THE
PARENT PODCAST
College Ready: Helping Kids Find Their Passion and Graduate Debt-Free
with Shellee Howard
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - Purpose First, College Second
10:17 - Debt-Free by Design in an AI World
21:18 - Join the Movement—Support, Structure, and Next Steps
Resources from
this episode:
Show Notes
College admissions expert Shellee Howard, founder of College Ready, joins Marci and Debbie in this episode of the Warrior Parent podcast to share a values-first, service-led approach that helps teens discover who they are, find best-fit colleges, and graduate debt-free. She covers practical strategies to reduce stress, maximize merit aid, avoid AI pitfalls in applications, and prepare for a future of fast-changing careers—all while empowering students through 200+ hours of meaningful community service.
Purpose First, College Second
In this inspiring conversation, Shellee shares how a purpose-first approach transforms the college process from stressful to strategic. She starts with one powerful question—“Who are you?”—to help teens uncover their core values, gifts, and genuine interests before choosing a school or major. Shellee’s story of guiding her son to Harvard debt-free (and her daughter to her dream schools debt-free) highlights how aligning academics, finances, and fit is possible with intentional planning. Parents will love her family-friendly exercises, like the “million-dollar game,” that reveal what teens truly value without judgment—laying the groundwork for a college and career path that aligns with who they are.
Debt-Free by Design in an AI World
Shellee breaks down practical strategies for maximizing merit aid, reducing stress, and planning with clarity (Plan A, B, and C). She tackles the role of AI head-on—urging authenticity in applications and explaining how AI checkers can flag essays that use tools like Grammarly—while encouraging students to pursue career paths that leverage creativity, leadership, and human-centered skills that tech can’t replace. A cornerstone of her program is purpose-driven service: students complete a minimum of 200 service hours, often fueling real-world impact like the student-built nonprofit empowereducation.world, which now supports education for hundreds of children in Uganda.
Join the Movement—Support, Structure, and Next Steps
Shellee invites 7th–12th graders to her weekly, student-led Sunday calls (5–6 pm PT), where teens gain leadership experience, earn national awards and certifications, and build confidence through service and purpose. Parents can connect and learn more in two ways: book a 30-minute call at collegereadyplan.info, explore free guides and resources at collegereadyplan.com, and discover student impact at empowereducation.world. Whether your teen is college-bound or simply seeking clarity about their future, this episode delivers tools to help families move from chaos to calm—values-first, service-driven, and financially smart.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
THE
PARENT PODCAST
College Ready: Helping Kids Find Their Passion and Graduate Debt-Free
with Ipek Gray
Show Notes
In this episode of the Warrior Parent Podcast, Marci and Debbie sit down with Ipek Gray, founder of the Born Method—a modern self-understanding and decision-making system that blends data, math, and ancient wisdom using a patented 20-digit code from your birth date. They explore how this tool compares to the Enneagram, helps parents decode relationship dynamics, navigate burnout, and time major life shifts using nine-year cycles. Ipek shares real-world examples for moms, families, and teams, plus how to work with her through workshops and one-on-one sessions.
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - Purpose First, College Second
10:17 - Debt-Free by Design in an AI World
21:18 - Join the Movement—Support, Structure, and Next Steps
Purpose First, College Second
In this inspiring conversation, Shellee shares how a purpose-first approach transforms the college process from stressful to strategic. She starts with one powerful question—“Who are you?”—to help teens uncover their core values, gifts, and genuine interests before choosing a school or major. Shellee’s story of guiding her son to Harvard debt-free (and her daughter to her dream schools debt-free) highlights how aligning academics, finances, and fit is possible with intentional planning. Parents will love her family-friendly exercises, like the “million-dollar game,” that reveal what teens truly value without judgment—laying the groundwork for a college and career path that aligns with who they are.
Debt-Free by Design in an AI World
Shellee breaks down practical strategies for maximizing merit aid, reducing stress, and planning with clarity (Plan A, B, and C). She tackles the role of AI head-on—urging authenticity in applications and explaining how AI checkers can flag essays that use tools like Grammarly—while encouraging students to pursue career paths that leverage creativity, leadership, and human-centered skills that tech can’t replace. A cornerstone of her program is purpose-driven service: students complete a minimum of 200 service hours, often fueling real-world impact like the student-built nonprofit empowereducation.world, which now supports education for hundreds of children in Uganda.
Join the Movement—Support, Structure, and Next Steps
Shellee invites 7th–12th graders to her weekly, student-led Sunday calls (5–6 pm PT), where teens gain leadership experience, earn national awards and certifications, and build confidence through service and purpose. Parents can connect and learn more in two ways: book a 30-minute call at collegereadyplan.info, explore free guides and resources at collegereadyplan.com, and discover student impact at empowereducation.world. Whether your teen is college-bound or simply seeking clarity about their future, this episode delivers tools to help families move from chaos to calm—values-first, service-driven, and financially smart.
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 100,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 100,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699