The MEFA Podcast

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 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 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 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.

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna to answer a mailbag question about rolling over unused U.Fund 529 savings into a Roth IRA. Then Jonathan talks with Deputy Director of the Massachusetts State Treasury’s Office of Economic Empowerment Samantha Perry. They discuss the BabySteps college savings incentive program, how it started, the progress it’s made, and planned efforts for its future.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with grandparent and retired lawyer Louis Rizoli. Mr. Rizoli has saved for all of his grandchildren in the MEFA U.Fund 529 college savings plan. Jonathan and Mr. Rizoli discuss how he found the U.Fund, what he appreciates about the plan, why he saves for his grandchildren, and more.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Director of College Access at Bristol Community College, Christine Scafidi, about Early College, the school’s program that allows high school students to earn college credits. They discuss the program, how high school students interact with the colleges, what sort of students they tend to serve, and where students can get more information on Early College.

Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk with MEFA’s Director of College Relations and FAFSA expert, Shawn Morrissey. Shawn answers 21 questions that MEFA has heard from families about completing the FAFSA.

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with founder and CEO of Gift of College, Wayne Weber. They discuss how Weber started Gift of College, the benefits of saving for college, the ease of using a gift card to help someone save, and how you can use Gift of College Cards to save in MEFA U.Fund, U.Plan, and Attainable accounts, as well as make a payment toward a MEFA Loan. 

Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about the FSA ID. They then answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag. Finally, they speak with MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, on the 2025-26 FAFSA.