College and Career Clarity

Lisa Marker Robbins

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.

  1. Celebrating 200 Episodes: The Truth About What’s Holding Young People Back

    HACE 1 DÍA

    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 help them move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll leave inspired, recharged, and ready to guide the next generation toward purpose and possibility. In this episode, Lisa, Vicki, and Kayla discuss: The emotional push and pull between parents and young people during the launch yearsThe growing confidence gap in professional communication and real-world readinessShifting career pathways and the increasing value of non-traditional education routesFostering resilience, self-awareness, and intentional progress toward independence Key Takeaways:  Parents’ stress often mirrors their kids’ uncertainty, and recognizing that shared overwhelm helps both sides find calm and momentum.Modeling confident communication in small ways—like outreach, networking, and follow-up—helps young people take ownership without parents taking over.Many students are now making informed choices to pursue trades, alternative training, or intentional pauses, showing that success comes in many forms beyond college.Building self-awareness early and giving young people space to make mistakes fosters genuine confidence, resilience, and long-term independence.  “There’s just not as much resilience with young people, and they fear that that ‘no’ is the end-all be-all.” – Vicki Weisbrod “It’s amazing how quickly the shift happens whenever you finally understand yourself.” – Kayla Lane About our Guests: Vicki Weisbrod is a Flourish Coaching Career Coach and veteran school counselor who built Bishop Fenwick’s career advising program from the ground up, pioneering the use of the Birkman assessment to enhance career and college readiness.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-weisbrod-640b31131/Kayla Lane is the Executive Assistant and Client Support at Flourish Coaching, where she pairs her healthcare background with strong organizational and client support skills to guide families through their college and career journey.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-lane-362b7014b/ Episode References: The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754’Ep#196 5 Must-Know Hiring Trends & How They Impact Your Student with Christine Rigby-Hall: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/196-5-must-know-hiring-trends-how-they-impact-your-student-with-christine-rigby-hall/Learn how to help your teen move from uncertain to unstoppable at Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    31 min
  2. Sports Careers Beyond the Game: Opportunities Off the Field with Stephen Master

    4 NOV

    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 high demand in the sports and entertainment ecosystemBalancing passion, education, and hustle Key Takeaways:  Careers in sports extend far past the playing field, including roles in marketing, analytics, media, and sponsorships. Exploring these options early helps uncover where passion and talent meet.Networking remains the most powerful tool in the sports industry. Relationships, mentorships, and proactive outreach often lead to opportunities more effectively than cold applications.Real-world exposure sharpens direction and builds credibility. Internships in high school or college, whether loved or disliked, shape clearer career decisions later on.A well-rounded education supports success, but determination and experience matter most. Aligning values with career goals ensures long-term fulfillment in this dynamic field.There are more entry points at agencies working on brand partnerships, sponsorships, and influencer deals than at leagues and teams.  “The three most important words in sports: Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.” – Stephen Master About Stephen Master: Professor Stephen Master has over 25 years of leadership experience in sports marketing and media. He has taught at NYU since 2004, offering courses on Sports Sponsorship, Media, and the Business of Sports Betting. He founded the Sports Biz Boot Camp, a college-prep program introducing high school students to the business of sports, and co-founded Amaze Media Labs, a podcast company producing shows for brands like DraftKings, BetMGM, Ford, and Facebook. As head of Master Media Advisors, he supports startups and advises investors in sports, entertainment, and gaming. Previously, he led Nielsen’s Global Sports Group, co-founded its eSports practice, and launched the FANALYTICS platform—featured in major outlets like The New York Times, ESPN, and Bloomberg. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at the NFL, Octagon, and NBA. Stephen earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his MBA from Northwestern. Episode References: #169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick Clark Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).  flourishcoachingco.com/video  Connect with Stephen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-master-95957712/ Website: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/stephen-master  Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    44 min
  3. Match Majors to Money: A Scholarship Strategy with Lisa, Dave & Mike

    28 OCT

    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 aidStrategies for early scholarship searching and intentional college preparationHow real-world experiences and self-awareness shape stronger college and scholarship applications Key Takeaways:  When applying for scholarships, students with a clear personal narrative tied to their future major consistently outperform those who list achievements without direction.Most universities factor “fit to major” (FTM) into admissions and aid decisions, with some high-demand majors (like nursing or computer science) closed to later transfers.Starting early—in both scholarship applications and career exploration—reduces stress, expands opportunities, and allows time for authentic experiences that strengthen applications.Real-world experiences, like internships or organizing community projects, not only clarify interests but also provide concrete material for compelling essays and scholarship submissions.  “Students that I’ve worked with, even when they’re applying to general scholarships, are still having success by having that personal narrative that relates to their future college major.” – Dave Peterson “Authenticity should inform every aspect of the admissions process.” – Mike Bergin About our Guests: Dave Peterson is the founder of Scholarship GPS, a leading scholarship strategist.  TwitterFacebookEmail: dave@nodebtcollege.comPodcast Mike Bergin is the founder of Chariot Learning, an ACT Certified Educator, and co-host of the Tests and the Rest podcast.  WebsiteLinkedInPodcast Episode References: Download a Sample Birkman ReportThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) formLisa’s Launch Career Clarity online course  Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).  flourishcoachingco.com/video  Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    1 h y 2 min
  4. Avoiding the Default Major: Smart Steps for Aspiring Business Students with Anita Doddi

    21 OCT

    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 businessWhat competitive business school admissions officers truly look for beyond academicsHow reflection, course choices, and extracurriculars shape clarity and college readiness for business majors Key Takeaways:  Students should pursue any kind of job or small business experience—from babysitting to retail—to build basic professional and business skills early.Reflection on experiences is essential for college essays and interviews; students who articulate what they learned stand out more than those who list achievements.Highly selective programs expect applicants to demonstrate problem-solving and awareness of real-world, local business issues, not just academic excellence.Choosing challenging coursework like Calculus and exploring available business electives in high school can strengthen both preparedness and application competitiveness.  “What I see from a lot of students is that what helps them get away from being undecided is actually those real-world experiences, whether it's in the summer or after school.” – Anita Doddi About Anita Doddi: Anita has spent her career helping students get where they’re trying to go, beginning with her early days as an academic adviser at the University of Chicago. She’s guided hundreds of students through admissions, with many accepted to top universities, including the University of Michigan, Cornell, UPenn, Columbia, and all the UC schools. Episode References: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike-ebook/dp/B0176M1A44Explore the Flourish Coaching “Majors” Resource to access the spreadsheet, sample email, and video guide at flourishcoachingco.com/majors#185 From “Little Jobs” to Big Wins: Internship Strategies That Work with Ramon Santillan: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/185-from-little-jobs-to-big-wins-internship-strategies-that-work-with-ramon-santillan/ Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).  flourishcoachingco.com/video  Connect with Anita: Website: https://collegewise.com/counselors/anita-doddi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-doddi-26949062/  Email: anitag@collegewise.com Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    32 min
  5. 5 Must-Know Hiring Trends & How They Impact Your Student with Christine Rigby-Hall

    14 OCT

    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 intelligence on entry-level roles and required skillsContinued power of networking and accessing the hidden job market Key Takeaways:  The average job search now takes three to six months, as companies add more interview rounds and assessments before extending offers.Skills-first hiring means candidates should highlight real-world experiences—like micro-internships, portfolios, and certifications—not just degrees.AI is reshaping entry-level work, with 78% of hiring managers expecting AI-driven layoffs, but it is also creating new roles in data analysis and AI integration; learners should take AI courses (free or paid) and demonstrate use cases in portfolios.Over 70% of jobs are never posted publicly, making networking and referrals through LinkedIn or family connections essential to finding opportunities.  “Show, don’t tell, and proof beats promises.” – Christine Rigby-Hall About Christine Rigby-Hall: Christine Rigby-Hall is the founder of GradLanding, a career coaching practice that helps college students and early career professionals secure internships and launch into the job market with confidence. Christine also partners closely with parents, helping them understand the hiring landscape and how to support their student without adding pressure. Her approach blends practical strategies with encouragement, giving young professionals the skills and confidence to stand out in a competitive market. She holds a Master’s in Counseling from Springfield College and a Coaching Certification from Columbia University. Episode References: Build a standout LinkedIn profile that gets noticed—grab your free LinkedIn Profile Builder at flourishcoachingco.com/LinkedIn Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).  flourishcoachingco.com/video  Connect with Christine: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradlanding/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GradLanding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/GradLanding/100095337640629/ Website: https://www.gradlanding.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemsnyder & https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradlanding/ Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    44 min
  6. Modern Manners that Boost Confidence & Career Readiness with Brooke Romney

    7 OCT

    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 networking, job shadows, and informational interviewsThe influence of parents, mentors, and micro-habits in developing these skills Key Takeaways:  Students should use simple conversation techniques—like making an observation and asking a question, or “throwing the ball back”—to create natural, balanced dialogue.First impressions matter: attire, language, and physical manners (handshake, eye contact, putting away your phone, appropriate clothing) often determine how seriously others take you.Adults are more likely to grant favors and mentorship opportunities to teens and young adults than older people, making this the ideal stage of life to ask for informational interviews, job shadows, or introductions.Parents and mentors should approach teaching manners with a growth mindset, praising progress, modeling skills, and helping young people practice consistently until they feel natural.  “Physical manners can go a long way, and oftentimes they’re not noticed until they’re not done.” – Brooke Romney About Brooke Romney: Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker, and community builder who is committed to sharing real life with a hopeful twist. She is the best-selling author of four books: 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, Volumes 1 and 2, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, and I Like Me Anyway: Embracing Imperfection, Connection, and Christ. She recently launched a new game, Do You Even Know Me?, to help families connect and have fun together. Meaningful connection with family, friends, strangers, and God is where she finds purpose and joy. Episode References: Grab the free LinkedIn Profile Guide at flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin to help your student create a standout profile and start building their network with confidence. Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).  flourishcoachingco.com/video  Connect with Brooke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-romney-9724a2100/ Website: https://brookeromney.com/welcome/ Shopify: https://082dc6.myshopify.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brooke-Romney/author/B08L8WQN6C Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    32 min
  7. Music Careers Uncovered: Are They Really Viable And A Smart Choice?

    30 SEP

    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 clarity for young creativesFamily roles and perspectives in supporting artistic career choices Key Takeaways:  Parents’ fears often stem from only imagining extremes—either starving artists or Grammy winners—yet most successful musicians build stable, thriving lives between those two points.Gap years can be powerful when structured with clear goals and intentionality, but they risk becoming wasted time if the expectations of the student and their parent aren’t aligned.Modern musicians must learn to independently create, release, network, and generate income streams before labels or gatekeepers will take notice.Many college music programs lag behind industry realities, leaving students to seek entrepreneurial, production, and tech skills elsewhere to stay competitive.  “The thing that is always going to be in demand is creativity, interpretation, and emotion, and AI can't replace all of that, and artists have all of those things.” – Dr. Christine Gangelhoff “Sometimes the parents’ reason for thinking about a gap year, or the child’s reason for bringing it up, may not be aligned, and that’s when you get that messy kind of wasted year.” – Dr. Alaina Johnson “The more we train our young adults and our young musicians to be entrepreneurial, creative problem solvers, the better they will be in this ever-changing industry.” – Melissa Mulligan About our Guests: Dr. Christine Gangelhoff Website: https://mysoundpath.com/LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/christine-gangelhoff-4b89b324Dr. Alaina JohnsonWebsite: https://parentingtalent.com/Melissa MulliganWebsite: https://www.mastermindroad.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mulligan-3ab018142/Episode References: How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).  flourishcoachingco.com/video  Need to find more scholarship money? Join Lisa and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 PM EST/4:30 PST for a free live panel. Save your seat now at https://flourishcoachingco.com/majorscholarships Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    1 h y 13 min
  8. From Mom’s Path to Her Own: Building Career Confidence for Daughters with Ilana Levitt

    23 SEP

    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 tension between supporting and controlling children’s career pathsThe role of self-awareness and open conversation in healthy career development Key Takeaways:  Daughters absorb far more from how mothers navigate work, relationships, and confidence than from the advice they are given outright.Holding too tightly to a fixed idea of who a daughter should become can quietly undermine her ability to build true career confidence.Paying attention to the language you use about your job and your life helps prevent unintentional patterns of negativity or self-doubt from passing on to your children.Sharing the full, unpolished story of your own career choices—including pivots, regrets, and proud moments—gives your child permission to make different decisions without guilt.  “The real trick is for daughters and for us to recognize our own strengths and weaknesses and separate ourselves enough from mom that we could see ourselves.” – Ilana Levitt Episode References: Download a Sample Birkman Report: https://flourishcoachingco.com/birkmanSample The Seven Stories Exercise: https://careercenter.lehigh.edu/sites/careercenter.lehigh.edu/files/Seven%20Stories%20Exercise.pdfNew York Times: 25 Questions to Bring You Closer to Your Mom: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/05/09/well/mothers-day-questions.html Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Ilana: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsmomthebook/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatsmomthebook/ Book: What's Mom Still Got To Do With It?: https://www.whatsmomthebook.com/ Take the quick quiz to find out which daughter type from What’s Mom Still Got To Do With It? fits you best! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilanatolpinlevitt/ Need to find more scholarship money? Join Lisa and scholarship strategist Dave Peterson Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 PM EST/4:30 PST for a free live panel. Save your seat now at https://flourishcoachingco.com/majorscholarships Connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

    46 min
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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.

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