Exam Study Expert: ace your exams with the science of learning
Don’t work harder, work smarter: how to study effectively and get the grades of your dreams with winning review strategies, killer memory techniques and exam preparation tips you won’t hear anywhere else. Join Cambridge educated psychologist, study techniques researcher, coach and tutor William Wadsworth as we dive into the secrets of academic success.Looking for the grades of your dreams? Want to know the real secrets to preparing for and taking exams? Through a powerful combination of rich personal experience and the very latest learning and memory science, William and his expert guests are here to help. Here's to results day smiles!
Episodes
213 episodes
215. Metacognition Toolkit: Ace Your Learning – with Nathan Burns
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 s...
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Episode 215
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37:33
214. Respect The Exam
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.*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psyc...
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Episode 214
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9:11
213. How to Conquer Distraction (Quick Digital Detox Wins): with Colin Corby
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 const...
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Episode 204
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31:07
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212. A Smarter Study Break For Focus And Flow
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 insi...
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Episode 212
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12:31
Welcome To The Exam Study Expert Podcast (trailer for new listeners)
A short trailer episode for new listeners to get a taste of the show.
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1:07
211. Neuroscience Secrets: Attention, Focus and Memory with Dr Sarah McKay
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 ...
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Episode 211
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1:00:50
210. Fresh Start Habits For Smarter Study: Every Day, Every Week
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 ...
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Episode 210
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11:03
209. Who Are You Really? On Personality and Flourishing with Professor Brian Little
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 o...
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Episode 209
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59:47
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208. Prioritise And Save Time When Studying
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.*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psycho...
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Episode 208
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11:53
207. 6 Tricks to Build Confidence That Sticks - with Scott Hardiman
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 c...
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Episode 207
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37:13
206. Time Boxing For Faster Studying
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. *Hosted by William W...
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Episode 206
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9:53
205. A Hands-On Guide To Zettelkasten Notes: Practical Advice from Expert Bob Doto
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...
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Episode 205
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58:11
204. Introducing: "S.O.C.K. To Do Lists" - My Perfect Planning Protocol for Faster Studying
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 decisi...
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Episode 204
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17:28
203. Beating a High Stakes Test: Flashcards, Grit and Time (A Student Story)
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...
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Episode 203
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31:47
202. Bouncing Forward: From Guyana to Global Pharma, with Perseverance
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...
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Episode 202
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28:18
201. Let It Go: Study Smarter Through Subtraction
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 f...
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Episode 201
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12:36
200. Friendship Expert Dr Kimberly Horn on Social Connection Science for Scholars
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 ...
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45:43
199. Zettelkasten "Super" Notes: with Dr Sönke Ahrens
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 proce...
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Episode 199
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44:27
198. The Stitch in Time: Small Habits for Academic Success
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...
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Episode 198
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24:51
[REWIND] Mastering Effective Study: Insights from John Dunlosky (Ep 154 replay)
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 ...
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40:58
197. Beyond The Exam: Finding Meaning in Work - and where is Charlie now
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, ...
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Episode 197
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45:59
196. Gratitude Journalling for Students
A simple daily practice to have happier, more productive days: gratitude journalling for students.*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent researcher and study skills coach. I help ambitious students to stud...
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Episode 196
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9:34
195. The Happy Student - with Dr Heather Frederick
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 d...
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Episode 195
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39:30
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194. The Motivated Student - Set The Vision With Steve Gamlin + Find Your Purpose with Ian Chamandy
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 ...
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Episode 194
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50:55
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193. Five Brain Hacks for Higher Exam Scores
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....
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Episode 193
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25:56