In this episode, Dan Molloy, P.E. talks with Cherian Joshua, a mechanical engineer who failed the PE once, procrastinated for two years, and finally broke through by changing how and where he studied. We dive into why studying alone at home wasn’t working, how nightly library sessions with a coworker became the turning point, and why booking the exam date and buying a prep course on the spot flipped the switch mentally. Cherian shares how counting problems backward from exam day, front-loading progress to survive holidays and sickness, and “getting stressed during practice” completely changed his exam-day experience—from panic and near burnout to calm, focused execution. If you’ve struggled with motivation, isolation, or exam anxiety, this conversation offers a clear, honest blueprint for turning things around.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode, Dan Molloy, P.E. sits down with Gabriel Montalvo, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam after years of postponing it due to work, life, and uncertainty. Gabriel shares how a nontraditional background in facilities engineering, retrofits, and controls—not pure design—actually became a strength during exam prep, and how disciplined study habits helped him rebuild rusty calculation skills. They dive into the mental side of studying, overcoming impostor syndrome, and why “you already know more than you think you do.” This is an honest, motivating conversation for engineers wondering if their experience is “enough” to finally commit to the PE and get it done.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode, Tyler Lloyd shares his honest and inspiring journey to passing the Mechanical PE Exam after regrouping from a tough first attempt. He opens up about the mindset shifts, study habits, and personal discipline that transformed his second try—including how a parallel physical challenge became the unlikely key to staying motivated. We dive into what changed, how he rebuilt confidence, and the exact strategies that carried him across the finish line. Whether you’re on your first attempt or coming back for another round, Tyler’s story is the kind of real, practical encouragement every future PE needs.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode Dan chats with Muhammad, a mechanical engineer in New York City who recently earned his PE license after years of persistence through immigration challenges, demanding aviation projects, and family milestones. Muhammad shares how he shifted from memorizing problems to truly understanding engineering concepts — a mindset change that transformed his preparation and performance. He reflects on lessons from managing large-scale design-build projects at LaGuardia and JFK, the value of slowing down to think critically, and how staying disciplined through setbacks led to success. His story is a powerful reminder that depth, patience, and perseverance are the keys to mastering the PE exam.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Gleason, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam in New York after an inspiring comeback. Andrew shares how he balanced a demanding work schedule, coaching hockey, and personal travel while refining his study strategy after an initial setback. He opens up about what changed the second time around — from daily repetition and focused problem-solving to clearing his schedule for an all-out final push. In this conversation, we unpack the mental side of preparing for the PE, how to handle failure without losing momentum, and what it feels like when everything finally clicks on exam day.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode, I sit down with engineer Malachi Tesarik, who took the FE in March, graduated in May, and passed the PE by September — all while settling into his first full-time engineering job. Malachi shares how he balanced on-the-job learning with 17-hour study weeks, the mindset that kept him motivated, and what it’s like preparing for the PE so early in his career. Tune in for practical study tactics, lessons from the trenches, and inspiration for anyone considering an accelerated path to the PE.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode, Dan sits down with Blake and Carlton—two newly licensed Professional Engineers—to talk about the realities of preparing for the PE exam. Carlton shares how he “would not have succeeded at taking the PE exam if I didn’t have somebody like Blake there keeping me accountable”—highlighting the power of study partners and weekly check-ins. Blake admits that he “floundered for the first year” before finding the right structure, reminding us that persistence and course correction are key parts of the process. Whether you’re just starting your prep or in the middle of it, their candid stories about setbacks, accountability, and ultimately passing the exam will give you practical strategies—and motivation—to keep going.

ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

In this episode of the Mechanical PE Exam Prep Podcast, I break down the upcoming 2025 PE exam specification changes for HVAC and Thermal/Fluid Systems exams. Despite the new four-section structure (loads, systems, equipment, and support), the core engineering concepts remain the same. I explain why engineers shouldn't stress about the changes and provide insights into what to expect, including continued focus on fundamental topics like thermodynamics, heat transfer, and psychrometrics. Learn how to approach your exam preparation strategically and maintain confidence in your study plan. Whether you're taking the exam before or after October 2025, this episode offers valuable guidance for mechanical engineering professionals seeking their PE license.

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In this episode, David Tresner, PE, shares how he finally tackled the PE exam after 12 years in the industry, squeezing in study time between raising two young kids and preparing for a third on the way. With a background in construction engineering and a full-time remote job in design-build contracting, David opens up about the challenges of studying with an unpredictable schedule and the mental shifts required to succeed. He reveals how the study process not only helped him pass the exam but also made him a stronger engineer—deepening his understanding of systems he works with daily. From rewiring habits to rediscovering thermodynamics, this is a candid and motivating look at balancing life and professional growth.

For more information about programs for the Mechanical PE Exam, visit www.mechanicalPEexamprep.com

In this episode, Peter Markarian, P.E., shares his inspiring journey from marine engineering to healthcare project management, including his unique path through missionary work and forensic engineering. He opens up about the challenges of balancing life transitions, a demanding job, and PE exam prep—revealing how he overcame setbacks with resilience and strategic study habits. Peter’s insights on problem-solving, prioritization, and humility offer invaluable lessons for aspiring engineers. Tune in to hear how he turned obstacles into opportunities and emerged as a licensed professional engineer.

For more information about programs for the Mechanical PE Exam, visit www.mechanicalPEexamprep.com