Dr. Shane Hudson, Director of the Texas A&M Laboratory for the Study of Intercollegiate Athletics, joins us to chat about the role of Sports and Athletics in the University.  There is so much attention given to budgets and costs and sports is often a large expenditure department of the University.  Why do Universities has sports?  We cover that topic (and more) in this podcast!

Today is the second video and audio-only rebroadcast from the 2013 Huffines Discussion.  Up today in our series is Hall of Fame Coach Mark Johnson.  Coach Johnsons's talk is titled: "Athletics as the Front Porch of the University: Why Athletics is Important to a University's Mission".

Former football coach, player, and media personality Lydia Dubuisson joins us in the podcast to talk sports marketing and football.  This is an interesting conversation that goes where you will least expect it to go. 

One of the continuing underlying topics in sports is the inclusion of a wide variety of individuals in sports, sports administration, and recreation.  Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, one of the national experts on Diversity Management in Sports, joins us in the podcast today.  This is a great conversation and is probably a bit different than you might think. 

Join us for an inspirational podcast with Mr. Jon Feinman, the founder and Director of InnerCity Weightlifting in Boston, Mass.  Using exercise and sports to promote positive social values is not new - but the courage and vision to directly take on violence and work to reduce violence through weightlifting is incredibly unusual.  Mr. Feinman takes us on a journey from his life as a soccer player to an inner city activist who is working to reduce gang violence through sports and exercise.

Dr. Susan Wagner - an expert in School Physical Education - joins us in the podcast today.  We talk extensively about the need for activity for kids, why school systems are abolishing PE and recess, and how these actions could be jeopardizing not only the kids' health but also their academic progress.  (Yes, students actually do better on tests when they're active.  Easiest way for schools to boost performance on academic tests - make sure that recess and PE are in the curriculum.  Are a...

Dr. Jon Welty-Peachy joins us today in the podcast to chat about the role of Sport in society development.  Dr. Welty-Peachy does work in using sport to reconnect the homeless back to society as well as using sport to promote World peace.  This is a broad-ranging and deep conversation about how we can use sport as a tool to develop individuals and society.

As school winds-down across the country - both college and high-school - many of our thoughts turn towards recruiting and sports that will be happening in the Fall.  Today we are pleased to have Mr. Zerick Rollins from A&M's Student Athlete Service department with us today to chat about how college student/athletes approach their studies and their sports.

Many students get their athletic experiences during their junior-high/high-school education.  Thus, providing safe, well-coached, and organized athletic programs in a public school setting is critical.  Our podcast guest today - 2013 National High School Athletic Director of the Year Kevin Ozee, from the Southlake Carroll Independent School District - knows a lot about this subject and takes time to chat with us about the challenges, rewards, and motivation for providing great athletic programs ...

This week's tragedy at the Boston Marathon have made many people question safety at large events like this.  We are fortunate to have one of the nation's leading emergency planners here at A&M in Mike Caruso.  Mr. Caruso works in our Athletic Department and conducts sports event emergency planning and training around the country. So join us today as we delve in the little-appreciated world of sports event emergency planning.  It is a great conversation!