Shows
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 339 | Gus Elmashni | Ivy Advantage | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Gus Elmashni, an experienced test prep coach, breaks down what families still get wrong about both the SAT and ACT, from not knowing the SAT is now digital and adaptive, to misunderstanding the test optional versus test required landscape, to assuming the SAT is still heavy on vocabulary the way it was decades ago. Drawing from his work with students in California, Gus explains why the ACT can be more unforgiving than the SAT because one weak section drags down the entire composite average, while the SAT's adaptive format still allows students to reach near 1400 even...
2026-08-1225 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 338 | Hannah Pinter | Impact Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Hannah Pinter, founder of Impact Tutoring, shares how her belief in the zone of proximal development, the gap between what a student can do alone versus what they can do with the right guidance, shapes every session she runs, and why one on one tutoring creates the ideal environment for students to build not just academic skills but genuine confidence and intrinsic motivation. Drawing from her work with middle and high schoolers in the Seattle area, Hannah explains why she encourages virtual tutoring for SAT prep specifically, since the test is now digital and working online...
2026-08-0730 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 337 | Lizz Wilson | Lizz Wilson Tutoring | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Lizz Wilson, an AP specialist in math and science, breaks down what separates students who score a five from those who just get by, pointing to early preparation starting around January, daily practice with flashcards, time management across multiple AP exams, and the habit of reviewing FRQ scoring guidelines to understand how graders think. She explains how to choose between AP Calculus AB and BC and AP Physics 1 and C based on a student's grade level, math foundation, future academic interests, and what their school actually offers.She shares her ideal four month prep...
2026-07-3139 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 336 | Arthur & Leigh Smith | Arthur Smith Advising | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Arthur Smith, founder of Arthur Smith Advising and former dean of admissions at Cornell University, and Leigh Smith, a test prep specialist with more than ten years of experience, break down two of the most misunderstood tools in a student's college prep journey, the PSAT and the AP exam. Arthur explains why AP courses signal ambition to admissions committees, why students who take the course should almost always take the exam, and why students at schools with fewer AP offerings should not panic but instead focus on excelling within what their school provides.Leigh...
2026-07-3046 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 335 | Arvin Vohra | Vohra Method Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Arvin Vohra, founder of Vohra Method Tutoring, shares how his core philosophy of bringing rigorous Socratic style teaching into a group class setting has guided everything he has built, and why he now believes the SAT and ACT have become, in an age of AI inflated grades, the only truly reliable measure of student ability. Drawing from years of working with students across all score levels, Arvin explains why he advises students to prepare for both the SAT and ACT rather than picking one based on practice tests, which he believes both companies deliberately make easier...
2026-07-2440 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 334 | John Brown | PrepTopia Test Prep | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, John Brown, founder of PrepTopia Test Prep, shares how the ACT's acquisition by ETS and the shift away from science as part of the composite score are two of the biggest changes most families are still catching up on, and why the wave of schools reinstating testing requirements signals that the test optional era may be winding down. Drawing from his experience of personally taking both the SAT and ACT in the same month, John explains why he still relies on a diagnostic first approach rather than defaulting to one test, steering students toward whichever test...
2026-07-2350 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 333 | Amy Seeley |Seeley Test Pros and LEAP| Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Amy Seeley, of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP, shares how over 30 years in test prep has shaped a goal-first philosophy where understanding what a student and family are truly trying to achieve matters just as much as the score itself. Drawing from experience working with students across all scoring levels, Amy explains how she decides between the SAT and ACT by looking at a student's reading habits, vocabulary strength, and comfort with algebra, and how the enhanced ACT's shift to two-thirds verbal and the removal of science from the composite has changed that decision for many...
2026-07-2258 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 332 | Nicholas Sennott | The College Lad | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Nicholas Sennott, founder of The College Lad, shares how nearly fifteen years in test prep led him to build a practice focused on helping already strong students push from good to great, specializing in moving students from the 1300 to 1400 SAT range toward 1500 and from the high twenties on the ACT toward the mid-thirties. Drawing from his experience working one on one with high schoolers, Nicholas explains why the skills needed to cross those upper score thresholds are so different that it almost feels like learning a completely new test.He discusses why the digital...
2026-07-2150 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 331 | David Blobaum | Summit Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, David Blobaum, an expert on college admissions and AP strategy, traces how the original purpose of AP exams as a way to earn college credit has quietly evolved into a tool for authenticated proficiency at a time when grade inflation has made high school GPA nearly meaningless. Drawing from data including UCLA's 60 year freshman survey and NAEP proficiency scores, David explains how a landscape where 84 percent of college bound students carry an A average has pushed top schools to rely more heavily on AP scores than ever before.He discusses how the discontinuation of...
2026-07-1639 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 330 | Doug Poggioli | Learn Locus | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Doug, an experienced AP math tutor, shares how leaving classroom teaching behind led him to a more fulfilling one on one tutoring practice where he could focus entirely on working directly with students across a wide range of math subjects. Drawing from years of private tutoring experience, Doug explains why the students who excel at AP are not just technically skilled but adaptable, reading carefully, thinking flexibly, and knowing when to reach for a graph instead of an equation.He discusses the three core approaches every AP Calculus student needs, graphical, numerical, and algebraic...
2026-07-1050 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 329 | Megan Padden | O.W.L. Educational Services | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Megan Padden, owner and founder of O.W.L. Educational Services, reveals about what the PSAT really measures and how families should use it as a readiness tool for the SAT rather than a scholarship checkpoint. Megan explains common early mistakes students make, why practice matters even when a score won't count toward admissions, and how the right age to start prep often comes down to a student's math background. She breaks down which skills matter most for PSAT success, why students trained to read every word in school struggle with pacing on test day, and...
2026-07-0541 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 328 | Dan Marlin | Galin Education | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dan, Test Prep Director at Galin Education, breaks down why the PSAT is low stakes, low risk, and often misunderstood, with most students simply not knowing what it is or what it can offer rather than misunderstanding it outright. He explains the score ranges that signal real National Merit potential, around 28 to 29 and above on the ACT or 1350 and higher on the SAT, and why prepping for the PSAT looks almost identical to SAT prep given how closely aligned the two tests have become.He discusses how the section adaptive format works in practice...
2026-06-3027 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 327 | Rhea Wanchoo | M&W Education | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Rhea Wanchoo, co-founder of M&W Education, shares how her background in academic psychology shaped a company built at the intersection of test prep, college admissions, and student confidence. Drawing from her experience working with students through high school and into the college transition, Rhea explains why effort alone is never enough and why the biggest gap she sees is not hard work but the absence of structure, clear feedback, and a personalized system.She discusses how the computer adaptive format of the digital PSAT triggers a different psychological reaction than the old paper...
2026-06-2743 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 326 | Michael Scheller | Astute Academics | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Michael Scheller, an experienced test prep coach, shares his direct and no-nonsense perspective on PSAT and AP preparation, explaining why he believes prepping specifically for the PSAT is a waste of resources and why strong SAT prep naturally covers it. Drawing from tens of thousands of hours working with students across New Jersey and Connecticut, Michael breaks down how cutoff scores, state testing requirements, and AP placement policies vary dramatically by district and why knowing your school is the single most important rule.He discusses the dangers of overloading on AP courses, sharing a...
2026-06-2251 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 325 | Charles (CJ) Palma Jr | CJ101 Tutoring | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, CJ Palma, founder of CJ101 Tutoring, shares how his unique background in marine science, computer science, and psychology shapes his approach to teaching AP Environmental Science, and how growing up as a second generation American informs the empathy driven strategies he brings to test prep. Drawing from his own academic and entrepreneurial journey, CJ explains why building resilience in students matters just as much as the score itself.He discusses common misconceptions students have about the digital and adaptive PSAT, including how to handle the emotional reaction to a tougher second module, the careless...
2026-06-1852 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 324 | Philip Bates | UWorld | Part 2 | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Philip Bates, who leads college readiness at UWorld, reveals how the digital and adaptive shift in the PSAT and AP exams is reshaping test prep and what it will take for these exams to stay relevant in a test optional world. Drawing from his work with school districts nationwide, Philip explains why teaching content alone isn't enough, students also need to be taught executive function skills like how to study, write effective essays, and use tools such as the embedded Desmos calculator.He discusses the importance of using PSAT and AP data to find...
2026-06-171h 13
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 323 | Eliza Kimball | Crimson Connections LLC | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Eliza Kimball, founder of Crimson Connections LLC, shares how she launched her tutoring company during her senior year of high school in 2020 and has since built it into a full-time venture connecting Ivy League students with high schoolers. Drawing from her own experience as an overachieving student at Harvard, Eliza explains why she targets seventh and eighth graders, believing that real impact comes from building character, critical thinking, and genuine passion over years, not just improving grades.She discusses her student-to-student mentorship model, her belief that AI can be a powerful homework aid and...
2026-05-0154 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 322 | Dr. Emily Levy | EBL Coaching | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, shares how growing up around her mother's school for students with learning disabilities in Florida shaped her path from Wall Street back into special education. Drawing from her doctorate and years of hands-on experience, Emily explains how a multi-sensory approach, integrating visual, auditory, and tactile methods, can be life-changing for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.She discusses how pandemic learning gaps are still showing up today, particularly in students who missed early foundational skills in reading and math, and shares why she now sees...
2026-04-2242 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 321 | Gabe Futrell | Principal | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Gabe Futrell, principal of Bill Metz Elementary in Monte Vista, Colorado, shares how over 15 years in one rural school community has shaped his approach to leadership. Drawing from more than two decades in education, Gabe explains how a love for small towns and the mountains first brought him to the San Luis Valley and why the people around him have kept him there.He discusses the IE Time intervention model his school adopted just before COVID, targeting every student with daily small group reading and math support, and shares how sticking with that approach...
2026-04-2241 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 320 | Patty McGee | Author-Educator-Consultant | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Patty McGee, literacy consultant, educator, and author, describes herself as a "traveling teacher" who spends time in schools helping teachers and students rather than staying distant from the classroom. Drawing from her own early struggles with poor literacy instruction, Patty explains why strong literacy teaching must center student choice, student voice, and goal-centered responsive instruction.She challenges the growing overreliance on phonics in the wake of the science of reading movement, warns against the assign and assess culture in writing instruction, and shares why she sees AI as a tool to amplify human voice...
2026-04-1651 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 319 | Don Sevcik | Math Celebrity | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Don Sevcik, creator and founder of Math Celebrity with eight million users annually and zero paid marketing, reveals how watching a team in India struggle with a 300-page pension book led him to build Excel step-by-step calculators that became the blueprint for automating his math tutoring brain on a website. Drawing from 17 years building the platform, Don explains his pattern IQ philosophy teaching students to identify problem types before solving them, a skill missing when teachers label everything but critical when problems appear unlabeled on exams.He discusses his sixth-year breakthrough in 2013 when someone...
2026-04-0741 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 318 | Kimberly and Hassan Lauziere | The Lauziere Education Group | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Hassan and Kimberly, founders of The Lauziere Education Group with backgrounds in physics, math, English, and literature, reveal how they left corporate careers to build a holistic learning ecosystem after traveling to over 50 countries and discovering education should extend beyond classroom walls. Drawing from their diverse subject expertise, they explain how all disciplines are intertwined through critical thinking, logic in essays mirrors physics problem-solving, and math requires reading comprehension just as literature demands analytical rigor.They discuss the breakdown in modern education from curriculum abandoning classics for newer books without foundational history and philosophy...
2026-03-2648 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 317 | Cynthia Millhorn | Tutor2Order | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Cynthia Millhorn, founder of Tutor2Order with 20 years of experience blending journalism, performance, and creative writing, reveals how she left tutoring companies after noticing they matched tutors based on subject knowledge alone without pedagogy or ability to assess student needs. Drawing from her background in qualitative research and therapy, Cynthia explains how pandemic students elevated with individual attention now lack communication skills and self-advocacy, unable to work in teams or comfortably address needs with teachers.She discusses her anecdotal storytelling approach teaching students that asking questions means paying more attention rather than being unintelligent...
2026-03-2638 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 316 | Jackie Postelnick | Conscious College Planning | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Jackie Postelnick, founder of Conscious College Planning with over a decade starting in financial aid, reveals how today's broken system puts undue pressure on students to choose majors before understanding their purpose and impact they want to have on the world. Drawing from guiding over a thousand families, Jackie explains her conscious decision-making philosophy that combines college fit with student identity and affordability rather than chasing top 50 rankings.She discusses the biggest shift she's noticed in student preparedness: pandemic-era writing skill gaps that leave students unable to express themselves authentically in essays despite getting...
2026-03-2639 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 315 | Emily Axelrod | English Tutor | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Emily Axelrod, an English tutor with over a decade teaching teens for standardized tests, reveals how the digital SAT has become more challenging despite shorter passages because students have less material to grasp and form answers. Drawing from her experience working with neurotypical students and those with attention deficit disorder and on the spectrum, Emily explains her rapport-first approach that establishes compatibility and identifies special needs including undiagnosed ones before administering diagnostic tests.She discusses her pattern-focused strategy analyzing where students make errors, whether at the beginning when not paying attention or toward the...
2026-03-1924 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 314 | Gerene Keesler | Admissions Untangled | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Gerene Keesler, founder of Admissions Untangled with over three decades in college admissions, reveals how her Hispanic background kept her learning differences hidden until a neuropsychological exam in her 30s that she dragged her parents to. Drawing from living with epilepsy and being on the autism spectrum, Gerene explains her knots philosophy for two types of stressed students: high achievers taking maximum AP and dual enrollment who risk burnout, and students especially boys who refuse accommodations out of shame despite everything being confidential.She discusses her eight-minute application reality where admissions officers spend limited...
2026-03-1934 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 313 | Dr. Tiffany Bannworth | Bannworth Academy | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dr. Tiffany Bannworth, founder of Bannworth Academy voted best private school in Florida three years running, reveals how sitting in a rigid eight-hour meeting where she was starving and running campuses from her cell phone convinced her traditional education was fundamentally broken. Drawing from her background in archaeology and paleontology, Dr. Tiffany explains her Bannworth Education Method ™ combining global teaching and Chrono teaching to break free from the Rockefeller industrial age model designed to produce button-pushers rather than genius.She discusses her Maslow-based philosophy that students cannot engage in upper-level thought when basic needs li...
2026-03-1949 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 312 | Harrison Kmiec | Harrison Kmiec Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Harrison Kmiec, founder of Harrison Kmiec Tutoring, reveals how his stressed college experience as a math and stats major inspired him to become an additional resource for STEM students who couldn't always access office hours. Drawing from his own neurodivergent background, Harrison explains how he views ADHD and neurodivergent mindsets as having creative strengths, not just flaws, and develops multiple solution methods outside sessions so students can find their own learning style and build confidence.He discusses his long-term goal setting approach that reassures students about gradual progress rather than fixing everything in one...
2026-03-1331 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 311 | Judith S Bass | Bass Educational Services, LLC | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Judith S Bass, founder of Bass Educational Services, LLC reveals how watching her brother diagnosed with minimal brain dysfunction in 1965 shaped her 25-year mission serving neurodivergent students. Drawing from personally visiting over 400 colleges nationwide, Judith explains her early-start philosophy of meeting students freshman year to teach life skills like taking medicine independently before discussing college in junior year.She discusses her three-tier support system from basic compliance to comprehensive programs, and shares how she evaluates whether staff genuinely enjoy this population because students sense when someone is just going through the motions. Judith reveals...
2026-03-1232 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 310 | Marc Hoberman | Grade Success Education | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Marc Hoberman, owner of Grade Success Education with over 33 years of experience teaching English, shares how his hidden teenage epilepsy diagnosis helped him develop a deeper understanding of students who struggle silently.Marc discusses how education has shifted toward teaching-to-the-test, increasing stress and test anxiety for students. He explains the importance of teaching study skills, early intervention, and open communication with teachers. Through real classroom experiences, including a student who improved dramatically on the ACT after receiving the right support, Marc highlights how identifying challenges early can transform academic success and student well-being.
2026-03-1151 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 309 | Lizz Wilson | Lizz Wilson Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Lizz Wilson, a private teacher and former engineer in the Bay Area, reveals how she applies century-old mastery learning principles to modern test prep through highly tailored one-on-one curricula. Drawing from her belief that reducing students to test scores is part of the educational system's core problem, Lizz explains her conversation-based diagnostic approach that prioritizes understanding what students have truly mastered over simply grading their performance.She discusses her perspective on learning styles as a neuromyth—arguing students must approach subjects from all modalities to achieve true mastery, not just their preferred style. Lizz sh...
2026-03-0657 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 308 | Judy Cinesi | College Path Consultants | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Judy Cinesi, founder of College Path Consultants with 20 years of high school counseling experience, reveals how she bridges the gap created by public school counselors managing 500-700 students each. Drawing from her work in both private college preparatory schools with 100 students and traditional public schools, Judy explains her best-fit philosophy—believing happiness on campus drives student success regardless of the institution's prestige.She discusses her anxiety-reduction approach that helps families understand not every student needs AP Calculus to succeed, and shares why pushing advanced coursework in middle school often backfires when children aren't ready. Ju...
2026-03-0550 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 307 | Viktoriya Furina | ExamIQ | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Viktoriya Furina, founder of Exam IQ with 25 years of experience, reveals how the high-stakes, one-shot nature of New York's SHSAT—the sole admission criterion for eight specialized high schools—shapes her rigorous approach. Drawing from teaching students from second grade through SAT, Viktoriya explains how she prepares 12 and 13-year-olds to perform under extreme pressure by having them take 20 to 30 practice exams until test-taking becomes routine.She discusses her skills-first philosophy that goes beyond test prep, teaching seventh through tenth grade material at no additional cost—even adding an extra hour to every SHSAT class this y...
2026-02-2635 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 306 | Ellie & Jacob Smedley | Confidence Academics | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Ellie Smedley, founder of Confidence Academics and former math curriculum writer for eight years, reveals how her confidence-first approach shapes her nine-session SAT prep program. Drawing from her curriculum development background, Ellie explains her "show what you know" philosophy that encourages students to display all their work and build from existing knowledge rather than focusing on pass-fail outcomes.She discusses her unique benchmark session where students rank SAT math domains by confidence level—not scores—opening conversations about their mathematical beliefs and anxieties. Ellie shares her curriculum creation insights about crafting wrong answer choices that...
2026-02-2636 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 305 | Dan Marlin | Galin Education | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dan, Test Prep Director at Galin Education, reveals how his company navigated the digital SAT transition while maintaining paper-pencil ACT prep in Wisconsin, where most testing centers haven't switched. Drawing from his journey starting as a graduate student recruited on LinkedIn who never left, Dan explains his diagnostic-first approach that helps families choose between ACT and SAT based on actual performance rather than regional myths about coastal versus Midwest preferences.He discusses his philosophy that having a test score is better than not—even in the test-optional era—because it provides flexibility for scholarships and...
2026-02-2645 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 304 | Arthur Smith | Arthur Smith Advising | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Arthur Smith, founder of Arthur Smith Advising with nearly 30 years in higher education, reveals how his dual experience as a Cornell admissions dean and 23-year track coach shaped his mentorship philosophy. Drawing from chairing admissions committees at an Ivy League institution, Arthur explains how he looks for "spark" in applications—that genuine curiosity and vulnerability that separates piled-up achievements from authentic student identity.He discusses the two critical gaps he saw in college counseling: the shortage of counselors for millions of students, and widespread misconceptions creating unnecessary stress about the opaque admissions process. Arthur sh...
2026-02-2048 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 303 | Charles (CJ) Palma Jr | CJ101 Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, CJ Palma, founder of CJ 101 Tutoring, reveals how his unique combination of degrees in Marine Science, Computer Science, and Psychology—plus his experience as a first-generation American—shaped his empathy-driven approach to test prep. Drawing from personal experience taking the SAT without preparation (thinking it was an IQ test), CJ explains his mission to democratize information about standardized testing for families without privileged access.He discusses his human-first philosophy where AI handles test bank generation while tutors focus on what technology can't replicate—gathering information about students faster than their underdeveloped frontal lobes can articu...
2026-02-1259 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 302 | Nicholas Sennott | The College Lad | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Nicholas Sennott, founder of The College Lad, reveals how the pandemic forced his pivot from pure SAT/ACT prep into college essays and AP tutoring, ultimately strengthening his business. Drawing from his journalist parents' influence, Nicholas explains his signature "three reasons answers are wrong" technique that helps students move beyond gist-based reading to the close reading these tests demand.He discusses his unconventional philosophy of having students take the actual SAT or ACT early—after just one month of prep—to eliminate test-day anxiety and leverage superscoring policies, rather than waiting six months to take...
2026-02-0558 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 301 | Lauren Price | Academic Independence | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Lauren Price, founder of Academic Independence, reveals how her background in educational psychology and brain science shapes her unique approach to test prep. Working with around 500 students annually, Lauren explains her philosophy of empowering students to become academically independent rather than tutor-dependent, rooting her methods in self-regulated learning and executive function development.She discusses her diagnostic self-report surveys that assess students' self-regulation, motivation, and mindset before beginning work, and shares why she trains tutors to ensure students talk more than the tutor during sessions. Lauren explains her strategic timing recommendations based on math exposure...
2026-01-3130 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 300 | Wes Carroll | Wes Carroll Tutoring & Coaching | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Wes Carroll, founder of a 30-year-old tutoring practice with a team of 20, reveals his mission to help high-potential students achieve their potential faster. Drawing from decades of experience, Wes explains how he identifies high potential not just through academic ease, but through grit, self-awareness, and goal clarity—traits that often don't reveal themselves as superpowers until college.He discusses his toolkit-based coaching approach that prioritizes teaching humans over subjects, and shares why math competitions like AMC 12 are underrated pathways that develop thinking capacity colleges truly value. Wes challenges the notion that standardized test scores al...
2026-01-3059 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 299 | Susan Richman | AP Homeschoolers, Inc | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Susan Richman, co-founder and director of AP Homeschoolers, shares how she pioneered one of the earliest online AP programs for homeschool students—long before online learning was mainstream. Drawing from decades of homeschooling her own four children, Susan explains how structured pacing, teacher-led courses, and academic community help homeschoolers succeed on AP exams. She also discusses her philosophy of growth-minded learning, the importance of student interaction, and why AP courses should build confidence, discipline, and intellectual curiosity—not just test scores.
2026-01-2958 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 298 | Annie Tadros | My College Prep Online | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Annie Tadros, founder and director of MyCollegePrepOnline, shares her candid perspective on the digital SAT and Enhanced ACT, explaining why she remains concerned about transparency despite consistent score accuracy. Drawing on more than two decades in test prep, Annie breaks down how released exams, real practice conditions, and careful diagnostics reveal what students truly know—and why SAT and ACT ultimately measure the same academic skills.She details her fully individualized, one-on-one approach, starting with baseline scores and tailoring materials to each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Annie also explains how controlled, proctored prac...
2026-01-2838 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 297 | Abhimanyu Sharma | Pantheon Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Abhimanyu Sharma, founder of Pantheon Prep serving 200 students annually who started the company in 12th grade after submitting college apps, reveals his skeptical view of digital SAT's adaptive format—questioning why easier sections exist when "if they don't do well, they don't do well" and noting only two difficulty levels mean serious test-takers above 1100 never see the easier version anyway.He discusses his "no BS" philosophy of challenging students through "the gauntlet" with pressure and rigor, sharing a dramatic success story of taking one student from 1300 to 1570 in two months with two hours daily of...
2026-01-2831 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 296 | Harley Kinberg | HARLEY KINBERG TUTORING | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Harley Kinberg, New York City-based tutor working with 20-30 students annually over 15+ years, reveals her initial nervousness about SAT going digital—worrying "how am I going to recreate that realism?"—and explains why she analyzes not just wrong answers but correct ones taking over two minutes, since "we need a new strategy for that question" to address timing issues.She discusses her philosophy that standardized tests aren't intelligence problems but "performance problems" that are trainable, and shares her approach of offering free 30-minute meet-and-greets where she asks zero academic questions, just builds connection—comparing findin...
2026-01-2849 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 295 | Rhea Wanchoo | M&W Education | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Rhea Wanchoo, co-founder of M&W Education and UC Berkeley neuroscience student serving 20-30 test prep students annually, reveals her psychology-backed approach including the "serial position effect"—teaching students to read first and last sentences of passages to leverage how we remember beginnings and endings better than middles—and "sentence diagramming" exercises where students identify parts of speech despite many not even knowing what prepositions are.She discusses her "sunflower method" for essay brainstorming where prompts are the center and ideas branch out as petals students can "pluck off," and explains yield protection—why she wa...
2026-01-2851 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 294 | Dov Engelberg | MULHOLLAND PREP | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dov Engelberg, founder of Mulholland Prep with over 25 years of experience serving 300-400 students annually in Los Angeles, reveals why he jokingly felt "entirely betrayed" when SAT went digital but questions the "enhanced ACT" marketing—asking "when's the last time something was enhanced by getting smaller?"—while explaining he doesn't use old paper tests for digital SAT prep unlike some tutors.He discusses his philosophy of never advertising for students or tutors, growing organically through word-of-mouth by "being the best tutoring service you can be," and refusing to hire separate math and reading tutors beca...
2026-01-1659 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 293 | Daniel Benton | Benton Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Daniel Benton, Johns Hopkins student and founder of Benton Tutoring who achieved a perfect 1600 SAT score, reveals how he took one test weekly for two months then doubled to twice weekly before his exam—calling much of it "overkill" but necessary for the consistency stamina requires at that level, even running out of College Board's practice tests and resorting to "black market" questions.He discusses why he got nationally certified by the National Tutoring Association at age 15 for confidence and learning how to teach diverse learners, and shares his diagnostic philosophy: wrong answers aren't Bo...
2026-01-1646 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 292 | Dante Dyches-Chandler | Reach Test Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dante Dyches-Chandler, CEO and founder of Reach Test Prep, reveals how taking the ACT six times in high school—more than anyone he's met—drove him to build a gamified mobile app that measures test-taking endurance invisibly through games like "time trials" and "break the bank," adjusting difficulty in real-time without traditional diagnostic tests.He discusses why AI-generated questions aren't up to par despite building an AI-powered platform, explaining they use human writers while AI analyzes student behavior patterns. Dante shares surprising data learnings: engagement time predicts success better than right/wrong answers, and remo...
2026-01-1337 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 291 | Michael Scheller | Astute Academics | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Michael from Astute Academics, tutoring 100+ students annually including nonprofit outreach, reveals his brutally honest approach to college admissions—telling parents upfront he can't guarantee Ivy League admission and advising one family to choose St. Joe's over George Washington to save money and ensure their son thrived in the top 25% rather than struggling at bottom third.He discusses why he refuses to use AI for tutoring despite personal use, explaining how it decreases critical thinking and gives false confidence to lower-performing students. Michael shares his homework negotiation framework in the post-smartphone era, where seven-hour screen ti...
2026-01-1359 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 290 | Austin Parsons | iCatalyze Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Austin Parsons, a professional tutor with a master's degree in chemistry who "fell into tutoring and fell in love with it," shares his philosophy that the worst kind of stress comes from regret—so he front-loads preparation to help students achieve success early rather than face "I only have one more shot" panic. Tutoring 25-30 students weekly, Austin explains why he limits homework to just one hour per week during school year, believing "the best homework plan is the one that a student will actually do," and uses MentorMind to create bite-sized 30-minute test sections instead of...
2026-01-0944 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 289 | Doug Poggioli | Learn Locus | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Doug Poggioli, a master's degree mathematician who taught at prestigious schools in Miami and London for decades before launching Learn Locus in 2019, shares his controversial perspective on the digital SAT's short passages—believing they sacrifice the ability to assess character intent and deeper comprehension skills that longer passages reveal. Operating exclusively online since 2019, Doug explains his fundamental principle: tutoring is different from teaching because students arriving at 6:30 PM need their homework done, not 30-minute abstract theory discussions.He reveals his "six things about rational functions" approach—getting students competent in techniques first while understanding seep...
2026-01-091h 00
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 288 | John Heidenreich | Science and Chemistry Tutor | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, John Heidenreich, a PhD chemist with 35 years in IT who returned to his passion for teaching, shares how a high school physics teacher transformed his life by explaining that "someone would pay me money to solve problems all day." Now teaching physics and chemistry at the French American School of New York while running his own tutoring business, John reveals his diagnostic approach to test-taking: analyzing why students miss questions and discovering most errors come from going too fast, not lack of knowledge.He shares the powerful story of a volleyball player who used...
2026-01-0936 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 287 | Jeff Negus | Tutoring In An Instant | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Jeff Negus, a private tutor with over 11 years of experience, shares how he initially felt skeptical about the SAT's digital shift but grew positive after seeing reduced student anxiety from shorter passages and the elimination of the no-calculator section. Tutoring 9-11 standardized test students annually plus over 50 Air Force officer candidates, Jeff reveals his "in an instant method"—analyzing the most common question types students miss and providing targeted worksheets for incremental improvement on each exam.He discusses the challenge of students rushing homework right before sessions, explains why coastal areas favor SAT while ce...
2026-01-0927 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 286 | Andre Hampshire | Hampshire Academia | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Andre Hampshire, founder of Hampshire Academia with seven years of experience, reveals why he uses the older paper-based SAT to prepare students for the digital test—a contrarian approach that addresses implicit evidence-based reasoning skills. Managing up to 20 tutoring hours weekly, André explains his ground-up grammar methodology that treats structure as the foundation for both reading and math.He discusses his philosophical approach to college counseling, helping students articulate authentic "why this school" answers beyond brand-name prestige, and shares why he views AI as a conversation partner rather than a shortcut. Andre also explains his...
2026-01-0958 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 285 | Kevin McMullin | Collegewise | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Kevin McMullin, Chief Education Officer of Collegewise and founder who grew the company from 9 students in 1999 to serving over 30,000 families, shares insights from 26 years in college admissions. Starting at Princeton Review's corporate headquarters as their spokesperson, Kevin explains how he transitioned to driving to students' kitchen tables before scaling to the largest admissions consulting firm in the industry with 150+ counselors processing roughly 2,000 applications per available position—statistically harder to get hired than getting into Harvard.Kevin breaks down the brutal mathematics of highly selective admissions, explaining why Princeton could fill two and a half fr...
2025-12-111h 25
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 284 | Heather Krey | World Class Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Heather Krey, co-president of World Class Tutoring, shares insights from nearly two decades of standardized test prep experience. Managing 50 students annually alongside three other tutors in her virtual company, Heather explains how the pandemic forced her transition from a brick-and-mortar office to Zoom-based tutoring, and reveals her initial excitement followed by reality check when the SAT went digital—making her "hustle to be the expert" in her town on the new format.Heather addresses the growing gap between straight-A students and their SAT scores, citing a UC San Diego study showing how GPAs now re...
2025-12-1140 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 283 | Dennis Vidach | The College Admissions Experts | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Dennis Vidach, CEO of The College Admissions Experts, shares insights from 12 years of guiding students through the college admissions process. Working with top-tier applicants targeting Ivy League and elite schools, Dennis explains why he sometimes has to scrap well-written essays and start from scratch—many students write about their childhood or treat it like a high school english assignment instead of understanding what admissions officers actually need to see. He reveals his framework for differentiation through the story of a videography student who created compelling homeless interview documentaries instead of traditional volunteering, generating significant donations and de...
2025-12-1139 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 282 | Brooke Henry | Henry College Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Brooke Henry, a 20-year-old college student and founder of Henry College Prep, shares her journey from taking the SAT in seventh grade through Duke Talent Search to building a thriving test prep business at 18. She explains why the digital SAT represents a radical shift that most prep resources haven't caught up with—particularly how Desmos has transformed math strategy from teaching 15-20 concepts down to just 5-8 patterns.Brooke reveals why she believes the SAT is the better choice for 95% of students doing any kind of prep, and how her students achieve an average 16-p...
2025-12-1150 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 281 | Jeremy Ciampa | Higher Learning Test Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Jeremy Ciampa, founder of Higher Learning Test Prep with nearly two decades of experience, shares how starting as a digitally-native company with Skype tutoring made the digital SAT transition seamless for his organization. Working with 60-100 students one-on-one and another 200+ in small groups annually, Jeremy explains how the digital shift gave test makers back control of their materials, making it harder for students to find leaked tests on Reddit. He reveals his approach to the SAT versus ACT decision: strong reading comprehension is the biggest ceiling for SAT success, while the ACT rewards efficiency and speed...
2025-12-1155 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 280 | Ben Paris | Ben Paris Test Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Ben Paris, former Kaplan Curriculum Director with over 30 years of experience and millions of assessment questions under his belt, reveals how today's students have fundamentally changed—from lacking basic study skills to lying about practice test scores post-pandemic. He shares why he now spends time teaching students how to actually study (assembling notes, setting priorities) versus just completing assignments, and discusses the alarming trend of students trusting TikTok and ChatGPT over experienced tutors.Ben exposes red flags parents should watch for when hiring tutors—including demands for $5,000 upfront payments and seven-page contracts—and explains his ph...
2025-11-1253 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 279 | Jessica Liou | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Jessica Liou reveals why the "simpler" digital SAT micro-passages actually demand sharper precision than long passages—and shares her unexpected approach of teaching strategy before timing. Working with 10-12 students annually, many with learning accommodations, she explains which Bluebook tools can hinder performance and discusses challenging college prestige obsession.She uncovers scholarship strategies most families miss—including why filing FAFSA/CSS forms matters even when you think you won't qualify—and reveals how merit aid can make elite private schools cheaper than public ones. Jessica shares what "right education" means beyond test scores: students feelin...
2025-11-1247 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 278 | Jeff Eisenberg | Long Island Test Prep | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Jeff Eisenberg, founder of Long Island Test Prep with over 30 years of experience, reveals how the digital transformation forced him to embrace technology despite initially working in a paper-and-pencil world. Managing 110-120 students annually, Jeff explains why most students arrive with pro-SAT bias but need ACT evaluation, and shares his balanced approach to calculator dependency—including the moment he physically grabbed a student's calculator to prevent her from using it for "three squared." He discusses his systematic analysis of both correct and incorrect answers to find time-saving efficiencies, and explains why New York State's Re...
2025-10-2137 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 277 | Henry Nguyen | A STEM Tutoring | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Henry Nguyen, former engineer turned founder of A STEM Tutoring, reveals how he transformed his approach to education by creating "safety valves" for overwhelmed students—including letting them hit his taekwondo pad when anger strikes. Drawing from his engineering background and self-defense expertise, Henry explains why he tells students they can quit anytime they want, creating psychological freedom that paradoxically increases commitment. He discusses the digital SAT's adaptive testing challenge where getting early questions wrong dooms your score, and shares his unconventional philosophy of tackling the hardest problems first using martial arts principles of ne...
2025-10-2121 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 276 | Daniel Ryave | SAT Prep Tutor | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Daniel Ryave, SAT/ACT prep tutor and social media content creator with 262,000 followers, reveals how he transformed from Peace Corps teacher to viral TikTok educator launching satpreptutordaniel.com. Drawing from tutoring 32 students in 2025 alone, Daniel explains why the digital SAT's biggest challenge isn't the content but helping students bounce back after missing questions in the new rapid-fire format. He discusses his unconventional homework assignments—like taking practice tests with ticking clock YouTube videos playing to simulate test anxiety—and shares why he gives students a dollar every time he makes a mistake during sessions, crea...
2025-10-2158 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 275 | Megan Padden | O.W.L. Educational Services | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Megan Padden, owner and founder of O.W.L. Educational Services, reveals how the digital SAT transformation has created unexpected ripple effects across all standardized testing, including the new Enhanced ACT. Drawing from nearly 20 years in test prep, Megan explains how COVID-era educational gaps are still visible today—she can instantly identify which grade level a student experienced their "COVID year" based on specific skill deficits. She discusses her diagnostic-first approach using full practice tests to target individual weaknesses, and shares why she believes in using multiple resources rather than "reinventing the wheel," explaining ho...
2025-10-2150 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 274 | Steve Schecter | MuchSmarter | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Steve Schecter, founder of MuchSmarter, reveals how his accidental entry into tutoring evolved into a revolutionary learning methodology that positions his company as more neuroscience than test prep. Drawing from classical piano instruction, Steve explains how most 16-17 year olds become "experts on what they can't do" and shares his three-part framework fusing growth mindset, grit, and deliberate practice into unified "habits of thinking, feeling, and learning." He discusses transforming his boutique practice into Much Smarter games platform and why he treats standardized tests as "safe challenges" that unlock human potential, citing how one "...
2025-10-2138 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 273 | Linford Ranck | The EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Linford, a history and philosophy scholar turned SSAT specialist, reveals why the "old-fashioned" SSAT remains one of the most demanding standardized tests for seventh and eighth graders—testing content that many ninth graders haven't even studied yet. He shares his serendipitous journey from teaching in Jerusalem to discovering that middle school test prep students are often more hardworking and advanced than their high school counterparts, and explains the stark differences between families seeking SSAT preparation versus SAT tutoring.Linford discusses the surprising reality of COVID's lasting impact on English education, revealing that many current hi...
2025-10-0941 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 272 | Ann Pham | Next Page Education | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Ann Pham, an education veteran and a volunteer tutor for trauma survivors and low-income families, reveals her unconventional approach that achieved a 200-point SAT increase in just three weeks with her first private client. Drawing from her extensive background in brain teasers and critical thinking puzzles, she explains how she transforms traditional test prep through games, escape rooms, and physical activities that engage students' natural learning patterns.Ann discusses her three-category diagnostic system for identifying whether students struggle with foundational knowledge, reasoning gaps, or executive functioning issues, and shares why she encourages solving math...
2025-09-2433 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 271 | Gus Elmashni | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Gus Elmashni, high school math teacher and test prep veteran, reveals the internal conflict every educator faces when switching between teaching beautiful mathematical reasoning and efficient test-taking shortcuts. Drawing from his data science background, he explains his diagnostic-driven approach that identifies exactly where students waste time per question—data that typical practice tests don't provide.Gus discusses why leveraging technology like Desmos separates high scorers from those stuck in traditional problem-solving methods, and addresses the punctuation challenges he observes among students, which he connects to texting culture's influence on formal writing skills. He shares in...
2025-09-2434 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 270 | Sajad Ahmed Qureshi | DecaScholars | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Sajad Ahmed Qureshi, international STEM educator and founder of DecaScholars, reveals his four-pillar system that consistently helps students achieve 4s and 5s on AP exams. Drawing from over 10,000 hours of teaching across 10+ countries, he explains why content knowledge alone isn't enough and how mental state preparation separates successful students from those who plateau.Sajad breaks down his approach to "alive" homework that adapts to each student's needs, shares his game-based learning strategies using platforms like Kahoot that reset attention spans every 10-12 seconds, and explains why he researches gaming and pop culture to connect...
2025-09-2445 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 269 | Lindsey Wander | WorldWise Tutoring | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Lindsey Wander, founder of WorldWise Tutoring, shares her homework approach of assigning 1-3 hours of independent practice per tutoring hour while achieving high completion rates. She reveals her unique strategy of providing students with answer keys, transforming homework into self-advocacy training where students learn to identify exactly where they struggle and articulate their specific learning needs.Lindsey explains her diagnostic process that separates genuine skill gaps from test anxiety through untimed retesting, and shares why she believes current AI question generation falls short of expert-created content. She discusses her "green light" system for determining...
2025-09-2446 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 268 | Anna Moss | Mind The Test | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Anna Moss, founder of Mind the Test, reveals why she starts with diagnostic tests to create genuine student motivation rather than jumping into curriculum. Drawing from her linguistics research on test bias, she challenges the minimal homework trend by assigning up to three hours weekly while maintaining high completion rates through personalized resources.Anna explains her method for distinguishing real skill gaps from testing mistakes, discusses how Desmos has eliminated her use of the quadratic formula, and addresses why most "careless errors" actually signal content overwhelm. She also shares her AI experiments for generating...
2025-09-2448 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 267 | Mike Bergin | Chariot Learning | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Mike Bergin, 30-year test prep veteran and founder of Chariot Learning, challenges conventional wisdom by skipping diagnostic tests to build student rapport first. Drawing from his work training ACT teachers nationwide, he reveals why minimal homework often works better than endless practice problems for overloaded students.Mike breaks down his method for separating genuine skill gaps from test anxiety through strategic practice test reviews, explains why the enhanced ACT's optional science section creates a new dilemma for students, and addresses the real culprits behind score plateaus: grammar deficits and weak reading comprehension in digitally-native...
2025-09-241h 01The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 266 | Michael Ermann | Part - 2 | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Michael Ermann, architect and professor at Virginia Tech, explains how he brings design thinking into SAT prep through Olive Book, his animated, asynchronous course. Drawing on his background in teaching architecture, he shares why visuals, stories, and recall-based learning make concepts stick far better than rote memorization.Michael highlights how Olive Book serves students in the 1100–1300 score range especially well, offering engaging practice tests, spiral learning, and free access for families with financial need. He also reflects on misconceptions about learning styles, the importance of narrative in memory, and why meeting students where they ar...
2025-09-1546 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 265 | Randee Schneeberg | Jettprep | Part - 2 | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Randee, founder and CEO of Jettprep, reflects on her nearly three decades of experience tutoring SAT and ACT students. She shares candid thoughts on the shift to digital testing, expressing concern that the lack of paper-and-pencil options reduces attention to detail and introduces new challenges for students. Randee emphasizes that while technology is unavoidable, true mastery still comes from deep focus, tactile learning, and disciplined practice.She contrasts how parents trusted tutors in the early 2000s versus today, where students often drive decisions and expectations can be misaligned with academic realities. At Jettprep, Randee’s...
2025-09-1552 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 264 | Gina Onativia | Part - 2 | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Gina Onativia draws from her experiences with Tony Robbins, IBM, and her own Course Creation Boutique to share practical lessons for building impactful online courses. She explains how the key to success lies in tailoring content to specific audiences, pre-selling before a full build, and niching down to serve a passionate corner of the market. Gina also talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing that expertise and results are the strongest proof a creator needs.She highlights how community-driven design and live feedback sessions transform courses from static information into dynamic learning experiences. With AI...
2025-09-1542 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 263 | Andrew Kletzien | The Krupnick Approach | Part - 2 | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Andrew Kletzien shares updates from his tutoring academy, including the rollout of a digital ACT platform and hitting new milestones with student enrollments. He explains how families and students navigate the choice between SAT and ACT, emphasizing broad-level strategy first (like timing, math strength, and science considerations) before diving into granular skills with tutors. Andrew also highlights the importance of balancing tutoring with realistic amounts of homework, using mock tests and domain-level practice flexibly based on students’ schedules.He reflects on industry shifts, from the role of Desmos and calculators to the inconsistencies in AC...
2025-09-151h 04The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 262 | Samer Seraj | Part - 2 | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Samer shares his deep approach to tutoring, explaining how he breaks down every concept into granular levels to ensure students master each type of problem. He discusses how parents can balance budgets with quality by finding experienced tutors and even getting creative, such as pairing siblings for shared sessions. Samer also emphasizes that transformation in learning happens best in small, focused groups where students receive personalized attention.
2025-08-2930 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 261 | Elizabeth Breau | Prep for Success | Part - 3 | EdisonOS PodcastIn this episode, Elizabeth Breau, a writer, private tutor, and former classroom teacher with a doctorate in English literature, shares her journey from teaching in schools to building a thriving SAT and ACT tutoring practice. She discusses the challenges of the digital SAT, the importance of quality practice materials, and her approach to customizing study plans for each student. Elizabeth also shares tips on managing test anxiety, building confidence, and the role of repetition in creating consistent high scorers.
2025-08-2943 minThe EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 260 | Michael Wagner | Wagner Prep | EdisonOS PodcastMike Wagner shares his unconventional journey from burned-out high school history teacher to dual-market education entrepreneur! He reveals how quitting his job, selling his car, and moving to Argentina with just his German Shepherd led to meeting his wife and discovering his true calling. Wagner now runs both Wagner Prep for private clients and Epic Mentoring for NYC public schools, explaining how COVID's chaos actually became his business breakthrough by normalizing virtual tutoring overnight and expanding his reach globally. Plus insights on why schools prioritize cost over results, his "humans over algorithms" philosophy that uses tools like Notability and...
2025-08-291h 03
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 103 | Julia Buonagurio | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowJulia Buonagurio is an experienced educator with a strong background in primary/secondary education and SAT/ACT preparation. She brings expertise in science education and curriculum development to her teaching roles. Julia also serves as the director of all student experiential programming at the high school level, overseeing various activities such as holiday programming, yearbook, clubs, volunteer trips, and weekend retreats throughout the school year.
With a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science (M.S.) focused on Nutrition Education from American University, Julia is a...
2023-11-0244 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 102 | Michael Ermann | Praxis Pandas | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowMichael Ermann, AIA is a licensed architect and tenured full professor in Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture + Design, where he’s taught design studio, environmental building systems, materials & methods of construction, and architectural acoustics since 2001. He has also created “The Olive Book” which is a course on SAT and ACT for visual learners.
2023-10-311h 03
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 101 | Rajat Dixit | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowWith over a decade of experience, Rajat Dixit is a dedicated educator on a mission to cultivate a motivating, engaging, and inspiring learning environment. His commitment to teaching has impacted more than 1500 students, and he continues to bring his knowledge and passion for education to the classroom. Rajat has also cofounded The College Cruise whose focus is on providing students with top-tier resources and unwavering support to ensure their academic success, offering a wide range of courses and materials tailored to help students achieve their educational objectives.
2023-10-3152 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 99 | Shirley Erwee | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowShirley Erwee is a mother of 6, who has been home educating her own children plus two others for over 20 years, since 1997. She is also a curriculum provider, author of homeschooling books, home education activist and advisor and now provides an online course for the GED® in South Africa
2023-10-271h 14
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 98 | Nadir Shah | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowNadir Shah offers consulting services to high school and college-bound students, specializing in various crucial aspects of education planning. His expertise encompasses high school course planning, ACT/SAT score improvement, high school ranking, university selection tailored to individual fields of interest, guidance in major and minor choices, identification of internship and co-op opportunities, strategies for economizing college expenses, and effective student debt reduction.
2023-10-2645 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 97 | Kathleen Kasper | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowKathleen Kasper specializes in advanced mathematics education, offering expertise in all honors and AP levels in high school. Additionally, she is known for her ability to create personalized SAT and ACT preparation plans that cater to the unique needs of her students.
2023-10-2551 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 96 | Janice P Walker | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowJanice Walker is a highly experienced and dedicated Independent Educational Consultant, holding the title of Certified College Advisor, with over nine years of expertise in assisting 8th-12th graders from diverse, underrepresented, and underserved communities in their journey to attend 2-year and 4-year colleges, military academies, or launch successful careers. With a decade of experience in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, spanning academia and the private sector, Janice provides invaluable guidance on college and career preparation. Her services encompass high school course selections, test preparation skills, and financial planning.
Janice boasts a remarkable track record, with a 100% success...
2023-10-241h 01
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 95 | Manish Upadhyay | LIQVID | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowHe is a Co-founder of LIQVID (funded by SBI Ven cap (Softbank) & Gray Matters Capital) and has been educated at IIT Delhi. He has over 27 years of experience in the EdTech / e-Learning industry.
He is currently consulting/Advising in two broad areas of – EdTech & Entrepreneurship and, apart from his organization LIQVID, is Partner-Investor in two upcoming organizations.
2023-10-231h 00
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 94 | Amit Rohra | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowAmit Rohra, with a decade of experience in Corporate HR across diverse sectors, possesses expertise in HR strategy, automation, change management, organizational transformation, and talent acquisition. He excels in workforce management, team leadership and development, HR analytics aligned with business objectives, and stakeholder management.
In addition to his corporate experience, Amit has dedicated his post-MBA career to coaching and mentoring students preparing for various management entrance exams. His passion for teaching and facilitating extends to renowned B-Schools, where he has designed and delivered comprehensive HRM modules to students in both general management and HR specialization.
...
2023-10-2258 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 93 | Ezekiel Tabet | Tabet Tutoring | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowEzekiel Tabet, founder of Tabet Tutoring, is a licensed teacher with a Master's in Teaching Arts and a decade of experience. He collaborates with students and parents to create tailored study plans, consistently achieving remarkable test score improvements of at least 20%.
2023-10-211h 02
2023-10-201h 03
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 91 | Joanna Newton | Millennial Marketer | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowJoanna Newton is a leader in eLearning marketing and sales. She has spent over 10 years building unique organic strategies for education-focused brands and content creators alike. She specializes in utilizing innovative and fresh marketing strategies, often used by influencers, to not just acquire customers, but to create fans.
2023-10-191h 05
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 90 | Paul Pscolka | Ivy Masters Learning Center | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowPaul Pscolka is a dedicated educator who firmly believes that many students have untapped potential. He is committed to providing the skills and guidance required for students to excel in one of the most challenging standardized tests in the country—the SAT. With a focus on critical reading, math, and writing, Paul works closely with students to enhance their mastery of vocabulary, strategic thinking, and subject content. His ultimate goal is to set each student on a path to success in their chosen university and future endeavors.
2023-10-181h 23
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 89 | Tara White | Advantages DLS | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowTara White, part of the ADVANTAGES DLS team, is dedicated to their mission of supporting learners in achieving high-quality education by providing essential tools and resources for personalized learning, both locally and internationally. Her role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including revenue growth, business expansion, profitability enhancement through strategic partnerships, client acquisition, and market opportunity research. Tara is committed to advancing educational institutions through an integrated education management platform.
2023-10-171h 24
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 88 | Loni Lebanoff | CogniTutor | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowLoni Lebanoff, with over a decade of experience in education, founded CogniTutor as a testament to her passion for helping students of all ages and diverse subjects. From ACT/SAT preparation to time management, biology, psychology, history, math, and more, Loni's approach focuses on empowering students to become independent, successful learners.
She excels in time management and class organization, providing a balanced blend of encouragement and challenge to prevent student discouragement. Loni's teaching method involves in-depth exploration of the material, encouraging students to understand the "why" rather than mere memorization.
At CogniTutor, Loni has instilled...
2023-10-1646 min
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 87 | Gus Elmashni | Ivy Advantage | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowGus Elmashni founder of Ivy Advantage.
2023-10-151h 21
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 86 | Lindsey Wander | WorldWise Tutoring | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowLindsey Wander, an educator and the owner of WorldWise Tutoring and Educate. Radiate. Elevate., is on a mission to equip all students with the essential tools for success in academics and life. Her unwavering belief that every student can learn drives her to employ diverse teaching techniques that cater to individual abilities and subjects. Lindsey's ultimate aim is to empower her students, nurturing them to become confident, independent lifelong learners, and competent, conscious leaders.
2023-10-141h 22The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 85 | Sean Lynch | The Knowledge Co-Operative | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowSean Lynch founder of The Knowledge Co-Operative
2023-10-131h 07
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 84 | Diane Lewis | Firefly Tutors | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowDiane Cutler Lewis is an educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. Her journey began with tutoring a friend's daughter, which quickly evolved into a passion and life purpose. In 2003, she founded A+ In Home Tutors, a prominent tutoring organization serving diverse students and partnering with numerous Charter Schools and community organizations in California.
In 2021, Diane expanded her impact by launching Firefly Tutors through A+ In Home Tutors, aiming to extend high-quality tutoring services across all 50 United States. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Northridge, with...
2023-10-121h 30
The EdisonOS PodcastEpisode 83 | Tina Wiles | My2tor | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs ShowTina Wiles is a specialist in assisting adult learners in overcoming standardized test challenges. Her unique approach builds confidence, teaches effective strategies, and addresses mindset issues crucial for success.
Notably, Tina improved a struggling post-secondary school's certification exam passing rates from 8% to an impressive 79% within one year. With a background in engineering and teaching, she's helped over 5,000 individuals achieve remarkable results, with 99.99% experiencing score improvements.
Tina's holistic approach tackles root causes of test anxiety, providing tools to conquer fears and perform at peak levels. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing each student's potential sets her apart.
2023-10-111h 17