Let’s Talk TRIO

Juan Rivas, Amelia Castañeda, John Russell
  • 5.0 (8)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED DAILY

A podcast dedicated to the TRIO programs across the United States and its territories. TRIO programs are federally funded outreach initiatives that promote college access, equity, and success. The podcast highlights stories from staff, participants, alumni, and advocates from various TRIO programs (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Student Support Services, McNair Program, Educational Opportunity Centers).

  1. FEB 20

    Resilient - Dr. Kevin David Linton, Director of TRIO SSS at Salem State University

    What does it take to go from a first-generation college student to a doctoral graduate leading the very program that supported you? This week, we sit down with Dr. Kevin David Linton, Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Salem State University. Dr. Linton takes us through the twists and turns of his educational path ... from navigating the cultural shift between private and public high schools to overcoming imposter syndrome at the University of New Hampshire. We discuss the "hidden curriculum" of post-secondary education, the reality of juggling a career while earning a Ph.D., and why he dedicated his life to opening doors for the next generation of students. Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU’S Annual Student Access & Success Conference Info Conference Dates: April 9th - 11th Register for NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference   TRIO Day Celebrations: TRIO Day in Colorado TRIO Day Resources (COE) Find Your Regional Association A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics   A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess   Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

    1h 60m

  2. FEB 13

    Blessed - Jefferson Clemmons, Director of TRIO Educational Talent Search

    What happens when a first-generation student doesn’t just beat the odds, but returns to lead the charge for others? In this episode, we sit down with Jefferson Clemmons, Director of the TRIO Educational Talent Search at Lone Star College–Tomball. Jefferson opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from the discipline and leadership he forged in ROTC to his personal climb as a TRIO participant. Now a doctoral candidate, he shares the grit and grace required to navigate higher education as a "first." We discuss his journey through his bachelor's and master's programs and how he uses his extensive experience to help today’s students blueprint their own success. Whether you’re a student looking for a roadmap or an educator looking for heart, Jefferson’s story is a masterclass in how structure, support, and self-belief can change the trajectory of a life.   Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative NCCU Student Access & Success Conference NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference TRIO Day Celebrations: TRIO Day in Colorado TRIO Day Resources (COE) Find Your Regional Association A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    1h 40m

  3. FEB 6

    Growing Roots - Catherine Ybarra Returns

    Happy February, TRIO Nation! This month is a major milestone for our community as we celebrate National TRIO Day and the programs that change lives across the country. To kick off the celebration, we are thrilled to welcome back Catherine Ybarra, Director of TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science at the College of the Sequoias. Catherine pulls back the curtain on her evolution from a first-year director to a seasoned leader. Tune in for a candid conversation on: The Learning Curve: Lessons learned from year one to today. The Balancing Act: Practical advice for maintaining work/life harmony. The Next Level: Catherine’s unique perspective on long-term professional growth. Song referenced: ”Se Oyen Varias Lenguas” by LOS DOS DE TAMAULIPAS Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!   Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference   TRIO Day Celebration Resources: https://coenet.org/national-trio-day-2/  Regional Affiliates (check their website for info): https://coenet.org/our-affiliates/  A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    1h 10m

  4. JAN 30

    Hopeful - Cassandra Puletapuai, TRIO McNair Staff at Colorado State University

    TRIO Nation, we’re back! After a short hiatus, we’re returning to our roots: sharing the powerful stories that define our community. In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Puletapuai, a TRIO McNair staff member at Colorado State University. Cassandra opens up about the hurdles and triumphs of her educational journey, her current pursuit of a PhD, and the "full circle" moment of becoming a mentor for the very program that fuels her passion. Tune in to hear how her background shaped her success and why she’s dedicated to lifting others as she climbs. Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    1h 7m

  5. 11/06/2025

    FIRST-GEN RAMS (4 of 4): Maria de Jesus, CSU Student

    In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Maria de Jesus, a student at Colorado State University studying Human Development and Family Studies. Listen as Maria shares her first-gen experience. Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    35 min

  6. 11/06/2025

    FIRST-GEN RAMS (3 of 4): Janeth Gurrola, Student at Colorado State University

    In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Janeth Gurrola, a student at Colorado State University. Listen as Janeth shares her first-gen experience.   Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics   A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess   Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    22 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    FIRST-GEN RAMS (2 of 4): Odeth Tomas Sarat, Student at Colorado State University

    In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Odeth Tomas Sarat, a student at Colorado State University. Listen as Odeth shares her first-gen experience.   Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics   A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess   Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    31 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    FIRST-GEN RAMS (1 of 4): Delilah Lopez, Graduate Student at CSU

    In this special edition limited series, the Let's Talk TRIO podcast is proud to feature first-gen voices at Colorado State University. This episode was made possible in collaboration with Colorado State University's First-Generation Student Organization (FGSO) and the TRIO Programs. In this episode we feature Delilah Lopez, a graduate student at Colorado State University studying the Impact Master's in Business Administration. Listen as Delilah shares her first-gen experience. Community Announcement Links: TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works! Find your Congressional Representative   NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference   A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon Dr. Jamie Motley Dr. Ryan Barone Dr. Jeff Nepute Angelica Vialpando Angelica Valdez Rosario Riley Eric LaMaster Jeff Kahlden Felicia Rivera Jaded Electronics A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors TRIOjoblist.com NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma Longsdale Publishing StudentAccess Cover Art and Voice Over Work Cover Art: Raul Perez Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval   The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host   Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram   Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to the TRIO programs across the United States and its territories. TRIO programs are federally funded outreach initiatives that promote college access, equity, and success. The podcast highlights stories from staff, participants, alumni, and advocates from various TRIO programs (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Student Support Services, McNair Program, Educational Opportunity Centers).

Information

  • Creator
    Juan Rivas, Amelia Castañeda, John Russell
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Let’s Talk TRIO