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⚾🍩 From Cardinals heartbreaks to donut debates, Kevin and Brody kick off this episode of The Pickup Meeting with laughter and plenty of sugar cravings. Then they’re joined by Todd Burrell, longtime admissions leader turned University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign regional rep, for a first-ever podcast appearance you won’t forget.

Todd shares his journey as a first-gen student, his decades of leadership in admissions, and why saying yes to opportunities has shaped his career (and can shape yours, too). Along the way, you’ll hear about professional development wisdom, the quirks of Illinois mascots, and what keeps Todd energized after 30 years in higher ed.

It’s equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and inspiring...exactly what you’d want from a pickup meeting!

*The Pickup Meeting is a spinoff of the Adventures in Advising podcast!

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Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn.

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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!

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.

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!

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.