The K.O. Influencers Podcast

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Dr. O. and Dr. K. engage in a serious, personal, and professional discussion of what it might take to move forward during this time of civil unrest and what we can do individually to make a difference at a local level.

Recorded just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak in North America, we speak with our first repeat guest! Just when you thought it was safe... Dr. Clancy Seymour rides again! This time it's all about him though. As Dr. Seymour relays, "excellence is a journey, not a destination!" We learn about his journey from rugby through playing Division I college hockey; from the Dean's office to admissions, academic advising, coaching the Ice Griffs, faculty member, President of the New York State professional organization for physical educators and the #naturalhattrick. Learn how physical education has changed and the importance of passion, experience and reflection to success. 

What would you do if at 18 years old you were offered $500K, on the job training from experts in your hopeful field, and a college scholarship? This NBA G-League experiment is paying dividends, especially in light of the global pandemic.  The signing of two 5-star HS hoops recruits, including the #1 recruit, to the G-League is flashing before the NCAA's eyes.  Better get moving y'all, the sports world is changing!

Join Drs. O'Rourke and Kozlowski on a timely and socially distant international discussion about how the COVID-19 Pandemic is impacting college sport.  From the cancellation of seasons & championships, to the financial & student athlete eligibility waves that are being felt across college athletic programs big and small.  What we are seeing is an evolving domino effect with no end in sight.  Stay tuned for more to come!

Join us as we talk with Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Canisius College.  A first generation college student who was a product of the Buffalo Public School System, Fatima's path led her to a career in Higher Education.  We discuss the culture shock of moving away from a diverse upbringing in Buffalo, to both affluent and rural college towns in New York and finally her return to Canisius on Buffalo's East Side.  Fatima discusses the changes in Higher Education she has witnessed and her sage advice to recognize when you need to get out of your own way.

Join us as we welcome Mr. February himself, Buffalo Fire Dept. Capt. Sean Eagen @seaneagen from the Ladder 7 "Roof Rats". Hear about his life lessons and the fact that "the process is part of the test" of life.  Capt. Eagen discusses the importance of developing a circle of influence outside of your geographic area and how virtual groups can extend your reach and the scope of your profession.  The self-proclaimed Master of Old Sayings has a ton to add to our Leadership Library including the value of your outside people, the benefit of reaching out and the power of accountability.  Ask yourself, do you know who you're influencing?

Institutionalized Cheating, where everyone has a role. The K.O. Influencers are joined by Dr. Greg Reeds, Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology and expert in Sport Psychology as we "bang the can" on how cheating has changed sport.  In light of the recent Houston Astro's scandal, we discuss the effects of US Postal, Deflategate, Ben Johnson, the MLB Steroid Era and more on sport.  Why do they cheat?  Is the money too big in our time? As sport reveals character, and simpler times revealed simpler cheats, technology introduces high-tech cheats. Yet, when is technology acceptable (bike design, sideline radio communication) and when is it not (swim skin suits, Nike Vaporfly)?  Join us on this journey into the cheating "box of chocolates!"

Head coach Trevor Large of the Canisius College Ice Griffs joins us on this episode.  Coach Large is all about developing leadership in his athletes and himself.  We talk about how he develops his own passions in life, hockey and mentorship and the value of Brene Brown's work.  Hear what it takes to be a captain, the importance of vulnerability and why leadership is lonely. Be sure to listen and give yourself the win!

In this episode we talk all things Youth Sports. When the goal seems to be a college scholarship or higher, what is the cost of youth sport to the family? (It's more $$ than you think!) What does it cost our kids in terms of injury?  What about the social justice issue that most sport participation is only available to those financially capable of paying high fees and thereby reduces access to physical activity? How did the family vacation turn into the "Tourney-cation"?  All this and more with our special guest, "The Coach," Dr. Clancy Seymour, current Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Canisius College but also father of 4, former collegiate athlete , and collegiate ice hockey coach.

What does it take to go to school to be a Physician Assistant? From center stage to showers and shoe polish to medicine, join us as we have a great discussion with Aimee Larson, Director of PA Studies at Canisius.  What does it mean to give "thoughtful" service, and why should you hire or admit a veteran? We also discuss the importance of humility, empathy and holistic primary care medicine.

Wow!  Have we got a show for you!  Listen to the start of the story of Canisus College Head Men's Basketball Coach Reggie Witherspoon.  His basketball lineage runs through names like Naismith, Jack Ramsay, Jim Beilein, Bob Lanier, Jim Barron, Jeff Capel, Jim O'Brien and more. Including storied basketball programs of North Carolina, Indiana, Alabama and his ties to future NBA stars and coaching with USA Basketball.Hear how Coach "Spoon's" legacy lives on in his players and his idea of "unselfish vision".  What a great conversation and even better story! 

Getting to know Head Women's Volleyball Coach and adjunct instructor in the Sports Management Program, Lenika Vazquez. Learn about how Lenika uses her experiences at City Honors High School, Southern Illinois, Butler and Chicago State to coach with a sense of sisterhood, empowerment, flexibility and love.  Her experiences with the US Marines and her philosophy of "stay humble, stay hungry" help guide her leadership style to "own the successes we have had to create a legacy." Learn about the evolution of the sport of volleyball, the growth of the game, "Power 30s" and what it means when you have to learn a new skill to stay current in your profession.  Ultimately - it's about the POWER OF THE FROZEN YOGURT!

Get ready for some "thumb-stopping content" here! Matt Lozar from the Haley Marketing Group may be considered a Greatest Hits Guy but in this episode we learn how you develop new business prospects, the importance of being able to write and more importantly who 5 year olds root for in college football.  We talk about transferable skills you need when switching careers and the importance of your Personal Brand and a strong work ethic.  Matt is also bringing the Healthy Kids Running Series to WNY. Join us in discussing why a lion doesn't roar after it kills...

On this episode we get to spend an amazing hour with Judi Caserta, Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations at Canisius College and learn why "everybody wants to have #GriffinDNA".  Judi has been at Canisius since 1976 and join us to talk about the objectivity of numbers, the changes she has seen in the NCAA, including the costs (HINT: Become a college sports official!), and what can be done with an Adidas shoe box of receipts.  You'll learn about the first lease at "The Aud", what Joe Carter, Steve Tasker, Al Leiter's no-hitter and a full-length fur coat have in common.  Also answer the question, "What can you do in 1 minute, 8 seconds?"  Its a great ride on this episode!

On this episode we sit down with the ever-energetic and passionate Director of Sports Performance at Canisius College, Mike Guzda. Join us as he talks about creating a culture in his facility, his relation to the Terrell Buckley, the NFL, his past Bearcat life and the snatch.  Life's a journey and Mike has the pedal to the metal - and he'll proudly tell you what is on his mind!  Great tips for current and young professionals alike.

The son of an Irish immigrant, from the end of the bench in "The City" (unless we ask his wife...) to leading Campus Ministry at Canisius College, in this episode we get to catch up with author, sports-fan and retreat leader extraordinaire Mike Hayes!  Lots of good info on "Loving Work" which also happens to be the title of one of Mike's books. Give a listen!

Who knew?!? This episode is dedicated to getting to know The K.O. Influencers Podcast host Dr. Shawn O'Rourke.  From the tobacco fields of Tillsonburg, Ontario to Sport Management and Sport Administration Program Director at Canisius College.  Learn about the roll of a competitive drive and enthusiasm for all you do in life, and why Canisius College is soon to be headed to the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament!  Plus, where your GPA fits into the whole story... (or does it?).  Join the ride and avoid the back ache!

Welcome to the start of a whole new adventure!  On this first episode we talk about the path we will all travel together. We jump right in and learn about one of your hosts - Dr. Karl Kozlowski!  From ramblings on his start in Black Rock to finishing his education with a PhD to getting kicked out of Indiana University's Assembly Hall.  You'll learn a lot "after a pint or four."  We'll also talk about Dr. O's knowledge nuggets on "necessary endings" and how to be a successful cross-country runner.