Shows
The ATO ShowFrom the Archives: ATO Astronauts, Adventurers, and MoreIn this episode of The ATO Show we explore the fascinating history of ATO brothers who have made significant contributions as explorers. We hear stories from the archives about alumni who have achieved greatness on land, in the air, and in space.
The episode highlights Dr. Lewis Sims Jr., who flew an ATO flag over Antarctica during a 1940 expedition, inspired by early aviation pioneer and fellow ATO member Ben Eielson. Eielson's achievements in polar aviation are discussed, including his record-setting transpolar flights.
The conversation then turns to five ATO brothers who became NASA astronauts. Notable...
2024-11-0623 min
The ATO ShowGeocities Founder David Bohnett Shares His ATO StoryHear from tech pioneer and philanthropist David Bohnett discuss the transformative impact of technology on organizations and society. David, co-founder of the groundbreaking early web platform Geocities, shares his journey from a Business and Computer Science major at USC to selling Geocities to Yahoo for a staggering $3.5 billion in 1999.
Plus we tackle the role of social media in voter education and registration and where AI fits in to the current technology landscape and the broader impact it can have on ATOs.
2024-10-2331 min
The ATO ShowHow A Purpose Driven Business Generates $25 Million AnnuallyWynn Smiley sits down with the trailblazing social entrepreneur, Sean Seipler in this episode of The ATO Show.
As the founder of Clean the World, Sean shares his incredible journey from noticing wasted soap in hotels to spearheading a global movement that recycles soap and distributes hygiene products to those in need. Discover how a simple idea evolved into a hybrid organization, generating $25 million annually and collaborating with 9,000 hotels worldwide.
Sean unveils the trials and triumphs of starting Clean the World amid the 2009 economic downturn, including personal sacrifices and early financial challenges. He recounts a...
2024-10-0242 min
The ATO ShowMastering Focus and Connection: Nir Eyal on Distraction, Technology, and College FriendshipsHost Wynn Smiley sits down with behavioral designer and best-selling author Nir Eyal to unpack the keys to managing distraction and building life-enhancing habits. Together, they explore the profound impact of fraternity life, the nature of social connections, and the importance of developing meaningful relationships during college years.
**Highlights:**
- **Fraternity Life and Social Connections**:
- Wynn and Nir highlight the lifelong benefits of fraternity friendships and the essential role of social networks in combating loneliness among men.
- **Psychology of Distraction**:
...
2024-09-1138 min
The ATO ShowFrom Wall Street to Feeding Dogs - Dennis Boyd's Path to SuccessIn this episode of The ATO Show, we chat with Dennis Boyd, DePauw '78, about how he's successfully opened and sold several bond trading firms, investment funds and most recently a dog food business.
We get into the power of ATO's leadership training and how it gave Boyd the confidence to be an entrepreneur.
2024-08-2826 min
The ATO ShowATOs We Want to be Like: The Congress EditionAt the 86th ATO Congress in Tucson, Alpha Tau Omega honored this year's Thomas Arkle Clark honoree and National Presidents Award recipient.
In this episode, we get to hear their remarks and a bit about what is so impressive about these two ATOs. Grant Hershbine and Comforted Keen are two ATOs we could all learn a lot from.
2024-08-0826 min
The ATO ShowATO Archives: The Unknown History of ATO CongressIn this history-focused episode of The ATO Show, host Wynn Smiley delves into the early history of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity with archivist Deborah Walters from the University of Illinois.
As the fraternity's 86th Congress approaches, they explore the significance of the first few ATO congresses, starting with the inaugural congress in 1870. Walters sheds light on how founder Otis Allan Glazebrook's forward-thinking vision led to a truly national fraternity.
The conversation highlights the fraternity's rocky years in the 1870s and the critical role played by Joseph R. Anderson...
2024-07-2427 min
The ATO ShowATO Alumnus Phil Bender Leads NIL Efforts, Shares Insights Into Leadership DevelopmentATO Show Host Wynn Smiley sits down with Missouri ATO Alumnus Phil Bender. Bender has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry, but that barely
scratches the surface of what he’s accomplished. From navigating the fascinating landscape of NIL to creating dynamic leadership focused cultures to coaching individuals to CEO mindset, he’s about as multi-layered as you can get.
2024-07-1042 min
The ATO ShowFraternity Influence on Capitol Hill: Kyle Jackson's Career InsightsWynn Smiley speaks with Kyle Jackson, chief of staff for Congressman Larry Bucshon, about his transition from fraternity life to a career on Capitol Hill.
Jackson reflects on his time with ATO at Texas Tech, citing the fraternity's historical roots and leadership opportunities as pivotal in his development. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding others, teamwork, and learning from setbacks—skills that have proved vital in his professional journey.
Jackson offers valuable advice for undergraduates and those pursuing political careers, stressing the benefits of leadership programs, internships, and sh...
2024-06-1935 min
The ATO ShowOlympic Swimming Trials in an NFL Stadium: Challenges and Triumphs with Jim PerryATO CEO Wynn Smiley catches up with Jim Perry, a DePauw alumnus and the Sales and Marketing Director for the Indiana Sports Corporation. Jim dives into the behind-the-scenes action of organizing the USA Swimming Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, juggling everything from ticket sales to building temporary pools. He also reflects on his previous role with ESPN’s high school sports coverage, including working with athletes like Bronny James. Jim shares how his ATO fraternity experience played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Tune in for a mix of sports insights, career advice, and fraternity talk.
2024-06-0522 min
The ATO Show"Fraternity changed the trajectory of my life"This is The ATO Show. In today's episode, host Wynn Smiley dives into a thought-provoking conversation with guest, RJ Taylor, CEO of Phired Up. Taylor’s company is dedicated to transforming how college fraternities and sororities connect with students, but he has a personal passion for creating community at large.
Taylor recounts his incredible journey, including a year-long global adventure with his wife, partnering with organizations in 11 different countries. From teaching English to community rehabilitation, and while living in conditions ranging from tents to local homes, Taylor’s experiences have deeply impacted his views on community and belo...
2024-05-2233 minThe ATO ShowFraternity Leadership to Future Success: The ATO Consultant ExperienceWelcome to The ATO Show.
Today, we're diving into the powerful impact of serving as a leadership consultant with ATO. Join us as we hear personal testimonies from former consultants, Sam Satterfield, David Busshart, and Michael Millard, who share their transformative experiences.
From gaining unparalleled leadership skills and self-reliance to influencing their professional paths and achieving remarkable growth, our guests detail how their time with ATO equipped them for a variety of challenging roles in the real world, from politics to senior corporate positions.
2024-05-0815 min
The ATO Show"Our creed gives you a framework for thinking"Join us as Howe Wallace, a former ATO National President and current CEO of the nation’s largest new pallet manufacturing company, shares his journey from ATO Undergraduate to leading a major corporation.
He’ll discuss the skills and values that fraternities can instill – from leadership to generosity – and why these are more relevant than ever in today’s society.
We'll also explore Howe's unique insights into the pallet industry and how his fraternity experience influenced his professional ethos and hiring practices.
From personal challenges to community impact, this episode unpacks the lifelong benefits o...
2024-04-2433 min
The ATO Show“I Wanted To Go To All 50 States, I Just Didn’t Expect To Do It In a Year”We are speaking with Garrett Cornelison, an alumnus of the Simpson Beta Alpha chapter. Cornelison has an uncanny ability to recognize opportunities and be willing to follow them.
An example is the 50-state road trip which he leveraged into a successful commercial photography career in Los Angeles. There he worked with companies like Apple, Coachella, Lincoln Motor Company, eBay, and more.
When the pandemic hit, Cornelison moved home to Des Moines. He learned to sew and turned his vast personal vintage collection into a vintage clothing and antique store called the Dust Collective.
“I...
2024-04-1031 min
The ATO Show2024 ATO Chapter PresidentsIn this episode of The ATO Show, we get insight from several ATO Chapter Presidents for 2024 academic year.
From what they're hoping to accomplish, to what it means for them to be a president, these are the thoughts uppermost in the minds of today's chapter president.
2024-03-2714 min
The ATO Show"Awesome ain't easy"We're talking to former NFL fullback and Money Vehicle CEO Jed Collins to hear insights into how he advises both ATOs and current NFL players on how to plan for their financial future.
His tips and advice are priceless when it comes to making sure you understand how to make the most of the next phase of your life journey.
If you want to access more information about resources available to ATOs, you can go to ato.org or reach out to your chapter's Leadership Consultant.
2024-03-1343 min
The ATO Show"You Qualified for Nationals at Your Very First Triathlon"In this conversation, Wynn Smiley interviews Kyle Stepp, an alumnus of the New Mexico ATO chapter and 2016 Thomas Arkle Clark Honoree, about his exceptional life story.
Kyle shares his journey of overcoming stage four cancer, living in foster care and boys homes, and beating the odds to become a paratriathlete and advocate for LGBTQ and disability rights. Throughout the conversation, Kyle emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in pain and using personal experiences to make a positive impact on others.
He also discusses the impact of his involvement in...
2024-02-2836 min
The ATO Show"What's The Plan To Find Saddam?"Eric Maddox, Oklahoma Delta Kappa Alumnus, shares his story of being a lead interrogator on the Special Task Force that captured Saddam Hussein.
Plus, we hear how Maddox's ATO journey pushed him to be the best he could be, and kept him from taking the easy path.
Connect wth Maddox at eric@ericmaddox.com
Learn more about Maddox at https://www.ericmaddox.com/
2024-02-1429 min
The ATO ShowWelcome to The ATO ShowWelcome to The ATO Show, the official podcast of the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity.
We will be featuring the incredible stories of the ATO alumni and undergraduates who live out the eternal and immutable principles our founders built our organization on.
From in-depth discussions with distinguished ATO alumni to advice on leadership, networking, and personal growth, this podcast is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain.
2024-02-0704 min