The ATO Show

Polling, Politics, and the Power of Fraternity with Brad Todd

CNN political commentator and Washington D.C. polling firm founder Brad Todd joins host Wynn Smiley for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, politics, and the lasting value of fraternity membership. Todd shares how his time as ATO chapter president at Rhodes College unknowingly prepared him to run political campaigns and build a successful small business — from managing tight budgets and motivating people toward a common goal. Drawing on his firm On Message's multi-year polling of college students, Todd breaks down surprising findings: why fraternity men skew more conservative than their peers, how freshmen start out trusting campus administrators only to grow disillusioned by senior year, and why Greek-affiliated students vote at significantly higher rates than unaffiliated peers. The conversation also tackles the growing political gender gap on college campuses, the anti-establishment wave reshaping both political parties, and what Todd's experience as a CNN commentator has taught him about media, algorithms, and a nation that may be less divided than social media suggests. Todd closes with a passionate case for why joining a fraternity remains one of the most important decisions a young man can make.

How Loss Inspired Life-Changing Support for NICU Families with Thomas Reives

Thomas Reives (Rose-Hulman ’05) and his wife, Shecara, turned their loss and family tragedy into support for others.  In 2017, Thomas and Shecara lost their son Rook after a premature birth and NICU stay. Their surviving twin, Carmine, spent 165 days in the NICU and continues to thrive with ongoing therapies.  Because of this difficult experience, the Reives family created Rook’s Books, a collection of children’s books and family resources designed to support families navigating NICU life, tracheostomy decisions, and diagnoses such as Down syndrome. Many of the books are donated to hospitals, including Riley, Eskenazi, and St. Vincent. Their nonprofit, Rook’s Resources, serves families through meals, support, and community outreach. Thomas also shares the story of Carmine’s Convoy, a multi-day walk organized by his ATO chapter at Rose-Hulman that raised $42,000 to support families in need. Visit https://www.rooksbooks.org/⁠ [https://www.rooksbooks.org/] to find out more about or to support Rook's Books and Rook's resources.

Shaping Leaders: How Men of Destiny Transforms ATO Members

Host Wynn Smiley welcomes Dave Rodriguez, longtime pastor, leadership coach, and architect of Alpha Tau Omega’s Men of Destiny program. Recognizing the challenges facing boys and young men, they explore how ATO’s heritage and its “eternal and immutable principles” uniquely position the fraternity to foster identity, purpose, and growth. Rodriguez explains how Men of Destiny began, created to help undergraduate men wrestle with core questions such as why they are here and what their purpose is. Through workshops and conferences, he has guided thousands of ATO members in discovering their personal calling. Many have experienced gratitude, deep reflection, and even transformative emotion. He shares stories of students whose sense of purpose shifted from material success to legacy-driven motivations, including one inspired by his grandmother’s sacrifice and another who wanted his work as an architect to help create loving homes like the one he grew up in. Smiley and Rodriguez highlight what makes Men of Destiny different from other development programs, noting its rare impact on men of every age. Rodriguez says that even corporate leaders, athletes, and retirees respond with the same appreciation and introspection when they discover their calling, which he describes as the oldest and most essential part of themselves. They also discuss ATO’s Encounter program, designed for members who want to explore faith regardless of background. Rodriguez affirms the value of addressing spirituality as part of whole-person development, noting that Encounter focuses on identity and relationship with God in a welcoming, experiential setting. Smiley observes that even those with little church experience find Encounter authentic and free of pressure. Rodriguez describes the power of reframing biblical themes, such as the prodigal son, in ways that emphasize acceptance rather than shame. Many attendees find this deeply relieving and hopeful. He notes that fraternity life plays a significant role in shaping identity, especially at a time when questions about masculinity and self-worth feel more urgent than ever. Looking ahead, Rodriguez hopes ATO will continue guiding young men beyond college, helping them build purpose, leadership, and transformation. Smiley agrees, noting that ATO’s creed and ritual are more relevant than ever for young men seeking meaning. The episode closes with Rodriguez’s gratitude for being welcomed into the ATO brotherhood and his continued commitment to helping members grow in understanding, love, and respect.

Brotherhood and Leadership: Kevin Petschow and Cadis Ammons Honored

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.

Beating the Odds: Nick Ackerman’s Wild Ride to a National Title and Beyond

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.