Credit Counseling Works! Kenneth Mohammed Brings the Scoop from the Front Lines of America’s Debt Crisis

As the nation’s household debt climbs past record highs, millions of Americans are searching for real, lasting solutions. In this episode, Desmond and Addison sit down with Kenneth Mohammed from American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) to talk about what’s really driving the country’s debt crisis—and how practical credit counseling is helping people take back control of their financial lives. Kenneth shares insights from nearly two decades at ACCC, where he’s helped thousands of clients reduce…

Level Up – Episode 14: Welcoming Sean Lenderink & Smart Loan Aid to the Community

Student loan debt is one of the most pressing financial challenges facing millions of Americans today. For many, the rules, repayment options, and forgiveness programs feel overwhelming and confusing. In this episode of Level Up, we welcome Sean Lenderink, founder of Smart Loan Aid, who has dedicated his work to bringing clarity and relief to borrowers navigating this maze. Sean shares the story behind Smart Loan Aid, the common misconceptions he sees every day, and…

Level Up – Episode 12: Cracking Down on Predatory Lending: A Conversation with Rep. Karen Alzate

Payday lending has long been marketed as a quick fix for financial shortfalls—but in reality, it often traps families in cycles of debt, draining their long-term financial health. In this episode of Level Up, we sit down with Rhode Island State Representative Karen Alzate, a leading voice in the fight against predatory lending practices. Rep. Alzate shares her journey as an advocate for consumer protection, why payday lending remains such a dangerous threat to financial…

Level Up – Episode 11: Towson University’s Jonas Sheckler Joins Level Up to Discuss Supporting Student Financial Wellbeing

Level Up welcomes Jonas Sheckler, Assistant Director of Financial Wellbeing at Towson University, for a conversation about preparing students to build lifelong money skills. Jonas shares how Towson integrates financial education into campus life, the challenges and opportunities higher education faces in promoting financial literacy, and practical strategies Towson has adopted to better support their students. With his deep expertise and passion for student financial health, Jonas offers valuable insights for professionals in higher education,…

Level Up – Episode 10: Inside Student Loan Policy with NASFAA’s Senior Policy Analyst

Level Up Podcast welcomes Megan Walter, Sr. Policy Analyst at National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). We’ll dive into: – The latest on student loan policy – Challenges schools face with Title IV compliance – Why financial literacy is critical for student success This episode is especially meaningful as Dealing With Debt (DWD) recently joined NASFAA to strengthen financial education and compliance support across higher ed. Don’t miss Megan’s insights on how schools are preparing and supporting students and learn how NASFAA is…

Unmask The Hero

Ray Schufford, retired hero and founder of 2 The Next Shift, joins DWD’s first podcast to discuss challenges faced by first responders and how that platform can bring much needed healing.