Free-ish in Higher Education
Free-ish in Higher Education
Podcast Description
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
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast tackles themes of access to higher education, systemic inequality, and student empowerment with episodes focusing on topics like DEI shortcomings, the journey of dual credit students like Jasmine Crawford, mental health challenges in academia, and the ongoing fight for representation, as observed in the Juneteenth spotlight of TABPHE.

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
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.
As the leader of NSC’s Student Advisory Council, Michael helps bring lived experience to the policy table, shaping real solutions through initiatives like Making College Work. 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.
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.
Be sure to check out the Making College Work publication usingthis link and visitnationalskillscoalition.org to see more of the incredible work happening at NSC.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/free-ish-in-higher-education/donations

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