The podcast makes its second visit to Hawaii. UIAAA Connection #236 – Pastor Rob Araki, CMAA, Former Director of Athletics – Hanalani Schools K-12, is now available. PastorRob grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, near Wade Hampton High School, where former NIAAA President Darryl Nance worked. His mother hoped he would attend Bob Jones University, but he found his way to being a pastor by othermeans. He earned a degree in Business Administration. Now serving as the state coordinator in Hawaii, Rob recently co-authored LTC 718, a leadership course focused on navigating tragic events. His advice centers on three key principles: finding a reliable mentor, intentionally scheduling rest tomaintain balance, and prioritizing family care. These practices support strong, compassionate leadership and long-term personal and professional well-being. PleaseListen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify,Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast makes another visit to Salt Lake County. UIAAA Connection #235 –Aaron Whitehead, Director of Athletics – Granite School District, is now available.Aaron, born in Sandy and a Skyline High graduate, played football before attending Southern Utah University, often called the “coaching factory.” Hebegan his education career at East High School, serving as head football coach, later moving to Olympus High in the same role. Between these positions, he worked as a graduate assistant for Bronco Mendenhall at BYU, gaining valuablecollege-level experience. Aaron’s advice emphasizes three points: listen and learn, understand your school’s culture, and if new to a school, think big,start small, and move forward carefully and deliberately. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! This podcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify,Stitcher, and YouTube.

The podcast makes another visit to Davis County. UIAAA Connection #234 – Tom Zarate - Director of Athletics – Northridge High School, is now available. Tom, born in Utah, moved frequently until settling near Ithaca, New York, by seventh grade. He attended junior high and high school in that area, shaped by theinfluence of parents who both worked in education. Tom later graduated from BYU–Idaho, where he also met his wife. As a youth, he stayed active in soccerand swimming. In 2025, he attended his first UIAAA conference, an experience he strongly recommends. His key advice: attend the UIAAA conference early in your AD career and seek out a trusted mentor to help guide your journey. Please Listen, Learn, and Share! You can subscribe to UIAAA TV on YouTube! Thispodcast is also available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Castbox, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.