This episode is reminder that SASFAA always has your back, both figuratively and literally. Today you'll hear from Samantha Dunman, aka Dr. Happy, in our Health and Wellness segment on spine health and stress relief. Whether you're sitting at a desk all day, recovering from an injury, or just trying to feel better, your spine is at the center of it all.

Then Sam Hicks, aka Dr. Hicks, discusses how to maintain a strong financial backbone with Brad Barnett in our What Keeps You Up at Night segment. Yes, we know, that’s not a book or movie, but who hasn’t lost a little sleep worrying about money.

In this episode of Swoonpies and Money, we sit down with Amy Barrier, founder of Financial Aid Follies—the unofficial heartbeat of our profession. Amy joins us to share how humor, heart, and a bit of well-placed creativity can bring our community together and remind us why we love this work in the first place. Humble royalty was in the studio, and yes, it shows.

Then, over at the Fantasy Desk, where we cover all things Star Wars. We could do ten episodes in a row on Star Wars and still not make it to Tatooine.And, you’ll have to endure Bill’s sophomoric rambling about Shakespeare, because every episode needs at least one tangent no one asked for.

S2E2 is a mix of humor, humanity, and hyperspace—an episode that reminds us why this professional community works hard, laughs loud, and is like no other.

Grab your favorite beverage or steering wheel, and help us kick off Season 2—bigger, bolder, and still flying proudly by the seat of our pants.

A new season, but same lineup, and even more of an unpredictable mix of insight, laughter, and occasional serious stuff you’ve come to expect. We’re kicking Season 2 off with one of our signature segments—Emily Baldwin’s critically acclaimed “How I Got Here” feature. This week showcases Brenda Ilojiole and Daniel Barkowitz. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring start to the season, with insights and perspectives that remind us why we love this profession.

And to close out our premiere, I’ll be joined by Sam Hicks, who offers a sneak peek at her upcoming SASFAA Webinar on AI Applications in the Financial Aid Office—a timely look at how technology is reshaping the way we serve students.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without banter from our studio lunchroom. You’ll get to eavesdrop on my chat with Josh, SASFAA’s weather guy, as he’s removed from double secret probation and given a promotion and raise here at the podcast.

Well, we made it, 13 episodes in, and somehow the wheels haven’t completely fallen off. The podcast made it through its first season — and not just survived but thrived. That’s right, folks: one remarkably successful season in the books, and we’re just getting warmed up.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear Celena Tulloss reflect on her remarkable time on SASFAA Board.  Then we’ll check in with a few of the past state presidents, as they roll off their respective boards. And finally, you’ll get to meet members of the Swoonie team as they pull back the curtain, celebratethe wins, and probably overshare just enough to make you squirm.
It’s the perfect recipe to wrap up Season 1: a little reflection, a dash of humor, and a big ol’ slice of Swoonpie.

In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on upcoming SASFAA training events in Charlotte, NC on October 6th. 

First up, is our conversation with Brenda Brown and Brad Barnett highlighting the Enrollment Management & Legal Issues Forum. EMLIF is designed to help attendees navigate the evolving legal and regulatory landscape while sharpen enrollment management strategy. Registration is still open, and spots are available. To sign up for EMLIF, visit: https://www.sasfaa.org/emlif

Then, Michael Morgan joins us to preview the Leadership Symposium, an intensive program created to develop the next generation of leaders in financial aid.

And because this is a bonus episode, we’re also bringing you an in-depth interview with SASFAA President Joan Bailey, who shares her vision for the year ahead and why vision, leadership and professional development remain so critical.

It’s all packed into this bonus episode—so let’s dive in!

Welcome to Episode 12 of Swoonpies and Money! On ourproduction team, we’ve got two Samanthas: Sam Hicks and Sam Dunman. To keep things straight, we had to hand out a nickname. Sam Hicks, who brings us the segment What Keeps You Up at Night, is already Dr. Sam Hicks. So, SamDunman, our health and wellness expert, was assigned the well-earned title of Dr. Happy.

In this episode, Dr. Hicks sits down with Jaime Missimer,Mississippi State President, to review Sunrise on the Reaping, the newest prequel in The Hunger Games series. Meanwhile, Dr. Happy dives into the power of breath with a colleague from the Daytona Beach, FL health and wellness community.

For the next 54 minutes, you are in good hands; the Doctors are in the house. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy Episode 12 of Swoonpies and Money.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has attended or is thinking about signing up for SASFAA’s New Aid Officer Workshop. We’re bringing you all the highlights and stories from the recent workshop in Hub City, a.k.a. Spartanburg, SC.

It was the best of times: a one-of-a-kind opportunity for newcomers to Financial Aid to build the foundation for long-term professional success… all while reliving the fun, camaraderie, and high jinks of summer camp. Think of amazingly great karaoke, surprisingly competitive kickball, and even a little badminton — with no broken bones and just a few pulled hamstrings.

Tune in and enjoy our take on the experience, and see why NAOW is legendary with certified core memory.

This week, you’ll hear Part 2 of our NASFAA coverage—and yes, it’s just as packed with fun, insights, and amusing moments as Part 1.

We kick things off with scenes for the 5K charity run for Higher Ground, where the effort was real and the cause was worth every step. Whether you ran, cheered, or found a strategic viewing spot along the course—we had you covered.

Then, it’s time for our first, and last, “Who Is the Coolest Person in Financial Aid?” contest. The nominations were spontaneous, the logic was questionable, and the final verdict… well, you’ll have to hear it to believe it.

Finally, you’ll also get a summer weather forecast from Josh (spoiler alert: it’s hot—because of course it is), and just when you thought things with Josh couldn’t get any wackier, we’re interrupted by a surprise visit from a Back to the Future NAOW attendee. Bring your hoverboard.

It’s NASFAA Part 2…enjoy!

There was a lot to unpack from the NASFAA Conference in Anaheim. So much, in fact, that we’re bringing it to you in two full episodes. This week, you’ll hear a mashup of highlights from the entire week—the cream of our profession losing their minds at the opening session, unscripted moments, sharp insights, and the unmistakable energy that only the SASFAA travel troupe can bring. 

And by the way, can you guess which FAA region showed up and stood out? Winner of the 5K race? Trivia team champs? Recipients of all three meritorious achievement awards, and the loudest cheering section at the opening session? Yup. You guessed it, SASFAA took home all the unofficial trophies and left the other associations to wonder, what’s in the water down there? 

You’ll hear from an All Star SASFAA cast, including Jackie Copeland, Rachelle Feldman, Daniel Barkowitz, Sharon Oliver, Michael Morgan, Sam Hicks, and a breathless Brad Barnett charging to the 5K finish line. We also have soundbites from NASFAA National Chair Kristi Jovell (present then/past now).

And it was really no surprise to see the high energy, recently appointed NASFAA President & CEO Melanie Story, begin her public festivities encouraging runners by juggling pom-poms, poster signs, cowbells and a large cup of coffee during the 5k. That was five objects with two hands – I think NASFAA got the right person. And most importantly, you’ll hear an inspiring conversation with Jordan Barrera from Higher Ground, NASFAA’s 2025 selected charity. Her story is the soul of this episode—and a reminder of why the work we do matters. 

Get ready—NASFAA Part 1 starts now.

Recorded live at the FASFAA Conference, this episode of Swoonpies and Money brings you a mix of vision, reflection, creativity—and yes, with a touch of technical imperfection. Though our gear may have glitched, the FASFAA voices you'll hear cut through with clarity, heart, and purpose.

We begin with the talented Lakeisha Sanders, as she rehearses potential podcast intros and outros full of soul and sparkle. Then, we speak with Sylvia Haas, CEO of Opportunity Community Ability, the conference’s featured charity, in a conversation about connection, dignity, and the deeper purpose.

From there, we shift into powerful leadership perspectives from Alicia Keaton and David Alexander, followed by a live creative jam session with Shannon Jones and Concepta Williamson, as they workshop a fresh, “sassy” idea for a future segment.

We close with a presidential trifecta: President-elect Jessica Ly’s acceptance speech rings out with hope and momentum (gym acoustics and all), and our sit-down with Egan Hansen brings insight, humor, and the occasional unexpected Sand Hill Crane pecking sound, courtesy of our janky AV setup.And finally, we end with a sincere reflection from Past President Mia Mwango, who looks back on her term with grace, gratitude, and vision.

So sit down, relax and relive the energy of the FASFAA Conference—one inspiring voice at a time.