Degrees of Success™ Alumni Podcast

Real stories, real growth — insights from Phoenix alumni who’ve walked the path and risen.

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The official University of Phoenix alumni podcast

Join podcast host Freda Richards as she chats with University of Phoenix alumni about their educational experience and life journeys, from the adversity and triumph they experienced, to the insights you can apply to your own college journey, life and career.

So, buckle up and prepare to expand your worldview. Whether you engage through video of the podcast or the audio version, Degrees of Success™ promises to entertain, inform and redefine how you view success.

Watch the latest Degrees of Success™ alumni podcast episode:

Play video of episode twenty-one of the Degrees of Success podcast featuring Cesar Ramirez.

Street Kid to Leader | Degrees of Success Podcast #021

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Click to watch previous Degrees of Success™ episodes:

Episode 20: Hyperfocus is a superpower -Michelle Kooi

Episode 19: Just get it done - Rich Valerga

Episode 18: You have to have passion - Rose Lorenzo

Episode 17: Tribal healthcare in crisis - Roselyn Tso

Memorial Day Episode: Honoring the Fallen: The True Meaning of Memorial Day - John Ramirez

Episode 16: Find the people that get you - Dr. Pamela Lindsay

Episode 15: "Why I risked my life." - Juana Lang

Episode 14: This reality will shock you - Kylie Glendenning

Episode 13: What they don't tell you. - Shirley Dominick

Episode 12: "Blind on Everest: How I survived!" - Brian Dickinson

Episode 11: "You're doing better than you think -- here's why!" - Towanna Bazile

Episode 10: I was kidnapped at 6. Takeisha Sykes

Episode 9: How to turn pain into power. Dr. Patrick Horton

Episode 8: From military to HR leader. Dr. Terry Jones

Episode 7: Civil rights to police reform Patrick Smith

Episode 6: "Focus on the small victories." -Brandon Warren

Episode 5: "There's more to life than a job title." -Matthew Phillips

Episode 4: "Success and living life like you want, it's rent, and it's due every day." - Gary Batara

Episode 3: "Leadership by example is something I learned as a United States Marine." - John Kirch

Episode 2: "No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Scott Andrews

Episode 1: "My grandma grew up in a log cabin." - Mautra Jones

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Get to know your host, Freda Richards

Degrees of Success host Freda Richards smiling while sitting in the studio.

Like the alumni she interviews, Freda Ascenia Richards believes life’s too short to do just one thing. She manages digital campaigns at University of Phoenix, hosts Degrees of Success™ and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Management, expected in April 2027.

Off the mic, she’s raising two sons, hiking Arizona trails and exploring AI in marketing. With a background in communications and a love for honest conversation, Freda brings energy and authenticity to every episode.

More about Freda

Why listen to Degrees of Success™?

Universities should tell stories that hold real value for everyone.

UOPX alumni have some pretty incredible stories to share.

We’ve never done things the usual way. (Hello, online college!)

The Degrees of Success alumni podcast by University of Phoenix highlights inspiring success stories from alumni who have transformed their careers and lives through education. Each episode features personal tales of education and career growth, overcoming challenges, and achieving professional milestones. Whether you're seeking motivation or practical advice, these alumni achievements offer valuable insights into the power of education in shaping a brighter future. Tune in to hear how UOPX alumni are making an impact in their fields and beyond, and learn how you too can take the next step in your own journey to success.

Degrees of Success™ is, in other words, a podcast on a mission. University of Phoenix alumni aren’t just graduates of a particular program at a particular time. They are mothers and fathers, leaders and warriors. They have met and overcome more challenges than you can surmise from a LinkedIn profile. And they're ready to share so make sure to tune in!