There are fees associated with all of our kids activities. This is nothing new. But, they are getting expensive and now some parents are questioning them.

I am not saying pay them blindly, please, question them. But, let's ask the right questions. This episode is the first in a series of coming episodes where we will talk about band fees and all the other fees associated with the stuff our kids love to do.

Please follow the show to catch them all.

It sounds so simple... Belonging. Of course we belong, right? Somewhere? It's not really that big of a deal... is it?

This is one of those topics that we just don't address often enough inside of these programs. We all want to belong to the room... Are we making that an accessible thing for them?

In this episode, I wander around a bit, but, the point is, we want to belong and that belonging is indeed an intentional act. Are we creating an environment where belonging can actually happen?

I said that when it was needed, I would bring back the Rest Stops. I feel that this is the perfect time as many of us are now officially starting our seasons.

Some of you parents are experiencing the first Friday Night Iights... And some of you are experiencing the First Last of the season...

Either way, come take a rest stop with me, let's take some grounding breaths together, and walk into that stadium ready to watch our kids grow.

Ouch... Ok. Let me explain. We have spent a lot of time here working through this whole "No one wants to volunteer anymore" mess. And it is a mess, I know... But, maybe we have been considering the wrong value proposition the entire time...

Maybe... Just maybe... Your presented volunteer opportunities just happen to suck. Maybe, no one wants to actually do them!

It's not apathy, it's not laziness... I mean, maybe it is, but, what if it is just a very real human behavior of "No... I just don't want to do that."? And I am not talking about volunteering in general... what if the roadblock really is as simple as, "I don't want to do that specific thing.."?

Let's talk about that in this episode. And bring me your questions about volunteering. I am living this right now as a parent on the outside of an organization in the same town as an organization that I chair inside of the arts... Same demographic, same overlapping parents, same issues...

Follow the show and follow out socials. That is what helps this thing get into the ears of those who need the help. Let's raise the bar, together.

So, you saw Dinosaur Rant #1 most likely. I mean, over 100,000 of you did. Then I posted again in response... And now, I did what any level headed podcast producer does and I responded verbally.

I recorded this, edited it, prepared to upload it, and while it was exporting, I found a couple dudes who believe what I do about this subject matter and reached out. So... Here we go.

Let's gather around the campfire because we have some shit to talk about.

I struggled with this. I don't like being vulnerable in public. I listened to this multiple times and almost just deleted it. I also recorded this over a week ago and say on it... Which is why there has been a stall in my production of episodes here.

But, even though this story has a lot to do with ME, I realized that what I was explaining was something MANY of us in the activity have felp.

So, I am releasing it.

Be sure to follow along for more like this and also for the important information you need as an adult supporting these programs. That is the goal after all - to help the adults become the supporters our kids in these activities deserve.

What does it feel like to wear the uniform of a legendary program?

Whether your jacket says Avon, Carmel, Broken Arrow, Blue Devils, Bluecoats, or the name of a small hometown band working toward its own legacy, every student eventually faces the same question:

"Can I live up to the expectations that came before me?"

In this listener-requested episode, we explore the emotional weight of tradition, why excellence is built through culture instead of trophies, how resources and reputation shape opportunity, and why judging in the marching arts will always remain beautifully human.

More importantly, we ask an even bigger question...

How do we protect the kids who have been asked to carry the legacy?

This conversation isn't really about marching band.

It's about leadership.

It's about stewardship.

It's about culture.

And it's about helping the adults around young people become the leaders those young people deserve.

What if the problem isn't that people don't want to help...

What if they were simply never invited?

In this episode, we explore one of the biggest misconceptions in volunteer organizations. The issue isn't a lack of willing people - it's a lack of intentional connection. We talk about the quiet parent in the back of the room, the hidden talents sitting unnoticed in the stands, and why discovering people is far more important than recruiting volunteers.

If you've ever wondered why your board struggles to grow, why new families don't seem to engage, or why leadership feels so exhausting, this conversation is for you.

Because culture doesn't happen by accident.

It happens one invitation at a time.

In this episode:

• Why "nobody wants to volunteer" is usually the wrong conclusion
• The difference between recruiting and inviting
• Why relationships always come before responsibility
• How great organizations uncover hidden talent
• Practical ways to create a culture people want to belong to

If this episode resonates with you, share it with your board, your director, or another parent who cares deeply about your students.

Together, we can build stronger organizations by helping the adults around young people become the leaders those young people deserve.

Look... I never expected this response to the content that I produce. But, I do react to what you all tell me. I am human, and I have emotions... This is fine arts. It just comes with the territory...

But, it was the students responses that drove this short episode.

It's important. Give it a listen. It is my letter to you all.

Our goal here is to help raise amazing human beings, and you are all in the epicenter of that mission.

Follow for more.

This was a great conversation I had with fundraiser Charlie Rankin from Florida. A former band director turned fundraiser gives him an excellent perspective on what works and what doesnt... And in this conversation, you will discover some things you may not have even considered.

Follow along for more in this series.