The ATO Show – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Host Wynn Smiley opens the episode from Orlando, summarizing Alpha Tau Omega’s 2025 National Awards Celebration. Along with ATO National President Jeff Miles, Smiley introduces the speeches from two honorees: National President’s Award recipient Kevin Petschow and Thomas Arkle Clark Award winner Cadis Ammons.

Miles details Petschow’s long involvement with ATO, beginning as an undergraduate at Culver Stockton and Illinois State, and continuing through decades of volunteer service, advising multiple chapters, and supporting the foundation. In his speech, Petchow shares how being an only child led him to look for brotherhood, which he found in ATO. He expresses gratitude for those he has worked with and pledges to continue supporting the chapters he advises.

Miles then introduces Ammons, who recently graduated at the top of his class in mechanical engineering, led recruitment for his chapter, and contributed to raising significant funds for charity. In his remarks, Ammons talks about his initial skepticism toward fraternities and how ATO changed his perspective, offering genuine friendships and opportunities for service. He describes how volunteering and faith-based activities were critical to his growth, and thanks mentors, family, and fraternity brothers for their support.

Throughout the episode, both Petschow and Ammons emphasize how ATO gave them community, leadership experience, and meaningful ways to give back. Their stories highlight the fraternity’s commitment to service, leadership, and personal development.

Host Wynn Smiley welcomes Nick Ackerman, a Simpson College alum, national wrestling champion, and the only Division III athlete to ever receive the Hodge Trophy, wrestling’s equivalent to the Heisman. At 18 months old, Nick lost both legs to meningitis, but rather than letting that define him, he was raised by “unsympathetic” parents who set high expectations and helped him develop a resilient spirit.

Nick and Wynn discuss how his family’s competitive nature and his small-town upbringing shaped his drive and openness to challenges. Nick credits his parents with treating him just like any other kid, pushing him to excel, and his community for their support and inclusion.

Despite struggling early in wrestling, Nick found his stride in high school and went on to achieve national success in college, thanks to relentless hard work and the support of close mentors and teammates. He shares insights into how he overcame setbacks and built self-belief, famously motivating himself to become a national champion.

After winning the national championship, Nick’s story gained national attention, leading him to connect with others who faced limb loss. This inspired his career in prosthetics, where he now helps others adapt both physically and mentally. He reflects on the similarities and differences in the rehab journeys of his patients and the importance of offering authentic, sometimes tough, support over empty pity.

Nick also touches on the transformative impact of diverse backgrounds in group settings, including his fraternity experience with ATO, and the importance of working hard, believing in yourself, and surrounding yourself with good people.

The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to fellow ATO brother Jay Byers and a reminder of the lasting bonds and support found in the fraternity community.

This conversation is a powerful blend of resilience, humility, and insight—all rooted in Nick’s lived experience and lifelong commitment to helping others.

In this history-focused episode of The ATO Show, host Wynn Smiley delves into the early history of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity with archivist Deborah Walters from the University of Illinois.

As the fraternity's 86th Congress approaches, they explore the significance of the first few ATO congresses, starting with the inaugural congress in 1870. Walters sheds light on how founder Otis Allan Glazebrook's forward-thinking vision led to a truly national fraternity.

The conversation highlights the fraternity's rocky years in the 1870s and the critical role played by Joseph R. Anderson, known as the second founder, in revitalizing ATO.

Filled with intriguing historical anecdotes and insights into ATO’s foundational principles, this episode offers a captivating look at the fraternity's evolution and enduring legacy.

ATO Show Host Wynn Smiley sits down with Missouri ATO Alumnus Phil Bender. Bender has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry, but that barely scratches the surface of what he’s accomplished. From navigating the fascinating landscape of NIL to creating dynamic leadership focused cultures to coaching individuals to CEO mindset, he’s about as multi-layered as you can get.

Wynn Smiley speaks with Kyle Jackson, chief of staff for Congressman Larry Bucshon, about his transition from fraternity life to a career on Capitol Hill.

Jackson reflects on his time with ATO at Texas Tech, citing the fraternity's historical roots and leadership opportunities as pivotal in his development. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding others, teamwork, and learning from setbacks—skills that have proved vital in his professional journey.

Jackson offers valuable advice for undergraduates and those pursuing political careers, stressing the benefits of leadership programs, internships, and showcasing leadership capabilities.

The conversation also covers the fast-paced nature of work in Washington, the impact of social media on Capitol Hill, and the relationship-based culture of the town. Jackson discusses managing both Washington and Indiana operations, and how the pandemic has strained congressional relationships.

This episode is rich with practical advice, historical perspectives, and personal anecdotes, making it essential listening for aspiring leaders and political enthusiasts.

ATO CEO Wynn Smiley catches up with Jim Perry, a DePauw alumnus and the Sales and Marketing Director for the Indiana Sports Corporation. Jim dives into the behind-the-scenes action of organizing the USA Swimming Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, juggling everything from ticket sales to building temporary pools. He also reflects on his previous role with ESPN’s high school sports coverage, including working with athletes like Bronny James. Jim shares how his ATO fraternity experience played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Tune in for a mix of sports insights, career advice, and fraternity talk.

This is The ATO Show. In today's episode, host Wynn Smiley dives into a thought-provoking conversation with guest, RJ Taylor, CEO of Phired Up. Taylor’s company is dedicated to transforming how college fraternities and sororities connect with students, but he has a personal passion for creating community at large.

Taylor recounts his incredible journey, including a year-long global adventure with his wife, partnering with organizations in 11 different countries. From teaching English to community rehabilitation, and while living in conditions ranging from tents to local homes, Taylor’s experiences have deeply impacted his views on community and belonging.

We'll explore how these global insights parallel the camaraderie found in fraternity life and discover why fostering genuine relationships is more crucial than ever, especially considering today’s mental health challenges and shifting recruitment trends on campus.

Everything in Taylor’s life is some variation of gathering people together, building genuine relationships, and helping create places of community where people can thrive. Hear all about it in this episode.

Welcome to The ATO Show.

Today, we're diving into the powerful impact of serving as a leadership consultant with ATO. Join us as we hear personal testimonies from former consultants, Sam Satterfield, David Busshart, and Michael Millard, who share their transformative experiences.

From gaining unparalleled leadership skills and self-reliance to influencing their professional paths and achieving remarkable growth, our guests detail how their time with ATO equipped them for a variety of challenging roles in the real world, from politics to senior corporate positions.

Join us as Howe Wallace, a former ATO National President and current CEO of the nation’s largest new pallet manufacturing company, shares his journey from ATO Undergraduate to leading a major corporation.

He’ll discuss the skills and values that fraternities can instill – from leadership to generosity – and why these are more relevant than ever in today’s society.

We'll also explore Howe's unique insights into the pallet industry and how his fraternity experience influenced his professional ethos and hiring practices.

From personal challenges to community impact, this episode unpacks the lifelong benefits of engaging with fraternities like ATO and how these communities strive to make a meaningful difference.

We are speaking with Garrett Cornelison, an alumnus of the Simpson Beta Alpha chapter. Cornelison has an uncanny ability to recognize opportunities and be willing to follow them.

An example is the 50-state road trip which he leveraged into a successful commercial photography career in Los Angeles. There he worked with companies like Apple, Coachella, Lincoln Motor Company, eBay, and more.

When the pandemic hit, Cornelison moved home to Des Moines. He learned to sew and turned his vast personal vintage collection into a vintage clothing and antique store called the Dust Collective.

“I think when you recognize opportunities, and you're open to them, and you're willing to follow those….man, life just sort of unlocks in some mysterious, wild, wonderful ways.

I think that's just what I've always tried to do”

Connect with Garrett on Instagram: @reallykindofamazing or @thedustcollective.co