Best Hook And Chance Podcasts (2024)

1
Ellen Hook. Caring for the Barn Before the House and Marrying an Abercrombie Model. 1:06:31

1d ago1:06:31

1:06:31

She's a mom at my school, and I didn't even know it! Maybe I need to open my eyes more, look up in the hallway and make an effort to know the parents around me. Many of us are so much more than what we see on the surface. Not only are we balancing the biggest job of raising kids, but some of us are keeping massive companies thriving, a family legac…

1
Clearing Skies: A Weatherman’s Story of Recovery 46:22

23h ago46:22

46:22

In this inspiring episode of "Clearing Skies: A Weatherman’s Story of Recovery”, we sit down with a beloved meteorologist, Bill Race, who bravely shares his journey through the storm of alcoholism to find the bright horizon of sobriety. With heartfelt honesty, he discusses the challenges he faced, the pivotal moments that led him to seek help at CA…

1
Dalitso Sulamoyo. Transplanted from Africa to Middle America and Surviving on the Kindness of Strangers. 54:08

9d ago54:08

54:08

Unexpected. This interview was an honest conversation about what I take for granted. It's a luxury for most—growing up in a place where opportunity is abundant. Dalitso came to the states for an education with few directions and not enough money to house and feed himself. Listen as this born Malawian moves himself from Africa to the Midwest in sear…

1
"Cold Steel to Creative Steel: How Life Behind Bars Forged a Masterpiece" 53:27

6d ago53:27

53:27

"Cold Steel to Creative Steel: How Life Behind Bars Forged a Masterpiece" chronicles the transformation and journey of Michael Brandt. Once faced with the cold steel of federal agents’ gun barrels during his arrest for drug trafficking, Michael now creates art out of steel. Through his experiences, he discovers the true value of family and friends,…

1
Sarah Bloomstrand. Falling in Love in an Ambulance and Working in the ER. 56:06

16d ago56:06

56:06

This gal is 100 percent good, authentic and sweet. She is a ray of light. If you come in contact with her in or outside of the Emergency Department, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. I do! Listen as this Galesburg transplant made her way slowly but surely to Champaign-Urbana where she has planted her roots and grew her family. Married to a p…

1
Episode 14 — Application Red Flags To Avoid 47:00

8d ago47:00

47:00

Admissions Masterclass Registration (8/7 via Zoom) In this episode, we cover the much more strategic attitude—versus a purely “instructions-following” mindset—students should take into the application process for each and every piece of information admissions officers will view, including components that might seem like pure “data entry.” We highli…

1
Episode 13 — The Truth About Summer Programs 1:25:49

15d ago1:25:49

1:25:49

Admissions Masterclass Registration (8/7 via Zoom) Think college summer programs are helping your case for admission to highly selective schools? Think again. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the widely popular—and vastly overrated—college summer programs in which so many high school students enroll and why almost all of them fail to ac…

1
Claire Pritchard. NICU Noises and Removing All the Barriers. 59:23

23d ago59:23

59:23

Most teachers don't get a unanimous vote of AWESOME from all their students. This one, however, does. Mrs. Pritchard appreciates that all kids learn differently, all kids ARE different, school should be fun and experienced through projects. Listen as this Chicago suburb transplants to our town of CU with her townie husband and young son. This mom f…

1
Episode 12 — An Extraordinary Applicant? 1:07:15

21d ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Admissions Masterclass Registration (8/7 via Zoom) In this episode, we dissect the candidacy of a student from the Wall Street Journal piece, "To Get Into The Ivy League, Extraordinary Isn't Always Enough These Days." The piece spotlights Kaitlyn Younger, a Texas high school senior with a 3.95/4.0 unweighted GPA in 11 AP courses, 1550/1600 SAT, top…

1
The Bumba Brothers: Adonai & Peace. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing and Make Some Shake. 49:36

30d ago49:36

49:36

These two absolute shining stars taught me a lot. When they left Kitchen Table Studios, I was in a better mood than when we started. Wise beyond their years, these brothers should be so proud of their accomplishments. I'm excited to see them soar in the upcoming years. Listen as these Urbana brothers explain their parent's journey from the African …

1
Episode 11 — “What Are My College Chances?” & Other Student Qs 1:35:46

28d ago1:35:46

1:35:46

In this episode, we respond to real questions in the popular online forum Reddit from students across the country. In particular, we cover answers to the following: Which letters of recommendation do I send? How important is course rigor freshman and sophomore year? How do you come up with your college essay topic? Which GPA do colleges use? What a…

1
Kaitlyn Cornell. Fat Chance and Weight-Loss Drug Talk. 1:01:59

1M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Disordered eating and eating disorders have changed in terms of language, scope and target demographic. What used to be a common topic in library books and after school specials is now talked about less as other mental health topics take center stage. However, more than ever with social media, weight loss drugs and misinformation, disordered eating…

1
From the Frontlines: A TBI Agent's Journey Through the Devastating Drug Epidemic and His Pursuit of Justice 52:40

30d ago52:40

52:40

From the Frontlines: A TBI Agent's Journey Through the Devastating Drug Epidemic and His Pursuit of Justice In this powerful episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Tom Farmer, a dedicated TBI agent, who has spent years combating the devastating effects of drugs in our communities. Through a candid and gripping conversation, we delve in…

1
Episode 10 – How To (Actually) Interpret Acceptance Data 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Many students and families heavily rely on the college acceptance data (GPA/test scores vs. college outcomes) of past applicants from their high school to make high-stakes decisions about their school list, selection of early decision colleges, and likely overall college outcomes. In this episode, we break down how past college acceptance data is r…

1
Austin Beaty. Fishing Over Hunting Philosophy and the GOAT of Quote. 51:00

1M ago51:00

51:00

Insurance is supposed to be dry. Not a lot of flair, color and charisma involved. Austin bucks that stereotype. His education in communications and creative outlets bring a fresh perspective to the industry, and sales, in general. Listen as this Southern Illinois boy meets even more southern girl and builds a family and a business here in C-U. By d…

1
Episode 9 — Rejected Premed Case Study 51:23

1M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode, we review the profile and applications of a premed student who was rejected from both of their early decision schools, roughly top-25 to top-35 national universities. This student attended a top-1% US high school, possessed a 3.9 unweighted GPA, 99th percentile test scores, took 15 AP/honors courses, and had what many would conside…

1
Andrew & Emily Harrington. We’ve Run Out of Content and What’s the One Thing We Don’t Know About Each Other. 1:03:49

2M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

This pod is an oldie but a goodie. We pushed this episode back to release the Boston ep for timeliness reasons. When we have nothing left to talk about, we play a game. Art imitating life. We do this sometimes when walking or waiting impatiently for something. Listen as my husband and "Tales From Two Townies" segment star talk "bringing the funk, u…

1
Episode 8 — School List Mistakes & Myths 1:05:49

2M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

In this episode, we cover many factors—including costly mistakes, myths, and traps—related to students’ school selection. In particular, we address the following: School Visits Why it doesn’t make sense to visit highly selective colleges before mid-11th grade Prioritization of best and best-fit colleges for visits, especially schools that offer bin…

1
Jennifer Shelby. Finding Love at a Tailgate and Bringing Hollywood to Central Illinois. 1:00:32

2M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Another That's What She Said cohort visits Kitchen Table Studios. She is smart, powerful, commanding and confident in her abilities and talents. Jen is no stranger to business, grief and going after what she wants. Listen as this Arizona born, Champaign raised, fixture in our community shares her opinion of our little-big community, her love of ani…

1
Episode 7 — Building An Admissions “Hook” 1:37:15

2M ago1:37:15

1:37:15

In prior episodes, we’ve determined that top colleges seek not only students with excellent grades, course rigor, and test scores but also students with compelling admissions “stories” or “hooks” related to their academic/intellectual passions and how they will contribute to their future college—and hopefully, the world—in some specific, unique way…

1
Connor Block. Breeding the Horse and Falling off the Bull. 35:27

2M ago35:27

35:27

Unfiltered. He warned me. This sweet guy isn't afraid to speak his mind, speak the truth and raise a little hell once in a while. Please excuse the MIC sounds, we did our best with the remote location. Listen as this proud Villa Grove born-and-raised seasonal farmer, horseman and new business owner talks about his family farm, "Team Block," assisti…

1
A Statesman’s Triumph: A Sobering Path to Congressional Greatness 52:59

2M ago52:59

52:59

A Statesman's Triumph: A Sobering Path to Congressional Greatness In this powerful episode, we pay tribute to a remarkable United States Congressman whose journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Join us as we delve into the life of a true leader who has dedicated himself to public service and has left an indelible mark on so manyOur guest, the H…

1
Episode 6 — Rejected Valedictorian Essay Analysis 36:37

2M ago36:37

36:37

She was the Valedictorian of her high school. Perfect GPA in over twenty advanced classes, taking Calculus BC by 10th grade and college math courses by 11th grade. All perfect or near-perfect test scores, tennis captain, multiple leadership positions, a scholarship to a prestigious math program, and state math champion. To boot, as a female applyin…

1
Bridgett Evenson-Laird. Big Changes Cause Big Breakdowns and Taking off the Mask. 58:15

2M ago58:15

58:15

Authentic, sweet, vulnerable and warm. She is everything you'd want in a teacher, her first vocation. She is everything you'd want in a realtor, her career now. Listen as this townie talks about switching careers, her ultimate purpose of helping people, building the life that you want, low level anxiety and spells of sadness turning into debilitati…

1
Adolescence Interrupted: Straight Talk on Teen Addiction & Recovery 51:36

3M ago51:36

51:36

A powerful episode on teen recovery with Melanie Berg, Director of the Scholze Center at CADAS. Melanie provides insights and advice for teens struggling with addiction and the people who love them. Join us as we discuss the unique challenges of teen addiction, explore effective recovery paths and offer a message of hope for building a fulfilling f…

1
Episode 5 — The Biggest College Essay Mistake 56:32

2M ago56:32

56:32

Summer is upon us, and many rising seniors—if they haven’t already—are turning their attention to college applications. Among the most important components they will be tackling is the Common Application “Personal Essay”, often simply called “the college essay.” For almost all students, this will be the most important essay colleges read, and for s…

1
Patrick Stokes. A Different Kind of Interview and Seán’s Fight Against Tragedy. 25:19

3M ago25:19

25:19

Because of sound quality and the irreplaceable connection that comes with face-to-face interviews, I avoid Zoom and phone interviews at all costs. However, if something or someone’s message trumps those variables, I make an exception. That’s the case for Patrick Stokes and his son, Seán. Listen to a recall of May 17, 2024 when Patrick got a call no…

1
Episode 4 — What Top Colleges Look For & How To Build It 45:35

3M ago45:35

45:35

College admissions has never been more competitive: high GPAs, strong test scores, and a well-rounded resume—once sufficient for an acceptance—are now common features of most applications to highly selective colleges. In this episode, we reveal what top colleges nowadays seek: students with compelling admissions stories centered around a focused ac…

1
SoeYun Song. Using Humor to Heal and Toxic Positivity. 1:10:56

3M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

I met SoeYun during the 2024 That's What She Said (TWSS) rehearsals. She was well spoken and full of good advice and thoughtful observations. Then came the humor. Her storytelling was second-to-none, sandwiched with takeaways and pearls of wisdom. Listen as this now midwesterner explains how she went from Seoul, Korea to the tiny town of Tolono! Sh…

1
Episode 3 — Why College Outcomes Vary 26:26

3M ago26:26

26:26

When many parents applied to college around three decades ago, college lists and outcomes assumed a fairly predictable, linear order. You had your “safeties,” schools to which you were almost certain to be admitted, your “targets,” schools to which you could reasonably expect to be admitted, and “reaches,” schools to which you would most likely not…

1
Emily Donohoe. Back Breaking Work and Done at One. 1:18:27

3M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

I met Emily D. when I was an eager mom who has since peaked at parenthood. Sign up for all the things. Take all the notes. Fill up the calendar. She was president of our pre-k board and patient with my onslaught of questions. At this time, Emily was laid up and recovering from one of MANY surgeries to repair and reconstruct the bones that keep fail…

1
Episode 2 — Breaking Down Single-Choice & Restrictive Early Action 21:07

3M ago21:07

21:07

You’ve probably heard of Early Action, but do you know what Single-Choice and Restrictive Early Action are? Seven of the top colleges (Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, CalTech, Georgetown, and Notre Dame) offer one of these unique sub-types of Early Action that place significant restrictions on the other colleges to which students under these pl…

1
Grace (Khachaturian) Hurtubise. It's OK and Finding Peace in Unexpected Places. 1:11:00

3M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

What a pleasure it was to sit across from a professional in communications. I had a lot more in common than I expected with this old soul, wise-beyond-her-years, grounded girl. Listen as this Champaign native talks purity before marriage, leaving the popular ciLiving local lifestyle show, maintaining uncompromisable roots while being flexible enoug…

1
Rollercoaster to Roller Rink: A Mom’s Recovery Ride with Her Two Titans 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

A heartwarming journey of a mom's resilience as she tackles recovery, rediscovers herself and finds joy in the unexpected. A Mom's Recovery Ride with Her Two TitansBy marygentryt

1
Episode 1 — One Thing Every Junior Must Do Now 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

While many students and parents are caught up with AP exams, senior course selection, college visits, college essays, requesting teacher letters of recommendation, in this episode, we reveal the one thing that absolutely every high school junior must do right now if they want to ensure they are on the path to admissions success at top colleges. And…

1
Nicole Morgan. Prison Break and the Lead Tree in Peter Pan. 1:09:16

4M ago1:09:16

1:09:16

Big personality. Red hair. Red lip. Huge heart. Her life ballooned beyond blue collar expectations into a higher education in performance. A built-in family and a special needs child lead her to a life of nurturing, advocating and creating a new normal. Listen to this Pontiac, Illinois transplant talk operatic music, singing as a learned skill, big…

1
Brett Shaw. Addicted to Feeling Good and Vibe Setter. 1:06:04

4M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Electric. Energetic. Magnetic. He doesn't even drink caffeine anymore. He is high on life. Brett feeds off people, hard work, momentum and passion. New to his schedule and routine, is the hard-to-achieve concept of BALANCE. This is the only podcast I didn't have to edit and the only podcast guest that brought a professional videographer/photographe…

1
Nicole Allen. Cold Calling and It's Not Always Black and White. 46:38

4M ago46:38

46:38

A farming family gave Nicole the foundation for a degree in agriculture, a husband in agriculture and a first job in agriculture. Two kids later, Nicole has traded in corn and soybeans for color analysis. This home-run business has kept her calendar full beyond her wildest expectations. Listen to this Ursa native, a town of 600 people, talk small t…

1
Andrew & Emily Harrington. The Boston Massacre and Andrew the Male Nurse. 1:12:54

4M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

My husband, Andrew Harrington, and I podcast from our Boston hotel room. Our third guest, the hotel housekeeper, makes multiple off-MIC cameos. We are in Massachusetts in an effort to follow the Illini Basketball Team through March Madness. This obsession (of Andrews) leads to an achilleas injury from overuse of the gas pedal during these 14-hour u…

1
Hook, Line & Second Chances: A Fisherman's Tale of Addiction & Hope 55:50

4M ago55:50

55:50

A candid conversation with Stephen, a skydiver and fisherman who's on a journey of recovery. Listen in as he shares his experiences with addiction, the challenges he faced and the triumphs he has achieved on the road to a healthier life. Also a very talented musician, Stephen has definitely found his voice again, on and off the stage.…

1
Airiel Sadler. Reasons to Celebrate Get Taken Away and the Importance of Fresh Shoes. 59:51

4M ago59:51

59:51

I had the pleasure of meeting weekly with Airiel Sadler during the 2024 rehearsals of That's What She Said. She was shy, then sweet, then vulnerable, then funny then articulate. Each time I listened to her speak, her words became more dynamic and more meaningful. She got 7 minutes on stage. Here is the full story of her glorious mess. Listen as thi…

1
Rachel Lindemann. I've Been Told I Register Young and Slashers. 1:06:08

5M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

It's not easy to follow your dream, to start something from scratch, to hustle and practice and hone your craft in the hopes that you are talented enough, or lucky enough, to one day be discovered for the gifts that you have to share. Listen as this local talks about her background in dance. This background would create a craving for the stage. She…

1
Wes Hanner. The Modern-Day Ice Cream Man and a Need for Redemption. 50:47

5M ago50:47

50:47

How did this once cubicle dwelling-ad salesman turn into the modern-day ice cream man? Listen as this local talks about his college days: the good, the bad and the ugly, how these days led to a need to prove himself, how my own good, bad and ugly days overlap with his, his full circle return to his fraternity house as a mentor to the younger guys, …

1
DeAngelo Newson with Wife Stef. Love at First Bite With the Meat Man and High Expectations Lead to Heated Conversations. 1:05:15

5M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

This professionally trained chef, with wife Stef, fell in love with cooking food when he saw his cousin's face light up while eating his first solo dish. This passion won out over his second love, basketball, and would lead him to the pursuit of higher education at Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta. This militant environment would widdle a thousand student…

1
Anthony Corapi. Under a Microscope and Growing up in a World Where Everything’s Permissible but Nothing’s Forgivable. 1:07:02

5M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

This retiree of the US Navy, changed his course entirely at the height of his military career. Move up or move out. He didn't opt for travel and noon naps, rather he chose steering a ship full of high school students. Listen as this Brooklyn-born New Yorker talks about meeting the woman that will get him to Heaven, being the Chief Operating Officer…

1
Ryann Monahan. When are You Finally Considered a Townie and Rewriting the Script of Your Life. 1:10:40

6M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Once upon a time at a local baby pool, a talkative, pretty, friendly mom with a 100-watt smile struck up a conversation with me. Almost a decade later, this mom and I would end up living in parallel orbits as our sons traveled through summers, sports and school together. Listen as this Chicago suburbanite talks about her life raising three boys int…

1
Ryan Groff. The Music Man and Modern Drugs. 54:55

6M ago54:55

54:55

I finally meet the multi-talented, teacher, musician, YMCA Body Attack King and hair God, Ryan Groff. Ryan has been on my potential list since the beginning of the podcast as a male "gotta" interview. Listen as this Southern Illinoisan talks about his crossover from jock to rock, teaching all musical abilities through tons of instruments over 60 le…

1
Steve Friend With Wife Megan. Pay to Play and the Creative Athlete. 53:39

6M ago53:39

53:39

I catch up with a current LA (former Urbana) couple while they visited family during the holidays. A sweet email from Steve's biggest cheerleader, wife Megan, brought the potential interview to my attention and ultimately my kitchen table. Listen as Steve talks about his former professional life in baseball, the current state of the sport, starting…

1
Andrew & Emily Harrington. Hawaii 4-0 and Calls from School. 51:20

6M ago51:20

51:20

My husband, Andrew Harrington, and I podcast from our honeymoon spot 13 years and a lot more literal baggage later. In Maui we touch on a WIDE range of topics and Andrew tries not to mock my voice. Listen as these two townies talk about renovation PTSD, frozen poo in a bucket, our son calling incessantly from school, young love, my previous work bu…

1
Dan Hudson. "I am Not in a Cult" and Returning to the Farm. 1:16:59

7M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

I've met a lot of new people while building the podcast. This interviewee was one of the most approachable and friendly guests I've met. What used to get him in trouble, his "life-of-the-party" way of life, has now turned him into a successful event coordinator and venue owner. Listen as this Urbana boy and former college football player becomes an…

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