The Pickup Meeting

Send us Fan MailDr. Clint-Michael Reneau joins The Pickup Meeting for thought-provoking and wildly quotable conversation about leadership, belonging, vulnerability, and the real work of student success. As Vice President for Student Affairs at Northern Illinois University, Clint-Michael reminds us that belonging does not happen by accident, care is not soft, and student success is not a program, but a system we are all responsible for designing.Brody, Kevin, and Clint-Michael dig into what it means to lead through uncertainty, model vulnerability without losing clarity, and stay “trustworthy in the shake” when campuses face budget pressures, political challenges, morale dips, and constant change. Clint-Michael also shares powerful reflections on storytelling, social media, equity work, collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, supporting men and masculinities, crisis leadership, and why curiosity may be one of the most important tools a leader can carry.Of course, this is still The Pickup Meeting, so the conversation takes a few glorious detours through undergraduate transcript confessions, campus traditions, castle offices, Ed Sheeran feelings, favorite cities, hidden talents, dirty martinis, trash TV, and a spirited debate over whether A-ha’s Take On Me counts as a one-hit wonder.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailSummer may look quiet on campus, but higher ed folks know better. In this episode of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin and Brody dig into the myth of the “easy summer,” swap thoughts on orientation season, and reflect on the impact of the Adventures in Advising podcast as it heads toward its final episodes. They also tackle a timely question from higher ed: are students being asked to read less, and what does that mean for learning, engagement, and life after graduation? Toss in a few laughs, some classic Brody stories, and a top three list of the weirdest things left behind during residence hall move-out, and you’ve got an episode that is equal parts thoughtful and entertaining. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailFrom Record Store Day lines to baseball nostalgia to teaching that truly transforms, this episode of The Pickup Meeting has a little bit of everything. Kevin and Brody welcome Dr. Emily Jones of Illinois State University for a lively conversation about student learning, faculty growth, leadership, teamwork, and what it really means to help students feel seen. Along the way, they swap stories about college athletics, indoor plants, travel, and the kind of teaching that leaves a lasting mark. Add in Cardinals talk, stadium food rankings, and a lightning round, and you’ve got an fun filled episode!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailIn this “Just Us” episode of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin and Brody bounce from Earth Day to Record Store Day to the very real question of how higher ed professionals survive the end-of-semester whirlwind. Along the way, they swap stories about walkable communities, vinyl lines at dawn, pin collecting, burnout, balance, and why staff sustainability deserves a bigger spotlight. It is thoughtful, funny, a little chaotic, and full of the kind of honest conversation that feels like catching up with colleagues who get it. Plus, they wrap things up by sharing their favorite parts of the end of the academic year. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailKevin and Brody are back to chat with Dr. Kyser Lough, Associate Professor and Director of the News Literacy Certificate Program at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Kyser discusses being a photojournalist turned scholar, bringing a rare practitioner's lens to questions about how news images shape public perception, what solutions journalism can provide for civic life, and what it actually means to be an informed news consumer in today's media landscape. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailKevin Thomas and Brody Broshears reflect on the energy and renewal that spring brings before exploring the complex and timely topic of graduation. Their conversation examines graduation rates, institutional responsibility, and the policies and practices that support student persistence and success as they work toward completing their degrees. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailFrom March Madness hot takes and overrated things to FERPA, advising, and finding balance in higher ed life, this episode of The Pickup Meeting has a little bit of everything. Kevin and Brody welcome Dr. Rebecca Hapes, Associate Registrar at Texas A&M University, for a lively conversation about her journey from academic advising to the registrar’s office, the hidden complexity of higher education systems, and the messy art of doing meaningful work without losing yourself in the process. Along the way, they swap stories about burnout, purpose, progress, Aggie football, and yes, even top cereal rankings. It’s thoughtful, funny, and packed with wisdom for anyone working to support students while keeping their own humanity intact. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailWhat if faculty are the secret sauce in student success? In this episode of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin and Brody kick things off with sports hot takes, Olympics nostalgia, and the kind of job stories that include delivering newspapers in the 80s and bringing “sports salvation to the airwaves.” This conversation unpacks why great teaching is not just about content delivery but connection. The kind that lingers for 25 years. The kind that changes trajectories. The kind that makes students believe they belong.Plus:Why bad advising is just bad advising, no matter who does itHow faculty development can elevate advising impactThe magic of lunch conversations and chicken strip diplomacyAnd why this stretch of the semester matters more than we realize*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you mix student success, Disney debates, video game nostalgia, and one of the most respected advising professionals in the field? You get an episode that’s both fun and full of substance. Kevin and Brody sit down with Tyler Phelps, Assistant Dean of Advising at Washington University in St. Louis, to unpack what truly helps students thrive: authentic presence, listening beyond the obvious, community among practitioners, and a strengths-based approach when plans fall apart. Tyler talks about the “magic” of advising, how technology can support (but never replace) human connection, and what higher ed owes students in a world that’s side-eyeing the value of a degree. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailMarch has arrived, and with it comes fake spring, real allergies, bracket dreams, and that annual daylight savings debate we all pretend will be resolved someday. In this "Just Us" episode, Kevin and Brody pull back the curtain on public speaking, storytelling, and why even seasoned presenters still get butterflies. Spoiler alert: the nerves never really leave, they just learn how to behave.Along the way, they debate what makes a keynote soar or sink, share their rituals for surviving presentations, and confess to some truly vintage first music purchases. It’s higher ed meets March Madness meets mixtape memories. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailKevin and Brody welcome Jerel Benton, Assistant Provost for Student Success at Radford University, for a conversation that travels from the tutoring rooms to the leadership table. Along the way, Jerel shares how a nursing major became a student success leader, why empathy is not the same thing as softness, and how consensus can sometimes slow progress instead of strengthen it.They dive into the mentors who quietly change the trajectory of our careers, building trust as a new leader (care, reliability, competence, sincerity), why relationships and culture of care are universal truths in higher ed, what it really takes to lead student success work without burning out, and yes, a spirited Kentucky vs. Indiana basketball detour.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailWinter is (almost) over, spring break is playing hard to get, and The Pickup Meeting is back with a classic “Just Us” episode. Brody and Kevin kick things off with birthday gauntlets, daylight savings time grievances, and a spirited debate over the Winter Olympics. Speed skating? Hockey? Iconic. What does it really mean to lead when leadership isn’t popular? How do you make tough calls, pivot initiatives, and have hard conversations with compassion? Kevin and Brody dive into the quiet weight of leadership in higher education, the importance of modeling self care, and why building a trusted professional network might be the most strategic move you make.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Pickup Meeting, Brody and Kevin welcome Cecilia Olivares, Director of Academic Advising Initiatives at the University of Missouri and former NACADA President, for a conversation that zigzags delightfully from Easter candy to change management to the existential question of academic advising itself.Fresh off the Administrators Institute, the trio dives into:Tech implementation without losing the human touchDecentralization dilemmas and the art of staying curiousWhy “What’s the worst that could happen?” might be leadership’s most underrated questionExploratory students, major changes, and decision-making on the dailyDissertation marathons, dust-covered books, and the power of just finishingAnd yes…Criminal Minds vs. NCISThere are road trip playlists. There is Garth Brooks. There is a brief and unexpected detour into Breaking Bad territory. The rails are left. The rails are found again.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailIn this Just Us edition of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin Thomas and Michael “Brody” Broshears settle into a wide-ranging conversation that feels like one of their regular phone calls. From the many ways we mispronounce February and other deeply suspicious English words, to Valentine’s Day nostalgia, chalky candy hearts, and why umbrellas are wildly overrated, this episode leans into humor, reflection, and a little bit of friendly ranting.The conversation then shifts to higher education realities, including why the first three to five weeks of the semester matter so much for student success, how early alerts and meaningful feedback can change outcomes, and what strong faculty-advisor partnerships can really look like in practice. Kevin and Brody also tackle the evolving world of NIL, the transfer portal, and the tension between athletics and academics, before closing out with a spirited discussion of the most underrated movies of all time!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailThis episode of The Pickup Meeting kicks off with peak banter, including an impossible Indiana football season, shared indifference toward cars, and the kind of sports fandom that only comes once in a lifetime. Kevin and Brody then welcome an incredible guest, Jennifer Markin, Director of Advising at Henry Ford College, who brings warmth, humor, and deep insight into advising, leadership, and student success in the community college context.Jennifer shares what pulled her back into advising leadership and how intentional staff development and mission-driven work can transform student experiences. Along the way, the conversation hits solo music festivals, parenting moments you don’t want to rush past, Metro Detroit food gems, hidden talents, and a lightning round that somehow includes Barack Obama, Janis Joplin, and cereal for dinner. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply human, this episode is a reminder that the best pickup meetings are the ones where learning and laughter coexist.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Pickup Meeting, Brody and Kevin ditch the guest list and settle into a classic Just Us episode. Think less polished panel, more honest phone call between two friends who’ve seen a few semesters, a few campuses, and more than a few questionable comfort foods.The conversation wanders joyfully through first-week-of-college memories, accidental class enrollment disasters, legendary professors, Super Bowl predictions that may or may not age well, and the real work behind student success and retention, and what no one tells you about becoming an administrator. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ From Mascot Suits to Dean’s Office: Say Yes (and Hold On)This episode of The Pickup Meeting is a full-tilt ride with Rodney Mondor, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Southern Maine. Rodney’s career journey zigzags through academic advising, orientation, student affairs leadership, crisis response, Greek life, career services, and yes, literally being a mascot. 🐾Along the way, Brody and Kevin unpack procrastination, graduation feels, student success, leadership, burnout, and why colleges are wildly complicated places that students are expected to magically understand. Rodney shares hard-earned wisdom about saying yes to opportunity, walking campus to stay connected, supporting the “whole student,” and how raising your hand (sometimes repeatedly) can change the entire trajectory of your career.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ New Year, Same Pickup EnergyIt’s 2026! In the first Just Us episode of the year, Kevin and Brody kick things off with sharp banter, real talk, and the kind of spirited disagreement that only longtime co-hosts can survive.This episode zigzags delightfully through end-of-semester chaos and post-holiday limbo. But beneath the laughs is a powerful conversation about higher education, advising, and the quiet, life-altering magic of a single 30-minute meeting.Press play, settle in for 30 minutes, and welcome to The Pickup Meeting in 2026. Do good. Be nice. *The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ New Year, Same Pickup Meeting Energy (But Less “Circle Back”)In the first Pickup Meeting of 2026, Brody and Kevin kick off the year with a conversation that spirals into resolutions, leadership, and why grocery stores might be the ultimate metaphor for exploratory advising.They're joined by Kerry Kincanon from Oregon State University, a nationally respected voice in exploratory advising, student success, and developmental advising. Kerry brings deep insight on helping students navigate uncertainty, building advising communities, leading institutional change, and why exploration belongs to every student, not just the undecided ones.It’s exactly the kind of Pickup Meeting you want to start 2026 with.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailBefore the calendar flips and the ball drops, Brody and Kevin wrap up 2025 of The Pickup Meeting! In this special “Just Us” mini episode, the duo looks back on personal wins, professional highlights, and the unexpected moments that made 2025 meaningful. From record-breaking step streaks to kids publishing books to NACADA adventures and beyond. They also look ahead at the big conversations coming for higher ed in 2026 (spoiler: AI and navigating the enrollment cliff).Light the tree, grab that leftover fruitcake (or don’t), and join us for a cozy, reflective, end-of-year sendoff filled with laughter, gratitude, and genuine connection.✨ It’s the final Pickup Meeting of 2025. Thanks for listening, laughing, and learning with us all year. See you in 2026...Do good and be nice.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailBrody and Kevin are back to talk hot and cold weather, holiday traditions, and the magic of Mariah Carey season! They are then joined by Dr. Michelle Pickett, Director of the Academic Advising Center at Northern Illinois University, for a warm and insightful conversation about student success, leadership, and the power of genuine human connection in advising.Michelle shares her journey from advisor to university leader, the secrets behind building trust and belonging on a team, and why advising should never be transactional. Plus, the Christmas movie debate (yes, Die Hard counts) and who really hates Elf.❄️ Expect laughs, heart, and higher ed wisdom served with a side of holiday spirit and why “advising is relationships” might just be the most powerful mantra in higher ed.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailGrab your coffee (or whatever keeps you running through back-to-back meetings) and join Brody and Kevin for another hilarious and heartfelt episode of The Pickup Meeting! This week, they’re talking with Jon Mark Hall, Vice President and Director of Athletics at University of Southern Indiana.From surviving the chaos of college athletics in the NIL era to leading with empathy and old-school values, Jon Mark shares stories of mentorship, music, and making a difference on and off the field. Oh—and there’s plenty of banter about golf, Taylor Swift, and Thanksgiving food wars (spoiler: Kevin hates turkey).It’s leadership lessons, laughs, and a little lemon meringue pie all in one episode!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailIn this milestone 10th episode of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin and Brody celebrate double digits with an unforgettable guest, Dr. Chrissy Davis Jones, Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.From transforming student retention with a “data as a flashlight” philosophy to leading with heart (and humor), Chrissy shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to higher ed powerhouse. Oh, and did we mention she once competed in an international pancake race? 🥞Tune in for lively banter, leadership insights, and the perfect mix of inspiration and laughter as we talk enrollment cliffs, advising wins, and why Brussels sprouts might just deserve a second chance.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ From Shocker Spirit to Innovation Nation — with Bobby GanduThis week on The Pickup Meeting, Kevin and Brody are back with birthday cake in hand for a laugh-filled chat that goes from tight-rolled jeans and cheesecake to Wichita State’s wildest ideas made real. 🎂Their guest? The one and only Bobby Gandu, Associate Vice Provost at Wichita State University, a marketing-minded leader who shares how bold vision and collaboration has led to a thriving innovation hub that's changing lives.You’ll hear: ⚡ The quirky origin of the WuShock mascot (yes, it’s a wheat-eating bundle of wheat!) 🎓 Blending marketing strategy and higher ed leadership to engage new generations of students 💡 The story behind Wichita State’s hands-on learning model — connecting students, industry, and community impact  🍕 Why the world’s first Pizza Hut is now a museum (and a slice of Kansas history) 🎶 Plus: Concert stories, favorite movies, and nostalgic 80s-90s talkIt’s one part birthday bash, one part college-spirit celebration, and all heart. Tune in for stories that prove innovation, humor, and community make the perfect mix.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ The Pickup Meeting: “From Songwriting Dreams to Student Success — A Conversation with Isabelle Langham”In this lively and laughter-filled episode, Brody and Kevin welcome the incredible Isabelle Rena Langham, Director of Advising and Technology Initiatives at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Isabelle shares her journey from aspiring songwriter to higher ed changemaker, revealing how she blends creativity, technology, and heart to empower students and teams alike.Expect plenty of laughs (yes, AirPods and cats make cameo appearances 🐱), bourbon recommendations 🥃, and insights on how to keep human connection at the center of innovation. Whether you’re headed to the NACADA Annual Conference or just need a boost of positivity, this episode reminds us all to embrace the journey, not just the goal.🎧 Tune in for stories, wisdom, and a few karaoke-worthy moments!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ “Advising Legends, Dogs, Donuts, and the Energizer Bunny: A Conversation with Marsha Miller”Get ready for an episode that’s part celebration, part storytelling, and all heart. 🎉 Brody Broshears and Kevin Thomas sit down with NACADA legend Marsha Miller, award-winning author, mentor, and self-proclaimed “genealogical adventurer.” From camping mishaps in the Utah snow to shaping the field of academic advising, Marsha shares decades of wisdom (and a few hilarious stories) that remind us why relationships and not robots, are at the heart of advising.Expect laughter, inspiration, a dash of donut talk, and a reminder that every great advisor has a little bit of the Energizer Bunny inside. 🐰*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailGet ready for a feel-good episode packed with wisdom, laughter, and a few surprise concert stories! 🎶 Brody and Kevin kick things off with their favorite music memories before welcoming the incredible Dr. Jenny Bloom from Florida Atlantic University, a true legend in higher education and co-founder of Appreciative Advising. From her unexpected journey into creating a global advising framework to her daily five-mile runs and porch-hour playlists, Jenny shares insights on connection, purpose, and the power of asking the right questions.Whether you’re a seasoned advisor or just love great storytelling, this episode will leave you inspired to put people before process—and maybe even lace up your running shoes. 🏃‍♀️✨*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan Mail⚾🍩 From Cardinals heartbreaks to donut debates, Kevin and Brody kick off this episode of The Pickup Meeting with laughter and plenty of sugar cravings. Then they’re joined by Todd Burrell, longtime admissions leader turned University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign regional rep, for a first-ever podcast appearance you won’t forget.Todd shares his journey as a first-gen student, his decades of leadership in admissions, and why saying yes to opportunities has shaped his career (and can shape yours, too). Along the way, you’ll hear about professional development wisdom, the quirks of Illinois mascots, and what keeps Todd energized after 30 years in higher ed.It’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and inspiring...exactly what you’d want from a pickup meeting!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailSaving thousands on haircuts, binge-buying vinyl, and interviewing one of higher ed’s most approachable leaders. This week, Brody and Kevin sit down with Ben Gross for a conversation that blends laughter, leadership, and life lessons. Dr. Gross is department chair, mentor, and self-proclaimed fried chicken enthusiast from Lipscomb University.From fandoms to navigating faculty-staff collaboration, embracing AI in pharmacy education, and even the eternal Coke vs. Pepsi debate (#NeverPepsi), this episode has it all. Plus, Ben shares what makes him a trusted leader and why being vulnerable might be the most powerful leadership tool of all.Grab a Diet Coke, settle in, and join us for an episode that’s equal parts fun, thoughtful, and unexpectedly heartwarming.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailBrody and Kevin are back for Episode 3 with more bantering about podcast bloopers, international listeners (yes, even you, Croatia 👀), and the electric energy of a new academic year. This week, they’re joined by John Vasquez, freshly appointed Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Michigan.John shares his inspiring journey from first-gen student in cowboy boots and a bolo tie to national leader in advising and equity-driven student success. He gets real about life-changing (and life-saving) advising, building trust in new leadership roles, and why removing barriers is at the heart of higher ed.Of course, it wouldn’t be The Pickup Meeting without some fun detours: Hogwarts houses, dream dinner guests, Border Collie rescues, and what REALLY makes the perfect pickup meeting. Spoiler: it might involve tacos, tequila, or a Michigan brewery. 🍻Tune in for laughter, leadership lessons, and a reminder that in higher ed, we don’t just change lives...we sometimes save them.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailTreehouses, thrift shops, and throwing firewood! In this not-so-filler second episode, Kevin and Brody are back! Join the fun as they welcome former NACADA President and advising superstar Dana Zahorik for a candid convo about leadership, community colleges, and why training and development should never just be about clicking through a handbook.Along the way, they tackle summer burnout, the thrill of fall on campus, and the which movies should never have had sequels. Dana shares her origin story, throws metaphorical (and literal) firewood, and reveals what keeps her hopeful about the future of advising. Plus a lightning round shenanigans, cookie opinions, and a chocolate martini confession!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailIn the premiere episode of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin Thomas and Brody Broshears kick off their long-awaited podcast adventure! Their first guest? The unstoppable Tara Stopfel Warden from the University of Cincinnati! Tara dives into the powerful work she's doing to strengthen partnerships, redefine student success, and lead with a culture of clarity, comfort, care, and connection. She also shares what keeps her inspired, how she avoids burnout, and why she'd ditch higher ed for an ice cream shop.Plus a lightning round of embarrassing songs, irrational fears, and petty hills to die on. Hit play and pull up a chair because this is your new favorite unfiltered higher ed hangout.*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn. 

Send us Fan MailIn this teaser trailer, meet your new favorite duo: Michael "Brody" Broshears and Kevin Thomas...best friends, higher ed pros, and unapologetic disruptors of the status quo. If you've ever entered into an unexpected hallway chat that left you inspired, challenged, or laughing way too hard... this is that, in podcast form. Sometimes, the best meetings aren’t on the calendar.The Pickup Meeting is a fresh spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Have a question? Want to chat? E-mail us at [email protected]!Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn.