The Back to Me Podcast
by Yoli Tamu
Founder and CEO of The Back to Me Podcast (@thebacktomepodcast), Yoli Tamu (@yolitamuofficial) hosts this college-focused podcast inspired by college students across the nation. The Back to Me Podcast was created to answer many questions posed by college freshmen entering this new environment and college graduates heading out into a new world as young adults. Every week, students will be inspired and encouraged by self-affirming interviews and tips to succeed in college and in a career they love.
Episodes
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227. Student Success Across Borders with Dr. Ainsley Carry
It’s National Career Development Month, and we’re going global! To launch our International Career Development Series, we’re exploring student success abroad with Dr. Ainsley Carry, whose more than 30 years in higher education include serving as Vice President for Student Affairs at Auburn...
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226. Engineering Ports and Possibilities with Ian Sequeira
What if your interest in building things could become a career dedicated to improving lives? As we wrap up our “Built to Move” Trade and Transportation series, we welcome Ian Sequeira, Vice President of Port and Marine for U.S. West at AECOM. Raised in a Christian home in India, Mr. Sequeira...
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225. Earn While You Learn in Automotive Careers with Steve Borio
What if a high school field trip introduced you to your future career and eventually brought you back to teach the next generation? As we continue our “Built to Move” Trade and Transportation series, we welcome Steve Borio, Automotive Technology Instructor and Ford ASSET Instructor at Cerritos...
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224. Finding Your Path in HVAC/R with Stephen Shute
Ready to explore working with your hands and using your brain in ways you never expected? As we continue our “Built to Move” Trade and Transportation series, we welcome Stephen Shute, HVAC/R Organizer at United Association (UA) Local 250 and Industry and Technology Instructor at El Camino…
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223. Mapping the Future of Trade and Transportation with Dr. Tom O’Brien
What does it mean to prepare students not only to earn a degree, but to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce? This month, we introduce ‘Built to Move,’ our new Trade and Transportation series! In this episode, Dr. Thomas O’Brien, Associate Dean in the College of Professional and Continuing...
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222. Let's Be C.L.E.A.R. with Yoli Tamu
As September comes to a close, we want to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month. Our founder and host, Yoli Tamu, introduces The C.L.E.A.R. Pathway™ and explores five practices for moving forward: Clarity, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Action, and Reciprocal Relationships. This…
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221. There Is No Replacement for Being You with Christine White
The good news is that there is no replacement for being human. In the final episode of our “AI With Purpose: Student Pathways to What’s Next” series, we are joined by Christine White, Assistant Professor of Practice and the Director of Partnerships and Growth Initiatives at the University of...
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220. Human-Centered AI with Will Croushorn
As headlines raise serious questions about AI safety and human control, this conversation invites students to move beyond fear and consider how they can help shape technology with responsibility, curiosity, and care. In this week’s episode of our “AI With Purpose: Student Pathways to What’s Next”...
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219. AI Careers Beyond Coding with Nicholas Beaudoin
As we continue our “AI With Purpose: Student Pathways to What’s Next” series, we are joined by Nicholas Beaudoin, Director of AI Programs at Caltech’s Center for Technology and Management Education. He works across industry and education to make artificial intelligence practical and useful for...
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218. Preparing Students for an AI-Influenced Future with Dr. Stephen C. Sutton
In this opening episode of our “AI With Purpose: Student Pathways to What’s Next” series, we welcome Dr. Stephen Sutton, Vice Chancellor Emeritus for Student Affairs at UC Berkeley. Recorded shortly before his retirement, this timely conversation explores what students need to thrive in an...
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217. Finding Your People: Culture, Belonging & Student Success with Dr. T Gage
Whether it’s your first year or your last, finding your community on campus is an important part of helping you stay engaged and motivated while you pursue both your academic and professional goals. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. T Gage, Counseling Coordinator for Umoja-UBAKA at…
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216: Game Plan for the Semester: Discipline, Balance & Building Your Future with Chris Plantey and Laolu Kalejaiye
School is back in session and we hope you had a restful summer! Have you mapped out your game plan for the semester yet? If not, get ready to be inspired by two student athletes who are learning the benefits of preparation, discipline and leadership both on and off the court! In this week’s...
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215. Are You Performing or Are You Living? With Yoli Tamu
Congratulations, Graduates! As we close out Mental Health Awareness Month, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu invites you to pause and reflect on the difference between performing for approval and living with purpose. Using her personal freshman-year story as the backdrop, she explores how boredom,...
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214. The Power of Belonging, Support, and Student Wellness with Elise Sturdivant
Our ‘Campus Care Collective’ series for Mental Health Awareness Month continues with Elise Sturdivant, Vice President of Student Affairs at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead. Mrs. Sturdivant shares how higher ed chose her after growing up surrounded by educators,...
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213. From Burdens to Brilliance with Dr. Jerell Hill
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we continue our ‘Campus Care Collective’ series with Dr. Jerell Hill, Dean of Counseling and Guided Pathways at Los Angeles City College. This Education Leader, author, and international speaker feels privileged to transform student struggles into strength. From...
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212. Athletic Mental Health Beyond the Court with William Middlebrooks
It's Mental Health Awareness Month, and we're launching our “Campus Care Collective” series with William Middlebrooks, Deputy Athletic Director, Leadership Strategist, and Basketball Program Director at Lincoln University in Oakland, California. From college basketball player to high school coach...
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211. Your Student Credit Blueprint with Eric Clay
This Financial Literacy month has truly been inspiring our students to take their financial futures to the next level! Our ‘Money Masterclass’ series continues with Eric Clay, Financial Wellbeing Coach at Operation HOPE, who turned his own student credit struggles into a mission teaching families...
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210. From Side Hustle to Your Own Empire with Anika Jackson
Our ‘Money Masterclass’ series for Financial Literacy Month continues with Anika Jackson, USC Annenberg Professor of Digital Media Management, founder of Your Brand Amplified, and co-host of Mediascape and Zen Power Hour. This entrepreneurship powerhouse shares how she went from club promoter to...
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209. 5 Pillars to Build Your Own Financial Plan with Patricia Kelly
We’re back from Spring Break and we hope you had some time to rest! Financial Literacy Month is here and our ‘Money Masterclass’ series of well-sought after financial educators and professionals are going to make you want to share them with all of your friends! This series opens with Patricia...
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208. Unlock Millions in College Funding with Dr. Theresa Price
Our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series for Women’s History Month closes powerfully with the return of Dr. Theresa Price, CEO and Founder of The National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) - home of the renowned Black College Expo and Latino College Expo. This beloved community trailblazer shares...
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207. When Asking for Help is Actually a Strength with Dr. Khalilah Doss
Our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series for Women's History Month continues with Dr. Khalilah Doss, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management at California State University, Fullerton. This first-generation Jamaican track scholar became an educational trailblazer…
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206. Bridging K-12 and Higher Ed from a First Gen Changemaker with Shandell Lewis
Women’s History Month continues with our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series! In this week’s episode, we spotlight an emerging change-maker in education, the Assistant Director of the First Gen Scholars Program at Jackson State University, Ms. Shandell Lewis. She is a first-generation college...
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205. Agape Love: Tapping Into Innate Power with LaMar-Octavious L. Scott
To wrap up our Love Series, “Rooted in Love”, we dive into agape love—selfless, unconditional care for others with LaMar-Octavious L. Scott, Vice President of Student Affairs at LeMoyne-Owen College. As a leader at the fifth oldest HBCU, Mr. Scott shares his journey from early ministry roots to...
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204. Bridging Worlds through Community Love and Leadership with Marita Asamoah
As we continue our ‘Rooted in Love’ series, this week’s episode explores the power of conviction and community love with Marita Asamoah, a first-generation Political Science major at Coppin State University. Born in the Bronx and raised partly in Ghana, Marita brings a global perspective to…
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203. Love Lessons in College with Yoli Tamu
Love in college can feel like the biggest story of your life, but what if it’s actually the classroom where you learn who you are? In this week’s episode of our ‘Rooted in Love’ series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu takes you back to her years at Howard University to share real experiences with...
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202. Lifestyle Medicine for the Soul with Dr. D’Wan Carpenter
For our annual ‘Love Series: Rooted in Love’ kickoff, we explore the power of self-love with Dr. D’Wan Carpenter, a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and founder of DJC Medical Group. Blending evidence-based lifestyle medicine with faith, Dr. Dee shares how…
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201. Guaranteed Access: WLAC, HBCUs, and Your Next Yes with Dr. William Syms
We’re wrapping up our “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series with a powerful conversation on turning vision into real opportunities for students. Dr. William Syms, Vice President of Student Services, Enrollment Management and Equity Initiatives at West Los Angeles College (WLAC), shares how his...
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200. Step Out & Shine: Miss Coppin on Building Confidence & Legacy with Catherine Trumata-Addey
We’re back for the new semester, celebrating our 200th episode as we continue the “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series! This week, we honor a trailblazer turning hardships into leadership legacy! We are thrilled to invite back the reigning Miss Coppin State University and graduating Health…
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199. Confidence in Full Bloom: A Path to Purpose with Stacey Y. Clark
We hope everyone had a restful, peaceful, and joy-filled Thanksgiving! This year has given us all reason to pause, reflect, and identify our own personal calling amidst uncertain times. In this week’s episode, we welcome educator, author, and wellness consultant, Stacey Y. Clark. Stacey shares…
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198. Outspoken and Empowered: Uplifting Community Through Film with Taja Dominique
Have you ever been misunderstood for simply being outspoken? In the final episode of our “Owning Your Strength” series, we’re joined by Director, Producer and LMU MFA candidate, Taja Dominique. Taja shares how she transformed her outspoken spirit into creative projects, mentorship, and by…
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197. Finding Your Voice in College: Mentorship and Personal Growth with Dell Ivy
When was the last time you seriously considered building agency for yourself? In this episode of the “Owning Your Strength” series, we’re joined by Dell Ivy, Program Manager for Student Experience at the University of Houston’s CT Bauer College of Business. As a second-generation college…
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196. Invincible Spirit: Turn Your Life's Challenges Into Your Greatest Power with Yoli Tamu
Life’s challenges are inevitable, but what if you could face them with an invincible spirit? In this episode of the “Owning Your Strength” series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu explores five powerful ways to tap into your inner strength. Whether you’ve felt your inner powerhouse before or not,...
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195. Building Resilience, Joy and Leadership with Kwyn Townsend Riley
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to take inventory of our inner strength as we prepare to navigate societal challenges with resilience and joy! In the first episode of our new series, “Owning Your Strength,” we are joined by Kwynn Townsend Riley, Director of the Office of Black Student...
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194. Breaking Barriers and Building Futures with Rwanda Carter
This week for our “Ready, Set, Leap” series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu welcomes the very student who first inspired her to begin serving college students years ago! In this episode, we meet Rwanda Carter, ASW, PPSC, Psychiatric Social Worker for LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement Plan…
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193. Be, Do, Have: Unlocking Your Feminine & Masculine Energy Balance with Dr Zerri Gross
As part of our ‘Ready, Set, Leap’ series, we welcome back Feminine Energy Therapist and Master Energy Healing Yogi, Dr. Zerri Gross. In this week’s episode, Dr. Z reveals how to identify and balance your feminine and masculine energies to boost both self-awareness and social awareness. Discover…
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192. Gone Away: Embracing Your Next Chapter with Yoli Tamu
This month, we introduce our ‘Ready, Set, Leap’ Series! Dr. Brunson from Spelman College opened the series with an inspiring episode for future educators. In this week’s episode, our founder and host, Yoli Tamu challenges us to embrace change and take bolder risks as we step into the next chapter...
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191. Leaping into Justice: Empowering Future Educators to Transform Schools with Dr. Fatima Brunson
The landscape of education is evolving in the midst of policy changes across the country. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Fatima Brunson, Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Education at Spelman College. Dr. Brunson shares how federal shifts are reshaping learning environments,...
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190. Empathy in Action: Listening, Supporting, and Saving Lives with Clifton Bright, Jr
Let’s talk about empathy! Do we really want to understand each other? As we wrap up Suicide Prevention Month, we welcome back Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Clifton Bright, Jr. for an honest dive into the challenges people face with their feelings in today's world. Clifton unpacks…
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189. Recognizing the Signs: Suicide Prevention with Alexander Dorsey
As we continue to honor Suicide Prevention Month, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Alexander Dorsey returns to share practical insights on mental health, suicide prevention, and supporting college athletes. With six years in private practice, Alex discusses how to recognize warning signs…
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188. 'How Big Is Your Situation?' Managing Stress with Samantha Tubbs-Crews
School is back in session, and you may be feeling that familiar wave of overwhelm. So, how are you managing your stress? In today's episode, we are joined by Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Psychotherapist, Samantha Tubbs-Crews, who shares actionable steps for evaluating "how big is your...
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187. The Aftermath: When Everything Shifts with Yoli Tamu
We’re back and we’re celebrating 5 years of empowering incoming college students and postgraduates with the support of some amazing experts in mental health and career development. For this milestone episode, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu shares her personal college experience and five key ways...
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186. Creating a Culture of Care with Laurel Donley
“The world needs more artists” – and we couldn’t agree more! For our final episode of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are joined by Laurel Donley, Vice Provost of Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Ms. Donley brings a unique perspective, blending her...
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185. A Stroke of Grace: Helping Black Survivors Reclaim Their Lives with Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither
Did you know Black Americans are twice as likely to have a stroke-sometimes as early as age 22? In honor of Mental Health and Stroke Awareness Month, we welcome Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither, Visionary Founder and Executive Director of A Stroke of Grace, to discuss how her nonprofit supports Black...
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184. Practicing Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing with Joshua Mayfield
Graduation season is here! Excitement is in the air as students prepare for the next chapter, but for many, this transition brings a mix of anticipation and anxiety. As students face uncertainty about their future, mental health remains a top concern. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month,...
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183. Qualifying for a Mortgage vs. Affording One with Brady Thomas
Thinking about homeownership or investing in real estate while still in college? Join us as we wrap up Financial Literacy Month with Brady Thomas, Senior Mortgage Advisor at LaSalle Mortgage Services. Mr. Thomas reveals three key strategies to qualify for a mortgage. He explains why building your...
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182. Maximize Your Income and Fund Your Dreams with Christopher Cobb
“Slow and steady wins the race” – truer words were never spoken when you start investing in yourself. It’s Financial Literacy Month and it’s the perfect time to figure out how to make your dreams a reality! This week, we are joined by Christopher Cobb, Financial Strategist and Founder of The…
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181. Miracles in Motion with TeeJ Mercer
As we continue celebrating Financial Literacy Month, it is important to consider just how you plan to be more charitable in your giving. This week, we are joined by TeeJ Mercer, Founder of Move-In Day Mafia. TeeJ has transformed the lives of HBCU students who have aged out of foster care or face...
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180. Cracking the Code to Financial Success with Shelby Patrice
It’s Tax Season and Financial Literacy Month! How effectively are you managing your monthly expenses and making smart investment decisions? This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back Shelby Patrice, Financial Literacy Educator and Founder of Budget University. Ms. Patrice shares how students…
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179. Teach Them What You Know with Ka-Ron Brown Lehman
As Women's History Month comes to a close, join our host and founder, Yoli Tamu, in celebrating her most inspirational mentor! This week features Ka-Ron Brown Lehman, Artistic Director of Lehman Danceworks, Inc. and Retired Modern Dance Instructor. "Dancing Mama," as she’s affectionately known to...
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178. Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Legacy with Coppin’s Campus Aunties
In celebration of International Women's Day, we were honored to return to Coppin State University at the invitation of Dr. James Stewart, Associate Vice President for Student Development and Achievement. We hosted a special live event to recognize four extraordinary women in higher education,...
About this show
Founder and CEO of The Back to Me Podcast (@thebacktomepodcast), Yoli Tamu (@yolitamuofficial) hosts this college-focused podcast inspired by college students across the nation. The Back to Me Podcast was created to answer many questions posed by college freshmen entering this new environment and college graduates heading out into a new world as young adults. Every week, students will be inspired and encouraged by self-affirming interviews and tips to succeed in college and in a career they love.
Hosted by
Yoli Tamu