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 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
Podcasting since 2020 • 55 episodes
In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime
Latest Episodes
Amanda Held – Founder and Executive Director, H.O.O.V.E.S.
It’s been an amazing personal journey for the mission-driven Amanda Held. Overcoming significant odds, Amanda figured out how to merge her love/respect for horses with her military experience to found H.O.O.V.E.S., a nonprofit that provides equ...
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Season 4
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Episode 55
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1:09:33
Lee Conklin - Broadcast News Anchor
Through his straightforward approach to sharing local, national, and global news, Emmy award-winning TV news anchor Lee Conklin has been connecting with viewers and listeners for 40 years. His trustworthiness, respect for others, and humility a...
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Season 4
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Episode 54
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1:10:08
Brad Felver – Fiction Writer and Teaching Professor
In addition to being a teaching professor at Bowling Green State University, Brad Felver has been writing professionally for over 15 years. His short stories and essays have been published in a wide array of literary magazines. He was recently ...
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Season 4
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Episode 53
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1:16:57
Jeff Mielcarek – Ambassador for Youth Athletics
Jeff Mielcarek’s entire career has centered on elevating the positive, life-shaping impact that athletic experiences have on players, coaches, fans, organizations, and communities. He has excelled in multiple leadership roles including general ...
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Season 4
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Episode 52
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1:27:25
Susan Palmer – Community Leader, Educator and Philanthropist
At a very young age, Susan knew that she wanted to be an educator. After beginning her career as a high school teacher, she transitioned to the Toledo Museum of Art where she has served in the roles of docent, president of the docent program, d...
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Season 4
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Episode 51
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1:01:51