In this episode, Lisa, Dave, and Mike discuss:

• How career direction and college major alignment influence scholarship success
• The role of personal narrative and authenticity in admissions and financial aid
• Strategies for early scholarship searching and intentional college preparation
• How real-world experiences and self-awareness shape stronger college and scholarship applications

Key Takeaways: 

• When applying for scholarships, students with a clear personal narrative tied to their future major consistently outperform those who list achievements without direction.
• Most universities factor “fit to major” (FTM) into admissions and aid decisions, with some high-demand majors (like nursing or computer science) closed to later transfers.
• Starting early—in both scholarship applications and career exploration—reduces stress, expands opportunities, and allows time for authentic experiences that strengthen applications.
• Real-world experiences, like internships or organizing community projects, not only clarify interests but also provide concrete material for compelling essays and scholarship submissions.

 
“Students that I’ve worked with, even when they’re applying to general scholarships, are still having success by having that personal narrative that relates to their future college major.” – Dave Peterson

“Authenticity should inform every aspect of the admissions process.” – Mike Bergin

About our Guests:
Dave Peterson is the founder of Scholarship GPS, a leading scholarship strategist. 

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast

Mike Bergin is the founder of Chariot Learning, an ACT Certified Educator, and co-host of the Tests and the Rest podcast. 

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Podcast

Episode References:

• Download a Sample Birkman Report
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form
• Lisa’s Launch Career Clarity online course 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Anita discuss:

• The growing trend of students choosing business as a “default” or undecided major
• The value of real-world work experiences for high school and college students exploring business
• What competitive business school admissions officers truly look for beyond academics
• How reflection, course choices, and extracurriculars shape clarity and college readiness for business majors

Key Takeaways: 

• Students should pursue any kind of job or small business experience—from babysitting to retail—to build basic professional and business skills early.
• Reflection on experiences is essential for college essays and interviews; students who articulate what they learned stand out more than those who list achievements.
• Highly selective programs expect applicants to demonstrate problem-solving and awareness of real-world, local business issues, not just academic excellence.
• Choosing challenging coursework like Calculus and exploring available business electives in high school can strengthen both preparedness and application competitiveness.

 
“What I see from a lot of students is that what helps them get away from being undecided is actually those real-world experiences, whether it's in the summer or after school.” – Anita Doddi

About Anita Doddi: Anita has spent her career helping students get where they’re trying to go, beginning with her early days as an academic adviser at the University of Chicago. She’s guided hundreds of students through admissions, with many accepted to top universities, including the University of Michigan, Cornell, UPenn, Columbia, and all the UC schools.

Episode References:

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike-ebook/dp/B0176M1A44
• Explore the Flourish Coaching “Majors” Resource to access the spreadsheet, sample email, and video guide at flourishcoachingco.com/majors
• #185 From “Little Jobs” to Big Wins: Internship Strategies That Work with Ramon Santillan: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/185-from-little-jobs-to-big-wins-internship-strategies-that-work-with-ramon-santillan/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Anita:
Website: https://collegewise.com/counselors/anita-doddi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-doddi-26949062/ 

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Christine discuss:

• Shifting hiring timelines and employer decision-making in today’s job market
• Growing importance of skills-based hiring and micro-internships
• Influence of artificial intelligence on entry-level roles and required skills
• Continued power of networking and accessing the hidden job market

Key Takeaways: 

• The average job search now takes three to six months, as companies add more interview rounds and assessments before extending offers.
• Skills-first hiring means candidates should highlight real-world experiences—like micro-internships, portfolios, and certifications—not just degrees.
• AI is reshaping entry-level work, with 78% of hiring managers expecting AI-driven layoffs, but it is also creating new roles in data analysis and AI integration; learners should take AI courses (free or paid) and demonstrate use cases in portfolios.
• Over 70% of jobs are never posted publicly, making networking and referrals through LinkedIn or family connections essential to finding opportunities.

 
“Show, don’t tell, and proof beats promises.” – Christine Rigby-Hall

About Christine Rigby-Hall: Christine Rigby-Hall is the founder of GradLanding, a career coaching practice that helps college students and early career professionals secure internships and launch into the job market with confidence.

Christine also partners closely with parents, helping them understand the hiring landscape and how to support their student without adding pressure. Her approach blends practical strategies with encouragement, giving young professionals the skills and confidence to stand out in a competitive market.

She holds a Master’s in Counseling from Springfield College and a Coaching Certification from Columbia University.

Episode References:

• Build a standout LinkedIn profile that gets noticed—grab your free LinkedIn Profile Builder at flourishcoachingco.com/LinkedIn

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Christine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradlanding/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradLanding

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/GradLanding/100095337640629/

Website: https://www.gradlanding.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemsnyder & https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradlanding/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Brooke discuss:

• The role of modern manners in building confidence and career readiness
• How social, physical, and relationship etiquette shape professional connections
• Strategies for networking, job shadows, and informational interviews
• The influence of parents, mentors, and micro-habits in developing these skills

Key Takeaways: 

• Students should use simple conversation techniques—like making an observation and asking a question, or “throwing the ball back”—to create natural, balanced dialogue.
• First impressions matter: attire, language, and physical manners (handshake, eye contact, putting away your phone, appropriate clothing) often determine how seriously others take you.
• Adults are more likely to grant favors and mentorship opportunities to teens and young adults than older people, making this the ideal stage of life to ask for informational interviews, job shadows, or introductions.
• Parents and mentors should approach teaching manners with a growth mindset, praising progress, modeling skills, and helping young people practice consistently until they feel natural.

 
“Physical manners can go a long way, and oftentimes they’re not noticed until they’re not done.” – Brooke Romney

About Brooke Romney: Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker, and community builder who is committed to sharing real life with a hopeful twist.

She is the best-selling author of four books: 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, Volumes 1 and 2, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, and I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection, and Christ.

She recently launched a new game, Do You Even Know Me?, to help families connect and have fun together.

Meaningful connection with family, friends, strangers, and God is where she finds purpose and joy.

Episode References:

• Grab the free LinkedIn Profile Guide at flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin to help your student create a standout profile and start building their network with confidence.

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Brooke:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-romney-9724a2100/
Website: https://brookeromney.com/welcome/

Shopify: https://082dc6.myshopify.com/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brooke-Romney/author/B08L8WQN6C

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa, Dr. Gangelhoff, Dr. Alaina, and Melissa discuss:

• Shifts in the music industry and its evolving future
• Educational pathways for aspiring musicians
• Building independence, resilience, and clarity for young creatives
• Family roles and perspectives in supporting artistic career choices

Key Takeaways: 

• Parents’ fears often stem from only imagining extremes—either starving artists or Grammy winners—yet most successful musicians build stable, thriving lives between those two points.
• Gap years can be powerful when structured with clear goals and intentionality, but they risk becoming wasted time if the expectations of the student and their parent aren’t aligned.
• Modern musicians must learn to independently create, release, network, and generate income streams before labels or gatekeepers will take notice.
• Many college music programs lag behind industry realities, leaving students to seek entrepreneurial, production, and tech skills elsewhere to stay competitive.

 
“The thing that is always going to be in demand is creativity, interpretation, and emotion, and AI can't replace all of that, and artists have all of those things.” – Dr. Christine Gangelhoff

“Sometimes the parents’ reason for thinking about a gap year, or the child’s reason for bringing it up, may not be aligned, and that’s when you get that messy kind of wasted year.” – Dr. Alaina Johnson

“The more we train our young adults and our young musicians to be entrepreneurial, creative problem solvers, the better they will be in this ever-changing industry.” – Melissa Mulligan

About our Guests:

• Dr. Christine Gangelhoff 
  • Website: https://mysoundpath.com/
  • LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/christine-gangelhoff-4b89b324
• Dr. Alaina Johnson
  • Website: https://parentingtalent.com/
• Melissa Mulligan
  • Website: https://www.mastermindroad.com/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mulligan-3ab018142/

Episode References:

• How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Ilana discuss:

• Mother-daughter dynamics in shaping career confidence and identity
• The unconscious transmission of attitudes about work, relationships, and self-worth
• Navigating the tension between supporting and controlling children’s career paths
• The role of self-awareness and open conversation in healthy career development

Key Takeaways: 

• Daughters absorb far more from how mothers navigate work, relationships, and confidence than from the advice they are given outright.
• Holding too tightly to a fixed idea of who a daughter should become can quietly undermine her ability to build true career confidence.
• Paying attention to the language you use about your job and your life helps prevent unintentional patterns of negativity or self-doubt from passing on to your children.
• Sharing the full, unpolished story of your own career choices—including pivots, regrets, and proud moments—gives your child permission to make different decisions without guilt.

“The real trick is for daughters and for us to recognize our own strengths and weaknesses and separate ourselves enough from mom that we could see ourselves.” – Ilana Levitt

Episode References:

• Download a Sample Birkman Report: https://flourishcoachingco.com/birkman
• Sample The Seven Stories Exercise: https://careercenter.lehigh.edu/sites/careercenter.lehigh.edu/files/Seven%20Stories%20Exercise.pdf
• New York Times: 25 Questions to Bring You Closer to Your Mom: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/05/09/well/mothers-day-questions.html

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Ilana:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsmomthebook/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatsmomthebook/
Book: What's Mom Still Got To Do With It?: https://www.whatsmomthebook.com/
Take the quick quiz to find out which daughter type from What’s Mom Still Got To Do With It? fits you best!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanatolpinlevitt/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Dave discuss:

• Strategies for applying to scholarships throughout all four years of high school
• Building and refining a personal narrative that connects past experiences to future goals
• The role of family involvement and culture in long-term scholarship success
• National, local, and organizational scholarship opportunities are available at different grade levels

Key Takeaways: 

• Students should begin applying for scholarships as early as freshman year, even if it’s only one every other month, to gain experience and confidence.
• Juniors should focus on refining their personal narrative while taking advantage of exclusive, high-value scholarships that become available only in 11th grade.
• Seniors benefit from applying to both large national scholarships and smaller local ones, since the practice alone increases their success rate.
• Families should create a culture of consistent scholarship preparation by keeping resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and application databases updated after milestones.

 
“Students with the strongest personal narrative won the most scholarships… the students whose parents were involved in the process also won more scholarships.” – Dave Peterson

Episode References:

• #128 Winning College Scholarships: Expert Tips with Dave The Scholarship Coach
• #161 Boost Your Teen’s Personal Narrative Before Applications with Dave Peterson
• #169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark
• Learn about Dave’s Scholarship Course and get the FREE preview here
• Download the detailed scholarship timeline organized by grade level

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Dave:
Twitter: https://x.com/DaveTheScholar1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080949485476
Email: [email protected]
The Scholarship GPS Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scholarship-gps-podcast-your-directions-to-a/id1617874078

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa, Dr. Corbin, and Catie discuss:

• Mentorship as a driver of growth and opportunity
• The mutual responsibilities within mentor–mentee relationships
• Early guidance shaping confidence and career direction
• Paying forward lessons learned through mentoring others

Key Takeaways: 

• Mentorship offers students personalized support, creating opportunities that money alone cannot provide.
• Advocating for oneself and asking for help early—whether in high school classrooms or college —can build the confidence needed to persist in challenging subjects.
• Successful mentorship is not about rigid schedules but about mentees taking initiative, showing preparedness, and seeking guidance when it’s most needed.
• Recognition can follow when students demonstrate leadership by mentoring younger peers, developing rigorous learning systems, and fostering strong academic communities.

“If you're a scientist in the STEM field, and you've never mentored anybody… I promise that any effort and time you spend mentoring will be rewarding, both for your mentee and for you.” – Dr. Karen Corbin
“Mentorship has always been a really important aspect of my life, and I do think something I'm very good at is advocating for myself and asking for help.” – Catie Kean

About Dr. Karen Corbin and Catie Kean:
Dr. Karen Corbin is an Associate Investigator at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute. Since August 2024, she has mentored Catie Kean through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, supporting her academic journey and professional development.

Catie Kean is a 2024 Astronaut Scholar with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology. She earned an Honorable Mention for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and will begin her PhD in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder in August 2025.

Episode References:

• Explore more resources to support students’ growth and clarity by visiting the free tools 
• Join ASF’s Mentorship Program to support the newly announced 2025 Astronaut Scholars and help shape the future of science

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

Connect with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astroscholarfdn/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstroScholarFdn/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astronaut-scholarship-foundat

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and René discuss:

• The wide range of career opportunities available in aviation, beyond being a pilot
• The growing demand for aviation professionals due to industry growth and retirements
• Barriers and opportunities for women in aviation careers
• Ways for students and families to explore aviation early without costly commitments

Key Takeaways: 

• Over 1.5 million new jobs are expected to be added to the aviation industry in the next decade, spanning roles from pilots and mechanics to drone specialists and meteorologists, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the cockpit.
• With 80% of mechanics and 20% of airline pilots expected to retire in the next 10 years, the industry faces an urgent need for new talent and massive knowledge transfer to keep operations safe and sustainable.
• Aviation mechanics, who can enter the field through associate’s degrees or trade programs, often start at $70,000–$80,000 a year and can grow into six-figure salaries, offering a strong career path without requiring a costly four-year college degree.
• Early exposure through programs like the EAA Young Eagles, discovery flights at local airports, and virtual career fairs provides teens and young adults with a low-cost, hands-on opportunity to determine if aviation sparks their passion before committing to a training pathway.

“One of the things that I notice about people who are successful in aviation is that they’re passionate about it. So I would say if you’re a person that wants something that you can be all in with… great choice.” – René Banglesdorf

Episode References:

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• Young Eagles program (EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association): https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights
• #130 Pathway to Becoming a Pilot: Admissions and Career Insights with Penny Linsenmayer
• Rene’s podcast and aviation career opportunities are at flourishcoachingco.com/aviation 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 

flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with René:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renebanglesdorf/
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/renebanglesdorf/
Website: https://renebanglesdorf.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-banglesdorf-15bb8527/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Zack discuss:

• Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder
• The role of technology and social media in contributing to Gen Z anxiety
• Evidence-based treatment approaches, including exposure therapy
• Parenting strategies to support anxious teens without reinforcing fear

Key Takeaways: 

• Anxiety can be defined as an overestimation of threat and an underestimation of one’s ability to cope, and it becomes a disorder when it causes significant dysfunction in daily life.
• Technology use often serves as a “medication” for uncertainty, providing short-term relief but contributing to worsening anxiety, with research suggesting decreased youth alcohol use but no mental health improvement.
• Accommodations, such as parents completing tasks for anxious teens, can unintentionally reinforce fears; asking guiding questions helps youth build coping skills.
• Exposure therapy works by gradually confronting fears until they become manageable or are disproven, reducing avoidance and increasing confidence.

 
“Fear and anxiety have an incredibly important role to play in our lives. It’s not all bad. It’s not a negative emotion, but it is an emotion that requires some understanding and some skill to address.” – Zack Schafer

Episode References:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Generation-Rewiring-Childhood-Epidemic/dp/0593655036
• Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke: https://www.amazon.com/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence/dp/152474672X
• SPACE Treatment by Dr. Eli Lebowitz: https://www.spacetreatment.net/
• BePresent App: https://www.bepresentapp.com/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Zack:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountainvalleytreatmentcenter/
Website: https://mountainvalleytreatment.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schafer-a6026b108/
Fear Less Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co