August 21, 2025

Hacking College with Ned Laff and Scott Carlson

1 hour 7 minutes

In this episode of The Harlan Cohen podcast, authors Ned Laff and Scott Carlson share a fresh approach to navigating college that helps students learn life skills that will help them graduate, build a network of mentors, get a job, and succeed at life.

During my conversation with Ned and Scott, we talk about how college isn't a linear path to a career—it's an opportunity to figure out who you are, how you want to live, and what kind of life actually feels good to you. We explore how to "hack" the college experience and reframe it as a creative, human, and sometimes messy journey. The goal? Less stress, more meaning. And hopefully, a little clarity along the way. Be sure to get a copy of Hacking College (the audiobook is fantastic too).

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About Scott:

Scott Carlson is a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education who explores where higher education is headed. Since 1999, he has covered a range of issues for the publication: college management and finance, facilities, campus planning, energy, sustainability, libraries, work-force development, the value of a college degree, and other subjects. He writes the twice-monthly column The Edge, and he is the author of Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn’t Matter — and What Really Does. Carlson has won awards from the Education Writers Association and is a frequent speaker at colleges and conferences around the country. His work has also appeared in The Baltimore Sun and Dwell, among other publications. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Homepage on The Chronicle: https://www.chronicle.com/author/scott-carlson

Scott’s column, The Edge: https://www.chronicle.com/newsletter/the-edge

Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-carlson-4a235a5/

Email: [email protected]

About Ned:

Dr. Ned Scott Laff has over 35 years of experience in college and university settings in administrative and faculty roles. He has worked in curriculum development, program assessment, general education review and revision, self-designed majors, and developing centers that integrate advising, mentoring, and career development. He was awarded the Civic Engagement Award from The Washington Center for his work in service- and community-based learning. He has broad interests in improving the quality of undergraduate education and revitalizing the liberal arts. He has a special interest in the role mentoring plays in helping students design and integrate their educational, professional, and personal goals into a successful undergraduate education.

Ned’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-laff-ph-d-59ab8722/

Ned’s email: [email protected]

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Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student?

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THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.

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