Best MEFA Podcasts (2026)

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MEFA’s Year in Review: 2025 26:34

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7d ago26:34

26:34

In this end-of-year wrap-up, host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna look back at hot topics and MEFA content that resonated the most with families in 2025. They review popular podcast episodes, top-read articles, and most-viewed videos, with topics ranging from 529 plans to financial aid tools to college admissions trends, and more. …

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Busting 529 College Savings Plan Myths 27:41

28d ago27:41

27:41

Host Jonathan Hughes welcomes back Executive Director at ISS Market Intelligence, Paul Curley, to discuss the latest data on how families are using 529 college savings plans. Paul busts some of the most persistent myths surrounding 529s and walks through expanded uses of the plans. They also talk about the growing role of gifting in college savings…

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Episode 23 - The Name I Grew Into with Darain Faraz 37:25

1M ago37:25

37:25

In this powerful episode of Leadership in Colour, Shez Iqbal sits down with Darain – Co-founder of People Like Us, a movement reshaping conversations around diversity, ethnicity pay gaps, and representation across PR, communications, and the wider creative industry. From waiting tables at 16… to launching viral club nights… to becoming a PR leader …

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Giving the Gift of College Savings and Financial Independence 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Patricia Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Gift of College, about the importance of saving for the future, her personal experience saving for college for her son, college gifting, and the MEFA gift cards now available.

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Dissecting College Rankings: A Guide for Prospective Students 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Mark Stucker of the podcast, Your College-Bound Kid. They discuss the intricate landscape of college rankings and their implications for prospective students. They delve into the different methodologies employed by various ranking organizations and the significant variability in their outcomes.…

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Insights from the 2025 NASFAA Conference 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three financial aid experts on location at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Conference in Anaheim, California. Jonathan talks to Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Auburn University, Celena Tulloss, Exe…

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Episode 22 - The Power of Diversity: Growth Mindset with Matthew Chapman - Part 2 32:47

3M ago32:47

32:47

What happens when leadership meets empathy? In this inspiring episode, Matthew Chapman, CEO of SBFM, shares how he rose from humble beginnings in Bradford to leading with purpose and people-first values. From mentoring lessons at The Guardian to humanising the cleaner, Matt’s story redefines what leadership truly means. He talks candidly about impo…

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Episode 22 - The Power of Diversity: Growth Mindset with Matthew Chapman - Part 1 37:26

3M ago37:26

37:26

In this episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with Matthew Chapman, Chief Executive of SBFM, whose career journey has taken him from The Guardian to Arsenal Football Club — and now to leading a company that’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Matthew shares how his upbringing in Bradford, his Jamaican and English heritage, and h…

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The 2026-27 FAFSA Is Out (and It Works!) 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They discuss how much easier filing the form has become, the steps you need to take to file, and how to ask questions if you do get stuck.

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FAFSA Filing Tips and Fidelity’s Insights on Savings and Student Debt 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with MEFA’s Julie Shields-Rutyna about tips for filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They also answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag about remarried parents filing the FAFSA. Jonathan then talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about the results of Fidelity and MEFA’s recent College Savings & Studen…

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Episode 21 - Don’t Offer Me a Cup of Coffee with Ladi Fagbola 34:25

4M ago34:25

34:25

In this episode of Leadership in Colour, Shez Iqbal sits down with Ladi Fagbola, E-commerce Account Director at Monks, to explore themes of identity, authenticity, and career growth. From navigating life between Nigeria and the UK to building a successful career in marketing and advertising, Ladi shares his journey of not quite fitting in anywhere—…

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Expanded Uses for 529 and 529A Plans 21:11

4M ago21:11

21:11

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about expanded uses for 529 and 529A plans, including MEFA’s U.Fund and Attainable Savings Plans. They discuss the expanded uses of 529 funds for K-12 expenses and certain credentialing programs, as well as the changes to ABLE accounts, which include expanding eli…

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Episode 20 - Crap At Thinking On The Spot with Lisa GoodChild 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

In this episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with Lisa Goodchild — digital entrepreneur, founder of DigiLearning, and lifelong disruptor with a story that’s as raw as it is inspiring. From a turbulent childhood in South East London to building a career at the forefront of digital media and social impact, Lisa shares how resilience, communit…

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Celebrating 30 Years of Saving for College with the U.Plan 21:05

4M ago21:05

21:05

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three current and former U.Plan customers about their experiences of saving for college with MEFA’s Prepaid Tuition Program. They discuss what made them save, why they choose the U.Plan specifically, and more.

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Navigating Changes to Federal College Loans Part 2 22:45

4M ago22:45

22:45

In part two of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to student loan borrowing and forgiveness, including PSLF regulations and borrowing limits for undergraduate students, graduate students, and Parent PLUS Loan borrowers.…

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Navigating Changes to Federal College Loans Part 1 27:51

5M ago27:51

27:51

In part one of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to federal student loan repayment options, navigating delinquency and loans in default, and steps borrowers can take now.

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Using Magic to Spark STEM Curiosity in Children 30:47

5M ago30:47

30:47

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Sabrina Welch, a high school student, magician, and neuroscience enthusiast who founded the program, Mind Tricks, which teaches children neuroscience through magic. They discuss how she got started, how the program grew, and of course, her post-high school plans. The episode also listens in to her performance at Harvar…

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Episode 19 - The Power with Demi Abiola 41:15

5M ago41:15

41:15

In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, Shez Iqbal sits down with Demi Abiola, Business Investment Director at T&P Group, to talk about leadership, representation, and the real economics of diversity in the media industry. Demi shares his journey from early days at ITV and KPMG to becoming a senior leader in media, and opens up about the…

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Future Ready: Teaching STEM at an Early Age 23:53

6M ago23:53

23:53

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Barbara Jorda about her program STEM Beginnings, which introduces STEM learning to children at an early age. They discuss what STEM is, how to make STEM fun for young children, and the impact of teaching STEM early in a child’s life. The episode also listens in on a STEM Beginnings lesson at Douglas Public Library.…

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MEFA Mailbag: College Loans 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about college loans, while answering questions from you, the listener. They discuss federal loans, MEFA Loans, the process of applying, different repayment options, and much more.By MEFA

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A New College Recruitment Tool for Music Students 32:28

7M ago32:28

32:28

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Eytan Wurman about his new service, CommonTime Pathways, a networking portal for students with an interest in music. CommonTime Pathways provides a platform for students to connect with colleges and gain access to recruitment and scholarship opportunities focused on music. Eytan explains the origin of CommonTime Pathwa…

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The Impact of BabySteps: Real Families Share Their Stories 23:42

8M ago23:42

23:42

Host Jonathan Hughes talks to five parents who benefited from BabySteps, a program that provides every child born or adopted in Massachusetts $50 for college. They discuss the process of opening a U.Fund 529 college savings account, receiving the free $50 deposit from the Commonwealth, and how they plan to continue saving for college.…

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Episode 18 - Humanity Our Greatest Gift with Suresh Raj 46:04

8M ago46:04

46:04

What if humanity — our shared capacity for empathy, connection, and courage — was the most powerful tool we have as leaders and changemakers? In this moving episode, we explore the remarkable life of a man who defied cultural expectations, turned down fame, and rose to corporate leadership — all while never losing sight of his human story. From gro…

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Current College Admissions Trends 44:28

8M ago44:28

44:28

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Mark Stucker, host and producer of the podcast Your College-Bound Kid, about recent key trends in college admissions. They discuss AI, student diversity, direct admissions, college fit, how students can prepare for the admissions process, and more.By MEFA

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Planning for College, Career Dreams, and the Internship Experience 25:57

9M ago25:57

25:57

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s high school intern from Cristo Rey Boston High School, Fatima Koumbassa, as well as her school supervisor, Jessina Baker. First Fatima shares her college admissions and financial aid journey, what she is interested in studying in college, and her duties and experience as a MEFA intern. Then Jonathan talks with…

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Episode 17 - Beyond The Brief with Elizabeth Anyaegbuna 38:42

9M ago38:42

38:42

In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Elizabeth, who shares a refreshingly honest take on career progression, authenticity in leadership, and navigating the media industry as a founder of a nimble, values-driven agency. Elizabeth reflects on what it means to reach a senior position without losing oneself in the process. “You …

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Public Libraries: They Offer More Than You Think 25:42

9M ago25:42

25:42

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with librarian Angela Costello of the East Bridgewater Public Library. They discuss how the library can be a resource for all members of the community, the education needed to become a librarian, and why the library is such an important asset for people.By MEFA

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How One College is Encouraging Manufacturing and Innovation 24:34

9M ago24:34

24:34

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with the Executive Director of Westfield State's Resource Innovation Design and Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center, Dr. Lamis Jarvinen, about how the center empowers manufacturing and innovation in Massachusetts, along with encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit in students. Learn about the RIDE Center’s mission, how it was cre…

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Episode 16 - Making Being Different a Superpower with Ashley Chang 41:43

10M ago41:43

41:43

Making Being Different a Superpower with Ashley Chang What if you could reclaim 15–20 hours a month of family admin time—and finally breathe on the weekends? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ashley Chang, founder and CEO of Sundays, the startup revolutionising support for working parents—especially working mothers. Inspired by witnessing …

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A Discussion on College Students and Anxiety 28:44

10M ago28:44

28:44

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with licensed mental health counselor Kelly Hulyk about anxiety related to the college admissions process, as well as attending college and living away from home. They discuss why this topic is important, how students can seek help, and where to find other resources.By MEFA

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How Educational Divide Reform Helps Students Prepare for College and Explore Careers 35:58

10M ago35:58

35:58

Host Jonathan Hughes explores Educational Divide Reform, a non-profit organization that seeks to promote global citizenship, social inclusion, and community development through youth education. Jonathan talks with Educational Divide Reform’s Alice Cho about the organization’s college and career readiness program, and with middle school teacher Ana …

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How to Become a Pilot 29:09

11M ago29:09

29:09

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with two pilots, Cliff Lanyi and Jack Trendell, about their different journeys to becoming a pilot. They discuss schooling, acquiring their license, the number of hours they need to be certified, and much more. Plus, Jonathan explains how to use MEFA Pathway to explore information on becoming a pilot as well as other care…

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BabySteps Turns 5: Checking In on the College Savings Incentive Program 31:38

11M ago31:38

31:38

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna to answer a mailbag question about rolling over unused U.Fund 529 savings into a Roth IRA. Then Jonathan talks with Deputy Director of the Massachusetts State Treasury’s Office of Economic Empowerment Samantha Perry. They discuss the BabySteps college savings incentive program, how it start…

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How One Grandparent Is Saving for College 24:40

12M ago24:40

24:40

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with grandparent and retired lawyer Louis Rizoli. Mr. Rizoli has saved for all of his grandchildren in the MEFA U.Fund 529 college savings plan. Jonathan and Mr. Rizoli discuss how he found the U.Fund, what he appreciates about the plan, why he saves for his grandchildren, and more.…

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What is Early College? 31:21

1y ago31:21

31:21

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Director of College Access at Bristol Community College, Christine Scafidi, about Early College, the school’s program that allows high school students to earn college credits. They discuss the program, how high school students interact with the colleges, what sort of students they tend to serve, and where students ca…

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20 and 1 Questions About the FAFSA 26:02

1y ago26:02

26:02

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk with MEFA’s Director of College Relations and FAFSA expert, Shawn Morrissey. Shawn answers 21 questions that MEFA has heard from families about completing the FAFSA.By MEFA

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The Gift of College 20:55

1y ago20:55

20:55

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with founder and CEO of Gift of College, Wayne Weber. They discuss how Weber started Gift of College, the benefits of saving for college, the ease of using a gift card to help someone save, and how you can use Gift of College Cards to save in MEFA U.Fund, U.Plan, and Attainable accounts, as well as make a payment toward a…

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Our 100th Episode: Highlighting MEFA’s Past, Present, and Future 30:37

1y ago30:37

30:37

It’s the 100th episode of the MEFA Podcast! Host Jonathan Hughes sits down with MEFA’s Executive Director Tom Graf who discusses the podcast, MEFA’s accomplishments, and where MEFA is headed. Jonathan is then joined by co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna to discuss the previous 99 episodes of the MEFA Podcast and how MEFA helps listeners plan, save, and p…

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2025-26 FAFSA Updates 26:55

1y ago26:55

26:55

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about the FSA ID. They then answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag. Finally, they speak with MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, on the 2025-26 FAFSA.By MEFA

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A 529 College Savings Account Success Story 20:16

1+ y ago20:16

20:16

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Bronwyn Crick, a recent college grad, about how she was able to pay for both undergraduate and graduate school with her 529 college savings account.By MEFA

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How Much Are Families Saving for College? 29:32

1+ y ago29:32

29:32

Host Jonathan Hughes has a conversation with Team Leader of the 529 Directing Group at Fidelity Investments, Anthony Durkan, about MEFA’s partnership with Fidelity Investments and the results of the recent College Savings Indicator (CSI) study, including the ways that families are saving for college and parents’ behaviors, attitudes, and expectatio…

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Episode 15 - Talk to the Person Next to You with Faisal Karmali 53:00

1+ y ago53:00

53:00

Ever wondered how to excel in the world of media and entertainment? Join us for an insightful episode featuring Faisal Karmali, Vice President of Digital Business Operations at Warner Bros. Discovery. Faisal shares how seizing unexpected opportunities, even with unfamiliar terms like "leaderboard," can propel your career forward. Explore the evolut…

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The Emotions of Student Loan Repayment 24:55

1+ y ago24:55

24:55

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Dr. Monnica Chan, Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, about college affordability and student loan repayment.By MEFA

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Investing in the Attainable Savings Plan 23:40

1+ y ago23:40

23:40

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Cory Latham, the Director at Fidelity Investments responsibility for managing the MEFA U.Fund 529 College Investing Plan and the Attainable® Savings Plan for individuals with disabilities.By MEFA

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Attending an International College 19:05

1+ y ago19:05

19:05

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Cecilia Cronin, a recent graduate of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland about the pros and cons of studying in another country.,By MEFA

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Learning about Attainable Accounts for ABLE To Save Month 26:20

1+ y ago26:20

26:20

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s Director of ABLE Outreach, Adam Hartwell, about ABLE accounts, tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities.By MEFA

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Undermatching: Why Qualified Students Don’t Apply to Selective Colleges 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Cicily Shaw, Director of College Counseling at Thayer Academy, about undermatching, a term that describes when qualified students don’t apply to competitive schools where they would likely be accepted.By MEFA

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Crafting a Stellar College Essay 30:24

1+ y ago30:24

30:24

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Deputy Director of Admission at College of the Holy Cross Drew Carter about how to write a successful college essay.By MEFA

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Your MEFA Loan Questions Answered 24:30

1+ y ago24:30

24:30

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Stephanie Wells, MEFA’s Director of College Relations, about MEFA Loans, including how to apply, the different loans terms, and how families can determine the best option.By MEFA

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Episode 14 - Reflect on your experiences with Jacob Knox-Hooke 48:24

1+ y ago48:24

48:24

Have you ever wondered about the untold stories behind influential leaders? On this episode of Leadership in Colour, we sit down with Jacob Knox-Hooke, Operations Director and Co-Leader of DE&I at PHD Global, to uncover the rich tapestry of his life and career. We trace the unique history of Jacob's name back to Sierra Leone, exploring how his heri…