Once In College

In today’s episode, we meet Regina Blackburn, a talented 18-year-old whose head was full of both idealistic and naive views of the world. She walked on the campus of Howard University in 1977, completely unaware that both those views would soon be shattered. Don’t miss this unique event – a sexual assault story that is as uncomfortable as it is inspirational. This is the tremendous arc of a young woman who refused to live in fear. Hear her important lesson she learned at college, not found in textbooks or lectures - Silence doesn’t protect us. Sharing does.

Long before ADHD or any names we use now for attention deficit disorders, Scott Smith went to college only to become held captive by his own turbulent brain. When the paranoia and anxiety took control, he learned quickly to tell people what was going on inside his head.Don’t miss his true story and lesson in life not found in textbooks or online lectures – Speaking the truth will set you free.

Today on campus, it’s 1985. Only, we’re not in America, we’re in Tokyo, Japan.In this heartfelt true story, a young couple, each from different parts of America, form an intimate relationship while studying overseas. When they suddenly learn she is pregnant, the two must make a life-altering decision 6,000 miles from home.We think this episode is unique since the entire experience is told from the man’s point of view. And that’s a voice and perspective about this subject that’s rarely heard.Written by an Anonymous Author, Produced by Peter Griffith & Rob Wallace.Visit us at https://onceincollege.com

In another hilarious episode, we meet Chelsea Grint, a fun-loving young freshman at the University of South Florida, who became the ringleader of the wildest parties off campus.The moment she graduates, however, those lurid nights catch up to her in a single, sweaty meeting that will determine the fate of her career.Stay tuned for this true story, a cautionary tale for today’s record-everything college crowd – Be prepared to relive any and every awkward moment of your life.Written by Chelsea Grint, Produced by Peter Griffith & Rob Wallace, Narrated by Marie Newman, Sound by Michael Henery.Visit us at https://onceincollege.com

In this hilarious episode, we meet Karen Scholl, an introverted young woman who bucks her family and the entire state of Ohio by enrolling at the University of Michigan. However, her newly found independence is tested to its limits when all eyes are on her at a glamorous dinner. It will take an iron gut to decide if being the life-of-the-party sorority girl is the person she wants to become. Hear the lesson learned from a platter of octopus tentacles - Living life your way means occasionally putting your fork down.Written by Karen Scholl, Produced by Peter Griffith & Rob Wallace, Narrated by Marie Newman, Sound by Michael Henery.Visit us at https://onceincollege.com

Hear the journey of a bright young kid who went to college wishing his life to center around drinking, women and writing whatever he felt. This is the remarkably true story of the lessons that were handed to Steffan Postaer, but then ignored, so he could stay a college freshman forever. His authentic journey that started in college reminds us – You won’t ever change, if you don’t really don’t want to.This episode's author, Steffan Postaer, is a copywriter by trade and is perhaps best known for his provocative and iconic work on Altoids, “The Curiously Strong Mints.”  Early into his long tenure at Leo Burnett, Steffan co-wrote “Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile,” which (for better or worse) became a part of the lexicon.A one-time recipient of Crain’s prestigious “40 under 40,” he’s the recipient of advertising’s most prestigious awards, including numerous One Show Pencils, the Kelly Award for best print campaign in North America and gold and silver Lions from Cannes.Steffan has written several novels, all of which are available via his Amazon author page. His horror screenplay, Belzec: The Made Undead won Best Horror Screenplay at Action on Film, Chicago’s Horror Fest and several other festivals. He is currently seeking representation for his fourth novel, The Chaos Merchant.

Meet Jeff York, a hapless 19-year-old who grew up in a town of 700, a Mayberry as he puts it, with few prospects. But his venture to college in Chicago changed all that when one fateful night, he hits a formidable bump, head-on. Marilyn Chambers, the most famous porn star on earth.Hear for this semi-steamy coming-of-age story. These are the actual events that unfolded for an innocent college nerd and the lessons learned from his happy ending – Some things are worth waiting for.Jeff is a creative powerhouse. As a film critic and charter member of the Chicago Indie Critics, his reviews have been published by the Examiner and Creative Screenwriting magazine.As a writer, he was picked by the International Screenwriters Association as one of their “25 Screenwriters to Watch” and is a member of the Chicago Indie Critics, the ASPCA, and SAG-AFTRA.As an illustrator, his cartoons have appeared in various books and publications from the Chicago Tribune to Playboy to W Magazine and his caricatures hang in celebrity’s homes.And on top of all that, Jeff has been an influential creative director in the Chicago ad world for decades.You can check out some of his incredible illustrations and his personal movie site, The Establishing Shot.org, which is read in 27 countries. Jeff still lives and works in Chicago, ironically two blocks away from the old Playboy mansion.

A determined young man over-extends himself at college in every way possible. We find him hellbent on believing ambition alone will be the key to his happiness, even if it costs him the love of his life. It’s not until one fateful sit-down with a very eccentric professor does his life come into focus.This true account written by Brian Heffernan, is a lesson in life he learned from a pirate professor – Hurry less and you will enjoy life more.Brian studied interpersonal communications and journalism at Marquette University. He translated his love of language into a career in advertising and marketing services that spanned four decades.Brian developed a talent for helping teams prepare for high-stakes presentations in the hyper-competitive world of advertising agency new business pitches. He leveraged his skills to become EVP/Global Business Development at J. Walter Thompson, a global advertising firm, and later as President of the company’s Chicago office.Brian retired from a leadership role at IBM iX, the company’s digital experience arm, in 2019 and founded Fásmentor LLC, which is focused on mentoring teams and individuals in their pursuit of new business and career opportunities.Find out more about Brian here...

A surprise pregnancy is not something any young woman just out of high school is ready for, and Marie Newman at that age was not the exception. If you think this episode, a true story, is about navigating the crossroads of what to do next, it is. In part. But it’s also about one woman’s courageous journey, starting in shame and ending in self-esteem.Marie Newman is a former congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author of When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions, antibullying activist, former Moms Demand Action spokesperson and national LGBTQ+ advocate. In addition to those roles, she is a mom of two adult children, consultant and podcaster. Marie Newman is known for building movements and solving the toughest problems. Marie’s next book, her memoir, will be released April of 2025, A Life Made From Scratch. Her motto has always been, when you do not see the solution you desperately need, make it from scratch!Marie has been frequently interviewed on MSNBC, CNN, Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS over the last decade for her congressional work and prior to that, her activism. She has also been interviewed by The New York Times, Elle magazine, Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, The New Yorker, Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun Times and other publications.Find out more about Marie here...

Our latest episode is a love story of sorts. A true story from the late 1970s of a young man who walks into a local college bar at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and meets someone that will change his life forever. Only, it's probably not what you think. Find out how the world can sound so much larger if you have an open mind, and ear, to hear it.Lee knew he wanted to be a professional writer at the age of 12. His career would take him to ad agencies in Minneapolis and then to Madison, Wisconsin, writing for nearly all media including his favorites, TV and radio. While a degree in journalism looked good on his resume, it was his immersion in writing sketch comedy and performing on stage that developed the sense of humor advertising in the 1980s and ‘90s required.Now retired, Lee has discovered a new passion: drawing portraits. “A few people have told me I have a gift for drawing,” Lee says. “I do not. My gift is my desire to draw. It insists that I draw regularly. That I explore various techniques. That I look at faces in ways I never did before.” He has no idea where this new-found desire comes from. But, Lee says, “It appears to have a stranglehold on me.”Lee is married to Sherry. They have four daughters, two dogs, and one fine relationship.Find out more about Lee here...

A funny but true story from 1988 that painfully reminds us that the moment we think we are close to having it all solved, there’s always that one person who can knock it all back down. A hard reality that was learned by an eager student at a tiny college of art and design in Minneapolis, taking a brutal class that was required to graduate, called Typography 101.Written by Pete GriffithPete Griffith is the Founder and President of Mentum. He’s not THE Family Guy but definitely a family guy (three kids, in fact). He does share something in common with that show – they have both won an Emmy for creativity. In fact, this Pete Griffith has also won multiple international advertising, editing and art direction awards. His approach to any project is simple. He believes the final product not only has to make you feel something, it must make you do something.As a former creative director for over 20 years at the world’s largest ad agencies, his work for numerous Fortune 500 companies not only gained impressive creative recognition but boosted their bottom lines. But when work meant spending more time away from his family than with them, Pete started his own agency and never looked back.Find out more about Pete here...

In this episode it's 1980. We meet Jay, a leader in college who takes a dangerous venture into the underworld of narcotics. One that many never escape from. Hear this cautionary tale, a lesson in life not found in textbooks or online lectures - We all do some dangerously stupid things, just to be liked.Jay Kaskel is a recently retired advertising writer who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is married with one grown son, who lives nearby in Minneapolis. Jay has yet to decide exactly what the next chapter of his life looks like. It will likely include spending more time constructing crossword puzzles, playing tennis, and riding his bike. He is seriously contemplating getting into endurance sleeping.Jay grew up in Morton Grove, a suburb 20 minutes north of downtown Chicago. The middle child of two other brothers, he attended Niles West High School, where his greatest accomplishment was managing to avoid getting stuffed into a locker.Find out more about Jay here...

Today on campus, it’s somewhere in the 1980’s. It’s the decade of decadence. On the radio, all the girls just want to have fun, and that includes Whitney, Billie Jean and Jessie’s girl. But we can also include one other girl, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin.Today we hear the true story of a journalism student who gets hustled into joining a sorority. It doesn’t take long for this smart sophomore to learn just what it will take for her to make the cut. Stay tuned for this secret look into a timeless college right of passage, a lesson not found in textbooks or online lectures – If something feels disingenuous, it likely is. But it doesn’t mean it’s not genuine for someone else."Barbies Everywhere" was written by Marie Newman, an amazing woman who served as the U.S. representative for Illinois' 3rd Congressional District from 2021-2023. Besides championing equity for all in Washington, this former congresswoman has also blazed her own trails as a noted author, podcaster, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader and marketing executive.This is her authentic story, narrated by her, of a decision she was forced to make, once, in college.Marie Newman is a former congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author of When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions, antibullying activist, former Moms Demand Action spokesperson and national LGBTQ+ advocate. In addition to those roles, she is a mom of two adult children, consultant and podcaster. Marie Newman is known for building movements and solving the toughest problems. Marie’s next book, her memoir, will be released April of 2025, A Life Made From Scratch. Her motto has always been, when you do not see the solution you desperately need, make it from scratch!Marie has been frequently interviewed on MSNBC, CNN, Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS over the last decade for her congressional work and prior to that, her activism. She has also been interviewed by The New York Times, Elle magazine, Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, The New Yorker, Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun Times and other publications.Find out more about Marie here...

Today we meet a college football super fan, a Florida student who desperately wants to leave his mark at a nationally televised game. And as you may guess, it ends up leaving a mark on him. A rather distinctive mark. Hear this cautionary tale, a lesson in life not found in textbooks or in any lectures – Your parents may not know everything, but some of it may save your skin someday.FAIR WARNING: This episode may make you a little squeamish :)Written by Pete GriffithPete Griffith is the Founder and President of Mentum. He’s not THE Family Guy but definitely a family guy (three kids, in fact). He does share something in common with that show – they have both won an Emmy for creativity. In fact, this Pete Griffith has also won multiple international advertising, editing and art direction awards. His approach to any project is simple. He believes the final product not only has to make you feel something, it must make you do something.As a former creative director for over 20 years at the world’s largest ad agencies, his work for numerous Fortune 500 companies not only gained impressive creative recognition but boosted their bottom lines. But when work meant spending more time away from his family than with them, Pete started his own agency and never looked back.Find out more about Pete here...

In the heart of the Midwest, at the University of Illinois, a young music major joins a club on campus. The purpose of the club is to bring in world-renown guest speakers for student lectures and debates. And as one of her first assignments, this young coed is to host one of the most intimidatingly famous women of that era. An icon.Stay tuned for this true story, two lessons in life the author didn’t learn in textbooks or lectures: One, never be afraid to confront a liar with the truth; and two, bleu cheese is really disgusting.Written by Lynn LaPlanteWriter, concert violinist/violist, DuPage County Board Commissioner, podcaster, public speaker, community activist, IWIL alum, wife & mom of four. Passionate about the arts, economic development, women’s voices, social justice, & sustainability.Find out more about Lynn here...

At a small Maryland College, a timid loner digs deep to find the courage to stand up for what he believes in. Only, like with many big decisions, he learns it will come with a terrible cost.Listen to this inspirational true life story, a lesson from college not found in textbooks or online lectures – The bravest person is often the one that stands up first.Written by an Anonymous Author

Kevin is a perfectly normal freshman at the University of Iowa who discovers an extraordinary workaround, one that will change his life. That same workaround, however, will cause him to disappear from campus altogether. Take a listen to this cautionary tale, a lesson in life not found in textbooks or online lectures – cheaters almost never win.Written by Pete GriffithPete Griffith is the Founder and President of Mentum. He’s not THE Family Guy but definitely a family guy (three kids, in fact). He does share something in common with that show – they have both won an Emmy for creativity. In fact, this Pete Griffith has also won multiple international advertising, editing and art direction awards. His approach to any project is simple. He believes the final product not only has to make you feel something, it must make you do something.As a former creative director for over 20 years at the world’s largest ad agencies, his work for numerous Fortune 500 companies not only gained impressive creative recognition but boosted their bottom lines. But when work meant spending more time away from his family than with them, Pete started his own agency and never looked back.Find out more about Pete here...

Once In College is a podcast dedicated to sharing the unique and unforgettable experiences during college. From hilarious mishaps to life-changing events, our true-life stories capture the essence of college life. These are the lessons we learned the hard way, or sometimes the fun way. The lessons you couldn’t learn from textbooks or lectures. Produced by a team of Emmy and award-winning editors and storytellers, these 15-minute episodes are experiences you won’t be able to stop thinking about. True stories that could only happen at a time and age when you’re equally as stupid as you are smart.Join us as we explore the moments that shaped us for the rest of our lives.