Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning

209. Who Are You, Really? On Personality and Flourishing with Professor Brian Little

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this final very special episode to round out 2025, we welcome world-renowned personality expert Professor Brian Little to help us answer the questi...

208. Prioritise And Save Time When Studying

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 poss...

207. 6 Tricks to Build Confidence That Sticks - with Scott Hardiman

30 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re joined today by Scott Hardiman, a confidence coach who specialises in helping people rebuild their confidence and get their drive back. Scott ...

206. Time Boxing For Faster Studying

23 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A practical guide to using the time boxing time management strategy to boost focus, sharpen your prioritisation, overcome prioritisation, mitigate per...

205. A Hands-On Guide To Zettelkasten Notes: Practical Advice from Expert Bob Doto

09 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re revisiting the Zettelkasten system for capturing and organising your notes, with esteemed expert Bob Doto. Bob has effectively codified ...

204. Introducing: "S.O.C.K. To Do Lists" - My Perfect Planning Protocol for Faster Studying

02 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 to...

203. Beating a High Stakes Test: Flashcards, Grit and Time (A Student Story)

26 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

202. Bouncing Forward: From Guyana to Global Pharma, with Perseverance

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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&ap...

201. Let It Go: Study Smarter Through Subtraction

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes less just really is more! We're exploring the value knowing when to let things go. We're stopping, dropping, trimming and de-prior...

200. Friendship Expert Dr Kimberly Horn on Social Connection Science for Scholars

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Social connections are critical for mental and physical wellbeing, and they significantly impact academic performance. Dr. Kimberly Horne shares evide...

199. Zettelkasten "Super" Notes: with Dr Sönke Ahrens

14 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Enter Zettelkasten: a powerful and sophisticated note-making system for more advanced users.A secret superpower to help you be more productive, cut pr...

198. The Stitch in Time: Small Habits for Academic Success

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We explore five essential habits that can transform your academic performance by taking small, consistent actions throughout your studies rather than ...

[REWIND] Mastering Effective Study: Insights from John Dunlosky (Ep 154 replay)

24 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

197. Beyond The Exam: Finding Meaning in Work - and where is Charlie now

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

196. Gratitude Journalling for Students

29 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A simple daily practice to have happier, more productive days: gratitude journalling for students.*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, i...

195. The Happy Student - with Dr Heather Frederick

22 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

194. The Motivated Student - Set The Vision With Steve Gamlin + Find Your Purpose with Ian Chamandy

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

193. Five Brain Hacks for Higher Exam Scores

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The psychological principle of "Cognitive Load Theory" has considerable power to understand how our brain thinks. There are some fascinating...

192. Academic Writing Masterclass: Better, Faster, Clearer - with Dr Alix Hibble

01 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

191. Stop Procrastinating And Finish Your Dissertation/Essay - with Dr Alison Miller

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

190. Brain Bootcamp: Find Focus with Magic Meditation Moments - Ann Swanson

18 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Meditation has some fantastic benefits for scholars, including:- Wellness benefits: managing stress, nerves, anxiety and more- Productivity benefits: ...

189. Maximise Knowledge Retention With Expert Flashcard Training [FMC 4b]

11 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

188. Balancing Making and Testing Your Flashcards [FMC Part 4a]

04 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

187. Magic Tricks To Make Memorable Flashcards [FMC 3/4]

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 flashc...

186. Flashcard Fundamentals For Faster Learning [FMC Part 2/4]

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of 4 of the Flashcard Mastery Course. Today: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good techniqueCOMING UP:- Part 3: Advanc...

185. The Science of Learning: Flashcard Mastery Course [Part 1 of 4]

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

184. Why Study Smarter?

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 y...

Mini Status Update - What's Happening On The Podcast?

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

183. High Stakes Exam Success - with Dr Morgan Taylor

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the show:Top tips for learning for high stakes examsMaintaining your sense of self-worth and protecting your mental health4 top tips for ...

182. The Neurodiverse Brain At School - with Christopher Wyatt

26 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, t...

181. REWIND: Maximum Concentration: "Attention Professor" Stefan Van der Stigchel

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

180. Smarter Living for Students: Setting Boundaries and Finding Community

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Nkechi L Ifediora joins us to break down her ABCD principles of smarter living:Assess / acceptanceBoundariesCommunityDecision makingNkechi is a...

179. Finding Balance In The Holidays

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Finding the balance on a vacation or in a holiday season can be tricky.In this episode, you'll learn:All I Want For Christmas is to do the bajill...

178. 10 Questions About Studying - LIVE With William

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A year-end special: ask me anything about how to study, I'm answering your questions about learning, study habits and more. Today's questio...

177. Exam Technique: 3 Mistakes To Avoid

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

3 mistakes to avoid when taking your next exam.Featuring Lucy Parsons, from the School Success Formula podcast and lifemoreextraordinary.com*Hosted by...

176. Mindset Matters: Erika's Student Story & Growth / Resilience Lessons

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My guest today is a non-traditional student and aspiring neurologist who shares her story of overcoming set backs and challenges, the power of resilie...

175. The Wise Scholar: Keeping Perspective

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#4/4 in our "pep talks" mini series. Keeping it all in perspective!*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researche...

174. The Purposeful Scholar: Finding Drive

17 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#3/4 in our "pep talks" mini series. Today, we're talking about connecting (or deepening your connection) with your sense of purpose in...

173. The Realistic Scholar: Relax, It Won’t Be Perfect (And That’s OK!)

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#2/4 in our "pep talks" mini series in which I want to talk about releasing you from the overwhelming need to prepare perfectly.This is not ...

172. The Humble Scholar - Continual Improvement Pep Talk

10 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stay hungry; be humble. Keep learning; be outstanding.An Exam Study Expert pep talk.Questions? Comments? Requests? Or just want to say "thanks&qu...

171. Five New Exam Tips – Inspired By Pilots, Paramedics & Ancient Chinese Wisdom

27 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is all about taking core principles from other domains, and using them to help us study smarter and ace our exams.We'll be a...

170. Where Does The Time Go? – with David Buck

20 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode we're tackling the world of time management with expert and coach David Buck. We'll delve into:Finding focusOver...

169. Optimising Study Strategy To Beat An Ultra-Competitive Exam (A Student Story)

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we feature a listener who dreamed of earning a place at a top law school in Finland.Only 10% of candidates are accepted.It all comes down to a ...

168. Your Perfect Essay Planning Process

06 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A good planning process is the foundation for success in any long-form written assignments like essays, dissertations and theses - and even your first...

167. Supercharge Your Research & Writing - feat. Saikiran: SciSpace founder + Dr Joel Goodin

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today for a look at tools and tactics you can use to speed up research and writing projects in your academic studies, featuring:My 3 top pick ...

166. REWIND: Better Grades With Interleaving & “Desirable Difficulty” - Dr Veronica Yan

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is interleaving?Why is it so powerful for helping you learn faster and remember more?How can you use it?Listen in today, and all will be revealed...

165. Building Your Note-Making System – with Jorge Arango

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the power of note making to extend your brain, with today's guest, information architect and author of "Duly Noted", Jorge Ara...

164. The Science of Note Making – with Prof. John Dunlosky

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode we're back with giant of the "science of effective study" world, Professor John Dunlosky.We're discussing ...

163. My 24 Top Study Tips

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

24 of my favourite tips, tricks and strategies to level up your study game instantly.They're quick to absorb, quick to apply, and quick to start ...

162. Stop Procrastinating & Start Studying Now With These 3 Powerful Methods

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Overcome procrastination when studying with my 3 favourite strategies to get moving NOW!Mentioned in this episode:Printable calendar chain template: h...

161. Learning How To Balance Wellness with Academic Success - with Jennifer Keable

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's guest is mindset coach Jennifer Keable, who will be rounding off this mini-series on finding academic calm.Jennifer's story of how s...

160. Managing Stress for Students - with Heather Lillico

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of this mini-series on finding calm in your academic journey, we’re exploring anxiety and managing stress for students.Our guest ...

159. Avoiding Burnout for Students - with Hannah Tackett

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many listeners to the Exam Study Expert podcast are pretty high achievers, and with that, you tend to push yourself hard. Pushing too hard, for too l...

158. Test Taking Anxiety - with Dr Wallace & Dr Artyom

09 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are joined by two experts on the topic of effective learning, or “wise learning”: educational psychologist Dr Wallace Panlilio and cognit...

157. On Mnemonics, Memory Palaces and Making Mistakes: With Anthony Metivier [Mem / Learn Month]

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re wrapping up our Memory and Learning series here on the Exam Study Expert podcast by diving into the marvellous, and at times a little magical,...

156. Desirable Difficulties: The 5 Levers To Optimise Your Learning [Mem / Learn Month]

19 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Like a good workout, the best learning should be a bit of a stretch but not impossible.That's the principle desirable difficulty in action.I cons...

155. Cognitive Load Theory "Brain Hacks" For Students - Ollie Lovell

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Memory and learning month continues with an introduction to the powerful "cognitive load theory" principle, and how we can use it to superch...

154. John Dunlosky: Study Like A Champ [Mem / Learn Month]

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our Memory & Learning series continues with giant of the "science of effective study" world, Professor John Dunlosky.In today's mus...

153. Building Your School's Study Skills Programme - Katie Holmes [FOR TEACHERS]

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're concluding our special "Teaching Learning Skills" mini-series this week with a case study on building a tutor time study skills p...

152. Tom Bennett on Evidence-Based Education [FOR TEACHERS]

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're continuing our special educator-focused mini series with a chance to step back and take stock of the rise of evidence-based practice...

151. Dr Haili Hughes - mentoring scholars & effective study skills teaching [FOR TEACHERS]

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off this week's special "for teachers" series, we're welcoming Dr Haili Hughes to talk about how to be an effective mentor...

150. Dunlosky's Student Toolbox In Action - Amarbeer Singh Gill [Mem / Learn Month]

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Memory & Learning series continues with Amarbeer Singh Gill, author of "Dunlosky's Strengthening The Student Toolbox In Action".We&...

149. Peps McCrea: Understanding Memory [Mem / Learn Month]

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're kicking off a new series on Memory & Learning with a deep-dive into memory fundamentals.We're guided in this fascinating and illum...

147. Overcoming Retrieval Resistance

07 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Retrieval practice is the shortcut to learning faster and remembering more, but nearly everyone under-utilises it (at least some of the time), even on...

146. REWIND: Oliver Caviglioli: Visual Learning Strategies For Students

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There’s no such thing as a “visual learner”.The idea that some of us are “visual learners” and learn best through imagery is a myth, and has...

145. REWIND: Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel (Learning Scientist) on Spaced Learning

24 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you remember what you learned last week?How about last month?Spaced learning is an INCREDIBLY powerful strategy for getting knowledge into memory ...

144. On Supportive Parenting & Handling Pressure, with Dr Tamara Soles

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we have a special episode for the parents among our audience:I'm chatting to Dr Tamara Soles, child psychologist and parent herself, all ab...

143. The 3 Types Of Lists Every Student Should Know (+ 4 More You Might Find Handy)

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Maximise your productivity with these 7 brilliant list formats, each with a special job to help you get things done and stay on the straight-and-narro...

142. Time Management Mastery For Students - with Dr Frank Buck

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in today to discovery the secrets to staying organised, keeping on top of things even when things get busy, and saving time on things that don’...

141. Where To Study: The Surprising Power of Your Environment

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving into the surprisingly powerful choice of where to study - a decision that can boost your motivation, focus, productivity and ...

140. Gifted & Neurodivergent Scholars Unleashed - Dr Matthew Zakreski

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlock the potential of your unique brain with Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity and mental health. In thi...

139. Set Each Day Up For Success With This Morning Planning Habit

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This 5-minute daily planning / journalling habit has had a big impact on what I've achieved in the past few weeks - I think it could help you too...

138. Physical & Mental Strength - The Resilient Scholar with Derick Johnson

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Strap in for a transformative journey with Derek Johnson, US Army veteran and personal development maestro.In this episode, Derek unveils his secrets ...

137. Motivation To Start Studying Sooner - 7 Compelling Reasons To Get Going Today

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In my contribution to the Motivation Series here on the Exam Study Expert podcast, I'm sharing the top 7 reasons you want to get started with you...

136. Peps McCrea: Hacking Study Motivation With Psychology

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our "Motivation To Study" series continues this week with an inspiring, fascinating and highly practical conversation with Peps McCrea, who ...

135. REWIND: Motivation To Study: What Really Works with Dr Erika Patall

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off a mini-series on motivation on the Exam Study Expert podcast, we're revisiting a gem from the archives, in this conversation with lea...

134. Smartphone Spring Clean - 10 Quick Tips To Tame The Tech

07 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Make your phone work for you with these super-quick steps you can do right now!- REJOICE as you decrease those pesky phone-based distractions- RELISH ...

133. Your Word Of The Year - Setting You Up For Success

31 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're looking back on the year we've all had, taking a moment to celebrate the progress we've made, and what we've achieved...

132. Holiday Season Study Tips

17 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Got a bit of time off school / university / work for the holiday season?Might be a great chance to catch up (/ get ahead..!) on your studies.But it&ap...

131. ChatGPT For Studying - Adventures in AI For Scholars

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're looking at how students can use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Bard to support their learning and revision.From s...

130. Unusual & Original Study Productivity Tips - From Listeners

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I asked the Exam Study Expert community what their favourite productivity tips were, either their best overall tip, or one that's a little bit &q...

128. Finding Clarity & Flow In Your Studies

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Unleash the power of real clarity on what matters (and what doesn't), and what you need to do to get you closer to your destination in your studi...

127. Full Time Job / Full Time Degree - Amy's Student Story

12 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How to organise your time and stay productive - even when you're balancing a full time job and full time degree!In this instalment of the ever-po...

126. My Mindset Story - Top 3 Lessons Learned

05 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It all starts with your mindset: that's the foundation on which it all rests.And I mean both your final result, and your enjoyment (or otherwise)...

125. Deep Rest for Scholars - with Camilla Walker

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this year, Ruth Poundwhite (Ep. 97) talked about the "discomfort in resting" that so many high-achievers share.I had a number of mes...

124. PhD Student Stories: Celebrating The Joys & Surviving The Tough Bits

22 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Exam Study Expert's very own Drs Alix Hibble and Kerri Edinburgh for a candid look at the ups and downs of the PhD experience.You'll le...

123. How Many Hours Should You Study A Day?

15 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving into our "most often asked questions" list, and tackling the perennial question of how many hours should you be stu...

122. Four Tricks Your Mind Plays (+ How To Avoid Them)

08 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm diving into four tricks your mind might play on you which cause you to lose time or feel frustrated in your studies, and what you can ...

121. Managing Your Time At The Final Hurdle - Sowmya's Student Story

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're talking to Sowmya, a law student who's facing 12 exams ... in just four weeks time! Join us as we discuss:The impact of anxiet...

120. Trends In Education Research & Takeaways For Students

24 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Exam Study Expert's very own Dr Alix Hibble was at one of the world's major education research conferences last week. In today's episo...

119. Effective Learning: There Are (Only) THREE Good Methods

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over the years, my take on effective learning strategies has got clearer and simpler: I think there are only THREE effective approaches to learning.Ev...

118. Personal Development for Scholars - with Alan Donegan

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the power of personal development for your scholarship (and for life) with the one and only Alan Donegan.The power to level up is in your han...

117. Fall in Love With Language Learning - with Kerstin Cable

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're talking language learning for skills, profit and above all FUN with Kerstin Cable of fluentlanguage.co.uk. Discover:Kerstin's top reas...

116. Kindness for Scholars

09 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The world is a better place when we all make that little extra effort to be kind to each other.Here are some of my top tips for being kind to your fel...

115. Autism and Studying - with Brian Irvine

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Top tips for studying and taking exams with autism, with the hugely knowledgeable, passionate and helpful specialist mentor and researcher, Brian Irvi...

114. Rewiring ADHD For Students - with Eric Tivers

25 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're exploring study strategies for an ADHD brain with Eric Tivers from the ADHD reWired podcast, the #1 rated ADHD podcast on Apple Podc...

113. Dyslexia Study Tips - with Jenn Clark & Dr Gavin Reid

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we welcome Jenn Clark and Dr Gavin Reid, two top dyslexia experts to help us better understand the dyslexic brain, and the study strategies that...

112. REWIND: Changing The Stories We Tell Ourselves - with Professor Tim Wilson

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A rebroadcast gem from the archives: discover the secrets of how mastering your mindset can set you up for success with renowned mindset scholar, Prof...

111. Effective Learning For 1st Place in Country with Dyslexia

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Adam overhauled his learning strategy and ended up placing first in his country (twice!) after applying principles from the How To Study ...

110. What To Do The Day Before An Exam?

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, the 5 things I recommend doing the day before an exam to set you up for success!Psst. want to see a video version of this episode? It's a ...