Degree Free

Degree Free

Welcome to Degree Free! It’s our job to share fundamentals we’ve discovered and the mistakes we’ve made while self educating, getting work, building businesses, and making money. We’ll tell you how to make it happen, no degree needed!

Episodes

June 4, 2025 12 mins

Join us as we explore the different paths young adults can take after high school. 

We focus on how parents can support their teens in discovering the right next step, whether that’s jumping into a job, learning a trade, earning a certification, or launching a business.

What You’ll Learn: 

- Ways to encourage teens to explore work and learning opportunities that fit their interests and goals - How to ask open-ended questions, liste...

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Join us as we discuss the empowerment and benefits of taking a Degree Free path after high school graduation. 

We address the temporary feelings of isolation and guilt that parents and students may experience during the graduation season, but emphasize the long-term advantages of avoiding student loan debt and pursuing different pathways.

What You’ll Learn: 

- Highlighting the importance of supporting and celebrating a child's deci...

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Join us as we explore family trusts and how to use them effectively for your child’s future.

We discuss the importance of understanding individual needs and providing guidance for parents to help their children identify options and prioritize needs and wants.

What You’ll Learn:

- Differences in goals and priorities for individuals with trust in pursuing career goals - Expanding awareness of job opportunities through Vocational Crea...

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Join us as we dive into the topic of managing funds in a 529 plan. 

We address a question from a parent who is uncertain about how to handle the money in their child's savings plan if college is not pursued.

What You’ll Learn:

- Exploring the tax advantages and qualified expenses associated with 529 plans - Discussing options such as changing beneficiaries, rolling over funds to a Roth IRA, or using the funds for education paths li...

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Join us as we discuss the evolving role of high schools in preparing young adults for the future. 

We delve into how high schools are falling short and the rise of the Degree Free movement. 

What You’ll Learn: 

- The challenges high school students face in transitioning to adulthood. - The necessity for high schools to adapt to better equip students for the job market and uncertainties of the future. - How parents are reevaluating ...

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Join us as we debunk common myths surrounding the necessity of a college degree. 

We address 3 myths that colleges use to convince parents to buy a college degree for their children.

What You’ll Learn: 

- Exploring the misconception that a college degree is essential for getting a good job, networking, and finding a spouse. - Highlighting the changing importance of STEM skills and the shift towards skills-based hiring in the job ma...

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Join us as we tackle a concerned mother's question about her daughter's career aspirations in art. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering one's needs and goals before choosing a career path, offering guidance on exploring alternative options, and making informed decisions.

What You’ll Learn: 

- Distinguishing between passion and interest in choosing a career path - Addressing needs such as income, schedule, locati...

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Join us as we dive into the pressure parents and young adults face when it comes to graduation and college decisions. 

We explore The 5 Degree Free Pathways as alternatives, such as getting a job, on-the-job training, earning certifications, starting a business, and learning a skill.

What You’ll Learn: 

- The benefits of gaining work experience or going through an apprenticeship - Highlighting lower cost and higher market value wag...

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Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Samuel Ross, a successful entrepreneur who found his path to success as a Degree Free individual. 

Get ready to be motivated and learn valuable lessons from his story.

What You’ll Learn: 

- The journey of exploring different career paths and eventually finding success in sales and entrepreneurship. - The importance of taking risks, being resourceful, and persevering through challenge...

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Join us in this eye-opening episode, where we explore how parents can guide their children towards success The Degree Free Way in 2025. 

Explore alternative options such as vocational programs, certifications, and boot camps for various fields.

What You’ll Learn: 

- Learn the step-by-step approach outlined in our workbook to help young adults identify career goals, explore job options, and make informed decisions. - Understand the ...

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Join us in this insightful episode as we discuss our predictions for 2025. 

From the growth of AI to the mainstream adoption of the Degree Free movement, get ready for an engaging conversation.

What You’ll Learn: 

- The continued growth of AI and its benefits for young adults in daily tasks - Predictions on mainstream adoption of the Degree Free movement  - The shift towards entrepreneurship and workforce readiness among Gen Z and ...

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Join us as we review our predictions from 2024 in the realm of AI utilization and the shift toward eliminating degree requirements for jobs. 

Discover how 16 states have already removed degree prerequisites for state positions. 

What You’ll Learn:

- Explore the success stories of companies like Canva, which have witnessed a surge in applicants after ditching degree requirements and adopting a skill-based promotion system. - Gain in...

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Join us as we discuss the importance of decision-making throughout life. 

Reflecting on interviews from 2024, we share key lessons on leveraging skills, the impact of first-career jobs, and the value of experience and mentorship without a traditional college degree.

What You’ll Learn:

- Leveraging existing skills when transitioning to new industries - The impact of first career job on future success - Value of experience and learni...

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Join us as we challenge the common belief that a college education is the only path to success. 

We explore alternative and cost-effective ways to gain valuable skills and knowledge. 

We discuss the struggles of a young adult feeling stuck in college and unsure of their career path.

What You'll Learn:

- The trap of endless college and the importance of learning through failure and taking risks to develop real skills. - The issue of...

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Join us as we tackle the question of whether a college degree is necessary for a career in production. 

We discuss the importance of gaining practical experience and building a portfolio in the industry, emphasizing the value of networking and starting in entry-level positions.

What You’ll Learn: 

- The importance of focusing on practical skills and experience rather than solely relying on a college degree - Using available tools l...

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Join us for this thought-provoking episode, where we challenge the myths surrounding college education and debunk 7 myths about college based on an article from the LA Times. 

Explore why traditional learning may not equate to intellectual depth and the limitations of a college degree in today's job market.

What You’ll Learn: 

- Critique of the value of college in personal growth and career discovery. - Importance of developing pra...

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Join us as we discuss the importance of determining priorities and needs before choosing a career path for Crystal's 17-year-old son in the tech industry. 

By identifying the desired work environment, schedule, income, and location, individuals can find a career that aligns with their preferences and goals to thrive without needing a college degree.

What You’ll Learn: 

- The importance of prioritizing needs and wants when consideri...

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Join us for an eye-opening episode where we challenge the myth surrounding the necessity of a college degree for certain professions, using personal training as an example.

What You’ll Learn:

- The importance of Vocational Creativity™ and thinking outside the box when pursuing a career, highlighting how individuals can obtain certifications in a few months without a costly college degree. - Exploring Degree Free pathways to careers...

Mark as Played

Join us as we dive into the topic of breaking out of college and navigating conversations with parents. 

We explore the idea that education extends beyond college and offer a 7-step plan for young adults considering leaving college.

What You’ll Learn: 

- The importance of creating a work plan, setting goals, and focusing on mental health while exploring alternative education paths. - Researching job listings, acquiring necessary sk...

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Join us as we discuss the signs that a child should consider leaving college and explore alternative education paths. 

We delve into the importance of supporting your child's desires and goals over societal pressures to stay in college.

What You’ll Learn:

- Signs that a young adult should consider leaving college, such as asking for a gap year and not being taught subjects they are interested in - Challenges of the traditional coll...

Mark as Played

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