In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

What makes leaders tick? In the Arena podcast delves into the inner workings and personal dynamics of leadership. We’ll shine a light on the life-shaping experiences and perspectives of leaders who have navigated adversity and moved their organizations and themselves forward. Defining moments, lessons learned, and points of inspiration provide a roadmap for these conversations of a lifetime. The podcast title In the Arena has historical roots. In 1910, a year after leaving the presidency, Teddy Roosevelt gave a rousing address in Paris in which he chastised cynics and grenade-throwing critics who lambasted leaders as they worked valiantly to improve the human condition. Over time TR’s “The Man in the Arena” became indelibly linked to the nobility and struggles of leadership. In the Arena host Brad Rieger is the chief executive officer at Cooper-Smith, a full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Toledo, OH with a satellite office in Stamford, CT. Prior to working in

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime is a society podcast hosted by Brad Rieger, with 66 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Brad Rieger hosts In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime, a society show with 66 episodes published.

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  Episode #66

  Troy Armstrong - Superintendent, Wauseon Schools

  May 28, 20261h 9mS6

  <p>As he closes-out a memorable career in education, Troy Armstrong shares stories and perspectives about leading the school district he attended as a student, his leadership approach, what success looks like, and navigating no-win situations. As he heads-off into the sunset, Troy will most likely be riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. </p><p>Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen Shankster/Jeremy Thomas. Content made possible by Cooper-Smith Advertising LLC 2023</p>

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  Episode #65

  Kristie Martin – Superintendent, Washington Local Schools

  Mar 10, 202640 minS6

  <p>Kristie Martin’s student-centered and people-centered leadership approach anchors who she is as superintendent of Washington Local Schools (WLS), a large public school district located in Toledo, Ohio. She has held a wide variety of school leadership roles throughout her 30-year career in education, all of them with WLS. Most of the job promotions that came Kristie’s way she never aspired to, rather she was recruited for these positions because of her instructional expertise, collaborative disposition, and ability to connect with students, staff, and parents.</p><p>Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Soci...

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  Episode #64

  Bryan Blair – Vice President and Director of Athletics, The University of Toledo

  Jan 17, 20261h 28mS6

  <p>A laser-focused servant leader who uses a “Rise Together” approach to elevate the culture and achievement levels of the University of Toledo Athletic Department. The road Bryan took leading-up to the University of Toledo included positions as Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at Washington University, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Rice University, and administrative roles with the University of South Carolina and the NCAA Office in Indianapolis. He serves on the NCAA Division I Sports Oversight Committee and NCAA Division 1 Committee on Infractions. Bryan has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 and the Twen...

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  Episode #63

  Jere Righter – Artistic Director, The Croswell

  Nov 13, 20251h 5mS5

  <p>Jere Righter has been involved with the historic Croswell Opera House for 35 years. Located in Adrian, Michigan, The Croswell is the oldest theater in Michigan and one of the oldest operating theaters in the United States. Jere was hired-on to be The Croswell’s Artistic Director in 2009. Working with talented staff and volunteers, Jere has overseen professional caliber and highly acclaimed performances within a regional community theater setting. Prior to The Croswell, Jere served as the Associate Director/Senior Major Gifts Officer at the University of Michigan Health System and VP of Advancement at Siena Heights University. She is th...

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  Episode #62

  Rev. Ron Olszewski – Educational and Servant Leader

  Sep 30, 202544 minS5

  <p>Fr. Olszewski, a Catholic priest and Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, has been a positive force at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio for over 51 years. Fr. O., as he is affectionately called, has served as a teacher, principal, and president of St. Francis De Sales High School. He was also the chairman of the school’s foundation for over 30 years and past president of the Toledo Rotary. In addition to his career association with St. Francis High School, Fr. O. is also an alum; the Class of 1962. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degr...

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