Academic Survival ®

Shandra L. McDonald

English Education How To Self-Improvement

Apple Podcasts Website RSS

Episodes 28

Avg. Duration 44m

Activity Highly Active

Apple Rating ★ 5.0 (5)

Since Dec 2022

Latest Episode Mar 2026

Outreach Signals

Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule

Monthly

Format

Episodic

Hosting

feeds.captivate.fm

About This Podcast

Thirty percent of students drop out of college during the 1st year. The transition from high school to college can feel overwhelming for many freshmen and their families. On Academic Survival, I interview current and former college students about their freshman year experiences. I also invite expert guests who share college success tips, freshman survival strategies, and advice on thriving in college life and beyond. Whether you're a 1st-year student looking for guidance, or a parent wanting your freshman to succeed, this podcast provides real stories, strategies, and encouragement to help you on the journey. Join me as we discover how to survive freshman year, thrive throughout college, and graduate with confidence. Academic Survival: The Podcast That Gets Freshmen to Graduation.

Podcasting 2.0 Features

episode location medium

Social Media

YouTube

Explore Statistics

English Podcasts Report Education Report How To Report Self-Improvement Report English Education Report

Recent Episodes

From Clinicals to Critical Care: Nurse Mikaela’s Survival Stories

Mar 15, 2026 55m

From Clinicals to Critical Care: Nurse Mikaela’s Survival StoriesIn this honest and engaging conversation, Dr. Shandra interviews Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison about her transformative journey into…

Mental Endurance: Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar

Sep 30, 2025 39m

“Mental Endurance” with Dr. Shandra & Dr. Dar In this thoughtful and motivating episode, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the theme of mental endurance and what it truly takes to keep going on…

Discovering and Using Your Gifts and Talents in College: Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar

Aug 30, 2025 37m

In this episode of Academic Survival, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the topic of discovering and using your gifts and talents—especially for students and young professionals. The conversation…

Our Academic Story: Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar

Apr 28, 2025 36m

In this episode Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar come together to share their personal journeys from challenging beginnings to academic and professional success. They reflect on overcoming adversity, building…

Nursing School Journey with Aryss Richardson

Dec 21, 2024 52m

In this episode Aryss Richardson, a first-year nursing student, discusses her journey from premed aspirations to discovering her true calling in nursing. Aryss shares the pivotal moment that led her…

From Howard University to Law Enforcement: Officer Jill's Story

Aug 19, 2024 1h 5m

In this episode, Officer Jill sheds light on the critical topics of campus safety, law enforcement, and the enriching experience of attending an HBCU (Howard University). Three Key Takeaways:Know…

Kinesiology Major Jonathan Jackson Williams: How Consistency Leads to Fitness Success

Jun 19, 2024 40m Transcript

In this episode, Jonathan Jackson Williams, tackles the challenges and strategies tied to physical activity and recovery. He highlights the significance of listening to one's body and knowing when to…

A Nurse Practitioner's Approach to Healthcare: Student Aryss Richardson Interviews Dr. Angela Allen-Washington

May 15, 2024 32m Transcript

In this episode, I turn the mic over to Aryss Richardson, who is a high school senior simultaneously taking college courses. She aspires to be a nurse. I've arranged for her to interview the…

Inclusive Leadership for Students: A Conversation with Dr. Dar Mayweather

Apr 15, 2024 38m

In this episode of Academic Survival, I have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Dar Mayweather, a passionate educator and leader, on the intersection of education, career goals, and inclusive…

The Investigative Edge: April Simpson's Insights for Journalism Students

Mar 15, 2024 44m

This Episode of Academic Survival features an insightful conversation with April Simpson, a reporter at the Center for Public Integrity, who shares her expertise and experience in the field of…

International Insights: Sarah Jung's CBYX Experience from Germany to Las Vegas

Feb 15, 2024 30m

Today I am excited to have Sarah Jung on the show. Sarah is currently participating in an international exchange program from Germany to the US under the CBYX (Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange)…

Pitfalls to a Timely Graduation with Dr. Kelly Dobson

Jan 23, 2024 29m Transcript

In this thought-provoking episode of Academic Survival, Dr. Kelly Dobson unveils the untold challenges and obstacles that can hinder a timely graduation from college. Join host Shandra McDonald as…

Navigating PWIs: Insights from Adell Coleman and Anna DeShawn

Dec 14, 2023 43m Transcript

Adell Coleman and Anna DeShawn, the hosts of the Head Nod podcast, are joining me on the Academic Survival podcast to share their insights on exploring the Black experience at Predominantly White…

From Bucharest to Bennington: Andreea Coscai's Academic Journey as an International Student in the US

Nov 15, 2023 59m Transcript

Do you want to discover the key to a successful academic journey as an international student? Look no further! Join us as we unveil the secrets to navigating the challenges and finding support while…

Academic Survival Trailer

Nov 07, 2023 2m Trailer Transcript

When your dreams of a better future are tied to a college degree, the struggle to achieve that dream becomes an epic tale of courage and determination, especially if you're a 1st generation college…

Navigating NIL Opportunities, Academic Success, and Life After Sports w/ Former NFL Wide Receiver Roy Hall Jr.

Sep 06, 2023 49m Transcript

I'm excited to introduce you to my guest, former NFL wide receiver Roy Hall Jr. Roy's impressive journey from a standout athlete at Ohio State to professional football with the Indianapolis Colts…

Supercharge Your Engineering Journey: Expert Tips from Mechanical Engineer Mamadou Diallo on Effective Learning

Aug 05, 2023 48m Transcript

If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed because despite putting in long hours studying and attending all your classes, you're still struggling to grasp engineering concepts and achieve the…

Astrophysicist Jessica A. Harris: Inspiring and Empowering Underrepresented Students to Pursue Careers in Science

Jul 10, 2023 48m

Astrophysicist Jessica A. Harris: Inspiring and Empowering Underrepresented Students to Pursue Careers in ScienceAn empowering journey of a tenacious Black woman in STEM, as she defies barriers,…

Prioritizing Self-Care and Mental Health in College: Tips from Bria Edgar, School Psychologist-Turned-Therapist

Jun 10, 2023 42m

In this episode of the Academic Survival Podcast, I interview Associate Professional Clinical Psychologist / School Psychologist Bria Edgar about ways to best cope with the stresses of student life.…

The Rise of AI in Education, Why Future-Focused Education is Essential, & Support for Online Student Success: An Engaging Chat with Dr. Amber Artiaga

Jun 06, 2023 1h 1m

Amber Artiaga, DBA, is a strong advocate for the use of modern technology in education. She believes that the stance of these tools being inherently bad for learning and development is misguided and…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Academic Survival ® have?

Academic Survival ® has published 28 episodes since December 2022, covering topics in Education, How To.

Is Academic Survival ® still active?

Academic Survival ® is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 44m.