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
206 episodes
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
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
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
192. Academic Writing Masterclass: Better, Faster, Clearer - with Dr Alix Hibble
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 s...
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Episode 192
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48:32
191. Stop Procrastinating And Finish Your Dissertation/Essay - with Dr Alison Miller
Learn how to overcome procrastination when working on large academic projects with today's guest, Dr Alison Miller.https://www.theacademicwritersspace.com/*Hosted by William Wadsworth, memory psychologist, independent rese...
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Episode 191
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43:07
190. Brain Bootcamp: Find Focus with Magic Meditation Moments - Ann Swanson
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 dayBut it's not always eas...
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Episode 190
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38:50
189. Maximise Knowledge Retention With Expert Flashcard Training [FMC 4b]
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.c...
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Episode 189
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31:52
188. Balancing Making and Testing Your Flashcards [FMC Part 4a]
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.*Hosted by William Wadsworth, mem...
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Episode 188
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17:47
187. Magic Tricks To Make Memorable Flashcards [FMC 3/4]
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 ma...
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Episode 187
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21:32
186. Flashcard Fundamentals For Faster Learning [FMC Part 2/4]
Part 2 of 4 of the Flashcard Mastery Course. Today: Flashcard Fundamentals - why use them, and the basics of good techniqueCOMING UP:- Part 3: Advanced Tips & Hacks for Flashcard MAKING - how to get more efficient ...
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Episode 186
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27:14