Culture Classroom

John Weaver & John Torrey

Welcome to ADHQ: Athletic Director Headquarters, where athletic directors talk shop. Join John Weaver for candid conversations about the people, decisions, and daily challenges behind leading an athletic department. From developing coaches and supporting student-athletes to managing expectations and building culture, ADHQ brings together voices from across school athletics to share what works, what they’ve learned, and what they’re still figuring out. Whether you’re new to the chair or years into the job, pull up a seat. There’s something here for every AD.

  1. Jun 30

    Season 15, Episode 2: The 7 Day Challenge

    Success isn't built in one breakthrough, it's built through daily discipline. In this episode, I share the remarkable story of Dr. Rob Gilbert's Success Hotline and his incredible 31-year streak of recording a new motivational message every single day without missing once. You'll discover why small, consistent habits have the power to transform your mindset, your leadership, and your life. I also share how a simple daily phone call led to a life-changing friendship, valuable mentorship, and a powerful reminder that "what's easy to do is also easy not to do." At the end of the episode, you'll receive a simple seven-day challenge that could become one of the most impactful habits you ever build. Call the Success Hotline: (973) 743-4690 Because success isn't about doing something extraordinary once, it's about doing the ordinary extraordinarily well, every single day.

    Season 15, Episode 2: The 7 Day Challenge

  2. Jun 13

    Season 15, Episode 1: If The Scoreboards Went Dark Tomorrow

    If the scoreboards went dark tomorrow, what would your community miss most? Would they miss the wins? The championships? The trophies? Or would they miss the Friday night lights, the traditions, the relationships, the memories, and the feeling of belonging? In this episode, John Weaver explores a powerful question that every athletic director, coach, and school leader should consider: What are we really building through athletics? Drawing from an unconventional career journey that included UPS, King of Hearts Tuxedos, The GAP, the Gulf South Conference, and even serving as an elementary librarian, John shares lessons on branding, storytelling, fundraising, hospitality, and leadership that have shaped his approach to building a modern athletic department. You'll learn: Why athletic departments are really in the people business How storytelling drives engagement and support Why revenue follows relationships The impact of creating unforgettable experiences Lessons from Unreasonable Hospitality and servant leadership How to build a culture that people want to belong to Whether you're an athletic director, coach, administrator, booster club leader, or simply passionate about sports and community, this episode will challenge you to think beyond the scoreboard and focus on what truly matters. Because when people feel connected to something meaningful, they don't just attend, they invest, support, stay, and bring others with them.

    Season 15, Episode 1: If The Scoreboards Went Dark Tomorrow

  3. 09/04/2025

    AD Series: Culture, Coaches, and Core Values with Westminster AD Jonathan Adams (Part 2)

    In this second installment of our AD series with Jonathan Adams, we dive into the role of an Athletic Director as a leader of coaches. Jonathan shares how the challenges of Covid became a surprising blessing, giving his department the opportunity to take a deep dive into building a sustainable culture rooted in core values, a clear mission, and a compelling vision. He also breaks down his interview process, emphasizing that hiring isn’t just about resumes and experience—it’s about building intentional relationships and finding the right cultural fit. Get ready for an insightful conversation on how to empower coaches, strengthen leadership, and create a thriving athletic department.

    AD Series: Culture, Coaches, and Core Values with Westminster AD Jonathan Adams (Part 2)

  4. 08/27/2025

    The AD Series: Model the Standard with Westminster Athletic Director Jonathan Adams (Part 1)

    In this episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Jonathan Adams, Athletic Director at Westminster Christian Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. A former collegiate baseball umpire, Jonathan took an uncommon path back to his alma mater — one that shaped his unique perspective on leadership and athletic administration. He shares why effective leadership begins with modeling the standards you expect and reminds us that culture is defined not by what you say, but by what you allow. Jonathan explains why head coaches in his department are called program directors — leaders responsible for the full development of their sport, from youth to varsity. At the heart of Westminster’s approach is the Earn Everything mentality, a mindset that demands accountability, resilience, and consistency from coaches, athletes, and parents alike. Jonathan also outlines the Wildcats’ culture, vision, and purpose statement while highlighting the qualities every athletic director should pursue: clarity, accountability, humility, and the discipline to surround yourself with great people. This is a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and building athletic programs that last.

    The AD Series: Model the Standard with Westminster Athletic Director Jonathan Adams (Part 1)

  5. 08/15/2025

    The AD Series: Purpose Driven with St. George's Athletic Director Michelle York

    In this episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Michelle York, Athletic Director at St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, Tennessee, to talk about the purpose behind athletic administration. Michelle shares why stepping into this field is a choice rooted in passion — and why her favorite part of the job is working with parents to connect them with the athletic department, build trust, and align around a shared mission and vision. She explains the role of a “Chief Reminding Officer” in keeping the “why” front and center, and offers valuable advice for aspiring athletic directors: surround yourself with great people, and never lead without a mentor. Whether you’re an administrator, coach, or leader in any field, Michelle’s insights will challenge and inspire you to lead with clarity, connection, and purpose. Stay tuned for this insightful episode, brought to you by Ballfrog! Visit them at www.ballfrog.com and request a free demo from John Craig at 615-578-0547 or email him at john@ballfrog.com

    The AD Series: Purpose Driven with St. George's Athletic Director Michelle York

  6. 08/03/2025

    The AD Series: Leading the Charge with West Point High School Athletic Director Brad Cox

    In today’s episode of The Culture Classroom, we sit down with Brad Cox, the Athletic Director at West Point High School in West Point, Mississippi. We dive into the tremendous success the Green Wave have had in football and explore how Brad measures success across the entire athletic department. Brad’s journey from basketball coach to principal, and now athletic director, provides a unique perspective on leadership and building a winning culture. Stay tuned for this insightful episode, brought to you by Ballfrog! Visit them at www.ballfrog.com and request a free demo from John Craig at 615-578-0547. Links to the genius marketing from Brad on rising money for the championship football rings. Jail or Bail Fundraiser https://www.facebook.com/61559499851096/videos/952645850413930 https://www.facebook.com/61559499851096/videos/9378129278967669

    The AD Series: Leading the Charge with West Point High School Athletic Director Brad Cox

  7. 07/05/2025

    Season 14, Episode 4: Mindset Coaching (Part 1)

    In this episode, we explore the evolving role of coaches in today’s sports landscape and the growing need for a deeper commitment to athletes’ mental well-being and psychological health. Coaching is no longer just about drills, strategy, and physical performance—it’s about understanding the whole person. We discuss why it’s critical for coaches to move beyond outdated, dehumanizing methods that overlook the complex, vulnerable humans working in front of them. Athletes rely on their coaches not only for guidance toward excellence in sport but also for emotional support, empathy, psychological safety, and mentorship. The best coaches know how to blend physical training with mental resiliency, helping athletes perform at their highest level while also caring for their emotional and psychological needs. In this episode, we talk about the essential tools and mindset coaches need to support the whole athlete—not just the competitor on game day. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on what it means to truly coach the person, not just the player.

    Season 14, Episode 4: Mindset Coaching (Part 1)

  8. 07/02/2025

    Season 14, Episode 3: Make YOUR Team Work

    Because not every group is really a team. Welcome to Culture Classroom, the podcast for coaches and leaders who want to build real, connected, high-performing teams. We talk about what actually makes a team work—shared leadership, accountability, flexible roles, and common goals—without the fluff. Think of it like this: geese flying in that classic “V” formation or in the hockey movie: The Mighty Ducks their flying V formation to score the winning goal in hockey - know how to work together to go farther. Your team can too. Tune in for stories, strategies, and down-to-earth advice you can use right away—whether you’re leading on the field, in the locker room, or anywhere you want to build a stronger culture.

    Season 14, Episode 3: Make YOUR Team Work
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4.8
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Welcome to ADHQ: Athletic Director Headquarters, where athletic directors talk shop. Join John Weaver for candid conversations about the people, decisions, and daily challenges behind leading an athletic department. From developing coaches and supporting student-athletes to managing expectations and building culture, ADHQ brings together voices from across school athletics to share what works, what they’ve learned, and what they’re still figuring out. Whether you’re new to the chair or years into the job, pull up a seat. There’s something here for every AD.

Information

  • Creator
    John Weaver & John Torrey
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Culture Classroom