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 • 67 episodes

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

Latest Episodes

Christina Dankert – Educator and Author

Christina Dankert is an elementary school educator, author, and wannabe librarian. She has taught second grade at Sylvan Elementary School in Sylvania Schools for 17 years. Sylvania Schools is a large suburban school district located in Northwe...

October 02, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 67 • 53:35

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 ...

May 28, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 66 • 1:09:16

Kristie Martin – Superintendent, Washington Local Schools

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 lead...

March 10, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 65 • 39:32

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 D...

January 17, 2026 • Season 6 • Episode 64 • 1:28:00

Jere Righter – Artistic Director, The Croswell

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 ...

November 13, 2025 • Season 5 • Episode 63 • 1:04:49

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