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In 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!

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🎙️ From Shocker Spirit to Innovation Nation — with Bobby Gandu

This 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 talk

It’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!

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🎙️ 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!

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🎙️ “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!

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Get 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!

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⚾🍩 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!

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Saving 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!

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Brody 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 your favorite podcast platform!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn.