College and Career Clarity
If you are overwhelmed with the college-bound journey, confused by how much things have changed, or frustrated by having more questions than answers, then College and Career Clarity is the compass you need, when you need it most. Weekly episodes with Lisa Marker-Robbins and her guests provide families with strategic guidance to resource your student to make informed choices that align with their passions, purpose, and potential future. You’ll be informed to be able to have intentional & productive family conversations grounded in guidance and broken into actionable steps to move from overwhelmed and confused to motivated, clear, and confident about your teen’s future.
Episodes
213 episodes
How to Choose a College That Delivers Career ROI, with Jeff Selingo
In this episode, Lisa and Jeff discuss:Why college prestige alone no longer guarantees strong early career outcomes — and what matters more insteadHow internships, micro-credentials, and co-ops now function as proof of empl...
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Season 1
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Episode 212
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25:10
How to Use Course Scheduling to Demonstrate Fit and Direction
Lisa Marker-Robbins argues that course scheduling is more than fulfilling academic requirements — it’s a strategic signal of direction, fit, and readiness. Through her lens as a master career coach, she reframes learning as a lifelong tool for ...
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Season 1
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Episode 211
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16:33
From College First to Career Fit: How College and Career Clarity Has Evolved
Lisa Marker Robbins has spent decades helping young people navigate the messy space between high school and career, and she’s seen that landscape shift. College still matters, but alignment matters more than ever—and families increasingly want ...
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Season 1
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Episode 210
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16:10
A Better Path? Why Skilled Trades Might Beat College with JJ Owen
In this episode, Lisa and JJ discuss:Rethinking post-high school pathways and expanding what counts as a successful career beyond the traditional four-year college pathThe role of curiosity, exposure, and hands-on experienc...
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Season 1
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Episode 209
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36:56
How to Support Career Planning When Chronic Health is a Factor with Annie Tulkin
In this episode, Lisa and Annie discuss:Career planning when chronic health conditions or physical disabilities affect daily functioningSelf-advocacy and accommodations across education, training, and employmentAli...
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Season 1
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Episode 208
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36:46
Best of 2025: The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark
In this episode, Lisa and Rick discuss:How a student’s choice of future intended major impacts their college admissions chancesThe role of holistic review in determining “Fit To Major” (FTM)The challenges students ...
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Season 1
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Episode 207
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42:22
Best of 2025: How Small Academic Changes Can Mean Big Merit Aid Dollars with Brian Eufinger
In this episode, Lisa and Brian discuss:Strategies for maximizing college scholarships given by the institutionsThe difference in merit vs. need-based financial aidThe role of GPA and standardized testing, A...
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Season 1
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Episode 206
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38:32
Best of 2025: Scientifically Matching Your Teen to an Ideal Career Path with Amy Shepley
In this episode, Lisa and Amy discuss:Identifying personality traits, interests, and work styles for career explorationFactors influencing long-term career satisfaction and professional fulfillmentThe resear...
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Season 1
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Episode 205
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40:11
How Personal Storytelling Builds Confidence, Clarity, and Career Readiness with Jackie Bailey
In this episode, Lisa and Jackie discuss:How personal storytelling shapes identity and confidence in young peopleThe role of a signature talk in strengthening communication and self-awarenessUsing life exper...
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Season 1
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Episode 204
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37:20
Surviving Winter Break with Family: Andrea Malkin Brenner on Staying Connected
In this episode, Lisa and Andrea discuss:Navigating family dynamics when college students return home for holidays and extended breaksBalancing student independence with household expectations during time at home
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Season 1
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Episode 203
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29:05
How to Raise Curious, Future-Ready Teens – with Kami Wanous
In this episode, Lisa and Kami discuss:How curiosity shapes the development of lifelong learners who can adapt and grow over timeWhy box-checking habits weaken authentic engagement with learningWhat project-...
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Season 1
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Episode 202
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35:40
Building Post High School Resilience and Career Confidence: Ethan Zellner's Journey
In this episode, Lisa and Ethan discuss:Managing setbacks and academic struggles in demanding college programsThe importance of resilience, networking, and real-world experience in career developmentHow comm...
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Season 1
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Episode 201
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41:08
Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Truth About What’s Holding Young People Back
Two hundred episodes strong—and this celebration goes deeper than a milestone. Lisa Marker-Robbins is joined by Vicki Weisbrod and Kayla Lane for an honest, energizing conversation about what’s really holding young people back and how you can h...
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Season 1
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Episode 200
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31:12
Sports Careers Beyond the Game: Opportunities Off the Field with Stephen Master
In this episode, Lisa and Stephen discuss:How to turn a passion for sports into a career off the fieldBuilding connections that open doors and gain experiences through sports internshipsWhat roles are in hig...
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Season 1
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Episode 199
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44:26
Match Majors to Money: A Scholarship Strategy with Lisa, Dave & Mike
In this episode, Lisa, Dave, and Mike discuss:How career direction and college major alignment influence scholarship successThe role of personal narrative and authenticity in admissions and financial aidStra...
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Season 1
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Episode 198
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1:01:44
Avoiding the Default Major: Smart Steps for Aspiring Business Students with Anita Doddi
In this episode, Lisa and Anita discuss:The growing trend of students choosing business as a “default” or undecided majorThe value of real-world work experiences for high school and college students exploring busines...
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Season 1
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Episode 197
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32:08
5 Must-Know Hiring Trends & How They Impact Your Student with Christine Rigby-Hall
In this episode, Lisa and Christine discuss:Shifting hiring timelines and employer decision-making in today’s job marketGrowing importance of skills-based hiring and micro-internshipsInfluence of artificial ...
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Season 1
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Episode 196
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43:33
Modern Manners that Boost Confidence & Career Readiness with Brooke Romney
In this episode, Lisa and Brooke discuss:The role of modern manners in building confidence and career readinessHow social, physical, and relationship etiquette shape professional connectionsStrategies for ne...
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Season 1
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Episode 195
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32:13
Music Careers Uncovered: Are They Really Viable And A Smart Choice?
In this episode, Lisa, Dr. Gangelhoff, Dr. Alaina, and Melissa discuss:Shifts in the music industry and its evolving futureEducational pathways for aspiring musiciansBuilding independence, resilience, and cl...
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Season 1
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Episode 194
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1:11:59
From Mom’s Path to Her Own: Building Career Confidence for Daughters with Ilana Levitt
In this episode, Lisa and Ilana discuss:Mother-daughter dynamics in shaping career confidence and identityThe unconscious transmission of attitudes about work, relationships, and self-worthNavigating the ten...
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Season 1
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Episode 193
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44:55
Scholarship Strategy: What To Do Each Year of High School with Dave Peterson
In this episode, Lisa and Dave discuss:Strategies for applying to scholarships throughout all four years of high schoolBuilding and refining a personal narrative that connects past experiences to future goals
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Season 1
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Episode 192
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36:33
How Mentorship Can Change Your Student with Dr. Karen Corbin and Catie Kean
In this episode, Lisa, Dr. Corbin, and Catie discuss:Mentorship as a driver of growth and opportunityThe mutual responsibilities within mentor–mentee relationshipsEarly guidance shaping confidence and career...
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Season 1
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Episode 191
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37:11
More Than Pilots: 1.5 Million Aviation Jobs Ahead with René Banglesdorf
In this episode, Lisa and René discuss:The wide range of career opportunities available in aviation, beyond being a pilotThe growing demand for aviation professionals due to industry growth and retirementsBa...
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Season 1
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Episode 190
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34:41
Is It Normal Anxiety—or More? A Guide for Parents with Zack Schafer
In this episode, Lisa and Zack discuss:Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorderThe role of technology and social media in contributing to Gen Z anxietyEvidence-based trea...
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Season 1
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Episode 189
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40:06
How to Successfully Align Majors, Credits, and Careers with Jaime Smith
In this episode, Lisa and Jaime discuss:Understanding the role of impacted majors and prerequisitesThe critical importance of aligning majors with career goals earlyNavigating the complexities of college tra...
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Season 1
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Episode 188
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36:12