Ever feel like everyone else just "gets it" faster than you?

You're not broken. You're just using the wrong strategies.

In this solo episode, Hazel Ann is getting real about the moment that changed everything: sitting in her internship, nodding along as her mentor explained a process, then completely blanking two days later. The shame of asking "wait, how do I do this again?" while other interns just... remembered.

This episode breaks down the three research-backed strategies that took her from frantically taking notes and remembering nothing to actually retaining what she learnt. No more re-reading the same paragraph five times. No more pretending to remember something you don't.

You'll learn why "learning styles" are actually limiting you (with research to back it up), the neuroscience behind why your brain deletes information, and the exact frameworks to learn faster without burning out.

If you've ever felt like you're working twice as hard to learn half as much, this episode is for you.

💡 What We're Covering in This Episode

• Why "learning styles" are BS (and what actually matters instead)
• The real reason you forget everything you just learned
• Strategy #1: Test yourself instead of re-reading (50% better retention)
• Strategy #2: Space it out + mix it up (same time, way better results)
• Strategy #3: Make it matter (how to signal importance to your brain)
• Why mistakes are actually your learning accelerator
• How sleep is when your brain does the real work
• The "old you vs. new you" shifts that compound over time

📑 Chapter Timestamps

00:00 - The Internship Shame Story: When I Realized Something Was Wrong
03:15 - Myth-Busting: Why Learning Styles Are Limiting You
06:42 - How Your Brain Actually Works: The Science of Forgetting
10:28 - Strategy #1: The Testing Effect (Close the Tab and Explain It)
15:19 - Strategy #2: Spacing + Interleaving (Stop Cramming, Start Mixing)
20:34 - Strategy #3: Make It Matter (Attention + Emotion + Structure)
26:08 - Why This Matters Long-Term: The Compounding Effect
28:45 - Your Action Plan: Start With These 3 This Week

💬 Let's Connect

I'd love to hear from you! What's your "old you" learning habit that you're ready to leave behind? Or what was your biggest takeaway from this episode?

Instagram: @hercareerherway
DM me: I read every single message and love hearing your stories

If this episode resonated, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you're feeling generous, leave a review—it helps other people find the show!

Remember: You're not behind. You're not broken. You just didn't know these strategies yet.

New you starts today. Let's go. 🎙️

📖 Resources Mentioned:

• Sternberg, R. (1994). Thinking Styles.

• Reid, J. (1995). Learning Styles in the ESL/EFL Classroom.

• Riener, C. & Willingham, D. (2010). The Myth of Learning Styles.

• Hatami, S. (2018). Learning Styles — A Review of Concepts and Research.

• Huberman, A. (2023). Huberman Lab Podcast: Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning.

• Brown, P., Roediger, H., & McDaniel, M. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning.

• Dunning, D. & Kruger, J. (1999). Unskilled and Unaware of It.