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
Podcasting since 2021 • 27 episodes
The Rural College Student Experience
Latest Episodes
North State Student Ambassadors, Chico State University
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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44:00
Ep. 26 - Rural Admissions Interns, University of Notre Dame
In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin sits down with three incredible students —
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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51:33
Ep. 25 - Josh Farris, University of Virginia
“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 ve...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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29:14
Ep. 24 - Laken Chapin, Grand Valley State University
“Shoot your shot. I applied to countless internships. I ended up in Iceland. I ended up at Princeton. Never think you're not good enough.” In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin is...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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22:53
Ep. 23 - Gina Sheurman, University of Illinois - Springfield
"I’m a middle-aged mom, and here I was back in college. But I would tell anyone—if you’ve got a goal, go for it. Don’t let the barriers of being a rural student stop you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." On this episode, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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29:06