SASFAA's Swoonpies and Money

Today, we’re joined by two SASFAA leaders that we're especially excited to hear from: Helen Faith from the University of Virginia and Jackie Copeland from UNC Chapel Hill. And this time, Sam Hicks is taking a little break from asking What’s Keeps You Up At Night to turn the conversation in a more professional direction. Sam sits down with Helen and Jackie to talk about a very timely theme that Kitty Conrad has set for SASFAA this year: Finding Your Why. For so many of us, financial aid is much more than a job. It’s a profession built around helping students, supporting families, mentoring colleagues, and trying to make a real difference, often during some pretty challenging moments. But when the days get busy and the work gets complicated, it can be easy to lose sight of what brought us here in the first place. So today, Sam asks Helen and Jackie to reflect on what continues to inspire them, what gives their work meaning, and what keeps them connected to this profession after so many years. For just a little while, forget about what’s keeping you up at night; instead, think about what gets you up in the morning. Here’s Sam with Helen Faith and Jackie Copeland.

Why compare OB3 to a hurricane? Because after months of preparation, anticipation, and the intensity of the first year of implementation, it feels as though we’ve withstood the fury of the storm’s first wall and may now be sitting in the eye. It’s a chance to assess what happened and what we’ve learned, while knowing the next wall of the storm is still to come. In this episode of Swoonpies and Money, we look back at what institutions learned during year one of OB3 and ask what the next “eyewall” could bring for students, families, enrollment, borrowing, institutional strategy, and the financial aid profession. Michelle talks with Nancy Ferguson and Caitlin Lambert about an upcoming SASFAA webinar featuring professionals sharing their perspectives on the impact of OB3. Then Bill is joined by Katie Conrad (of Georgia Tech), Heidi Kovalick (of Rowan University), and Daniel Barkowitz (of... well we'll get to that) for a candid conversation about where we started, where we are today, what surprised us, and what challenges still remain. Speaking of Daniel, September 8 marked his first day at Penn State. Yes, we know Penn State is outside the SASFAA region, but Daniel remains a SASFAA Hall of Famer, lifetime Swoonie, and podcast contributor. If you head over to our Facebook page, you’ll see the picture the Barkowitz family shared with us. There’s little Daniel, ready for his big day at school, backpack and lunchbox in hand, standing outside the house and headed to the bus stop. The initial wave of OB3 is behind us, but the storm isn't. What does the next eyewall bring?

Some milestones deserve balloons, cake, confetti, and maybe even a little fanfare. Our 50th episode probably deserved all of that. Unfortunately, we forgot. In this episode of SASFAA’s Swoonpies and Money, Bill reflects on the podcast’s recently passed 50-episode milestone and looks ahead to the close of Season Three and the upcoming launch of Season Four. There’s plenty ahead. The podcast is expanding with new segments, new contributors, and more voices from across the SASFAA region, and beyond, while continuing to deliver the mix of insight, information, storytelling, and entertainment our listeners have come to expect. This episode features Michelle's interview with SASFAA President, Katie Conrad and her perspective on leadership in these challenging times. We also try to figure out what all that cheering in Miami and National Harbor were about back in July. You’ll have to listen and then head over to our Facebook page for the video evidence.

Today’s episode features Emily Baldwin’s "How I Got Here" segment, highlighting the mentor-mentee relationship between Alison Rabil and Jonathan Ibarra of Appalachian State University. They share their perspectives on mentorship, professional growth, and the relationships that help shape a career in financial aid. Also, in her role as co-chair of the SASFAA Webinar Series alongside Brad Barnett, Emily provides an overview of this year’s webinar schedule, previews some of the topics ahead, and shares why you’ll want to mark your calendars.

Did you miss us? The Swoonies took a well-deserved break in July. We’ve all been working hard, and candidly, several of us needed time to focus on important matters back in our respective offices. Today’s episode is all about NOAW. To set the stage, we’re kicking things off with a clip from one of the workshop instructors that perfectly captures the energy and joie de vivre of the entire week. If you’ve attended one of these workshops before, you already know there’s something special about them. Just as important as what you learn are the conversations, the connections, and the chance to spend time with people who truly understand this work. If you’ve never attended a workshop, I hope today’s episode gives you a real sense of the experience — and maybe even inspires you to join us at the workshop next spring. Two quick programming notes before we dive in. First, today’s episode is nearly an hour and a half, which is fairly long for a Swoonpies and Money episode. But there was so much wonderful content, and so many great personalities to share, that we didn’t want you to miss a minute. So if the episode feels a little long, break it up. Listen on your way to work, pick it back up on the drive home, or enjoy it whenever it’s convenient. Second, Season 4 of Swoonpies and Money officially launches in September. We have several new segments to share and some new Swoonies joining our merry band.

Today we're bringing you Day Two of our Florida Association Conference coverage. The conference was held last month in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida, and we're picking up right where we left off in our previous episode covering the first half of the conference. In this episode, you'll hear: Jody Walker and Kim Gordon discussing the LEAP Program Lou Murray and Tim Young sharing their love for LEGO Arminta Johnson's closing remarks, wrapping up another successful conference The Doctor Happy Contest Continues! Today's show is the conclusion of our Doctor Happy (aka Samantha Dunman) Contest. If you missed the last episode, here's the challenge: Doctor Happy conducted five brief interviews with conference attendees. Your mission is to count how many times Doctor Happy says the word "Awesome" throughout those interviews. Think you've got the answer? Email your total to sastapodcast@gmail.com for a chance to win an amazing gift package. The first listener to submit the correct number of "Awesomes" wins. So, listen carefully, and if necessary, revisit our Day One conference episode (S3:E13) to double-check your count. Start tallying those Awesomes and enjoy Day Two of the FASFAA Conference.

We're kicking off our two-part coverage of the 2026 FASFAA Conference from Daytona Beach! There was simply too much great content to fit into a single episode, so we're bringing you the highlights from FASFAA’s annual celebration across two shows. On Day One, you'll hear from Lindsay Elliott of Family Renew Community, this year's conference charity partner, along with two outstanding presenters: Dr. Karemah Campbell Manselle, Director of Student Financial Assistance at the University of Central Florida, and Dave Sobush, Director of Research and Policy for the Florida College Access Network (FCAN). You'll also hear from our awesome Health and Wellness correspondent, Samantha Dunman—better known to listeners as Dr. Happy. For the first time, we took her out of the comfort of her Embry-Riddle studio and sent her into the wild armed with a fuzzy microphone. The results were entertaining, insightful, and—if you've listened to Dr. Happy before—not surprisingly, awesome. By now, you've probably noticed a theme. That's because we're turning Dr. Happy's awesomes into a contest. As you listen, count how many times she says "awesome" during her interviews. The first listener to email the correct total to sassapodcast@gmail.com will win an awesome prize package, including a personalized voicemail greeting recorded by Dr. Happy herself, an autographed t-shirt (most likely an old t-shirt from her home) and a complimentary SASFAA membership, and a few other surprises. So, grab your headphones, start counting those awesomes, and enjoy Day One of our FASFAA Conference coverage. And don't miss Day Two, dropping in just a few days, featuring Jody Walker and Pam Gordon discussing the LEAP Program, the always delightful Lou Murray and Tim Young from Earnest, incoming FASFAA President Armenta Johnson's closing remarks, and the conclusion of the Dr. Happy Awesome Challenge. Family Renew Community donation link: https://www.familyrenew.org/our-program/

While waiting for final regulations, we decided to create a few of our own. In today's episode, we're putting our own spin on NPRM. No, it's not the final regulations; it's the Swoonpie version: Notice, Pause, Reset, Move. Join Swoonie colleagues Sam Dunman (Dr. Happy) and Lou Murray as they explore a mindful and practical approach to navigating the challenges we face in financial aid and beyond. Together, they share a stress survival guide designed to help listeners recognize pressure, create space for reflection, reset their mindset, and move forward with intention when feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of the profession. Plus, in another installment of What Keeps You Up at Night?, Sam Hicks sits down with Egan Hanson, current president of FASFAA, for a thoughtful conversation about LinkedIn and its role in professional engagement, networking, and building meaningful connections within the financial aid community. Whether you're looking for strategies to manage stress or insights on strengthening your professional network, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you thrive.

Welcome back to the podcast! Spring conference season is buzzing louder than a ballroom before the opening session, and today we’ve got two SASFAA state heavyweights. First, you’ll hear from Nadine Bailey, Conference Co-Chair for the upcoming FASFAA Conference. Nadine shares the story behind this year’s conference charity partner, Family Renew Community. It is a lifeline for families with children in Volusia and Flagler Counties, helping them move from homelessness to stability and hope. Beginning next week, and centered around the conference theme “Welcome Aboard,” the entire FASFAA membership, including those not attending the conference, is coming together to support this incredible cause. Then, Swoonpie producer Spencer Morris takes us inside an experience that could only happen in Tennessee: TASFAA Bingo. Somehow, a game once thought to be reserved for geriatrics has evolved into one of the most legendary and memorable nights on the association calendar. At the center of the chaos and camaraderie is none other than the legendary Pablo EscoBEAR. He is pictured below. Created from the imagination of founding member Charles Harper, Pablo has become the official mascot of the Kings of Bingo and Queen of Cards. Each year, Pablo is auctioned off during TASFAA Bingo to benefit the President’s Charity. The winning school gets to have Pablo for the year and incorporates him into financial aid office events. This year, Tennessee State University won and has the honor of hosting him until next spring. Finally, TASFAA member David Haggard shares his vision and journey in creating Blazing Hope Ranch, this year’s conference charity. Blazing Hope Ranch provides a safe, healing space for survivors of human trafficking and works to combat trafficking through education and community outreach efforts.

Welcome to a special weekend edition of Swoonpies and Money . This episode is devoted entirely to a powerful message: sobriety is not a weakness or a sacrifice; it is a bold, life-affirming choice that requires courage, honesty, and daily commitment. Host Sam Dunman sits down with guest Christine Harvey for a candid and reflective conversation on healing, and the importance of having a strong community—one that holds you accountable, supports you through challenges, and reminds you that you’re never navigating the journey alone. Together, they explore how even simple practices like intentional breathing can ground you in difficult moments and help you regain control. In this light, sobriety becomes more than an individual’s path; it’s a journey strengthened by connection, self-awareness, and small, powerful tools that make lasting change possible.

To open the show, we’re joined by Emily Baldwin, who’s here to preview the upcoming New Aid Officer’s Workshop, SASFAA’s annual training opportunity designed to help new financial aid professionals build their knowledge, confidence, and sense of community. Emily also highlights GASFAA’s featured conference charity, Open Paws Food Pantry. It is dedicated to supportingstudents at Augusta University facing food insecurity, Open Paws is working to ensure no student has to choose between their education and their next meal. You’ll find links to support the Food Pantry below. Then, we dive into a conversation with Will Shaffner, who shares what he’s hearing inside the Beltway and what may lie ahead for higher education policy and shifting institutional trends. And just when you think you’ve deciphered Will's news, Sam Hicks and her merry band of sci-fi aficionados take things in acompletely different direction, keeping you up at night with a lively discussion of Dungeon Crawler Carl . Two ways to support Open Paws Food Pantry: Open Paws Pantry: https://www.augusta.edu/student-affairs/open-paws.php Also, an Amazon Wishlist to donate: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/39DXVQ4L6Q1LY?ref_=wl_share

In today’s episode, Bill is thrilled (and maybe a little relieved!) to welcome back co-host Michelle Gunnin, formerly Michelle Hemmer, returning from leave after welcoming baby Hana into the world in February. We’re so glad to have her back. Our featured segment is last week’s conversation with Aaron Lemon-Strauss, Executive Director of the FAFSA program, recorded live on the SASFAA YouTube channel. If you missed it, we’ve got the full audio here, covering the critical topic of fraud mitigation in financial aid, as well as other breakthroughinitiatives from our FSA colleagues. You’ll also hear a couple of quick announcements: a reminder that SASFAA’s New Aid Officers Workshop rate increases soon, and for our Georgia friends, a call to submit your charity auction items for the upcoming GASFAA conference. And finally, the really cool big news, we’re now on social media! The Swoonies are late to the party, but we brought snacks. Let's party like it's 2011! Now on Facebook & Instagram! Follow Swoonpies & Money and engage with your SASFAA colleagues while listening to the podcast, because the best conversations don’t end when the episode does. https://www.instagram.com/sasfaapodcast https://www.facebook.com/swoonpiesandmoney

In this episode, we take you inside the recent Virginia Association conference held in Norfolk, highlighting the shared experiences that connect members across the SASFAA region. Even if you’re from Florida, South Carolina, or Tennessee, no matter where you are, the challenges are basically the same. Different states but same OB3, same deadlines, and same whiplash announcements. This conference had a little bit of everything. An escape room (because nothing says, “professional development” like "get me out of here!"), leadership lessons from behind the Dungeons & Dragons dungeon master screen, and plenty of creative ways people manage stress—think Scottish country dancing, baking side gigs, and concert-hopping road trips. Most importantly, we hear from VASFAA President Loretta Jones, who shares insights about the association’s charitable efforts supporting Bobby’s Pit Bull Rescue and Sanctuary in Spotsylvania County. Also, Loretta honors several VASFAA members whose hard work and dedication have made a lasting impact on the association. This episode is a reminder that while the work we do can be challenging, the people in SASFAA bring creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of community to everything they do.

Today’s episode is all about community, connection, and the energy that makes this profession so special. We’re taking you inside the recent Alabama Financial Aid Association Conference, held just a couple of weeks ago in Huntsville. AASFAA may be small, but it punches well above its weight; you can feel it in the leadership, hear it in the conversations, and see it in the camaraderie that carries throughout their annual conference. We’ll kick things off with a meaningful conversation around the association’s charitable work with the Alzheimer’s Association. Then, we’ll take you around the room, checking in with attendees and sponsors to capture the pulse of the conference, before wrapping up with AASFAA President Jamie Burt from the University of Alabama. In addition, today we give you a quick look at what’s coming up on Swoonpies and Money : this week, Daniel Barkowitz sits down with FAFSA Program Executive Director Aaron Lemon-Strauss to break down new fraud-detection strategies and identity verification updates from the Department of Education. In the coming weeks, we’ve got more conference coverage from Virginia, a conversation with Dr. Happy focusing on mindset and holistic recovery, then Sam Hicks and friends continue to explore the question “What keeps you up at night?” with a deep dive into Dungeon Crawler Carl .

We’ve got breaking news and an important programming note—this is a Swoonpies and Money exclusive. Following our recent live coverage of the FSA Conference on SASFAA’s YouTube channel, we’re bringing you another can’t miss conversation. Mark your calendars for April 22nd at 4:00 PM , when we’ll be joined by FAFSA Program Executive Director Aaron Lemon-Strauss . Along with Daniel Barkowitz, he’ll dive into the Department of Education’s latest efforts to crack down on financial aid fraud, including new detection strategies, enhanced identity verification measures, and what these changes mean for financial aid professionals and the students they serve. Regarding today’s episode, we kick things off with an introduction recorded live at the recent Alabama conference, featuring special guest co-host Joan Bailey . Next, Emily Baldwin returns with a follow-up to her recent medical school panel. She’s joined by Johnathan Chancellor (AAMC) and Veronica Herrera (Experian) to explore the growing importance of consumer credit, especially in light of pending OB3 changes and its impact on student loans. Finally, we take a closer look at innovation in action with an overview of the NASFAA AI Task Force . Task force leader Sam Hicks sits down with fellow members Celena Tulloss and Wayne Kruger to discuss their plans. Please enjoy this episode. And again, be sure to join us live on April 22nd at 4:00 PM right here to hear our interview with Aaron Lemon-Strauss , EXCLUSIVELY on Swoonpies and Money!

This deeply moving episode returns to a theme we first introduced Swoonpies and Money last year: sharing perspectives that reach beyond financial aid and the rhythms of our daily routines. It centers on the human experience of living with cancer, told through one person's extraordinary and transformative journey. Samantha Dunman (aka Dr. Happy) sits down with a three-time cancer survivor whose story is not defined by fear, but by courage, resilience, and profound self-discovery. Rather than focusing on clinical details, their conversation unfolds the emotional and spiritual landscape of a life interrupted yet awakened by diagnosis. Together, they explore what it means to face reality without labeling it as “good” or “bad,” but instead meeting each moment with honesty and grace. This is a conversation about standing in the unknown and choosing faith anyway. About finding stillness in the chaos, presence in the pain, and meaning in every breath. It’s a powerful reminder that even in life’s most uncertain moments, there is beauty to be found, and that simply being alive is, in itself, a gift.

We’re wrapping up our SASFAA conference coverage. In this final episode, you’ll hear one of our favorite moments: walking through breakfast, chatting with attendees, getting their takeaways, and shoutouts back at the office. You also hear from Dr. Happy and what’s ahead with the podcast. And then Katie’s acceptance speech and a few final thoughts from Joan. And to wrap it all up, there’s a short epilogue recorded after the conference, where we catch up with Melissa Smith and Chad Sartini, our conference chairs, to reflect on the past year and their leadership of the committee and producing this fabulous event. In addition to the latest episode, we’ve included links to days 1 and 2. This will allow you to binge the conference on your next road trip. S3:E2: SASFAA Conference Day 2 - The 2026 Swoonie Awards! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6R3EHVwTE1GWH3oXaSNi7n?si=7UIaeynaR_uDBAmIcGu3hA Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-e2-sasfaa-conference-day-2-the-2026-swoonie-awards/id1807406753?i=1000756363274 SASFAA Conference Day 1 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7t7gYzbcHYPzg8AE8gPY4o?si=oVQmWIMVT4G4MqW0aKt_0Q Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-e1-sasfaa-annual-conference-day-1/id1807406753?i=1000755656119

In this episode, we’re bringing you something special, the 2026 Swoonie Award ceremony. Recorded live during day 2 of the SASFAA conference luncheon, this is our association’s version of the Oscars, but better; the Oscars don’t have name badges, conference chicken, and OB3 updates. We start this episode with Bill and Sam Hicks breaking down how the awards came together and then you’ll hear a recording from the stage with no pomp and very little circumstance: nominations, presentations, winners. There was no red carpet. No paparazzi. Nothing for TMZ to overanalyze. Seriously, there are no videos and few pictures of the ceremony. Which means there’s almost no record of this event even happening, except this episode. So, if you’ve ever wanted to say “I was there” without actually being there… this is your chance.

Welcome to Swoon Pies and Money, Season 3. That’s right, we’re starting our third season. Why? Because we can. The Swoonpies team has been on the road for the last month, covering the NASFAA Leadership and Legislative Conference, the SASFAA Annual Conference, and our live coverage of the FSA Conference. Many of you completed the trifecta along with us, so you know that being out of the office that long requires checking in with your boss and acknowledging your day job. We’re no different here at Swoon Pies — which means we’ve got a bit of a backlog when it comes to cranking out the podcast. Now, about Season 3, we’re starting, appropriately, with our most celebrated event of the year: the Annual Conference. We gathered so much great content at this year's conference that we’re spreading it across three episodes. Today, we’re starting with Day One. First, you’ll hear from Lynn Ivy , founder of The Ivy , the conference charity selected by Joan. This is a remarkable organization that supports people living with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s — and it also creates a space for their caregivers to connect with one another. Then we’ll feature conversations with several conference attendees: Rachelle Feldman , our Legislative Chair; Celena Tulloss , winner of the NASFAA Regional Leadership Award; Zita Barree , winner of the SASFAA Honorary Lifetime Membership Award; The current and soon-to-be presidents of the Florida Association, Egan Hanson and Arminta Johnson . And we’ll introduce you to Dee Dee Carter from UNC Greensboro , a reminder that one of the benefits of any conference is the chance to sit down at lunch or dinner with someone you don’t know, start a conversation, and walk away with a new friend.

We did it! Three days of live stream coverage of the FSA conference. Today, we were joined by two well-known financial aid veterans: Helen Faith, University of Virginia, and Art Young, a SASFAA adoptee from the University of Arizona. Together with Daniel, they shared insights from the conference including leadership strategies, technical updates, and the value of community engagement.