Best Jeff Selingo Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 472 Publishing Nerd Corner: Earning Out 19:17

Play Pause

24h ago19:17

19:17

Hey all, Jess here. Sarina and I both love these episodes where we, two certified nerds, get to hang out with likeminded individuals and dish. This week, we are going to talk about one of Jess’ most niggling worries: what does it mean to a publisher and an author to “earn out” a book advance and what does it mean to both if that never happens? Tran…

1
472: Ep 472 Publishing Nerd Corner: Earning Out 19:16

1h ago19:16

19:16

Sarina and I both love these episodes where we, two certified nerds, get to hang out with likeminded individuals and dish. This week, we are going to talk about one of Jess’ most niggling worries: what does it mean to a publisher and an author to “earn out” a book advance and what does it mean to both if that never happens?…

1
Visiting Butler: Sparking a Culture of Innovation 55:53

2d ago55:53

55:53

On the latest stop of Future U.'s campus tour, Michael and Jeff visit Butler University to talk with Butler president Jim Danko and other campus leaders. They explore how, out of a mix of excitement about serving students and fear of potential competitive threats on the horizon, the university built a culture and infrastructure to encourage innovat…

1
Why No Dad Has It All Figured Out | Colin Anawaty (Dad of 2, Flying A Capital) 59:11

2d ago59:11

59:11

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Colin Anawaty, technologist and founder of Flying A Capital. He’s also a single dad of two boys, navigating the challenges of fatherhood and entrepreneurship after divorce. Colin opens up about how his kids have become his greatest teachers, why he believes accountability and independence …

1
How to Make a Quiet Novel Roar 27:19

8d ago27:19

27:19

You kids I can’t even with Catherine Newman right now because I am a Wreck and a Sandwich myself at the moment but wow, she’s a good writer, so honest it’s like there’s no skull between her mind and the readers. We talk about what it means to use yourself and your world in your fiction and what it’s meant to Catherine to play as big as she possibly…

1
471: How to Make a Quiet Novel Roar 27:19

7d ago27:19

27:19

You kids I can’t even with Catherine Newman right now because I am a Wreck and a Sandwich myself at the moment but wow, she’s a good writer, so honest it’s like there’s no skull between her mind and the readers. We talk about what it means to use yourself and your world in your fiction and what it’s meant to Catherine to play as big as she possibly…

1
Why Screen Time Limits Are Bullshit | Chad Pytel (Dad of 2, thoughtbot) 46:04

9d ago46:04

46:04

Chad Pytel is the founder and CEO of thoughtbot, a product development consultancy, and co-founder of 12 Sided Studios, a gaming and production company. He’s also the longtime host of the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots podcast, a husband, and the father of two teenagers. In this episode, Chad and I talk about raising kids while runni…

1
A Conversation with Parents: College Admissions Trends 2025 34:02

9d ago34:02

34:02

Want to know the key trends & takeaways in college admissions for 2025? We've got you covered. In this webinar, hear why the demographic cliff is real, how schools are using AI in admissions, how to show you're a great fit for your major, why standardized testing is making a comeback, and what's happening with supplemental essays. Watch the webinar…

1
The Impact of AI on Student Motivation 57:59

11d ago57:59

57:59

How can AI be adopted in a way that turns more students into “explorers” rather than “passengers” in their learning? This week we bring you a conversation with the co-author of a book on student disengagement in school, Rebecca Winthrop, who is also researching the impact of AI on education. The episode is by one of Future U’s producers, Jeff Young…

1
How Writers Play Small Without Even Realizing It (Ep 2) 7:59

13d ago7:59

7:59

In this episode, Jennie digs into the sneaky ways writers “play small”—circling endlessly around an idea, polishing the same chapters, getting lost in research, or waiting for perfect timing instead of taking real action. With stories from her years as a book coach, including one writer who finally broke free from years of fear and went on to becom…

1
The Bold Shift That Changes Everything (Ep 1) 12:51

13d ago12:51

12:51

In this episode of the Write Big series, Jennie unpacks what it really means to “write big”—not chasing bestseller lists or movie deals, but making the bold internal shifts that bring your truest work to the page. Through stories of writers daring to name their ambition, rebuild drafts, honor personal truths, and even reimagine entire projects, Jen…

1
The Bold Shift That Changes Everything (Ep 1) 12:50

13d ago12:50

12:50

In this episode of the Write Big series, Jennie unpacks what it really means to “write big”—not chasing bestseller lists or movie deals, but making the bold internal shifts that bring your truest work to the page. Through stories of writers daring to name their ambition, rebuild drafts, honor personal truths, and even reimagine entire projects, Jen…

1
470: Write Big: Welcome to the Write Big Sessions (Ep 0) 8:27

14d ago8:27

8:27

Jennie kicks off the new Write Big series with a conversation about what it really means to stop playing small in your writing life. If you’ve ever felt the tug to bring more of yourself to the page—or wondered why your words aren’t landing the way you want—this episode will spark reflection and give you permission to choose courage, clarity, and c…

1
Write Big: Welcome to the Write Big Sessions (Ep 0) 8:28

15d ago8:28

8:28

Jennie kicks off the new Write Big series with a conversation about what it really means to stop playing small in your writing life. If you’ve ever felt the tug to bring more of yourself to the page—or wondered why your words aren’t landing the way you want—this episode will spark reflection and give you permission to choose courage, clarity, and c…

1
Work-Life Balance is a Myth | Jonathan Jamil (Dad of 2, Springboard) 44:44

16d ago44:44

44:44

Jonathan Jamil, founder and CEO of Springboard, shares his story of growing up in a two-bedroom apartment with six family members, building a business powered by stay-at-home moms, and raising two daughters while redefining what success means. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has carried from his …

1
From First-Gen Student to Enrollment Leader: Shawana Singletary’s Playbook 46:48

16d ago46:48

46:48

What happens when a first-generation college student grows up to lead enrollment at a major university? In this episode of The VineDown, Emily Smith sits down with Shawana Singletary, Assistant Vice President and Chief Enrollment Officer at Adelphi University. Drawing from her own journey (from working double shifts to pay tuition, to leading admis…

1
How AI Could Reshape Higher Ed 39:43

18d ago39:43

39:43

Parents and prospective students want to know how colleges are responding to the rise of generative AI — and to other recent developments like federal budget cuts to research. On this episode, Jeff and Michael share what they’re both hearing as they visit campuses around the country this fall. And they offer their analysis of what AI could mean for…

1
469: On Interviewing Kids 37:33

21d ago37:33

37:33

Kate Rope’s new book, Strong as a Girl is not only well-written and thoroughly researched, it includes the voices of so many girls and young women. In this week’s episode, Jess talks with Kate about how she managed to secure interviews with these girls, get permission to use their voices, and manage the paperwork around all those releases. Find Kat…

1
On Interviewing Kids 37:33

22d ago37:33

37:33

Kate Rope’s new book, Strong as a Girl is not only well-written and thoroughly researched, it includes the voices of so many girls and young women. In this week’s episode, Jess talks with Kate about how she managed to secure interviews with these girls, get permission to use their voices, and manage the paperwork around all those releases. Find Kat…

1
Raising Twins on Hard Mode | Adam Lieb (Dad of 2, Gamesight) 58:54

23d ago58:54

58:54

In this episode of Startup Dad, I sit down with Adam Lieb, the founder and CEO of Gamesight, a marketing technology company that helps video game studios connect with players and launch their biggest titles. Adam started his first gaming business at just 11 years old and has spent his entire career building in the industry ever since. As a dad of 1…

1
Extra Credit: How to Handle the Why College/Why Academic Interest Essay with Lisa Marker-Robbins 30:18

23d ago30:18

30:18

Some of the trickiest essays to pin down on college applications are the Why College/Why Academic Interest essays. This has never been more true than today, so we wanted to bring back our interview with special guest Lisa Marker-Robbins, Founder of Flourish Coaching, who's helped over 4,000 high school students and young adults gain the insight, ex…

1
Why a University Proactively Sought a Merger 44:20

25d ago44:20

44:20

By Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn

1
The Scammer's Guide to Writers 30:08

29d ago30:08

30:08

THE SCAMS. They’re getting wilder and wilder, and harder and harder to spot up front or even before you hand over the cash, if the scammer is faking a service you’d have to pay for. We’re all getting these endlessly in non-writing life too, the ticket you didn’t get, the recruiter who isn’t one… I had a friend get a VERY real one that looked like i…

1
468: The Scammer's Guide to Writers 30:07

28d ago30:07

30:07

THE SCAMS. They’re getting wilder and wilder, and harder and harder to spot up front or even before you hand over the cash, if the scammer is faking a service you’d have to pay for. We’re all getting these endlessly in non-writing life too, the ticket you didn’t get, the recruiter who isn’t one… I had a friend get a VERY real one that looked like i…

1
Why I Tell Colleagues to Have Kids | Rishabh Jain (Dad of 2, Fermàt Commerce) 50:44

30d ago50:44

50:44

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Rishabh Jain, the CEO of FERMÀT Commerce, a company he launched when his oldest daughter was just a few weeks old. He’s also a husband and father of two kids under the age of four. In this conversation, Rishabh shares why he believes parenthood actually makes entrepreneurship easier, how h…

1
The Truth About Independent Counselors: Yvonne Espinoza on Ethics, Access, and Student Success 45:46

1M ago45:46

45:46

What does it really mean to put students first in the college admissions process? In this episode of The VineDown, Emily Smith sits down with Yvonne Espinoza, CEP, nationally recognized counselor, City of Austin Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, and founder of YESpi College Counseling. After 19 years serving Title I and alternative schools in Austin, …

1
When You’ve Written the Right Scene in the Wrong Place 21:57

1M ago21:57

21:57

Here’s this week’s episode, which we accidentally tucked behind the paywall in the first send. Friday #AmWriting is always free—but if you’re already a paid sub, thanks! And if not… maybe now’s the time? Every draft gets messy. Characters show up too early, reveals happen too late, and suddenly nothing’s where it “should” be. In this episode, Jenni…

1
467: When You’ve Written the Right Scene in the Wrong Place 21:57

1M ago21:57

21:57

Every draft gets messy. Characters show up too early, reveals happen too late, and suddenly nothing’s where it “should” be. In this episode, Jennie and KJ talk how to tackle the chaos and keep your words flowing. Episode is free for all and romping through podplayers everywhere. Transcript is below—for paid subscribers only (because they cost $$ to…

1
You Can't Tell Kids How to Feel | Zach Teutsch (Dad of 2, Values Added Financial) 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

Zach Teutsch is the founder of Values Added Financial, and a former leader at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He’s also a husband, father of two, and a master of weaving big-picture life principles into day-to-day parenting. In this episode, Zach and I talk about building independence in kids, creating household shortcuts to reduce decisi…

1
Applying to College without Going Broke with Jeff Levy 53:02

1M ago53:02

53:02

What's new with financial aid? A lot. In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Jeff Levy, Co-Founder of Big J Educational Consulting, who's been an educational consultant since 2007. Hear the latest changes impacting financial aid, the key deadlines for the FAFSA application and CSS Profile, how common full ride scholarships actually are, t…

1
Reporters Roundtable: How Trump Is Shaking Up Higher Ed 40:28

1M ago40:28

40:28

We’re bringing back a favorite format to go behind the headlines with top beat reporters covering colleges. Our latest roundtable focuses on how the Trump administration’s many executive orders, research grant cancellations, and crackdowns on international students are changing the higher ed landscape in the U.S. and globally. Jeff and Michael are …

1
466: Publishing Nerd Corner: Your Copyright and the Anthropic Settlement 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

Hey ho, welcome to the Publishing Nerd Corner, where we dive into the more technical aspects of authorship. Jess here. I love it when Sarina schools me on all things publishing nerdery, so we decided to make it official and create a whole new series. I have a long list of things I want her to explain for us, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime,…

1
Publishing Nerd Corner: Your Copyright and the Anthropic Settlement 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

Hey ho, welcome to the Publishing Nerd Corner, where we dive into the more technical aspects of authorship. Jess here. I love it when Sarina schools me on all things publishing nerdery, so we decided to make it official and create a whole new series. I have a long list of things I want her to explain for us, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime,…

1
Why Standing Up For Your Kids Is Massively Important | Jeremy King (Dad of 2, Ocean Orchestra) 46:54

1M ago46:54

46:54

Jeremy King, co-founder and CEO of Ocean Orchestra and former CEO of Attest, shares his journey as a founder, ocean advocate, and father of two daughters. In this episode, Jeremy opens up about building systems for both his family and his startups, why ocean conservation is personal to him, and how parenting has informed his leadership style. We di…

1
What Families Get Wrong About College Admissions with Jeff Selingo 33:49

1M ago33:49

33:49

Families obsess over “dream schools.” Colleges obsess over rankings and yield. Somewhere in between, the real truth about admissions gets lost. In this episode of The VineDown, I sit down (again!) with bestselling author and higher ed strategist Jeff Selingo to cut through the myths and talk candidly about what really drives admissions decisions to…

1
465: Interviewing with Jeff Selingo 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

Jess here. My guest this week is Jeff Selingo, an author and speaker I’ve admired for a long time. His work on college, college admissions and the transition to work and life in emerging adulthood are essential reads for anyone looking to understand what want and need in higher education and life. His books, There is Life After College, Who Gets In…

1
Interviewing with Jeff Selingo 38:21

2M ago38:21

38:21

Jess here. My guest this week is Jeff Selingo, an author and speaker I’ve admired for a long time. His work on college, college admissions and the transition to work and life in emerging adulthood are essential reads for anyone looking to understand what want and need in higher education and life. His books, There is Life After College, Who Gets In…

1
Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right For You | Jeff Selingo (Dad of 2, Author) 55:06

2M ago55:06

55:06

In this episode of Startup Dad, Adam Fishman sits down with Jeff Selingo, a bestselling author, journalist and education expert, to discuss the complexities of college admissions and how parents can help their kids find their "Dream School." Jeff has spent over two decades researching higher education and is the author of Dream School: Finding the …

1
Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You with Jeff Selingo 42:27

2M ago42:27

42:27

What's more important: where you go to college, or what you do in college? Jeff Selingo has written about colleges and universities for more than 25 years and is a New York Times bestselling author of four books. His latest, Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You, draws on more than two years of research and a survey of some 3,000 p…

1
Redefining the ‘Dream School’ 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

In this era of uncertainty, many parents view highly-selective colleges as the best bet for their student’s futures. In his new book just out this month, Future U co-host Jeff Selingo challenges that assumption. For this episode, Jeff moves from the host chair to being a guest to share highlights from the book, ‘Dream School.’ He talks about going …

1
464: The Beauty in Writing About Tragedy 1:03:19

2M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Guests: Rossana D’Antonio – Author of 26 Seconds: Grief and Blame in the Aftermath of Losing My Brother in a Plane Crash Marty Ross-Dolen – Author of Always There, Always Gone: A Daughter’s Search for Truth Two authors, Rossana D’Antonio and Marty Ross-Dolen, each faced the unimaginable loss of loved ones in separate plane crashes decades apart. Th…