Best Duke Engineering Podcasts (2025)

1
Owen Benjamin and Vincent James on Cancel Culture, “The Mafia”, and Life in Idaho - Fight Back Ep. 70 1:06:33

1d ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Outside of the studio episode! Jake Shields and Owen Benjamin stopped by Vincent James and David J. Reilly’s studio in Idaho, where they discussed cancel culture, Owen’s life on a farm, the state of comedy today and how it compares to MMA culture, Joe Rogan, who “the Mafia” really was, and of course - Owen’s theory that panda bears are fake. Be sur…

1
YCBK 531: What is your advice for a student who is content getting B’s 1:29:44

3d ago1:29:44

1:29:44

In this episode you will hear: (02:30) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. Part 3 of 3 (16:55) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan answer a question from a listener who wants advice for student who is content getting B’s (50:00) Interview: Mark Stucker and Nate Haveman…

1
113. Do Competitions Really Help You Get Into Top Colleges? Here’s the Real Answer 27:49

6d ago27:49

27:49

Are academic competitions worth the time and effort? We’re covering everything from the top competitions that impress admissions officers, to how to find a healthy balance between specializing and exploring different interests. We’ll also touch on the not-so-talked-about side of competitions—what happens when your student doesn’t win and how they c…

1
YCBK 530: Ways in Which Colleges Make Their Acceptance Rates Look Lower Than They Really Are 47:57

7d ago47:57

47:57

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares many ways colleges make their admit rates look lower than they are. He shows families a few ways to know if a college is doing this. . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged Teen Preview of Part 4 ² Rebecca gives us three different insights when it comes to how to ap…

1
Hans Kim Talks About Joe Rogan, His Comedy, and Life in New York - Fight Back Ep. 69 1:10:49

5d ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Comedian Hans Kim came on the podcast to discuss opening for Joe Rogan and his influence on comedy, life during the pandemic, his appearances on Kill Tony, the tough life of Native Americans, jiu-jitsu, life in New York, and much more. You can find Hans online at https://hanskimcomedian.com/ Support the podcast by purchasing merch at http://fightba…

1
The Truth About the Murder of Mary Phagan - Fight Back Ep. 68 1:03:49

7d ago1:03:49

1:03:49

On April 26th, 1913, 14 year old Mary Phagan was murdered in Atlanta, Georgia, and her body was found in a factory basement the following day. The resulting arrest and conviction of Leo Frank led to the creation of the ADL - who still claim to this day his innocence. In today's episode, Jake interviews the great-niece of Mary Phagan, Mary Phagan Ke…

1
111. Expert Admissions Tips for Juniors from UC Berkeley & UChicago Experts 48:24

9d ago48:24

48:24

Juniors, ready to ace your college applications? Get exclusive insights from Former Admissions Officers at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago in this must-listen episode! We’re diving into expert strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and balance academics with extracurriculars—plus, we’re answering real questions from stud…

1
YCBK 529: An interview with Jim Bock, Dean and VP at Swarthmore College-3 of 3 1:38:20

11d ago1:38:20

1:38:20

In this episode you will hear: (01:55) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. Part 2 of 3 (18:27) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answer a question from a listener about how her student can demonstrate interest effectively (39:37) Interview: Mark Stucker and David B…

1
YCBK 528: A Way For A Parent To Help With College That No One Is Talking About 56:09

14d ago56:09

56:09

Mark shares a new survey he will be doing with YCBK listeners; he shares two recommended resources for studendts Mark then shares a project a parents can do to really help their student out a lot with the college process that he isn’t hearing anyone else talking about . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of the Disengaged …

1
Oklahoma City Bombing Anniversary Episode - What Really Happened? - Fight Back Ep. 67 1:41:36

12d ago1:41:36

1:41:36

Jose Galison and Austin Picard of the No Way, Jose! Podcast came by the Vegas studio to discuss the Oklahoma City Bombing and the strange situations surrounding it. They touch on possible government involvement, Terry Nichols, connections to other incidents, McVeigh’s military background, media manipulation surrounding the attack, other conspiracy …

1
Garry Tonon on MMA, Training, and Life - Fight Back Ep. 66 1:10:16

15d ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Garry Tonon came on the podcast to talk about MMA training, his competitive achievements, the ups and downs of fighting, the impact of COVID-19 on the fighting world, life in Puerto Rico, his move to Austin, and much more. #jakeshields #grappling #mmapodcast Support the podcast by purchasing merch at http://fightbackpodcast.com and save 10% by usin…

1
YCBK 527: What You Need To Know About Majoring in Engineering 1:50:22

18d ago1:50:22

1:50:22

In this episode you will hear: (02:12) In The News Vince Garcia and Mark Stucker discuss observations from admission decisions from this year’s class. (23:34) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan answer a question from an anonymous listener who has a number of questions about selecting an engineering program (56:18) Interview: Mark Stucker and …

1
112. College fit matters more than ranking—here’s why 28:44

20d ago28:44

28:44

When it comes to choosing a college, rankings can feel like the end-all-be-all. We get it—seeing a school in the “Top 10” list is reassuring. But are those numbers telling the full story? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on college rankings. With insights from Former Assistant Director of Admissions at NYU, we dive into: Why rankings…

1
YCBK 526: How To Get Access to the College-Specific Custom Prompts Before Aug 1st 50:34

21d ago50:34

50:34

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares insights from two conversations he had with two admission officers at the SACAC conference Mark then shares how a student can get access to the custom prompts that many colleges require in June or early July, instead of in August when the colleges release their Common Apps. . Lisa interviews Jenny Anderson…

1
Sam Tripoli Talks Comedy, Cancel Culture, and Conspiracies - Fight Back Ep. 65 1:52:24

21d ago1:52:24

1:52:24

Sam Tripoli stopped by the Vegas podcast studio to talk about comedy, politics, conspiracy theories, the Vatican, Pizzagate, the importance of having kids, cancel culture, and much more. Support the podcast by purchasing merch at http://fightbackpodcast.com and save 10% by using promo code PODCAST10 ThincZinc+ is a 7-in-1 organic supplement for cel…

1
Re-Release: Ian Carroll, Sneako, and Jake Shields - Fight Back Ep. 1 1:06:20

24d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

For the very first episode of the Fight Back Podcast in the summer of 2024, Ian Carroll and Sneako stopped by the Vegas studio. They discussed who the mafia actually is, the role of the CIA in global politics, 9/11, Epstein, Satanic Symbolism in pop culture, P Diddy’s blackmail ring, the Rothschilds, the pandemic, and much more. Support the podcast…

1
YCBK 525: A Debate About Whether ACT/SAT Scores Should Be Mandatory 1:42:46

25d ago1:42:46

1:42:46

In this episode you will hear: (02:32) In The News Andy Strickler shares some of the changes admissions offices are making due to financial pressures. Part 3 of 3 (16:28) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary answers questions from listeners about if a student applies for aid and doesn’t submit the CSS PROFILE, should that student not be admit…

1
YCBK 524: What Are The Hardest 32 Public Colleges To Get Admitted To 55:07

28d ago55:07

55:07

In this episode you will hear: Mark shares how the SAT offering the new September SAT offers up some opportunities in their test prep calendar. This does not mean to imply everyone should take the SAT, but most of our listeners will take the SAT, so here is some advice. Mark shares the importance of having a balanced list, and he shares two sad sto…

1
Firas Zahabi on MMA, Gym Culture, and Islam - Fight Back Ep. 64 2:08:24

28d ago2:08:24

2:08:24

Firas Zahabi stopped by the Vegas podcast studio to talk about his current coaching and training insights, the evolution of MMA, COVID-19 in Canada, Jewish-Muslim relations, modern political tensions, the future of Islam and Christianity, the difference between a Liberal and Traditional mindset, and much more. Support the podcast by purchasing merc…

1
Ryan Matta Exposes the Dark Truth of Child Trafficking - Fight Back Ep. 63 1:46:09

1M ago1:46:09

1:46:09

Ryan Matta stopped by the Vegas studio to talk about a very important issue: child trafficking. An expert on the issue with a background in both research and films, Ryan and Jake discuss high profile cases and their cover ups, government involvement in trafficking, NGO corruption, Andrew Tate’s allegations, how the border crises helps facilitate tr…

1
YCBK 523: Changes In How Admissions Decisions Are Being Made Due to Financial Pressures 1:12:11

1M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

In this episode you will hear: (02:05) In The News Andy Strickler shares some of the changes admissions offices are making due to financial pressures. (16:34) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary talk about the things you should not do when attending a college fair. (41:12) Interview: What employers look for when making hiring decisions, Dawn…

1
YCBK 522: What Should 9th, 10th and 11th Graders, and their Parents Be Doing Now 54:47

1M ago54:47

54:47

In this episode you will hear: Mark Stucker shares when a student and parent should complete the portions of the college application process that are the most time consuming. Mark interviews Rob Franek, Editor and Chief of the Princeton Review on the Latest “College Hopes and Worries” Survey Preview of Part 2 v Rob talks about the responses from th…

1
Gilbert Melendez on Fighting, Family, and the Future - Fight Back Ep. 61 1:15:06

1M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Gilbert Melendez stopped by the Vegas podcast studio to talk about his early fighting career, training with the Diaz brothers, his fighting and coaching philosophy, the rivalries he had in his career, what it’s like transitioning from fighting to coaching, memorable fights, the importance of family, and much more. Support the podcast by purchasing …

1
YCBK 521: The Do’s and the Don’ts When Attending a College Fair 1:22:10

1M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

In this episode you will hear: (05:44) In The News Andy Strickler breaks a lot of news in this 3-part discussion, part 1 looks at how college’s are handling the backlash against DEI initiatives (28:30) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary talk about the things you should do when attending a college fair. (48:50) Interview: What employers look…

1
Tony Moon, The L.A Riots “Roof Top Korean” - Fight Back Ep. 60 1:37:14

1M ago1:37:14

1:37:14

Tony Moon stopped by the studio, with Arthur Kwon Lee, to talk to Jake about his role in the 1992 L.A. riots where he and his friends famously protected Koreatown from rioters. They also discussed the George Floyd/BLM riots, Antifa protests and street fights, the impact of January 6th, the pandemic, California’s current politics, and much more. Ton…

1
YCBK 520: What Has Students & Parents Worried When It Comes To College 47:20

1M ago47:20

47:20

In this episode you will hear: Mark Stucker shares what parts of the college application process are the most time-consuming. Mark interviews Rob Franek, Editor and Chief of the Princeton Review on the Latest “College Hopes and Worries” Survey Preview of Part 1 ² Rob shares how the survey was done ² Rob tells us what students and parents found to b…

1
Gym Interview With Bryce Mitchell: Being an Underdog, His Battle With Demons, and Elon Musk 14:57

1M ago14:57

14:57

A behind the scenes Fight Back Exclusive: Jake met up with Bryce Mitchell as he was training for his upcoming fight with Jean Silva. They talked about Bryce's ridiculous underdog status, his media controversy, his spiritual battles, and much more. #jakeshields #brycemitchell #ufcnews You can support the podcast by purchasing merch at http://fightba…

1
Richard Gage, Founder of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth - Fight Back Ep. 59 1:31:42

1M ago1:31:42

1:31:42

Richard Gage stopped by the Vegas podcast studio to talk about how he founded Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, red flags in the official story of 9/11, evidence of thermite being used on the trade center, historical false flag operations, parallels between 9/11 and Gaza, controlled demolition theories, Palestine, and much more. Architect Ri…

1
YCBK 519: What Employers Look For When Making Hiring Decisions 1:38:32

2M ago1:38:32

1:38:32

In this episode you will hear: (06:05) In The News Lisa and Mark share and discuss a powerful letter from a mom and a daughter about how they almost fell into the “College Admission Trap” (Part 2 of 2) (35:33) Question from a listener: Mark and Susan Discuss whether a student led information session is a concern the college is struggling financiall…

1
YCBK 518: 15 Changes in Admissions to Expect in 2025 and 2026 1:04:55

2M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this episode you will hear: Mark Stucker gives his opinion on 15 changes he is expecting in admissions due to the financial pressure colleges are facing. Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview of Part 5 ² Kathleen explains what she means when she says, “we need to fix and disrupt” college education ² Kathle…

1
Myron Gaines on Censorship, the Epstein Files, and Freedom of Speech - Fight Back Ep. 58 1:38:19

2M ago1:38:19

1:38:19

Myron Gaines stopped by the Vegas studio again to talk about free speech, Middle East politics, censorship on social media, the USS Liberty, January 6th, the Epstein files, 9/11, the Tate brothers, conservative media being co-opted, and much more. Support the podcast by purchasing merch at https://fightbackpodcast.com Save 10% by using promo code F…

1
Kevork Almassian on the Syrian conflict and the fall of Assad - Fight Back Ep. 57 1:27:26

2M ago1:27:26

1:27:26

Kevork Almassian, an Armenian Orthodox Christian and award-winning journalist, came on the podcast to discuss the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, US and Israeli involvement in Assad’s downfall, what life is like currently in Syria, the Armenian genocide, the impact of U.S. sanctions, Western media manipulation when covering the conflict, and muc…

1
YCBK 517: A Mom Shares How She Almost Fell Into “The College Admissions Trap” 1:14:55

2M ago1:14:55

1:14:55

In this episode you will hear: (07:22) In The News Lisa and Mark share and discuss a powerful letter from a mom about how she almost fell into the “College Admission Trap” (28:22) Question from a listener: Mark and Hillary discuss the importance of a college being able to predict who will come (43:44) Interview: Frequently Asked Questions about 529…

1
110. Is 'Doing It All' in Extracurriculars Necessary? Insights from a Northeastern University Admissions Reader 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, many students feel pressured to "do it all" when it comes to extracurriculars. But is that really what colleges are looking for? In our latest podcast episode, we uncover the reality behind how admissions officers evaluate student activities. You'll learn: How admissions officers evaluate w…

1
YCBK 516: Forbes College Financial Grades Reveal Stable vs Struggling Colleges 1:01:17

2M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

In this episode you will hear: Mark discusses new changes to the Common App, and then he gives he describes Forbes College Financial Grades, a tool you cn use to know which colleges are stable financially and which colleges are struggling financially? Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview of Part 4 ² Kathleen…

1
Ryan Dawson on RFK, Epstein, and Gaza - Fight Back Ep. 56 1:36:48

2M ago1:36:48

1:36:48

Ryan Dawson came on the podcast to discuss his social media bans, COVID-19, the conflict in Gaza, the assassination of RFK, Jeffrey Epstein, the political landscape today, and much more. Ryan Dawson is a Cape Hatteras native from the town of Buxton, North Carolina. He is a graduate from the College of William & Mary. Currently living In Nara, Japan…

1
YCBK 515: After You Hit Submit, “What Else Do You Need To Do”? 1:10:00

2M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

In this episode you will hear: (01:56) In The News A mom asks a very important question, Should you ever skip optional questions. Hillary and Mark start out discussing this question but they bounce around and cover a lot of topics including, about 15 minutes discussing “why it is so important for a college to know which students are coming (28:44) …

1
Enrique Tarrio on January 6th, Prison, and His Pardon - Fight Back Ep. 54 1:09:02

2M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Enrique Tarrio came on the podcast to talk about January 6th, his court case and trial, what life was like inside of prison as a Proud Boy, the political bias in our justice system, his recent pardon by President Trump, and much more.#jakeshields #january62021 #trumppardons Support the podcast by purchasing merch at http://www.fightbackpodcast.com!…

1
YCBK 514: When Should My Student Start The College Process 1:21:38

2M ago1:21:38

1:21:38

In this episode you will hear: Mark answers a Speakpipe QFL from a listener who wants to know when my student should start the college process? Mark answers a second question, Any advice to give us hope with the new administration with all of the changes they are making? Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview …

1
Chael Sonnen on Jiu Jitsu, The Ultimate Fighter, and Running for Governor - Fight Back Ep. 53 1:21:48

2M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

Chael Sonnen stopped by the Vegas podcast studio to discuss politics, the challenge of retiring for fighters, homelessness and issues America is facing, other famous fighters, The Ultimate Fighter, the differences between wrestling and Jiu Jitsu, his political aspirations, and much more. #chaelsonnen #mmafighter #jakeshields Support the podcast by …

1
YCBK 513: Is It Ever A Bad Idea To Submit A Test Score That Is Too High 1:22:53

2M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

In this episode you will hear: (01:56) Question from a listener: A mom asks a very important question, How can I know if a college is genuinely caring about all kids but especially about an unorganized student? Lisa Rouff and Lynda Doepker answer this question. (42:48) Interview: Frequently Asked Questions about 529 Plans, Julie Shields-Rutyna and …

1
Derek Moneyberg on Wealth, Friendship, and Integrity - Fight Back Ep. 52 1:32:39

2M ago1:32:39

1:32:39

Derek Moneyberg stopped by the Vegas studio to talk about his friendship with Jake, loyalty, how to build wealth, training with legends, overcoming adversity, the value of hard work, investing wisely, and much more. 00:00 Intro 00:24 Introducing Derek Moneyberg 00:45 Loyalty and Friendship 03:30 Foundations of a Good Friendship 04:24 Inspiration an…

1
109. SAT vs. ACT: The Better Test for 2025 Admissions (It’s Not What You Think) 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

With the recent changes in standardized testing, many families are asking: SAT or ACT—what’s the best fit for your student? In this episode, Jake Adams, Director of InGenius Test Prep, breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision. He discusses how to choose the right test based on your student’s strengths, the latest updates…

1
YCBK 512: Data That Is Available About Colleges That Most People Don’t Know 55:24

2M ago55:24

55:24

In this episode you will hear: Mark answers a Speakpipe QFL from a listener who wants to know what other valuable information is in the Common Data Set that most people don’t know about Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview of Part 2 § Kathleen talks about an experience she had that made her realize just how …

1
Corey Hughes on the TRUTH Behind the JFK Assassination - Fight Back Ep. 51 1:53:06

2M ago1:53:06

1:53:06

Corey Hughes stopped by the Vegas podcast studio to discuss the JFK assassination, Israeli connections to the murder, who the mafia really is, Oswald's suspicious background, Jacob Rubenstein, and much more.Support the podcast by purchasing merch at www.fightbackpodcast.com! Save 10% by using promo code FIGHTBACK10MerakiMedicinal.com/fightback is t…

1
Chuck Liddell on the UFC, Street Fights, and Fame - Fight Back Ep. 50 1:13:18

2M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Chuck Liddell stopped by the Vegas studio to talk about his rise to fame, the lessons he's learned from fighting, his training philosophy, what it was like growing up in California, his street fight stories, the evolution of MMA, and much more.Support the podcast by purchasing merch at https://www.fightbackpodcast.comSave 10% by using promo code FI…

1
YCBK 511: How To Know If a College Cares About Supporting an Unorganized Kid 1:08:12

2M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

In this episode you will hear: (03:21) In The News Hilliary shares some observations from things that stood out while reading applications this year (20:02) Question from a listener: A mom asks a very important question, How can I know if a college is genuinely caring about all kids but especially about an unorganized student? Lisa Rouff and Lynda …

1
YCBK 510: Should Students Avoid The Topic Of Your Choice Prompt 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

In this episode you will hear: Susan and Mark discuss the Speakpipe question, “Why is NYU telling students to avoid prompt 7: Select a topic of your choice prompt? Mark interviews Kathleen deLaski, Founder of the Education Design Lab Preview of Part 1 ² Kathleen DeLaski-shares her interesting background ² Kathleen tells us what the Educational Desi…

1
David Icke on Trump, Elon, and AI - Fight Back Ep. 49 1:32:32

3M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

The legendary David Icke came on the podcast to discuss AI, Donald Trump’s election, Elon Musk, the pandemic, the ancient rituals the elite in society conduct, the technocratic desires of our politicians, the concept of loosh, and much more. You can find David at davidicke.com or on X @davidicke Support the podcast by purchasing merch at www.fightb…

1
John Danaher - Best Jiu Jitsu Trainer in the World - Fight Back Ep. 48 2:04:10

3M ago2:04:10

2:04:10

John Danaher stopped by the podcast to talk about his philosophy, teaching jiu jitsu, life in New York City, what it means to train and be a coach, modern vs. traditional techniques, Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones, and much more. John Danaher is a US-born New Zealand martial artist. He is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts (MMA) instructor and…

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