College Is Fine, Everything's Fine

Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler

College can be...really social, and pretty lonely. A time of amazing freedom, and a total pressure cooker. The best years of your life, except when it's not. We're Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler, two clinical psychologists who've helped students navigate the highs and lows of college for over a decade. In this podcast, we listen to your stories and use them as our guide. Hear us give actionable advice to students just like you who are trying to balance work and fun, manage the pressures of school, and feel at home in the dorm. This podcast is a reminder that you're not alone. We all need a bit of help tuning out the noise, finding humor in the struggle, and doing the hard work of living "the best four years of your life."Follow us for episode announcements on Tik Tok and Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast

  1. Sep 15

    #91 College Mental Health: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t, with Dr. Alexis Redding

    Dr. Alexis Redding — developmental psychologist at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of the new book on mental health in college — joins us to talk about what's actually changed for college students over the last 80 years, and what hasn't. Spoiler: not much has changed about the experience of feeling lost, lonely, and uncertain at 18-25. What's changed is the volume, thanks to social media turning private struggle into public comparison. We dig into: Why our brains are "terrible historians" and how the peak-end rule reshapes how we remember our own hard years"Friend sickness" — the specific loneliness of being disconnected from people who know you wellWhy the "constellation of mentors" model is wrong, and what "mirror mentors" are insteadHow to actually talk to your kids (or your parents) about career uncertainty without it turning into advice-givingWhy "live it forward, connect the dots backward" might be the most useful reframe for anyone who feels behind

  2. Sep 4

    TWO TAKES on Tracking Your College Freshman - "Before It Was Stalking, Now It's Safety"

    In our second TWO TAKES episode, a mom and her college freshman talk about tracking, texting, and how much parents really need to know. Ashley and Sarah met in seventh grade, so this one comes with some history. Ashley brings her son Carter — a rising sophomore at CU Boulder, an ROTC cadet, and a licensed private pilot who's already passed his instrument test. In Two Takes, we ask the parent and the student to answer the same set of questions. What happens if they disagree? Well, it turns out that you get a pretty honest picture of what freshman year does to a family's communication habits. Ashley describes the moment tracking her son's every move stopped being reassuring and started fueling her anxiety, and how she recalibrated: "Before it was a stalking thing and now it's a safety thing." Carter, at six foot five, mostly forgets the app is on. Both agree that floundering socially for the first couple of weeks is normal — they independently rated it a 7 out of 10. What they cover: Party details (0–10 scale): Carter says 6, Ashley says 4 — and she explains exactly where her line isCheck-ins: Carter says once a week is plenty. Ashley says once or twice a day, or you don't love your motherLife360: A hard no from Carter, a "until they're forty" from AshleyGrades: Ashley wants full semester transparency, not test-by-test. Carter points out that monitoring adds stress without adding motivation — he's already investedMaking friends: Why welcome week mattered more than the roommate, and why skipping Greek life didn't cost Carter a social lifeExpectations vs. reality: Classes were easier than expected, ROTC was harder, and the dorm was its own experienceMoney: Liz names it as the number one thing parents and college students fight about, and Ashley admits she has no idea where the line is Approximate timestamps (from the raw transcript — these will shift after the edit) 00:00 — Meet Ashley and Carter03:19 — How much should parents know about party life?04:55 — How often should students check in?06:40 — The Life360 question09:20 — When tracking made a mom's anxiety worse10:43 — Grade transparency and who's paying the bills13:43 — Is it normal to flounder socially?17:47 — Expectations vs. reality of first year19:09 — Why he skipped the fraternity21:24 — The dorm, and the strongly worded letter to CU23:11 — The money conversation Takeaway for parents: The oversight that felt necessary in August may be feeding your own anxiety by October. Ashley's shift — from monitoring whether he made it to class to knowing where he is if something goes wrong — is a useful frame for what year-one involvement can look like. Takeaway for students: The first two weeks are supposed to feel uncertain. Almost nobody's friend group in October is the one they had in week one.

  3. May 28

    #89 Why Quick Fixes Are Making College Stress Worse (And What Actually Works) with Dr. Jill Grimes

    Liz and Sarah are joined by Dr. Jill Grimes, family physician and author of The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook, to talk about what chronic academic stress actually does to your body — and why so many popular "quick fixes" for focus and sleep are making things worse. If you've ever reached for an energy drink at midnight, borrowed a friend's Adderall, or popped a melatonin gummy hoping to knock out before an exam, this one's for you. We dive into: Why chronic stress affects your brain, body, and immune system The real impact of sleep deprivation on focus, memory, and emotions Energy drinks, nicotine pouches, ADHD meds, and “study drugs” Why THC gummies and sleep aids can backfire long-term The anxiety/sleep cycle college students get trapped in Practical strategies that can actually help manage anxiety, stress, and sleep difficulties Why movement, nutrition, and consistent sleep matter more than students think We also talk about the dangerous normalization of “everyone’s doing it” on college campuses — and why informed choices matter when it comes to substances, sleep, and mental health. If you’re a college student, parent, therapist, or anyone who has ever panic-Googled how to fall asleep before an exam, this episode is for you. 📖 The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook — Dr. Jill Grimeshttps://jillgrimesmd.com/the-ultimate-college-student-health-handbook/📱 CBT-I Coach app (free, from the VA) — evidence-based insomnia therapy🎧 Sleep stories: Calm, Headspace, YouTube🌐 Dr. Grimes on social media — short videos on common college health topicsFor more information on our REACH Reset Summer offerings contact Dr. Sarah Olivo @ sarah@drsaraholivo.com

  4. May 19

    #88 From Classroom to Cubicle: A No-Panic Guide to Internships and Job Searching

    If you've ever panicked staring at a blank resume, frozen at the word "networking," or wondered what your boss actually wants from you on day one of an internship — this episode is for you. We sat down with Jennifer Gershberg to get real, practical advice on everything from interview prep to building relationships that actually open doors. No fluff. Just the stuff they should have taught you in class. In This Episode: Why "fake it till you make it" is bad advice — and what to do insteadThe #1 mistake interns make that instantly tanks their reputationHow to prep for an interview when you've never had one beforeWhat employers actually want from a college intern (it's not expertise)Why networking feels awkward — and how to make it feel naturalThe Gen Z vs. employer perception gap, and how to bridge itHow to turn any job — even a "boring" one — into resume goldThe surprising reason building real relationships leads to real confidence Key Takeaways Competence builds confidence. Real confidence doesn't come from faking it — it comes from building real skills and seeing them pay off.Over-promising is the fastest way to look unreliable. If you can't meet a deadline, say so early. Communication beats silence every time.Your "boring" jobs count. Every job teaches transferable skills — you just have to know how to name and frame them.Networking is just relationship-building. Your friends, classmates, and professors are already your network. You're doing it every day.Internships are for learning. Employers don't expect you to know everything — they expect curiosity, communication, and positive energy.Ask about their challenges. At networking events, asking what problems an employer is facing flips the dynamic in your favor.Every generation brings something valuable. Gen Z has a fresh perspective — own it. About Jennifer Gershberg Jennifer Gershberg is a campus speaker, parent speaker, and course creator focused on college student success. She spent eight years as a professor at the University of Maryland, where she worked with thousands of students. Today, she helps students navigate the transition to college and build the professional skills they need to succeed in the working world. Her tagline — "nurturing but tough" — was actually coined by a former student. Find her at jgtalks.org and on Instagram @jgtalksorg.

  5. Apr 16

    #87 Digital Detox: How Does Disconnecting Help College Students Reclaim Intentional Tech Use with Dr. Shreya Hessler

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Shreya Hessler, a psychologist and professor who created a college course called Digital Detox: Doing Nothing and Doing Well. Together, we explore how constant phone and social media use impacts attention, relationships, and self-worth—especially for Gen Z. Dr. Hessler shares what happens when students unplug completely during class, and how learning to tolerate boredom and discomfort can lead to stronger connections, better focus, and more intentional choices. Rather than promoting total avoidance of technology, this conversation focuses on building awareness and creating a healthier relationship with it. We also discuss practical strategies you can try right away, like naming your phone use out loud, delaying the urge to scroll, and running small “experiments” to better understand your habits. Dr. Hessler's private practice: https://mindsetcenter.com/shreya-hessler-psy-d/ Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxa2xgXPJc&themeRefresh=1 Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.  Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

  6. Apr 13

    #86 (Take 2!) Identity and Belonging in College Sports

    What does it really feel like to be a queer athlete — to show up every day in a sport you love while wondering if your teammates truly have your back? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tess Kilwein, a clinical sports psychologist based in Nashville, to dig into a side of athlete mental health we don't talk about nearly enough. Dr. Kilwein works with elite athletes across the country, specializing in creating trauma-informed, identity-affirming environments — especially for LGBTQ+ athletes and others who've experienced marginalization in sport. She breaks down what minority stress theory actually means for athletes, why locker room culture matters more than people think, and what coaches, parents, and teammates can do — starting today — to make a real difference. This one is packed with practical takeaways, honest conversation, and a powerful message for every athlete who has ever felt like they had to hide a part of themselves to earn their place on a team. Resources for athletes: Athlete Ally You Can Play Black Student-Athlete Summit Women's Sports Foundation About Dr. Tess Kilwein Dr. Kilwein is a board-certified clinical and sport psychologist who works with elite athletes and performers across the United States. They support athletes of all ages, identities, and competitive levels in navigating concerns ranging from mental health challenges to performance optimization. Dr. Kilwein specializes in creating performance environments that are trauma-informed care and identity-affirming, with particular expertise in working with LGBTQ+ athletes and performers.  Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.  Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.  Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

  7. Mar 24

    #85 Courage Over Confidence: Building Habits That Win with Dr. Mitchell Greene

    What if confidence isn’t the key to peak performance? In this episode of College Is Fine Podcast, Sarah and Liz sit down with sports psychologist Dr. Mitchell A. Greene to unpack one of the biggest myths in athletics: that you need to feel confident to perform well. From college athletes to Olympians, Dr. Greene shares what’s actually happening inside the minds of high performers—and why the most driven, prepared athletes are often the ones struggling the most. What We Cover: Why high performers feel the most pressure Performance anxiety isn’t a sign of weakness—it often shows up because athletes care deeply and have put in the work. The truth about “mind chatter” Dr. Greene introduces his concept of mind chatter—the doubts, second-guessing, and mental noise that show up in high-stakes moments. Confidence myth Many athletes are taught they need confidence to succeed—but chasing confidence can actually make things worse. Outcome goals vs. action goals Why shifting your focus from outcome goals to action goals can actually improve your performance📚 Resources & Links Learn more about his work at Greene Psych (sports psychology & performance coaching) https://greenepsych.com/our-team/mitchell-greene-ph-d/ Dr. Mitchell A. Greene's Book https://www.amazon.com/Courage-over-Confidence-Managing-Chatter/dp/B0BYC2NQVT/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=185685790705&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SG07gzxNmvxFoo6K9q9gH60Xo1kKs8xcPeNEOMNwJgVmAG4grN97nlAk4Li4gwS5oIArR6q8ma-PlG4kSeOb86vdpMHCMzgyK8MrZkmCn_mFlrxX90XFRoX25t-YtHCrvv0bdebYwWkiLLVKX2OUNTlxUFJsQVcp49BaWnpkS6bpzkMod1rngsLa9llDXJgh8sB3Co2TQyFncbfXxwm2CbuPRquwkvg2eECe-d7T7XE.emcDsyvEh66B6kPsLdFMYtj0URTd68-aX4y6dpTeXbk&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779570049283&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9001853&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=4570656352206099733--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4570656352206099733&hvtargid=kwd-1849565868624&hydadcr=20366_13322219_2282818&keywords=courage+over+confidence&mcid=17ea770aa9053e41bf4d618457019844&qid=1773859643&sr=8-1 Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.  Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

  8. Mar 17

    #84 Process Over Pressure: A Mental Fitness Playbook for Student Athletes

    Every athlete plays two games — the sport on the field, and the mental game happening in their head. In this episode, we sit down with two experts who work with college athletes every day: Carrie Potoff, a licensed clinical social worker at Sasko River Center in Darien, and Rhodie Lorenz, a mental performance coach who works with college and high school athletes. Together, they break down what it really takes to perform well — not just physically, but mentally. What We Cover: Why the mental side of sports is just as trainable as the physical sideHow negative self-talk becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy — and how to interrupt itThe difference between "useful" and "not useful" thoughts (hint: it's not always about positive vs. negative)What "process goals" actually look like in real lifeA simple two-column exercise to help athletes focus on what they can controlHow burnout shows up in college athletes — and how to help them fall back in love with their sportThe "Side Game" tool: a powerful technique for helping athletes rediscover their "why"How team culture and shared vulnerability can elevate individual performanceResources Mentioned: Saugatuck Mind and Sports Lab — Carrie and Rhodie's organization working to shift the culture around outcome fixation in youth and college sports Mike Vrabel's "4 H's": History, Heroes, Heartbreak and Hope https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/47580019Key Quotes: "The mind doesn't believe what is true — it believes what is repeated." — Rhodie Lorenz"You can't perform at your highest level and endure this level of pain if it's not attached to something beyond yourself." — Rhodie LorenzAbout Our Guests: Carrie Potoff, LCSW works out of Sasko River Center in Darien and specializes in working with athletes navigating the emotional and psychological demands of competitive sports. Rhodie Lorenz is a mental performance coach with a background in education and fitness. She works primarily with college-level athletes, helping them build the mental tools they need to thrive under pressure. Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.  Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

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College can be...really social, and pretty lonely. A time of amazing freedom, and a total pressure cooker. The best years of your life, except when it's not. We're Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler, two clinical psychologists who've helped students navigate the highs and lows of college for over a decade. In this podcast, we listen to your stories and use them as our guide. Hear us give actionable advice to students just like you who are trying to balance work and fun, manage the pressures of school, and feel at home in the dorm. This podcast is a reminder that you're not alone. We all need a bit of help tuning out the noise, finding humor in the struggle, and doing the hard work of living "the best four years of your life."Follow us for episode announcements on Tik Tok and Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler
  • Show Website
    College Is Fine, Everything's Fine