
Free-ish in Higher Education
Claim This Podcastby Chelsea Talley
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Podcast Overview
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We are so much more than students.</p><p>We are people with visions, goals and dreams.</p><p>We are the future. Free-ish and still showing up.</p><p>Together we can make a difference.</p><p>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.</p><p>This space was made for you.</p><p>📸 Follow us on Instagram: @freeishpodcast</p><p>📧 Got a story? Email me: free.ishpodcast@gmail.com</p><p><span>🖤 Sponsor: </span><a href="https://redcircle.com/shows/35816a73-151e-4911-950e-9b61b6d2d67a" rel="nofollow">redcircle.com/shows/35816a73-151e-4911-950e-9b61b6d2d67a</a></p><p><span>🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-ish-in-higher-education/" rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/company/free-ish-in-higher-education</a></p><p><br></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/17/2025
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Recent Episodes

November 21, 2025
Voices that Move Policy: Michael Richardson and the Work of the National Skills Coalition
<p><span>In this episode I sit down with Michael Richardson, Director of Worker and Student Voice at the National Skills Coalition (NSC), to talk about how policy can truly reflect the people it is meant to serve. Michael shares how NSC is working to build education and workforce systems that are more inclusive, more equitable, and better designed for students balancing school, work, and life.</span></p><p><span>As the leader of NSC’s Student Advisory Council, Michael helps bring lived experience to the policy table, shaping real solutions through initiatives like </span>Making College Work.<span> He opens up about his own journey from grassroots organizing to national advocacy and how storytelling continues to drive his passion for equity and opportunity.</span></p><p><span>Michael’s work reminds us that when students and workers are included in the conversation, policy becomes personal and that is when real change happens.</span></p><p><span>Be sure to check out the </span>Making College Work<span> publication using</span><a href="https://nationalskillscoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NSC-NonDegreePathways_Brief.pdf" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://nationalskillscoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NSC-NonDegreePathways_Brief.pdf" rel="nofollow">this link</a><span> and visit</span><a href="https://nationalskillscoalition.org" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://nationalskillscoalition.org" rel="nofollow">nationalskillscoalition.org</a><span> to see more of the incredible work happening at NSC.</span></p><br/><br/>Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations'>https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations</a>

October 6, 2025
Voices of Resilience: Elias Ramirez, Building a Better Future From the Ground Up
<p>In this episode, I sit down with Elias Ramirez, a first-generation Mexican-American and proud Galveston County native whose story is nothing short of inspiring. From graduating with a degree in Public Service Leadership to leading food access programs at the Galveston County Food Bank, Elias has dedicated his life to fighting hunger, uplifting youth, and building stronger communities.</p><p>As President of the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County, Elias is creating opportunities for Hispanic-owned businesses while mentoring the next generation of leaders. He shares his journey of being first-gen, the challenges he’s faced, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up for his community.</p><p>Elias is more than a leader—he’s a warrior for equity, opportunity, and change. This conversation will leave you fired up and hopeful about the power of grassroots leadership.</p><p><br></p><p>To learn more about the Hispanic Business Network of Galveston County visit <a href="https://linktr.ee/hbngc" rel="nofollow">https://linktr.ee/hbngc</a></p><p>or follow on LinkdIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/hispanic-business-network-of-galveston-county/posts/" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/company/hispanic-business-network-of-galveston-county/posts/</a></p><br/><br/>Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations'>https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations</a>

September 8, 2025
Women Who Lead: Paige Swanstein, Championing Student-Centered Solutions
<p><span>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 insecurity among college students. SBNC bridges technology, policy, and student leadership to drive systemic change — and has already connected students to over $27 million in SNAP and Medicaid benefits across 500 campuses nationwide.</span></p><p><span>Paige shares how SBNC’s programs, peer navigators, and policy advocacy efforts are helping restore the balance of power so students are included in creating solutions to basic needs insecurity. We also talk about how this work is shifting the conversation in higher education toward equity, well-being, and shared responsibility.</span></p><p><span>This episode is a powerful reminder that when students are part of the solution, change becomes not just possible, but unstoppable.</span></p><p><span>If you want to learn more or get involved, visit the Student Basic Needs Coalition: </span><a href="https://www.studentbasicneeds.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.studentbasicneeds.com</a></p><p><span>Follow along on LinkedIn: </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sbnc" rel="nofollow">https://www.linkedin.com/company/sbnc</a></p><br/><br/>Support this podcast at — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations'>https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations</a>
15 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Free-ish in Higher Education?
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>We are so much more than students.</p><p>We are people with visions, goals and dreams.</p><p>We are the future. Free-ish and still showing up.</p><p>Together we can make a difference.</p><p>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.</p><p>This space was made for you.</p><p>📸 Follow us on Instagram: @freeishpodcast</p><p>📧 Got a story? Email me: free.ishpodcast@gmail.com</p><p><span>🖤 Sponsor: </span><a href="https://redcircle.com/shows/35816a73-151e-4911-950e-9b61b6d2d67a" rel="nofollow">redcircle.com/shows/35816a73-151e-4911-950e-9b61b6d2d67a</a></p><p><span>🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-ish-in-higher-education/" rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/company/free-ish-in-higher-education</a></p><p><br></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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