Just two (or more nerds) talking about about all things first-gen in pop culture and mass media. The title comes from La'Tonya's memoir, which is all about fandoms and finding your passion in education. Sam, her bestie, talked her into this podcast.
This podcast is brought to you by My Tribe Media.
https://adeii.health/ahf-mtm
More about Smart Girl (the book):
https://www.smartgirlbook.com/
From Minor Leagues To College as a Black First Gen Athlete feat Kelley O'Neal
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Kelly O’Neal of Texas A&M Universityabout getting drafted into minor league baseball and starting college later with almost no roadmap. Kelley starting college at a community college as a non-traditional student while working full time. He talks to us about how he defines “success” as stability while still not knowing the rules of college and why a grandparent’s degree does not always translate into social capital. Along with La'Tonya, Kelle...
2 Oct 2026
Audacity In The Financial Aid Office feat Melissa Bordenave
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Melissa Bordenave to unpack how work-study opened doors at LMU and how financial aid counseling becomes life-changing support for first gen and independent students. This is Melissa’s origin story for her advocacy with first-generation college students and what led to her partnership with Dr. LT Miles. Together they built a strong relationship to ensure that first generation college students, from all backgrounds, received a level of attention, in...
18 Sept 2026
From Pro Basketball To CEO feat Anthony Ireland
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Hall of Fame athlete Anthony Ireland to trace his path from Waterbury, Connecticut to Loyola Marymount University to pro basketball in Europe and back home as a YMCA CEO. We talk honestly about being first-gen, getting mislabeled early, and turning adversity into a practical leadership skill. Go here for the Smart Girl experience: https://www.smartgirlbook.com/
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Smart Girl
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Smart Girl?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
