Academic Survival ®

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.

Academic Survival ® is a education podcast hosted by Shandra L. McDonald, with 28 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Shandra L. McDonald hosts Academic Survival ®, a education show with 28 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #27

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

  Mar 15, 202656 minS0

  <p>From Clinicals to Critical Care: Nurse Mikaela’s Survival Stories</p><p>In this honest and engaging conversation, Dr. Shandra McDonald interviews Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison about her journey into the nursing profession—including all the pivots, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way. Together, they explore Mikaela’s academic foundation, her original plans to become a veterinarian, and how an unexpected cow kick and evolving passions ultimately led her to pursue nursing.</p><p>Throughout the episode, Mikaela reflects on real challenges she faced—from demanding clinical rotations and overwhelming “code blue” moments, to imposter syndrome and the notorious “nurses eating...

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  Episode #26

  Mental Endurance: Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar

  Sep 29, 202540 minS0

  <p>“Mental Endurance” with Dr. Shandra & Dr. Dar </p><p>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 the academic journey—especially through the toughest moments. Sharing personal stories from their own educational paths, both speakers explore why having a meaningful “why” is crucial for sticking with your goals, how to stay focused when obstacles arise, and how the process of overcoming challenges is foundational to success.</p><p>Their honest discussion covers everything from emotional resilience and battling self-doubt, to practical...

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  Episode #25

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

  Aug 30, 202537 minS0

  <p>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 explores the differences between knowing, using, and figuring out your unique strengths. Drs. Dar and Shandra share personal stories about their journeys to recognizing their own abilities, emphasizing how belief and confidence play pivotal roles in unlocking one’s potential.</p><p>They discuss practical strategies for identifying gifts and talents, the importance of community feedback, and the value of putting your strengths to use in real-world settings. The...

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  Episode #24

  Our Academic Story: Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar

  Apr 28, 202537 minS0

  <p>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 resilience, and the importance of seeking and accepting help along the way. Both hosts discuss their struggles with confidence, academics, and family circumstances, as well as pivotal moments—like advocating for themselves and appreciating the support of mentors—that helped them navigate from high school through college and beyond. Their candid conversation offers relatable stories, practical advice, and inspiration for students at any stage of their academic journey, especially those who...

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  Episode #23

  Nursing School Journey with Aryss Richardson

  Dec 20, 202452 minS0

  <p>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 to change paths, a sermon that resonated with her deeply, and the successful entrance exam that confirmed her decision.</p><p>Aryss offers invaluable advice for future nursing students, stressing the importance of collaboration and mutual support over competitiveness. She reflects on her positive experience with classmates and the strength that comes from a supportive peer group. Aryss talks about her academic routine, the challenges of an accelerated BSN...

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