College Is Fine, Everything's Fine

Many students head to college assuming the supports they had in high school will follow them. They often don’t. Sarah and Liz sit down with Elizabeth Hamlet, a learning disabilities consultant with more than 20 years in the field and author of Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities, to talk about how college accommodations actually work and what students can do to prepare.

Elizabeth explains why IEPs and 504 plans don’t carry over to college. She covers which accommodations students are most surprised to lose and why documentation requirements can change. She also makes the case that skills and strategies matter just as much as accommodations.

Resources mentioned:

• Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities by Elizabeth Hamlet
• Elizabeth’s free “Tools for College Students” resources, covering time management, the SQ3R reading strategy, highlighting, and goal setting

Dr. Alexis Redding — developmental psychologist at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of the new book on mental health in college — joins us to talk about what's actually changed for college students over the last 80 years, and what hasn't. Spoiler: not much has changed about the experience of feeling lost, lonely, and uncertain at 18-25. What's changed is the volume, thanks to social media turning private struggle into public comparison.

We dig into:

• Why our brains are "terrible historians" and how the peak-end rule reshapes how we remember our own hard years
• "Friend sickness" — the specific loneliness of being disconnected from people who know you well
• Why the "constellation of mentors" model is wrong, and what "mirror mentors" are instead
• How to actually talk to your kids (or your parents) about career uncertainty without it turning into advice-giving
• Why "live it forward, connect the dots backward" might be the most useful reframe for anyone who feels behind

In our second TWO TAKES episode, a mom and her college freshman talk about tracking, texting, and how much parents really need to know.

Ashley and Sarah met in seventh grade, so this one comes with some history. Ashley brings her son Carter — a rising sophomore at CU Boulder, an ROTC cadet, and a licensed private pilot who's already passed his instrument test. In Two Takes, we ask the parent and the student to answer the same set of questions. What happens if they disagree?

Well, it turns out that you get a pretty honest picture of what freshman year does to a family's communication habits. Ashley describes the moment tracking her son's every move stopped being reassuring and started fueling her anxiety, and how she recalibrated: "Before it was a stalking thing and now it's a safety thing." Carter, at six foot five, mostly forgets the app is on. Both agree that floundering socially for the first couple of weeks is normal — they independently rated it a 7 out of 10.

What they cover:

• Party details (0–10 scale): Carter says 6, Ashley says 4 — and she explains exactly where her line is
• Check-ins: Carter says once a week is plenty. Ashley says once or twice a day, or you don't love your mother
• Life360: A hard no from Carter, a "until they're forty" from Ashley
• Grades: Ashley wants full semester transparency, not test-by-test. Carter points out that monitoring adds stress without adding motivation — he's already invested
• Making friends: Why welcome week mattered more than the roommate, and why skipping Greek life didn't cost Carter a social life
• Expectations vs. reality: Classes were easier than expected, ROTC was harder, and the dorm was its own experience
• Money: Liz names it as the number one thing parents and college students fight about, and Ashley admits she has no idea where the line is

Approximate timestamps (from the raw transcript — these will shift after the edit)

• 00:00 — Meet Ashley and Carter
• 03:19 — How much should parents know about party life?
• 04:55 — How often should students check in?
• 06:40 — The Life360 question
• 09:20 — When tracking made a mom's anxiety worse
• 10:43 — Grade transparency and who's paying the bills
• 13:43 — Is it normal to flounder socially?
• 17:47 — Expectations vs. reality of first year
• 19:09 — Why he skipped the fraternity
• 21:24 — The dorm, and the strongly worded letter to CU
• 23:11 — The money conversation

Takeaway for parents: The oversight that felt necessary in August may be feeding your own anxiety by October. Ashley's shift — from monitoring whether he made it to class to knowing where he is if something goes wrong — is a useful frame for what year-one involvement can look like.

Takeaway for students: The first two weeks are supposed to feel uncertain. Almost nobody's friend group in October is the one they had in week one.

Liz and Sarah are joined by Dr. Jill Grimes, family physician and author of The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook, to talk about what chronic academic stress actually does to your body — and why so many popular "quick fixes" for focus and sleep are making things worse. If you've ever reached for an energy drink at midnight, borrowed a friend's Adderall, or popped a melatonin gummy hoping to knock out before an exam, this one's for you.

We dive into:

• Why chronic stress affects your brain, body, and immune system 
• The real impact of sleep deprivation on focus, memory, and emotions 
• Energy drinks, nicotine pouches, ADHD meds, and “study drugs” 
• Why THC gummies and sleep aids can backfire long-term 
• The anxiety/sleep cycle college students get trapped in 
• Practical strategies that can actually help manage anxiety, stress, and sleep difficulties 
• Why movement, nutrition, and consistent sleep matter more than students think 

We also talk about the dangerous normalization of “everyone’s doing it” on college campuses — and why informed choices matter when it comes to substances, sleep, and mental health.

If you’re a college student, parent, therapist, or anyone who has ever panic-Googled how to fall asleep before an exam, this episode is for you.

• 📖 The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook — Dr. Jill Grimes
• https://jillgrimesmd.com/the-ultimate-college-student-health-handbook/
• 📱 CBT-I Coach app (free, from the VA) — evidence-based insomnia therapy
• 🎧 Sleep stories: Calm, Headspace, YouTube
• 🌐 Dr. Grimes on social media — short videos on common college health topics
• For more information on our REACH Reset Summer offerings contact Dr. Sarah Olivo @ [email protected]

If you've ever panicked staring at a blank resume, frozen at the word "networking," or wondered what your boss actually wants from you on day one of an internship — this episode is for you. We sat down with Jennifer Gershberg to get real, practical advice on everything from interview prep to building relationships that actually open doors. No fluff. Just the stuff they should have taught you in class.

In This Episode:

• Why "fake it till you make it" is bad advice — and what to do instead

• The #1 mistake interns make that instantly tanks their reputation
• How to prep for an interview when you've never had one before
• What employers actually want from a college intern (it's not expertise)
• Why networking feels awkward — and how to make it feel natural
• The Gen Z vs. employer perception gap, and how to bridge it
• How to turn any job — even a "boring" one — into resume gold
• The surprising reason building real relationships leads to real confidence

Key Takeaways

• Competence builds confidence. Real confidence doesn't come from faking it — it comes from building real skills and seeing them pay off.
• Over-promising is the fastest way to look unreliable. If you can't meet a deadline, say so early. Communication beats silence every time.
• Your "boring" jobs count. Every job teaches transferable skills — you just have to know how to name and frame them.
• Networking is just relationship-building. Your friends, classmates, and professors are already your network. You're doing it every day.
• Internships are for learning. Employers don't expect you to know everything — they expect curiosity, communication, and positive energy.
• Ask about their challenges. At networking events, asking what problems an employer is facing flips the dynamic in your favor.
• Every generation brings something valuable. Gen Z has a fresh perspective — own it.

About Jennifer Gershberg

Jennifer Gershberg is a campus speaker, parent speaker, and course creator focused on college student success. She spent eight years as a professor at the University of Maryland, where she worked with thousands of students. Today, she helps students navigate the transition to college and build the professional skills they need to succeed in the working world. Her tagline — "nurturing but tough" — was actually coined by a former student. Find her at jgtalks.org and on Instagram @jgtalksorg.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. 

Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Shreya Hessler, a psychologist and professor who created a college course called Digital Detox: Doing Nothing and Doing Well. Together, we explore how constant phone and social media use impacts attention, relationships, and self-worth—especially for Gen Z.

Dr. Hessler shares what happens when students unplug completely during class, and how learning to tolerate boredom and discomfort can lead to stronger connections, better focus, and more intentional choices. Rather than promoting total avoidance of technology, this conversation focuses on building awareness and creating a healthier relationship with it.

We also discuss practical strategies you can try right away, like naming your phone use out loud, delaying the urge to scroll, and running small “experiments” to better understand your habits.

Dr. Hessler's private practice:

https://mindsetcenter.com/shreya-hessler-psy-d/

Ted Talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxa2xgXPJc&themeRefresh=1

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. 

Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

What does it really feel like to be a queer athlete — to show up every day in a sport you love while wondering if your teammates truly have your back? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tess Kilwein, a clinical sports psychologist based in Nashville, to dig into a side of athlete mental health we don't talk about nearly enough.

Dr. Kilwein works with elite athletes across the country, specializing in creating trauma-informed, identity-affirming environments — especially for LGBTQ+ athletes and others who've experienced marginalization in sport. She breaks down what minority stress theory actually means for athletes, why locker room culture matters more than people think, and what coaches, parents, and teammates can do — starting today — to make a real difference.

This one is packed with practical takeaways, honest conversation, and a powerful message for every athlete who has ever felt like they had to hide a part of themselves to earn their place on a team.

Resources for athletes:

Athlete Ally

You Can Play

Black Student-Athlete Summit

Women's Sports Foundation

About Dr. Tess Kilwein
Dr. Kilwein is a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist who works with elite athletes and performers across the United States. They support athletes of all ages, identities, and competitive levels in navigating concerns ranging from mental health challenges to performance optimization. Dr. Kilwein specializes in creating performance environments that are trauma-informed care and identity-affirming, with particular expertise in working with LGBTQ+ athletes and performers. 

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. 

Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. 

Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

What does it really feel like to be a queer athlete — to show up every day in a sport you love while wondering if your teammates truly have your back? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tess Kilwein, a clinical sports psychologist based in Nashville, to dig into a side of athlete mental health we don't talk about nearly enough.

 Dr. Kilwein works with elite athletes across the country, specializing in creating trauma-informed, identity-affirming environments — especially for LGBTQ+ athletes and others who've experienced marginalization in sport. She breaks down what minority stress theory actually means for athletes, why locker room culture matters more than people think, and what coaches, parents, and teammates can do — starting today — to make a real difference.

This one is packed with practical takeaways, honest conversation, and a powerful message for every athlete who has ever felt like they had to hide a part of themselves to earn their place on a team.

Resources for athletes:

Athlete Ally

You Can Play

Black Student-Athlete Summit

Women's Sports Foundation

About Dr. Tess Kilwein
Dr. Kilwein is a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist who works with elite athletes and performers across the United States. They support athletes of all ages, identities, and competitive levels in navigating concerns ranging from mental health challenges to performance optimization. Dr. Kilwein specializes in creating performance environments that are trauma-informed care and identity-affirming, with particular expertise in working with LGBTQ+ athletes and performers. 

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. 

Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

What if confidence isn’t the key to peak performance?

In this episode of College Is Fine Podcast, Sarah and Liz sit down with sports psychologist Dr. Mitchell A. Greene to unpack one of the biggest myths in athletics: that you need to feel confident to perform well.

From college athletes to Olympians, Dr. Greene shares what’s actually happening inside the minds of high performers—and why the most driven, prepared athletes are often the ones struggling the most.

What We Cover:

Why high performers feel the most pressure
Performance anxiety isn’t a sign of weakness—it often shows up because athletes care deeply and have put in the work.

The truth about “mind chatter”
Dr. Greene introduces his concept of mind chatter—the doubts, second-guessing, and mental noise that show up in high-stakes moments.

Confidence myth
Many athletes are taught they need confidence to succeed—but chasing confidence can actually make things worse.

Outcome goals vs. action goals

• Why shifting your focus from outcome goals to action goals can actually improve your performance

📚 Resources & Links

• Learn more about his work at Greene Psych (sports psychology & performance coaching) https://greenepsych.com/our-team/mitchell-greene-ph-d/
•  Dr. Mitchell A. Greene's Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Courage-over-Confidence-Managing-Chatter/dp/B0BYC2NQVT/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=185685790705&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SG07gzxNmvxFoo6K9q9gH60Xo1kKs8xcPeNEOMNwJgVmAG4grN97nlAk4Li4gwS5oIArR6q8ma-PlG4kSeOb86vdpMHCMzgyK8MrZkmCn_mFlrxX90XFRoX25t-YtHCrvv0bdebYwWkiLLVKX2OUNTlxUFJsQVcp49BaWnpkS6bpzkMod1rngsLa9llDXJgh8sB3Co2TQyFncbfXxwm2CbuPRquwkvg2eECe-d7T7XE.emcDsyvEh66B6kPsLdFMYtj0URTd68-aX4y6dpTeXbk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779570049283&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9001853&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=4570656352206099733--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4570656352206099733&hvtargid=kwd-1849565868624&hydadcr=20366_13322219_2282818&keywords=courage+over+confidence&mcid=17ea770aa9053e41bf4d618457019844&qid=1773859643&sr=8-1

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. 

Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner