The Rural College Student Experience

The Rural College Student Experience is the first and only podcast dedicated exclusively to centering rural college student voices in conversations about higher education access and equity. This podcast is a space for rural students to share their stories, inspire others, and challenge the misconceptions about rural college students. Hosted by Dr. Matt Newlin ( mattnewlin.com ), RCSE features student guests —a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student from a rural background—who shares their experiences navigating college. Together, we discuss the barriers and challenges rural students face, as well as the resilience, strengths, and successes that define our journeys. Find us on Bluesky: @rcsepod.bsky.social

The Rural College Student Experience is a education podcast hosted by Matt Newlin, with 29 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.

Matt Newlin hosts The Rural College Student Experience, a education show with 29 episodes published.

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  Episode #29

  Special Series: The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and Rural Student Success - Part 2

  Apr 1, 202634 minS3

  <p>This episode of The Rural College Student Experience is the second conversation in a special two-part series in partnership with the <b>Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis</b>.</p><p>In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by two students - Amber and Abigail -<b> </b>who share their journeys from different rural communities in Missouri to college. Their stories highlight the many paths rural students take to higher education and the resilience it often requires to get there.</p>Amber, who moved frequently growing up but most recently called Holcomb, Missouri home, is now a junior...

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  Episode #28

  Special Series: The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and Rural Student Success - Part 1

  Apr 1, 202641 minS3

  <p>This episode of The Rural College Student Experience is part one of a special two-part series in partnership with the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.</p><p>In this conversation, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by three current college students from rural Missouri communities - <b>Jillian Rogers</b>, <b>Xavier Mason</b>, and <b>Sophie Davis </b>- to talk about what it means to navigate higher education while coming from places that are often overlooked in larger conversations about college access and student success.</p>Jillian Rogers, from Lone Jack, Missouri just outside Kansas City, is now...

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  Episode #27

  North State Student Ambassadors, Chico State University

  Oct 25, 202544 minS3

  <p>In this episode, we travel to Northern California to hear from three incredible rural college students - Isa O’Brion, Kierra Alford, and Simran Wraich - who are blazing trails at California State University, Chico. All three are members of the North State Student Ambassadors program, a powerful peer-led initiative that connects rural high school and community college students with current Chico State students who come from similar rural communities.</p><p>Isa, Kierra, and Simran share their personal journeys growing up in Siskiyou County and how their rural identities have shaped their college experiences, their leadership on campus, an...

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  Episode #26

  Ep. 26 - Rural Admissions Interns, University of Notre Dame

  Sep 29, 202552 minS3

  <p>In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin sits down with three incredible students — Bjorn Mauritsen, Ella Bussell, and Herjok Panther Deng Agot — who share their journeys from rural communities to the University of Notre Dame, where they now serve as Rural Admissions Interns.</p><p>We explore the unique challenges rural students face when navigating the college admissions process, from limited access to test preparation and guidance counseling to financial barriers and cultural differences on campus. The conversation digs deep into how growing up in rural areas shapes students’ perspectives on community, connection, and success — and why intentional, equity-focused outreach matters...

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  Episode #25

  Ep. 25 - Josh Farris, University of Virginia

  Sep 14, 202529 minS3

  <p>“When you grow up in a rural area, you’re taught that communication is a form of expression and a way of connection, not just to talk to people when you want something from them. People like to be talked to. People love to just be known on a very personal level.” — Josh Farris</p><p>In this episode of The Rural College Student Experience, Dr. Matt Newlin is joined by Josh Farris, a first-generation college graduate of the University of Virginia. Josh's journey from a small town to UVA — and now to advocacy and research at Leadership Brainery<b> </b>— h...

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