Scholar Scoop

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Welcome to Scholar Scoop! This is where conversations inspire possibilities. Every episode, we speak with people who have changed my life to help you navigate yours. From college, career, to life. Glad you’re here.

  1. Jun 23

    Purpose, Failure, and Entrepreneurial Resilience: Jon Brandt on Building a Life That Matters

    What if your early failures were actually preparing you for your greatest impact? In this episode of Scholar Scoop, Steve Loflin sits down with serial entrepreneur Jon Brandt to explore how struggle, self-awareness, and purpose can shape a meaningful career. Jon shares his journey from growing up with undiagnosed ADD and navigating early business failures to building and exiting successful companies in healthcare and behavioral health. This conversation offers an honest look at entrepreneurship as a path filled with risk, persistence, uncertainty, and purpose. Jon reflects on the lessons he learned from three failed businesses before finding traction, the family experiences that shaped his work in healthcare and mental health, and why building something meaningful requires knowing your strengths, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying resilient when life gets difficult. Steve and Jon also discuss what students and parents should understand about entrepreneurial paths, including the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, impact, and realistic expectations. In this episode, you’ll hear: How early failures can become a foundation for future successWhy ADD and learning differences can become strengths when understood wellHow purpose-driven companies can grow from personal experiencesWhy entrepreneurship requires resilience, humility, and the right support systemWhat students should consider when choosing majors, careers, or startup pathsWhy entrepreneurship is not only a career choice, but a mindsetWhether you’re a student wondering if entrepreneurship is right for you, a parent supporting a young person’s path, or a professional trying to build something meaningful, Jon’s story offers practical encouragement and a powerful reminder: your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be purposeful.

    40 min

  2. Jun 9

    One Year of Scholar Scoop: Steve Loflin on Saying Yes, Building a Network, and Making College Count

    In this special solo episode of Scholar Scoop, host and NSCS founder Steve Loflin celebrates the podcast’s one-year anniversary and reflects on the conversations, connections, and lessons that made the first year so meaningful. Steve shares the story of returning to the University of South Carolina to receive the prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, an honor that prompted him to look back on the college experiences that shaped his life and career. From saying yes to student government, to helping create a December graduation ceremony, to discovering the power of networking, Steve shares how opportunities outside the classroom can shape who we become. This episode is a personal reflection on what happens when students take initiative, build relationships, and stay open to unexpected paths. Steve also shares gratitude for the guests and listeners who helped make the first year of Scholar Scoop possible, and looks ahead to another year of conversations about college, career, and life. Whether you’re a student, alum, parent, educator, or longtime member of the NSCS community, this episode is a reminder that the choices we make in college can echo far beyond graduation.

    17 min

  3. May 19

    Replay: How College Shaped My Life with Karin Wiedemann

    Originally released in May 2025, In the debut episode of Scholar Scoop, Steve Loflin reconnects with longtime friend and Global Leadership Development Specialist Karin Wiedemann for a conversation about the experiences that shape us long after college ends. Karin reflects on her time at Penn State University, sharing how stepping into leadership roles as a resident assistant and orientation leader helped build her confidence, expand her perspective, and ultimately influence her professional path. Steve and Karin also revisit their experience working together on Semester at Sea, exploring how travel, community, and saying yes to new opportunities can create lifelong friendships and unexpected career connections. Together, they discuss the value of mentorship, personal growth through leadership, and why some of the most meaningful lessons in higher education happen outside the classroom. Whether you’re a current student, recent graduate, or simply reflecting on your own college journey, this episode is a reminder of how transformative those years can truly be.

    32 min

  4. May 5

    Replay: How One Loss Sparked a Mental Health Movement with Active Minds Founder Alison Malmon

    In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting this powerful conversation from the Scholar Scoop archive. Originally released in May 2025, this episode features Steve Loflin in conversation with Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds. Alison shares the deeply personal story of losing her brother Brian to suicide during his freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania, and how that loss inspired her to build a national movement changing the way young people talk about mental health. Steve and Alison discuss the evolution of mental health awareness over the past two decades, the unique challenges high-achieving students face, and practical ways to create more supportive environments on campus and beyond. They also explore early intervention, stigma reduction, the ASK model, and the powerful impact of the Backpack Project. Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or advocate, this conversation is worth revisiting as a reminder that mental health support can change, and save, lives.

    37 min

  5. Apr 21

    Saying Yes Can Change Everything: Dr. William Keyes on Leadership, Expectations, and Unlocking Potential (Repost, 2025)

    What happens when someone expects greatness from you and you start to believe it too? In this replay episode of Scholar Scoop, Steve Loflin sits down with Dr. William A. Keyes IV, founder of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship and author of The Stories They Hear: Expecting Greatness as the Key to Success, to explore how belief, mentorship, and the simple act of saying “yes” can shape a student’s future. Dr. Keyes shares powerful insights from his work developing high-achieving student leaders, and why the expectations placed on students—by educators, mentors, and even themselves—can be the difference between potential and performance. In this conversation, you’ll hear:  Why saying yes to opportunities can open doors you didn’t know existed  The impact of high expectations and belief on student success  How mentorship and relationships shape leadership development  Why the stories students hear about themselves matter more than we realize  What it really means to build a purpose-driven life and careerThis is a conversation for students, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of unlocking human potential. -- This episode was originally aired in May 2025 --

    41 min

  6. Apr 7

    Trust Your Crazy Ideas: Mira Yaache on Career Pivots, Networking, and From Johns Hopkins to Fashion Week

    What happens when you actually trust your “crazy ideas”? In this episode of Scholar Scoop, Steve Loflin sits down with longtime NSCS leader, healthcare administrator, and fashion entrepreneur Mira Yaache to explore how saying yes to opportunities and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and incredible paths. From growing up in Trinidad and Tobago to attending Penn State, Mira’s journey is anything but traditional. Through her involvement with NSCS and the National Leadership Council, she built a strong leadership foundation that carried into her professional life at Johns Hopkins Medicine, and eventually into launching her own fashion brand, Map Designs, with showcases at DC and New York Fashion Weeks. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why trusting your “crazy ideas” can open doors you never expectedHow networking and relationships can create real opportunitiesThe power of saying yes before you feel readyHow involvement in organizations like NSCS can shape your leadership pathWhat it looks like to balance a stable career while pursuing a passionWhy stepping outside your comfort zone is often the key to growthMira’s story is a powerful reminder that your path doesn’t have to be linear and that some of the best opportunities come from taking a chance on yourself. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or someone considering a pivot, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger about what’s possible.

    31 min

  7. Mar 24

    Dream Crushers and Dream Builders: Navigating College as a First-Gen Student with Tina Gridiron

    What does it really take to navigate college successfully as a first-generation student? In this episode of Scholar Scoop, Steve Loflin sits down with higher education expert and student success advocate Tina Gridiron to explore how students can build a meaningful and attainable college experience, no matter where they’re starting from. Tina shares her journey from community college to UC Berkeley, offering a powerful perspective on overcoming uncertainty, finding the right path, and making the most of every opportunity along the way. Together, they unpack: Why community and residence life can shape your entire college experienceHow mentorship and leadership opportunities can change your trajectoryThe role of community college and dual enrollment as smart, strategic optionsHow to navigate the college application process with less stress and more clarityWhy communication between students and parents is critical during the college journeyTina also shares practical advice for both students and families: from building support systems to staying proactive and engaged throughout the college experience. Whether you’re a high school student preparing for college, a current student trying to find your footing, or a parent supporting the process, this episode offers real-world guidance, encouragement, and actionable next steps.

    35 min

  8. Mar 10

    Global Experiences That Change Your Life: Dr. Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo on Study Abroad, Gap Years & Semester at Sea

    How can international experiences transform your college journey and your future career? In this episode of Scholar Scoop, Steve Loflin sits down with Dr. Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, an expert in international education and longtime leader connected with Semester at Sea, to explore how studying and traveling abroad can shape students’ growth, confidence, and opportunities. Together, they discuss why global experiences are one of the most powerful ways students can differentiate themselves academically and professionally. From semester-long programs to short-term travel, volunteer opportunities, and even gap years, Dr. Lisa shares practical insights on how students can find the right experience and why understanding your “why” is the key to choosing the right program. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why international experiences can set students apart in interviews and graduate applicationsHow to decide between deep cultural immersion vs. broader “comparative” programs like Semester at SeaWhy faculty are one of the most underused resources for study abroad opportunitiesHow campus offices like Study Abroad and Student Affairs can help you unlock global experiencesWhy planning early can make international travel possible, especially for scholarships and course creditsHow gap years and global leadership programs can help students gain clarity about their futureDr. Lisa also shares insights about the Student Leader Global Summit, where student leaders from around the world collaborate on global challenges like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you’re a college student considering study abroad, a high school student exploring gap year options, or a parent supporting a global-minded learner, this conversation highlights why international education can be a life-changing part of the college experience.

    35 min
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About

Welcome to Scholar Scoop! This is where conversations inspire possibilities. Every episode, we speak with people who have changed my life to help you navigate yours. From college, career, to life. Glad you’re here.

Information

  • Creator
    The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Scholar Scoop
  • Show Website
    Scholar Scoop