The ATO Show

Host Wynn Smiley sits down with behavioral designer and best-selling author Nir Eyal to unpack the keys to managing distraction and building life-enhancing habits. Together, they explore the profound impact of fraternity life, the nature of social connections, and the importance of developing meaningful relationships during college years.

**Highlights:**

- **Fraternity Life and Social Connections**:

- Wynn and Nir highlight the lifelong benefits of fraternity friendships and the essential role of social networks in combating loneliness among men.

- **Psychology of Distraction**:

- Nir Eyal delves into the psychological underpinnings of distraction, arguing that internal triggers like boredom and anxiety are largely to blame rather than just external factors such as phones and social media.

- Eyal introduces actionable strategies to manage distractions, including mastering internal triggers, prioritizing time for traction, hacking back external triggers, and using pre-commitment pacts.

- **Technological Optimism**:

- Despite common negative perceptions, Eyal shares his positive outlook on technological advancements. He recommends Hans Rosling's book "Factfulness" for a balanced understanding of global progress.

- **Role of Routine and Time Management**:

- Emphasizing the importance of routines over habits, Eyal suggests using a time-boxing method to structure one's day effectively, thereby fostering greater focus and productivity.

- **Impact on Youth**:

- Discussion focuses on the importance of psychological nutrients like competency, autonomy, and relatedness for children's well-being, advocating for the benefits of free play and less regimented schedules for kids.

- **Personal Connection to ATO**:

- Nir shares how his membership in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity at Emory University has supported his personal and professional growth, including fostering projects like Emory Reads.

**Contact Nir Eyal**:

- Visit nirandfar.com to learn more and access Nir's latest book, "How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life."

In this episode of The ATO Show, we chat with Dennis Boyd, DePauw '78, about how he's successfully opened and sold several bond trading firms, investment funds and most recently a dog food business.

We get into the power of ATO's leadership training and how it gave Boyd the confidence to be an entrepreneur.

At the 86th ATO Congress in Tucson, Alpha Tau Omega honored this year's Thomas Arkle Clark honoree and National Presidents Award recipient.

In this episode, we get to hear their remarks and a bit about what is so impressive about these two ATOs. Grant Hershbine and Comforted Keen are two ATOs we could all learn a lot from.

In this history-focused episode of The ATO Show, host Wynn Smiley delves into the early history of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity with archivist Deborah Walters from the University of Illinois.

As the fraternity's 86th Congress approaches, they explore the significance of the first few ATO congresses, starting with the inaugural congress in 1870. Walters sheds light on how founder Otis Allan Glazebrook's forward-thinking vision led to a truly national fraternity.

The conversation highlights the fraternity's rocky years in the 1870s and the critical role played by Joseph R. Anderson, known as the second founder, in revitalizing ATO.

Filled with intriguing historical anecdotes and insights into ATO’s foundational principles, this episode offers a captivating look at the fraternity's evolution and enduring legacy.

ATO Show Host Wynn Smiley sits down with Missouri ATO Alumnus Phil Bender. Bender has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry, but that barely

Wynn Smiley speaks with Kyle Jackson, chief of staff for Congressman Larry Bucshon, about his transition from fraternity life to a career on Capitol Hill.

Jackson reflects on his time with ATO at Texas Tech, citing the fraternity's historical roots and leadership opportunities as pivotal in his development. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding others, teamwork, and learning from setbacks—skills that have proved vital in his professional journey.

Jackson offers valuable advice for undergraduates and those pursuing political careers, stressing the benefits of leadership programs, internships, and showcasing leadership capabilities.

The conversation also covers the fast-paced nature of work in Washington, the impact of social media on Capitol Hill, and the relationship-based culture of the town. Jackson discusses managing both Washington and Indiana operations, and how the pandemic has strained congressional relationships.

This episode is rich with practical advice, historical perspectives, and personal anecdotes, making it essential listening for aspiring leaders and political enthusiasts.

ATO CEO Wynn Smiley catches up with Jim Perry, a DePauw alumnus and the Sales and Marketing Director for the Indiana Sports Corporation. Jim dives into the behind-the-scenes action of organizing the USA Swimming Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, juggling everything from ticket sales to building temporary pools. He also reflects on his previous role with ESPN’s high school sports coverage, including working with athletes like Bronny James. Jim shares how his ATO fraternity experience played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Tune in for a mix of sports insights, career advice, and fraternity talk.

This is The ATO Show. In today's episode, host Wynn Smiley dives into a thought-provoking conversation with guest, RJ Taylor, CEO of Phired Up. Taylor’s company is dedicated to transforming how college fraternities and sororities connect with students, but he has a personal passion for creating community at large.

Taylor recounts his incredible journey, including a year-long global adventure with his wife, partnering with organizations in 11 different countries. From teaching English to community rehabilitation, and while living in conditions ranging from tents to local homes, Taylor’s experiences have deeply impacted his views on community and belonging.

We'll explore how these global insights parallel the camaraderie found in fraternity life and discover why fostering genuine relationships is more crucial than ever, especially considering today’s mental health challenges and shifting recruitment trends on campus.

Everything in Taylor’s life is some variation of gathering people together, building genuine relationships, and helping create places of community where people can thrive. Hear all about it in this episode.

Welcome to The ATO Show.

Today, we're diving into the powerful impact of serving as a leadership consultant with ATO. Join us as we hear personal testimonies from former consultants, Sam Satterfield, David Busshart, and Michael Millard, who share their transformative experiences.

From gaining unparalleled leadership skills and self-reliance to influencing their professional paths and achieving remarkable growth, our guests detail how their time with ATO equipped them for a variety of challenging roles in the real world, from politics to senior corporate positions.

Join us as Howe Wallace, a former ATO National President and current CEO of the nation’s largest new pallet manufacturing company, shares his journey from ATO Undergraduate to leading a major corporation.

He’ll discuss the skills and values that fraternities can instill – from leadership to generosity – and why these are more relevant than ever in today’s society.

We'll also explore Howe's unique insights into the pallet industry and how his fraternity experience influenced his professional ethos and hiring practices.

From personal challenges to community impact, this episode unpacks the lifelong benefits of engaging with fraternities like ATO and how these communities strive to make a meaningful difference.