About the Episode In this inspiring episode of The Assessment Alchemist, host Tina Wiles sits down with Kevin Guzzo, a veteran educator, athletic director, and certified Mental Performance Coach with Brian Kane’s Peak Performance. Together, they explore the power of Mental Performance Mastery (MPM)—a framework that helps educators, students, and professionals alike overcome burnout, manage test anxiety, and steadily improve their performance through small, intentional habits. Kevin shares his journey from public education to mental performance coaching, revealing how adopting Brian Kane’s strategies transformed not only his own life but also the culture of his school district. From building daily routines to leveraging accountability tools like the Habit Share app, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you “invest in yourself” and show up as your best for others. If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck, or unsure how to start making changes, this episode is your roadmap to sustainable growth—one percent at a time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Kevin’s path from educator and coach to Mental Performance Mastery mentor. Why educators and leaders must “be selfish to be selfless” to serve others effectively. The 1% Better Every Day philosophy—and how to translate it into real numbers: 14 minutes and 24 seconds of daily self-investment. How small, consistent actions compound into exponential growth (think Atomic Habits in action). Tools for accountability and habit-building, including the Habit Share app. The “Never Miss Twice” rule for bouncing back after setbacks. How to use morning routines to “eat the frog” and start your day with a win. Resources & Links Mentioned Habit Share App (Kevin’s recommended accountability tool) “1% Better” by Brian Kane “Atomic Habits” by James Clear “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Connect with Kevin Guzzo Kevin invites listeners to join his accountability network on Habit Share—download the app and connect to start your own 1% Better journey. Magical Quotes from this episode: “1% of your day is just 14 minutes and 24 seconds. Everyone has that time to invest in themselves.” “You have to be selfish to be selfless. Take care of yourself first so you can truly serve others.” “Do a little a lot, rather than a lot a little. Consistency compounds into exponential growth.” “Never miss twice. Life happens, but don’t let one missed day turn into a downward spiral.” “Whatever results you’re currently getting in life are in perfect alignment with your daily habits and routines.” Help us Spread the Word: Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

• Persistence Through Adversity: Melanie's repeated attempts at the PE exam spanned decades—interrupted by trauma, motherhood, and divorce—but her dream never wavered.
• Healing Before Mastery: Realizing test prep alone wasn't enough, Melanie sought therapy and coaching to address the trauma causing her fight-or-flight response during exams.
• Mindset Shifts That Made the Difference: She reframed failure as a learning tool, used tapping scripts to ground herself before studying, and turned a negative study space into a motivational sanctuary.
• Test Strategy Breakthroughs: From identifying "gotcha" questions to practicing time management under pressure, Melanie rebuilt her study and test-day techniques with intentionality.
• The Power of Talking About It: Melanie emphasizes shedding shame and isolation by opening up about her challenges, both with addiction in her family and exam failures.  

• Persistence Through Adversity: Melanie’s repeated attempts at the PE exam spanned decades—interrupted by trauma, motherhood, and divorce—but her dream never wavered.
• Healing Before Mastery: Realizing test prep alone wasn't enough, Melanie sought therapy and coaching to address the trauma causing her fight-or-flight response during exams.
• Mindset Shifts That Made the Difference: She reframed failure as a learning tool, used tapping scripts to ground herself before studying, and turned a negative study space into a motivational sanctuary.
• Test Strategy Breakthroughs: From identifying “gotcha” questions to practicing time management under pressure, Melanie rebuilt her study and test-day techniques with intentionality.
• The Power of Talking About It: Melanie emphasizes shedding shame and isolation by opening up about her challenges, both with addiction in her family and exam failures.  

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is hosted by My2tor founder and test prep expert Tina Wiles, who explores science-backed techniques to conquer exam stress. In “Unlocking Calm: Science-Backed Techniques to Beat Exam Stress,” Tina draws from her nearly 20 years of experience working with students and professionals to explain how stress impacts memory retrieval on test day—and what you can do about it.

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About the Episode:

In this episode of The Assessment Alchemist, host Tina Wiles dives into the science behind exam stress and shares actionable strategies to turn stress into calm focus. She begins by explaining how stress impacts memory retrieval, affecting students’ and professionals' performance. Discover why even the most prepared individuals can struggle to access their knowledge during exams and how understanding the “fight or flight” response is key.

Tina introduces powerful techniques to shift from survival to retrieval mode during tests, including grounding methods, breathing exercises, and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping. Listeners will learn practical steps like repeating calming mantras, performing deep breathing exercises, and doing body scans to relax the mind. Tina provides a detailed EFT tapping script, focusing on specific acupressure points to reduce cortisol levels and calm the nervous system.

Whether you're preparing for a high-stakes test or looking for strategies to share with students, this episode provides practical tools to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and foster confidence. Tune in and transform the way you approach exams!

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of stress on memory retrieval

• Techniques to manage exam anxiety: grounding, breathing, and body scans

• Using EFT tapping to shift from stress to calm

• Practical steps for both students and professionals to handle test day stress

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. "Even when you know the material, high stress can block the knowledge you have from coming to the surface during a test."

2. "One of the fastest ways to bring your body and mind out of that stress response is through deep, controlled breathing."

3. "Your body doesn’t need to be in survival mode—you’re safe taking an exam. Ground yourself, feel the floor beneath you, and shift your mind to retrieval mode."

4. "The Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping, activates calming signals in the brain, helping you shift from stress to a focused, alert state."

5. "Repeat to yourself: 'My mind is an open channel of wisdom. Think clearly, step by step.' This simple mantra can help center your focus and unlock memory retrieval."

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is hosted by My2tor founder and test prep expert Tina Wiles. Hosted by My2tor founder and test prep expert Tina Wiles, this episode of The Assessment Alchemist features an inspiring conversation with Dr. Carrie Redmond, the principal of Harmony Science Academy, Grand Prairie. Join Tina and Dr. Redmond as they delve into the transformative power of school culture and its significant impact on academic success.

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About the Episode:

Join Tina Wiles on The Assessment Alchemist as she delves into the transformative power of school culture with Dr. Carrie Redmond, the principal of Harmony Science Academy, Grand Prairie. In this episode, they discuss how cultivating a positive and inclusive school culture can significantly impact assessment scores and overall student success.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to Dr. Carrie Redmond: Dr. Redmond shares her extensive journey in education, spanning public and private schools, and her focus on high-needs populations.

• STEM Education: The importance of early STEM education and fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and math from K-8.

• Technological Advancements in Education: Reflections on how technology in education has evolved since the early 90s and its impact on teaching and learning.

• Creating a Positive School Culture: Dr. Redmond discusses the significant changes implemented at Harmony Science Academy under her leadership, focusing on 11 character traits and their role in transforming the school's culture.

• Parental Involvement: The growth of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and the inclusive approach of naming school houses in different languages to make families feel welcome.

• Impact on Assessment Scores: The correlation between a supportive school culture and improved assessment scores, particularly in math, demonstrating the importance of emotional and academic support for students.

• Future Plans: Dr. Redmond hints at her next steps in the educational field, emphasizing the importance of passion and experience in teaching and administration.

Overcome test anxiety and improve your digital exam strategies by visiting TestAnxietyQuiz.com. Discover how much test anxiety affects you and take the first step toward mastering your exams with My2tor's expert guidance.

Join Tina next week for more insightful strategies and expert advice on "The Assessment Alchemist." Subscribe and stay tuned to transform your educational challenges into achievements!

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. "The culture that's created in a school can make or break those assessment scores."

2. "It's not about what your score is. It's about how you're growing and knowing that someone is there cheering you on."

3. "Early STEM education is crucial because it fosters a love for science, technology, engineering, and math from a young age."

4. "Creating a supportive and inclusive school environment can significantly improve student success and overall well-being."

5. "If the entire country was able to have teachers like you teaching our teachers and administrators, the US educational system would be in a different place."

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is hosted by My2tor founder and test prep expert Tina Wiles. Join host Tina Wiles on "The Assessment Alchemist" as she delves into the concept of psychological resilience and its vital role in overcoming test anxiety and high-stress situations. In this engaging solo episode, Tina shares practical exercises and insightful examples to help you build mental and emotional strength, enabling you to bounce back from adversity more quickly.

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We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Send us an email here.

About the Episode:

Welcome to The Assessment Alchemist podcast! In this episode, host Tina Wiles delves into the powerful concept of psychological resilience and its critical role in overcoming test anxiety and high-stress situations. Tina shares practical exercises and fascinating examples to illustrate how our thoughts shape our experiences and how building psychological resilience can help us bounce back from adversity more quickly.

What you’ll learn:

• Psychological Resilience Defined: Understanding the ability to mentally and emotionally cope with crises and return to a pre-crisis state.

• Brainstorm vs. Green Needle: A fun auditory experiment demonstrating how our brains interpret ambiguous information based on our expectations.

• Rubber Band Analogy: Psychological resilience compared to a rubber band, highlighting how we can stretch and bounce back from stress.

• Power of Positive Thinking: Exercises to demonstrate the impact of positive and negative thoughts on our actions and performance.

• Smiling and Its Benefits: How forcing a smile can release endorphins and reduce stress, fostering a positive mindset and enhancing problem-solving abilities.

• Harvard Study on Optimism: Insight from an eight-year study showing the health benefits of an optimistic outlook.

• Practical Activities: Gratitude journaling and other exercises to cultivate positivity and resilience in students and educators.

Overcome test anxiety and improve your digital exam strategies by visiting TestAnxietyQuiz.com. Discover how much test anxiety affects you and take the first step toward mastering your exams with My2tor's expert guidance.

Join Tina next week for more insightful strategies and expert advice on "The Assessment Alchemist." Subscribe and stay tuned to transform your educational challenges into achievements!

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. "Psychological resilience is not about avoiding stress or adversity, but about how you handle it and how you can bounce back from it."

2. "What we hear actually comes down to our brain. When we're given a prompt of what we're expecting to hear, that's what we hear."

3. "Smiling, even if it's forced, releases endorphins and serotonin, which are natural mood lifters, reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being."

4. "An optimistic outlook is closely linked to resilience. Positive thinking enables individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as threats."

5. "My mind is an open channel of wisdom. Think clearly, step by step."
   
   
   

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is hosted by My2tor founder and test prep expert Tina Wiles. Join host Tina Wiles on "The Assessment Alchemist," as she dives into mastering the challenges of online exams. In this solo episode, Tina explores essential techniques for navigating digital testing environments, focusing on the effective use of software tools, strategic reading of questions, and smart answering methods. Learn how to leverage these tools to enhance your test performance and reduce anxiety.

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We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Send us an email here.

About the Episode:

Welcome to another transformative episode of The Assessment Alchemist, where we turn the daunting task of test preparation into an empowering journey for both educators and students. In this titled “The Ultimate Guide to Digital Exams: Tips and Tricks for Online Testing”, Tina focuses on three critical areas: understanding the tools provided by exam software, reading questions effectively, and strategically answering them to maximize your test scores. Whether you’re a student facing digital exams or a professional gearing up for certification, this episode provides valuable insights to enhance your performance and reduce test anxiety.

What You’ll Learn:

• Navigating Online Exam Tools: Learn about the essential tools available in online testing platforms, such as line readers, color inversion for ease of reading, annotation features, and more. Discover how to use these tools to enhance your focus and efficiency during exams.

• Reading Questions Strategically: Gain techniques for reading questions in a way that improves comprehension and directs your focus, helping you answer more effectively.

• Answering with Confidence: Tina discusses a three-tier approach to answering exam questions — feeling confident, conflicted, or confused — and how to handle each scenario to optimize your performance.

Key Insights:

• Utilize the tools your exam software provides to simplify the test-taking process.

• Always read the question first to guide your review of the accompanying texts or data.

• Predict answers before looking at the options to avoid being swayed by misleading choices.

Featured Tips:

• Practice with the software before the exam to familiarize yourself with its features and tools.

• Use the ‘confident, conflicted, confused’ method to efficiently navigate through questions.

• Remember to review flagged questions carefully and change answers only when you're certain of an error.

Overcome test anxiety and improve your digital exam strategies by visiting TestAnxietyQuiz.com. Discover how much test anxiety affects you and take the first step toward mastering your exams with My2tor's expert guidance.

Join Tina next week for more insightful strategies and expert advice on "The Assessment Alchemist." Subscribe and stay tuned to transform your educational challenges into achievements!

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. "The software that we get to use for online exams typically comes with tools to help you write."
   
   

2. "There is no shame in using the tools that you're given."
   
   

3. "Read the question first, it allows you to read with purpose."
   
   

4. "Predict before you look at the answer choices, then you're looking for what matches what you think instead of letting the answer choices persuade you."
   
   

5. "If you predict before you look at the answer choices, you're looking through the answer choices for what matches what you think, instead of trying to let the answer choices persuade you into maybe changing what you think."
   
   
   

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is hosted by My2tor founder and test anxiety reduction specialist Tina Wiles. Join host Tina Wiles on "The Assessment Alchemist," as we delve into strategies for supporting neurodivergent students both at home and in educational settings. This episode features Jacqueline Ragan, Assistant Director at Ensemble Therapy Services, and Ashlyn Champagne, Clinical Director, who share their personal and professional insights into creating inclusive environments that foster success.

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We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Send us an email here.

About the Episode:

Welcome to another transformative episode of The Assessment Alchemist, where we turn the daunting task of test preparation into an empowering journey for both educators and students. In this titled “Empowering Neurodivergent Learners: Strategies from Ensemble Therapy Experts”, Tina welcomes Jacqueline Ragan and Ashlyn Champagne from Ensemble Therapy Services to explore empowering strategies for supporting neurodivergent students. The discussion provides deep insights into creating inclusive educational environments, the importance of tailored interventions, and practical advice for educators and parents. Whether you’re dealing with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions, this episode offers expert strategies to help students succeed academically and personally by transforming educational challenges into opportunities for growth. Join us for an enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between neurodivergence and educational success.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding Neurodivergence: Definitions and clarifications of terms like "neurodivergent" and "neurotypical," exploring the diverse ways brains process information.

• Personal Experiences: Ashlyn shares her journey as a neurodivergent individual, reflecting on personal challenges and victories, and how these experiences enrich her work with students.

• Professional Practices: Jacqueline discusses her role in integrating therapeutic strategies within school programs, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational support.

• Strategies for Inclusion: Insights into effective techniques for reducing anxiety and enhancing learning outcomes for neurodivergent students, including the use of accommodations and technological aids.

• Success Stories: Inspiring accounts of how tailored counseling and support have led to transformative outcomes for students, enabling them to achieve academic and personal growth.

🌟 Join us next week for more insights into making assessments a positive experience. Your journey to conquering test anxiety and achieving peak performance starts here!

Episode Highlights:

• The power of self-advocacy and tailored educational strategies.

• How understanding and addressing individual needs can remove barriers to learning.

• The role of family and educators in supporting neurodivergent students.

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. "Neurodivergent mean means is that your brain processes information differently." - This quote helps demystify what being neurodivergent entails, emphasizing the diversity in cognitive processing.
   
   

2. "It's very humbling to be able to work in a space that I find so near and dear to my heart." - Ashlyn Champagne shares her personal connection to her work, highlighting the passion that drives her.
   
   

3. "We're not going to change them, but we can replace them with more appropriate behaviors for them to use with their peers and just everyday life." - This quote speaks to the constructive approach of supporting neurodivergent students in developing new skills.
   
   

4. "What are you doing for you? How are you stepping away? How are you making sure you're okay?" - Reflects the crucial aspect of self-care and self-awareness, especially important for caregivers and educators.
   
   

5. "The goal is to make sure that that student is safe and just effective. Being able to understand how to learn in the environment that they're working in." - Highlights the ultimate aim of educational support systems to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is hosted by My2tor founder and test anxiety reduction specialist Tina Wiles. Join Tina as she welcomes Kirt Manecke, an award-winning author and entrepreneur, who has dedicated his career to empowering teens through the development of essential social and employability skills. In this enlightening discussion, Kirt shares the foundations and inspirations behind his popular book, "Smile and Succeed for Teens". He offers practical advice on how young adults can enhance their interpersonal interactions and professional opportunities through simple yet effective social skills. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone interested in youth development, this episode is packed with strategies to help the younger generation build confidence and tackle life's challenges with a positive outlook.

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We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Send us an email here.

About the Episode:

Welcome to another transformative episode of The Assessment Alchemist, where we turn the daunting task of test preparation into an empowering journey for both educators and students. In this transformative episode titled “From Shy to Social: Teen Success Strategies with Author Kirt Manecke”, host Tina Wiles is joined by award-winning author and entrepreneur, Kirt Manecke. Kirt discusses his journey from creating customer service guides to developing essential social and employability skills books specifically for teens. His insights offer invaluable advice for educators, parents, and young adults, aiming to foster confidence through practical social interactions and positive first impressions.

What You'll Learn:

• Kirt's Books: Insight into Kirt’s popular books, including "Smile and Succeed for Teens," which equips young adults with critical social skills for navigating everyday interactions and the professional world.

• Importance of Smiling: Discussion on how smiling can transform interactions in both business and personal contexts, potentially increasing both sales and personal rapport.

• Role-Playing Exercises: Kirt highlights how his books use role-playing scenarios to teach effective customer interaction, making it an essential tool for educators and parents.

• Parent and Teacher Resources: An overview of the supplementary guides available for parents and teachers to help reinforce the book's teachings through practical exercises.

• Online Courses: Availability of Kirt's teachings in various formats, including e-books, audiobooks, and an interactive online course suitable for individual or classroom use.

🌟 Join us next week for more insights into making assessments a positive experience. Your journey to conquering test anxiety and achieving peak performance starts here!

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. Smiling can transform your approach in business and personal interactions—it sets the tone for future relationships.
   
   

2. I put the top ten social skills in the very first section because if that's all a young adult ever reads, they'll be way ahead of the pack.
   
   

3. You'd think the first book would sell good because service is so bad, but it's really about teaching people the skills they aren't learning.
   
   

4. When you smile, it not only changes how others view you, but it also releases endorphins, making you feel better too.
   
   

5. We need to break down these skills into steps to ensure every young adult can create great first impressions and effective customer interactions.

Check out Kirt Manecke's website here - https://www.smilethebook.com/

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.

This week’s episode of The Assessment Alchemist is brought to you by My2tor CEO and standardized test prep expert Tina Wiles. In this episode, Tina Wiles takes a deep dive into the first-ever digital SAT in the United States, providing invaluable insights into its structure, preparation strategies, and how understanding these aspects can significantly reduce test anxiety.

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We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Send us an email here.

About the Episode:

Welcome to another transformative episode of The Assessment Alchemist, where we turn the daunting task of test preparation into an empowering journey for both educators and students. In this episode, your host, Tina Wiles, takes a deep dive into the first-ever digital SAT in the United States, providing invaluable insights into its structure, preparation strategies, and how understanding these aspects can significantly reduce test anxiety. Whether you're a student gearing up for the SAT, a teacher guiding your students, or a professional facing high-stakes exams, this episode is packed with tips to help you 'Slay the Test' confidently.

• Introduction to the Digital SAT: Tina kicks off the episode with an overview of the new digital SAT format, emphasizing the importance of familiarization to combat test anxiety.

• Gift Bags for Students: A unique initiative by Tina to support students taking the digital SAT, filled with helpful resources.

• Deep Dive into the Digital SAT: An in-depth look at the test structure, including the transition from paper to digital, highlighting the dramatic changes and how they impact test-takers.

• Reading and Writing Section: Insights into the merged sections, adaptive testing, and new question types are designed to make the test-taking experience more manageable.

• Math Section: A comprehensive review of the changes, including the allowance of calculators throughout the test, the introduction of the Desmos calculator within the blue book software, and adjustments to question types and formats.

• Practical Tips and Strategies: Tina shares actionable advice on preparing for the digital SAT, including the importance of practice tests, utilizing available software tools, and adopting a strategic approach to test-taking.

• Closing Thoughts: Encouragement and well-wishes for students taking the digital SAT, along with an invitation for feedback and questions from listeners.

This episode is packed with practical advice and techniques designed to help educators, students, and professionals manage and thrive in the face of test anxiety. By addressing stress's physiological and psychological aspects, we aim to unlock everyone's potential to 'Slay the Test' with confidence and success.

🌟 Join us next week for more insights into making assessments a positive experience. Your journey to conquering test anxiety and achieving peak performance starts here!

Podcast Video:

Video of Episode on YouTube

Magical Quotes from the Episode:

1. Understanding the structure and practicing ahead can dramatically reduce test anxiety, making you feel more confident and prepared.

2. The transition from paper to digital SAT is a significant change that offers more tools at your disposal, making it crucial to familiarize yourself with the new format.

3. Adaptive testing in the reading and writing section means your performance on the first module directly influences the difficulty of the second module, personalizing your test experience.

Help us Spread the Word:

Do you know someone who could benefit from this episode? Please share the Assessment Alchemist podcast and help others transform their approach to tests and challenges, turning anxiety into achievement.