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Welcome to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast, where we bring you conversations with leaders who challenge us to think differently, lead intentionally, and ultimately get better at what we do.   Today, we're taking the podcast international for the very first time as we welcome JP Nerbun, joining us all the way from Ireland! JP is an executive coach, author, podcaster, and the founder of TOC Culture Consulting. He's spent his career helping coaches, athletic administrators, and organizations build stronger cultures and become more effective leaders. A former basketball coach, JP has authored five books focused on team culture, sports parenting, and transformative leadership. His latest, The Culture Captain, released in June 2026, provides athletes with a four-level framework for learning to lead themselves, others, and ultimately their teams. He's also a host of the Coaching Culture Podcast, alongside two familiar voices to our listeners and former guests of Hangin' with the AD, Betsy Butterick and Nate Sanderson. In today's conversation, we dig into a word that gets used a lot in athletics: culture. But what does it really mean to build one? How do you hold people accountable without creating fear? How do athletic directors establish a shared culture across an entire department? And perhaps one of the toughest questions in athletics: What happens when winning and your values collide? We also explore the power of curiosity in leadership, how we can turn sports parents into partners, and why changing a culture requires a whole lot more than putting inspirational words on a locker room wall. JP challenges us to look beyond what we say we believe and examine what our everyday actions actually communicate. So, let's head across the Atlantic and get into our conversation with JP Nerbun, right here on Hangin' with the AD.

What does excellence really look like in a high school athletic department?   Is it wins and championships? Is it the experience we create for student-athletes? Is it developing leaders, building community, teaching sportsmanship—or maybe it’s finding a way to do all of those things well? On this episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast, we sit down with Brittany Spencer Grant, Director of Athletics at Oregon High School in Oregon, Wisconsin. Brittany has spent more than a decade in athletic administration and has become a respected voice in the profession at both the state and national levels. She has served as President of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association, been recognized with Wisconsin’s State Award of Merit, presented at the National Athletic Directors Conference, and continues to serve the profession through leadership, professional development, and the NIAAA. But this conversation is about much more than the résumé. We talk with Brittany about what excellence should look like in high school athletics and the importance of continuing to grow as a leader, regardless of how long you’ve been in the chair. She shares the impact of seeing women in leadership positions—and what it means now to provide that same example for the next generation of athletic administrators. We also dive into student-athlete leadership, NIL at the high school level, creating first-class experiences for college-bound athletes, and the responsibility we have to teach sportsmanship while still encouraging our students, families, and communities to show up, get loud, and support their teams. It’s a conversation about leadership, intentionality, growth, and creating an athletic program that represents something bigger than the scoreboard.   So settle in and join us for another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast with our guest, Brittany Spencer Grant.

Welcome to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast, today we welcome Randale Richmond, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Kent State University.   Randale’s journey in athletic administration has come full circle. He spent 10 years at Kent State working in compliance, academics, and student-athlete services before moving to Old Dominion University, where he continued to expand his leadership responsibilities. In 2021, he returned to Kent State as the university’s 12th Director of Athletics and was elevated to Vice President in 2023.   At the center of Randale’s leadership philosophy is a commitment to developing people. He has described his purpose as being a transformational leader who positively impacts the lives of others, while building an athletic department that is student-athlete centered, coach led, and administrator supported.   In today’s conversation, we talk about his journey to the AD chair, developing culture, leading people through change and uncertainty, preparing student-athletes for life beyond competition, and what leadership looks like in today’s rapidly evolving world of college athletics.   There is plenty here for athletic administrators at every level to take back to their own programs.   So settle in as we talk leadership, athletics, and the responsibility that comes with sitting in the AD chair with Kent State Vice President and Director of Athletics, Randale Richmond.

Join us for this Special Edition of the Hangin' with the AD Podcast as we discuss our brief "break in service" as Josh and his family made a move to Orlando, Florida.

Welcome back to another edition of the Hangin' with the AD Podcast. Today's guest is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in college athletics. Dan Hauser serves as the Vice President and Director of Athletics at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, a position he has held since 2014. Before arriving at High Point, Dan built a strong foundation in athletic administration and marketing, serving in leadership roles at Ohio University, Wake Forest University, and the University of New Mexico. Over the last decade, he has helped transform High Point Athletics into one of the nation's most successful and recognizable mid-major programs. Under his leadership, High Point has consistently competed at a championship level across multiple sports, earned national recognition in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, and become known for delivering one of the most unique and impactful student-athlete experiences in higher education. But Dan's influence extends far beyond wins and losses. He is a passionate believer in leadership, personal growth, dreaming big, and creating environments where people can achieve more than they ever thought possible. In this conversation, we'll discuss High Point's rise to national prominence, the power of reading and lifelong learning, leadership lessons from High Point’s President’s own unique leadership journey, the importance of presence and culture, navigating the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, and how leaders can turn ambitious visions into reality. Whether you're an athletic director, coach, educator, or simply someone who wants to lead at a higher level, you're going to take something valuable away from this conversation. So sit back, enjoy, and let's get to know the man behind one of the most remarkable success stories in college athletics—Dan Hauser.

On this episode of the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast, we head to the Natural State and sit down with Matt Whiting, the Director of Athletics at University of Central Arkansas. Since stepping into the lead chair in 2024, Matt has been navigating the challenge of following a longtime athletic director, leading through one of the most transformational periods in college athletics, and helping shape the future of the Bears’ athletic department.  Before taking the top role, Matt spent nearly eight years at UCA as Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs and began his journey at his alma mater, University of Arkansas at Monticello—building a career rooted in relationships, strategic growth, and servant leadership.  In this conversation, we dive into leadership transitions, decision-making in the era of NIL, the transfer portal, facility management, AI in leadership, and what today’s changing collegiate landscape means for the next generation of student-athletes. Matt gives us an honest look at the realities of leading in the “big chair” and the intentional habits leaders need to grow, to adapt and stay effective. If you’re an athletic administrator, coach, or educational leader trying to navigate change while staying grounded in purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Now, let’s settle in and get to know Matt Whiting.

Welcome back to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast. Today’s conversation is one we’ve been looking forward to for quite some time. Joining us is Nathan Whitaker — a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Super Bowl champion. Many of you know his work alongside legendary NFL coach Tony Dungy, where together they’ve shared powerful lessons on leadership, faith, and what it truly means to live and lead with purpose. Nathan has had a front-row seat to some of the most respected leaders in professional sports, learning from — and writing about — individuals who don’t just chase success, but define it differently. Leaders who are, in every sense of the word, uncommon. We’ve had the opportunity to connect most recently with Nathan through the NIAAA AD Roundtable and as well as at the NADC in Tampa, where his message on leadership, alignment, and intentional connection left a lasting impression on athletic leaders from across the country. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to pursue uncommon success, how great leaders build alignment within their teams, and why something as simple — yet often overlooked — as making genuine connections can transform your leadership impact. We also explore the importance of guarding your mindset, developing future leaders, and finding your own authentic leadership voice rather than trying to replicate someone else’s.   So whether you’re leading a program, a department, or simply looking to grow in your influence, this is a conversation that will challenge and inspire you.   Let’s settle in…and get to know…Nathan Whitaker.

Welcome back to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast. Today, we’re bringing you a special conversation that goes beyond wins, losses, and championships—because as athletic leaders, we know the real impact of sports is found in the lessons that last long after the final whistle. We’re joined by Kim Coleman, Executive Director of Athletes for a Better World, an organization built on the powerful idea of “Winning More Than the Game.” In this episode, Kim shares her journey, the mission behind ABW, and how the organization is working to highlight the incredible character, leadership, and sportsmanship happening across all levels of athletics—from high school to the professional ranks. We dive into the stories that define why this work matters, including moments that capture the true spirit of sport, the legacy behind the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup, and how partnerships like the Vince Dooley Scholarship Awards with the GHSA are recognizing student-athletes who lead with purpose. For athletic directors, coaches, and anyone invested in developing young people through sports, this episode is a reminder that what we do is about more than competition—it’s about building better people. So sit back, take a listen, and let’s talk about how we can all help our athletes… win more than the game.

Welcome back to the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast. Today’s episode is one we’ve been excited about for a long time, because we’re diving into a space that’s become a true game-changer at every level of athletics: mental performance. Our guest today is Kellen Lee — a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with a master’s degree in Sport Psychology and a PhD in Performance Psychology. Kellen has worked across elite environments, from professional athletics to military and organizational settings, and since January of 2023, he’s been serving as a mental skills coach for the Seattle Mariners at the major league level. He’s also fluent in Spanish, which adds another layer to the way he connects with athletes and teams. In this conversation, we’re talking about what’s changed in athletics, why mental skills are no longer a luxury but a necessity, how leaders can build flexibility and trust, and what athletic directors should actually be looking for if they’re ready to bring mental performance into their programs. We’ll also dig into leadership, human connection, resistance, and even how tools like AI can support growth when used the right way. We like to call this the “back of the baseball card” conversation — so we’ll let Kellen fill in the rest. Settle in. There’s a lot to learn today.

Welcome back to the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Seymour, an athletic director at Fishers High School in Fishers, Indiana, where he has served since 2014. Rob is the past president of the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, a member of the NIAAA national teaching faculty for LTC 714, and an National Federation of State High School Associations Level 3 certified coach.  In this conversation, Rob shares his “back of the baseball card” story, explains how he uniquely shares the AD role at Fishers, and offers insights on culture change through the lens of Indiana football, purpose-driven leadership, and game-day event management as hospitality inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality. We also dive deep into AI—why Rob embraced it early, how he’s using it today for visuals, videos, and daily AD work, how to educate coaches in a rapidly evolving space, and what athletic administrators may still be overlooking about AI’s impact on our profession.

Welcome back to the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast This is a special episode for us, because we’re joined once again by a familiar voice and a great friend of the show—Steve “Throney” Throne.   Each year, we’re fortunate to sit down with the current President of the NIAAA, and this annual conversation has become one of our favorite traditions. In 2025, that role belongs to Steve Throne, and today we’re excited to reflect on his year of service, leadership, and vision for athletic administrators across the country.   For those who may be new to the podcast, Steve serves as the activities director and an assistant principal at Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska. He first joined us back on Episode 87 in 2023. Later that year, the NIAAA Board of Directors selected him as President-Elect, and throughout 2025 he has served as President of the NIAAA.   In this episode, we’ll catch up with “Throney,” as he’s known nationwide, to talk about his presidential theme, Link It Up, the relationships that define our profession, innovative programs happening at Millard South, and what athletic administrators can take away from this year’s National Athletic Directors Conference.   Whether you’re a veteran AD, a first-time conference attendee, or someone simply looking to grow as a leader, this conversation is packed with insight, energy, and practical takeaways.   So settle in—this is our annual conversation with the NIAAA President, Steve Throne.

Today we have the privilege of welcoming back a familiar face — our most tenured guest — Brian Dodd. This episode has become a highlight of our year because Brian joins us annually to unveil his Top 10 Sports Books, giving us plenty of ideas for our Christmas lists and leadership libraries. Brian’s blog, Brian Dodd on Leadership, continues to be a must-read for anyone in or out of formal leadership roles, consistently reaching more than 70,000 readers each month. He’s an author, the co-host of the Pursuit of Service Podcast, and, truthfully, our resident expert when it comes to curating an annual list of books that challenge and inspire us.

Today’s episode is one of those special moments for our podcast — a true honor to sit down with one of the greatest to ever play the game. Our guest is Pro Football Hall of Famer, College Football Hall of Famer, and Georgia legend Champ Bailey. Over a 15-year NFL career with Washington and Denver, Champ became the gold standard at the cornerback position — earning 12 Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, and a reputation as one of the most complete defensive players in football history. But for all the accolades and highlight reels, what has always set Champ apart is who he is off the field — a humble leader, a devoted teammate, and now, a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of athletes through his partnership with Positive Athlete. In this conversation, we talk with Champ about leadership, the importance of doing the little things right, and why recognizing athletes for their character is every bit as important as celebrating their stats. So sit back and enjoy this special episode as we hang out with one of the best to ever do it — Hall of Famer Champ Bailey — right here on Hangin’ with the AD.

Welcome to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast! In today’s episode, we’re joined by someone who knows a thing or two about building leaders and pursuing excellence. Our guest is Bailey Miles, the founder and host of the Building Excellence Podcast. Bailey is an entrepreneur who’s spent time in the home-building business and other ventures, and some may recognize him from his days on the hardwood — both as a collegiate player and coach. What makes Bailey stand out is his ability to connect lessons from sports, business, and life to help others grow into leaders of impact. His podcast has featured incredible voices across leadership and athletics — and today, he’s joining us to share some of the insights he’s gathered along the way We’ll talk about what it means to build a personal leadership brand, how great leaders refine theirs with humility, and why the people you surround yourself with early in your career might matter more than what you’re doing. We’ll also dive into the concept of excellence — what it really looks like, why it’s not loud but steady, and how we can make it normal in our daily lives. And of course, we’ll wrap up with the question Bailey asks all his guests — What does building excellence mean to you? It’s a powerful conversation with a genuine leader and lifelong learner. So let’s jump into it — here’s our conversation with Bailey Miles.

Welcome to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast. Today, we’re excited to bring you a conversation with Phil Rison, the Executive Director of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Phil stepped into this role in January of 2023 after serving six years as Associate Executive Director and has been a key leader in interscholastic athletics for decades. A past president of the NIAAA and former Executive Director of the Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association, Phil has also been a longtime member of the national teaching faculty for the legal courses—working alongside the legendary Lee Green. His contributions to our profession have been recognized through some of the NIAAA’s highest honors, including the Award of Merit, the Jim Watkins Award of Excellence, and the Distinguished Service Award. Most recently, he was inducted into the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame. In this episode, we’ll talk with Phil about how the role of the athletic director has evolved over the years, the lessons he’s carried forward from mentors and experiences, and the responsibility athletic administrators have in shaping school culture and student success. We’ll also hear his thoughts on leadership, tradition, and what it means to serve as an executive in today’s organizations. It’s a rich conversation with one of the most respected leaders in our profession. Let’s jump right into our interview with NIAAA Executive Director, Phil Rison.