College Is Fine, Everything's Fine

Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler
  • 5.0 (19)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 6D AGO

    #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

    30 min

  2. 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

    27 min

  3. MAR 10

    #83 When Meditation Gets Uncomfortable: What a Week of Meditation Taught Me with Ginger Koehler

    Meditation is supposed to calm you down… right? In this episode, Sarah and Liz talk with journalist Ginger Koehler about what happened when she tried meditating every morning for a week for an article for Her Campus—and instead of feeling peaceful, she ended up having a full-on emotional crash out. Ginger shares how sitting alone with her thoughts during a major post-grad life transition brought up feelings she didn’t expect. What started as a simple wellness experiment turned into a deeper realization about loneliness, life after college, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.” Together, they unpack some of the biggest myths about meditation and mindfulness, including the idea that meditation automatically makes you relaxed. Instead, it can sometimes make your thoughts louder before things get clearer. The conversation explores how meditation isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how practices like gratitude, stretching, walking, or quiet moments without technology can still bring mindfulness into everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: Why meditation doesn’t always feel calming (especially at first)The difference between mindfulness and meditationWhat happens when you finally slow down and hear your thoughtsPost-grad loneliness and identity shifts after collegeWhy meditation is a skill—not something you're automatically “good at”Finding a mindfulness practice that actually fits your personalityMindfulness Apps-  https://www.headspace.com/studentplan https://www.calm.com/app/class/calm-for-students 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

    33 min
  4. #82 Find Calm in the College List Chaos: How to Ignore the Hyped Schools So You Can Find the Right School

    FEB 23

    #82 Find Calm in the College List Chaos: How to Ignore the Hyped Schools So You Can Find the Right School

    We feel so lucky to have a guest two-fer! On the last episode, you heard Ali and her daughter Emme bravely share their takes on the college application process. Lucky for us, Ali stuck around for more tips on managing the college transition. Whether it’s gearing up for application season, or starting to prep for freshman year, college planning can feel scattered: tutors here, advice there, dorm stuff somewhere else — and new headlines every day. Seeing all the headlines, the information overload, and the social media sensationalism around college, Ali started The College Corner so parents and students could have a trusted, one-stop-shop for all things college.  We cover what Ali is seeing across the “college ecosystem” (from social media trends to major admissions shifts), why narrowing a list helps reduce chaos, and how families can keep perspective — especially when anxiety spikes as application season approaches. This episode ends with one of our favorite takeaways: it’s not just about where a student goes — it’s about who they’re becoming. What We Talk About The origin story of The College & Dorm Corner (a “Knot.com” model for college planning)Curated campus travel guides made by college students: where to stay, eat, and visitWhy college advice feels fragmented — and what helps families feel less overwhelmedSocial media vs. real expertise: what gets sensationalized and what stays groundedThe admissions landscape as a constantly evolving story (and why that fuels stress)Ali’s “7 Steps to Choosing the Right College” and how lists can calm the chaosBuilding a college list: size, location, majors, and lifestyle factors (including sports culture)Why visiting a school can change everything (hello, “this speaks to me” moments)The “Dream School” mindset shift: fit > hypeParenting through application season: regulation, collaboration, and perspectiveThe reframe we want every parent to remember: college is four years; your relationship is for life Takeaways If you’re overwhelmed, a structured list can reduce decision fatigue — but don’t let it become rigid.Social media can be useful, but not all “expert” content is created equal.Students thrive most when they have agency and the school is a true fit.Parents: your steadiness is part of the intervention — zooming out can lower the temperature at home. About the Guest Ali Dorfman is a former TV producer (CBS News, The Today Show, ABC) and founder of The College & Dorm Corner, a one-stop platform supporting families through the college planning journey — from test prep to dorm décor. Make sure to check out this amazing resource! https://www.thecollegecorner.com/about-us  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

    10 min

  5. FEB 20

    #81 Two Takes: A Mom & Daughter Tell-All About Surviving Junior Year

    Junior year of high school is here — and the college process is officially real. In this special episode, we try something new: a “Newlywed Game”-style conversation between a mom and her daughter about their different takes on independence, stress, communication, and what the college process actually feels like inside one household. Ali Dorfman, former TV producer and founder of The College & Dorm Corner, joins us alongside her daughter Emme to share the parent and student perspective in real time. From ACT prep to Life360, from FOMO to family rules, this episode captures the nuanced dance between pushing, guiding, and letting go. In This Episode, We Discuss: When junior year suddenly makes college feel “real”The independence spectrum: How much should parents step in?Balancing grades, sports, extracurriculars, and test prepThe emotional climate inside a household during application seasonCommunication expectations once students leave for collegeWhich family rules may (or may not) retireThe role of social media in shaping college dreamsWhy passion > résumé paddingThe tension between parent aspirations and student interestsThe “marathon, not sprint” mindset Key Takeaways: Junior year often feels like “buckle up” season.Independence in the college process is rarely all-or-nothing.Students need space to develop their own internal compass.Parents are navigating their own letting-go journey.The fun stuff (sports, campus life, dorm decor) can be motivating — but academics still dominate the mental load early on.Family communication expectations should be discussed before move-in day. About Our Guest Ali Dorfman is a former TV producer (CBS News, The Today Show, ABC) and founder of The College & Dorm Corner, a one-stop platform supporting families through the college planning journey — from test prep to dorm décor. Make sure to check out this amazing resource! https://www.thecollegecorner.com/about-us  And a special thank you to the brave, insightful and all-around rock star Emme who was willing to be our *first* Two Takes guest!  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

    16 min

  6. JAN 27

    #80 College in a Polarized World: Navigating Conflict with Resilience with Bob Bordone

    Conflict on college campuses has changed—and not just because of roommates and group projects. In this episode of College Is Fine, Everything’s Fine, we’re joined by Bob Bordone, conflict and negotiation expert, former Harvard Law School professor, and author of Conflict Resilience, for a timely conversation about how students can navigate disagreement when the stakes feel personal, political, and deeply tied to identity. From classroom discussions and group chats to social media posts and friendships strained by global events, Bob helps us understand why conflict feels so overwhelming right now—and why avoidance has become the default coping strategy. He introduces the concept of conflict resilience, a skill that isn’t about “winning,” fixing, or resolving differences, but about staying present, authentic, and connected in the face of discomfort. Together, we explore: Why conflict avoidance feels safer—but costs us more in the long runHow polarization and social media amplify fear, reactivity, and disconnectionThe difference between aggression, assertion, and avoidanceWhat “disagreeing better” actually looks like in dorm rooms, classrooms, and relationshipsHow to raise hard topics without betraying your values—or yourselfWhy conflict resilience is a core leadership and life skill, not just a communication tacticBob also shares practical ways students can start building conflict resilience right now, including reframing conflict as a normal (and even connective) part of relationships and learning to sit with discomfort instead of immediately fleeing it. If you’ve ever felt anxious about speaking up, setting boundaries, or engaging with someone who sees the world very differently than you do, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful path forward. Links to Bob Bordone’s book Conflict Resilience and his work are below: https://www.bobbordone.com/ https://www.bobbordone.com/books 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

    31 min
  7. #79 Your Bounce-Back Semester Starts Here: Executive Functioning 101 with Coach Krisler Bailey

    JAN 14

    #79 Your Bounce-Back Semester Starts Here: Executive Functioning 101 with Coach Krisler Bailey

    Did last semester not go the way you hoped? You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of College Is Fine, Everything’s Fine, we’re joined by college professor and executive-functioning expert Krisler Bailey to talk about how to actually bounce back after a tough semester. We cover why motivation fades (and what works instead), how unstructured time quietly wrecks your schedule, and why rereading notes and highlighting everything isn’t studying. This conversation is equal parts validating and practical. Whether you struggled academically, socially, or just felt overwhelmed, this episode will help you build a realistic reset plan—without perfectionism, shame, or all-or-nothing thinking. In this episode, we cover: Why everyone struggles in college (just in different ways)Why discipline beats motivation every timeHow unstructured time derails students—and how to fix itTime-blocking your day so you still have a lifeWhy your phne feels like an emotional support device (and what to do about it)How to reduce distractions without going cold turkeyWhat actually works for studying (hint: not rereading notes)How community—friends, classmates, professors—makes bouncing back possibleTakeaway:  Last semester doesn’t define you. College is a skill set—and skills can be learned. 🎧 Listen now and start your reset. Krisler Bailey is a college professor, college success coach, and functional medicine certified health coach. With over 20 years of experience supporting students through the transition to college and adulthood, Krisler helps students and families navigate the hidden curriculum of college while building routines that support both academic success and well-being.  You can read more about Krisler and her coaching services here: https://coachingwithkrisler.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 03:04 Understanding Student Struggles 05:45 The Role of New Year's Resolutions 08:58 Building a Supportive Community 12:00 Strategies for Academic Success 15:59 Time Management and Study Skills 23:57 Engaging with Course Material 29:00 Conclusion and Resources 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

    28 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    #78 Therapists Confess: What We Were Really Like in College

    What were therapists really like in college? In this candid episode of College Is Fine, Everything’s Fine, we sit down with therapists for an unfiltered conversation about their actual college experiences—no polished bios, no clinical jargon, and absolutely no acronyms. From awkward roommate situations to academic struggles, bad decisions, and lessons learned the hard way, our guests share the truths they wish someone had told them as students. This episode is equal parts validating, surprising, and reassuring—especially if you’ve ever thought, “Everyone else has this figured out except me.” Whether you’re stressed about grades, doubting your major, or feeling behind, this episode is your reminder that becoming a therapist (or a functional adult) was never a straight line. 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

    12 min
See All (86)

Trailer

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 College Is Fine, Everything's Fine
  • Show Website
    College Is Fine, Everything's Fine

You Might Also Like