This marks the one-year anniversary of the return of From the Chair with Mike Hamilton powered by LEARFIELD which has now published more than 50 episodes since its relaunch last September. Recently named as a 2022 Leadership Recommendation by D1.ticker, the podcast is considered a “must listen” throughout the college sports industry.
“It has been a pleasure and honor to talk with friends, old and new, across the industry to explore the topics on everyone’s mind,” said Mike Hamilton, former Division I athletic director and LEARFIELD executive vice president. “The past year has been an unprecedented one in many ways, as administrators are committed to developing their student-athletes into leaders and champions while navigating the pandemic, transfer portal, NIL, social justice, mental wellness, coach transitions, and other issues that demand attention. The podcast has allowed us to explore these topics and expand the dialogue in our industry, while helping listeners get to know the men and women who are making decisions in athletics.”
Guests have included ADs from all Power Five Conferences and most Group of Five Conferences as well. Greg Bryne (Alabama), Josh Brooks (Georgia), Ross Bjork (Texas A&M), Rick Hart (SMU), Julie Cromer (Ohio University), Candice Storey Lee (Vanderbilt), Rob Mullins (Oregon), Dr. Derrick Gragg (Northwestern), and Gary Barta (Iowa) are just a few of those that have filled the guest chair. Chad Weiberg from Oklahoma State and Jamie Boggs from Grand Canyon University are the two most recent episodes, both touching on the impact of family, faith, fundraising and recent conference and division moves that have greatly impacted their campuses. Earlier this year, we released a series of episodes with industry legends Dan Guerrero and Joan Cronan, with more expected this year. A full list of episodes to date follows.
“I have found the athletics directors perspective on the ever-changing landscape to be not only educational, but extremely motivational on the future of our enterprise,” said Bob Vecchione, Chief Executive Officer of NACDA. “Mike’s interpersonal relationship with his guests, coupled with his preparation and ‘down home style,’ is a winning combination. I have suggested to our entire NACDA staff that From the Chair should be on their weekly required listening list.”
In From the Chair with Mike Hamilton powered by LEARFIELD, Mike sits down each week with current sitting athletic directors and legends from across the industry to examine the current landscape of college athletics, and provide insight into the experiences, proficiencies and perspective on life From the Chair. Each episode ranges from 25-40 minutes, making them perfect for listening while commuting to the office or a game. Covering topics of leadership, life, and legacy applicable to anyone looking to learn more about college sports or those aspiring to great influence, the podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, as well as The Varsity Network powered by LEARFIELD. For the latest episodes, and to listen and watch, visit LEARFIELD.com/from-the-chair.
From the Chair Guest List (as of September 8, 2022)