Podcast Summary: "Dirty Rush: Are Coaches Bllsht?"

Podcast: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Episode: Dirty Rush: Are Coaches Bllsht?
Date: August 23, 2025
Hosts: Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Guests: Daisy Kent, Jennifer Fessler, and Lori (Rush Coach)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the world of "rush coaches"—the consultants hired to help prospective sorority members navigate the complex and competitive process of Greek life recruitment, otherwise known as "rush." Hosts Daisy Kent and Jennifer Fessler, both with sorority backgrounds, bring on Lori, a self-described "rush coach" and veteran sorority advisor, to demystify what a rush coach actually does, why she started her business, and whether hiring such a coach is empowering or unnecessary. The conversation tackles everything from social media image curation to the criticisms and realities of paying someone to help gain entry into a sorority.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the 'Rush Coach' Phenomenon

• The episode opens with Daisy and Jennifer expressing surprise and some skepticism at the rise of paid rush coaching.
  • Jennifer: “I paid for both my kids for college advisors... I’m picturing my daughter coming to me and saying, ‘Mommy, I need a rush coach.’ I think my response would be, ‘out of your mind!’” (03:02)
• The hosts question what value a rush coach could bring and whether it’s just another layer of pressure and expense for prospective sorority members.

2. Meet Lori, a Self-Proclaimed Rush Coach

• Lori explains her background:
  • Kai Mega at the University of Texas, El Paso
  • Involvement as a chapter president, advisor, and in alumni associations
• She claims to be one of the first to "bring this to light" openly and drop the stigma around hiring such help. (04:00)
• Her expertise merges human resources with Greek life, aiming to provide not just tactical advice but a “positive experience” for young women stepping into college. (05:33)

3. Why and How Lori Started Her Rush Consultant Business

• Lori’s “aha” moment came from imbalance she saw during recruitment and frequent calls from friends asking for advice.
  • Notable quote: "My husband said, 'You should start a business. You're giving away free advice,' and I was like huh? I actually never thought about that." (07:06)
• She started in 2013 and now works with 30+ clients each rush season.

4. Scope and Cost of Services

• Typical services range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on support (09:10)
• Lori has hired additional coaches for different schools and offers “on call during recruitment” add-ons.
• She starts with clients around March of their senior year in high school and coaches through the start of rush (12:51).

5. Who Gets Accepted as a Client?

• Lori is adamant that “everyone could be a sorority girl,” regardless of type or interests.
  • Lori: “If you are the girl that loves Star Wars and a biochemical engineer major... you can be in a sorority. If you’re an emo goth girl... you can be in a sorority.” (13:31)
• Rejection is based on attitude or relationship red flags, not "fit."
  • Lori: “I've seen girls be rude to their mothers on phone calls, and I'm like, no, not taking that on.” (13:31)
  • Sometimes, it's "the moms" who cause trouble behind the scenes (14:46).

6. Coaching Methods: What Do Rush Coaches Actually Do?

• Setting Expectations:
  • Lori steers clients away from fixating on one "top" house, emphasizing open-mindedness and fit over status. (16:23)
  • “I'm not here to promise you a certain sorority... I don’t believe in top or bottom sororities. It’s about your own experience.” (16:58)
• Social Media Scrubbing:
  • Lori provides direct and sometimes brutal advice on Instagram and TikTok presences.
    • “I go through everything... tagged pictures, highlights, their reposts on TikTok. I’m probably their worst nightmare when it comes to their social media.” (19:40)
  • Her goal is to show "versatility" and not just one dimension (e.g., only bikini pics); encourages clients to show family and hobbies too (21:07).

7. Criticism and Skepticism of the Rush Coaching Industry

• Jennifer is openly skeptical, wondering if hiring a rush coach is just an extension of privilege, unnecessary pressure, or even exploitative.
  • “If my daughter had said to me, ‘Mom, I need a sorority coach,’ I would have told her that she’s clearly lost her mind and she should find a second job.” (24:59)
• Lori acknowledges the criticism:
  • “Yes, there are people who are very critical thinking what I do is silly or… unnecessary. But I’m teaching them a lot of skills that they will use in college and beyond.” (25:46)
  • She shares a touching anecdote about waiving her fee for a client in need (25:46).
• If clients don’t get bids, Lori helps them regroup ("continuous open bidding," networking with sorority women throughout the year, and other tactics). (27:50)

8. Host Reflections and Wrap-Up

• Daisy feels “a little confused,” seeing value but also worrying about overemphasis on Greek life: “If you’re not going to be in a sorority, like, you’re still gonna be okay.”
• Jennifer comes down against the idea of paying for this kind of coaching but respects Lori’s entrepreneurial spirit.
  • “The idea that you have to pay money to have someone help you be who you are or alter who you are to become accepted…” (30:29)
• They agree: rejection is part of life, and getting into the “right” sorority is not the be-all, end-all.

Notable Quotes

• Jennifer on hiring a Rush Coach:
  “If my daughter had said to me, ‘Mom, I need a sorority coach,’ I would have told her that she’s clearly lost her mind and she should find a second job if that’s something she’s interested in.” (24:59)

• Lori on inclusivity:
  “If you are the girl that loves Star Wars and a biochemical engineer major... you can be in a sorority. If you’re an emo goth girl... you can be in a sorority.” (13:31)

• Lori on coaching:
  “I'm not here to promise you a certain sorority... I don’t believe in top or bottom sororities. It’s about your own experience.” (16:58)

• Lori on social media curation:
  “I go through everything... tagged pictures, highlights, their reposts on TikTok. I’m probably their worst nightmare when it comes to their social media.” (19:40)

• Lori on the criticism:
  “Yes, there are people who are very critical... But I’m teaching them a lot of skills that they’ll use in college for internships, leadership, and beyond.” (25:46)

• Jennifer on her stance:
  “The idea that you have to pay money to have someone help you be who you are or alter who you are to become accepted…” (30:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:02] — Hosts express skepticism and surprise at concept of rush coaches.
• [04:00] — Introduction of Lori, her background, and her start in rush consulting.
• [07:06] — Lori shares the 'aha' moment that sparked her business idea.
• [09:10] — Discussion of coaching fees and business growth.
• [12:51] — Description of client timeline and the process from senior year to rush.
• [13:31] — Lori’s philosophy on who “deserves” to be in a sorority.
• [16:23] — How Lori manages client expectations on “top houses.”
• [19:40] — The rigorous social media audit process.
• [21:07] — How to balance showcasing physical looks with other aspects of personality.
• [24:59] — Hosts raise concerns and skepticism over necessity and value of such services.
• [25:46] — Lori’s response to criticism and defense of her coaching.
• [27:50] — What happens if a client doesn’t get a bid.
• [30:29] — Final host reflections on the idea of paying for personal acceptance and fitting in.

Overall Tone and Language

• The conversation is candid, sometimes irreverent, and skeptical but open-minded.
• Lori is confident, empathetic, and experienced, focused on skill-building and authenticity.
• The hosts balance curiosity and critique, ultimately questioning the necessity and potential classism of hiring a rush coach—but acknowledging Lori fills a real demand and helps many young women.

Conclusion

This episode offers an informative, nuanced look at the new trend of “rush coaching.” While it exposes privilege and highlights how competitive college Greek life has become, it also shows that for some, these services provide confidence and real-world skills. The hosts respect Lori's perspective while questioning whether coaching for acceptance is a positive force or just more pressure—leaving listeners with open questions about authenticity, social status, and the costs (literal and figurative) of belonging.