Best NFHS Podcasts (2025)

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The Importance of Humanizing Your Sports Officials with Brenda Hilton - She's Got Something to Say 23:59

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1M ago23:59

23:59

Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports, Jessie Benner as she speaks with Brenda Hilton, founder of Officially Human and current Big10 Senior Director of Officiating. Hilton highlights the importance of humanizing sports officials and describes what has motivated her throughout her career. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, I…

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Growing the Game: Leadership in Adapted Sports with Dr. Jenny Millward - She's Got Something to Say 17:31

4M ago17:31

17:31

Join Jessie Benner, NFHS Coordinator of Sports, for an engaging conversation with Dr. Jenny Millward, the Executive Director of the American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs. In this episode, Dr. Millward shares her passion for creating inclusive athletic opportunities and the critical role advocacy plays in the growth of adapted sports. She …

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2025 NFHS Rules Changes 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

Welcome to the 2025 Season! Listen here for the 2025 NFHS rules updates along with a couple other topics around basic kicking rules and formations.By matteg

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The Role of the Athletic Director 20:50

5M ago20:50

20:50

Send us a text What does an Athletic Director actually do? If your first thought is “schedule games and unlock the gym,” this episode is going to open your eyes. In this deep-dive solo episode, Coach Sullivan pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in education and athletics: the high school Athletic Director. From balancing b…

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Social Media and Recruiting: What Athletes and Parents Need to Know 15:30

5M ago15:30

15:30

Send us a text In this 15-minute solo episode, Coach Morgan Sullivan breaks down one of the most overlooked but critical factors in the college recruiting process: your athlete’s social media presence. With insights drawn from real conversations with college coaches, national surveys, and personal experience, this episode explores how Twitter, Inst…

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Episode 39: 2025 High School and College Rule Changes 34:50

6M ago34:50

34:50

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan (and George) discuss the high school and college rule changes for 2025. Listening note: As was the case in Episode 35, when we discussed 2024's rule changes, podcast mascot George (pictured) was again so excited about this year's rule changes that his panting is audible in a few places; he sends his apolog…

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The Truth About Travel Sports: What Every Parent Needs to Know 25:17

7M ago25:17

25:17

Send us a text Thinking about travel sports for your kid? Before you commit to that club soccer, AAU basketball, or travel baseball team, hit play on this episode of Talkin’ with the A.D. Coach Sullivan breaks down the rise of travel teams in youth sports, what they offer, what they really cost, and whether they’re worth the time, energy, and finan…

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Love Blinders: Why Parents and Coaches See Games Differently 16:56

7M ago16:56

16:56

Send us a text You love your kid—that’s not the issue. But sometimes, that deep love can cloud how we see their role on the team. In this episode, we dive into a phenomenon I call “Love Blinders”—the emotional lens parents often wear when watching their child compete. We’ll talk honestly about why playing time decisions are more complex than they a…

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Welcome to Talkin’ with the A.D. – Your Backstage Pass to Amateur Sports 9:07

7M ago9:07

9:07

Send us a text Strap in for the very first episode of Talkin’ with the A.D., where host Coach Sullivan—20-year Army veteran, multi-sport coach, and current athletic director lays out the why, what, and how of this brand-new show. In just a few minutes you’ll learn: Who’s behind the mic: From combat zones to crowded bleachers, Coach Sullivan's journ…

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Creating Transformative Practices and Experiences in Music Education with Anne Fennell - She's Got Something to Say 28:24

10M ago28:24

28:24

Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports, Alyssa Decosse as she speaks with Anne Fennell, the President of the California Music Educators Association and the K-12 Music Program Manager for the San Diego Unified School District. Fennell highlights the transformative nature of music education and advocacy, and the impact these practices have on a school commu…

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The New Season is Upon Us 37:39

11M ago37:39

37:39

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses listener questions and feedback along with changes to the 2025 NCAA Baseball rules. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates tha…

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WMUA/NFHS Q&A Session 1:01:22

11M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

In this one-hour Question & Answer session for the WMUA, host Kevin Weber answers questions about game management, lineup card management, interference plays, pitchers' quick pitching, and other topics concerning NFHS rules. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. H…

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2025 NFHS (WMUA) Training 3:28:02

12M ago3:28:02

3:28:02

In this extensive high school association video training meeting, Kevin Weber covers a variety of topics for the 2025 NFHS/MHSAA season. ROOKIE MEETING: Communicating with you partner/school, game management, pregame conference, basic umpire signals GENERAL MEETING: 2025 NFHS Points of Emphasis, MHSAA social media guideline, working the plate. Kevi…

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Creating a community of support for female officials with MK McGee - She's Got Something to Say 23:17

1y ago23:17

23:17

Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports, Jessie Benner as she speaks with MK McGee, a Nebraska high school basketball official and creator of “Her Call.” McGee highlights ways officials can educate and motivate one another and the importance of creating a community of support for female sports officials. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitt…

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Going with the Ebb & Flow 18:56

1+ y ago18:56

18:56

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses 2025 NCAA & NFHS rules changes. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the pro…

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Episode 38: Chat with Rich Edwards, MAC Referee, GLVC Assistant Supervisor of Officials, and Mid-States Supervisor of Officials 41:23

1+ y ago41:23

41:23

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan are joined by Rich Edwards, MAC Referee, GLVC Assistant Supervisor of Officials, and Mid-States Supervisor of Officials. You can find us on Facebook at Learn Your Stripes Podcast, on Twitter @LYS_podcast, on Instagram @learnyourstripespodcast, and at learnyourstripespodcast.com. If you liked this week's ep…

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Episode 37: Chat with MAC Replay Official and HCAC Supervisor Dennis Jackson 41:51

1+ y ago41:51

41:51

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan are joined by Dennis Jackson, a Replay Official in the MAC and Supervisor in the HCAC. The three discuss Dennis's career to date, his work in helping to develop and provide opportunities for younger officials, and strategies for balancing officiating with other aspects of one's life. You can find us on Fac…

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Moving Up the Ladder 33:37

1+ y ago33:37

33:37

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses the ABS system, 4-man mechanics, Angel Hernandez, and how to move up the ladder. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that t…

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Episode 36: Chat with Big 10 Official Brett Henninger 43:06

1+ y ago43:06

43:06

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan are joined by Brett Henninger, a deep wing in the Big 10. The three discuss Brett's career to date, his work in helping to develop and provide opportunities for younger officials, and strategies for balancing officiating with other aspects of one's life. You can find us on Facebook at Learn Your Stripes Po…

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He Still Lives! 22:31

1+ y ago22:31

22:31

Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-stud…

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Episode 35: 2024 High School and College Rule Changes 30:45

1+ y ago30:45

30:45

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan (and George) discuss the high school and college rule changes for 2024. Listening note: Podcast mascot George (pictured) was so excited about this episode that his panting is audible in a few places; he sends his apologies. You can find us on Facebook at Learn Your Stripes Podcast, on Twitter @LYS_podcast,…

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From Good to Great in Debate Education with Director of Debate at Woodward Academy (GA) Maggie Berthiaume 15:14

1+ y ago15:14

15:14

Maggie Berthiaume is the Director of Debate at Woodward Academy in Georgia. She is a past recipient of the National Debate Coaches' Association Educator of the Year Award and the Georgia Forensic Coaches' Association Debate Coach of the Year Award. She has been on the NDCA and GFCA Executive Board and was a member of the editorial board of Contempo…

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Meeting Bands Where They Are with USBands Executive Director Sean King 31:01

1+ y ago31:01

31:01

Sean King is the Executive Director of USBands and has been a member of the USBands team for 27 years. Since 2020, he has overseen the transition of the organization from one parent non-profit to a program offering of BD Performing Arts, a non-profit organization based in Concord, CA. Sean has been responsible for aligning organizational and operat…

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Amy Perras: District Arts Administrator, Former Music Educator, and Disney Fanatic 29:05

2y ago29:05

29:05

Amy Perras is the Instructional Supervisor for Music, Art, and Library Media for Milford Public Schools in Connecticut, a role she took on after spending 14 years teaching PK-12 instrumental, choral, and general music. In addition to her work in Milford, Amy is the President of the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association and the NFHS Music Advi…

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Episode 34: Pass Interference 45:06

2y ago45:06

45:06

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan discuss pass interference rules at both the high school and college levels. You can find us on Facebook at Learn Your Stripes Podcast, on Twitter @LYS_podcast, on Instagram @learnyourstripespodcast, and at learnyourstripespodcast.com. If you liked this week's episode, please subscribe, rate, and review whe…

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Encouraging Support of Female Athletics- She's Got Something to Say 24:15

2y ago24:15

24:15

Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports, Jessie Benner as she speaks with Becky Moran, NIAAA Associate Executive Director on the importance of encouraging support of female athletics. Moran explains what it means to her to be a woman in sports and how we can create a positive narrative around female sports and activities. Subscribe and share this episode! …

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The Ins and Outs of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) with Eric Arnold, Program Director for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute at Western Illinois University 45:55

2y ago45:55

45:55

Host Ken Burke is joined by Eric Arnold, Program Director for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Executive Institute at Western Illinois University. As someone who has so much experience with emergency action plans and campus safety, there are few people that know more than Eric on these issues and topics. Throughout…

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The Origin and Evolution of the NFHS Women in Leadership Team- She's Got Something to Say 32:26

2y ago32:26

32:26

Join NFHS Coordinator of Marketing and Social Media, Olivia Jennings as she speaks with NFHS Director of Sports, Julie Cochran on the origin and evolution of the Women in Leadership team. Cochran explains how she identified the need and began to create the program and the ways in which it has grown to serve our member states around the nation.…

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From Mozart to Mariachi - Why Music Education is The Best Job in The World with Ramon Rivera, Mount Vernon School District (WA) Mariachi Director 35:24

2y ago35:24

35:24

On this episode of The Stage, host Ken Burke speaks with Ramon Rivera, Mount Vernon School District Mariachi Director, Mariachi Artist, and 2023 Washington State Music Educator of the year. Ramon Rivera began teaching Mariachi in the late 90s and brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject and on educating to this conversation. As he leads and educ…

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How Grant Writing Helps Everyone with Dr. David Kelley, University of Cincinnati Professor and Master's Degree Coordinator 27:28

2y ago27:28

27:28

On this episode, host Ken Burke interviews Dr. David Kelley, Associate Professor in the Sport Administration Program within the University of Cincinnati’s School of Human Services. He also currently serves as the Online Master’s Degree in Sport Administration Program Coordinator and has a wealth of knowledge not only on sport administration, but on…

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Connecting the Arts With Communities and Businesses with Tooshar Swain, Director of Public Policy at Americans for the Arts 26:02

2y ago26:02

26:02

On this episode of The Stage, our guest today is Tooshar Swain, Director of Public Policy at Americans for the Arts. Before joining Americans for the Arts, Tooshar served as Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the National Association for Music Education. Tooshar has made a career in Music Education, Policy, and Advocacy, and has even worked …

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The Age of Accountability 24:07

2y ago24:07

24:07

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses the age of assessment and accountability in umpiring, how to have a good relationship with your assigner, changes in CCA 3-man mechanics, and a poll for the greatest umpire in history. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 200…

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How Missouri Has Grown Performing Arts Activities Under Davine Davis, Former Assistant Executive Director of MSHSAA 17:40

2y ago17:40

17:40

Our guest today is Davine Davis, former Assistant Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Davine, who has recently retired, helped establish Missouri as one of the leading states in the country in terms of music and she has served on the NFHS Education Committee as well as the NFHS Spirit Rules Committee. She ma…

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2023 Doane 3-man Days 2 & 3 11:47

2y ago11:47

11:47

Happenings on days 2 & 3 of the 2023 Doane 3-Man Camp. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire scho…

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2023 Doane 3-Man Camp Day 1 9:30

2y ago9:30

9:30

Happenings on day 1 of the 2023 Doane 3-Man Camp.Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school pat…

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Band of Brothers 38:02

2+ y ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, host Kevin Weber answers a listeners questions, goes into detail about 2-man B & C positioning, and covers the happenings of the 2023 Doane 2-Man Camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what um…

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Episode 33: Chat with Big 10 official Kris Loving 47:34

2+ y ago47:34

47:34

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan are joined by Kris Loving, a line of scrimmage official in the Big 10. The three discuss Kris's experience and his efforts to recruit and develop new officials and to effect positive change in his community. For more information on Kris's projects, please visit helpsaveoursports.org and Loving Touch Produc…

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Pregame! Pregame topics and discussion points 55:15

2+ y ago55:15

55:15

In this episode we go over the Pregame topics. YES! you should have a pregame with your crew. Yes! you can continue to get better. Yes! someone will blow it off but it's important to move from the office to the field and the best way is to discuss a few key topics each week. Link to the document we discuss during the podcast: https://mshsl.arbiters…

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From Cheer to Music, What You Need to Know About Copyright with ClicknClear Founder Chantal Epp 24:19

2+ y ago24:19

24:19

On this episode of The Stage, our guest today is Chantal Epp! Chantal is the Founder and CEO of ClicknClear. ClicknClear prioritizes music licensing for Choreographed Sports, Arts, and Fitness, and makes it easy! Chantal is a multiple award winning business founder and owner, an international cheerleader, and so much more that we will touch on thro…

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2023 NFHS Football Points of Emphasis 39:01

2+ y ago39:01

39:01

In this episode we go over the 2023-2024 Football Points of Emphasis put out by the NFHS. Points of Emphasis Discussed: Helping the Runner Communication Between Coaches and Game Officials Game Management Drop us an email at [email protected] - or - Follow us on Twitter @HSFRPodcastBy matteg

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Episode 32: Learn Your Stripes LIVE! 53:41

2+ y ago53:41

53:41

Send us a text In our very first live episode, recorded August 20, 2023, Michael and Ryan answer your burning questions about the officiating life, how to get started as an official, and more! Check out the video of the live stream on YouTube here! More episodes, including some exciting guests, will be coming very soon! You can find us on Facebook …

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8/20/23 Live Show Announcement! 0:48

2+ y ago0:48

0:48

Send us a text Please join us on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 8 p.m. Eastern time for our very first livestreamed show. If you have any questions or topics you'd like Ryan and Michael to discuss, feel free to email them in advance to [email protected]. (We will also take questions from the live chat during the show.) The livestream will take…

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Football Rules Changes 2023 38:27

2+ y ago38:27

38:27

The 2023 Season is here! In this episode we go over the 2023-2024 Football Rules Changes put out by the NFHS. The BIG RULE CHANGE: Change in basic spot penalty enforcement! Here us discuss all the new scenarios and what might need further clarification down the road. New Rules Discussed: Clarification that towels do not have to be the same solid co…

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From Teacher to Administrator, Creating Opportunities with Craig Manteuffel, Assistant Executive Director of KSHSAA and KMEA 27:23

2+ y ago27:23

27:23

On this episode of The Stage, our guest today is Craig Manteuffel, Assistant Executive Director with the Kansas State High School Activities Association and newly appointed Assistant Executive Director of the Kansas Music Educators Association. In his role, Craig oversees Speech, Debate and Drama, Music, Piano administration, Sportsmanship and Even…

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Episode 31: 2023 High School and College Rule Changes 39:49

2+ y ago39:49

39:49

Send us a text This week, Michael and Ryan discuss the 2022 changes in high school and college football rules. Also, save the date for more information about the first ever Learn Your Stripes live episode, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. More information about the livestream will be posted on our social med…

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2023 CBUA 4-Man Umpire Clinic 36:25

2+ y ago36:25

36:25

Host Kevin Weber gives a detailed look at his experience in the 2023 CBUA 4-Man Umpire Evaluation Clinic in Indianapolis, IN. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that …

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Episode 30: The Goal Line, Part 3 37:34

2+ y ago37:34

37:34

Send us a text On this episode, Michael and Ryan conclude their in-depth examination of rules, scenarios, and mechanics for plays involving the goal line. You can find us on Facebook at Learn Your Stripes Podcast, on Twitter @LYS_podcast, on Instagram @learnyourstripespodcast, and at learnyourstripespodcast.com. If you liked this week's episode, pl…

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Bridging the Gap Between Education and Retail with Amro Music Vice President and Podcast Host Nick Averwater 28:07

2+ y ago28:07

28:07

On this episode of The Stage, Nick Averwater, Vice President of Amro Music, joins the show today to discuss how the retail industry continues to support music education across the nation. Amro Music is the largest piano, band, and orchestra store in the Mid-South and one of the largest in the nation. It has been family-owned and operated in Memphis…

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Episode 29: The Goal Line, Part 2 37:28

2+ y ago37:28

37:28

Send us a text On this episode, Michael and Ryan continue their in-depth examination of rules, scenarios, and mechanics for plays involving the goal line. You can find us on Facebook at Learn Your Stripes Podcast, on Twitter @LYS_podcast, on Instagram @learnyourstripespodcast, and at learnyourstripespodcast.com. If you liked this week's episode, pl…

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Seek Out Opportunities 32:04

2+ y ago32:04

32:04

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses ejection reports, the MHSAA State Finals, Ernie Quigley, and a new NFHS rule. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the …