28 Best Podcasts For Parents of College Students to Listen to (2026)

Are you stuck between wanting to guide your teen or college kid and knowing it's time to start letting go? Welcome to The Almost Empty Nest Podcast, where moms of teens and college kids reframe what 'letting go' really means and stop second-guessing themselves to feel more connected, confident, and at peace in this chapter of motherhood. Each week, you'll learn how to: • Break free from mindset traps like catastrophizing, mom guilt, and the illusion of control • Build a stronger relationship with your teen—even when they pull away or test boundaries • Strengthen your self-trust as you set boundaries, let go of anxiety, and explore your own purpose beyond parenting Hosted by master life coach—and mom of two college kids—Jennifer Collins, this show offers grounded, relatable support and mindset shifts to help you stop overthinking and start showing up as the mom and woman you truly want to be. 🎧 Start with listener favorite Episode 85: The Empty Nest Straddle — The Emotional Tug of Parenting Teens and Facing the Empty Nest. more

We're pleased to present Flock Talk, a podcast for new students and their families. Each episode will introduce you to important resources and people at the University of Oregon to help you with your transition. From housing and roommates, to financial aid and scholarships, to changing roles and relationships, our episodes will keep you engaged in all aspects of the UO journey. We'll highlight timely higher education topics, and discuss themes directly related to the way we support first-year students. more

You don't stop parenting the day you drop your student off to college on Move-in Day. Your role simply changes. (Actually, it's not simple at all, but it changes.) You're a parent for life. Join Lynn Abrahams and Vicki Nelson, higher education professionals and former college parents, as they explore the topics that can help you be a more effective and supportive parent to your college bound student. Whether you already have a child in college, college is still a year or more away, or your student is about to step out, start now to gather the information that empowers you to be an effective college success coach to your student. more

Admission Tips, Admission Trends & Admission InterviewsAdmission InterviewsOur mission is to 'make college knowledge available to all.' Each Thursday, the 'Your College-Bound Kid' podcast will discuss a hot college topic in the news; we will answer a question or two that listeners send in, we will interview a 'thought leader' in the world of college admissions, and do a 'deep-dive,' we call Spotlights on a College. Every Monday, we have a second episode to discuss a 'hot topic' and interview a 'thought leader' in the admissions or college life world. YCBK combines 'in-depth knowledge' with a light, easy-to-listen conversational style. We have eight co-hosts, six college counselors, and two current admissions officers, including an Admissions Dean more

Taming the High Cost of College teaches parents the secrets of how to plan and save for college so you can help make your children's dreams come true. Hosted by Brad Baldridge, a Certified Financial Planner and college planning expert, you'll learn what you need to save time, save money and reduce stress with smart and proven strategies. If you're the parent of a college-bound teenager, you're in the right place! more

If you're the parent of a 15 to 25-year-old and you're worried they don't have a clear direction for what comes next, you're not alone. Too many young people are asked to make big decisions about their future without a process to figure out what actually fits. When they guess, wait, or follow the wrong advice, it often leads to wasted time, lost momentum, and frustration. College and Career Clarity helps families prepare their teen or young adult to launch into adulthood with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Lisa Marker-Robbins, a career coach with over 30 years of experience, this podcast focuses on what actually leads to a successful launch: building self-awareness, exploring options, and validating the right path before making high-stakes decisions. You'll learn: • How to help your teen or young adult build real direction before choosing what's next • How to avoid common missteps that leave young people stuck, starting over, or lacking confidence • What it actually takes to move forward with clarity, confidence, and traction Whether your teen or young adult is planning for what comes after high school, navigating college, or already out and trying to find their path, this podcast will give you a clearer way forward. more

The College Parent Podcast is a podcast to equip college parents with the tools they need to have meaningful conversations with their college students. more

The road to higher education starts in the carpool lane. Are you ready for the drive? Welcome to From Carpool to College, the ultimate 'college coffee talk' hosted by Tracy and Tara. If you are a parent navigating the modern landscape of higher education, you've likely realized one thing: the rules have changed since we were students. Between shifting admission standards, the 'alphabet soup' of testing, and the rising costs of tuition, it's easy to feel like you're falling behind before the first application is even opened. That's where we come in. As two accomplished public school educators, professional college consultants, and—most importantly—educated moms who have been through the trenches, Tracy and Tara tell it like it is. Our mission is simple: to provide the clarity, honesty, and insider secrets you need so that you never have to say, 'I wish I knew then what I know now!' The Expert Advantage Tracy and Tara aren't just hobbyists; they are career educators who understand the inner workings of the American school system. They bridge the gap between the high school guidance office and the college admissions board, offering a 360-degree view of the journey. By combining professional expertise with the practical, 'boots-on-the-ground' experience of motherhood, they deliver advice that is as empathetic as it is authoritative. What We Tackle Every Week: In each episode, we break down the most complex parts of the college planning process into digestible, actionable steps. We cover: The Admissions Maze: Understanding holistic review, early action vs. early decision, and how to build a balanced college list. Application Strategy: Crafting standout essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and showcasing extracurriculars without the burnout. Financial Literacy & Aid: Navigating the FAFSA, searching for 'true' scholarships, and understanding the real cost of attendance. Standardized Testing: The truth about SATs, ACTs, and the 'test-optional' movement in the current climate. High School Success: Choosing the right AP, IB, or Honors courses and maintaining a healthy GPA without sacrificing mental health. The Parent-Student Relationship: How to be a supportive 'co-pilot' during the teenage years without overstepping. Why 'Coffee Talk'? We believe that the best advice shouldn't feel like a lecture. Think of this podcast as your weekly meeting with two best friends who just happen to be experts in the field. No gatekeeping, no confusing jargon—just honest, real-world conversation delivered with a cup of coffee and a side of humor. Whether you have a middle schooler just starting to dream about their future or a high school senior hitting 'submit' on their last application, Tracy and Tara are here to guide you. Who This Podcast Is For: First-Time College Parents: Who need a roadmap for the four-year high school journey. Educators & Counselors: Looking for fresh perspectives on student advocacy. Overwhelmed Families: Who want to lower the stress levels in their household during application season. Proactive Middle School Parents: Who want to start the conversation early and avoid the last-minute scramble. Stop guessing and start planning. Let's get your student from the carpool lane to the college campus, one episode at a time. Because when parents are informed, students succeed. Connect with us: Don't miss a beat on the road to college. Subscribe today, leave a review, and join our community of parents who are taking the stress out of the 'what's next' conversation. Visit our website for resources, episode notes, and more expert tips from Tracy and Tara. #CarpoolToCollege #CollegeAdmissions #ParentingTeens #CollegePlanning #HighSchoolCounselor #HigherEd #CollegeBound #FinancialAid #FAFSA #CollegeEssays #StudentSuccess more

Parenting high school seniors is challenging and emotional. It is a bittersweet journey that leaves moms wondering if they have done enough. Join parent coach, Cindy Manko, each Thursday morning as she shares expert insight on how to tackle college prep, foster independence, and strengthen family bonds during this pivotal phase. Tune in for essential tips and relatable stories to make this transformative time a memorable success. more

Empty nest thriving! Rick and Clancy have been enjoying life together since the 90s. Starting in Aug 2023, with two college-aged kiddos they entered Empty Nest Living. A quieter house than before...a loud quiet, indeed. Join them as they laugh and cry while trying to figure out how to live the empty nest. Tune in for relatable stories, navigating the ups and downs of empty nest life with humor about the empty nest journey. 📖 Our book is here! Get your copy of The Loud Quiet Love, Laughter and Life in the Empty Nest, here: https://amzn.to/4sC0EV7 © EX4CX LLC. All rights reserved. more

Do you have 45 minutes for fun, intelligent dialogue about all things education and parenting? Welcome to the Application to Admission Podcast! College admission experts Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown pull from their 50 years of college admission experience and feature guests who help students and families to navigate the college admissions process. This is a must-listen-to for parents and advocates who want college admission success for their children and students! more

Your Advisors Will See You Now is the go-to podcast for parents of high school students and teens preparing for life after graduation. Each episode dives into college admissions tips, scholarship strategies, how to reduce school debt, financial aid guidance, and application timelines, while also featuring Career Chats with professionals who share real-world insights about their industries. From exploring college and trade school options to learning about various careers, this podcast helps families make informed, affordable choices and gives teens the confidence to take their next step. more

Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. This year's College Ready seniors earned over 17 million dollars in scholarships and grants! The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can't afford to not tune in! more

Project empty nest is a humorous and heartfelt podcast about what comes next — not for your college-bound kid, but for you. Although to be fair your kids can learn a lot about their parents from this podcast as well! Hosted by Sam and Matt Kramer, first-time empty nesters sending their oldest, youngest, and only child off to college, the show dives into the strange, wonderful, and sometimes uncertain moment when the house feels much bigger and quieter overnight… and suddenly you're left with a surprising amount of free time and space to rediscover. more

For all the stressed-out parents trying to help their teenagers navigate the complicated world of college admissions. Each episode offers insightful and in-depth conversations with admissions experts and professional educators with practical advice for getting through the process without losing sight of yourself, your kid, or your sanity. From building a strong academic and extracurricular profile, developing the college list, managing standardized tests, to crafting the perfect essay, we've got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned high school parent or a first-timer, join us for candid conversations and expert guidance on making it to, through, and beyond college. more

The PrepWell Podcast helps parents prepare their children for the admissions process for highly-selective college programs like the Ivy League, military service academies (e.g. USNA and West Point), ROTC and athletic scholarships. more

Student Orientation and Transition Services is pleased to present the Aggie Parent & Family Podcast, a podcast for parents and families of USU Aggies! Here we share practical advice from leading USU experts and students to help guide both you and your student in your journey at Utah State University. more

All in on college mental health, mental performance, and maxing personal development for college students. Host Dr. Joel Ingersoll brings 20+ year of counseling, advising, coaching and mentoring thousands of college students. Geared toward college students and parents Dr. Joel's episodes increase mental health awareness, challenge stigma and provide actionable steps to optimize mental health and peak performance during the college semester. The podcast is a result of Dr. Joel's relentless mission to help college kids adjust, discover, cope, and develop. more

The Future College Parent Podcast is here to help #originalinfluencer parents' guide their students to prepare, choose, and finance college! www.futurecollegeparent.com more

Get ready to dive into the heart of the Xavier University experience! Our new parent and family podcast is your backstage pass to insider stories, invaluable tips and exclusive conversations with Xavier faculty, staff, students and alumni. Join us on this journey to explore our vibrant Xavier community! more

In this limited podcast series, you will learn from other moms and students who have experienced this transition. You'll hear lessons they learned, tips and things they wish they would have learned before hand. more

Beyond the Nest: A Georgia Southern Family Program Podcast is the official podcast of the Georgia Southern University New Student and Family Programs team, created to keep families informed, connected, and engaged throughout their student's college journey.Each episode dives into hot topics, upcoming events, and the resources that support your student, including academic success, campus involvement, wellness, safety, and career readiness. Through conversations with campus leaders, staff experts, and occasionally parents themselves, Beyond the Nest provides practical guidance, timely updates, more

Sharing tips and answers for parents of college students to help make the journey a little less challenging and frustrating. more

Welcome to The Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College! The podcast that proves sending your kids to college doesn't have to feel like buying a small island. Hosted by Brock Jolly, Certified Financial Planner, and Founder of The College Funding Coach ® , this show is for parents who want to give their kids a great education without breaking the bank in the process. Let's face it: college is expensive, the process is confusing, and most families are stuck asking, 'How do we make it all work?' We all want to give our children a brighter future, and for many, college is a part of that. If you're like many families, you may be torn between saving for college or retirement. It doesn't have to be that way. Each episode, Brock and a lineup of financial experts, counselors and trusted advisors sit down to tackle the tough questions and share proven strategies from saving smarter and maximizing aid to scholarships, tax-savvy planning and ways to capture free money for college! more

Rob Danzman is a licensed therapist who's worked with college students and their parents for over two decades. He's written two books: The Insider's Guide to Parenting: How to Solve Messy Problems and Build a Great Family and The Insider's Guide to College: Evidence-Based Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Win the Semester. The Better Semester is an extension of his work and is all about providing info to parents of college students. Each episode if full of insights, strategies and tactics - all super actionable advice to get your struggling college student solid again. How much is too much parenting when your kiddo heads off to school? How can college students find help when they're struggling? How should medication be handled while they're at college? How can parents coordinate with the university? All of these and more are covered weekly. more

The UofL Parent & Family Association Podcast connects Cardinal families to campus life at the University of Louisville. Hear from staff, faculty, and students as they share insights, tips, and stories to help you support your student's college journey and stay in the loop. more

Congratulations! Your child has been accepted into college! Welcome to The Parent Page Podcast.Everyone who has ever courageously dropped off a child at college knows what it is like standing cluelessly outside the Ivory Tower trying desperately to look in. Two parents living on the inside of college life guide listeners through questions every college bound parent has but is too afraid to ask. Guest experts and seasoned college parent veterans will cover topics in ways that your college parent page wouldn't dare. Honest and unsentimental discussion for the weirdest phase of parenting yet. more

Discover the secrets to college transition, disability accommodations, and academic success for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health conditions. Join Dan Jordan, a current therapist at a university and former accessibility coordinator for over a decade, as he provides weekly insider tips and insights to improve your student's self-advocacy, academic achievement, and personal wellness. Get the essential information you need to navigate the college journey from start to finish. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out! more