The real work of leadership often begins long before a career. It starts with discipline, tradition, and showing up when the pressure is highest.

In this episode of The Real Work Podcast, former University of Michigan Drum Major Rodney Weir shares what it takes to lead one of the most iconic marching band traditions in college sports. From sticking with learning an instrument to performing the famous Michigan drum major backbend in front of more than 100,000 fans, Rodney explains how preparation, confidence, and tradition shaped his experience.

Rodney also discusses the legendary baton toss over the goalposts—an iconic Michigan ritual where catching the baton is said to predict a Michigan win.

Today, Rodney brings those same leadership skills into his career as a physical therapist, researcher, and mentor. His work now supports both the medical field and the next generation of musicians through scholarships and education.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work series

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts➡️ Subscribe for more conversations about leadership, reinvention, and the real work behind meaningful careers.

Connect with Rodney Weir

➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-weir-610586b7

➡️ Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rodney-Weir

➡️ Coloma Band Student Scholarship:https://www.berriencommunity.org/coloma-band-students-get-new-scholarship-opportunityMedia / Traditions Discussed

➡️ Shop and Listen: https://amzn.to/4cAEo9z

University of Michigan Drum Major Backbend tradition

Baton toss over the goalposts legend associated with Michigan football games

RuPaul's Drag Race

Retirement isn’t the end. It’s a recalibration.In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Denise E. Williams — occupational therapist of 45 years, intuitive healer, classically trained singer, dancer, speaker, and founder of Holistic Hoop — to explore what it means to live rhythmically, intentionally, and spiritually aligned.From managing pediatric clinics and keynote speaking… to studying intuition for decades… to being invited to perform in New York in her seventies, Denise shares how curiosity, movement, and discipline have shaped every season of her life.This isn’t about slowing down.It’s about creating your own day.In this episode, we discuss:-Why rhythm is essential for mental and physical health-How to reinvent “retirement” through movement and purpose-The power of intuition — and how anyone can develop it-Voice, breathing, and speaking with clarity and confidence-Acting “as if” to overcome fear and performance anxiety-Why you must be your first patient before serving others-Healing through humor, creativity, and self-expressionDenise reminds us that growth doesn’t stop — it evolves.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcastsConnect with Denise E. Williams➡️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@holistichoop3295/shorts➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise.e.williams/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.e.williams/➡️ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@denise.e.williams➡️ TikTok: @desniseewilliams72Shop Media from Episode: https://amzn.to/40A2IAYBooksShow Your Work! — Austin KleonKeep Going — Austin KleonPerformance Anxiety Music / artistsDuke EllingtonCount BasieSarah Vaughan

Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a strategy, a mindset, and sometimes a survival skill.In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Teacher Will (Ask Teacher Will), an educator, mentor, and community builder whose journey spans business development, international teaching, and leadership in adult education.From getting laid off on his birthday during the 2008 financial crisis, to earning his TESOL certification, to spending 2011–2022 teaching and training in Saudi Arabia, Will explains how discipline, curiosity, and service shaped his path. Then, how five students (“the core”) pushed him onto social media in 2016, where he built a global “family,” not just followers.This conversation goes beyond “tips and tricks.” It’s about pronunciation vs. accent, training your ear, cultural humility, and claiming your voice without chasing someone else’s definition of “proper English.”In this episode, we discuss:Reinvention after setbacksWhat it means to teach naturally (not “sound like a native”)Accent bias, native-speakerism, and the “Faces of English” perspectiveHow to be better understood: ear training, pronunciation, and confidenceBuilding a network that changes your life and paying it forward.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series 📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts📌 Find Teacher Will:Instagram / YouTube / Snapchat: @ask_teacherwill (Ask Teacher Will)