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.

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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/

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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 *

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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/

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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!

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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 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

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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.

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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/

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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

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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!).

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.

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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.

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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

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* 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!).