Building a Thriving Virtual Alumni Community: Practical Strategies That Actually Work

Radical Candor: Why Saying the Hard Thing is the Kindest Thing You Can Do

Clarity is kindness. That's the idea at the heart of this conversation — and once you hear it framed this way, it's hard to unsee. In this episode, Gina sits down with Michael Maassel to talk about Radical Candor, the framework developed by Kim Scott that challenges all of us to lead and love the people around us by telling the truth — with care, with compassion, and without flinching. For alumni professionals, this one hits close to home. Whether you're navigating a hard conversation with a staff member, a colleague, or an alumni who needs to hear something difficult, Michael gives you the language and the mindset to do it well. The conversation covers: * Why avoiding hard conversations is actually the unkind choice — and what it costs your alumni and your program * Three phrases you can use right now to open a difficult conversation with care * How radical candor connects directly to recovery — and why secrets keep people and organizations sick * What it means to be in the delivery business, not the results business * How to manage the anxiety of saying the hard thing and still show up with integrity Resources: * Radical Candor [https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kick-Ass-Humanity/dp/1250235375/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=186026281403&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WY_URGRBiSPosnnQeuejx6xAGXgRrGzfN6Ef8LhDiKwAJVH5eIq4wbLXYOsgdmMZt_BN9EF4tmVdN8J8C5T8aW61RNNn_5KZ_oYWvzsM2c_N8R1Fkpf9mFP0WsM2cV7_62Sb3oTLoQ4vrX_WSaw6aEDUAgoFWWezSdSwYIbaDwteiVlrJAk0KwEM10VlAWDezmHhkeVji_x6SIjQ_4DOVjv7b1to40GIELuwG-lUJhE.cecPmaALKS1n1KF0IRjUeerYVehdeGzBGg5JA5Vgr90&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779762256719&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9017291&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=16400148269964318432--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16400148269964318432&hvtargid=kwd-295322973806&hydadcr=24375_13859744_2336320&keywords=radical+candor&mcid=785b95afe11137ddaac3eee2ceaceadf&qid=1781546925&sr=8-1] by Kim Scott * Kim Scott's podcast: Radical Candor [https://open.spotify.com/show/3qOmzC2JoWv5wX9YZIqXGx] * Learn more at radicalcandor.com

Building a Thriving Virtual Alumni Community: Practical Strategies That Actually Work

Virtual alumni engagement isn't a consolation prize for programs that can't meet in person. Done well, it's one of the most powerful tools you have for keeping alumni connected, supported, and coming back. In this episode, Mickenzie Vought and Whitney Sylvia share what they've learned building virtual alumni communities from the ground up — including what finally moved the needle after showing up to meetings alone. The conversation covers: * Why consistency is the single most important factor in building virtual community — and what it actually looks like in practice * How to create community guidelines that alumni will actually follow * Practical course correction strategies for when someone takes the meeting off track * Creative content ideas beyond the weekly meeting — book clubs, journal challenges, bingo, and more * How alumni-led meetings can transform engagement and develop unexpected leaders in your community * The personal touches that keep alumni feeling seen even when you never meet in person TPAS Members: Access the full monthly workshop in the TPAS app.

Building a Movement: How She Recovers is Changing the Recovery Landscape for Women

How does a personal blog become a global movement of 300,000 people? In this episode, Gina sits down with Dawn Nickel, CEO and Co-Founder of She Recovers, to explore how an accidental idea born out of one woman's struggle with workaholism grew into one of the most expansive recovery communities in the world. She Recovers [https://sherecovers.org/] supports women and non-binary individuals recovering from substances, mental health challenges, trauma, and the full range of life experiences that require healing. And for alumni professionals, it may be one of the most powerful resources you're not yet using. The conversation covers: * The origin story behind She Recovers and why Dawn calls it an accidental movement * How She Recovers approaches multiple pathways — and why they always recommend 12-step first * The trusted resources program and what it means for treatment centers serving women * Retreat partnerships, in-person sharing circles, and other ways She Recovers can support your alumni program * The secret sauce behind long-term engagement and what alumni professionals can learn from it * What Dawn would tell any treatment center looking to keep alumni connected beyond year one Connect with She Recovers: * Website: sherecovers.org * Email Dawn directly: dawn.nickel@sherecovers.org [dawn.nickel@sherecovers.org] * Certifications & training: sherecovers.org/courses * Online gatherings, retreats, and sharing circles listed at sherecovers.org Connect with TPAS: tpassociation.org

Live from the TPAS Collaborative

There's something that happens at the TPAS Collaborative that's hard to describe until you've been in the room. This episode is the closest thing to being there. In this episode, we're bringing you directly onto the Collaborative floor — where alumni professionals from across the country gather not just to learn, but to challenge each other, tell the truth, and leave with something real. You'll hear Whitney Silivia, Director of Alumni Services at AMFM and Florida Chapter Co-Chair of TPAS and Board Member, Mickenzie Vought of Onsite, lead the room through a conversation on ownership that will make you rethink how you show up in your work and your life. Then Mickenzie Vought makes the case that the most powerful thing you can do for your alumni community is create a space where people actually feel free to disagree. And then you'll hear from the attendees themselves — their biggest breakthroughs, their barriers, and what they're taking back to their programs. This is what the Collaborative feels like. If you've been on the fence about joining us — consider this your sign to join us this fall in Malibu!

“The Five A’s: A Simple Framework for Powerful Alumni Groups”

Today on the TPAS Drop, we're bringing you another powerful excerpt from one of our monthly workshops. Join Lori Obenauer, co-founder of TPAS, alumni professional and coach, as she walks us through the 5A's framework for facilitation. It's a simple, repeatable method for planning any group from choosing your anchor to creating follow-up actions that stick. Whether you've been running groups for years or you're just starting out, this episode will give you a practical roadmap to make your sessions more impactful without crossing into the therapist's territory. To celebrate this milestone year, we’re offering 15% off your first year of TPAS membership for all new members and first-time Collaborative attendees now through April 30, 2026. For 15 years, TPAS has championed ethical, innovative alumni programming—and we’d love for you to be part of what’s next. If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your moment. Email gina@tpasrecovery.org or visit our site to learn more.