Let’s Talk TRIO

About Let’s Talk TRIO

A podcast dedicated to the TRIO programs across the United States and its territories. TRIO programs are federally funded outreach initiatives that promote college access, equity, and success. The podcast highlights stories from staff, participants, alumni, and advocates from various TRIO programs (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Student Support Services, McNair Program, Educational Opportunity Centers).

Publisher

Juan Rivas, Amelia Castañeda, John Russell

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 May 2018

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

168 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Insatiable - Alejandra Lopez Nestor - TRIO Upward Bound Alumna (Oregon)

   Interview with Alejandra Lopez Nestor, TRIO Upward Bound Alumna (Oregon)

2. 

   25 Sept 2026

   SEASON 8 PREMIERE: Chelsea Blanchard - TRIO Alum & Graduate of Idaho State University

   Welcome to the SEASON 8 Premiere of Let's Talk TRIO! In our first episode for this season we feature TRIO Alum and Graduate of Idaho State University: Chelsea Blanchard. Listen as Chelsea shares her educational and career journey. Learn how Chelsea encountered the TRIO programs and her path to be part of the TRIO community. Chelsea also provides insights in being a non-traditional student navigating a college campus. Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Rick Martinez Dawn BlueSky-Hill Orrin Dewbre Kurt Munz-Raper Myria Davis Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma StudentAccess Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

3. 

   22 May 2026

   SEASON 7 FINALE: Mentor - James Alford, TRIO Alum & Advisor for the University of Illinois Chicago

   SEASON FINALE EPISODE - James Alford, TRIO Alum & Advisor at UIC

Who has been a guest on Let’s Talk TRIO

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr James Pascali
• Xavier Travon Lewis
• Erik Austin
• Michael Cashman
• Julia Kochanowski

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,241

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

48

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

60

Contact Let’s Talk TRIO

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.