Ryan Sylvia, Ric Butler, and Ryan Schumpert are diving into the latest transfer portal news for the Tennessee Volunteers. The guys discuss the quarterback market and Tennessee's remaining options, last weekend's Penn State haul and Chaz Coleman, areas that still need to be addressed, and much more. The guys close the show by discussing a few key storylines for both the men's and women's basketball teams as they continue conference play. Download and subscribe TODAY!- - - 0:00 Intro5:21 Portal QB Market, Tennessee's Options23:53 Vols Raid Penn State, Land Chaz Coleman33:06 Tennessee's Secondary Outlook41:26 Where UT Can Still Add Pieces49:37 Where UT's Outgoing Players Are Headed53:30 Men's and Women's Basketball Update1:01:45 Close- - -Stay connected to Rocky Top Insider for ALL of your Tennessee Sports news, content, and coverage:Online: www.RockyTopInsider.comTwitter: @RockyTopInsider Instagram: @RockyTopInsiderTikTok & YouTube: @RockyTopInsider Facebook: Rocky Top InsiderApple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon: RTI Press PassRTI Writers: @RSchump00, @Ric_Butler, @JackFosterMedia, and @RyanTSylvia on TwitterThe RTI Low-Down (Apple/Spotify/YouTube): Bob Baskerville and Chris LowPancakes & Bacon Podcast (Apple/Spotify/YouTube): VFL Kyler Kerbyson and Reed BaconDownload the WATE6+ Smart TV App!- - -#tennessee #vols #tennesseefootball #tennesseebasketball #sec #tennesseevols

Chaz and AJ invited Jackie Crenshaw in studio this morning, to share her story and warning about scams. Jackie met someone on a dating site, only to be love-bombed with large sums of money, that she was convinced to invest in cryptocurrency. The Tribe shared their stories of scams and close-calls, proving this is happening all too often.  

In Bad Idea Island, Chaz and AJ continue to talk about creepy dolls. Today, the "parents" of the hyper-realistic dolls are being sent off to the island. (0:00) In Dumb Ass News, an unknown problem with KFC gravy lead to some wild violence. (7:17) Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to call in their food rage moments, from running out of roast beef to way too much mayonaise. (15:17) A man in Florida stopped cars on the highway to rescue two toddlers, who wandered out of their yard into the road. The parents had no idea. (28:09) 

Connor Harris joined Chaz and AJ on stage at the Toy Drive last month, and was on the phone this morning to talk about joining the Savannah Bananas. Connor shared the story of transitioning from college ball to "banana ball" and the difficulty he had learning the choreography. Photo courtesy: Connor Harris 

Chaz and AJ's Bad Idea Island followed up yesterday's creepy doll, with an even creepier doll. Baby Secret and the frightening whispered lines she shared with children. (0:00)Supermarkets in Connecticut are now implementing facial recognition software in their stores. Ruth was out at one such supermarket yesterday to ask customers how they feel about that, but had a hard time keeping some folks on track. (6:00) The flu season is atrociously bad, one of the worst of the last 25 years. Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to share their home remedies that they swear by, after AJ ranted about his hatred for VapoRub. (21:21) Mike Cerulli was in studio from News 8 to share some of the fascinating findings he uncovered, while looking into the McRib. Why is it only a seasonal release? What are the actual ingredients? (37:29)  In Dumb Ass News, mysterious monkeys are wreaking havoc in St. Louis. Chaz and AJ took some calls from the Tribe about their encounters with monkeys, including one guy who was bitten and needed shots for months. (59:27)

Chaz and AJ brought Jimmy Koplik on this morning, to talk about his long friendship with Bob Weir. 

Baby Laugh-a-Lot, and more specifically the horrifying commercial that ran, both were sent off to Bad Idea Island this morning. Chaz and AJ also took a call from a Tribe member who remembered the haunting sounds it would make as the batteries started to die. (0:00) A recap of last night's Golden Globes ceremony, including the acceptance speech that seemed a little too emotional. Plus, Chaz shares the award he won on Friday, at the company holiday party! (5:30)  AJ dies on this hill; the McRib is the best sandwich creation in the last 50 years. That was his bold claim, and took on a number of callers who tried to disagree with him. (20:19) Mike and Mike were both in studio this morning, to talk a little about the Golden Globes. The conversation shifted to the worst endings for TV shows, after "Stranger Things" fans started to convince themselves that the "real" ending would be a secret episode. (36:58) 

Defensive end target Chaz Coleman is transferring to Tennessee. So now what for Ohio State?In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss Chaz Coleman signing with Tennessee and where Ohio State goes from here on their hunt for a defensive end in the transfer portal.

Gav, Chaz and Antonio pay tribute to the late great Perry Bamonte...and listener contributions.#thecure  #perrybamonteLike & Subscribe:Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holy-hour/id1073013033, Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/55NTfq3OEz6aj32xH8GqZI?si=1aa4fb82a23249f4YoutubeSocial Mediayoutube.com/@TheHolyHourTheAllCurePodcast  https://www.instagram.com/theholyhourpodcast/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/theholyhourpodcast Visit:THE HOLY HOUR MERCH STORE! https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-holy-hour-podcast-merch-storeThe Holy Hour Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/theholyhourpodcastContact/Follow Gavin at:gavinconner@gmail.comhttps://linktr.ee/gavinconnerContact/Follow Chaz at:https://www.instagram.com/seventeen_seconds?igsh=MWprdHhxanAwdGk5cA==https://www.instagram.com/jamesdobsonsbastardkids?igsh=ZWFhb2c5aGllb21iContact/Follow Antonio at:https://linktr.ee/kultleader?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1eb20a4b-4c87-408c-a231-fba7e71f5c82https://www.instagram.com/punkrockrag?igsh=MW9nb2ZqeXZ2cDkwYg==And now a word from our sponsors:https://988lifeline.org/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sarlacc-digest-a-star-wars-podcast/id1228256521https://www.curethreads.com/https://graphix.tv/https://dickensyyc.com/https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheObsessiveGeek

Explore the minds of pro wrestlers as we engage in thought-provoking conversations about their wrestling styles, character development, and the artistry behind their performances.#3countpodcast #3count #reddawg #chazthedon #nowenteringthering #chazandfriends #ProWrestling #WrestlingInterviews #WrestlingLegends #BehindTheRing#WrestlingCommunity #WrestlingFans #WrestlingTalk #WrestlingInsider #InsideTheSquaredCircle #WrestlingLifestyle

Written by Simon ChadwickCome and follow more adventures on our animated TV show on Youtube!

Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to share their best stories, to make us say, "Wow!" Immediately, stories of cars flipping, and losing fingers were called in. The segment ended with an eyewitness account of a horrifically violent scene. 

Bad Idea Island continues to take on the most annoying and vapid of celebrity spawn, with Jaden Smith's "music" career and thought-provoking tweets. (0:00) In Dumb Ass News, a car theft suspect was on the loose in nothing but a tablecloth. (6:21) Chaz was in trouble with his wife, Jennifer after dumping his diesel-soaked gloves in with the laundry. (12:17) The first Top 5 of the year for Commander Keith, who is already looking forward to some big things in 2026, including the exciting return of capes. (18:18) 

Chaz and Jeff talk all things Pack basketball and play some trivia on this first pod of 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chaz and AJ spoke with Jimmy Koplik about concerts in 2026, with some new details about Dave Matthews, Metallica and a yet-to-be-announced show at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. Plus, his honest and live reaction to the state of Steven Tyler's toes.Photo Credit: Reuters

More from the bottomless well that is Chet Hanks. Chaz and AJ continued their focus on celebrity spawn with his infamous and awkward interview promoting "White Boy Summer." (0:00) In Dumb Ass News, a wrong way driver crashes head-on into a police car, then gives some incredible answers to basic questions. (8:54) Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to call in with their near-death stories. The segment ended with a harrowing re-telling of a car flipping 8 times, then walking away. (16:05) Peter Linden from Team Rubicon was on the phone with Chaz and AJ this morning, to talk about the aid they provided to Waterbury when the city was without water. Peter shared how Team Rubicon began, and some the larger events they've responded to with aid. (28:14)

Join Casey, Tiggz, Rodrigo, and Alan as they welcome back special guest co-host Chaz! The panel's back for their first show of 2026, and there's so much to 'CHAT' about!HOT TOPICS INCLUDE-- Willow's trial continues, as Curtis goes up against Portia and Isaiah on "General Hospital"-- Dimitri returns, as rumors of a recast for the character of Lexie Carver mount on "Days of Our Lives"-- Katie recruits Deke for her fashion house, as her and Brooke continue to battle over Katie's fashion house name on "The Bold and the Beautiful"-- Matt Clark continues his reign of terror on "The Young and the Restless"-- And Anita battles cancer, as Marcel and Leslie hit the sheets, and some casting decisions are made on "Beyond the Gates"THERE'S ALWAYS SO MUCH TO 'CHAT' ABOUT, SO STAY TUNED!

In this episode, Andy, Joe Dubs, Zac, and Chaz revisit three haunting classics from The Twilight Zone—Night Call, Long Distance Call, and The Jeopardy Room. Together, they explore how these episodes use psychological horror, isolation, and quiet dread to deliver some of the most unsettling stories in the series.The discussion breaks down how ordinary objects—telephones, small rooms, silence—become instruments of fear, while deeper themes of grief, loneliness, paranoia, and survival emerge. From supernatural communication beyond the grave to tense cat-and-mouse suspense, these episodes highlight Rod Serling's mastery of atmosphere and moral storytelling.Andy, Joe Dubs, Zac, and Chaz analyze each episode's narrative structure, symbolism, performances, and long-term cultural impact, examining why these Twilight Zone episodes continue to resonate with audiences decades later.Perfect for fans of classic sci-fi television, psychological horror, anthology series, and thoughtful media analysis.The Twilight ZoneTwilight Zone podcastRod SerlingClassic sci-fi televisionPsychological horrorVintage TV analysisAnthology seriesSupernatural horrorClassic horror TVTwilight Zone breakdownNight Call Twilight ZoneLong Distance Call Twilight ZoneThe Jeopardy RoomSci-fi podcastHorror discussion podcast

Chaz and AJ spoke with Justin Elicker, New Haven's Mayor this morning, about the recent scandal involving the police chief admitting to taking funds from a designated state fund. 

More obnoxious celebrity spawn in Chaz and AJ's Bad Idea Island. The rap song that celebrates a white boy summer. (0:00) Who poops in a beer cave? Chaz and AJ had a story of one such pooper, and the insultingly low fine they were issued for the act. (3:30) Public brawls are always a memorable event, so Chaz and AJ asked the Tribe to call in with their stories of witnessing a massive fight in public. (11:38) Heidi Voight was in studio with Chaz and AJ this morning, to talk about the creative ways foot fetishists tried to get pictures of her feet and shoes. Plus, AJ is convinced to show off his feet. (30:41) Fire Chief Tom Biggs from Derby was on the phone with Chaz and AJ to share a story and a message about kayaking. (38:18)

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr discuss the upcoming visit of outstanding Penn State defensive Chaz Coleman and what he could bring to the Buckeyes' defensively. Is he a must get? Do the Buckeyes have a shot? The fellas talk about all of this and more.

Former WWE Superstar Headbanger Mosh, also known as Chaz, is best remembered as one half of the wildly popular Attitude Era tag team The Headbangers. A former WWE Tag Team Champion, Mosh became a cult favorite for his chaotic energy, punk-rock aesthetic, and unforgettable entrance that defined late-'90s WWE. Beyond WWE, he continued wrestling internationally, cementing his legacy as a unique and influential character of his era. In the newest "Casual Conversations with The Classic'' episode, the Wrestling Classic Justin catches up with the Mosh, as they talk the Headbangers, breaking into the business, Glenn Ruth, Smokey Mountain Wrestling, Jim Cornette, Attitude Era, Beaver Cleavage, Lo Down, the 2016 run and much more! Enjoy! My Official Website + Demo Reel - https://www.justindhillon.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewrestlingclassic/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thewrestlingclassic X - https://x.com/twcworldwide Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheWrestlingClassic/ Limited Edition TWC Tee https://headquartersclothing.com/products/headquarters-x-the-wrestling-classic-logo-tee?_pos=1&_psq=wrestlinhg&_ss=e&_v=1.0 WWE Shop Affiliate wwe-shop.sjv.io/RGRxQv 500 Level https://www.500level.com/ Join the Discord Community https://linktr.ee/thewrestlingclassic All Episodes are on "The Wrestling Classic" Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQOYraeFlX-xd8f3adQtTw#Mosh #WWE #Headbangers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/twc-show--4417554/support.

This month, we got to speak with Chaz Yingling and Andrew Kettler about their forthcoming book: The Once and the Future Cow. The book's aim is to show an understudied history of the cow not just in the American West, but on the islands in the Caribbean. But recentering the cow also means paying attention not to the typical unilateral framing of human-nonhuman interaction as humans impacting cows, but instead to how cows themselves are agential actors that profoundly shaped their surroundings.   For more of Yingling and Kettler:   Yingling Website: https://www.chazyingling.com/ Kettler Email: smellhistory@gmail.com Kettler Academic Profile: https://andrewkettler.academia.edu/   ASLE EcoCast: If you have an idea for an episode, please submit your proposal here: https://forms.gle/Y1S1eP9yXxcNkgWHA   Twitter: @ASLE_EcoCast Lindsay Jolivette: @lin_jolivette Alex Tischer: @ak_tischer   If you're enjoying the show, please consider subscribing, sharing, and writing reviews on your favorite podcast platform(s)!   Episode recorded December 11, 2025 CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

What happens when a VR agency stops leading with compliance—and starts leading with trust? In this episode of Manager Minute, Carol Pankow sits down with Lea Dias, Director of the Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, to talk about rebuilding an agency from the inside out. Facing high vacancies, low morale, and years of monitoring pressure, Lea chose a different path—one grounded in listening, kindness, and belief in her people. The result? ✔ Renewed staff engagement ✔ Stronger community partnerships ✔ Improved employment outcomes ✔ A culture moving from survival to purpose This is a powerful reminder that real change doesn't start with spreadsheets—it starts with people.   Listen Here   Full Transcript   Lea: I'm proud when I see my staff here at the administration level, thinking less about what the staff are doing wrong and focusing more on how can we help them, getting resources to help them, reaching out directly to help them. People talk a lot about rapid engagement and forget that ongoing part rapid and ongoing engagement. If you focus on culture first, the numbers I believe will follow. And if you focus only on numbers, the culture will crumble.   {Music} Intro Voice: Manager Minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow.   Carol: Well, welcome to the manager minute. Joining me in the studio today is Lea Dias, director of the Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Lea recently participated in a panel at the fall CSAVR Conference, sharing Hawaii's journey to improving employment outcomes and what she calls their secret sauce. So how are things going in Hawaii?   Lea: Oh gosh, a lot better now that the shutdown is over. And we got a couple of our grants came through recently. And so that's all good. I think a lot of people think, oh, Hawaii, it's Paradise, right?   Carol: Yes.   Lea: But we have the same sort of issues I think, that many other agencies do. But things are getting better in Hawaii. I'll say that.   Carol: That is awesome to hear. It's so good to see you again. Oh my gosh.   Lea: you too.   Carol: So for years, Hawaii has faced real challenges, including declining employment outcomes, significant work tied to addressing findings from an RSA monitoring report. In fact, you all were monitored the same year I was when I was still with Minnesota Blind back in 2019. And so I remember having a bond with you guys.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: Because we were all going through it together.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: Now, I know when you stepped into the director role following the former director's retirement, you really brought this stabilizing, steady calmness that the agency really needed. And under your leadership, the team is rebuilding momentum, strengthening systems and really seeing some meaningful progress in the work being done across the islands. So today we're just going to explore that journey. What's changed, what's working and what other states can learn from your experience. So let's dig in.   Lea: Okay.   Carol: Can you start by sharing your journey with Hawaii VR and what led you into the director role?   Lea: Sure, Carol. Well, first of all, aloha, and thank you for having me. I have been with Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, we're a combined agency, by the way, for over 30 years. And I started off about 34 years ago as an entry level VR counselor at the general site of our agency. And then in 2000, I moved over to become the supervisor of field services at our Ho'opono, which is our services for the blind branch. And Then I stayed there for a while. I then assumed the role of director of our New Visions Structured Discovery Orientation Center, and eventually I became the administrator of Blind Services, and I was honored to serve in that role until about July of 2023. So the majority of my career so far was spent at home. And I learned so much there, you know, working for a blind agency beyond what I got from my master's degree and all that. I learned so much about consumer empowerment. And, you know, the real dramatic changes that vocational rehabilitation can make in people's lives. So anyway, when the former Hawaii VR administrator left pretty abruptly, our agency was in a tough place. We had a vacancy rate of over 40%, I want to say close to 45% and rising low morale. We had that heavy corrective action plan you talked about from RSA and many staff were feeling really overwhelmed. So initially I stepped in as a temporary assignment just because I care so much about our agency. I love this profession. I care about the people we serve, and I wanted to do what I could to help stabilize and restore hope. And also, I had several staff approach me and ask me to do it, and that meant a lot to me. So I decided to apply after that. And I've been official in this job just a little over two and a half years, since July 2023.   Carol: That has gone really quickly.   Lea: Yes it has.   Carol: Well, and when you said bringing kind of that stabilizing calmness, everybody talks about that. You've been credited with doing that. How did you approach leading through that uncertainty and kind of rebuilding trust.   Lea: Oh gosh. Well, thank you for the compliment. But when I stepped in we were struggling across the board. And I know because I was part of that. Right. Coming from within the agency, we had declining successful employment outcomes way down. And a lot of the outcomes we had, they weren't really careers. In many cases, we had something like 77% of eligible participants leaving us before they even got to the point of IPE.   Carol: Wow!   Lea: Which is really atrocious. Super high vacancies. And because of those super high vacancies, we had counselors having to cover other counselors caseloads. So people were really burned out, overwhelmed. And because we had been working since 2019 to resolve that corrective action plan with RSA, and we had been so focused on that, staff were, I think, drowning in compliance tasks. And not that compliance isn't important because it is, of course, but there was a lot of blaming and overcorrecting in my opinion, and I think the human side of VR had been kind of pushed aside. When I was preparing for my speech for CSAVR, I kind of asked the line staff, I told them what I was going to be doing and asked them what they thought. And one counselor really summed up for me how it was by saying, just quote, we were all just Surviving.   Carol: Oh.   Lea: That's kind of pretty much where it was.   Carol: That's quite a statement.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: it really is. And I know I worked with your team too throughout that.   Lea: Mhm.   Carol: You know, when we were trying to work on getting corrective actions done and just kind of redoing policies over and over and fifth iteration, sixth iteration.   Lea: Right.   Carol: Oh my gosh. It was.   Lea: Right.   Carol: It was a lot. And you lose that sense of, you know, you lose the sense of the people and the reason you're all there. I can completely understand that being in the midst of that.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: I know at CSAVR the whole panel was talking about the secret sauce. What do you think has been the biggest impact so far for your agency?   Lea: Well, I focused on listening first and staff told me they felt hurt and they had felt mistrusted and they had felt disrespected. They talked about too many barriers to getting their work done. And, you know, I believed them because like I said, I know.   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: So I developed a pretty tight group of folks on my leadership team up here who I knew I could trust really implicitly to help me, you know, listen to people struggle with and overcome these barriers for our staff and our consumers. And this tight group of people, they shared my vision for the agency and my philosophy of the purpose of this great program called vocational rehabilitation. So we opened up leadership meetings. I decided to bring in frontline supervisors rather than just the people in the quote unquote, ivory tower, and line staff at all levels into our conversations. I really emphasize transparency and consistency and kindness and respect for ourselves. I demanded it to each other and to our consumers, because I really had to rebuild safety and rebuild trust. In the beginning because of the way our agency had been. When I would open up the floor, you know, for people to talk, it was crickets. People just didn't want to speak up. All of that to say, I think there's really to me and I think I said this at CSAVR, I don't think there's really a secret sauce, to be honest. We've made many improvements, but we still have a long way to go, particularly with our data collection and data analysis and reporting are performance measures. Still need a lot of work and my staff and I are learning together. I guess you could say our secret sauce is trust plus autonomy, plus removing barriers and trying to find a way to yes for our consumers and for our staff.   There's lots of little examples, you know, based on feedback that we got from our staff, we started allowing counselors to close their own cases. They weren't allowed to do that, as a result of the reaction to the corrective action plan. I would say we eliminated some things that were outdated or unnecessary, like some financial needs testing language. I stopped the communicating via solely via memo. All communication via memo. Training via memo. I mean, that kind of stuff just doesn't work. It's a good backup, but you can't rely on just written stuff.   Carol: No.   Lea: I cut out what I saw as unnecessary multi-layers of approvals for things as simple as a payment for a service to a consumer would have to come all the way up to the administrator's level if it was, I think, over $2,500. And I was like, this is ridiculous. We really started making a culture shift, I think, from compliance first to people first from distrust, mistrust, and I would say custodialism to communicating my belief, you know, in the skills and judgment of our people tried to make it a less intimidating environment where people could speak their truths and make suggestions for improvements because, you know, like I mentioned, I'm a leader, but I'm also a leader who in a lot of ways has been where they've been. And I know the power of what we can achieve when we all work together and I really believe all those things. I think all those little examples and more have really helped to make a difference.   Carol: I love that because you can always sense your authenticity. Always. I remember meeting you way back, you know, with NCSAB, and we would do work together on committees and all of that good stuff. And it's like, oh my gosh, I always just thought you were amazing because you truly, you walk the talk that you say and people believe you, you know, you're believable. And I think that trust you've put in your people. I could see a difference when we were out there, even last year as a TA center and came for a visit, there was just a whole different sense with that whole group. It was really nice to see. I can just tell. I mean, I can tell from the outside, having seen you all before in meetings where, you know, things were it just felt more chaotic and people didn't feel free to speak. And now you can just see everybody's faces. I mean, it was just their whole affect was so much better.   Lea: Oh, thank you. Thank you for your kindness. That makes me so happy to hear that. I see it, too. But it, I'm always questioning. Is it enough? Am I doing enough? There's still so much to do. But you gotta start somewhere.   Carol: Well, you have to start somewhere.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: I think you've done an incredible job with that.   Lea: Ahh.   Carol:  What do you feel like? Maybe. What progress are you most proud of? Or. And what maybe lessons would help other agencies because other people are going through this. You are not the only one in the entire, you know, system here. It is all over the country.   Lea: Yeah. Well, I mean, closing out that corrective action plan was a huge milestone. Very proud of that, especially after so many years. So it took from 2019 till just earlier this year, 2025 for us to finally, you know, get out from under that so that we can focus on other things. But we didn't do it alone. You know, like you mentioned, Doctor Chaz Compton, Chaz and you and the entire VRTAC QM team were really instrumental in helping us get there, and you guys really walked alongside us with empathy and clarity and unwavering support. Even with the time difference and, you know, being an ocean away. I mean, you guys were always there. And, you know, after I assumed this role, you know, Doctor Compton visited us twice so far for in-person, all staff meetings. So I brought in all staff, not just counselors, not just rehab teachers, everybody on staff for in-person sessions. Zoom is great for a lot of things, but sometimes you need everyone there in person for kind of a call to action, you know what I mean?   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: Anyway, those sessions that we had together with Chaz were, I think, really helped us along in this transformation. His ability to connect with staff and reframe challenges helped us ignite what we're calling our Reimagine and Renew initiative. I also want to acknowledge you, Carol, you know, your leadership at the VRTAC QM and the way, you know, you mentioned you and your team guided our agency and you helped us see this journey not as a series of failures, which is how we felt, but really an opportunity more so for growth and renewal. So what am I most proud of? I am most proud when I see our line staff coming up with these fantastic suggestions and being willing to talk to me about it, and then acting on those where we can and making those changes.   I am proud that I see in so many of them, their passion reigniting. I'm proud that many of them don't just see this as a drudgery, kind of 9 to 5 case manager job sitting in front of a computer all day. They're out in the community a lot more now, engaging with consumers, engaging with other agency partners. And when I say engaging with consumers, things like evenings and weekends, graduations, award ceremonies, things like that might seem like a small thing to some, but I know those consumers remember and they appreciate that and their families. I'm proud when I see my staff here at the administration level thinking less about what the staff are doing wrong and focusing more on how can we help them, getting resources to help them, reaching out directly to help them. I see a lot less finger pointing in both directions, because I know when I was on the line, I'd be like those people in administration and administration, people going, are those people on the line? They don't. I see a lot less of a lot less of that. And I'm really pleased that a lot of our partners in the community are ready to talk to us again. I think a lot of those relationships, for various reasons, had been pretty badly damaged, and that's actually been a big part of my job, too, is rebuilding those relationships. So I would say the biggest lesson for other states is this you can't transform an agency just through compliance tasks alone. You need trusted partners, you need honest conversations, and you really need a willingness to go to the mat to rebuild your agency culture, like from the inside out.   Carol: That is really good advice.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: I always think in this role it takes a village. Like when you were talking about assistance from the QM. And I know when we come alongside any state agency, we always refer to it like we. We always feel like we're part of you.   Lea: You are.   Carol: You know, even in the when we're meeting with staff and staff, it's like, okay, this is what we're going to do next, or...   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: ...let's work on this. And we always feel like we just become another we're another staff like in the group to help facilitate whatever getting done. And so.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: That has been so fun and really fun to see. Like your people embracing all of it. You just see such a difference. It really is pretty incredible.   Lea: Yeah. And I want to be really clear. It's not about me. It's not. It's the village. It's everybody together that is making progress. And I think things are looking up.   Carol: But you did make it possible because you open the space and it takes time. Like you said, people at first weren't really willing to talk because there'd been a long time where you couldn't talk about it.   Lea: Yeah, yeah.   Carol: You know, you couldn't bring things up. I remember the whole finger pointing back and forth all the time. People were like, oh, people in Central office. They don't know what's going on out here.   Lea: Yeah, yeah. And it still happens sometimes, you know, I get it, but not, not as much as before.   Carol: Not like before, No, but it takes that. And that took you really coming in and opening up the space. And it's a time factor. Like look at you've been doing it over two years now. Probably another lesson would be it doesn't go quick. Like it takes time to do this and repairing relationships.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: That's a time factor. They've got to trust you and over and over see what you're doing.   Lea: Yeah. And this is probably bad advice, but forget the work life balance thing. For me, it's like I'm at home thinking about this stuff. Like, what can I do? You know what I mean?   Carol: I know I used to sleep, I'd sleep with a pad of paper by my bed, because I'd often wake up in the middle of the night and be like, I'd have an idea, and I'd write it down because I didn't want to lose it for the morning. And then I'd come in. I'd be like, I was thinking last night, and staff would be like, oh my God, you had your pad of paper by the bed?   Lea: Yep, I talked to Siri. Siri, take a note.   Carol: Yes!   Lea: yes.   Carol: Oh, that's so funny. What strategies do you think just a little bit on your, you know, the employment outcomes. And you've done better with those. Chaz was super jazzed about that.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: What strategies do you think contributed most to those improvements you've had in your employment outcomes?   Lea: I've been thinking about this. I think our internal strategies, people talk a lot about rapid engagement and forget that ongoing part, rapid and ongoing engagement. Talking, you know, just like a broken record, talking with staff about that and the importance of that. And I'm seeing that happening more like I mentioned with those evenings, weekends being out in the field.   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: Streamlining processes, as I mentioned, empowering our counselors and trusting them to do their jobs. I think those were all essential. But and of course, the partnership and the help that we got from the TAC-QM, helping us look at our systems with fresh eyes and supporting us in building some sustainable, long term solutions so that external guidance also gave us confidence and helped accelerate our progress. So with all of those pieces kind of working together, some of our results have really improved dramatically. So you mentioned our successful closures. So between program year 23 and program year 24 our successful closures more than tripled. Okay.   Carol: Amazing.   Lea: The numbers are the numbers are small okay. Compared to like New York or something. But you know, in prog ram year 23 we had 30 closures. In program 24 we had 107.   Carol: That is awesome.   Lea: So yeah, I think that's pretty cool. I'm talking some of them are real careers, too, to real success story.   Carol: Oh, I love that.   Lea: That whole thing with the attrition before IPE has dropped really sharply. University of Hawaii at Manoa. They do a consumer satisfaction survey right for clients post closure, and we had the highest return rates ever and the highest levels of satisfaction ever, according to the university Hawaii, who's been doing these surveys for us. And then just some other stats to throw at you. But from program year 23 to 24, we saw our applications increase by 55%. That's applications for services. Determinations of eligibility increased by 59%, IPE development went up by 52%, and our vacancy rate for our staff has dropped to about 30 something percent. It's still high, but it's a lot lower than it was, and it's continuing to drop. And I've been able to fill some really key leadership positions where we had lost some very good people over those tumultuous years. So yeah, I hope I answered your question, but it's I think it's a lot of factors.   Carol: You did. It's been amazing though. And you look at that. I love that those kind of family sustaining wages, people in careers. That was always super important to me. I didn't want to just, you know, jobs and food, filth and flowers. Although people can do, you know, there are people that do want those jobs, but that isn't the only job that's out there.   Lea: Right. And that thinking long term.   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: You know, Chaz did training with us too. I'm thinking long term, like nurse's aide.  Or have you thought about nurse? Let's see. What are the differences here.   Carol: right.   Lea: Yeah, I like that.   Carol: Chaz is great at that. Bring it all.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: Oh my gosh. Good for you though. Look at I think that just shows the power of when staff are trusted and they're feeling really good about their work and they're you're all in alignment on the same mission. You can really make huge things happen and including impacting your vacancy rate for employees, because I know you were much higher. I mean, it felt like you were like at 50% or something. So to have it even down to 30 is better.   Lea: Yeah. I'm also looking at revising our CSPD requirements because they're super high right now. And of course, I believe in the master's degree and the CRC and all that, but I think there's some room for us to loosen that up just a bit, still be in line with federal regulations. But that's another thing that I've heard from staff.   Carol: Yeah, that's a good idea. And there's probably a lot of people we could connect you with. Other states have done something similar to...   Lea: Yes.   Carol: ...kind of create space and layers and ways for people to get in and all of that.   Lea: Yes. Now is a good time because of the Unified State Plan is coming.   Carol: Yes. Perfect timing.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: Good pitch to make. It's like take advantage of that state plan. Time to make those changes.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: So what kind of advice would you have for other VR directors navigating tough challenges based on this experience? Do you have any other things you could offer your colleagues across the country? Because we got a lot of new people in, and there's a lot of really tough situations happening everywhere. You had quite a lot on your plate. So is there any other kind of things that could help them?   Lea: Gosh. Well, I would say start by listening. Trust your staff. They already know what the barriers are. Trust yourself. Listen to your consumers. Your consumer organizations encourage, expect, I should say, rapid and ongoing engagement with our consumers. Help them to dream big and to think long term. Find a way to say yes wherever possible. Give our consumers all the skills and confidence that they need to really achieve their life goals. Celebrate wins, even the small ones. Be a broken record if you have to. Keep your mission visible. And just remember, if you focus on culture first, the numbers I believe will follow. And if you focus only on numbers, the culture will crumble.   Carol: Really good advice.   Lea: Yeah, there's just no task too big when it's done together.   Carol: Oh, Lea, look at you go.   Lea: Ahh.   Carol: you made it all happen. Oh my God.!   Lea: Oh, stop it, I'm gonna cry.   Carol: Nah, you've been great. It's so fun to talk to you. I know chaz said at the conference people were crying when you had talked. There were so many people crying and coming up to you and really feeling so engaged and energized.   Lea: And I was surprised how many people came up because I thought our story was going to be like the worst in the whole, you know, all VR. And I had people coming up kind of, yeah, sharing that they had gone or they are going through a similar situation and, people, can I hug you?   Carol: Oh yeah.   Lea: And I was like, oh sure. You know. So no, I, I'm, I'm so humbled and honored that you even asked me to speak here because although I know we've made as a team some progress, we still have a way to go. But we're going to get there.   Carol: Yeah. See I just want other people to hear your message of hope and positivity, because I think we have a lot of directors feeling pretty, pretty sad right now. I'm pretty tough there in some pretty tough spots. And it you kind of you get that all internalized. I know from being a director too. Boy, it's hard to kind of pull out of all of that when you have just all of this piled on top of you, right? And it's hard to see sort of the light at the end of the tunnel. But your, your vision and just your whole message of really the hope and, and living into that mission and really the trust and all the things you've done, you've been doing the right things. And I think other people need to hear it. So I appreciate you doing this so much.   Lea: Oh, thank you so much again. Thank you.   Carol: Well, so I wish you much continued success. Thanks for your time. I hope you have a great day. Thank you.   Lea: Thank you, thank you.   {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.