Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story

1. Opening Hook + SummaryWelcome to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story—the national podcast where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become.In this episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Aarushi Bafna (Alpha Alpha) and Natalie Raabe (Alpha Iota) to explore what inclusion actually looks like inside an APO chapter—and where it quietly breaks down.In this conversation, you’ll hear:The difference between “open doors” and true belongingReal moments where members felt included—and where they didn’tHow small chapter habits unintentionally exclude peoplePractical ways leaders can build a culture where everyone feels seenIf you’re an active Alpha Phi Omega member thinking about chapter culture, member retention, or leadership impact, this episode challenges you to rethink what inclusion really means—and how to build it intentionally. 2. What We Cover in This Episode· Why inclusion is an experience—not a policy· The “technically present, but not quite in” feeling· How shared experiences (service, retreats, families) build belonging· Where chapters unintentionally lose members· Practical ways to create inclusion this week 3. Memorable Quotes“Open doors don’t automatically make people feel welcome.”“Inclusion isn’t something you announce—it’s something people experience.”“It’s not about being in the room. It’s about feeling like you belong in it.” 4. About Our GuestsAarushi Bafna is the current president of the Alpha Alpha Chapter, where she has served as pledge trainer, executive vice president, and a leader focused on strengthening chapter culture and connection. Her leadership journey reflects a strong commitment to building inclusive, relationship-driven chapters.Natalie Raabe is a member of the Alpha Iota Chapter at The Ohio State University and incoming chapter president. Since joining as a freshman, she has held multiple leadership roles and is passionate about creating spaces where members feel welcomed, supported, and connected. 5. Key Takeaways1. Have one conversation with a member you don’t know well. Not about chapter business. Just about them.2. At your next chapter meeting, notice who isn’t talking. Not to call them out — but to create a moment where they could.3. Ask one member privately: “How are you experiencing the chapter right now?” Then just listen. 6. Chapter Discussion PromptBring this question to your next chapter meeting or officer retreat:Is there someone in your chapter who feels “present, but not fully included”—and what are you doing about it? 7. Get InvolvedIdea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGASubmit to the APO Soundbites segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/Share this episode with your chapter group chat or listen together at your next meeting. 

1. Opening Hook + SummaryWelcome to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story—the national podcast where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become.In this episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Vidushi Agarwal from the Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of the Pacific to explore one of the most common—and most overlooked—leadership challenges in APO: running effective chapter meetings.In this conversation, you’ll hear:A real leadership moment when a meeting didn’t go as plannedHow reading the room can change the entire outcome of a meetingSimple facilitation tools to balance participation and avoid dominationPractical ways to make meetings more engaging, efficient, and meaningfulIf you’re an active Alpha Phi Omega member navigating chapter leadership, trying to improve meeting culture, or preparing to run your first meeting, this episode offers real-world insight and immediately actionable strategies to lead with intention. 2. What We Cover in This Episode· Why ineffective meetings are a leadership issue, not just poor planning· How to read and respond to the energy of the room· Using structure, games, and discussion formats to increase engagement· Managing dominant voices while including quieter members· Advice for first-time chapter presidents navigating imperfect meetings 3. Memorable Quotes“A bad meeting isn’t a logistics problem. It’s a leadership problem.”“As long as you guys give me the energy… I will do my power to get through this as quickly as possible.”“Your first chapter meeting is probably going to be a disaster… and that’s okay.” 4. About Our GuestVidushi Agarwal is the President of the Alpha Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of the Pacific. She joined Alpha Phi Omega a year and a half ago and has since served as Sergeant, Vice President of Fellowship, and now Chapter President. Through her leadership, she has focused on improving engagement, strengthening chapter culture, and creating more intentional and effective chapter meetings. 5. Practical Takeaways1. Write a one-sentence “purpose statement” for the meeting. What specifically needs to happen tonight? Say it at the start.2. Move at least one standing update to a shared doc or email that goes out beforehand. Use that reclaimed time for something that actually requires the room.3. End the meeting with a specific acknowledgment — one person, one thing they did, said out loud in front of the chapter. Watch what it does to the energy in the room. 6. Chapter Discussion PromptBring this question to your next chapter meeting or officer retreat:If every member rated your last chapter meeting from 1 to 10, what would they actually say—and what’s one change that would move that number up? 7. Get InvolvedIdea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGASubmit to the APO Soundbites segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/Share this episode with your chapter group chat or listen together at your next meeting.

1. Opening Hook + SummaryWelcome to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story—the national podcast where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become. In this episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Maya Glover and Josephine White from the Alpha Eta Nu Chapter at Furman University to explore one of the most frustrating leadership challenges in APO: how to motivate people without relying on guilt or pressure. In this conversation, you’ll hear:Why guilt and reminders stop working over timeThe moment leaders realize their approach isn’t effectiveHow chapter culture and belonging drive real engagementPractical leadership shifts that create lasting motivationIf you’re an active Alpha Phi Omega member struggling to get people to show up, stay engaged, or care as much as you do—this episode offers real, actionable leadership insight you can use immediately. 2. What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy guilt and pressure fail as leadership toolsHow disconnection—not laziness—drives disengagementThe role of Sunshine Chair in building chapter cultureWhy individual relationships matter more than mass messagingThree leadership shifts: ownership, purpose, and belonging 3. Memorable Quotes“Guilt might move people in the short term, but it kills long-term engagement.”“People don’t disengage because they’re lazy—they disengage because they don’t feel needed or connected.”“You can’t manufacture motivation—you create the conditions for it.” 4. About Our GuestsMaya Glover and Josephine White are members of the Alpha Eta Nu Chapter at Furman University.Maya has served as Sunshine Chair, Pledgemaster, and Historian, developing a leadership style centered on personal connection and individual motivation. Josephine, a former Sunshine Chair, focuses on empathy-driven leadership and building chapter energy through engagement and inclusion. Both bring practical, real-world insight into what actually motivates members in a small chapter environment. 5. Practical Takeaways1. Give Ownership, Not Just Tasks.2.  Make the “Why” Visible. Every Time.3. Build Belonging Before You Build Expectation. 6. Chapter Discussion PromptBring this question to your next chapter meeting or officer retreat:If motivation disappeared in your chapter tomorrow, what would still bring people together—and how can you build from that? Discussion Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LMZIjhIc5n98VZQqXQK3XFPxcBGUWDv-/view?usp=drive_link 7. Get InvolvedIdea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGASubmit to the APO Soundbites segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/Share this episode with your chapter group chat or listen together at your next meeting.

SummaryIn this episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Angelina Lappin from the Mu Xi Chapter at High Point University and Antonio Johnson from the Alpha Theta Pi Online Chapter at National University to talk about one of the most real and challenging parts of leadership in Alpha Phi Omega: leading your peers without burning out. Leading peers inside a volunteer organization is different from traditional leadership. You don’t have paychecks, grades, or formal authority motivating people. Instead, you're navigating friendship, accountability, and shared responsibility all at the same time. Angelina shares how a difficult leadership moment—running for a position she didn’t receive—forced her to rethink how she communicated ideas and built support within her chapter. Antonio reflects on the unique challenges of leading APO’s first online chapter while balancing academics and preparing for law school.  What We Cover in This Episode• Why leading peers can feel more exhausting than leading employees• The loneliness that can come with holding leadership responsibility• How missed leadership opportunities can become powerful growth moments• Leadership myths that quietly lead to burnout• The importance of mentorship and chapter support systems• Why curiosity and relationship-building strengthen chapter culture• Three practical strategies to lead peers without burning out About Our GuestsAngelina Lappin is a senior at High Point University and a member of the Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. During her time in the chapter, she has served as Pledge Secretary and Interchapter Chair multiple times and has been deeply involved in strengthening chapter relationships and engagement. Her experiences in APO helped shape her academic interests in international relations, Spanish, business administration, and Latin & Caribbean studies. Antonio Johnson is the President of the Alpha Theta Pi Chapter at National University. As part of the team that helped establish APO’s first online chapter, Antonio is playing a key role in building its culture and leadership structure. He has also served on national committees and is preparing for law school with a passion for public service and leadership development. Practical Take-Aways1. Share ownership, not just tasks.2. Set expectations out loud.3. Redefine success. Chapter Discussion PromptBring this question to your next chapter meeting or officer retreat:What responsibilities in our chapter are currently owned by one person that could be shared or distributed across the team? Get InvolvedIdea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGASubmit to the APO Soundbites segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/Share this episode with your chapter group chat or listen together at your next meeting. Thanks for listening to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story.If this episode resonated with you, share it with a brother who’s leading in your chapter right now.

Episode 1: Century of Serving – Why Alpha Phi Omega Still Matters 1. Opening Hook + SummaryWelcome to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story—the national podcast where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become.In this inaugural episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Disraeli Smith, the 28th National President of Alpha Phi Omega and a brother from the Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University.Alpha Phi Omega has been around for over a century—but why does APO matter right now?In this conversation, you’ll hear:How brotherhood in APO goes beyond college—and into weddings, careers, and lifelong friendshipWhy leadership in APO is an “experimental learning ground” where you’re allowed to failThe difference between loving your chapter and engaging with the national fraternity 2. What We Cover in This EpisodeThe moment APO becomes “more than meetings and service hours”Brotherhood that lasts beyond graduationWhy leadership means you won’t always get it right the first timeThe power of learning through failureBridging the gap between chapter identity and national engagementHow conferences, conventions, and President’s Academy create momentumThree practical leadership actions you can take back to your chapter this week 3. Memorable Quotes“Chapters are an experimental learning ground for you to figure out how to lead people.”“You’re not going to get it right the first time.”“If the national organization does not understand what you need to be successful, then we can’t deliver it.” 4. About Our GuestDisraeli Smith was initiated into the Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University in 2007. As an undergraduate, he served in multiple chapter leadership roles and chaired the 2010 National Convention in Atlanta. After years of regional and national service, he was elected the 28th National President of Alpha Phi Omega at the Centennial Convention in Philadelphia. His leadership journey reflects what APO does best: developing leaders through service, connection, and real-world experience. 5. Practical Take-AwaysAsk yourself, who can I support this week?Take five minutes at your next service project to reflect, not just report hours.What's been the most meaningful part of APO for you so far? 6. Chapter Discussion PromptBring this to your next meeting:If Alpha Phi Omega disappeared from your campus tomorrow, what would be missing?And more importantly — what are you doing to make sure that impact is unmistakable? 7. Get InvolvedIdea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGASubmit to the APO Sound Bytes segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/Share this episode with your chapter group chat Thanks for listening to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story.If this episode resonated with you, share it with a brother who’s leading in your chapter right now.

The national podcast of Alpha Phi Omega—sharing real stories of leadership, friendship, and service from members and alumni across the country.