The Better Semester

Rob Danzman is a licensed therapist who's worked with college students and their parents for over two decades. He's written two books: The Insider's Guide to Parenting: How to Solve Messy Problems and Build a Great Family and The Insider's Guide to College: Evidence-Based Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Win the Semester. The Better Semester is an extension of his work and is all about providing info to parents of college students. Each episode if full of insights, strategies and tactics - all super actionable advice to get your struggling college student solid again.

How much is too much parenting when your kiddo heads off to school? How can college students find help when they're struggling? How should medication be handled while they're at college? How can parents coordinate with the university?

All of these and more are covered weekly.

Podcasting since 2023 • 30 episodes

The Better Semester

Latest Episodes

Title IX & College Risk: How Attorney Megan Ballard Mitchell Helps Families Protect Academic Futures, Scholarships & Student Rights

In this episode, we sit down with Megan Ballard Mitchell, a prominent Title IX, education law, and criminal defense attorney who has helped countless students and families navigate some of the most stressful challenges in higher...

January 19, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 30 • 1:47:05

Dr. Jessi Gold on Student Burnout, Perfectionism, and the Wellness Crisis

In this episode, Rob Danzman sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Jessi Gold, the first-ever Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System and a nationally recognized expert in student mental health. What You Wi...

January 12, 2026 • Season 3 • Episode 29 • 1:28:02

Peak Performance in College: Dr. Joel Ingersoll on Building Resilient, High-Achieving Students

Dr. Joel Ingersoll is one of the most recognized advisers to college students and their parents in the Mid-Atlantic. He is a licensed psychologist, renowned impact performance coach and founder of school readiness programs. Joel is the creator ...

December 22, 2025 • Season 3 • Episode 28 • 1:35:30

The Smart Gap Year: What High Achieving Parents Need to Know with Jason Sarouhan

Jason Sarouhan, Professional Gap Year Counselor, Interim Executive Director of the Gap Year Association, & Co-Founder of J2Guides

December 08, 2025 • Season 3 • Episode 27 • 1:38:03

College Freshman Transition: What Parents Need to Know (and Stop Doing)

Sending your son or daughter off to college is more than just move-in day and tuition payments—it’s a developmental earthquake. Every pillar of their identity—academic, social, emotional, and financial—gets tested. For parents, especially high-...

August 20, 2025 • Episode 26 • 16:54

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