The Harlan Cohen Podcast

Ever wondered how someone got their job? What steps did they take? How long did it take to get there? Whom did they know? What did they do right? What setbacks did they overcome along the way? These are some of the questions I’m asking during CAREER REWIND, a new series on The Harlan Cohen Podcast. How do you become a college president? I sat down with Carmen Twillie Ambar, president of Oberlin College and Conservatory, for a CAREER REWIND. I could have talked to her for hours. She shared so many amazing stories from her career journey that brought her to where she is today.  We talk about why Carmen almost walked away from the Oberlin presidency, how one woman’s encouragement made the dream of being a college president more real, and the role family played in her education.  We go all the way back to her first jobs as a life guard and computer tutor. She gives her advice to young students embarking on their own career journeys. Watch to find out how she got all the way to where she is now.  Learn about Oberlin College & Conservatory Follow Carmen on LinkedIn Follow Carmen on Instagram Carmen’s Running The Noise Podcast * * * * * * * * * * The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Watch full podcast : YouTube Listen & Subscribe on: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Podbean Follow Harlan: Instagram | YouTube | Substack | Courses | LinkedIn Harlan's Books: Tap Here CREDITS: Produced by Andy Antao | Music by Harrison Cohen * * * * * * * * * * ARE YOU A PARENTS OF A HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENT? Make college search, selection, and success easier with Harlan’s Best First Year Coaching Program for Parents. Harlan shares over 25 years of insight to help high school and college families prepare, plan, and navigate life in college. Prepare for the social, emotional, physical, financial, and academic changes ahead. Get access to all of Harlan’s coaching, on-demand events, and Facebook group with your membership. Use code Pod47 at checkout and get $47 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap To Learn More * * * * * * * * * * About Carmen Carmen Twillie Ambar is the 15th president of Oberlin College and Conservatory and the African American president in its nearly 200-year history. Since arriving in 2017, she has led a period of major growth, including reaching carbon neutrality by 2025 through a $170 million geothermal energy project and launching an unprecedented number of new programs, such as Business, Data Science, Global Health, Music Theater, and Recording Arts and Production. She also created a five-year BA+BFA in Integrated Arts that places students in Cleveland’s professional arts community for their final year, and in fall 2025 she launched Oberlin’s Year of AI Exploration to help the campus think critically about AI’s impact on students and higher education. Ambar has championed efforts to help students engage in meaningful dialogue, and she hosts the podcast Running to the Noise, featuring conversations with alumni, faculty, and others driving positive change. She serves on numerous boards, including the American Council on Education and the Lumina Foundation. A Little Rock, Arkansas native, she holds degrees from Georgetown University, Princeton University, and Columbia Law School, and is the proud mother of college-age triplets.

Have a question? I’ve got answers. Every Friday. All topics welcome. Join Harlan for the next Harlan's Hotline, live on Substack: https://harlancohen.substack.com/ * * * * * * * * * * The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com   Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/   Are you a parent of a current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Make college search, selection, and success easier with Harlan’s Coaching Program for Parents and Students. Harlan shares over 25 years of insight to help high school and college families prepare, plan, and navigate life in college. Prepare for the social, emotional, physical, financial, and academic changes ahead. Get access to all of Harlan’s coaching, on-demand events, and Facebook group with your membership. Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Naked Roommate Revised and Updated Edition:  https://shorturl.at/LOUHP    

Welcome to the first episode of Career Rewind, my new series on The Harlan Cohen Podcast, with guest Don Rovak (Chief Revenue Officer, Baltimore Orioles). I’ve known Don since college, and we reconnected to trace his path back to where he started. He opens up about the key moments and career decisions that brought him to where he is today, why he’d hire the curious person over the self-proclaimed expert every time, and why you should start networking years before your dream job gets posted. For those dreaming of a career in the sports world, this is a great listen. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of a current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Make college search, selection, and success easier with Harlan’s Coaching Program for Parents and Students. Harlan shares over 25 years of insight to help high school and college families prepare, plan, and navigate life in college. Prepare for the social, emotional, physical, financial, and academic changes ahead. Get access to all of Harlan’s coaching, on-demand events, and Facebook group with your membership. Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ The Naked Roommate Revised and Updated Edition:  https://shorturl.at/LOUHP About Don: Don Rovak is the Chief Revenue Officer of the Baltimore Orioles, a role he took on in January 2025, overseeing revenue generation through ticket and corporate sales. He arrived after 17 years with AMB Sports and Entertainment, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, MLS’s Atlanta United FC, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service and led the team that sold out Mercedes-Benz Stadium for every Falcons game and United match since it opened in 2017. In Atlanta, he was also part of opening two brand new venues and helped launch an MLS team in its inaugural year. With the Orioles, he has helped modernize and grow the club’s commercial operation, including work tied to the Camden Yards renovation. A St. Louis native, he previously served as vice president of marketing and ticketing for the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and he is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com

I just got back from NACAC, and I left frustrated by how much of the industry focuses on getting students in rather than helping them succeed once they’re there. In this live, I talked about why I’m really a transition expert, why curiosity and connection matter more than a 4.0 in a world full of AI, and why students need room to get things wrong and figure out what they want. I also answered a parent’s question about off-campus jobs and previewed my new Career Rewind series. Remember: it’s not about admissions. It’s about alignment. * * * * * * * * * * * 🎥 Watch the full Instagram Live replay to hear Harlan's answers to parents' and students' questions. When Harlan goes live, join the conversation in real time, ask questions, and get practical advice about college planning, relationships, and life transitions. Harlan's Substack: https://harlancohen.substack.com/  📚 Looking for more college advice? Explore Harlan's books and recommended book lists at HarlansList.com  🎓 Parents and students in the Class of 2027 and Class of 2028 can also learn more about Harlan's Happy, Healthy, Almost Stress-Free College Planning event and his college coaching program. Click below, and use code Happy55. Harlan's coaching program: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course  The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ The Naked Roommate Revised and Updated Edition:  https://shorturl.at/LOUHP SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com

Come join in live during Harlan's broadcasts on Substack (Live most Fridays) Subscribe here: https://harlancohen.substack.com/  You can submit your questions through text or voice note here: https://harlanshotline.lovable.app/  * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of a current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Make college search, selection, and success easier with Harlan’s Coaching Program for Parents and Students. Harlan shares over 25 years of insight to help high school and college families prepare, plan, and navigate life in college. Prepare for the social, emotional, physical, financial, and academic changes ahead. Get access to all of Harlan’s coaching, on-demand events, and Facebook group with your membership. Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA  Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/  SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com  

On this podcast, Courtney and I dig into the data behind the college-to-career transition. We examine the doom narrative that's scaring families away from higher education and why the headlines don't match what the research shows. We talk about why curiosity and relationships matter so much for success after college, and how students can shift from chasing opportunities to aligning with them. Courtney also shares the questions families should be asking before committing to a school. Check out her articles below. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of a current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Make college search, selection, and success easier with Harlan’s Coaching Program for Parents and Students. Harlan shares over 25 years of insight to help high school and college families prepare, plan, and navigate life in college. Prepare for the social, emotional, physical, financial, and academic changes ahead. Get access to all of Harlan’s coaching, on-demand events, and Facebook group with your membership. Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA  Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/  About Courtney: Courtney Brown, Ph.D., is vice president of impact and planning for Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. She serves as the foundation’s chief data and research officer and leads Lumina’s strategic planning, research, evaluation, data, and learning efforts, ensuring the organization’s work is grounded in evidence, continuous learning, and measurable progress toward increased educational attainment. She also oversees Lumina’s international engagement, working with global partners to share insights that strengthen postsecondary education systems. With more than 25 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, and research, Brown has dedicated her career to using data to improve education and workforce outcomes. Lumina Foundation https://www.luminafoundation.org/ Check out Courtney's blogs for more insight: USA Today op-ed: College graduates face a better job market than you think https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2026/05/26/college-degree-job-market-hiring/90144602007/ The AI debate is over. Students have already decided https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/the-ai-debate-is-over-students-have-already-decided/ The rules changed while they were in class https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/the-rules-changed-while-they-were-in-class/ The degree isn't dead, but it's on trial https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/the-degree-isnt-dead-but-its-on-trial/ What if the story we're telling about college is wrong? https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/what-if-the-story-were-telling-about-college-is-wrong/ Proving higher education's promise: We increased attainment. Now, to show value. https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/proving-higher-educations-promise-we-increased-attainment-now-to-show-value/ Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:14 Courtney's Research Background 07:56 Debunking the Doom Narrative 11:43 Micro-Internships and AI Hiring 16:16 Remote Work and Reframing Networking 19:38 Rejection, Risk, and Unconventional Paths 26:48 What Employers Actually Want 27:36 Is College Worth $100k? 30:07 Lumina's Attainment Goal 34:39 Risk, ROI, and School Guarantees 37:56 Financial Fitness and Alumni Data 43:44 Questions to Ask Every School 46:00 Loneliness and Mental Health 48:49 Alumni Mentors and Career Coaching 50:11 Students vs. Institutions on AI 51:39 Aligning With Opportunity 53:09 Closing Thoughts SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com

In this episode, I sat down with my longtime friend Jeffrey Moss, founder and CEO of Parker Dewey. During this impromptu conversation, Jeffrey and I talk about why employers are more positive about the future than you might read in the headlines. We dive into the most recent hiring data, how micro-internships help students and employers, and why curiosity and relationships matter more than anything else. We also talk about my upcoming book and how to make it easier to find a job. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students) Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/   Check out Parker Dewey here: https://www.parkerdewey.com/ The Naked Roommate Revised and Updated Edition:  https://shorturl.at/LOUHP   Articles mentioned: Entry-Level Hiring in the AI Era: What Employers Are Thinking (and Doing) https://www.strada.org/news-insights/entry-level-hiring-in-the-ai-era-what-employers-are-thinking-and-doing  Employer Use of Skills-Based Hiring Practices Grows (NACE Survey) https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/trends-and-predictions/employer-use-of-skills-based-hiring-practices-grows  The State of Higher Education 2026 Valued but Out of Reach: The Reality of Higher Education Today (Gallup-Lumina) https://www.gallup.com/analytics/644939/state-of-higher-education.aspx USA Today op-ed: College graduates face a better job market than you think (Courtney Brown - Lumina Foundation) https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2026/05/26/college-degree-job-market-hiring/90144602007/  Internship Program Retention Rates Underscore Long-term ROI https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/internships/internship-program-retention-rates-underscore-long-term-roi  About Jeffrey: Jeffrey Moss is the Founder and CEO of Parker Dewey LLC, a company focused on addressing the challenges associated with college-to-career transitions through Micro-Internships. Prior to founding Parker Dewey, Jeffrey spent most of his career as a venture capital investor focusing on the education and technology sectors. In addition, Jeffrey was Chief of Enterprise Growth at Educational Testing Service (ETS) where his efforts focused on the use of assessment to drive equity in education and employment. Jeffrey currently serves on the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Alumni Board, the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Council, and the President’s Advisory Council of Governors State University.  Jeffrey's other relevant Board responsibilities have included: Chairman of the Board of Workstream (Nasdaq: WSTM), a software provider for human resources departments; OneGoal, a non-profit focused on college accessibility and persistence; the Chicago American Marketing Association; and the Illinois Venture Capital Association. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 4:01 - AI and Entry Level Hiring 5:53 - What Happens After You Get In 9:15 - Start With the End in Mind 12:20 - Curiosity and Relationships 15:54 - Little Bets, Low Stakes 19:24 - Jeffrey's Internship Wake-Up Call 26:20 - The Job "Date" Explained 35:19 - The Real AI Data 48:51 - Three Takeaways from NACE 55:12 - What Skills Based Hiring Really Means 58:58 - Create Your Own Micro Internship 1:06:27 - What's Coming Next SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com

I spent an amazing day walking around Northwestern University. I met students who were so generous and enthusiastic about sharing the ups and downs of their college experiences. From finding roommates, to deciding on a major, finding a significant other, rushing a sorority, and getting through academic struggles, these students covered so many key points of the college transition. It's hard to know what to expect or what's normal during your first year in a new place, with new instructors and friends. In this podcast, you'll get to hear advice straight from students who have been there and done it. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students) Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Intro and meeting Nate 19:32 Gavin talks about first year struggles 25:33 Jerry on homesickness and good professors 36:31 Sierra talks about friends and sororities 48:01 Ellen and Emma share roommate stories and difficult classes 1:13:25 John talks about internships and how he found a girlfriend 1:30:08 A walk by the lake 2:05:21 Meeting Ty 2:15:33 Outro SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com

I sat down with Lorraine Pennyman, Director of Experiential Learning and Engagement at The Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business, and this conversation was one of my favorites. Lorraine has spent more than 20 years mentoring students, and what stands out about her is she's not just doing a job, she is genuinely in students' corners every single day. We talked about why building real relationships starting freshman year is the most important thing a student can do, what to do when you get rejected from competitive clubs and internships, why you don't need a big-name internship to set yourself up for success, and how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. If you're a student, a parent, or anyone trying to figure out how to make the most of the college experience, this one is packed with gold. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students) Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com About Lorraine Lorraine Pennyman has spent more than 20 years in higher education at The Ohio State University's Max M. Fisher College of Business, where she currently serves as Director of Experiential Learning and Engagement in Undergraduate Programs. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for experiential learning, student engagement, and co-curricular initiatives serving more than 9,000 undergraduate business students. Across progressive leadership roles, Lorraine has designed and led high-impact programs centered on active engagement, intentional community building, and supporting students from their first year through graduation. She holds a Master's in Educational Foundations from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Miami University (Ohio). Lorraine's commitment to student development extends beyond her formal role through university-wide committee service and community leadership, including her lifelong membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Inclusive Excellence Award from Fisher College of Business and recognition in Who's Who In Black Columbus 2024. A self-described servant leader, Lorraine has been married to her college sweetheart for more than twenty years, and they have three children. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:49 From Academic Advisor to Director 5:55 How This Conversation Happened 9:31 What's Changed With Students Over 20 Years 15:36 Parenting a College Freshman 19:28 The Mess Is Where the Magic Happens 21:30 Handling Rejection 25:19 Your Senior Is Your Future Recruiter 31:05 Getting Into Competitive Clubs 35:25 Just Start Your Own 40:46 The Five Big Transitions 45:45 Do You Really Need a Big Internship? 54:30 AI and Losing Your Voice 57:05 Sorority, Service, and Servant Leadership 59:57 Overcoming Adversity THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.

I got to sit down with two of my favorite people, Mike and Kass, entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of the book Shoveling Shit: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success, right in their home (which is basically a full-on operation center). These two have meant so much to my career. Mike and Kass actually introduced me to Peterson's, which led to my very first book deal. We got into the entrepreneurial mindset: why it's so hard to sell yourself even when you have something real to offer, how to build a business around what you know and who you can bring in for what you don't, and what it really looks like to lean into discomfort instead of running from it. We also talked about the power of rejection, how students can build genuine connections through curiosity, and why giving freely almost always comes back around in ways you never expect. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students) Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com About Kass and Mike: Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs and investors best known as the cofounders of Golf.com and Buddy Media, the leading social media marketing platform that sold to Salesforce for $745 million. With a lifetime of stories from decades of building businesses and helping others as investors and advisors, they are in high demand as public speakers, writers, and podcast guests.  Their journey began as friends growing up in the suburbs of the nation’s capital. They started dating after reuniting at a mutual friend’s wedding in 1996. Two years later, they did what all new couples deeply in love do- cofounded a company, Golf.com, before marrying in 1999. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner in 2006, Mike and Kass cofounded Buddy Media. And since selling Buddy Media to Salesforce in 2012, they have focused on providing capital and advice to the world’s most innovative founders. Mike and Kass live in New York City and the Hudson Valley and have three grown children (Myles, Cole, and Vivian) and two rescue dogs (Cece and Gizmo). You can order your copy of their new book Shoveling $h!t here: https://shovelingshit.com/  Check out their website here: www.kassandmike.com Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:34 Share what you do 07:12 Helping and serving others 24:05 Meeting the dogs 25:53 The story of Liquid Death 32:16 You don’t have to know everything 33:50 Working as a couple 40:16 Rejection 44:30 Anyone can start their own business 52:49 How to start a business 54:43 How to network 1:01:18 How to ask interesting questions 1:04:57 How can you help? 1:09:19 Getting comfortable on camera 1:13:50 Outro Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.