Welcome to episode 142 of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast, where we explore the intersection of leadership, athletics, and education through the voices of those making a real difference in the lives of student-athletes.

Today’s episode brings a fresh perspective to the show—one from the whistle’s point of view.

We’re joined by Marcus Woods, a highly respected official at both the high school and collegiate levels. Marcus has worked some of the biggest games in the country—including a recent college football national championship—and he’s earned a reputation for professionalism, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes great officiating.

In this conversation, we dive into what makes officiating fun, what makes it challenging, and what athletic directors and coaches can do to create a better experience for officials. Marcus also shares what defines a great official, how top officials handle missed calls, and why officiating might be the perfect next step for former athletes, coaches, or anyone looking to stay involved in the game.

And for our coaches and ADs—Marcus offers powerful insight on what makes a coach great from the official’s perspective, and how leadership shows up on the sidelines.

Whether you’re looking to better support your officials, recruit new ones, or simply understand the game from a different angle, this episode delivers.

Here’s our conversation with veteran official Marcus Woods.

Welcome to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast, where we talk leadership, culture, and the journey through athletics with those who are making an impact in the world of sports and beyond.

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Alex Demczak—a former Division I quarterback at the University of Missouri who has since become a bestselling author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Alex co-wrote The Sale with Jon Gordon, a book that puts integrity at the center of personal and professional success. He’s also the author of Thrive U and The World Needs Your Book, and he’s helping others tell their stories through his company, Streamline Books.

In this conversation, we talk with Alex about the Four Laws of Integrity outlined in The Sale, the importance of mentorship, and what it truly means to be a high-performance leader. We also dive into practical strategies for encouraging others, the art of public speaking, and why integrity—not talent—is the real foundation for lasting success.

If you’re a coach, athletic director, or leader looking to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact, this episode is full of insight and inspiration. Let’s get to it—here’s our conversation with Alex Demczak.

Welcome back to another episode of the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast, where we sit down with athletic directors and leaders who are shaping the future of high school sports. Today, we’re excited to bring on someone who knows a thing or two about building championship-level programs—both on the field and in the front office.

We’re joined today by Jason Brett, the athletic director and assistant principal at Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. And yes, for those listening outside the Peach State—it’s HOW-ston, not Houston like the city in Texas.

Jason is a hometown product, originally from Perry, Georgia, and his journey through athletics is about as well-rounded as they come. From playing baseball at Valdosta State and in the Mets organization, to coaching at the collegiate level, to winning two state championships as the head baseball coach at Houston County—Jason has done it all. And now, he’s helping lead one of the top all-around athletic programs in the state.

We’re going to talk with Jason about that transition from coaching to administration, how to build standards that last, and what it means to lead with connection and consistency. So let’s settle in and get to know Coach Jason Brett.