The Auction Advocate

To begin a new season of The Auction Advocate, host Taven Wohlford sits down with newly installed National Auction Association President Mike Fisher and Vice President T. Kyle Swicegood for a wide-ranging look at the state of the auction industry.

Together, they discuss the changes shaping the profession, the strength of the auction community and how professionals can turn NAA membership into meaningful relationships, greater credibility, continued education and new business opportunities.

Mike and Kyle also reflect on their paths into leadership, the people who helped them find their place in the industry, and what they hope to accomplish during the year ahead.

Learn more about the National Auction Association at auctioneers.org!

National Auction Association’s Taven Wohlford sits down with the 2025 International Auctioneer Championship Champions Abbey Schmid and Tanner Roberts for a conversation centered around the journey to auctioneering’s biggest stage. From growing up in the industry to handling the pressure of IAC Friday, Abbey and Tanner share insights on preparation, mentorship, authenticity, competition nerves, and what truly separates strong competitors from champions. Plus, the champs get thrown right back into the pressure with a brand-new game, The Blindside Sell, where they must pitch some truly unexpected items with zero preparation. Whether you’re preparing for IAC or simply love the auction industry, this episode offers a real look into the minds of two champions who care deeply about the profession and the people in it.

The National Auction Association's Certified Auctioneers Institute turns 50 years old in 2026, and on this episode of The Auction Advocate, we’re taking a deep dive into the program that has helped shape leaders across the auction industry.

Host Taven Wohlford sits down with John Schultz, CAI, AMM, and Taylor Kent, CAI, members of the 2025 graduating class, to talk through the full CAI experience. From the multi-year structure and business-focused curriculum to the projects, relationships, and real-world impact, this conversation goes beyond the surface to explore what makes CAI the gold standard of auction education.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in Bloomington each summer, or if CAI is worth the commitment, this episode breaks it down.

National Auction Association's Marketing & Digital Media Manager and host of The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, sits down with two women whose work spans fundraising, estates, livestock, real estate, and state leadership.

Carol Miller, CAI, BAS, and Suzannah Underwood, BAS, bring different paths and perspectives together in a conversation about building credibility, finding your niche, leading with confidence, and why experience still matters in a changing auction industry. This episode isn’t about comparisons. It’s about expertise, leadership, and the people shaping the future of auctions every day.

National Auction Association’s Marketing & Digital Media Manager and host of The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, talks with three leaders at the center of the NAA Marketing Competition: Susan Campbell from the American Marketing Association of Kansas City, 2025 Campaign of the Year winner Braden McCurdy CAI, AARE, AMM, and Marketing Competition Task Force Chair John John Genovese CAI, AMM, BAS.

They share what makes strong auction marketing, how judging works, what trends to watch in 2026, and how to get your submissions ready for January. Tune in for a fun and practical conversation designed to help auction professionals enter the competition with confidence and take their daily marketing efforts to new heights.

If you hear a few email chimes in the background…consider it the most realistic behind-the-scenes look at how busy marketing professionals really are. 

National Auction Association's Marketing & Digital Media Manager and your host for The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, sits down with Mike Jones, CAI, BAS, GPPA, to talk about his work leading America’s Auction Academy and World Wide College of Auctioneering — two auction schools shaping tomorrow’s auction professionals. Then, 2024 and 2025 International Junior Auctioneer Champions Caleb Taylor and Ellie Ratliff join the conversation to share their stories and advice for young people looking to get started in the industry. It’s a fun, insightful look at where passion meets opportunity — and how early that spark can begin.

National Auction Association's Public Relations & Marketing Specialist and your host for The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, speaks with newly installed NAA CEO Allison Mazzei. Covering everything from her business background to her NAA priorities to her love for the Muppets, get to know Allison in a whole new way!

National Auction Association's Public Relations & Marketing Specialist and your host for The Auction Advocate, Taven Wohlford, speaks with newly installed NAA President Morgan Hopson, CAI, and Vice President Mike Fisher, CAI, AARE, AMM, BAS, CES, GPPA, about their shared vision for the auction industry's future as it begins today. 

Thank you to BidPath for sponsoring a portion of this month's episode. 

National Auction Association's Taven Wohlford sits down with the 2024 International Auctioneer Championship Champions Marcela Davila Diez-Gutierrez, CAI, and Shane McCarrell, CAI, AARE, BAS, CES, live at the NAA's 76th annual Conference & Show. Attendees of this live recording offered up questions for our champions, who were able to share insights on what it takes to take your IAC game to the next level. Thank you to Bidpath for sponsoring a portion of this episode. 

Time to shine those belt buckles and Git-R-Done! National Auction Association's Taven Wohlford speaks with Trey Morris, CAI, BAS, CAS, about his time with Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. Then, Wade Leist, 2024 Livestock Marketing Association World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, sits down to talk about the world of livestock auctions.