Join us as we explore the different paths young adults can take after high school. We focus on how parents can support their teens in discovering the right next step, whether that’s jumping into a job, learning a trade, earning a certification, or launching a business. What You’ll Learn: - Ways to encourage teens to explore work and learning opportunities that fit their interests and goals - How to ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and set clear expectations - The role of internships, p...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 194
Join us as we discuss the empowerment and benefits of taking a Degree Free path after high school graduation. We address the temporary feelings of isolation and guilt that parents and students may experience during the graduation season, but emphasize the long-term advantages of avoiding student loan debt and pursuing different pathways. What You’ll Learn: - Highlighting the importance of supporting and celebrating a child's decision to create their own path, build real skills, and enter the wor...
May 28, 2025•19 min•Ep. 193
Join us as we explore family trusts and how to use them effectively for your child’s future. We discuss the importance of understanding individual needs and providing guidance for parents to help their children identify options and prioritize needs and wants. What You’ll Learn: - Differences in goals and priorities for individuals with trust in pursuing career goals - Expanding awareness of job opportunities through Vocational Creativity™ - Importance of not limiting options for individuals with...
Mar 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 192
Join us as we dive into the topic of managing funds in a 529 plan. We address a question from a parent who is uncertain about how to handle the money in their child's savings plan if college is not pursued. What You’ll Learn: - Exploring the tax advantages and qualified expenses associated with 529 plans - Discussing options such as changing beneficiaries, rolling over funds to a Roth IRA, or using the funds for education paths like trade schools or apprenticeships - Highlighting the implication...
Mar 05, 2025•38 min•Ep. 191
Join us as we discuss the evolving role of high schools in preparing young adults for the future. We delve into how high schools are falling short and the rise of the Degree Free movement. What You’ll Learn: - The challenges high school students face in transitioning to adulthood. - The necessity for high schools to adapt to better equip students for the job market and uncertainties of the future. - How parents are reevaluating the education system and taking more active roles in their children'...
Feb 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 190
Join us as we debunk common myths surrounding the necessity of a college degree. We address 3 myths that colleges use to convince parents to buy a college degree for their children. What You’ll Learn: - Exploring the misconception that a college degree is essential for getting a good job, networking, and finding a spouse. - Highlighting the changing importance of STEM skills and the shift towards skills-based hiring in the job market. - Providing examples of successful Degree Free individuals an...
Feb 12, 2025•49 min•Ep. 189
Join us as we tackle a concerned mother's question about her daughter's career aspirations in art. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering one's needs and goals before choosing a career path, offering guidance on exploring alternative options, and making informed decisions. What You’ll Learn: - Distinguishing between passion and interest in choosing a career path - Addressing needs such as income, schedule, location, and work environment before focusing on interests - Exploring c...
Feb 05, 2025•43 min•Ep. 188
Join us as we dive into the pressure parents and young adults face when it comes to graduation and college decisions. We explore The 5 Degree Free Pathways as alternatives, such as getting a job, on-the-job training, earning certifications, starting a business, and learning a skill. What You’ll Learn: - The benefits of gaining work experience or going through an apprenticeship - Highlighting lower cost and higher market value wages for high school graduates compared to college graduates - Import...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 187
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Samuel Ross, a successful entrepreneur who found his path to success as a Degree Free individual. Get ready to be motivated and learn valuable lessons from his story. What You’ll Learn: - The journey of exploring different career paths and eventually finding success in sales and entrepreneurship. - The importance of taking risks, being resourceful, and persevering through challenges in pursuit of your goals. - Insights into starting a business, ov...
Jan 22, 2025•49 min•Ep. 186
Join us in this eye-opening episode, where we explore how parents can guide their children towards success The Degree Free Way in 2025. Explore alternative options such as vocational programs, certifications, and boot camps for various fields. What You’ll Learn: - Learn the step-by-step approach outlined in our workbook to help young adults identify career goals, explore job options, and make informed decisions. - Understand the importance of letting young adults express their thoughts and goals...
Jan 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 185
Join us in this insightful episode as we discuss our predictions for 2025. From the growth of AI to the mainstream adoption of the Degree Free movement, get ready for an engaging conversation. What You’ll Learn: - The continued growth of AI and its benefits for young adults in daily tasks - Predictions on mainstream adoption of the Degree Free movement - The shift towards entrepreneurship and workforce readiness among Gen Z and the impact on college education - The idea of removing degree requir...
Jan 13, 2025•51 min•Ep. 184
Join us as we review our predictions from 2024 in the realm of AI utilization and the shift toward eliminating degree requirements for jobs. Discover how 16 states have already removed degree prerequisites for state positions. What You’ll Learn: - Explore the success stories of companies like Canva, which have witnessed a surge in applicants after ditching degree requirements and adopting a skill-based promotion system. - Gain insights into the importance of widening the talent pool by removing ...
Jan 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 183
Join us as we discuss the importance of decision-making throughout life. Reflecting on interviews from 2024, we share key lessons on leveraging skills, the impact of first-career jobs, and the value of experience and mentorship without a traditional college degree. What You’ll Learn: - Leveraging existing skills when transitioning to new industries - The impact of first career job on future success - Value of experience and learning from mentors in the workplace without a college degree - Import...
Dec 27, 2024•48 min•Ep. 182
Join us as we challenge the common belief that a college education is the only path to success. We explore alternative and cost-effective ways to gain valuable skills and knowledge. We discuss the struggles of a young adult feeling stuck in college and unsure of their career path. What You'll Learn: - The trap of endless college and the importance of learning through failure and taking risks to develop real skills. - The issue of accumulating student debt without a clear direction and the need f...
Dec 19, 2024•21 min•Ep. 181
Join us as we tackle the question of whether a college degree is necessary for a career in production. We discuss the importance of gaining practical experience and building a portfolio in the industry, emphasizing the value of networking and starting in entry-level positions. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of focusing on practical skills and experience rather than solely relying on a college degree - Using available tools like smartphones and apps to start building a portfolio and gaining ...
Dec 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 180
Join us for this thought-provoking episode, where we challenge the myths surrounding college education and debunk 7 myths about college based on an article from the LA Times. Explore why traditional learning may not equate to intellectual depth and the limitations of a college degree in today's job market. What You’ll Learn: - Critique of the value of college in personal growth and career discovery. - Importance of developing practical skills and gaining experience over relying solely on traditi...
Dec 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 179
Join us as we discuss the importance of determining priorities and needs before choosing a career path for Crystal's 17-year-old son in the tech industry. By identifying the desired work environment, schedule, income, and location, individuals can find a career that aligns with their preferences and goals to thrive without needing a college degree. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of prioritizing needs and wants when considering a tech career path, emphasizing the significance of filtering op...
Dec 11, 2024•38 min•Ep. 178
Join us for an eye-opening episode where we challenge the myth surrounding the necessity of a college degree for certain professions, using personal training as an example. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of Vocational Creativity™ and thinking outside the box when pursuing a career, highlighting how individuals can obtain certifications in a few months without a costly college degree. - Exploring Degree Free pathways to careers like engineering, where passing exams can lead to becoming a lic...
Dec 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 177
Join us as we dive into the topic of breaking out of college and navigating conversations with parents. We explore the idea that education extends beyond college and offer a 7-step plan for young adults considering leaving college. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of creating a work plan, setting goals, and focusing on mental health while exploring alternative education paths. - Researching job listings, acquiring necessary skills, and taking proactive steps toward building a career outside o...
Nov 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 176
Join us as we discuss the signs that a child should consider leaving college and explore alternative education paths. We delve into the importance of supporting your child's desires and goals over societal pressures to stay in college. What You’ll Learn: - Signs that a young adult should consider leaving college, such as asking for a gap year and not being taught subjects they are interested in - Challenges of the traditional college education system, including financing issues and lack of criti...
Nov 08, 2024•38 min•Ep. 175
Join us as we challenge the traditional views on trade schools and encourage individuals to pursue careers aligned with their skills and interests. Explore the dangers of societal pressures and the marketing tactics of colleges in this eye-opening discussion. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of parents listening to young adults and supporting their career decisions based on their desires and interests. - Exploring the potential pitfalls of blindly promoting trade schools as a viable alternati...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min•Ep. 174
Join us for an enlightening episode with James Stewart, as he shares his insights on the power of networking in job hunting and career development. From struggling to find a job to becoming a successful CMO, James sheds light on the importance of building relationships and taking risks in the professional world. What You’ll Learn: - Actionable tips for young adults entering the workforce and the value of building a savings nest egg for job transitions. - Insights on starting a startup, taking ri...
Oct 30, 2024•51 min•Ep. 173
Join us as we challenge the traditional narrative that a college degree is the only path to success. We share valuable insights on choosing a career based on individual needs and offer advice to a concerned parent looking for alternative career options for her son. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of prioritizing income, location, schedule, and work environment when selecting a job. - Exploring job ideas in science and outdoor work for a 19-year-old, such as permaculture design, vineyard work...
Oct 16, 2024•44 min•Ep. 172
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bradley, a TikTok content creator, as he shares his eye-opening experience with student loan debt and the harsh realities of choosing a costly college without understanding the financial implications. Join us as we delve into the importance of informed consent and radical responsibility in managing personal finances. What You’ll Learn: - The lack of information and guidance before signing for student loans and the shock of realizing the amount owed a...
Oct 09, 2024•46 min•Ep. 171
Join us as we hear from Bentley Hensel, a senior data and DevOps engineer, who built a successful career through self-teaching and practical skills. From working in tech, politics, and the navy to self-teaching and pursuing his passions, Bentley's story is a testament to the importance of practical skills and problem-solving. What You’ll Learn: - Bentley's journey from data and DevOps engineering, learning skills in marketing, coding, and data analysis. - The importance of self-teaching and usin...
Oct 04, 2024•32 min•Ep. 170
Join us for an inspiring episode as Jenn Hoskins shares her unconventional career journey and valuable insights on education, entrepreneurship, and tech sales. Discover how she embraced failure and success to pave her own path to success. What You’ll Learn: - Jenn's career evolution from starting her own business to consulting and tech sales, emphasizing the importance of unique skills and networking. - The role of mentors and resources in advancing in the tech industry, breaking barriers, and s...
Oct 02, 2024•50 min•Ep. 169
Join us as we challenge the misconception of choosing careers based on personality traits and emphasize the importance of aligning career choices with personal needs. We share a story of a student who found fulfillment in a simple 9-5 job rather than pursuing a career as a veterinarian. What You’ll Learn: - Highlighting the importance of identifying income, schedule, location, and work environment needs when selecting a career path. - Emphasizing the risks of choosing a career solely based on in...
Sep 20, 2024•55 min•Ep. 168
Join us as we explore career options and education without the need for a degree. We discuss how our book, “The Degree Free Way” is tailored to parents of 16-20-year-olds to help them explore job options that align with their young adult’s goals and lifestyle choices. What You’ll Learn: - Emphasizing the importance of the book's target audience and discouraging individuals outside of this age range from purchasing it. - Sharing insights on creating resources for older individuals and the brainst...
Sep 11, 2024•49 min•Ep. 167
Join us as we explore the importance of covering basic needs to pursue passions without financial stress. Discover unique job limit inventory exercise from our book, “The Degree Free Way”, to help young adults identify various job options. What You’ll Learn: - Importance of understanding business costs and challenges for entrepreneurs. - Impact of school labeling on boys' performance and self-esteem. - Strategies for helping teenagers envision their future and promoting balance in career decisio...
Sep 05, 2024•59 min•Ep. 166
Join us for an engaging episode where we discuss the challenges of student loan debt, book pre-orders, and the impact of government involvement. We share our humorous anecdotes about shipping books and the importance of learning from mistakes. What You’ll Learn: - The discussion on the history of student loans, default rates, and the negative consequences of government involvement. - The increase in student loan default rates due to government subsidies and amendments to the Higher Education Act...
Aug 29, 2024•49 min•Ep. 165
