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 the private sector, Brad enjoyed a meaningful 31-year career in education serving in the roles of teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He is a student of the complexities and nuances of leadership and admires the strivers, trailblazers, and influencers who lead with conviction, courage, and resilience. 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
In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime
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Podcast Overview
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 the private sector, Brad enjoyed a meaningful 31-year career in education serving in the roles of teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He is a student of the complexities and nuances of leadership and admires the strivers, trailblazers, and influencers who lead with conviction, courage, and resilience. 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
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/13/2020
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Recent Episodes
May 28, 2026
Troy Armstrong - Superintendent, Wauseon Schools
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. Host/Executive Producer; Brad Rieger, Audio Engineer/Production Coordinator; Kerry Schwable, Social Coordinator; Tim McCarthy, Graphic Designers: Stephen S...
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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 di...
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Bryan Blair – Vice President and Director of Athletics, The University of Toledo
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 Sp...
66 total episodes available
Recent guests on In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Ginny Boggess
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Kate Sommerfeld
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Matt Schroeder
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Robin Whitney
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Adam Levine
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Jason Abodeely
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Amanda Held
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Lee Conklin
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Brad Felver
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Jeff Mielcarek
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This podcast updates bi-weekly.
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