Best Perfromance Podcasts (2025)

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Reshaping Student Loans Through Collective Bargaining: Chris Abkarians & Juno's Journey 32:28

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1M ago32:28

32:28

Navigating the complex world of student loans just got a whole lot easier. Chris Abkarians, founder of Juno, shares the fascinating origin story of how a simple Google spreadsheet comparing MBA loan offers transformed into a groundbreaking platform that's revolutionizing student financial aid. The revelation that sparked Juno's creation will shock …

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From Oxford Dropout to EdTech Pioneer: Dave Sherwood and BibliU's Epic Journey 39:08

2M ago39:08

39:08

Dave Sherwhood shares his journey from Rhodes Scholar studying chemistry at Oxford to founding BibliU, an educational technology company tackling textbook affordability and streamlining content access for universities. • Started as a B2C business before pivoting to B2B after realizing consumer businesses are incredibly difficult to build successful…

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Reimagining College Completion w/ Meacie Fairfax 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

The pathway to college completion remains filled with barriers that disproportionately impact first-generation students, adult learners, and historically underserved communities. But what if these obstacles aren't inherent to students themselves, but rather embedded in our educational systems? Meacie Fairfax, Strategy Director at Complete College A…

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Empowering Young Voices: Navigating Higher Education's Broken System with Kristin McGuire 31:04

3M ago31:04

31:04

What happens when college becomes financially out of reach for an entire generation? Kristin McGuire, Executive Director of Young Invincibles, pulls back the curtain on America's broken higher education system and why it matters to all of us. McGuire shares her personal journey from high school activist to leading the nation's largest youth advocac…

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Higher Ed Branding in a Financial Crisis: Insights from Ben Kennedy 49:47

3M ago49:47

49:47

Want more insights into the Higher Ed Space? Check-out our Newsletter. Please leave a review on your favorite podcast player!! It helps support the show.By Mike O'Connor

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From Gatekeepers to Curators: The New Era of Career Services with Handshake’s Christine Cruzvergara 41:24

4M ago41:24

41:24

Higher ed is at a crossroads. Career services teams are no longer gatekeepers of opportunity—they’re becoming curators of the student-employer relationship. But how do institutions actually make that shift? In this episode, I sit down with Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Chief Education Strategy Officer at Handshake, to unpack: 🎯 The biggest mindset shif…

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Scaling Small: How Steven Weiner is Reinventing Higher Ed at Menlo College 52:35

4M ago52:35

52:35

What does it take to run a 900-student college in the heart of Silicon Valley—next door to Stanford, no less? Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, joins me for a deep dive into leadership, strategy, and what makes Menlo stand out in a crowded higher ed ecosystem. In this episode, we discuss: Why small colleges have a unique edge in today’s ma…

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Higher Ed’s Future: Partnerships, Purpose, and Reinventing the Campus Experience with Michael Avaltroni 42:07

4M ago42:07

42:07

In this part II conversation with Michael Avaltroni, President of Fairleigh Dickinson University, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities reshaping higher education. Michael shares: How FDU is carving out niche strengths in health sciences and healthcare-adjacent fields. Why partnerships with community colleges and healthcare systems are…

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Leading with Legacy: How Bryon Grigsby Balances Tradition and Innovation at Moravian University 39:05

4M ago39:05

39:05

What does it take to lead one of America’s oldest institutions while keeping it future-focused? In this second conversation, Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University, shares: How Moravian’s values of equity and access shape everything from tech policies to new program offerings. Why cohort-based learning is the future of higher education. Ho…

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Jason Morrison - Transforming Community Colleges and Championing Student Success 47:01

5M ago47:01

47:01

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jason Morrison, a veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. Jason takes us through his remarkable journey from a classroom instructor to his current role as president of Trinity Valley Community College. With insights drawn from his leadership at Southern Arkansas Universit…

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AI Meets Higher Ed: Emily Smith on Revolutionizing Recruitment and Student Success 51:50

5M ago51:50

51:50

In this episode, I sit down with Emily Smith, Principal and VP of Partner Success at Collegevine, to explore how AI is reshaping higher education. Emily shares: How AI agents are transforming admissions and student success. The concept of “Time to First Value” and why it matters. How AI can empower staff rather than replace them. Whether you're an …

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From Emails to Economic Engines: Brendan Kelly on Reinventing Higher Education Leadership 46:37

5M ago46:37

46:37

How do you lead a system with 7 campuses, serve students in urban and rural areas, and align higher ed with workforce needs—all while ensuring faculty and staff are thriving? In this episode, Brendan Kelly, President of the Arkansas State University System, shares how he’s rethinking leadership in higher ed. We discuss: Why alignment—between indust…

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Nuno Fernandes on Trust, Differentiation, and Personalization 39:20

5M ago39:20

39:20

What makes a university truly unique? And how do you scale trust in a crowded higher ed market? In this episode, I sit down with Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System (APUS), to uncover the secrets behind their success as the #1 educator of U.S. service members and veterans. We dive into: The power of doubling down on your …

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Roger Best - Navigating Leadership and Innovation at the University of Central Missouri 35:50

5M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode, I sit down with Roger Best, President of the University of Central Missouri, to discuss the balancing act of modern higher ed leadership. From strategic decision-making to fostering innovation, Roger shares how he steers UCM through challenges like declining enrollments, evolving workforce demands, and integrating cutting-edge tech…

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Leading with Data and Heart: A Conversation with Montgomery College's Dr. Jermaine Williams 20:54

5M ago20:54

20:54

What does it take to transform a community college into a hub of opportunity and equity? Dr. Jermaine Williams, President of Montgomery College, joins me to discuss how he’s aligning systems, leveraging data, and addressing the real needs of students to drive regional transformation. From supporting students with food insecurity to creating systemi…

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Bryon Grigsby - From Uncertainty to Leadership at Moravian University 34:04

6M ago34:04

34:04

Have you ever felt lost in your career path, unsure of where your true passion lies? Meet Brian, a Moravian University alumnus who transformed uncertainty into leadership. From switching between five majors to ultimately discovering his love for English, Brian's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and perseverance. As he shares his jour…

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Michael Shannon: From Army Officer to Academic Leader 49:46

6M ago49:46

49:46

What if a career in the military could transition into academia? Join us as we explore this fascinating journey with our guest, a former US Army officer who now leads as a college president. This episode promises insights into how adaptability and leadership can forge new paths in personal and professional growth. We also tackle the pressures young…

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Transforming Academia: Leadership and Innovation in Higher Education (Featuring Robbyn Wacker) 39:46

6M ago39:46

39:46

What does it take to transform a career from academia into leadership? Find inspiration in the journey of our guest, a leader in higher education who transitioned from a faculty role at the University of Northern Colorado to the presidency at St. Cloud State. Discover their passion for teaching and research in aging and gerontology, which evolved i…

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David Armstrong - From Courtroom Litigator to University President and Advocate for Faith-Based Education 35:44

6M ago35:44

35:44

What happens when a passionate prosecutor swaps the courtroom for the classroom? Join us as David shares his unexpected journey from corporate litigator to university president, driven by a love for coaching high school football. Discover how his legal and athletic experiences uniquely inform his approach to leadership in education, especially in t…

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Amber Johnson - Art, Activism, and Academic Innovation 43:20

7M ago43:20

43:20

Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Amber, an artist turned activist and academic leader, who has merged her passions to create the Justice Fleet—a groundbreaking mobile museum dedicated to social justice. Amber opens up about how her unique background in art and activism shaped her innovative teaching methods, ultimately leading to the b…

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Steven Weiner - Innovating Higher Education and Leading Menlo College 47:16

7M ago47:16

47:16

What if your career path zigzagged between academia and corporate worlds before landing at the helm of a prestigious college? Join us as we sit down with the president of Menlo College, who shares his captivating journey from the University of Chicago to a successful stint in healthcare IT consulting. You'll hear how a serendipitous opportunity led…

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Sara Atkins Howard - Leadership, Ethical AI, and Navigating Career Evolution 55:16

7M ago55:16

55:16

What if your career was more a journey than a destination? Join us as we explore the remarkable career evolution of our guest, who transitioned from a vet tech who once aspired to be a veterinarian, to a leader in higher education and nonprofit sectors. Alongside a mentor's crucial guidance, our guest discovered a passion for organizational leaders…

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Chris Reber - Transforming Education and Empowering Communities 44:42

7M ago44:42

44:42

What happens when a top student with political aspirations discovers a passion for Latin and transforms it into a journey toward leading a community college? Join us as we uncover this fascinating career shift with the president of Hudson County Community College. His story is not just about personal evolution but also about the profound impact com…

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Sam Bernstein - Innovating College Admissions with Loper 45:51

7M ago45:51

45:51

Sam, the visionary co-founder of Loper, joins us to illuminate the future of college admissions. Discover how Loper is reshaping the way high school students approach their college applications by offering seamless, personalized insights that bridge the gap between aspirations and academia. With its innovative app, Loper creates a bespoke experienc…

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Dr. Mike Davis - Personalized Education and Transformative Leadership 26:32

8M ago26:32

26:32

Join us for a compelling conversation with the president of Fairmont State University, who navigated a remarkable journey from being a first-generation college student in Connecticut to leading one of the region's prominent public universities. Through candid reflections, Mike shares valuable insights from their academic and professional trajectory…

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Dr. Michael Alvatroni - From Chemistry Major to University President 33:17

8M ago33:17

33:17

What if the journey from a chemistry major to university president could teach you everything about leadership and innovation in higher education? We have an enlightening conversation with Michael, the president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, who shares his remarkable path and the wisdom gained along the way. Discover how Michael's roles have e…

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Raechelle Keck - Transformative Leadership and Adaptation in Higher Education 40:52

8M ago40:52

40:52

What if a legal career could unexpectedly pave the way for innovative leadership in higher education? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of a university president who transitioned from a seasoned prosecutor to a transformative force in academia. Discover how her experiences with the Board of Regents and a presidential search committee bec…

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Lydia Winn - Thriving in Sales and Networking 43:25

12M ago43:25

43:25

Ever wondered how a career in sales can change lives? Join us as we chat with Lydia Winn from Empowerly about her passion for hiring first-time sales professionals and the transformative conversations that follow. Lydia shares invaluable insights on what makes a successful salesperson, highlighting the importance of being goal-oriented and genuinel…

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Samantha Postman: The Polymath Advantage 1:11:39

1+ y ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Samantha Postman is a cross-disciplined (polymath) educator and serial entrepreneur with over 29 years of startup and corporate business expertise. From flipping burgers to mastering tax law, Samantha's story isn't just one of success—it's a testament to the transformative power of a polymathic mindset. Raised on welfare by a teenage mother, her re…

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Tim P Johansson - Demystifying Fitness Perfection and Embracing Holistic Health 28:20

1+ y ago28:20

28:20

Unlock the truth about achieving a balanced, healthy lifestyle with our insightful guest, Tim P Johansson. As a former gym addict turned holistic health advocate, Tim dismantles the myths of perfectionism in wellness, stressing the significance of marrying physical vigor with mental serenity. In a candid exchange, he shares his own nutritional stra…

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Sebastian Hildago - Less Ford & More Ferrari 52:51

1+ y ago52:51

52:51

Unlock the mysteries of branding and its undeniable influence on company culture with Sebastian, our expert guide on this journey. He's not just another voice in the branding sphere; Sebastian brings a wealth of knowledge that will alter your perspective on how a business's identity can become its most valuable asset. As he breaks down the essence …

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Emelie Jochems - CopyEngineer 37:09

1+ y ago37:09

37:09

Emelie Jochems is a CopyWriter and creator who specializes in several industries, including sports and recreation. In this episode, expect to learn: Emelie's strategies for Client acquisition. Why Emelie chose to focus on CopyWriting. How she stumbled upon her brand positioning. Her daily routines for moving the most important levers. How she tackl…

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Sean O'Dowd - Consultant and Real Estate Entrepreneur 39:08

1+ y ago39:08

39:08

Sean is Founder of the Real Estate firm Scholastic Capital: a firm specializing in single family homes in elite school districts. Prior to Scholastic, Sean was a Management Consultant - both Independently and as a Consultant for Boston Consulting Group. Summary: The conversation covers topics such as the transition from consulting to independent wo…

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Parker Worth - Electric Storytelling 29:04

1+ y ago29:04

29:04

Parker is a Janitor turned Electrician turned Story-Focused Creator with ~30k Followers on X, ~10k on LinkedIn, and 4500+ email Subscribers. His product, "The Story System", is the regarded as one of the best on the market for helping new Creators find their Niche through stories. In this wide ranging episode, learn: Parker's Backstory - from Janit…

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Mike's Solocast - 6 Figure Consultant Tech Stack 14:57

1+ y ago14:57

14:57

Hi Friends, I've been playing Calendar Bingo with bigger creators, but wanted to put out this episode to answer some questions regarding helpful Tech stacks. A few tools I discuss: Chat GPT Canva Loom Notion Convert Kit (landing pages, etc,) Google Freebies (Docs, Sheets, PPT) Keynote RECraft AI (Branding thing) Tweet Hunter (specific) Cold Email T…

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Sam Ocean - Marketing Ninja and Entrepreneur 43:23

1+ y ago43:23

43:23

Sam Blew me away this Episode... Sam is a marketer and entrepreneur - who's generated $10 million for clients in 9 years – selling products as high as $45,000. Sam built a YouTube channel from 0 to 182k+ subs in 11 months. His goal is to run a portfolio of brands that I launch, scale, and automate by leveraging other creators. Expect to learn How S…

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Mitchell Keller - Agency Owner & Cold Email Specialist 46:32

1+ y ago46:32

46:32

IF YOU ARE UNSURE ON HOW TO GET CLIENTS OR LEADS - THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU... Mitchell is a Whiz at customized cold-outreach - and his booking rates are some of the best I've seen... In this episode, expect to learn: The best cold email clients/systems. Psychological hacks to boost open rates. Biggest misconceptions about Cold Email. Data scraping …

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Paul French - Copywriter 22:38

1+ y ago22:38

22:38

Another fabulous episode with a prolific Creator... Paul is a Copywriter, whose work ranges from Sales pages too Email Sequences, Social Media copy, and more. He's worked for incredible Personal and Commercial brands, and his expertise runs broad and deep in the Copywriting space. In this episode, learn how Paul: Landed his first few clients Recomm…

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Excel Umeohana - Twitter Coach, Strategist, and Ghost Writer 30:45

1+ y ago30:45

30:45

Another great conversation with an incredible Creator... Excel has grown an active following on Twitter through Narrative structure. Despite Secrets of directing Web Traffic. Most Common mistakes of newbie Creators. Why "Growth Guru's" often give bad-advice (and cheat). Why Stories are the Ultimate hack for Breaking the Algorithm. How Affiliate Mar…

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Taylin John Simmonds 29:16

1+ y ago29:16

29:16

Another special episode, with another incredible mega creator... Taylin is a Marketing Agency Owner, Ghost Writer, and Creator. He is an incredible human.... Thoughtful. Endlessly Curious. Deeply Intelligent. In this episode, expect to learn: Why being a Ghostwriter is hard AF. How he'd rethink High-School curricula. Why Success if often a lagging …

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Brendon Chhor - Hollywood Stunt Actor Turned Identity Shifter 27:33

1+ y ago27:33

27:33

This mini episode is a shot of adrenaline... Despite significant audio and connectivity issues, Brendan BROUGHT it during our short time together. Brendon's background is fascinating. He's worked in Film & Television as an Extra, Actor, and Stuntman - before transitioning to coaching. In this episode, learn how to: Why Creating an "Alter-Ego" can c…

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Mike Solocast - Six Lesson's from a few of my Favorite Podcast Guests 14:55

1+ y ago14:55

14:55

Hey Friends, Solo episode today, where I break down the greatest lessons I've learned to date, including: Cold Email/DM Sales Leverage as a Mental Model Thinking in Longer Time Frames The Benefits of Insane Specificity How to Stir Emotions with Writing Upgrading Mental Models Around Money Also - Congrats to "Us" for being in the top 1% of Podcast L…

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Jon Brosio - Server Turned "Complete Creator" 1:00:44

2y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Jon Brosio is a Creator/Coach with a combined audience over 100k. In a world where many Entrepreneurs suggest "finding your niche", Jon's knowledge runs both deep and broad. Expect to learn: How he'd create with just 10 hours/week His Newsletter format for Value + Engagement His "Favorite Writing Tool" (which still has me laughing) Why he sees his …

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Dakota Robertson - Writer, Creator, Jacked Nerd 26:51

2y ago26:51

26:51

Dakota is one of the world's most sought after Ghostwriters. In a few years of building publicly, Dakota has amassed massive followings on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and elsewhere. Dakota went from growing up in a motorhome, to broke college dropout, to growing one of the world's biggest social media ghostwriting businesses. Dakota helps creator…

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Lewis Kiddell - Teacher Turned Creator & Copy Writer 38:43

2y ago38:43

38:43

Lewis is a self-described "gamer nerd" who was looking to find more Career Fulfillment. After pursuing Careers in Teaching and Coaching, he took a major pivot. Now he earns his living through writing/creating online. In this episode, expect to learn Lewis approach to: Story-telling Reducing Expenses Word Choice in Brand Identity Sustaining Momentum…

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Bryant Salcedo - Faith, Fatherhood, Business, and Racquet Sports 38:05

2y ago38:05

38:05

Bryant is an Austin based Sales Executive, Business Owner, and Athlete. Bryant has managed to build both a side-hustle and personal brand, while balancing a full-time sales executive role, work-out regime, and parenting schedule. Bryan Bryant has been a competitive athlete his entire life, and played Division 1 Tennis at Vanderbuilt University. Sin…

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Topher Gala - Brand Marketer, Consultant, Creator, Renaissance Man 29:25

2y ago29:25

29:25

By day, Topher is a a freelance brand marketer, specializing in helping companies claim their place in the market. By night, Topher is a blogger, podcaster, and creator. Topher advises brands on product, positioning, strategy, and more, helping them create categories of one that yield leveraged results. In this conversation, here Topher's take on: …

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The Alexx Roy - Youtuber Turned Twitter Growth Coach 47:49

2y ago47:49

47:49

Alexx Roy is a Branding expert and Twitter Growth coach, who has built three YouTube channels with over 100K Subscribers before transitioning to Twitter. On Twitter, Alexx has amassed a following His background on YouTube, and how it's helped position him as a Twitter expert. In this episode, learn: Twitter Trends to be aware of Frameworks for cont…

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Milanie Grae - Neuroscience Driven Ghostwriter 58:46

2y ago58:46

58:46

Milanie Grae is a Ghostwriter who supports coaches, mental health providers, and brands of all sizes in writing great copy and transforming followers into loyal clients. In this episode, here: Why you need to dig deep into your clients pain to drive behavior Why she exclusively works with brands she deeply believes in How Autism has effected her Jo…

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Richard Mikulskij - Coder turned Creator 42:44

2y ago42:44

42:44

Richard Milkulkij is a Dublin-based Creator with passions in: Writing Running & Resolutions Richard's content on YouTube and Twitter teaches the power of living with intentionality and the compounding effect of sustainable habit formation. In this episode, we discuss discuss: Why Resolutions > Goals What people get wrong about habit formation Why f…