The MEFA Podcast
We provide subject matter expertise on every step within the college planning process. Subscribe and listen to the MEFA Podcast to learn key information and helpful tips on 529 college savings plans, the college application process, financial aid & the FAFSA, student loan repayment, and more.
Episodes
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Mark Stucker of the podcast, Your College-Bound Kid. They discuss the intricate landscape of college rankings and their implications for prospective students. They delve into the different methodologies employed by various ranking organizations and the significant variability in their outcomes.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three financial aid experts on location at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Conference in Anaheim, California. Jonathan talks to Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Auburn University, Celena Tulloss, Executive Vice President of NASFAA, Beth Maglione, and Assistant Vice President for Stu...
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They discuss how much easier filing the form has become, the steps you need to take to file, and how to ask questions if you do get stuck.
Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with MEFA’s Julie Shields-Rutyna about tips for filling out the 2026-27 FAFSA. They also answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag about remarried parents filing the FAFSA. Jonathan then talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about the results of Fidelity and MEFA’s recent College Savings & Student Debt Study.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Managing Director at Fidelity Investments, Cory Latham, about expanded uses for 529 and 529A plans, including MEFA’s U.Fund and Attainable Savings Plans. They discuss the expanded uses of 529 funds for K-12 expenses and certain credentialing programs, as well as the changes to ABLE accounts, which include expanding eligibility requirements, making certain provisions permanent, and introducing new tax b...
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to three current and former U.Plan customers about their experiences of saving for college with MEFA’s Prepaid Tuition Program. They discuss what made them save, why they choose the U.Plan specifically, and more.
In part two of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to student loan borrowing and forgiveness, including PSLF regulations and borrowing limits for undergraduate students, graduate students, and Parent PLUS Loan borrowers.
In part one of this two-part interview, host Jonathan Hughes talks to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA) about changes to federal student loan repayment options, navigating delinquency and loans in default, and steps borrowers can take now.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Sabrina Welch, a high school student, magician, and neuroscience enthusiast who founded the program, Mind Tricks, which teaches children neuroscience through magic. They discuss how she got started, how the program grew, and of course, her post-high school plans. The episode also listens in to her performance at Harvard Square!
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Barbara Jorda about her program STEM Beginnings, which introduces STEM learning to children at an early age. They discuss what STEM is, how to make STEM fun for young children, and the impact of teaching STEM early in a child’s life. The episode also listens in on a STEM Beginnings lesson at Douglas Public Library.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about college loans, while answering questions from you, the listener. They discuss federal loans, MEFA Loans, the process of applying, different repayment options, and much more.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to Eytan Wurman about his new service, CommonTime Pathways, a networking portal for students with an interest in music. CommonTime Pathways provides a platform for students to connect with colleges and gain access to recruitment and scholarship opportunities focused on music. Eytan explains the origin of CommonTime Pathways, how the tool works, and why music is still such a vital aspect of culture.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks to five parents who benefited from BabySteps, a program that provides every child born or adopted in Massachusetts $50 for college. They discuss the process of opening a U.Fund 529 college savings account, receiving the free $50 deposit from the Commonwealth, and how they plan to continue saving for college.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Mark Stucker, host and producer of the podcast Your College-Bound Kid, about recent key trends in college admissions. They discuss AI, student diversity, direct admissions, college fit, how students can prepare for the admissions process, and more.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s high school intern from Cristo Rey Boston High School, Fatima Koumbassa, as well as her school supervisor, Jessina Baker. First Fatima shares her college admissions and financial aid journey, what she is interested in studying in college, and her duties and experience as a MEFA intern. Then Jonathan talks with Jessina about the internship program at Cristo Rey Boston High School and how Baker’...
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with librarian Angela Costello of the East Bridgewater Public Library. They discuss how the library can be a resource for all members of the community, the education needed to become a librarian, and why the library is such an important asset for people.
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with the Executive Director of Westfield State's Resource Innovation Design and Entrepreneurial (RIDE) Center, Dr. Lamis Jarvinen, about how the center empowers manufacturing and innovation in Massachusetts, along with encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit in students. Learn about the RIDE Center’s mission, how it was created, and the ways it’s preparing students for the future. Students who use the cent...
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with licensed mental health counselor Kelly Hulyk about anxiety related to the college admissions process, as well as attending college and living away from home. They discuss why this topic is important, how students can seek help, and where to find other resources.
Host Jonathan Hughes explores Educational Divide Reform, a non-profit organization that seeks to promote global citizenship, social inclusion, and community development through youth education. Jonathan talks with Educational Divide Reform’s Alice Cho about the organization’s college and career readiness program, and with middle school teacher Ana Berhe about the school and program connection. Two Brockton Public Schools students,...
Host Jonathan Hughes talks with two pilots, Cliff Lanyi and Jack Trendell, about their different journeys to becoming a pilot. They discuss schooling, acquiring their license, the number of hours they need to be certified, and much more. Plus, Jonathan explains how to use MEFA Pathway to explore information on becoming a pilot as well as other career pathways.
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!