The Prep Table with Bowdre Fortson Clayton

The Prep Table with Bowdre Fortson Clayton
Podcast Description
You want the best for your child—but let’s be honest, parenting doesn’t come with a playbook. From school decisions and social dynamics to emotional resilience and daily routines, raising a child in today’s world can feel overwhelming.
That’s why The Prep Table Podcast exists. I’m your host, Bowdre Fortson Clayton—educational consultant, founder of Bowdre Consulting, and your go-to guide for both the big questions and the everyday moments of parenting.
At The Prep Table, we gather for heart-centered, practical conversations that support you in raising confident, connected, and thriving kids. While school placement and academic fit are my expertise, we’re pulling back the lens to focus on the whole child—and the whole parent.
From expert interviews to honest solo chats, we’ll explore topics like:
- Creating a sense of belonging for your child at home and in school
- Building emotional resilience (for them and for you)
- What really matters in education today
- Parenting with intention in a noisy world
- Simple mindset shifts and tools to support your family’s rhythm
Whether you're navigating elementary school years, teenage transitions, or the everyday rollercoaster of motherhood, this podcast is your landing pad for encouragement, insight, and practical tools.
Because at The Prep Table, we believe parenting is less about perfection—and more about showing up with purpose.
I’m Bowdre, and I’m so glad you’re here.
https://bowdreconsulting.com/
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on parenting strategies, emotional resilience, and community building with specific episodes dedicated to topics like creating a sense of belonging in schools, practical methods for nurturing emotional well-being, intentional parenting amidst distractions, and transitioning through different education stages.

You want the best for your child—but let’s be honest, parenting doesn’t come with a playbook. From school decisions and social dynamics to emotional resilience and daily routines, raising a child in today’s world can feel overwhelming.
That’s why The Prep Table Podcast exists. I’m your host, Bowdre Fortson Clayton—educational consultant, founder of Bowdre Consulting, and your go-to guide for both the big questions and the everyday moments of parenting.
At The Prep Table, we gather for heart-centered, practical conversations that support you in raising confident, connected, and thriving kids. While school placement and academic fit are my expertise, we’re pulling back the lens to focus on the whole child—and the whole parent.
From expert interviews to honest solo chats, we’ll explore topics like:
– Creating a sense of belonging for your child at home and in school
– Building emotional resilience (for them and for you)
– What really matters in education today
– Parenting with intention in a noisy world
– Simple mindset shifts and tools to support your family’s rhythm
Whether you’re navigating elementary school years, teenage transitions, or the everyday rollercoaster of motherhood, this podcast is your landing pad for encouragement, insight, and practical tools.
Because at The Prep Table, we believe parenting is less about perfection—and more about showing up with purpose.
I’m Bowdre, and I’m so glad you’re here.
https://bowdreconsulting.com/
As a parent navigating the complex world of college admissions, you know how overwhelming it can feel. The pressure, the uncertainty, the endless questions about what really matters in an application. But what if you could pull up a chair with an insider who truly gets it?
In this episode of The Prep Table, I sit down with Megan Tyler, interim vice president for enrollment at Wofford College. With her wealth of experience and passion for supporting students, Megan pulls back the curtain on what colleges are really looking for – and it might surprise you.
We dive deep into:
Authentic Demonstrated Interest
- How to show genuine engagement beyond just checking boxes
- The power of thoughtful questions during campus visits
- Why following up with a handwritten note can make you stand out
Crafting a Compelling Personal Story
- Tips for starting your essay strong and captivating admissions readers
- The importance of focusing on qualities over just skills
- How to weave a cohesive narrative throughout your entire application
Navigating Common App Pitfalls
- Easy-to-avoid mistakes that could hurt your chances
- Why rushing at the last minute is a recipe for disaster
- The right way to approach your activities list
Plus, Megan shares insider insights on what makes Wofford unique and offers reassurance to anxious applicants: “We’re looking for the positives. We are not looking to tear it apart.”
Whether you’re just starting the college search or putting final touches on applications, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and join us for some real talk about creating bright futures – one meaningful conversation at a time.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on depth over breadth in extracurriculars
- Use specific details and stories to bring your essays to life
- Start early and give yourself time to review all application details
- Show authentic interest through thoughtful engagement with schools
- Remember that colleges want to advocate for strong applicants

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