Bucknell's 'College Admissions Insider' Podcast Marks 100th Episode With President's Day Feature

Bucknell University's College Admissions Insider podcast celebrates a significant milestone with the release of its 100th episode on President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 16. The episode features Bucknell President John Bravman and centers on "The State of Higher Education," offering listeners insight into a rapidly changing national landscape and what the future may hold for colleges and universities.

President John C. Bravman is the guest on the 100th episode of Bucknell’s College Admissions Insider podcast, which centers on “The State of Higher Education.” Photo by Emily Paine, Marketing & Communications

"For 100 episodes, College Admissions Insider has been about meeting students and families where they are and helping them make sense of an ever-evolving admissions process," says Brooke Thames, marketing & communications strategist and co-host of the podcast. "Marking this milestone with President Bravman on President's Day felt especially fitting, as his perspective on the current higher education environment speaks directly to the questions we hear every day about wavering institutional trust, financial value and the future of college."

Topping 100,000 Downloads
Launched in October 2020, College Admissions Insider was created to provide clear, practical guidance to students and families navigating the college search and application process. It is now one of the longest-running, most successful higher education podcasts produced by a university. Since its debut, the podcast has grown into a widely used resource, generating 100,168 downloads as of Feb. 11, 2026, with listeners in 171 countries and territories. The podcast also has built a loyal following, with 865 followers on Apple Podcasts and 950 followers on Spotify.

In the 100th episode, Bravman provides an overview of the current higher education environment, examining the many changes colleges and universities are experiencing — from shifting demographics and evolving student expectations to financial pressures and new models of learning. He also discusses how institutions are responding to these challenges and positioning themselves for the future.

"I think we cannot ever give up on our historical mission of a broad, what we call liberal arts education. This is the life of the mind," Bravman says in the episode. "This is what prepares you for changes that I think will be coming ever more frequently in our graduates' lives in the 60, 70 years after they graduate. That is a bedrock principle."

The conversation is informed by Bravman's own career journey in higher education. A first-generation college student from Long Island, N.Y., Bravman traveled across the country to attend Stanford University as an undergraduate, an experience that shaped his understanding of access, opportunity and student support. He went on to spend 35 years at Stanford, earning numerous honors and serving in a wide range of academic and administrative roles, including vice provost for undergraduate education, before joining Bucknell as its 18th president.

About the Podcast
College Admissions Insider is co-hosted by Thames and Becca Haupt Aldredge, associate dean of admissions for campus visits & communications. Together, they lead conversations with admissions professionals and campus experts to help prospective students better understand the many steps involved in applying to college.

The podcast focuses on the period between identifying potential colleges and receiving an admission decision, breaking down complex topics into accessible, easy-to-follow discussions. Episodes address how to find the right college, build a thoughtful list of schools, and craft an application that stands out. Although the podcast is an initiative of Bucknell University, it is intentionally designed to serve students applying to any institution.

Typically under 30 minutes in length, each episode delivers timely, actionable advice that fits into the busy schedules of students and families. Over 100 episodes, the podcast has tackled a wide range of topics reflecting the evolving admissions landscape, including writing application essays, navigating campus visits, understanding test-optional policies and preparing for college early in high school.

The continued growth in downloads and international listenership highlights the demand for trustworthy, expert-driven admissions information. In addition to the podcast, Bucknell maintains a companion admissions blog that allows hosts and contributors to explore topics in greater depth and provide another accessible resource for families.

As College Admissions Insider looks ahead to its next 100 episodes, Thames and Aldredge emphasize the importance of listener feedback in shaping future topics and discussions.