Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story

Alpha Phi Omega
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT

Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story is the national podcast of Alpha Phi Omega—where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become. Hosted by Chris Meschuk, this podcast shares real stories from members, alumni, advisors, and national leaders across the country. From transformative campus moments to lifelong leadership lessons, each episode highlights the experiences that make APO more than meetings, more than service hours, and more than a line on a résumé. You’ll hear: Personal stories of growth and challengeReflections on a century of serviceHonest conversations about leading in today’s worldVoices from across generations of Alpha Phi Omega Whether you’re an active member, an alumnus, or simply passionate about servant leadership, this podcast invites you to reflect on the question: How are you leading for good?

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    How to Lead Peers Without Burning Out

    Summary In this episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Angelina Lappin from the Mu Xi Chapter at High Point University and Antonio Johnson from the Alpha Theta Pi Online Chapter at National University to talk about one of the most real and challenging parts of leadership in Alpha Phi Omega: leading your peers without burning out.   Leading peers inside a volunteer organization is different from traditional leadership. You don’t have paychecks, grades, or formal authority motivating people. Instead, you're navigating friendship, accountability, and shared responsibility all at the same time.   Angelina shares how a difficult leadership moment—running for a position she didn’t receive—forced her to rethink how she communicated ideas and built support within her chapter. Antonio reflects on the unique challenges of leading APO’s first online chapter while balancing academics and preparing for law school.    What We Cover in This Episode • Why leading peers can feel more exhausting than leading employees • The loneliness that can come with holding leadership responsibility • How missed leadership opportunities can become powerful growth moments • Leadership myths that quietly lead to burnout • The importance of mentorship and chapter support systems • Why curiosity and relationship-building strengthen chapter culture • Three practical strategies to lead peers without burning out   About Our Guests Angelina Lappin is a senior at High Point University and a member of the Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. During her time in the chapter, she has served as Pledge Secretary and Interchapter Chair multiple times and has been deeply involved in strengthening chapter relationships and engagement. Her experiences in APO helped shape her academic interests in international relations, Spanish, business administration, and Latin & Caribbean studies.   Antonio Johnson is the President of the Alpha Theta Pi Chapter at National University. As part of the team that helped establish APO’s first online chapter, Antonio is playing a key role in building its culture and leadership structure. He has also served on national committees and is preparing for law school with a passion for public service and leadership development.   Practical Take-Aways 1. Share ownership, not just tasks. 2. Set expectations out loud. 3. Redefine success.   Chapter Discussion Prompt Bring this question to your next chapter meeting or officer retreat: What responsibilities in our chapter are currently owned by one person that could be shared or distributed across the team?   Get Involved Idea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGA Submit to the APO Soundbites segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/ Share this episode with your chapter group chat or listen together at your next meeting.   Thanks for listening to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a brother who’s leading in your chapter right now.

    21 min

  2. MAR 3

    Century of Serving - Why Alpha Phi Omega Still Matters

    Episode 1: Century of Serving – Why Alpha Phi Omega Still Matters   1. Opening Hook + Summary Welcome to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story—the national podcast where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become. In this inaugural episode, Chris Meschuk sits down with Disraeli Smith, the 28th National President of Alpha Phi Omega and a brother from the Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University. Alpha Phi Omega has been around for over a century—but why does APO matter right now? In this conversation, you’ll hear: How brotherhood in APO goes beyond college—and into weddings, careers, and lifelong friendshipWhy leadership in APO is an “experimental learning ground” where you’re allowed to failThe difference between loving your chapter and engaging with the national fraternity  2. What We Cover in This Episode The moment APO becomes “more than meetings and service hours”Brotherhood that lasts beyond graduationWhy leadership means you won’t always get it right the first timeThe power of learning through failureBridging the gap between chapter identity and national engagementHow conferences, conventions, and President’s Academy create momentumThree practical leadership actions you can take back to your chapter this week  3. Memorable Quotes “Chapters are an experimental learning ground for you to figure out how to lead people.” “You’re not going to get it right the first time.” “If the national organization does not understand what you need to be successful, then we can’t deliver it.”   4. About Our Guest Disraeli Smith was initiated into the Kappa Delta Chapter at Florida A&M University in 2007. As an undergraduate, he served in multiple chapter leadership roles and chaired the 2010 National Convention in Atlanta. After years of regional and national service, he was elected the 28th National President of Alpha Phi Omega at the Centennial Convention in Philadelphia. His leadership journey reflects what APO does best: developing leaders through service, connection, and real-world experience.   5. Practical Take-Aways Ask yourself, who can I support this week?Take five minutes at your next service project to reflect, not just report hours.What's been the most meaningful part of APO for you so far?  6. Chapter Discussion Prompt Bring this to your next meeting: If Alpha Phi Omega disappeared from your campus tomorrow, what would be missing? And more importantly — what are you doing to make sure that impact is unmistakable?   7. Get Involved Idea, Comment, or Nominate a future guest: https://forms.gle/mWmhGVHEUNw4vtcGA Submit to the APO Sound Bytes segment: https://forms.gle/KgJrSnFB2z3MPC3s5 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostaff/ Share this episode with your chapter group chat   Thanks for listening to Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a brother who’s leading in your chapter right now.

    19 min

  3. FEB 18

    Trailer

    The national podcast of Alpha Phi Omega—sharing real stories of leadership, friendship, and service from members and alumni across the country.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

About

Leading for Good: The Alpha Phi Omega Story is the national podcast of Alpha Phi Omega—where we explore how leadership, friendship, and service shape who we become. Hosted by Chris Meschuk, this podcast shares real stories from members, alumni, advisors, and national leaders across the country. From transformative campus moments to lifelong leadership lessons, each episode highlights the experiences that make APO more than meetings, more than service hours, and more than a line on a résumé. You’ll hear: Personal stories of growth and challengeReflections on a century of serviceHonest conversations about leading in today’s worldVoices from across generations of Alpha Phi Omega Whether you’re an active member, an alumnus, or simply passionate about servant leadership, this podcast invites you to reflect on the question: How are you leading for good?

Information

  • Creator
    Alpha Phi Omega
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Alpha Phi Omega

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