The Fundamental Problem with College: An impromptu conversation with anyone willing to listen episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 27 MIN

The Fundamental Problem with College: An impromptu conversation with anyone willing to listen

from The Harlan Cohen Podcast · host Harlan Cohen

Harlan Cohen breaks down the fundamental problem with college: schools prepare students academically but leave them completely unprepided for the emotional, social, financial, and professional transitions that make or break the college experience. Drawing from his own painful story of struggling, feeling lonely, and eventually transferring, Harlan reveals why so many high-achieving students arrive on campus overwhelmed, anxious, and blindsided by challenges no one warned them about. The episode introduces his core framework for navigating change through patients, places, and people, and makes the case that curiosity, belonging, and practicing discomfort are the real keys to a successful first year. * * * * * * * * * * Harlan Cohen is a leading expert on college readiness and success. He helps parents, students, and educators.  Check out his Best First Year College Readiness & Success program for Parents & Students: 🎓 https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course  Use code Pod15 at checkout and get 15% off a 12 or 18 month membership. Check out his On-Demand Events:  🎓 https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/collections  The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com THE HARLAN COHEN PODCAST New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has candid conversations with top experts, and leading influencers. Guests share their greatest victories, devastating setbacks, and most valuable advice to help listeners dream big and take action. Hosted by Harlan Cohen, New York Times bestselling author, and speaker. Harlan is the founder of Best First Year, and has over 1 million books in print. His live events, books, programs, and workshops have reached millions of people and changed countless lives.  

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 18, 2026

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The Fundamental Problem with College: An impromptu conversation with anyone willing to listen

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