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In this episode of The Pickup Meeting, Brody and Kevin welcome Cecilia Olivares, Director of Academic Advising Initiatives at the University of Missouri and former NACADA President, for a conversation that zigzags delightfully from Easter candy to change management to the existential question of academic advising itself.

Fresh off the Administrators Institute, the trio dives into:

• Tech implementation without losing the human touch
• Decentralization dilemmas and the art of staying curious
• Why “What’s the worst that could happen?” might be leadership’s most underrated question
• Exploratory students, major changes, and decision-making on the daily
• Dissertation marathons, dust-covered books, and the power of just finishing
• And yes…Criminal Minds vs. NCIS

There are road trip playlists. There is Garth Brooks. There is a brief and unexpected detour into Breaking Bad territory. The rails are left. The rails are found again.

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

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In this Just Us edition of The Pickup Meeting, Kevin Thomas and Michael “Brody” Broshears settle into a wide-ranging conversation that feels like one of their regular phone calls. From the many ways we mispronounce February and other deeply suspicious English words, to Valentine’s Day nostalgia, chalky candy hearts, and why umbrellas are wildly overrated, this episode leans into humor, reflection, and a little bit of friendly ranting.

The conversation then shifts to higher education realities, including why the first three to five weeks of the semester matter so much for student success, how early alerts and meaningful feedback can change outcomes, and what strong faculty-advisor partnerships can really look like in practice. Kevin and Brody also tackle the evolving world of NIL, the transfer portal, and the tension between athletics and academics, before closing out with a spirited discussion of the most underrated movies of all time!

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

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This episode of The Pickup Meeting kicks off with peak banter, including an impossible Indiana football season, shared indifference toward cars, and the kind of sports fandom that only comes once in a lifetime. Kevin and Brody then welcome an incredible guest, Jennifer Markin, Director of Advising at Henry Ford College, who brings warmth, humor, and deep insight into advising, leadership, and student success in the community college context.

Jennifer shares what pulled her back into advising leadership and how intentional staff development and mission-driven work can transform student experiences. Along the way, the conversation hits solo music festivals, parenting moments you don’t want to rush past, Metro Detroit food gems, hidden talents, and a lightning round that somehow includes Barack Obama, Janis Joplin, and cereal for dinner. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply human, this episode is a reminder that the best pickup meetings are the ones where learning and laughter coexist.

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

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This week on The Pickup Meeting, Brody and Kevin ditch the guest list and settle into a classic Just Us episode. Think less polished panel, more honest phone call between two friends who’ve seen a few semesters, a few campuses, and more than a few questionable comfort foods.

The conversation wanders joyfully through first-week-of-college memories, accidental class enrollment disasters, legendary professors, Super Bowl predictions that may or may not age well, and the real work behind student success and retention, and what no one tells you about becoming an administrator.

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

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🎙️ From Mascot Suits to Dean’s Office: Say Yes (and Hold On)

This episode of The Pickup Meeting is a full-tilt ride with Rodney Mondor, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Southern Maine. Rodney’s career journey zigzags through academic advising, orientation, student affairs leadership, crisis response, Greek life, career services, and yes, literally being a mascot. 🐾

Along the way, Brody and Kevin unpack procrastination, graduation feels, student success, leadership, burnout, and why colleges are wildly complicated places that students are expected to magically understand. Rodney shares hard-earned wisdom about saying yes to opportunity, walking campus to stay connected, supporting the “whole student,” and how raising your hand (sometimes repeatedly) can change the entire trajectory of your career.

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

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🎙️ New Year, Same Pickup Energy

It’s 2026! In the first Just Us episode of the year, Kevin and Brody kick things off with sharp banter, real talk, and the kind of spirited disagreement that only longtime co-hosts can survive.

This episode zigzags delightfully through end-of-semester chaos and post-holiday limbo. But beneath the laughs is a powerful conversation about higher education, advising, and the quiet, life-altering magic of a single 30-minute meeting.

Press play, settle in for 30 minutes, and welcome to The Pickup Meeting in 2026. Do good. Be nice.

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

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🎙️ New Year, Same Pickup Meeting Energy (But Less “Circle Back”)

In the first Pickup Meeting of 2026, Brody and Kevin kick off the year with a conversation that spirals into resolutions, leadership, and why grocery stores might be the ultimate metaphor for exploratory advising.

They're joined by Kerry Kincanon from Oregon State University, a nationally respected voice in exploratory advising, student success, and developmental advising. Kerry brings deep insight on helping students navigate uncertainty, building advising communities, leading institutional change, and why exploration belongs to every student, not just the undecided ones.

It’s exactly the kind of Pickup Meeting you want to start 2026 with.

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

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Before the calendar flips and the ball drops, Brody and Kevin settle in for one final ride to wrap up an unforgettable year. In this special “Just Us” mini episode, the duo looks back on personal wins, professional highlights, and the unexpected moments that made 2025 meaningful. From record-breaking step streaks to kids publishing books to NACADA adventures and beyond. They also look ahead at the big conversations coming for higher ed in 2026 (spoiler: AI and navigating the enrollment cliff).

Light the tree, grab that leftover fruitcake (or don’t), and join us for a cozy, reflective, end-of-year sendoff filled with laughter, gratitude, and genuine connection.

✨ It’s the final Pickup Meeting of 2025. Thanks for listening, laughing, and learning with us all year. See you in 2026...Do good and be nice.

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

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Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Also, subscribe to the Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Brody and Kevin on LinkedIn.