In this conversation with Brandon Busteed, founder of Edconic and former head of education research at Gallup, we explored what really matters when it comes to career success after college. Brandon shared groundbreaking findings from the Gallup-Purdue Index, revealing that only 22% of college graduates had a mentor who encouraged their goals and dreams. We discussed his own non-linear journey from Duke athlete to class president to entrepreneur, and how he learned to reframe failure as fuel for growth. Brandon emphasized that picking your manager is more important than picking your company, challenged students to look beyond Fortune 500 firms to small and medium-sized enterprises where they can make real impact, and urged everyone to focus on relationship-rich experiences and work-integrated learning during college. His advice is clear: success isn't just about the paycheck or the brand name. It's about doing meaningful work that uses your unique talents every single day.

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The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

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About Brandon:

Links:

Link to an article on the Gallup-Purdue Index Big 6 College Experiences: https://news.gallup.com/poll/182306/big-six-college-experiences-linked-life-preparedness.aspx 

Chapters:

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.

Months ago, I posted a reel encouraging students to try and ask their teachers to round up their grades if they were close to the next letter grade. High school teacher David Loudermilk saw an opportunity to use this idea to teach self-advocacy. In this conversation, Mr. Loudermilk and I discuss how he turned my controversial concept into a reality, requiring students to use argumentative writing skills (claim, evidence, reasoning) to make their case. We dive into why communication is such a critical skill students need, and how creating safe spaces for self-advocacy prepares young people for life's inevitable rejections and opportunities. A must-listen for educators and parents who want to help students find their voice.

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Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership.

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here:

About Mr. Loudermilk

Chapters:

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.

I sat down with Michael Itzkowitz, director behind the College Scorecard. Michael shares his incredible journey from PhD student to working in the Obama administration, and now leading HEA where he's revolutionizing how we think about college value and ROI. We dive deep into the questions every family needs to ask: Is college still worth it? How do you evaluate schools beyond just "getting in"? And what happens when students graduate with $100,000+ in debt and a $50,000 starting salary? Michael breaks down how to actually use the College Scorecard, explains median earnings data, and helps us understand what graduation rates really mean.

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

Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership.

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here:

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About Michael:

Links:

00:00 - Intro

In this episode, I had a great walk around Evanston, Illinois, with New York Times bestselling author Jeff Selingo to discuss his latest book, Dream School. We talked about why getting into a highly selective college isn't necessarily the key to long-term success and what the data actually shows about how students from less selective, smaller schools go on to build equally fulfilling careers. Jeff and I explored how students can define success on their own terms and why focusing on fit and experience often leads to better outcomes than chasing prestige. Whether you're a student figuring out your next step or a parent trying to support your child through the college search process, this conversation offers practical advice and a much-needed perspective shift.

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

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

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Jeff is the author of four books, including several New York Times bestsellers. His most recent book, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, was published in September 2025. The Chronicle of Higher Education His previous book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, was named one of the Most Notable Books of 2020 by The New York Times. 

Website: https://jeffselingo.com 

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Patrick Hickey about his deep devotion to the nursing profession. From climbing the highest peak on every continent to earning an impressive list of credentials (RN, BSN, MS, MSN, DrPH, CNOR(E)), he shares experiences that have given him valuable insight and wisdom. As both an educator and philanthropist, he continues to serve as a light for others. We also discuss the differences between two-year and four-year nursing programs and what recruiters are really looking for on your resume.

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The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

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About Patrick

Dr. Patrick Hickey, originally from rural Ontario, began his career after a high school counselor encouraged him to pursue nursing. He earned his Nursing Diploma in Canada, then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he worked in a Level 1 trauma center and earned his BSN. Later, in Columbia, SC, he worked in the Operating Room as a clinician, manager, and educator, while serving on the national board of AORN—helping develop the “Time-Out” safety protocol used in surgeries worldwide.

He went on to earn an MS, MSN, and Doctorate in Public Health, researching healthcare barriers for Hispanic populations with limited English proficiency. At the University of South Carolina, he taught for 15 years, leading international healthcare trips for students across medical disciplines. Now retired, he mentors students weekly and serves as USA Medical Director for International Service Learning (ISL).

A passionate traveler, Dr. Hickey and his wife have backpacked through 88 countries and he became the first nurse to climb the Seven Summits—reaching the highest peak on each continent. His book 7 Summits: A Nurse’s Quest to Conquer Mountaineering and Life chronicles his path in life, with all proceeds of book sales going to his scholarships.

As a philanthropist and Angel Pilot, he provides free flights for patients needing medical transport. In November 2025, he will launch his podcast, International Service Learning (ISL): Experiential Medical Education, featuring stories from students, faculty, and global healthcare leaders.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hickey-ab69a94

Email: [email protected]

International Service Learning Program: https://islonline.org/

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).

About Scott:

About Ned:

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

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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 is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

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Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here:

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SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan  

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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.

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

About CL Lindsay:

CL Lindsay’s book: Sex, Speech, Selfies, and Getting Smashed: Critical Legal Issues for College Students is designed to help readers navigate their higher education experience with safety and the law in mind. The book introduces foundational legal concepts, uncovers the legal basis for many college campus policies, and reviews critical rules and regulations related to speech, sex, technology, drugs, alcohol, and parties. Check it out here:

Chapters:

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

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here:

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan  

Jill Grimes, MD, FAAFP, is a nationally recognized family physician and award-winning author of The ULTIMATE College Student Health Handbook. Known as The College Doc, she’s a go-to health expert for students and parents navigating real-world medical issues—from hangovers, illnesses, and injuries, to sex, substances, and stress. With 20+ years in private practice, university health, and academic medicine, Dr. Grimes delivers practical, judgment-free advice that pairs perfectly with The Naked Roommate to help students thrive.

3rd edition of Dr. Jill's book: https://shorturl.at/Ufdrw 

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

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

The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here:

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan  

ABOUT JEFFREY:

Links: 

Read more about the news and talk about unpaid internships:

00:00 Intro

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

About Kelley Challen:

Read Kelley’s 31 Must-Have College Readiness Skills here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/31-must-have-college-readiness-skills-kelley-challen-c5h4e/

Chapters

00:00 Intro