Let’s Talk TRIO

A podcast dedicated to the TRIO programs across the United States and its territories. TRIO programs are federally funded outreach initiatives that promote college access, equity, and success. The podcast highlights stories from staff, participants, alumni, and advocates from various TRIO programs (Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Student Support Services, McNair Program, Educational Opportunity Centers).
Episodes
Episodes



Friday Jan 31, 2025
Opinion Piece on the Attempt to Freeze Federal Programs by Juan Rivas
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Juan's opinion on the attempt to freeze the budgets of many federal programs which could have potential affects on TRIO. This move by the Trump Administration was blocked by a federal judge and, ultimately, the administration rescinded the memo.
To support the work and mission of TRIO, make a donation to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).
TRIO Alumni! Sign-up to be part of the TRIO Alumni Network through the National TRIO Alumni Association.
To support the TRIO community in Los Angeles affected by the fires, click here.
Find your U.S. Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Find your U.S. Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
The Let's Talk TRIO podcast is not affiliated with the Council for Opportunity in Education, The National TRIO Alumni Association, or Colorado State University. All opinions are of the host, Juan M. Rivas.



Friday Jan 24, 2025
“A Mariposa Abroad” - Nelsy Montes-Romero - TRIO Student Support Services
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
SEASON 6 FINALE! Hear from Nelsy Montes-Romero, a current TRIO Student Support Services participant at California State University-Monterey Bay. Nelsy joins us to share her inspiring journey, including her academic progress, exciting personal experiences, and how TRIO is supporting her on her path to success.
A heartfelt thanks to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Dr. Ryan Barone
Rosario Riley
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Jaded Electronics/Software
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
StudentAccess
TRIOjoblist.com
The TRIO Store powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/category
Email: TRIO@proformagreen.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let’s Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (sponsor packages available): letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice Overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music composer, music producer, music performer, and post-production editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Website



Friday Jan 17, 2025
"Resilient" - Michael Dillard - TRIO Upward Bound Alum
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
From Poverty to the World Stage: Michael Dillard, a TRIO Upward Bound alum, shares his incredible journey. This 'accidental' diplomat, author of "Accidental Success," reveals how education transformed his life. Learn how TRIO Upward Bound helped him navigate college, discover his passion for finance, and ultimately, find his voice on the global stage. Listen now!
Contact our Guest, Michael Dillard, for Speaking Engagements (book a free 30-minute call!):
Website: https://www.madillard.com/
This podcast episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Let’s Talk TRIO or its host. This episode does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. You should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
A heartfelt thanks to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Dr. Ryan Barone
Rosario Riley
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
Jaded Electronics/Software
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
StudentAccess
TRIOjoblist.com
The TRIO Store powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/category
Email: TRIO@proformagreen.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let’s Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (sponsor packages available): letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice Overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music composer, music producer, music performer, and post-production editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Website



Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
In this episode: Dr. Renee Delgado-Riley, TRIO McNair Alum from the University of New Mexico and Director of Research and Assessment within the Office of Student Life at the University of Oregon.
Dr. Delgado-Riley is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, being an alum of the TRIO McNair program, her interest in research, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website



Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
In this episode: Cove Johnson, TRIO Upward Bound participant and TRIO Talent Search alum from the University of North Dakota.
Cove is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, interests in high school, potential career paths, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
Jeff Kahlden
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website



Friday Dec 27, 2024
"Inspired" - Dr. Lydia Perez - Director of TRIO Programs
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
In this episode: Dr. Lydia Perez, Director of TRIO Programs at Mesa Community College and TRIO Alum.
Dr. Perez is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, her path to college (which started with attending a football game!), pursuing a doctoral degree, and receiving the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award for Exceptional Contributions to Educational Opportunity. Listen as Dr. Perez talks about her experience being a TRIO participant, following the path to college, working for TRIO programs, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website



Friday Dec 20, 2024
"Empowering" - Natalie DeMarco - TRIO McNair Participant
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
In this episode: Natalie DeMarco, Researcher and Participant of the TRIO McNair program at Montana State University-Bozeman.
Natalie is on the podcast to share her TRIO journey, her path to college, joining TRIO McNair, and more. Listen as Natalie talks about her experience being a TRIO participant, participating in research opportunities, establishing a first-generation organization at MSU-Bozeman, and so much more.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website



Friday Dec 13, 2024
"Boisterous" - Kellyann Weber - TRIO Upward Bound Director
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
In this podcast episode: Kellyann Weber, TRIO Upward Bound Director at Clovis Community College in New Mexico.
Kellyann is on the podcast to discuss how she followed her current path to TRIO as a career. Kellyann shares what initially got her to go to college and how her interests evolved over time. Listen as Kellyann shares her educational and professional journey.
A heartfelt thank you to our individual supporters:
Dr. Jamie Motley
Dr. Ryan Barone
Dr. Jeff Nepute
Angelica Vialpando
Angelica Valdez
Rosario Riley
Felicia Rivera
Eric LaMaster
A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors:
TRIOjoblist.com
NOSOTROS Education Center
StudentAccess
TheTRIOStore.com powered by Proforma
Website: https://www.thetriostore.com/Category
Email: TRIO@PROFORMAGREEN.COM
Support the podcast:
Patreon: Let's Talk TRIO (monthly support)
Corporate Sponsorship (options available): Contact us at letstalktrio@gmail.com
Make a One-Time Donation via PayPal
Art and Voice overs
Raul Perez: Cover Art
Karla Sandoval: Voice over ad for NOSOTROS Education Center
Amelia Castaneda: Voice over ad for StudentAccess
The Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Team
John Russell: Audio Engineer, Music Producer, Music Composer, Music Performer, and Post-Production Editor
Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, and Producer
Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Visit the Let's Talk TRIO Podcast Website







