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)

Faith isn’t meant to stay inside a building.In this episode of Real Work, Paul Sanftner reflects on the real work of ministry and fellowship—not only within church walls, but in everyday life and professional environments. He shares how service, encouragement, and intentional community shape both personal growth and workplace culture.Paul discusses what it means to live out your faith consistently, how fellowship strengthens leadership, and why helping others is not a side activity—but central to a meaningful life.

This conversation explores:

Fellowship inside and outside of work

Serving others through everyday leadership

Faith as a lived practice, not just a beliefBuilding authentic community in professional spaces

This isn’t about titles or positions.It’s about showing up for others, living with integrity, and doing the real work of service wherever you are.

🎙️ Part of the Real Work podcast

📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts

What if the most powerful speech therapy doesn’t happen in a clinic but at home, during everyday life?In this episode of Real Work, Jennifer Tarle sits down with Michael Neary, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and the founder of Chattertots, LLC. Together, they explore early communication, parent coaching, and why early intervention is less about “fixing” children and more about empowering families.Michael shares his journey through public schools, hospitals, early intervention, and private practice. Then discusses why he chose to step away from traditional therapy models to focus on caregiver coaching. Drawing on his background in theater and music, he brings creativity, flexibility, and joy into communication work with young children and their families.In this conversation, we discuss:-What Birth-to-Three and early intervention really look like-Early communication red flags parents shouldn’t ignore-Why parent coaching creates better outcomes than weekly therapy alone-How play, music, and following a child’s lead support language growth-Navigating waitlists, burnout, and broken systems in healthcare and education-Why asking questions early is not panic—it’s powerThis episode is for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone interested in meaningful work that supports children, families, and real connection.🔗 Learn more / connect with Michael🌐 Website: https://www.chattertotsllc.com📸 Instagram: @chattertotsllc📘 Facebook: Chattertots, LLC💼 LinkedIn: Chattertots, LLC

What does inclusion really look like inside today’s school systems—and what kind of leadership does it demand?In this episode of Real Work, host Jennifer Tarle sits down with Mitch Atkin, Senior Director of Specialized Services at Regeneron Schools, to talk candidly about disability advocacy, special education leadership, and what it takes to build systems where students truly belong.With over two decades of experience across Chicago, New Orleans, and San Antonio, Mitch has led large-scale special education systems serving nearly 60 schools across multiple states. His work spans IDEA, Section 504 compliance, dyslexia and tiered supports, restorative practices, and measurable outcomes—including literacy gains and reduced disciplinary actions.In this conversation, we explore:What “disability” really means in schools—and why many disabilities are invisibleThe difference between public, charter, and private schools (and the myths around charter schools)How compliance, IEPs, and service tracking connect directly to student successWhy inclusive mindsets matter as much as instructional strategiesLeadership lessons from working across cultures and statesHow trust, presence, and saying “I don’t know” make stronger teamsThe human side of leadership—music, mentorship, and sustaining purpose over timeMitch also shares insight into his doctoral research on professional development and inclusive mindsets, examining how changing adult beliefs is essential for real inclusion to work.This episode is for educators, leaders, parents, and anyone interested in meaningful work that blends policy, people, and purpose—without losing the humanity at the center.🔗 Learn more / connect with Mitch➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelatkin/

Reinvention doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t happen by accident.In this episode of Real Work, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan “Beans” Benes shares what it really looks like to move from a decades-long military career into an entirely new identity. A Marine Corps Osprey pilot with five deployments, including missions in support of two U.S. presidents, Ryan reflects on leadership, responsibility, and the long road toward transition.As he approaches retirement, Ryan is applying the same discipline, self-awareness, and storytelling instinct that defined his military service to a second career as a professional voice actor. This conversation is about service, adaptability, and the courage it takes to start again—without pretending the past doesn’t matter.In this episode, we discuss:What military leadership teaches you about decision-making under pressureThe hidden challenges of transitioning out of uniformHow storytelling connects aviation, service, and voice actingWhy reinvention requires humility, patience, and honest self-assessmentThis isn’t a highlight reel of achievements.It’s a conversation about identity, growth, and doing the real work between chapters.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Watch or listen wherever you get your podcasts🔗 Learn more / connect with Ryan➡️ Website: https://www.CallsignVO.com➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-benes-76913765/

Making art is one thing.Making it sustainable is another.In this episode of Real Work, Geoff Anderson shares the honest reality of turning poetry into a business—without hollowing out the heart of the work itself.This is a grounded conversation about craft, discipline, and the often invisible labor behind creative careers. We talk about what it really takes to let art pay the bills while protecting meaning, voice, and integrity.In this episode, we explore:The tension between creative freedom and financial survivalWhat poets and artists misunderstand about “monetizing” their workHow discipline supports creativity instead of killing itWhy the business side of art doesn’t have to erase the soulIf you’re a creative trying to make your work last—not just launch—this episode is for you.This isn’t about shortcuts.It’s about doing the real work.🎙️ Part of the Real Work series📺 Listen or watch wherever you get your podcastsLearn more / connect with GeoffGeoff Anderson is the founder of Fluent American and the author of 4 Step American Accent, focused on improving communication for speakers of all languages, especially in English. He is also the founder of diVERSES, guiding poets and artists toward creative and financial independence, and runs The Stanza, Columbus, Ohio’s first and only poetry-dedicated venue.His essay collection, Meditations for the Independent Poet, explores the intersection of poetry, art, and business.🌐 Websites➡️ https://fluentamerican.com➡️ https://diversespoetry.com▶️ YouTube Channels➡️ Fluent American — @fluentamerican➡️ Fluent American Shadowing — @fluentamericanshadowing➡️ Schwa Mill — @schwamill➡️ Geoff Anderson — @geoffanderson➡️ diVERSES Poetry — @diversespoetry