Best The Upstream Academy Podcasts (2025)

1
God Squad: America Fourth? 1:03:10

4d ago1:03:10

1:03:10

https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/america-fourth/Riffing along with our civic hero Dr. Danielle Allen, you have to start with basic agreements that are foundational (nonviolence as a basic norm, a supermajority for constitutional democracy, and full inclusion for all citizens). We’re also wondering if the secret to a healthy America is to… wait fo…

1
Building the Best Team Ever 34:12

11d ago34:12

34:12

On Episode 91 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton is joined by Dr. David Burkus, author of Best Team Ever and several other books on business success, to discuss building high-functioning teams in the accounting industry. Noting that it’s important to move beyond technical proficiency to focus on team dynamics, David and Jeremy go into detail on…

1
Carom Shots: Why Working Upstream From Conflict is So Powerful OR how to become a civility pool shark 30:51

21d ago30:51

30:51

Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it’s finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. The bigger, gnarlier and more all-encompassing…

1
Creating a Culture of Learning and Action 38:09

25d ago38:09

38:09

Jeremy Clopton visits with Monika Turek, Learning & Development Manager at HoganTaylor, on Episode 90 of The Upstream Leader. Centering their discussion on maximizing your and colleagues’ potential by fostering a culture of learning and moving beyond the traditional CPE mindset, Monika tells Jeremy about her personal journey to leadership, her will…

1
Flying Pig Academy: How Jonathan Haidt Wrote THE Book for Pigs with Higher Aspirations 1:15:10

1M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it’s finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. The second in the series, after "Location, Loc…

1
Bringing Hospitality to Accounting 39:54

1M ago39:54

39:54

Jeremy is joined by Jana Cinnamon, COO and partner at Abdo Solutions, to discuss the intersection of hospitality and accounting on Episode 89 of The Upstream Leader. They explore how infusing hospitality into client interactions can transform the profession and improve both client and employee experiences. Jana shares insights about their firm’s in…

1
UNUM Series: OUTRAGED with Dr. Kurt Gray 1:36:36

2M ago1:36:36

1:36:36

Why does it feel like those on the “other side” are not just different but dangerous? According to our special guest UNC psychologist Kurt Gray in his new book OUTRAGED: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground the conflict lies in our human instinct to protect ourselves and the ones we love from harm. Find the program…

1
Consistency Over Intensity: Keys to Sustainable Leadership 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

On this solo Episode 88 of The Upstream Leader Podcast, host Jeremy Clopton shares insights from recent meetings with managing partners of accounting firms across the U.S. and Canada. Jeremy focuses on three major themes: the importance of consistency over intensity in both client and employee experiences, the need to change assumptions about peopl…

1
God Squad: Ten Paces at High Noon 1:05:15

2M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

We have become a most tediously offended people. We’re not talking about the big stuff — it’s the “little” things we wonder about. “Sticks and stones may break my bones” and “water off a duck’s back” seem quaint and anachronistic in today’s culture of maximal aggrievement. Provoked by even the slightest offense — that, mind you, we seem to be on co…

1
Exploring Alternative Ownership: The Alliance Model 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

Jeremy Clopton delves into a hot topic—alternative ownership models in the accounting profession—with Steve Shein, co-founder of Franklin Alliance, on Episode 87 of The Upstream Leader. They explore the alliance model, an alternative to the more traditional PE and M&A routes. Steve’s company specifically supports boutique accounting firms under $10…

1
Flying Pig Academy: Location, Location, Location 1:05:56

3M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Introducing the newest thing in higher (and we really mean higher — like look UP) education: The Flying Pig Academy. A dream of The Village Square (with support from Florida Humanities) for many years, it’s finally aloft. The division in American society is big and seems impossible at times to address. The first, second and third rule? Like buying …

1
Mastering Emotional Intelligence and Energy Levels 35:45

3M ago35:45

35:45

Jeremy Clopton returns for Episode 86 of The Upstream Leader, engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with professional coach, speaker and educator, Andrew Donofrio. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, focusing on managing emotions and energy levels, especially during demanding periods like tax season. Andrew d…

1
Dr. Theodore R. Johnson: If We Are Brave | UNUM Series 1:34:26

3M ago1:34:26

1:34:26

We claim to be a nation founded on an idea. But, especially in these times of civic rupture, are we even all talking about the same idea? Contributing Washington Post opinion writer Dr. Ted Johnson joins us again to discuss his beautiful, powerful new book “If We are Brave: Essays of Black Americana.” The program is faciliated by Dr. Nashid Madyun,…

1
More than Words: Effective Communication 42:00

3M ago42:00

42:00

Host Heath Alloway talks effective communication with Ben Decker on Episode 85 of The Upstream Leader. The Chairman and Co-CEO of Decker Communications, Ben focuses on the pivotal role communication plays in leadership. Sharing insights on becoming a better leader through humble confidence, the impact of early communication habits, and the critical…

1
Life Beyond Labels: Focus on What Matters 36:07

4M ago36:07

36:07

On Episode 84 of The Upstream Leader, Jeremy Clopton sits down with Kelsey O’Connor, a former Division I athlete and graduate of NC State, to discuss her view of “Life Beyond Labels.” Exploring how individuals, particularly high achievers in the accounting profession, can separate their identity from their accomplishments and focus on their qualiti…

1
Change is the Constant: The Reality Facing Accounting Today 42:07

4M ago42:07

42:07

Dan Hood, Editor-in-Chief at Accounting Today, joins Jeremy Clopton for Episode 83 of The Upstream Leader to kick off 2025 with a slew of predictions. Discussing key themes such as the accelerating pace of change, technological advancements, and the impacts of private equity, Dan shares insights on the importance of technology investments, the evol…

1
Looking Back and Forward: 2024 in Review 43:27

5M ago43:27

43:27

It’s time to close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025 on Episode 82 of The Upstream Leader featuring both Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway. Reflecting on key trends, they emphasize some major positives in the profession, including firms’ increased focus on intentionality and being proactive with their business development plans. Comprised primarily of…

1
Navigating Loss: Grief and Bereavement in the Workplace 40:34

5M ago40:34

40:34

On Episode 81 of The Upstream Leader, host Heath Alloway welcomes return guest Karen Scott, co-founder of Lost & Found Grief Center. Karen is joined by Melanie Blair, Assistant Executive Director, and the discussion centers around supporting grieving employees. Exploring the impact of grief on productivity, the importance of flexible workplace poli…

1
Building a Powerful Network and a Collaborative Future 47:17

6M ago47:17

47:17

Heath Alloway hosts an insightful Episode 80 of The Upstream Leader featuring Caitlin Gibbs, Matt Skinner, and Trevor Brown. This landmark episode, the first ever with three guests, is an exploration of the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, with the panel touching on leadership development and networking, mentoring, challenges within…

1
Mónica Guzmán: One Step Closer | UNUM series 1:26:50

6M ago1:26:50

1:26:50

As we contemplated who we might invite for this post-election UNUM gathering, we were (temporarily) flummoxed. A week after the election would we be in need of an expert in election law, a therapist or an exorcist? Could we just place all three on speed dial? Then we realized that no matter what happens during – and after – the 2024 election, there…

1
Stop Complaining and Start Teaching: Cultivate Professionalism 39:55

6M ago39:55

39:55

Jeremy Clopton engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Sarah Krom, Managing Partner at SKC & Co., on Episode 79 of The Upstream Leader. They discuss the challenges the profession seems to be encountering in needing to teach skills around professionalism, with Sarah sharing her firm’s solution: to formally teach “behavioral competencies” alon…

1
God Squad: Lost & Found 1:06:47

6M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

America’s young adults are telling us they’re not OK — in ways large and small. It’s high time to take a good, close listen and have a frank conversation about the spiking anxiety & depression among adults coming of age in this time of disruption and disconnection. We’re losing more young adults than we can bear. As successive generations move away…

1
Navigate Change and Spur Growth: The Path Forward 41:25

6M ago41:25

41:25

Allan Koltin joins Jeremy Clopton on Episode 78 of The Upstream Leader to discuss the evolving landscape of the accounting profession. Allan’s expertise is wide-reaching, built over more than 40 years within accounting as a practitioner, consultant, and thought leader. Covering M&A, private equity, ESOPs and more, Allan underscores recent industry …

1
Tim Urban: What's Our Problem? 1:36:58

7M ago1:36:58

1:36:58

What, exactly, is our problem? Author Tim Urban, known for his extended riff on procrastination in his endlessly wise, sidesplittingly funny, stick-figure illustrated Wait But Why blog, emerged from a 6-year deep think with an answer that has the power to save humanity (from itself). In Urban’s analysis, the primitive mind is a furry orange monster…

1
There’s No Time for “Maybe” 32:30

7M ago32:30

32:30

“Maybe” takes a back seat and stays where it belongs, as Jeremy Clopton hosts Kathy Klang, leader of the Success Management Division at Cummings Keegan on Episode 77 of The Upstream Leader. Kathy emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to become decisive leaders without overanalyzing, advocating for a shift from committee-based manageme…

1
God Squad: Church v. State 1:05:14

7M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

As we barrel toward America’s 250th, one could argue that if we crack up before we get there (some bad days we’d take even odds), it’ll have something to do with the complexity of being in charge of executing one of the founders’ biggest ideas — that the church and the state were to be separate in this new nation of theirs. (It had been so much “ea…

1
Connection and Investment: Building Effective Leadership 43:03

7M ago43:03

43:03

Erin Raukar joins Heath Alloway on Episode 76 of The Upstream Leader to discuss her experiences throughout her career leading up to her current position as Director of Human Resources and Administration at Cummings Keegan. HR plays a strategic role in any accounting firm, and Erin has vast knowledge of HR’s inner workings, which she’s gained from r…

1
Frenemies: Berny + Geston both love their country. 1:36:03

7M ago1:36:03

1:36:03

Friends since middle school, Berny Jacques and Geston Pierre are both children of Haitian political refugees who fled political instability that put their families at risk – with Geston’s parents arriving a little earlier than Berny’s. Despite their friendship and shared family immigration story, they have reached very different conclusions about p…

1
Calming the Noise: Focus on What's Important 44:03

8M ago44:03

44:03

Heath Alloway returns to hosting duties as he talks with Peter Ostopko, founder and publisher of the Kinsman Journal, on Episode 75 of The Upstream Leader. With a backdrop of “Calming the Noise,” or in other words, filtering out what is and is not necessary to focus on in your daily life, they explore Peter's leadership journey, career transitions,…

1
The True Meaning of Meaningful Connection 49:05

8M ago49:05

49:05

Jeremy Clopton returns to host Episode 74 of The Upstream Leader, where he welcomes Rob Brown to delve into the theme of connection within the accounting profession. Rob, the founder of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable, is a reputation and career development expert as well as the host of the Accounting Influencers podcasts. Covering topics suc…

1
Mid-Year Update: Optimism, Growth, PE and More 35:08

9M ago35:08

35:08

Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway get together to discuss their recent experiences and insights from various conferences, workshops, and personal time on this special recap Episode 73 of The Upstream Leader. They explore the importance of reconnecting with nature and practicing gratitude, both in personal life, and in the workplace, and how empoweri…

1
Leadership Lessons: Competing Every Day 32:50

9M ago32:50

32:50

On Episode 72 of The Upstream Leader, host Jeremy Clopton welcomes back Jake Thompson, Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day. They discuss Jake's new book, Lead Better Now, which focuses on practical strategies for self-leadership and team development, and offers actionable insights for both new and seasoned leaders. Jake stresses the im…

1
Strong Leadership Through Mergers & Acquisitions 34:46

10M ago34:46

34:46

Join The Upstream Leader Podcast as host Heath Alloway discusses mergers and acquisitions with Bruce Zicari, managing partner and CEO of The Bonadio Group, on Episode 71. Bruce shares valuable lessons on leading successful mergers, fostering integration, and building trust within teams. Bruce's firm has successfully navigated 22 mergers, many with …

1
Unlocking Authentic Leadership 32:19

10M ago32:19

32:19

Jeremy Clopton rejoins us for Episode 70 of The Upstream Leader as he engages in an insightful conversation with Carla McCall, managing partner at AAFCPAs and now Chair of the AICPA. Exploring her journey of authentic leadership, the importance of candor and self-reflection, and how creating a culture where team members can bring their whole selves…

1
AI, Tech, and Leadership: Navigating the Minefield 38:14

11M ago38:14

38:14

Jeremy Clopton returns to host Episode 69 of The Upstream Leader featuring Danielle Supkis Cheek, Vice President, Head of Analytics and AI at Caseware. They discuss the transformative role of technology in accounting, how AI and analytics are reshaping the profession and what it means for modern leadership. Danielle shares practical strategies for …

1
Overcoming Adversity with Integrity 36:51

11M ago36:51

36:51

Tune in for key leadership insights on navigating adversity, on Episode 68 of The Upstream Leader. Anthony Sanfilippo, co-founder of Sorelle Capital, joins Heath Alloway to discuss his successes and tribulations in the hospitality industry. Full of stories from a 40+ year career, Anthony speaks on the importance of integrity, how to implement ideal…

1
From Idea to Impact: Navigating a Startup 36:18

12M ago36:18

36:18

Heath Alloway returns to host Episode 67 of The Upstream Leader, and he talks to James Stapleton, co-founder of Codefi, about his insights on tech entrepreneurs and startups, the challenges they deal with, and how accounting firms can look to aid this specialized group of clients. Through Codefi, James seeks to streamline financial operations and r…

1
Wisdom from Conflict: Resetting The Table 1:38:40

12M ago1:38:40

1:38:40

Drawing on decades of experience addressing volatile disagreements surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Resetting the Table works to transform toxic polarization and destructive political conflict in the U.S. We’ll be joined by Resetting the Table’s Co-Founding CEO, Melissa Weintraub, a veteran peacebuilder and social entrepreneur who has …

1
Transforming Communication: Strategic Storytelling 38:38

12M ago38:38

38:38

Join Jeremy Clopton on Episode 66 of The Upstream Leader as he talks to Jeff Bartsch, founder of Story Greenlight. They explore the power of storytelling in transforming communication strategies for accounting professionals, a skill Jeff refined first with over 20 years of experience writing stories in Hollywood, and then subsequently, coaching pro…

1
God Squad: Seeking High Ground in the School Wars 59:53

1y ago59:53

59:53

In a culturally, religiously and racially diverse society like ours — with a single public school system designed to educate America’s children — maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that the culture wars have Officially Hit Our Schools. When you clear away the noise, at the core of the struggle is this: what should our schools teach our children—and wh…

1
Pricing for Profit, Not Time 46:14

1y ago46:14

46:14

The general accounting business model has remained more or less unchanged for decades, and on Episode 65 of The Upstream Leader, Michelle Golden joins Jeremy Clopton to discuss what needs to happen to capture the increases in efficiency that have exploded in the profession since the end of the 20th century. Michelle, the CEO of Fore LLC, drives hom…

1
Jonathan Haidt: The Anxious Generation 52:11

1y ago52:11

52:11

We were honored to hang out with our intellectual hero, Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a few weeks before the release of his recent book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Unsurprisingly, the book became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. If you have kids, if you know kids — heck, if you…

1
Next to Come: Accounting's Future 41:53

1y ago41:53

41:53

Jeremy Clopton welcomes David Hartley to The Upstream Leader for Episode 64, and their conversation focuses around the challenges of leading accounting firms into the future. The impact of hybrid work environments, the role of technology, and the shift to advisory services will all play a large role in shaping the direction the profession takes in …

1
UNUM Series: The Soul of Civility 1:35:52

1y ago1:35:52

1:35:52

Find the program online here: https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/soul-of-civility/ While our special guest Alexandra O. Hudson, author of “The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves,” finds the challenges to civility today dire, she thinks they’re not new — and they’re most definitely not about being more polite. Lexi b…

1
Conflict Management’s Interplay with Leadership and Mentorship 41:13

1y ago41:13

41:13

On Episode 63 of The Upstream Leader, Heath Alloway welcomes Philip Palaveev, CEO of The Ensemble Practice, for a discussion on leadership, mentorship, and conflict management. Feedback and trust play a vital role in making emotional discussions productive, and Philip covers helpful information on nonverbal communication, active listening, and the …

1
Fragile Neighborhoods with Dr. Seth Kaplan 1:24:49

1y ago1:24:49

1:24:49

“Fragile Neighborhoods is an essential and engaging read for everyone who wants to better understand the challenges facing our cities, towns and our nation at large.” Richard Florida – Bestselling Author of “The Rise of the Creative Class” Find the full program online here — https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/fragile-neighborhoods/ As we continue o…

1
Mental Fitness and Performance 41:35

1y ago41:35

41:35

The Upstream Leader's Heath Alloway and Chance Potts, Founder of Employee Benefit Design, roll up their sleeves to tackle how mental fitness can help us function at our best level, no matter the circumstances. This approach includes recognizing how we naturally approach challenges, discomfort, and negativity and ways to rewire our thought processes…

1
God Squad: Everyone is Canceled! 1:07:34

1y ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Find the full program online here — and meet The God Squad: https://tlh.villagesquare.us/event/canceled/. We’re living in a time when a bad choice of words (much less a deeply held countercultural opinion) can tank your career, in a media environment where some are doing a near-professional job of elevating being offensive to an art form—almost beg…

1
Creating the Firm of Tomorrow – Unity, Culture, and Engagement 44:12

1y ago44:12

44:12

In this episode, Jeremy Clopton and Heath Alloway discuss the challenges and strategies for building unity and a team-driven culture in accounting firms. They explore the impact of remote and hybrid work on firm culture and employee engagement. They emphasize the importance of intentional communication and connection in creating a positive work env…

1
Dr. Jonathan Haidt | After Babel: "The Fragmentation of Everything" 1:42:47

1y ago1:42:47

1:42:47

We wanted you wonderful SquareCast listeners to know that we didn't plan for this episode to drop on Leap Day and we didn't plan on it being (we kid you not) Episode 100. But both things just happened. At the very least, we think that's a sign that you really ought to listen. Were we "the universe has a plan" maximalists, though, we'd say it means …

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