First Gen 101

Miguel E. Sanchez Robles

5.0 (4)
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

🎉 Welcome to First Gen 101 – the podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. 🌟

MAR 20

From Tax Basics to Investment Insights: A Conversation with Alex Embree

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel sits down with Alex Embree, M.Ed., AFC®, a first-generation college graduate and Program Manager for the Office for Financial Success at the University of Missouri, where she leads a team of Peer Financial Coaches. Alex shares her journey into personal finance and breaks down the essentials every first-gen student should know—taxable income, deductions, credits, and how taxes impact your financial future. The conversation also explores smart investment strategies, tax-advantaged accounts, and practical financial planning tips designed to help students build long-term stability and confidence. Whether you’re just learning about taxes or ready to start investing, this episode offers trusted resources and actionable insights to help you take control of your financial future. 🎧 Tune in and start building wealth with knowledge. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:02 Alex's Background and Journey 04:09 The Importance of Financial Decisions for First Gen Students 04:47 Understanding Taxes: Basics and Definitions 11:11 Deductions vs. Credits: Simplified 20:07 Investing: When and How to Start 24:40 Tax-Advantaged Accounts Explained 31:09 Trusted Resources for Financial Literacy 34:54 Biggest Achievement as a First Gen Graduate 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

37 min
MAR 6

Navigating Business and Education: The Story of GET 9

Send us Fan Mail Navigating Business and Education: The Story of GET 9 Welcome to the First Gen 101 Podcast! In this episode, host Miguel welcomes back Jacquie Carroll to discuss her journey in starting a business. Jacquie, who shared her first-gen story in Season 2, Episode 7, focuses on the business aspects of launching 'GET 9', an educational game designed to improve math skills and reduce math anxiety. They delve into topics such as the importance of a business plan, managing hidden costs, and leveraging resources like the Small Business Administration. Jacquie also offers practical advice for balancing a stable career while developing a side business. Tune in for valuable insights and tips for aspiring first-gen entrepreneurs! Get 9: https://www.gamekraft.us/ 00:00 Introduction to the First Gen 101 Podcast 00:28 Jacquie's Game: GET 9 01:39 The Educational Value of GET 9 05:15 Creating a Business Plan 07:45 Navigating Business Costs and Resources 12:32 Leveraging Networks and Volunteering 16:17 Balancing Stability and Entrepreneurship 20:03 Evaluating Business Ideas 23:33 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

26 min
FEB 20

Mentorship and Growth: A Lawyer's Journey with Tyler Rutherford

Send us Fan Mail Mentorship and Growth: A Lawyer's Journey with Tyler Rutherford In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, host Miguel welcomes Tyler Rutherford, a first-generation lawyer. Tyler shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a corporate lawyer in New York. He discusses his educational background, the challenges of law school, and the importance of building a strong support network. Tyler also touches on financial planning, mentorship, and maintaining a work-life balance. This insightful conversation is a must-watch for aspiring first-generation law students and anyone interested in the legal profession. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:17 Tyler's Background and Early Life 04:23 Deciding to Pursue Law 06:59 Choosing Pace Law School 08:38 Transition to New York and Law School Challenges 12:48 Building a Support Network 16:54 Mentorship and Career Path 24:29 Advice for Aspiring Law Students 28:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

34 min
FEB 6

Overcoming Debt and Building a Future with Edward Disi

Send us Fan Mail Overcoming Debt and Building a Future with Edward Disi Join us on the First Gen 101 podcast as we speak with Edward Disi, a Nigerian immigrant and college graduate with over 20 years in the software industry, who now empowers others through financial coaching at CLY Coaching. In this episode, Edward shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the US, his career progression in technology, and how he developed a passion for personal finance. Learn how family, community, and faith have shaped his path, and gain valuable insights into achieving financial clarity and building a legacy for future generations. Don't miss this deep dive into success, technology, and financial stewardship! CLY Coaching: https://www.clycoaching.com/ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:35 Edward's Early Life and Journey to the US 03:28 Career Beginnings in the Software Industry 07:04 Transition to Personal Finance 13:05 Founding of CLY Coaching 17:45 Financial Clarity and Legacy Building 22:29 Challenges and Barriers in Financial Education 25:39 Conclusion and Contact Information 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

28 min
11/10/2025

Stories of Transition: The First Gen Experience with Cesar Margarito

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ New Episode of First Gen 101! In this inspiring episode, host Miguel sits down with Cesar Margarito, a proud first-generation college graduate and advocate for educational equity. Cesar opens up about his journey from his roots as an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico, to navigating the U.S. education system and launching Fly Socks—a creative venture that funds scholarships for first-generation students through the sale of stylish socks. From working at Staples after graduation to discovering his passion for educational outreach and now pursuing a doctoral degree, Cesar’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, purpose, and the importance of giving back. Tune in as we explore themes of mentorship, community, and the first-gen experience—and learn how one student’s journey can spark change for many others. 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

31 min
10/24/2025

Learning to Learn: The First Gen College Experience with Jacquie Carroll

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel welcomes guest Jacquie Carroll. Jacquie shares her inspiring journey from being the daughter of immigrants and a restaurant business owner to becoming a doctoral graduate. She dives into the challenges of navigating the education system as a first-generation student, the importance of mentorship, and the skills needed to learn effectively. Jacquie also offers financial strategies for managing educational costs and building a successful career. Now, with a rich background in higher education, instructional design, and student success, her passion for making education engaging and effective has led her to create GameKraft. Jacquie is committed to bringing her expertise full circle by integrating fun and learning, ensuring that students not only succeed but thrive in their educational journeys. GameKraft Website: https://www.gamekraft.us/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 How We Met: A Financial Aid Conference 01:26 First Generation Story 02:35 Navigating Education as a First Gen Student 02:56 Balancing Family and Education 05:56 Learning to Learn: Study Skills and Time Management 12:09 Challenges Faced by First Gen Students 15:30 Financial Hacks for First Gen Students 16:55 Networking and Co-Curricular Opportunities 17:05 Leveraging Dual Credit and Demonstrating Mastery 17:40 Non-Traditional Student Hacks 03:08 Work-Study and Leveraging Scholarships 20:09 Tuition Assistance Programs 22:41 The Importance of Mentorship 25:40 Finding Your First Job 28:26 Biggest Achievement and New Ventures 30:30 Promoting Learning Through Games 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

32 min
10/03/2025

Navigating College: A Guide for First-Generation Students with Sarah Smyth

Send us Fan Mail Navigating College and Career as a First-Generation Student: Sarah Smyth’s Journey In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, we dive deep with Sarah Smyth, a certified social worker and program director for Trio Student Support Services at St. Peter's University. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a business owner. She emphasizes the importance of social capital, mentorship, and finding one's purpose in academic and professional settings. Sarah also offers valuable insights into the financial, personal, and academic challenges faced by first-generation students and highlights the crucial role of community colleges and institutional support programs. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling, building genuine connections, and navigating the complexities of college life and beyond. Learn more about E. Smyth& Co. Consulting by contacting: esmythconsulting@gmail.com. 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

28 min
09/19/2025

Unpacking the Law School Experience: A Conversation with Nick Moustakas

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel Sanchez chats with Nick Moustakas, a recent graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. They delve into Nick's transformative journey through law school, from initial doubts and challenges to successful bar exam preparation. Nick shares his insights on what sparked his interest in law, the importance of mentorship, and how he overcame the stresses of studying and the bar exam. This episode is a must-listen for prospective law students and anyone interested in the personal and professional growth that comes with a legal education. 00:00 Introduction: The Law School Transformation 00:36 Guest Introduction: Meet Nick Moustakas 00:48 Post-Graduation Reflections 01:37 The Spark: Why Law? 03:02 College Journey and Decisions 05:59 Parental Support and High School Challenges 07:25 Guidance Counselor's Impact 11:33 Law School Preparation: The LSAT Challenge 14:09 Orientation and First Impressions 18:00 Navigating the First Semester 19:36 Deciding to Stay in Law School 19:57 Communicating Doubts to Family 21:16 Finding a Groove in 2L Year 24:08 Choosing a Law Specialization 26:02 Importance of Mentorship 29:06 Bar Exam Preparation 32:37 Reflecting on Law School Experience 40:04 Future Aspirations 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

42 min

TRAILER

First Gen 101: Trailer

Send us Fan Mail First Gen 101: Empowering First-Generation Students Welcome to First Gen 101, a podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips to empower first-generation students. Hosted by Miguel Sanchez, a first-generation college and graduate student, each episode features guests discussing their experiences, struggles, triumphs, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned. Whether you’re a first-gen student or interested in the power of persistence, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and tune in every other Friday starting January 17th, 2025. 00:00 Introduction to First Gen 101 00:19 Meet Your Host: Miguel Sanchez 00:29 What to Expect in Each Episode 00:46 Who Should Listen to This Podcast? 00:59 Subscribe and Tune In 01:11 Closing Remarks 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com 🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast? 📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

S1

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1 min

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Excellent podcast!

01/31/2025

Jonathan Campozano

Very informative and insightful.

🎉 Welcome to First Gen 101 – the podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. 🌟

Creator

Miguel E. Sanchez Robles
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 First Gen 101
Show Website

First Gen 101