On The Subject with Mike Vilardo

We are live in Durham with one of the fastest-rising leaders in college baseball, Duke Blue Devils head coach Cory Mascara. From being named 2023 Assistant Coach of the Year to taking over one of the premier programs in the country, Coach Mascara shares what it really takes to build a national championship contender and why winning goes far beyond the scoreboard. He walks through his journey from overlooked player to elite collegiate coach, his philosophy of growth, grit, and gratitude, and how Duke balances high academic standards with championship-level athletics. We dive into the realities of modern recruiting and the transfer portal, how he evaluates players, and why culture is not something you talk about but something you live every day. Coach Mascara also reflects on being part of the No. 1 team in the country, how adversity shapes championship DNA, and why his mission is bigger than baseball. For players, parents, and competitors chasing greatness in any arena, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, accountability, and building men who dominate life, not just the game.

In this week’s episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo, co-founder and CEO of Subject.com and Subject.ai, sits down with former Division I football player and former educator Tim Clary, a fellow McHenry County native now making waves in Austin. Together, they dive into everything from MLB salary caps and college football’s Heisman race to NIL, transfer portal chaos, coaching politics, and what it really takes to build (or rebuild) a winning program—on the field and in business.

It’s part sports talk, part life talk, part comedy, and fully aligned with the heart of this show: real people, real conversation, and a whole lot of insight into how education, athletics, and society shape each other.

Stay for the Chicago nostalgia, the hot takes, the Heisman predictions, and the candid behind-the-scenes look at college athlete life.

On this episode of On the Subject, CEO and co-founder Michael Vilardo welcomes repeat guest back Ana Romero (Chief of Staff, Subject AI) for a fast, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt convo. They finally explain the inside joke about “coastal elites,” talk candidly about Subject’s LA roots and upcoming Austin move, and debate sports vs. arts culture in schools. Michael shares the origin story of teaming up with co-founder Felix, a few hard-won hiring/leadership lessons (including the “pay for peace” mantra), and yes—the infamous Target chips & salsa saga. Plus, a genuine shoutout to the teachers and coaches who shape lives. Should Ana be a permanent co-host for Season 3? Drop a comment and let us know. Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and IG: @onthesubjectpodcast.

On this episode of On The Subject, host Michael Vilardo sits down with longtime friend and first-time guest Hayden Grant—aka CarSpex. Hayden’s a former D1 athlete turned solopreneur who built a faceless car-content brand and is now stepping in front of the camera. We get into the creator playbook: why consistency beats perfection, how a quick Kylie & Travis Bugatti clip went from 200 views to viral after a smart rebrand, why he shifted growth from TikTok to Facebook Reels, and how he uses AI to speed up captions, specs, and hashtags. They also debate what really counts as a “foreign” (and whether rappers define it), LA vs. San Diego vs. Austin for creators, the case for YouTube long-form, and why keeping content a **passion—not a paycheck—**still matters.

In this episode of On This Subject, host Michael Vilardo welcomes back returning guest Ana Romero—this time jokingly as the “backup plan.” What follows is anything but second-string: a candid, funny, and eye-opening conversation about the realities of teaching, the shift from education to startup life, why so many people live as “weekend warriors,” and the bigger systemic issues holding students and teachers back. From debates on books vs. video to the true value of Ivy League logos, Michael and Ana challenge traditional thinking, share personal stories, and spark a discussion about what it really means to disrupt education in 2024.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo, co-founder and CEO of Subject, sits down with Jamie Crandall, the youngest guest in the show’s history. From his roots in Madera to his pursuit of music at University High School, Jamie shares how his passion for the clarinet led him to county honor bands and a thriving academic path. He opens up about his dreams of attending an Ivy League university, becoming a cardiologist, and making an impact on the world—all while balancing rigorous academics and music. This inspiring conversation highlights the big vision, discipline, and gratitude of a remarkable student who is just getting started.

In this episode of On the Subject, host Michael Vilardo welcomes the show’s first-ever student guest—Leo Jimesanagnos , a gifted musician, dedicated scholar, and aspiring medical researcher. From performing violin in Fresno State’s youth orchestra and mariachi ensemble to pursuing a future in genetic research inspired by his own health journey, Leo shares how music, discipline, and gratitude have shaped his path. This inspiring conversation is a reminder of why On the Subject was created in the first place—to keep students at the heart of the conversation about innovation in education.

In this episode of On The Subject , CEO Michael Vilardo sits down with Jeffie Esparza Hickman—Superintendent and Principal of University High School in Fresno, CA. Together, they explore the transformative power of arts education, the impact of kindness in school culture, and how AI is reshaping the way teachers work. Plus, for the first time ever, we hear directly from students (following 3 episodes). From a 100% college-going rate to community-driven generosity, this episode showcases what happens when innovation meets heart in education.

In this episode of On the Subject, we sit down with Erin Collins, Director of Alternative Education at Bremen District 228 and proud leader of Delta Academy. From her early inspiration rooted in family to her relentless belief in connection before content, Erin shares what it means to lead with heart, adapt to a rapidly changing world, and show up for students who need it most. She opens up about the challenges and opportunities of teaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the role of technology in shaping learning, and why gratitude—and a good burger—go a long way.

In this episode of On the Subject, CEO Michael Vilardo sits down with Chicago native and North Lawndale College Prep (Chicago Public Schools) principal Kyera Bradley to explore how personal experience, community leadership, and raw authenticity shape her mission in education. From her roots in Lincoln Park to her innovative approach to student-first leadership, Kiara shares how representation, gratitude, and realness have helped her build a culture where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. This one is packed with passion—and a few surprise shout-outs.