Trimeka Benjamin brings back one of the most meaningful episodes of Deep Dives: The Other Side of the Mic. When it first aired, she didn’t realize how much it would reveal about her own journey, or how deeply it would resonate with listeners.

As we gear up for a brand-new special episode, this revisit is a reminder of what Deep Dives is all about: real impact, honest storytelling, and pushing higher education forward.

Whether it’s your first listen or a fresh one, this episode is worth the dive.

Deep Dives returns with a powerful message from Trimeka Benjamin, President & CEO of Swim Digital Group. In this chapter-opening episode, Trimeka shares the heart behind founding Swim, what’s broken in higher ed, and why true transformation requires integrity, alignment, and a relentless focus on students.

It’s purpose-driven, honest, and a grounding reminder of why this work matters. The next chapter starts here.

Communities in the Appalachian Region often experience isolation and economic disparity due to the geography of the region and the decline of the coal industry. Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), talks about the funding initiatives provided to communities within the region to revitalize the economy. She shares how the programs are focused on strategies that connect students to the automotive industry, reintegrate members of the community affected by the Opioid crisis, and expand broadband access throughout the region.