Free-ish in Higher Education
Freeish in Higher Education is a podcast about what it really takes to chase a degree when the system was not built for you. Hosted by Chelsea, a passionate advocate, non-traditional parenting student, and community leader from Dallas, this series pulls back the curtain on higher ed and exposes the real cost of being successful in a system that wasn't built with us in mind.
From the broken promises of DEI to imposter syndrome, financial aid, mental health, dual credit and more this show amplifies the voices they overlook and the strength they underestimate.
We are so much more than students.
We are people with visions, goals and dreams.
We are the future. Free-ish and still showing up.
Together we can make a difference.
If you’ve ever felt invisible, weighed down by barriers, or like you’re carrying the weight of the world alone; we can carry it together.
This space was made for you.
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @freeishpodcast
📧 Got a story? Email me: [email protected]
🖤 Sponsor: redcircle.com/shows/35816a73-151e-4911-950e-9b61b6d2d67a
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/free-ish-in-higher-education
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 27 minutes
- Episodes
- 12
- Years Active
- 2025
Women Who Lead: Paige Swanstein, Championing Student-Centered Solutions
In this episode, I talk with Paige Swanstein, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC), a national nonprofit working to end food, housing, and healthcare insec…
Women Who Lead: Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab and the #RealCollege Movement
In this episode of Free-ish in Higher Ed, I sit down with Dr. Goldrick-Rab, scholar activist and founder of the #RealCollege movement. Known for transforming student struggles into systemic solutions…
Women Who Lead: Dr. Kimberly Jones. Leading with Impact, Inspiring Change Through Representation
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kimberly Jones, a proud Latina, first-generation college graduate, and one of the less than one percent of Latinas in the U.S. who hold a doctorate. With over 15 …
Women Who Lead: Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone, Transforming Lived Experience Into Meaningful Leadership
In this episode I sit down with Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone, a former teen mom turned higher ed leader, executive coach, business owner, and unapologetic advocate for equity. Dr. Lozupone is the Founder of…
Student Spotlight: Lynne Hamblin, Adult Education Advocate and Peer Leader at Rogue Community College
In this episode, I sit down with Lynne Hamblin, a passionate advocate for adult education and peer leader at Rogue Community College in Oregon. After earning her GED in 2021, Lynne returned to school…
Real College Spotlight: Christina Hasaan, Community Builder and Creator of The Speakeasy
In this episode, I sit down with Christina Hasaan, a first-generation college graduate, teen mom, and community builder who has spent over a decade using education and storytelling to drive change. C…
Real College Spotlight: Frederick Shegog, Founder, Speaker & Advocate for Recovery and Equity
In this episode, I sit down with Frederick Shegog, founder of The Message LLC, motivational speaker, and advocate for recovery, mental health, and equity in education. Freddy’s story is one of transf…
Real College Spotlight: Alisha Small, Wellness Coach, Advocate & Higher Ed Changemaker
In this episode, I sit down with Alisha Small, founder of Living Fulfilled Coaching & Consulting, a personal development coach, mentor, and advocate for student parents, students with disabilities, a…
Creating Spaces for Critical Dialogue and Learning ft. Dr. Lance Bennett
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Lance Bennett, founder of The People’s Institute for the Common Good, an organization dedicated to creating spaces where people come together for honest conversations…
Student Spotlight: Jasmine Crawford, Dual Credit Trailblazer and Future STEM Leader
In this episode, I sit down with Jasmine Crawford, a dual-enrollment student who is deeply involved in her school’s STEM program, student council, spirit team, and varsity tennis. Her story shows wha…
Juneteenth Spotlight: TABPHE
In this special Juneteenth episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Leslie to spotlight the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE). Dr. Leslie honors the legacy of the founders—p…
Why Free-ish?
In this first episode of Free-ish in Higher Ed, I share the story behind the name and why I had to start this podcast. This conversation is about what it means to be told you're free while still navi…