FOR Students

FOR Students
  • 5.0 (10)
  • NON-PROFIT

Unfiltered conversations that matter. At FOR Students, we have created programs, events, and a space to help students feel better prepared for their future and provide them with the tools and the hope they need to bounce back when tough things happen…because they will.

  1. DEC 17

    Samantha Martinez: Overachiever, Mom’s Battle with Cancer, Incredible Parenting, and the Power of Camp

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! Ed and Kellie get to hear the story behind Dr. Samantha Martinez, a young, successful, Charlotte-based psychologist.  You will hear how Dr. Sam grew up in a small NJ town as the oldest daughter of 2 coaches, how her mom was diagnosed with cancer when she was 9, and that despite her begging not to go, how her parents sent her and her siblings to Camp Kesem, a place that changed her life. Such a fun and helpful interview that addresses parenting with curiosity, grief, and that the best version of us includes high performance AND the ability to feel. Dr. Martinez’s Website: https://drsamanthamartinez.com/ Camp Kesem: https://www.kesem.org/ Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    1h 22m

  2. DEC 4

    Chris Lee: Being a Creative and a Journey Back from Despair

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! **Trigger warning: This episode talks explicitly about suicidal ideation and depression. If you are in crisis please call or text 988. Ed and Kellie sit down with their long-time friend and FOR Students’ Videographer and Graphic Designer, Chris Lee. They talk playing music, becoming a full-time creative, and the stresses of working for non-profits with small teams. Very quickly, however, Chris opens up and is incredibly vulnerable around his marriage, boundaries, deteriorating mental health, separation, despair, and plans for suicide. It’s a tough and beautiful discussion around feeling lost and, with the help of friends, figuring out how to survive. You will be glad you listened. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    1h 17m

  3. OCT 23

    Jaxon Brown - Hardcore Music, Understanding Parents, Becoming Healthy, and Finding Direction

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! Ed and Kellie interview Jaxon Brown, 22 yr old, Charlotte-native who has been, self-admittedly, trying to figure out what to do with his life since he graduated high school. Jaxon reminisces about his teen years, youth group, his relationship with mentors, and the difficulty he has had with education and direction. He beautifully describes his ever-evolving health and sobriety, and his changing perspective on his parents and their desires for him as he grew up. Truly an amazing look inside the heart and mind of a wonderful human on a journey to find purpose. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    1h 18m

  4. SEP 17

    Anish Vedantham - Cross Country, Reading, and preparing for Oxford

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! Ed and Kellie interview Anish, a Charlotte student that will be studying politics, philosophy, and economics at the University of Oxford starting fall of 2025. Recorded during the weeks right before he left for school, the 3 get into his family, friends, hobbies, and what it feels like to prepare to attend one of the oldest and most revered universities on the planet. What becomes very clear very quickly is that Anish is a unique human being in possession of a giant intellect and endless drive. It also becomes clear that his heart is to help people and make the world a better place. You’ll love this listen. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    1h 12m

  5. SEP 2

    The Weight of the World: the endless barrage of bad news and what we can do with it.

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! Ed and Kellie have a conversation around the 24 hour, global news frenzy, and the feelings of anxiety and helplessness that seem to inevitably follow. Why are we addicted to bad news? What is the body’s response to endless, traumatic events without clear solutions? Ed and Kellie talk about some evidence-based ways to deal with it all. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- Used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    40 min

  6. AUG 21

    Walker Simerville: Brother, Athlete, and a Life-Changing Brain Tumor.

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! We jump into Walker’s story of growing up playing lacrosse, being the youngest of 3 brothers, and a surprise diagnosis after a father-son trip. The fears, family interactions, surgeries that followed, the changes to many of life’s rhythms, and the feelings around watching peers do all the things he used to do. Walker’s humor, optimism, and life-giving personality are contagious. You’ll be glad you listened. Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- Used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    1h 8m

  7. AUG 6

    Ryan Samii: Theater kid, homecoming king, and now.. chemistry major?

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! Ed and Kellie sit down with Northwestern sophomore, Ryan Samii. He talks about growing up in a family where everyone had unique gifts and interests and how his parents worked hard to create space, time, and value for each of their kids equally. Diving deep into his high school experience being a “lifer” at his Charlotte-area private school, Ryan talks about being part of the lead team of Students FOR Students, starring in multiple theatre productions, juggling friends and work load, and figuring out what was next for his journey. As a staff, we are privileged to have Ryan back for the summer working with us as an intern, and couldn’t miss the opportunity to share his story.  Intro Music: Ways To Go, by GROUPLOVE- Used with permission Recorded at EVRYBDY Studios

    46 min

  8. JUL 15

    Ed and Kellie: Thoughts – Shaping Mindset for a Stronger Future

    Have Questions? Got some ideas on what you want to hear? Text us! In this episode, Ed and Kellie dive into the LAUNCH module: Thoughts.  They share the heart behind its design and explore how students can take control of their inner narrative by identifying and filtering out untrue, unhelpful thoughts. With practical strategies and powerful insight, this module helps students realize: when you change your thoughts, you can change your life. A must-listen for anyone who believes mindset matters. Intro Music: Ways To Go by GROUPLOVE – Used with permission Recorded at: EVRYBDY Studios

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Unfiltered conversations that matter. At FOR Students, we have created programs, events, and a space to help students feel better prepared for their future and provide them with the tools and the hope they need to bounce back when tough things happen…because they will.

Information

  • Creator
    FOR Students
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 FOR Students
  • Show Website
    FOR Students