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SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E10: Welcome to Swoonpies & Money's Greetings to 2026We’re kicking off the new year with a reset, a little transparency, and a lot to talk about. Before we dive in, a fun fact from our listener survey: most likely you’re listening to Swoonpies & Money right now from your office. Your productivity is not our responsibility!This episode starts with you. We’re sharing the results of our recent listener survey and giving an up-to-date snapshot of who our audience actually is, who’s here, how you found us, and what you want more (and less) of as we move into the year...
2026-01-1256 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E9: Swoonpies Holiday EpisodeWelcome to the Swoonpies holiday episode. The Swoonie crewis ringing in the season at the Swoonpies and Money holiday party, attempting (and we use that term loosely) to sing “The 12 Days of SASmas.” Expect off-key caroling, inside jokes, and plenty of festive nonsense. Cheers to recording with no rehearsal! 12 Days of SASmas lyrics: On the first day of Sas-MAS, SwoonPies gave to meDISTRACTION from OB3. On the second day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to metwo-member highlights,and distraction from OB3.
2025-12-2237 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E8: Swoonpies Listener Satisfaction Survey, the FASFAA Summit and Dr. HappyIt’s time for a quick check-in with the Swoonpies Nation. We want to make sure we’re hitting our marks and giving you the content you want to hear. As you know, the SASFAA podcast was launched for members by members, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey and let us know how we’re doing. You can follow the link or keep an eye out for other announcements from the mothership (a.k.a. SASFAA updates).Swoonpies Listener Satisfaction Surveyhttps://bit.ly/swoonpies-surveyIn this episode, we dive i...
2025-12-1542 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E7: Swoonpies and Money Thanksgiving Special!This week, we’re joined by some very special guests who are bringing more than just their appetites — they’re sharing their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, the stories behind them, and the memories that make those recipes so meaningful.And because gratitude comes in all flavors, our guests are also opening up about what they’re most thankful for this year — from simple joys to quirky holiday dining habits that somehow became family traditions.Of course, this wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without a little twist. After the feature episode, you’...
2025-11-2549 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E6: SCASFAA - From OB3 to Pres. Bailey Cameo Lip SyncingThis week, we’re taking you straight back to chilly Charleston for a full-on SCASFAA Conference retrospective. From OB3 to lip syncing (and everything in between), this episode is a joyful rewind through the sessions, shenanigans, and shared spirit that make South Carolina’s financial aid community one of a kind.You don’t have to be from the Palmetto State to feel the energy. Tune in for a rerun packed with camaraderie, laughter, and the unmistakable heartbeat of your South Carolina colleagues.As they say at SCASFAA, we’re small...
2025-11-211h 12SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E5: Kentucky, the Beaver Moon, and a SASFAA webinar?Today, we have another delightfully eclectic episode of Swoonpies and Money. This one’s a true hodgepodge.First up, a public service announcement about the upcoming SASFAA webinar on November 18, featuring NASFAA MVP Heather Boutell. Then you’ll hear highlights from the recent KASFAA Kentucky Conference and finish with a quick chat with Samantha Hitchcock, President-Elect of GASFAA.And finally—because it wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without a something out of left field—we’ll wrap up with details on the Beaver Moon Swoon Pie Satisfaction Survey. Yes, it’s a...
2025-11-1141 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E4: Special Edition: A conversation with Neg Reg negotiators and a Mercer pulse checkWelcome to a special edition of Swoonpies and Money. Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on one of the most consequential—and misunderstood—rituals in higher education policymaking: negotiated rulemaking. Think of “Neg Reg” as the Department of Education’s version of group therapy—except instead of talking feelings, they’re hashing out the fine print of federal regulations that will have a profound impact on all of us.To help make sense of it all, Daniel Barkowitz sits down with two of the appointed negotiators who’ve been in the room t...
2025-11-0554 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E3: SASFAA Has Your Back! Brad Barnett and the DocsThis episode is reminder that SASFAA always has your back, both figuratively and literally. Today you'll hear from Samantha Dunman, aka Dr. Happy, in our Health and Wellness segment on spine health and stress relief. Whether you're sitting at a desk all day, recovering from an injury, or just trying to feel better, your spine is at the center of it all.Then Sam Hicks, aka Dr. Hicks, discusses how to maintain a strong financial backbone with Brad Barnett in our What Keeps You Up at Night segment. Yes, we know, that’s not a book or mo...
2025-10-271h 04SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E2: Amy Berrier, Fantasy and Questionable ShakespeareIn this episode of Swoonpies and Money, we sit down with Amy Barrier, founder of Financial Aid Follies—the unofficial heartbeat of our profession. Amy joins us to share how humor, heart, and a bit of well-placed creativity can bring our community together and remind us why we love this work in the first place. Humble royalty was in the studio, and yes, it shows.Then, over at the Fantasy Desk, where we cover all things Star Wars. We could do ten episodes in a row on Star Wars and still not make it to...
2025-10-2152 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyS2:E1: Falling forward—The Season 2 premiere of Swoonpies and Money!Grab your favorite beverage or steering wheel, and help us kick off Season 2—bigger, bolder, and still flying proudly by the seat of our pants.A new season, but same lineup, and even more of an unpredictable mix of insight, laughter, and occasional serious stuff you’ve come to expect. We’re kicking Season 2 off with one of our signature segments—Emily Baldwin’s critically acclaimed “How I Got Here” feature. This week showcases Brenda Ilojiole and Daniel Barkowitz. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring start to the season, with insights and perspectives that remind us why we love this profess...
2025-10-1252 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyLucky Episode #13: Welcome to the Season 1 Finale of Swoonpies and Money!Well, we made it, 13 episodes in, and somehow the wheels haven’t completely fallen off. The podcast made it through its first season — and not just survived but thrived. That’s right, folks: one remarkably successful season in the books, and we’re just getting warmed up.In today’s episode, you’ll hear Celena Tulloss reflect on her remarkable time on SASFAA Board. Then we’ll check in with a few of the past state presidents, as they roll off their respective boards. And finally, you’ll get to meet members of the Swoonie team as they pull back the cur...
2025-10-0649 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyBonus Episode: EMLIF, Leadership Symposium, and the Joan Bailey InterviewIn this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on upcoming SASFAA training events in Charlotte, NC on October 6th. First up, is our conversation with Brenda Brown and Brad Barnett highlighting the Enrollment Management & Legal Issues Forum. EMLIF is designed to help attendees navigate the evolving legal and regulatory landscape while sharpen enrollment management strategy. Registration is still open, and spots are available. To sign up for EMLIF, visit: https://www.sasfaa.org/emlifThen, Michael Morgan joins us to preview the Leadership Symposium, an intensive program created to devel...
2025-09-291h 08SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #12: The Doctors are in the HouseWelcome to Episode 12 of Swoonpies and Money! On ourproduction team, we’ve got two Samanthas: Sam Hicks and Sam Dunman. To keep things straight, we had to hand out a nickname. Sam Hicks, who brings us the segment What Keeps You Up at Night, is already Dr. Sam Hicks. So, SamDunman, our health and wellness expert, was assigned the well-earned title of Dr. Happy.In this episode, Dr. Hicks sits down with Jaime Missimer,Mississippi State President, to review Sunrise on the Reaping, the newest prequel in The Hunger Games series. Meanwhile, Dr. Happy div...
2025-09-2253 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #11: What’s Said at NAOW Doesn’t Stay at NAOWThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who has attended or is thinking about signing up for SASFAA’s New Aid Officer Workshop. We’re bringing you all the highlights and stories from the recent workshop in Hub City, a.k.a. Spartanburg, SC.It was the best of times: a one-of-a-kind opportunity for newcomers to Financial Aid to build the foundation for long-term professional success… all while reliving the fun, camaraderie, and high jinks of summer camp. Think of amazingly great karaoke, surprisingly competitive kickball, and even a little badminton — with no broken bones an...
2025-09-121h 13SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #10: NASFAA Part 2 – Scene for the racecourse and Temporal Anomalies?This week, you’ll hear Part 2 of our NASFAA coverage—and yes, it’s just as packed with fun, insights, and amusing moments as Part 1.We kick things off with scenes for the 5K charity run for Higher Ground, where the effort was real and the cause was worth every step. Whether you ran, cheered, or found a strategic viewing spot along the course—we had you covered.Then, it’s time for our first, and last, “Who Is the Coolest Person in Financial Aid?” contest. The nominations were spontaneous, the lo...
2025-08-2958 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #9: Swoonpies Was in the Room Where It Happened – NASFAA Part 1There was a lot to unpack from the NASFAA Conference in Anaheim. So much, in fact, that we’re bringing it to you in two full episodes. This week, you’ll hear a mashup of highlights from the entire week—the cream of our profession losing their minds at the opening session, unscripted moments, sharp insights, and the unmistakable energy that only the SASFAA travel troupe can bring. And by the way, can you guess which FAA region showed up and stood out? Winner of the 5K race? Trivia team champs? Recipients of all three m...
2025-08-111h 09SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #8: Intros, Outros and Tech Uh-Ohs from FloridaRecorded live at the FASFAA Conference, this episode of Swoonpies and Money brings you a mix of vision, reflection, creativity—and yes, with a touch of technical imperfection. Though our gear may have glitched, the FASFAA voices you'll hear cut through with clarity, heart, and purpose.We begin with the talented Lakeisha Sanders, as she rehearses potential podcast intros and outros full of soul and sparkle. Then, we speak with Sylvia Haas, CEO of Opportunity Community Ability, the conference’s featured charity, in a conversation about connection, dignity, and the deeper purpose.
2025-07-151h 04SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #7: June Swoonpies and MoneyWelcome back, Swoonies! The crew is finally home after touring the SASFAA region covering the Spring state association conference roadshow, concluding at Camp SASFAA (aka New Aid Officers Workshop). We’re catching our breath but that doesn’t mean we’re slowing down. In today’s episode, we’re back in the studio with our feature entertainment segments.First up, it’s the second installment of “What Keeps You Up at Night” with Sam Hicks and her guest, Daniel Barkowitz. Today they’re reviewing “She Who Became the Sun”, the epic fantasy novel...
2025-07-0157 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #6: GASFAA - Eat a Peach and Choose JoyIn this joyful stop on our spring tour of the SASFAA states, Swoonpies and Money dives into the vibrant energy of the recent GASFAA conference at the University of Georgia in Athens. Join host Bill Ayers as he unpacks the positivity radiating from GASFAA President Emmilee Mitchell and the GASFAA membership as they embrace the conference uplifting theme: Choose Joy.This episode is a lively mix of interviews and insights—covering everything from financial aid awareness, NIL, 3D printing, yet more pathetic Wordle obsession talk, and the surprising secret life of a celebrated aid dir...
2025-06-2056 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #5: Best of Both WorldsThe broad reach of Swoonpies and Money is on display in this episode.On one hand, we’re bringing you the highlights, high notes, and heartfelt moments from the Virginia Association Conference, which features keynote speaker, U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, Ranking Member of the House Education & Workforce Committee. A tireless advocate for education and equity, Congressman Scott brought insight, leadership, and clarity to a critical moment in our field. Bill had the honor of sitting down with him for a chat, and you’ll hear it right here.On the...
2025-06-041h 04SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #5: The Best of Both WorldsThe broad reach of Swoonpies and Money is on display in this episode.On one hand, we’re bringing you the highlights, high notes, and heartfelt moments from the Virginia Association Conference, which features keynote speaker, U.S. Representative Bobby Scott, Ranking Member of the House Education & Workforce Committee. A tireless advocate for education and equity, Congressman Scott brought insight, leadership, and clarity to a critical moment in our field. Bill had the honor of sitting down with him for a chat, and you’ll hear it right here.On the...
2025-06-041h 04SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #4: A Night of FirstsThe Swoonies appear to have figured out this podcast thing. Episode #4 marks an actual turning point: the crew has officially shed the opening-week jitters and is clearly having way too much fun behind the mic. Michelle and Bill host a jam-packed lineup of fresh voices and brand-new segments.First up is the debut of What Keeps You Up At Night, brought to you by Sam Hicks from Coastal Carolina University—exploring why we insist on ignoring a good night's sleep to binge on all things Murder. Then, making a bold entrance is the Fantasy De...
2025-05-2152 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #3: Bonus Episode! Updates from NCASFAA, TASFAA & MASFAASurprise! It’s a bonus episode of Swoonpies and Money! Because we’re nothing if not impatient and overly caffeinated, we couldn’t wait to spill the tea on recent spring conferences. The Swoonie gang tracked down the leadership of NCASFAA, TASFAA, and MASFAA to get their impressions of their respective events.But wait—there’s more! In a move that can only be described as “mildly concerning,” Bill wraps up the show by unleashing an AI version of himself in a bold attempt to future-proof the podcast. The results are... unexpec...
2025-05-1452 minSASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyEpisode #2: The Swoonies are off and running!Michelle and Bill are back—and riding high on the (very brief) glory of successfully launching Swoonpies and Money! In this episode, they attempt to rest on their laurels... but quickly discover there is really not much to celebrate. Executive Producer Alex Fuentes joins the party, breaking down Spotify and Apple analytics to uncover who tuned in—and which segment ghosted them entirely - hint: Z. Plus: the mysterious hooey-hooey guy is unmasked, an enthusiastic new member joins the Swoonie ranks, and we debut a brand-new segment, "How I Got Here," hosted by the ever...
2025-04-301h 00SASFAA's Swoonpies and MoneyWelcome to Swoonpies and Money + SASFAA Conference RecapIn the debut episode of Swoonpies and Money, co-hosts Michelle and Bill introduce listeners to SASFAA’s brand-new podcast — a space where financial aid, community, and a little Southern flavor come together. They outline what listeners can expect in future episodes, including timely updates, special guests, professional insights, and plenty of laughs along the way.The episode wraps up with a lively recap of the recent SASFAA Annual Conference, highlighting key moments, memorable sessions, and the magic of reconnecting with colleagues from across the region.
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