EVERYTHING AUBURN PODCAST

Auburn University Office of Communications & Marketing

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EDUCATION
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This is Everything Auburn - the official podcast of Auburn University! Recorded straight from the Plains at the WEGL 91.1 FM Podcast Studio, the Everything Auburn podcast is the place for learning all about the amazing people, places, traditions and work, hard work that sets Auburn University apart from the rest!

APR 13

"Everything Extension"

If you have questions about eating healthier or making your budget dollars stretch further, chances are Extension has solutions that work. “We cover a really broad spectrum,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) director Eve Brantley said. “It's because we serve all of Alabama.” Service is at the heart of what Brantley does every day. Named the 1862 Extension director for ACES this past January, she steps into the role with deep, field-tested experience as both a multi‑county Extension agent and an associate director. In her current role, Brantley guides more than 700 faculty and staff across both Auburn and Alabama A&M campuses and in all 67 Alabama counties. “We have an army of people,” Brantley said. “Our Extension agents work hard to learn everything about their communities so they can serve as local subject matter experts.” ACES was formed following the passage of the federal Smith-Lever Act in 1914. It was designed to provide research-based education to rural populations, particularly to combat threats like the boll weevil and to teach home economics. Today, ACES continues to advance Auburn’s land-grant mission, connecting the university with local communities by sharing practical, researched-based knowledge and information. “It's not just a one-way street,” Brantley explained. “What makes Extension special is we ask people, ‘what do you need?’ Then, we do research to solve those problems.” From school classrooms and college campuses to the career field, family life and retirement, ACES provides educational outreach opportunities for every stage of life. “We're well known for agriculture, forestry and natural resources, but we also have a very large human sciences component, federal nutrition programs and community resource development initiatives,” Brantley said. Every year, Extension staff coordinate more than 6,000 educational events across Alabama. Extension’s Online Directory provides an interactive opportunity for every Alabamian to access a trusted, reliable source of information. “We're unique because we have a unified extension system that helps us serve both our urban and rural clientele,” Brantley explained. Alabama Extension Week runs April 12 – 18. It’s been held for the past four years to draw awareness and visibility to ACES’s programming, people and mission. This year, the focus is on the Auburn and Alabama A&M campuses, aiming to make students more aware of resources offered to them by ACES. Several events and 14 free webinars are planned, with agents sharing practical tips and research-based solutions for gardening, mental health, nutrition, financial planning and more. “Extension professionals are going to be sharing different examples of what we do,” Brantley said. At Auburn, a Career Exploration opportunity is planned for Tues., April 14 at 2 p.m. in 203 Upchurch Hall with Home Horticulture Agent Megan Jones. On Wed., April 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., ACES will host Extension on the Green featuring 15 engaging exhibits, free food, trivia and door prizes. The entire week offers ACES county offices across the state a chance to remind communities that help and expertise are close to home. “This is a real opportunity to say, ‘yes, Extension does that,’” Brantley said. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

23 min
MAR 23

"Everything Tiger Giving Day"

As assistant director of cAUse marketing with Auburn Advancement, Lisa Lofland knows one day can change everything. In 2015, she was part of a group charged with creating a day of giving for Auburn University. “Our team envisioned this grassroots platform,” remembered Lofland. “We really wanted people to find their match and find the causes and projects they were passionate about.” From that idea grew Tiger Giving Day — a 24-hour online day of giving that shines a spotlight on the people and programs that make Auburn special. “Tiger Giving Day is very story-driven, very project-based and very individualized," Lofland said. Tiger Giving Day 2026 will be held on Wednesday, March 25. There are 35 projects – one from every college – with fundraising goals between $5,000 to $30,000. Attention and funding are brought to projects that focus on innovation and the Auburn spirit, serving students and communities which are central to the university’s land grant mission. Donors can support projects ranging from the Campus Kitchen and Campus Career Closet, to creating a Community Makerspace, upgrading the Auburn University Raptor Center’s travel carriers, sending youth to 4-H summer camps and more. “This year, for the first time, we have all three ROTC branches that will have a presence on Tiger Giving Day,” added Lofland. Since 2015, more than 16,000 donors have given seven million-plus dollars to fuel over 400 life-changing projects. “It's about connection,” Lofland said. “We want to provide you with a philanthropic opportunity and connect you with like people who share the same passion.” Since 2017, Auburn’s Adaptive Athletics program has benefited from the generosity of supporters on Tiger Giving Day. Adapted Athletics, which began in 2009 with wheelchair tennis and one student-athlete, has quickly grown to include wheelchair basketball and power wheelchair soccer with about 25 student-athletes competing across those three sports. Tiger Giving Day donations have funded competition wheelchairs, scholarships, shot-tracking cameras, an adapted van and a recovery room. This year, in partnership with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Adapted Athletics is raising funds to build the next generation of power soccer wheelchairs through a collaborative, student-driven design initiative. “Getting these chairs created will allow our power soccer team to continue to compete at a high level and bring in recruits,” said Taylor. “We want to continue to play at a top level with basketball and tennis, too, and possibly add additional paralympic sports in the future.” For Lofland, Tiger Giving Day represents the unique spirit of the Auburn Family. “I always want Tiger Giving Day to be accessible to anyone at any giving level,” Lofland said. “It is an honor to steward that and continue to cultivate it.” Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

25 min
FEB 17

"Everything Movin' On Up"

When the stakes are high and the bases are loaded, Brooks Fuller might be the Auburn man you’d want on speed dial – ready to deliver when it matters most. “It's a blessing to be here in Auburn,” Fuller said. Auburn tradition is a family affair for Fuller. His father, Mark, played baseball for the Tigers in the late 1980’s. His mother, Lori, also attended Auburn, cheering on the baseball team as a Diamond Doll. “Baseball brought them together,” said Fuller. Thirty years later, Fuller followed in his father’s footsteps, signing a scholarship with Auburn Baseball and Coach Butch Thompson as a pitcher in 2018. He succeeded on the mound – and discovered a higher calling in the classroom. “I came to Auburn to be an orthodontist believe it or not,” Fuller joked. “I got to organic chemistry and God had different plans.” After reconsidering his academic path, Fuller transitioned to Auburn’s Harbert College of Business and changed his major to finance. “I come from a background of entrepreneurs,” said Fuller. “So, I think it was in my blood.” As they say, hindsight is 2020. But then came March 18, 2020 – and a big curveball for Fuller. “That's really when my life changed,” he remembered. Fuller was in the visitor’s baseball dugout at Wofford University when he learned the baseball season would be cut short. “My teammates went home across the country, and I grabbed my backpack and went home to Moore’s MilI in Auburn,” Fuller recalled. Back on Auburn’s campus, 4,800 dorm rooms were quickly evacuated. After seeing concerns being expressed on Auburn Parents Facebook groups, Fuller’s mother encouraged him to step up to the plate. “In May 2020, people started shipping their dorm room keys to my parent’s house,” Fuller explained. “With Auburn's permission, my brother Brady and I, masked up, gloved up, went into the dorm rooms, packed them and shipped items to families via UPS. We were shipping literally all across the country.” By summer’s end, Fuller and his younger brother had packed and shipped contents of more than 4,000 dorm rooms. When Fuller returned to classes in August 2020, he met New Venture Accelerator Director Lou Bifano and began networking with Entrepreneurs-In-Residence Dan Leonardi and Ward Swift. By spring 2021, Fuller began receiving text messages requesting his expert packing services once again. He started putting together his moving business playbook, eventually entering the annual Halloween Pitch and Tiger Cage Competitions. Fuller’s baseball season ended in May 2021, and his new company Room2Room Movers was officially incorporated the following month with office space in Auburn's New Venture Accelerator. Fast forward to 2026, Room2Room Movers is an established, growing company offering collegiate and commercial moving and storage services. As founder and CEO, Fuller says they’ve even expanded into more markets like the University of Mississippi. “We've built technology where you don't have to call the office to book,” said Fuller. “You can go to our website, build your inventory, pick your date and schedule.” Ironically, the former southpaw hurler doesn’t want to see anyone strike out on their entrepreneurial dreams. “It's important to put your business plan together, understand your financials and be patient,” he said. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

32 min
JAN 20

"Everything Get In The Game"

Auburn senior Jake Yohn didn’t just choose the referee life — he inherited it. “I’ve always felt at home here, just really enjoy the campus, the people and what Auburn's all about,” said Yohn. As a student assistant in Auburn’s competitive sports program, the Montgomery, AL native is responsible for daily operations, as well as officiating intramural and club sports games. Wearing the referee stripes runs in the family. His father David held the same position at Auburn back in the 80’s. “It’s been cool to do the whole full-circle family thing,” Yohn said. Today’s collegiate competitive sports aren’t your daddy’s pickup flag football — they’re faster, fiercer and on a whole different level. This rise in popularity has given campus recreation departments increasing value among students and stakeholders. “Honestly, I saw the Sportsplex facility when I first came and visited and the ability to offer competitive sports there is really what sold me,” said Keegan Ashbee, who arrived at Auburn five years ago to become the director of competitive sports. Auburn’s recreational facilities are second to none. The 240,000 square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center has a 1/3-mile indoor track, two 50-foot climbing towers, six basketball courts, weight and cardio spaces, group fitness studios, a leisure pool, tennis and racquetball courts, and more. The Sportsplex and intramural fields offer more than 15 acres of lighted green space, multipurpose fields, two softball fields, and sand volleyball courts. There’s also Auburn Outdoors where students can rent tents, bikes, kayaks and sleeping bags for adventures in nature. “We give tours daily – it’s a major stop on the college tour process,” Ashbee said. Auburn has more than 40 intramural sports, everything from flag football and basketball to sand volleyball, soccer and more. There are 44 club sports, including baseball, bass fishing, ice hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, rowing and ultimate frisbee, to name a few. Participation in Auburn’s competitive sports program is open to all currently enrolled students, regardless of skill level. Emerging technologies like digital group fitness management tools and live steaming of championship games are elevating intramural and club sport popularity. Last year, almost a quarter of Auburn’s student population participated in intramural and club sports. For Ashbee, it’s about more than just the game. The Delaware native’s main role is hiring, training and developing employees and student assistants like Yohn to run programs in the evenings - and help them see success both on and off the field. “I can highlight student after student and their personal growth,” said Ashbee. “They go from keeping to themselves to being out front and leading." Yohn, a political science major, is one of about 100 students employed by the Rec Center. “It's such a unique job that teaches you so much,” said Yohn. “You learn how to talk to people, how to make connections and really just empathy.” The Rec Center also offers about 80 group fitness classes each week, including Tiger Pump, yoga, Cycle 45 and more. “If you're new to fitness, we've got personal trainers, wellness coaches and class instructors that can help you,” explained Ashbee. Ashbee says the Rec Center’s website is your one-stop-shop for getting in the game! Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

30 min
11/18/2025

"Everything Wake for Warriors"

After returning home from a tour in Afghanistan, retired U.S. Marine Corps pilot David Deep hit the throttle on a new mission — one that started with buying a boat. “Getting on the water was my way of getting back into normal life,” Deep recalled. For the Huntsville, Alabama native, watersports became more than just a hobby; it was therapy after 28 years of military service. Deep’s journey began at 18 years old when he enrolled in Auburn’s ROTC program. “ROTC became my fraternity at Auburn,” he said. By 1988, Deep had earned his degree in aviation management and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. From there, his career soared—logging over 250 combat flight hours during deployments to Somalia, the Persian Gulf and beyond. “Honored to do it,” he said. Then came Sept. 11, 2001. Deep was back in action, flying Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters in Afghanistan. When the dust finally settled, a new calling surfaced for the naval aviator. After striking up a friendship with a fellow Marine who was a double amputee, Deep sought to share his passion for the water and wondered if someone without lower limbs could learn to wakeboard. The answer wasn’t just yes; it was life changing. “It wasn’t about being on the water,” Deep said. “It was about the relationship we built." That experience led Deep to start Wake for Warriors (WFW), a nonprofit grassroots movement that’s grown into a nationwide lifeline for injured veterans. Since its founding in 2012, the organization hosts more than 50 multi-day events across more than 20 states, serving over 600 veterans each year. “It’ s basically a gateway to connect veterans with each other,” Deep said. Deep, who retired from the military in 2016, today serves as a first officer on the Airbus A350 with Delta Air Lines. Between international flights, he coordinates WFW events from his home in Salem, Alabama. He relies on a team of volunteers who lend their boats and their time, offering up their houses and even some delicious southern vittles. “Breakfast is not a jelly roll or donuts,” Deep joked. “It’s 80-year-old ladies bringing in their custom grits and biscuits that have been blessed.” Aside from catching waves, WFW retreats break down barriers and build new bonds for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. “I tell them, ‘Don’ t be afraid to tell your story, because it might help somebody that may be behind you in their journey of healing,’” Deep said. Enter U.S. Air Force veteran Tyler Densford. The Olive Branch, Mississippi native served in the 155th Air Guard Unit in Memphis. In the summer of 2016, he fell 40 feet from a Blackhawk helicopter during a training mission. The accident paralyzed him from the chest down. Months later, Densford arrived at a WFW event carrying more than physical scars. He was searching for hope and healing. Alongside his loyal service dog, Able, he discovered a new community who lifted him higher than any wake ever could. “My life changed because of the impact that Wake for Warriors had on me,” Densford said. “Now I get to share that experience with other people and help them have a better life.” WFW has extended beyond combat veterans to include first responders and adaptive sports participants. Recently, the group hosted Auburn’s Wheelchair Basketball team for a challenging day of wakeboarding on nearby Lake Harding. Thanks to a lineup of generous sponsors, WFW retreats are free for veterans and their families. Visit their website to get plugged into the mission! Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

29 min
10/13/2025

"Everything Just Say Hey & SGA"

Auburn’s Hey Day is more than just a campus tradition — it’s a timeless greeting that’s been passed down for generations. “Hey Day is such a cool event,” said Owen Beaverstock, Auburn’s Student Government Association (SGA) president. “It’s the first thing I volunteered for when I was a freshman.” The annual Hey Day event began in 1947 to welcome back World War II soldiers, when the SGA pushed for a day to unite campus. Nearly 80 years later, it has grown into a beloved custom of handing out nametags and encouraging everyone to say “hey” to each other. “I love talking to strangers,” joked Parman. “You’re engaging in real conversation that reinforces the values of the Auburn Family." The 78th Hey Day will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and will include live music, food, t-shirts, and a Social at Hey Day Market. Parham said it’s a simple concept that can have a big impact. “You could be the only one who speaks to that person this week or asks how their day is going,” she said. Both Beaverstock and Parman consider it an incredible privilege to serve the student body. Parman, a global studies major in the College of Human Sciences, said her role as 2025-26 Miss Auburn is like having a full-time job, a tradition that dates back to 1934. “We do the ‘Empower Her’ women's leadership dinner, read to kids in schools, combat food insecurity, and engage with civic leaders,” she said. Already in her tenure, Parman started an endowed scholarship for future Miss Auburns, and made outreach visits to the Auburn Bee Center, E.W. Fisheries Center and AU Singers. Like Parman, Beaverstock serves as an advocate for students, attending every Auburn Board of Trustees meeting as a non-voting member. A double major in business and political science in the Harbert College of Business, Beaverstock was elected in February to lead SGA. Since then, funding has been secured for 10 new security shuttle drivers and 24/7 security on campus. He’s working with the City of Auburn to have a three-way traffic stop light installed at the crosswalk on Magnolia Avenue, between 320 West Mag apartments and the Ginn Concourse, to curb student pedestrian safety concerns. Most recently, trustees backed SGA’s concept to build a new, six-story, 680-bed dormitory on the Cambridge Hall property. “We think that's a huge win for our students and a great spot, too,” he said. Beaverstock said his advice to younger peers is to get plugged in — and early. “One of the coolest things we do is the Expansion (EXP) Branch of SGA,” he said. “You can volunteer for Hey Day, CREED Day or football game shaker distribution. In the spring, we’ll have applications for year-round SGA roles.” Just like their post-war era predecessors, both Beaverstock and Parman will be leading the charge this week at Hey Day — greeting all with a spirit that is not afraid. “It just shows the human touch that makes Auburn so special,” said Parman. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

25 min
09/15/2025

Everything Just Wingin' It

With a name like Robyn, some might say you’re destined to soar through life, working with all things winged and wonderful. “Spelled slightly differently, but yes, my life is absolutely for the birds,” said Robyn Miller. Miller, who was named director of the Auburn University Raptor Center (AURC) this past January, first came to the Plains a decade ago to study 19th century English literature. While earning her doctorate, she volunteered at the center. “I watched my best friend return a barred owl back to the wild and I was immediately enraptured,” remembered Miller. Equally as strong as her bird puns is Miller’s goal to strengthen AURC’s conservation, education and rehabilitation efforts. A licensed falconer and naturalist, she’s honored to return to the place that first sparked her avian passion. “When I saw this job open up, I saw an incredible opportunity to give back to the facility that started it all,” she said. Meanwhile, if AURC’s administrative coordinator Andrew Hopkins looks familiar, it’s probably because he is. “You have no idea how many Christmas cards I've been on over the years,” joked Hopkins. Hopkins began his journey with AURC in 2007 while an undergraduate student. By 2011, he had earned his bachelor's degree in zoology. He, along with a slew of AURC’s dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly during the summer months at Jordan-Hare Stadium training the center’s eagles for their iconic pre-game flights. “We're just out there winging it every day, every single day,” laughed Hopkins. “Seriously though, lots of repetition and positive reinforcement. They literally start drooling when they see that field.” Together, Hopkins and Miller spearhead the center’s day-to-day operations in partnership with Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “We provide rehabilitation for about 300 injured or orphaned raptors each year and also travel extensively across the Southeast teaching about conservation,” Miller said. That mission has taken on a milestone this year as AURC celebrates 25 years of pre-game eagle flights in Jordan-Hare Stadium – a tradition many argue is the greatest in all of college football. “There's nothing like the energy in Jordan-Hare on gameday, especially when those eagles take flight,” Miller said. This football season, Aurea, a golden eagle and War Eagle VIII, and Independence, a bald eagle, are keeping the 25-year tradition alive. The anniversary is being celebrated with a philanthropic campaign for center improvements in hopes of turning it into a more zoological-type facility. “This is an invitation for the community and the Auburn Family to rally behind this tradition,” Miller said. “We're trying to shine a light on how those War Eagle flights really carry on their wings the entire Raptor Center.” The center also continues to host its popular Football, Fans and Feathers events on Fridays at 4 p.m. CT before every home football game. The bonus? At the show’s conclusion, they bring all the birds back out for attendees to get plenty of new family photos. And who doesn't need a good Christmas card picture, right? Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

21 min
08/11/2025

"Everything The First 56"

There’s nothing more rewarding for Bobby Woodard than watching the Auburn campus come alive. “We have over 34,000 students, and it's my job to be their chief advocate,” said Woodard. Woodard embraces his role as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs with dedication and enthusiasm. “I get paid never to leave college,” joked Woodard. “But seriously, every day we can have input on how somebody is going to set a trajectory for their life to make it better.” Woodard, a North Carolina native, is entering his twelfth year on the Plains. He’s previously held leadership roles at East Carolina University, University of Georgia and University of Central Florida. “This is my fourth university in four states,” said Woodard. “After I interviewed here, I called my wife and said, ‘it's just a little different.’ Auburn will give you what you put into it, and it’s a great place.” Guiding thousands of 18-to-22-year-olds is no small feat. Woodard understands the profound influence he has on each student's journey. “You're 18 years old coming here, and no matter where you came from, you get to decide where you go and what you become,” said Woodard. “That is what's so important.” To help students discover their path, Woodard and Auburn University’s Office of Student Involvement created The First 56 – eight weeks of special programming, events and initiatives to promote student engagement. Organized by the University Program Council, The First 56 starts at move-in and runs through October. The program involves 500+ student organizations and nearly 400 events – all designed to help students find their niche. “Research will tell you the first 56 days is when you begin to feel part of a campus or any town that you go to,” said Woodard. “If students have a good social network, they’re likely to perform better in the classroom." If there’s one thing Woodard enjoys just as much as serving the Auburn student body, it’s a visit to the restaurant chain Waffle House. “It's easy, it's quick and I like to people watch,” he said. Fueled by Woodard's passion for all things scattered, smothered and covered, Waffles with Woodard was born in 2014. In just six short years, this event has become a beloved tradition as part of The First 56 with Waffle House food trucks dishing out mouthwatering waffles and bacon. “You would think that we were giving out free tuition,” Woodard laughed. This year Waffles with Woodard will be held on Wed., August 20, starting at 8:30 a.m. on the Haley Concourse. “It's one of the best days,” said Woodard. “I get to go out there for about four hours, see the students and talk to them. We want to know who you are.” In addition to Waffles with Woodard, other signature events scheduled as part of The First 56 include a Block Party, Concert with Joshua Bassett, Casino Night, Convocation, an Involvement Fair, Pizza & Popsicles with the President and much more. Students can view The First 56 Calendar of Events here or follow @auinvolve on Instagram for updates. They can also visit the AUInvolve website for a complete list of student organizations and activities to discover their path on the Plains and beyond. Check out our Everything Auburn Podcast Hub!

27 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

This is Everything Auburn - the official podcast of Auburn University! Recorded straight from the Plains at the WEGL 91.1 FM Podcast Studio, the Everything Auburn podcast is the place for learning all about the amazing people, places, traditions and work, hard work that sets Auburn University apart from the rest!

Creator

Auburn University Office of Communications & Marketing
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

42
Rating

Clean
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© 2026 EVERYTHING AUBURN PODCAST
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EVERYTHING AUBURN PODCAST

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