Explore every episode of the podcast Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning

A new school year, university term or exam season is a great opportunity for a fresh start — and that doesn’t just mean buying new stationery.

In this episode, we’re doing a spring clean for your study world: clearing out the physical and digital clutter that can contribute to distraction, overwhelm and mental jumble.

See also:

Ep 198. Stitch In Time - Small Habits for Academic Success https://www.buzzsprout.com/267857/episodes/17802525

Smartphone Spring Clean - 10 Tips To Tame The Tech In Your Pocket
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRAofodn1rY

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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!).

Today I'm share five powerful mental reframes that reduce exam stress and help you perform when pressure is high. We zoom out from perfectionism, comparison, and frustration with the system, so you can revise with focus and walk into the exam room calmer and more in control.

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

Today, in the lead-up to exam season, we’re diving right into how to perform well in high-stakes, high-pressure situations with expert Dr Brian Hite. 

And who better to ask about high stakes than a stuntman, former army resilience trainer, sports psychologist and coach who specialises in performance under pressure.

Dr Brain tackles exam pressure and tough questions, the 4 important stages of a high-stakes performance, and real-time tools you can use to stay calm: all interspersed with real-life experiences.

Feeling like the stakes are high this exam season? This is the episode you need to hear.

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⭐About today’s guest, Dr Brain Hite: 

Dr Brain Hite is a high-stakes performance coach and author, experienced stuntman, and sports psychologist:

🌐Discover more: https://brianhiteglobal.com/

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🎓About Exam Study Expert: 

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 Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book: https://geni.us/exams * 

** 

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!).

Got a lot on your plate at the moment? Today we're helping you thrive in a demanding exam season with the help of "the easy button": specific moves you can make to take some of the pressure off in the short-term and free up a little extra time and brainspace to focus on your studies.

Take a listen, and let us know in the comments where YOU'LL be pressing that easy button in future!

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

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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/

*

*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!).

Perfectionism can feel like ambition for many students, but it often fuels anxiety, procrastination, and a harsh inner critic that makes studying harder than it needs to be. 

We’re joined today by Harvard-trained clinical psychologist, author and perfectionism expert Dr Tara Cousineau, to unpack the psychology and triggers of perfectionism. Dr Tara shares practical skills everyone can employ for putting self-compassion before self-criticism, and learning how to strive for excellence whilst protecting your wellbeing.

This is an excellent advice-packed episode I hope the perfectionists in our Exam Study Expert community will return to again and again, covering everything from working definitions of perfectionism and types of inner critic, to key tools for rewriting your mindset about excellence and progress.

If Dr Tara’s advice has resonated with you, why not share this episode with a friend who’s stuck in overthinking mode, and leave a review so more students can find the show. 

👇 I’d love to know: What’s one perfectionist habit you want to loosen this week?

** 

⭐About today’s guest, Dr Tara Cousineau: 

📖 Find her recent book, The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever here: https://geni.us/perfectionist *

📖 Dr Tara’s first book, The Kindness Cure: How the Science of Compassion Can Heal Your Heart and Your World can be found here: https://geni.us/kindnesscure *

🌐Discover more about Dr Tara Cousineau: https://www.taracousineau.com/

🌐And learn more about The Perfectionist’s Dilemma here: https://perfectionistsdilemma.com/

***

🎓About Exam Study Expert: 

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. 

🎙️Support the podcast on Patreon and grab exclusive benefits: https://examstudyexpert.com/patreon/

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

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

** 

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 one question that cuts through revision stress and helps you decide what to study next: what kind of learning feels most difficult right now? 

Tune in to find out why mental resistance is a signal to prioritise that work and how you can, rather than leave it to one side, actually lean into it and do more of the practice that matters most.

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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!).

Many of the students and scholars I speak to struggle with stress, anxiety and overwhelming emotions: about exams, assignments, academic pressure or feeling behind.

So today we're chatting with Dr Jennifer Veilleux, clinical therapist and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Arkansas. 

Dr Jenn explains all her key practical strategies, rooted in scientific research, that can make up an effective emotional toolkit for students. 

We explore how acknowledging, understanding and regulating your feelings can improve your mental health, your exam performance and your enjoyment of academic life at school or university.

Listen in to discover when to listen to your feelings, when to calm them, and how to stop anxiety and procrastination from running the show.

👇Your post-listening task: leave a comment and tell us which of Jenn’s strategies you think will help you in your studies today.

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⭐About today’s guest, Dr Jennifer Veilleux: 

📖 Find her book, Open to Emotion: How Acknowledging, Understanding, and Regulating Your Feelings Can Improve Your Mental Health here: https://geni.us/drjenn

🌐Discover more: https://emotioncentered.com/

📱Explore Dr Jenn’s recommended app How We Feel, here: https://howwefeel.org/

 ***

🎓About Exam Study Expert: 

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 Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book: https://geni.us/exams * 

** 

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!).

Everything's a u shaped curve: don't work too hard, but not too little either, for best results.

Explore how understanding this "sweet spot" principle can help you find the balance in your study routine, as well as get the right balance in other areas of your study strategy too, such as how many spaced repetitions are optimal for you, or the right mix of different study methods for your needs. 

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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!).

Unlock the secrets behind how a top student in Australia crushed his finals and secured a top 1% score in his state — and learn exactly how you can apply his disciplined strategies to your own exams. Harry's journey proves that success isn’t just about talent; it's about precision, routine, and metacognitive awareness.

We break down:
- The role of consistent daily habits in high-stakes exams
- How to use spaced retrieval practice effectively
- How to track exam practice and "vibe"

Tune in to see how disciplined consistency, metacognitive awareness, and smart practice can transform your results too.

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

Small can be mighty when it comes to setting the right study goals, especially at first! Learn why consistency is queen, and how a "do-able come rain or shine" study routine is the key to building and maintaining momentum in your learning, and maximising your progress in the long-run.

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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!).

What if the fastest way to learn better is to understand why and where learning breaks down?

In this episode, I’m joined by leading UK educator and author Alex Quigley to unpack his eight predictable failure points that derail studying — and the practical, research-backed strategies that fix them.

Failure is normal. Success comes from recognising the signals early and responding with the right tools: retrieval practice, spaced learning, improved planning and evaluation, and metacognitive reflection of your studying. 

If you want to study less but learn more, this episode shows you how to close knowledge gaps, balance your confidence and find the motivation to turn struggles into steady progress.

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⭐About today’s guest, Alex Quigley: 

Alex Quigley is a well-known figure in UK education: author of several popular books & a monthly column for the Times Educational Supplement, he's a former teacher who now works at the Education Endowment Foundation. 

🌐Discover Alex’s blog and resources at: https://alexquigley.co.uk/

📖 Grab a copy of his book Why Learning Fails (And What To Do About It) right here: https://geni.us/alexquigley

**

Also mentioned:

Graham Nuthall, The Hidden Lives of Learners: https://geni.us/hiddenlives

**

🎓About Exam Study Expert: 

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 Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book: https://geni.us/exams * 

** 

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!).

What if improving results across an entire school came down to a handful of simple learning habits, done well, every day? 

In this episode we sit down with two headteachers from top-performing UK schools – Andy Green (Copleston High School) and Peter Lee (Q3 Academy Langley) – to discover how the science of learning effectively has influenced their leadership, teaching approaches, and the learning experiences of their students when put into practice across an entire school community.

We unpack how clear routines in the classroom, research-led CPD, well-communicated simple revision strategies, and a tight teaching playbook can improve engagement, consistency and exam results school-wide. 

This episode is slightly different to our normal fare, but it is packed with practical insights. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, parent or student, you’ll come away with concrete ideas for building a culture of effective learning – in the classroom and at home.

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Three invitations for (UK) educators:

1.      Come and watch me teach (revision strategy workshop) 

Want to see what expert revision strategy training actually looks like in a real classroom? Come and watch me in action delivering a revision strategy workshop in a school near you. 

2.      Take part in the Revision Census

I’ve surveyed the revision habits of over 75,000 students in the UK to date. Want an insight into the habits of your own students? Participate in the Revision Census and get a clear, data-rich picture of your students’ current habits, what’s working well, and where the biggest opportunities for improvement lie.

3.      Work with me (student workshops + teacher CPD)

Level up on learning science across your whole school: sign up for high-impact revision workshops for students and CPD for teachers in your own school. 

If any of these sound useful for your school, get in touch with Katie at katie@examstudyexpert.com  and we’ll get the ball rolling.

**

🎓About Exam Study Expert: 

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 Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book: https://geni.us/exams * 

** 

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!).

What is metacognition? And how can you use it to plan smarter, reflect on exams and evaluate your daily learning with clarity?

We’re joined by Nathan Burns, aka Mr Metacognition, to explore his favourite stackable metacognitive learning strategies that will have you reflecting on and improving your studying at home and in the classroom – from this moment, right through exam season and beyond. 

Discover how to think metacognitively about:

• answering questions carefully
• pre-exam season revision as a whole
• post-exam and post-mock reflections
• monitoring how your learning is going

👇 Your post-listening task: leave a comment and tell us which strategy you want to implement – or use already! 

** 

⭐ About today’s guest, Nathan Burns: 

Nathan Burns (aka Mr Metacognition) is an author, educator and expert on metacognition, who offers comprehensive metacognitive training programmes in schools across the UK.

🌐 Discover more: https://www.mrmetacognition.com/home

**

🎓 About Exam Study Expert: 

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 Outsmart Your Exams, my award-winning exam technique book: https://geni.us/exams * 

** 

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!).

Join William for a quick pep talk on showing due respect to the exam you're sitting, with surprising benefits for your motivation, enjoyment of the study process and even your end result.

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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!).

In this episode, learn how to conquer distraction and build a healthier relationship with technology using quick wins for a digital detox.

Our guest is digital detox expert, technologist and TEDx speaker Colin Corby. We explore how constant digital distractions affect attention span, deep learning, reading comprehension, critical thinking, sleep, and productivity — especially for students.

Colin shares practical, realistic digital detox strategies, quick wins and fun micro-challenges you can apply immediately to areas including environments, routines and social accountability.

Your post-listening task: share your own digital detox intentions in comments below for that accountability, our best encouragement and support.

**

About today’s guest, Colin Corby:

• Discover more resources on his website: https://thedigitaldetoxcoach.com/

**

About Exam Study Expert:

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 *

**
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!).

In today’s mini episode we’re taking a look at the surprisingly helpful question of what you do on your study breaks.

Choosing the right break activities can help you return to work on time, ready to go again, perhaps with some fresh insights and certainly some fresh energy.

The wrong break activity can suck you into a spiral of procrastination that turns a 10 minute breather into 50 minutes of doom scrolling.

Choose a smarter break with the 10 ideas we share today for a smarter study break.

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

A short trailer episode for new listeners to get a taste of the show.

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

To kick off the new year we’re sitting down with neuroscientist, international speaker and author Dr Sarah McKay to translate decades of neuroscience research into straightforward tactics students can use today for better sleep, enhanced focus and improved grades.

Dr Sarah McKay has a distinguished career as one of Australia's best known science communicators. She's passionate about translating brain science into practical strategies to improve health, well-being, and performance. Sarah boasts a PhD in neuroscience from Oxford University, has presented on ABC Catalyst (the only science show on primetime TV in Australia), authored several books on brain health, given a fascinating TEDx talk on napping, and is regularly quoted in media around the world.

So we’re in expert hands for this jam-packed episode, where Sarah and I dig into everything from nutrition to naps, and digital distractions to self-reflection. We map out:

• a simple brain model: bottom up, outside in and top down
• the 7 basics that affect your brain health: food, movement, sleep, light, phones, socialising and attention
• how food impacts the sweet spot for learning: alert but calm 

• why sleep hygiene is so important for your brain health
• how strategic naps help you to reset and focus
• why phones are attention magnets and how to contain them
• how to contain your phone to boost your attention and working memory

• brain-healthy learning models with spaced repetition and retrieval practice 
• the impact of metacognition with quick & kind “vibe” reflections after mock exams
• rehearsing emotional regulation for tough exam moments

Find out more about today’s guest, Dr Sarah McKay:

• Discover more resources on her website: https://drsarahmckay.com/

• Find Sarah’s TEDx Talk, “Indulge your neurobiology” here: https://youtu.be/xiXZVDKRe00?si=a-8ggcZK8wewmX-q

• Grab a copy of her book Brain Health For Dummies at https://geni.us/drsarahmckay *

**

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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.

• Support the podcast by joining our patrons at: https://www.examstudyexpert.com/patreon
   
• 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 *

 **
 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, we're turning good intentions and a long list of things you need to do or should do or would like to do into consistent action!

Key ideas today include:
• fresh start effect as useful motivation
• split goals into one-off and ongoing tasks
• schedule one-off tasks in the diary
• design daily habits with clear what, when, and why
• use weekly blocks for deep, flow-based work
• set seasonal habits around exams or deadlines
• share your habit plan for accountability
• simple homework to lock in your cadence

Your homework: take a second to drop your intention in the comments: what are you going to do, is it every day or every week, for how long, at what time, and what's your why for it?

*

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!).

In this final very special episode to round out 2025, we welcome world-renowned personality expert Professor Brian Little to help us answer the question: who are you really?

As one of the great scholars of our time in the field of personality psychology, Professor Little's wonderfully engaging teaching style has also won him “favourite teacher” accolades at Harvard and found him described as a cross between seeing Robin Williams and Einstein on stage. 

Professor Little helps us explore how your personality traits, character and goals interact to shape your learning, engagement, memory, attention and ability to flourish. We connect the Big Five personality traits with study strategies, teaching craft, and the real costs and benefits of acting out of character. With plenty of concrete examples to help you approach life in personal projects in a way that suits who you are.

Plus a whole segment especially for educators looking for novel ways to engage every student, especially those who are struggling.

**

Find out more about today’s guest, Professor Brian Little:

• Discover more resources on his website: https://www.brianrlittle.com/

• Find Brian’s TED Talk: “Who are you, really? The puzzle of personality” here: https://youtu.be/qYvXk_bqlBk?si=QAWWBgh1HT0yDqtV

• And his talk for TEDxOxbridge here: https://youtu.be/NZ5o9PcHeL0?si=MPZRzgPDoZM1B84K

• Dive into Professor Brian Little’s bestselling book, Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being right here: https://geni.us/memyselfus *

• Or find yourself in his second book, Who Are You, Really? The Surprising Puzzle of Personality  here: https://geni.us/whoareyoureallylittle *

**

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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 *

 **
 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!).

Discover the three core ways to prioritise better in your studying, to get through what you need to do in much less time with as little impact as possible on the quality of your output.

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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!).

We’re joined today by Scott Hardiman, a confidence coach who specialises in helping people rebuild their confidence and get their drive back. Scott shares his own relatable and inspiring student story, from bullying and anxiety to finding his confidence mindset. 

Plus his top six tricks – easy daily practices, micro-experiments that everyone can try – to build up your own confidence and face any high-stress situation:

 • the impact of taking action
 • using your “stretch zone”
 • physiology and posture
 • keeping an evidence bank of confidence-boosters
 • the importance of keeping your promises
 • and the power of self-awareness

**

Find out more about today’s guest, Scott Hardiman:

• Discover more resources on his website: https://further-coaching.com/

**

Recommendations from today’s episode:

• The Brain by David Eagleman: https://geni.us/thebrain *

• Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins: https://geni.us/giantwithin *

• Virginia Valian’s essay “Learning to Work” from Working It Out: 23 Women Writers, Artists, Scientists, and Scholars Talk About Their Lives and Work. (Pantheon, 1977): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b3a3c2596e76feeba40905e/t/5b46366570a6add65490e050/1531328102222/1977workingItOut.pdf

**

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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 *

 **
 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!).

A practical guide to using the time boxing time management strategy to boost focus, sharpen your prioritisation, overcome prioritisation, mitigate perfectionism and ultimately get your work done faster. 

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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!).

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.

**

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/

**

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 *

**

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/

****
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!

*

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!).

We're back today for another Student Story: celebrating successfully beating a high-stakes test, and learning all the study techniques that made the difference between pass and fail.

Our guest today is veterinary dermatologist Alissa, who confidently passed her specialist exam after spending some time as my coaching client - she put in the hard work, studied smarter and took home a well-deserved win.

Alissa shares her practical tips on what made the difference to her confidence and studying success:

• how she learnt to balance a schedule of digital studying with the demands of a hectic family life  
• how she prioritised effective flashcard technique for an information-heavy exam 
• mastering holistic, calming exam tactics to make a difference on the day 
• and the benefits of working with a study coach (me!) to personalise the techniques we discuss here on the podcast to your own needs

**

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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/coaching/

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

Join us for another episode in our popular Student Stories series, featuring Dr Frank Douglas, a scholar for whom education was pivotal in his life's journey. 

From his beginnings in Guyana to his work in global pharma leadership, we'll follow Frank's journey of "bouncing forward": of scholarships and hard work, undertaking a PhD in America, facing racial discrimination in the workplace, and beginning a new career after medical school.

Frank also shares his clear methods for turning setbacks into strengths through hard work, perseverance and understanding how to turn your own problems into solutions for everyone.

Delving into racial history in America, this episode, released during Black History Month 2025, celebrates Frank's achievements and extraordinary life.

**

You might also enjoy:

Episode 18 of the Exam Study Expert podcast, featuring industry Titan Josaia Mar : https://examstudyexpert.com/coconut-shells-to-industry-titan-when-i-grow-up-month/

**

Find out more about Dr Frank Douglas:

• Discover resources on anti-fragility and perseverance on his website: https://www.safehavendialogues-llc.com/

• Listen to his podcast, Reframe for Resilience on your favourite podcast player, or at: https://www.safehavendialogues-llc.com/podcast

 **

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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 *
 
 
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!).

Sometimes less just really is more! We're exploring the value knowing when to let things go. We're stopping, dropping, trimming and de-prioritising to make space for the things that matter most. 

So today, we’ve got three solutions for when three key areas of life get overwhelming and out of balance: 

1. Self-care
2. Study strategies 
3. Study tasks

**

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!).

Social connections are critical for mental and physical wellbeing, and they significantly impact academic performance. Dr. Kimberly Horne shares evidence-based insights on nurturing friendships even during busy periods of study and examination preparation.

• Loneliness affects concentration, GPA, and even immune system function
• College social terrain differs dramatically from high school, requiring new connection strategies
• Introverts can benefit from sitting in the same class spot and keeping notes about conversation topics
• Scheduling social time should be as intentional as scheduling study time
• "Micro connections" of just 5 minutes can provide significant benefits during busy periods
• Finding your "tribe" through shared interests makes forming deeper connections easier
• Friendships serve as anchors during challenging times on campus

If you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving us a review, following the show, or supporting us on Patreon. Your engagement helps us reach more people with these important messages about study success and wellbeing.

**

Find out more about Dr Kimberly Horn:

• Discover more resources on her website: https://www.drkimberlyhorn.com/

• Grab a copy of her book Friends Matter, for Life at https://geni.us/kimberlyhorn *

 **

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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!).

Enter Zettelkasten: a powerful and sophisticated note-making system for more advanced users.

A secret superpower to help you be more productive, cut procrastination, have more and better insights, and streamline the research/writing process.

Here to teach us how to use the strategy is Dr Sönke Ahrens, author of How To Take Smart Notes and widely regarded as the world's top authority on the art of Zettelkasten note making.

**

Find out more about Dr Sönke Ahrens:

• Discover more resources on his website: https://www.soenkeahrens.de/en/home

• Grab a copy of his book on the Zettelkasten Method, How to Take Smart Notes at https://geni.us/zettelkasten *

 **

Find out more about Exam Study Expert:

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.

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

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

We explore five essential habits that can transform your academic performance by taking small, consistent actions throughout your studies rather than cramming at the end. Doing these little things well from the beginning will make your academic life significantly easier when exam time arrives.

• Stay organised as you go along – identify and remove your specific bottlenecks to staying organised
• Learn what excellence looks like in your subject from day one – seek examples and guidance early
• Address confusion immediately rather than postponing understanding – don't let knowledge gaps compound
• Create a "tangent list" for interesting but non-essential topics – balance core learning with exploration
• Practice memory journaling daily – spend five minutes retrieving key points to consolidate learning
• Keep your approach simple – start with one or two manageable habits rather than trying to do everything

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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

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

First broadcast as Episode 154, we're revisiting this epic interview with giant of the "science of effective study" world, the great Professor John Dunlosky.

In today's must-listen episode, we discover:

• Why learning should be challenging
• A taxonomy for thinking about 10 popular study strategies - which work best, and for what?
• How to master "successive re-learning"
• Plus an expert's take on whether to use digital flashcards, dual coding, watching online video and more!

Featured today:

• John's book "Study Like A Champ": https://geni.us/dunlosky
• John's original paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1529100612453266
• Episode 45 with Learning Scientists cofounder Jude Weinstein Jones https://examstudyexpert.com/yana-weinstein-jones/

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

Get more from your host and the world of Exam Study Expert at:

• Six Pillars of Exam Success Cheat Sheet: https://examstudyexpert.com/Pillars
• [FOR SCHOOLS] retrieval practice lesson resource pack https://examstudyexpert.com/retrieval-lesson
• [FOR SCHOOLS] Revision Census research https://examstudyexpert.com/Revision-Census
• [FOR SCHOOLS] student workshops / staff CPD keynotes https://examstudyexpert.com/workshops

*

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

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

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

Charlie Colenutt shares his journey from disillusioned lawyer to author, exploring what makes work fulfilling based on interviews with 100 people across diverse professions.

You'll learn:
•How the most satisfied workers can see clear, immediate results from their efforts
• That career satisfaction shows little correlation with income beyond meeting basic needs
• Many fulfilled workers had experienced career crises before finding satisfaction
• Career paths are rarely planned and usually involve significant randomness or luck
• Young workers often face disappointment when workplace rhetoric about meaning doesn't match reality
• Being honest with yourself about your motivations is crucial when making career decisions

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave us a review – it means the world to us as creators!

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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!).

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!).

Happiness isn't just about feeling good – it's about living in alignment with your values and purpose while managing inevitable stress more effectively.

• Stress is the primary barrier to happiness, hijacking your brain and making good decisions difficult
• Toning your vagus nerve through humming, breath work, movement, connection and nature helps reset your nervous system
• Self-care doesn't just take time – it expands time by improving decision-making and clarity
• Colour-code tasks as red (urgent), yellow (needs attention), green (ongoing) or grey (time-wasters) to manage overwhelm
• Create space between receiving feedback and responding to avoid reactive decisions
• When confused or uncertain, ask for clarification rather than guessing
• Focus on enjoying the learning process rather than fixating solely on grades

Visit expandyourhappy.com to learn more about Dr. Heather Frederick's work and resources.

Heather's podcast is at https://happydocstudent.com/

Her 5.0-star rated book is at https://geni.us/happy-student*

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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.

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh

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

Discover the power of clear purpose and a compelling vision with today's double bill episodes featuring two guests: Ian Chamandy and Steve Gamlin.

***

First, we dive into the world of purpose with coach, entrepreneur and author Ian Chamandy:

• Unpack the value of having a really clear view of your purpose in life and as a scholar
• Learn how to distil that purpose into helpful statement
• Discover the tangible effect on confidence and decision making
• Learn how knowing your purpose can help drive your studies and career choices

Visit https://purposeu.ai/about/ to learn more about Steve Gamlin's work and resources at PurposeU.

***

Next up, meet author, coach and vision board expert, Steve Gamlin, and:

• Learn how to improve all areas of your life by visualising where you want to be one year from now
• Discover how to identify your core values
• Learn how to create an effective vision board focused on realistic goals
• Find out the importance of celebrating the small wins alongside the big achievements!

Visit https://stevegamlin.com/ to learn more about Steve Gamlin's work and resources.

Find Steve's podcast the Motivational Firewood Podcast here: https://stevegamlin.com/podcast/

***

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.

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

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

The psychological principle of "Cognitive Load Theory" has considerable power to understand how our brain thinks. There are some fascinating and powerful applications when you're taking exams to help your brain thinking smoother and faster.

Discover five of my favourite exam-hall tips and tricks to help your brain work faster, make fewer mistakes, and score more marks when it matters most.

For more, check out Outsmart Your Exams:

>> https://geni.us/exams*

*

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!).

Join the University of Oxford's Lecturer in Study Skills Dr Alix Hibble for a next-level masterclass on the academic writing process.

Discover how you can save considerable time AND produce significantly better end results with a better strategy for reading, researching, outlining and writing your essays and dissertations.

A must-listen for anyone with any kind of writing to do as part of their academic journey. 

Enquire about academic writing coaching with Dr Alix at:

>> https://examstudyexpert.com/academic-writing-coaching/

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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.

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh

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

Learn how to overcome procrastination when working on large academic projects with today's guest, Dr Alison Miller.

https://www.theacademicwritersspace.com/

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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.

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

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

Meditation has some fantastic benefits for scholars, including:

- Wellness benefits: managing stress, nerves, anxiety and more

- Productivity benefits: boosting focus and increasing your output each day

But it's not always easy to fit into our busy lives. Our guest today shares a wealth of ingenious tips and tricks for integrating mindful moments to give you a boost throughout your day and at key moments like waiting outside an exam or hitting a challenging question in your studies.

- Read the book "Meditation for The Real World" by Ann Swanson: https://geni.us/qDZ7IZk*

- Get started meditating with the Headspace app: headspace.pxf.io/n15mXM**

- Join the Exam Study Expert VIP supporters club on Patreon for a beautiful rejuvenating deep rest practice and much more: https://examstudyexpert.com/VIP

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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/

*

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on suggested books. **As a Headspace associate, I earn from qualifying subscriptions. All at no extra cost to you :-)

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh

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

Top tips and tricks to get the most out of your flashcard training (testing) time, to accelerate your learning and maximise your knowledge retention.

Resources mentioned today:

>> Work with me 1-on-1: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching

>> VIP supporters' club Patreon: https://examstudyexpert.com/VIP

>> What to do the day before an exam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwrkFFkCACg

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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!).

Part 4a the Flashcard Mastery Course. 

Today: the common trap of making a large set of flashcards without testing them, why we commonly get into this situation, and what to do about it.

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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. Work with me: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching

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

Part 3 of 4 of the Flashcard Mastery Course. 

Today: Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in your flashcard making process, clever tricks for specific learning challenges.

Bonus material and more on the Exam Study Expert Patreon:

>> https://examstudyexpert.com/VIP/

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

Part 2 of 4 of the Flashcard Mastery Course. 

Today: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good technique

COMING UP:

- Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in your flashcard making process, clever tricks for specific learning challenges

- Part 4: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard TRAINING - getting more from the all-important testing phase, how to space out your testing, dealing with stubborn cards that are hard to learn, and more

ENTIRE COURSE AVAILABLE NOW - all four parts - as early access for supporters of the Exam Study Expert podcast on Patreon, join us today at https://examstudyexpert.com/patreon

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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. Work with me: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching

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

Welcome to the first in a special four-part audio course on how to learn ultra-effectively by mastering the flashcards, not the only effective study strategy, but my personal favourite and a huge listener favourite among our listeners too. 

Today: discover the science that underpins the power of the flashcard.

Coming up:

- Part 2: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good technique

- Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient in your flashcard making process, clever tricks for specific learning challenges

- Part 4: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard TRAINING - getting more from the all-important testing phase, how to space out your testing, dealing with stubborn cards that are hard to learn, and more

ENTIRE COURSE AVAILABLE NOW - all four parts - as early access for supporters of the Exam Study Expert podcast on Patreon, join us today at https://examstudyexpert.com/patreon

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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. Work with me: https://examstudyexpert.com/coaching

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

I'm in philosophical mood today, exploring the big reasons for the Exam Study Expert mission, and exactly what we hope to help you with!

Whether you're brand new to the show or a regular listener, I hope you find fresh inspiration and maybe a a few questions clarified in today's audio essay.

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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.

Podcast edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

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

For regular listeners, a brief update after a couple of unannounced weeks off-air, what happened, and when we'll be back in action (spoiler alert: v. soon!!).

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

This week on the show:

• Top tips for learning for high stakes exams
• Maintaining your sense of self-worth and protecting your mental health
• 4 top tips for keeping test-taking nerves at bay
• Advice for prospective / current nursing students

Our guest today is Dr Morgan Taylor, an experienced advisor to nursing students. Today's conversation is mainly quite general and non-nursing specific, and relevant to anyone preparing for any high-stakes exam, though we do also dive into Morgan's specific passion and expertise for studying nursing towards the end of the interview.

Dr Morgan Taylor is the founder and Chief Nursing Officer at Archer Review, a leading study platform for NCLEX, FNP, TEAS 7, USMLE and nursing school exams.

• https://www.archerreview.com/
• Follow Morgan and her company on social @ArcherReview

Also mentioned in today's episode:

• Ep 42 with Prof. Timothy Wilson https://examstudyexpert.com/redirect-timothy-wilson/
• Student stories episodes 69/77 (Rose, high school student) and 73 (Michael, college student)

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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.

Podcast Edited by Kerri Edinburgh.

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

Today, we're talking neurodiversity in education. Whether you're a student with a neurodiverse brain, a parent to one or a teacher to one, today's episode is rich on practical advice to help you navigate the specific challenges you might have in the education system at school and college!

My guest today is Christopher Wyatt, a diagnosed Autistic with ADHD as well as physical disabilities, who has also had extensive experience as a parent to neurodiverse children, a researcher, an educator, and an advisor and advocate.

Find Christopher at https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/, and @autisticme on Facebook and Twitter.

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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!).

How to concentrate on your studies?

I’m going to be talking to one of the world’s leading authorities on how to manage your attention, and focus on what really matters to you, Professor Stefan van der Stigchel.

We’ll be walking through an entire day of concentration to show you step-by-step what you can do to help maximise your focus, including:

• “Attention rituals” – learning from Darwin and Beethoven
• How to take effective breaks
• Designing your environment for maximum concentration
• Is it OK to listen to music?

Stefan leads the AttentionLab at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, and is a regular face on national television and radio in the Netherlands, as well as speaking on prestigious conference stages around the world.

Originally broadcast as Episode 60.

You can find out more about Stefan’s work at his personal website: https://www.stefanvanderstigchel.nl/ 

For a highly practical guide to maximising concentration, I highly recommend his book “Concentration: Staying Focused in Times Of Distraction”, available at https://geni.us/concentration*

“How Attention Works”, a guide to the psychology of attention, is available at https://geni.us/attention*

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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 and let me help you find the shortcut to success in your exams this year: https://examstudyexpert.com/workwithme/

[free] Download the Exam Success Cheat Sheet at https://examstudyexpert.com/freetips

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Podcast Edited by Benoît André.

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