SASFAA's Swoonpies and Money

The obscure show tune is Daniel's attempt at pop culture relevance. That, combined with our "RAP" up from FSA day 2, is worth sticking around for the next 58 minutes.  Today, we were joined by two SASFAA luminaries and Swoonpies favorites, Katie Conrad and Brad Barnett. Guided by Daniel, they gave a thoughtful and detailed review of today's program. Grab some popcorn and enjoy FSA Day 2.

"I wanna be in the room where it happens"...well we were. You are about to hear our live coverage from the FSA conference. Daniel and a couple of special guests, new friends of Swoonpies and Money, break down everything from Day 1 of the FSA Conference.It’s our first-ever livestream. It’s unfiltered and a little tech-adventurous.Thanks for joining us in the FSA room where it happens with us.

The FSA Conference is happening in Washington D.C. from March 4-6, 2026. Swoonpies and Money will be broadcasting every day from the conference. In this short episode hear from Daniel and Bill on what you can expect from our coverage.

This is Part 2 of our NASFAA Leadership and Legislative Conference coverage. Hopefully you caught Part 1 last week.We rolled the dice and tried something different at the conference. Instead of just hearing me report, we handed microphones to our Swoon Pies regulars — Sam Hicks, Emily Baldwin, and Daniel Barkowitz— and sent them straight into the crowd.No script. No safety net. Just real conversations.You’re about to hear ten quick hits from the floor featuring Alex Delonis, Leigh Ann Hussey, Dr. Wanda Pickens, Celena Tellus, Samantha Hitchcock, Rosa Thomas, Wendy Owens, Audrey Price, Katie Stevens… and yes, even Ben Affleck.But before we dive in, a quick show update.The much-anticipated FSA Conference and gathering in Washington, D.C., is this week. As you know, it came together quickly, and there’s a lot of anticipation about the direction and guidance we’re going to get.If there’s breaking news, we’ll be there.Swoonpies and Money will be covering it live — bringing you daily updates and conversations with whoever stops by our remote studio. Assuming the tech gods cooperate, we’ll keep you posted all week long.Watch for a SASFAA update with broadcast times and details.Alright — let’s get into it.

The Swoonpies crew has been on the road for the past couple of weeks at the NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference, held somewhere just south of the Arctic Circle… also known as Washington, D.C., and then straight on to our own annual conference, which just wrapped in Charlotte.We’re kicking off our LLC coverage today with Part 1 of a two-part series. In this episode, you’ll hear conversations recorded on the ground at Leadership — the insights, the strategy, and yes, a little bit of the news that only happens when financial aid professionals gather in one place to talk policy and the future of our work. Part 2 is coming your way in just a couple of days.First up, you will hear from Melanie Storey, NASFAA’s President & CEO, with a thoughtful conversation about leadership and advocacy. Then we’re joined by Allie Arcese, NASFAA’s Senior Director of Strategic Communications, to unpack messaging, Off-The-Cuff origins, and what it really takes to move the needle in D.C.We close out with Emily Osborn, Senior Director of Financial Aid at Western Governors University, who presented in the Strategic Enrollment Management track at Leadership. And I strongly recommend you listen all the way to the end because Emily takes us from OB3 to Icelandic traditions and Nordic folklore. I promise you, that kind of content whiplash exists in exactly one place… and that’s Swoonpies and Money.

Over the past two episodes, we’ve spent significant timediscussing how institutions across the SASFAA community are preparing for OB3, sharing practical perspectives as we move toward the July 1 implementation date. We’ll continue to highlight insights on the legislation in the weeksahead.This week, however, we’re stepping away from OB3and returning to one of our core segments, “How I Got Here,” moderated by Emily Baldwin.In today’s episode, Emily speaks with Sherika Charity fromNorthern Virginia Community College and Megan Schumeyer from Virginia Tech. Longtime listeners will recognize this segment as a conversation between a mentor and mentee, illustrating how SASFAA members from differentinstitutions support one another throughout their financial aid careers.We invite you to sit back and enjoy this personal perspective on mentorship, shared experience, and professional growth.

As we unpack the NPRM, the countdown to OB3 and the need for preparation is getting real. In this episode, Kate Brabandt of College Aid Services led a candid panel discussion focused on what institutions should be doing now to get ready.Kate is joined by a group of seasoned financial aid leaders: Dr. Heather Boutell (Vanderbilt University), Brenda Hicks (Southwestern College), and Audra Main (Moore Norman Technology Center). Together, they examine proposed changes related to federal loan programs, Workforce Pell eligibility, repayment plans, and expanded institutional accountability requirements across varied institution types.Programming note: The College Aid Services webinar was presented prior to the NPRM publication, with many details still unknown. Notwithstanding, the observations on operational readiness and compliance considerations to staffing, communication, and change management are firmlygrounded in what campuses are facing. Whether you’re deep in planning or still figuring out where to start, this episode offers actionable insights to help your team face OB3 with clarity and confidence.

Today’s episode is about the elephant in the room, OB3. And let’s be clear: this isn’t a subtle elephant. It’s enormous, standing on the table, demanding the attention of everyone in higher education. No one can pretend they don’t see it.Emily Baldwin moderates a powerhouse panel on how medical schools are managing the rollout of OB3, and what it means for incoming classes and institutions. She’s joined by Joan Bailey from the University of South Florida, Dr. Heather Boutell of Vanderbilt University, Johnathan Chancellor from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Veronica Herrera with Experian, Dr. Mark Justice from the University of Miami, and Dr. Holly Gilliam from the University of South Carolina.The conversation gets straight to the point: institutional communication strategy, enrollment impact, operational and systems strain, and why private loans, and the immediate need for credit education, are suddenly front and center. If OB3 is anywhere on your agenda, you don’t want to miss this conversation, just like you can’t miss that elephant!

Today, we share another of our "How I Got Here" segments led by Emily Baldwin. This series features experienced and upcoming SASFAA leaders as they provide insights into their career journeys to help other SASFAA members uncovertheirs. In this episode, Emily is joined by two outstanding financial aid professionals and SASFAA members, Jernitha Smith, Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Affairs at USC Sumter, and Zachary Christian, Deputy Director at the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grants Commission.

We’re kicking off the new year with a reset, a little transparency, and a lot to talk about. Before we dive in, a fun fact from our listener survey: most likely you’re listening to Swoonpies & Money right now from your office. Your productivity is not our responsibility!This episode starts with you. We’re sharing the results of our recent listener survey and giving an up-to-date snapshot of who our audience actually is, who’s here, how you found us, and what you want more (and less) of as we move into the year ahead.Then we get into pop culture. We’re reviewing Season 2 of Severance—what worked, what didn’t, and why it remains one of the sharpest, strangest shows about work, power, and identity. Emily and Willis have thoughts. And finally, the best part, we’re sharing some genuinely exciting news from co-host Michelle Hemmer. It’s big, it’s joyful, and worth celebrating.

Welcome to the Swoonpies holiday episode. The Swoonie crewis ringing in the season at the Swoonpies and Money holiday party, attempting (and we use that term loosely) to sing “The 12 Days of SASmas.” Expect off-key caroling, inside jokes, and plenty of festive nonsense. Cheers to recording with no rehearsal! 12 Days of SASmas lyrics: On the first day of Sas-MAS, SwoonPies gave to meDISTRACTION  from OB3. On the second day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to metwo-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the third day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to methree conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the fourth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meFour Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the fifth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to me5 private loansFour Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the sixth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meSix negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the seventh day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meadvice from Dr. Happy,Six negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the eighth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meEight Hooty-Whos,advice from Dr. Happy,Six negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the ninth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to menine states supporting,Eight Hooty-Whos,advice from Dr. Happy,Six negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the tenth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meten Baldwin mentors,nine states supporting,Eight Hooty-Whos,advice from Dr. Happy,Six negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the eleventh day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meJoan Baily’s pearls of wisdom,ten Baldwin mentors,nine states supporting,Eight Hooty-Whos,advice from Dr. Happy,Six negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3. On the twelfth day of Sas-MAS, Swoonpies gave to meSAM’S LATE NIGHT RAMBLINGS,Joan Baily’s pearls of wisdom,ten Baldwin mentors,nine states supporting,Eight Hooty-Whos,advice from Dr. Happy,Six negs a-regging,FIVE PRIVATE LOANS!Four Jedi heroes,three conference charities,two-member highlights,and distraction from OB3!

It’s time for a quick check-in with the Swoonpies Nation. We want to make sure we’re hitting our marks and giving you the content you want to hear. As you know, the SASFAA podcast was launched for members by members, so please take a few minutes to complete the survey and let us know how we’re doing. You can follow the link or keep an eye out for other announcements from the mothership (a.k.a. SASFAA updates).Swoonpies Listener Satisfaction Surveyhttps://bit.ly/swoonpies-surveyIn this episode, we dive into the highlights from the recent FAFSAA Directors Summit with Alicia Keaton. We’re also joined by Dr. Happy, Sam Dunman, who brings us a fascinating conversation with Mary Preston Jackson, a certified spinal flow practitioner helping people reconnect with their body’s innate intelligence and natural healing ability.

This week, we’re joined by some very special guests who are bringing more than just their appetites — they’re sharing their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, the stories behind them, and the memories that make those recipes so meaningful.And because gratitude comes in all flavors, our guests are also opening up about what they’re most thankful for this year — from simple joys to quirky holiday dining habits that somehow became family traditions.Of course, this wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without a little twist. After the feature episode, you’re getting the behind-the-scenes version — the rehearsal, with all the laughter, the tangents, and maybe even a few culinarymisfires. Think of it like that bonus episode after your favorite streaming show — the one with outtakes, inside jokes, and just enough frivolity to keep things real.So grab a slice of pie, pull up a chair, and join us for a Thanksgiving special that’s part gratitude, part good-natured mischief, and 100% Swoonpies and Money.

This week, we’re taking you straight back to chilly Charleston for a full-on SCASFAA Conference retrospective. From OB3 to lip syncing (and everything in between), this episode is a joyful rewind through the sessions, shenanigans, and shared spirit that make South Carolina’s financial aid community one of a kind.You don’t have to be from the Palmetto State to feel the energy. Tune in for a rerun packed with camaraderie, laughter, and the unmistakable heartbeat of your South Carolina colleagues.As they say at SCASFAA, we’re small but mighty.

Today, we have another delightfully eclectic episode of Swoonpies and Money. This one’s a true hodgepodge.First up, a public service announcement about the upcoming SASFAA webinar on November 18, featuring NASFAA MVP Heather Boutell. Then you’ll hear highlights from the recent KASFAA Kentucky Conference and finish with a quick chat with Samantha Hitchcock, President-Elect of GASFAA.And finally—because it wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without a something out of left field—we’ll wrap up with details on the Beaver Moon Swoon Pie Satisfaction Survey. Yes, it’s a thing. You’ll just have to listen.

Welcome to a special edition of Swoonpies and Money. Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on one of the most consequential—and misunderstood—rituals in higher education policymaking: negotiated rulemaking. Think of “Neg Reg” as the Department of Education’s version of group therapy—except instead of talking feelings, they’re hashing out the fine print of federal regulations that will have a profound impact on all of us.To help make sense of it all, Daniel Barkowitz sits down with two of the appointed negotiators who’ve been in the room trying to shape the future of higher education policy. And because every federal rule eventually lands on a campus doorstep, we’ll also check in with the good folks at Mercer University for a ground-level view of how OBBA is starting to ripple through their operations. So, settle in for this timely episode of Swoonpies and Money—where big policy meets campus reality, and the sausage-making of higher ed gets a little sunlight.

This episode is reminder that SASFAA always has your back, both figuratively and literally. Today you'll hear from Samantha Dunman, aka Dr. Happy, in our Health and Wellness segment on spine health and stress relief. Whether you're sitting at a desk all day, recovering from an injury, or just trying to feel better, your spine is at the center of it all.Then Sam Hicks, aka Dr. Hicks, discusses how to maintain a strong financial backbone with Brad Barnett in our What Keeps You Up at Night segment. Yes, we know, that’s not a book or movie, but who hasn’t lost a little sleep worrying about money.

In this episode of Swoonpies and Money, we sit down with Amy Barrier, founder of Financial Aid Follies—the unofficial heartbeat of our profession. Amy joins us to share how humor, heart, and a bit of well-placed creativity can bring our community together and remind us why we love this work in the first place. Humble royalty was in the studio, and yes, it shows.Then, over at the Fantasy Desk, where we cover all things Star Wars. We could do ten episodes in a row on Star Wars and still not make it to Tatooine.And, you’ll have to endure Bill’s sophomoric rambling about Shakespeare, because every episode needs at least one tangent no one asked for.S2E2 is a mix of humor, humanity, and hyperspace—an episode that reminds us why this professional community works hard, laughs loud, and is like no other.

Grab your favorite beverage or steering wheel, and help us kick off Season 2—bigger, bolder, and still flying proudly by the seat of our pants.A new season, but same lineup, and even more of an unpredictable mix of insight, laughter, and occasional serious stuff you’ve come to expect. We’re kicking Season 2 off with one of our signature segments—Emily Baldwin’s critically acclaimed “How I Got Here” feature. This week showcases Brenda Ilojiole and Daniel Barkowitz. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring start to the season, with insights and perspectives that remind us why we love this profession.And to close out our premiere, I’ll be joined by Sam Hicks, who offers a sneak peek at her upcoming SASFAA Webinar on AI Applications in the Financial Aid Office—a timely look at how technology is reshaping the way we serve students.Of course, it wouldn’t be Swoonpies and Money without banter from our studio lunchroom. You’ll get to eavesdrop on my chat with Josh, SASFAA’s weather guy, as he’s removed from double secret probation and given a promotion and raise here at the podcast.

Well, we made it, 13 episodes in, and somehow the wheels haven’t completely fallen off. The podcast made it through its first season — and not just survived but thrived. That’s right, folks: one remarkably successful season in the books, and we’re just getting warmed up.In today’s episode, you’ll hear Celena Tulloss reflect on her remarkable time on SASFAA Board.  Then we’ll check in with a few of the past state presidents, as they roll off their respective boards. And finally, you’ll get to meet members of the Swoonie team as they pull back the curtain, celebratethe wins, and probably overshare just enough to make you squirm.It’s the perfect recipe to wrap up Season 1: a little reflection, a dash of humor, and a big ol’ slice of Swoonpie.