In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime

Brad Rieger

Episodes 64
Avg. Duration 1h 7m
Activity Highly Active
Since Nov 2020
Latest Episode Jan 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Months
Format
Episodic
Consistency
76%
Hosting
feeds.buzzsprout.com

About This Podcast

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

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Recent Episodes

S6E64 Bryan Blair – Vice President and Director of Athletics, The University of Toledo

Jan 17, 2026 1h 28m

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…

S5E63 Jere Righter – Artistic Director, The Croswell

Nov 13, 2025 1h 4m

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…

S5E62 Rev. Ron Olszewski – Educational and Servant Leader

Sep 30, 2025 44m

Fr. Olszewski, a Catholic priest and Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, has been a positive force at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio for over 51 years. Fr. O., as he is affectionately…

S5E61 Ginny Boggess – Head Women’s Basketball Coach, The University of Toledo

Jul 17, 2025 1h 3m

After her mom passed away, seven-year old Ginny Boggess found solace in shooting baskets in her backyard. Basketball helped Ginny navigate a traumatic personal loss and created a pathway to…

S5E60 Kate Sommerfeld – President & CEO, Greater Toledo Community Foundation

May 28, 2025 32m

By observing her parents’ kindness toward others and her own personal experiences with volunteering, helping people became a driving force early on in Kate Sommerfeld’s life. She is a mission-driven…

S5E59 Matt Schroeder – Interim President, The University of Toledo

Mar 21, 2025 1h 5m

As an undergraduate student at the University of Toledo, Matt Schroeder worked three jobs to help pay his way through school and earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. He now leads the…

S5E58 Robin Whitney – Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, SSOE

Mar 07, 2025 44m

At an early age, Robin Whitney knew she wanted to be an engineer. Throughout an extensive career, Robin has utilized her engineering and people skills to shepherd large-scale community initiatives…

S5E57 Adam Levine - President, Director & CEO, Toledo Museum of Art

Feb 21, 2025 1h 9m

Since 2020, Adam Levine has served as the president, director, and CEO of the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). His leadership efforts are focused on TMA’s world-class collection, visitor experience,…

S4E56 Jason Abodeely – President & CEO, Sunshine Communities

Nov 21, 2024 1h 2m

After 15 years of holding senior executive positions with several multinational companies, Jason Abodeely pivoted to the mission-based nonprofit Sunshine Communities. For the past 11 years he has led…

S4E55 Amanda Held – Founder and Executive Director, H.O.O.V.E.S.

Oct 24, 2024 1h 9m

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…

S4E54 Lee Conklin - Broadcast News Anchor

Sep 27, 2024 1h 10m

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…

S4E53 Brad Felver – Fiction Writer and Teaching Professor

Jul 30, 2024 1h 16m

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…

S4E52 Jeff Mielcarek – Ambassador for Youth Athletics

Jun 27, 2024 1h 27m

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…

S4E51 Susan Palmer – Community Leader, Educator and Philanthropist

May 28, 2024 1h 1m

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…

S4E50 Christina Rodriguez – Executive Director, Mom’s House

May 03, 2024 1h 25m

For over 16 years, Christina has been leading a life-giving organization that helps low-income single moms pursue their educational goals and break the cycle of poverty. Her own harrowing experiences…

S4E49 Eamonn Reynolds – Director of Football Communications, The Detroit Lions

Mar 07, 2024 1h 25m

Drawing upon his journalism background, love of athletics, and ability to connect with people, Eamonn guides the narrative for the Detroit Lions. He oversees a constant flurry of media activity…

S4E48 Levi Stubbs III – Business and Community Impact Leader

Feb 23, 2024 1h 2m

For over 30 years Levi has held corporate leadership roles and been a strong supporter of numerous charitable organizations and worthy causes throughout the Metro Detroit area. As Vice President and…

S4E47 Amy Chang – Associate Principal Cello, Toledo Symphony Orchestra

Jan 04, 2024 1h 2m

Amy Chang, who grew up in Taiwan and came to the United States as a high school exchange student, began playing the cello when she was 10 years old. She honed her musical skills at the Taiwan Academy…

S3E46 Logan Sander - Co-Founder and Editorial Director @ Midstory

Dec 07, 2023 1h

Entrepreneur Logan Sander joined like-minded young professionals to establish and run a vibrant nonprofit media thinkhub that highlights the unique qualities, opportunities, and challenges associated…

S3E45 Marco Molesini – International Sommelier and Owner of Molesini Wine Shop

Nov 17, 2023 56m

Based in the Tuscan hillside town of Cortona, Italy, Marco Molesini owns and operates the internationally renowned Molesini Wine Shop. His vast knowledge of wine, deep connections with Italian…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime have?

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime has published 64 episodes since November 2020, covering topics in Education, Society & Culture.

Is In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime still active?

In the Arena: Conversations of a Lifetime is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 months. Average episode length is 1h 7m.

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