In this revealing episode of Everything’s Perfect, hosts Autumn Calabrese and Donald Stamper dive headfirst into the realities of the college experience and student loan debt—two topics that continue to affect millions of Americans. In the first few minutes, they raise the central question: Is college really worth it? And is the cost—emotionally, physically, and financially—justified?

Autumn shares a deeply personal story of her time at Webster University, a performing arts college where her passion for jazz dance clashed with a faculty obsessed with ballet. From being refused graduation despite years of commitment to suffering a debilitating back injury due to overexertion, her college experience left emotional scars that took years to unravel. 

Donald brings a powerful contrast to the table. Having been homeschooled and spending a short stint at community college, he describes how the rigidity of the academic system failed to accommodate his creative pursuits. Choosing real-world experience over lecture halls, Donald traveled, worked on cruise ships, explored multiple industries, and discovered his passions by living life—without the burden of student loan debt.

Together, the hosts examine the outdated structures still dominating higher education—general education requirements, impractical course loads, and a lack of real-world prep. They advocate for teaching life skills like taxes, budgeting, content creation, marketing, and even coding—things today’s digital world actually demands.

They also address the societal pressure to attend college by age 18. Is it realistic to expect teenagers—whose frontal lobes aren’t even fully developed—to make lifelong financial decisions about their futures? 

Autumn and Donald argue for a rethinking of the timeline. Whether through trade schools, alternative certifications, or learning-by-doing, they encourage listeners to prioritize self-awareness and readiness over defaulting to the traditional path.

If you’ve ever questioned your own education choices—or wondered what advice to give your children—this episode delivers raw honesty, practical advice, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re buried in student loans or simply curious about different paths to success, you’ll find validation, perspective, and inspiration.

Topics Covered:
[0:00–1:20] – Intro & Episode Theme
[1:20–4:00] – Their College Stories
[4:00–7:00] – Tough College Experiences
[7:00–10:00] – Is College Even Worth It?
[10:00–13:00] – Alternatives to College
[13:00–16:00] – College Pressure at 18
[16:00–20:00] – Real-Life Skills School Doesn’t Teach
[20:00–25:00] – Dealing with Debt & Doubt
[25:00–32:00] – Dom’s Path Without College
[42:00–47:00] – Final Thoughts & Advice

The college experience and student loan debt are complex realities—but as Autumn and Donald prove, they’re not the only way forward.

Autumn and Donald recently announce a new three-month challenge centered around the 21 Day Fix program. With community workouts, playlists, live Zooms, and giveaways, this challenge is designed for those who want consistency and fun—not perfection—this summer. It will be $50/month and you can sign up here: https://everythings-perfect.mn.co/plans/1539731?bundle_token=e48e7dcc3758a4fd50f93372323b04de