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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!

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

Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn.

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Treehouses, 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 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.

Send us a text

In 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 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.

Send us a text

In 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 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.