Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning – Details, episodes & analysis

Today we’re revisiting the Zettelkasten system for capturing and organising your notes, with esteemed expert Bob Doto. Bob has effectively codified the Zettelkasten methodology, written the excellent go-to primer on the topic, and moderates the popular r/Zettelkasten subreddit community.

So few have thought more about the practical implementation of Zettelkasten than Bob. And today we’re breaking down a lean Zettelkasten workflow for anyone interested in starting the method, but with a particular interest in academic use.

From initial note-taking through to the anatomy of different note types, and with clear steps and live examples, Bob will help you see the value of making connections between your notes, thoughts and ideas.

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Find out more about today’s guest, Bob Doto:

• Discover more resources on his website: https://bobdoto.computer/

• Discover his book, System for Writing: https://geni.us/bobdoto *

• Join in the conversation on the Zettelkasten subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Zettelkasten/

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Discover more resources from today’s episode:

• Dive further into the Zettelkasten method with Dr Sönke Ahrens, in episode 199: https://examstudyexpert.com/zettelkasten/ 

• Discover Sönke’s book on Zettelkasten, How to Take Smart Notes: https://geni.us/zettelkasten *

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More episodes you may love:

• For a complementary note-taking system, try episode 165 with Jorge Arango: https://www.buzzsprout.com/267857/episodes/15751448

• Learn how to stop procrastinating and finish your dissertation with Dr Alison Miller in episode 191: https://examstudyexpert.com/alison/

• Tune into a masterclass on faster, better, clearer writing with Dr Alix Hibble in episode 192: https://www.buzzsprout.com/267857/episodes/17261165

• If you’re working on a PhD or doctorate, check out episode 17 featuring tips from Oxbridge PhD students: https://examstudyexpert.com/how-to-survive-a-phd/

• Join a candid, relatable roundtable on PhD experiences with Dr Alix Hibble and Dr Kerri Edinburgh, in episode 124: https://examstudyexpert.com/celebrating-phds/

• For a mindset and productivity classic, join bestselling productivity author Chris Bailey in episode 29: https://examstudyexpert.com/chris-bailey/

• Or discover concentration tactics from world-renowned specialist Professor Stefan van der Stigchel in episode 60: https://examstudyexpert.com/concentration-stefan-van-der-stigchel/

• And finally, discover the motivation to study with rockstar academic Dr Erika Patall in episode 43: https://examstudyexpert.com/erika-patall/

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Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books. 

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Today, I'm sharing a simple way to study faster by clearing mental clutter and turning a long or disordered to‑do list into a sharp plan for today. 

There is surprising power in the right daily task list to boost focus, reduce decisions, and build momentum.

Discover how my all-new "SOCK" method for the perfect daily to-do list can transform your day. 

When you start with a list that is Specific, Ordered and Clear, you can Knock it out in no time!

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Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.

BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/

Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*

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* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

A simple daily practice to have happier, more productive days: gratitude journalling for students.

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Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.

BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/

Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*

Today's references:

Jeliseh, M.T., Valizadeh, M., Zohrabi, M. and Xodabande, I. (2025), Enhancing Language Teachers' Well-Being Through Positive Psychology Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Study Focusing on Gratitude Journaling. Psychology in the Schools. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.70005

Tolcher, K., Cauble, M., & Downs, A. (2022). Evaluating the effects of gratitude interventions on college student well-being. Journal of American College Health, 72(5), 1321–1325. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2076096

Redwine LS, Henry BL, Pung MA, Wilson K, Chinh K, Knight B, Jain S, Rutledge T, Greenberg B, Maisel A, Mills PJ. Pilot Randomized Study of a Gratitude Journaling Intervention on Heart Rate Variability and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Stage B Heart Failure. Psychosom Med. 2016 Jul-Aug;78(6):667-76. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000316. PMID: 27187845; PMCID: PMC4927423.

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*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Tricks to score higher in longer written answers and exam essays.

Part 4 of the "5 High Impact Upgrades" series all this week on the Exam Study Expert podcast.

Learn more about the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

The Study Smarter Network is my new signature extravaganza VIP programme lovingly designed to provide the ultimate support for students or professionals studying for challenging exams.

It's an unbeatable blend of on-demand video trainings on exactly how to learn faster, remember more, beat procrastination and maximise your mark on exam day, backed up by personalised advice and guidance from me via regular Office Hours and Q&A.

Become a Founding Member of the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

Join the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

How to learn the Math / Maths more effectively, for top scores on the quantitative element of your tests and exams. Part 3 of my "5 High Impact Upgrades" series all this week on the Exam Study Expert podcast.

Learn more about the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

The Study Smarter Network is my new signature extravaganza VIP programme lovingly designed to provide the ultimate support for students or professionals studying for challenging exams.

It's an unbeatable blend of on-demand video trainings on exactly how to learn faster, remember more, beat procrastination and maximise your mark on exam day, backed up by personalised advice and guidance from me via regular Office Hours and Q&A.

Become a Founding Member of the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

How to upgrade your spacing / spaced repetition system - one of my all-time favourite "secret" formulas for exam success, especially when you have tonnes to memorise. Part 2 of my "5 High Impact Upgrades" series all this week on the Exam Study Expert podcast.

Learn more about the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

The Study Smarter Network is my new signature extravaganza VIP programme lovingly designed to provide the ultimate support for students or professionals studying for challenging exams.

A winning blend of next-level video teaching on exactly how to learn faster, remember more, beat procrastination and maximise your mark on exam day, backed up by personalised advice and guidance from me via regular Office Hours and Q&A.

Become a Founding Member of the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

How to upgrade your study routine / revision timetable - a powerful way to get more done and take control. Part 1 of my "5 Powerful Study Upgrades" series.

Learn more about the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

The Study Smarter Network is my new signature extravaganza VIP programme lovingly designed to provide the ultimate support for students or professionals studying for challenging exams.

A winning blend of next-level video teaching on exactly how to learn faster, remember more, beat procrastination and maximise your mark on exam day, backed up by personalised advice and guidance from me via regular Office Hours and Q&A.

Become a Founding Member of the Study Smarter Network today at: https://examstudyexpert.com/Study-Smarter-Network

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

This bonus episode unpacks all the different ways Exam Study Expert is available to provide you with support in studying for your exams, including a very special announcement!

Join the Study Smarter Network as a Founder Member today at https://examstudyexpert.com/Network

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Blog / podcast episodes grouped by topic:
• Outsmart Your Exams: https://geni.us/exams*
• Outsmart Your Studies: https://geni.us/studies*
• And for 1:1 Coaching: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/
• For school / university workshops: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/revision-workshops/

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Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.

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* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.

Podcast Edited by Benoît André.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

Join us for a very special celebration to mark the 100th episode of the Exam Study Expert podcast, including:

• A countdown of my top 10 picks on the podcast to date
• An interview with a very special mystery guest - runaway #1 listener favourite from the first 100 episodes
• Top tips from the whole Exam Study Expert team

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

• https://idpartnership.org/
• Imposter syndrome article https://examstudyexpert.com/imposter-syndrome/

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Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.

BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/

Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams*

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* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).

What's your WHY? 

What drives you to get to your books each day and get your studying done?

I share some of the best answers to this question I've come across recently, to help get you inspired, and perhaps give you some ideas to find (or deepen) your own sense of purpose.

Because with a big enough WHY, any HOW becomes possible!

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Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to study smarter, not harder, so they can ace their exams with less work and less stress.

BOOK 1:1 COACHING to supercharge your exam success: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/

Get a copy of Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book, at https://geni.us/exams

*

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks" - send me a text message (I read them all!).