Best Erin Tempest Podcasts (2025)

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S 3 E 2 Mirabai Starr & the Divine Feminine 25:40

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2d ago25:40

25:40

Send us a text Today we'll talk about the work of Mirabai Starr, an Inter-spiritual teacher, writer, and translator of the mystics. Mirabai is a well-known teacher of the divine feminine. She has written several books and her translations of St. John of the Cross's poetry as well as St. Teresa of Avila and St. Julian of Norwich's work won her criti…

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606: Are you doing what you should be doing? 23:54

4d ago23:54

23:54

The school year is now in full swing and it is time to start on that “when I get time” list. What should be on the list? How do I know if I am on track? What can I do right now to give myself a competitive advantage? The post 606: Are you doing what you should be doing? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

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605: How Highly Selective Admission Is Different 22:33

11d ago22:33

22:33

When you have stellar grades and a super test scores, what should be the focus for getting into those elite schools that only accept a small percentage every year? What types of activities stand out? How do you differentiate yourself in a sea of high-acheivers? The post 605: How Highly Selective Admission Is Different appeared first on The College …

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604: What’s New in College Admission (fall 2025) 27:39

18d ago27:39

27:39

Get all the late, breaking news from the college admissions world! Megan highlights SAT/ACT changes, test optional vs. SAT/ACT required, auto-admission to colleges, erasing past mistakes, and Early Action/Early Decision/Restricted Early Action debates. Get caught up on all that’s coming up in the college prep world! https://www.usnews.com/opinion/a…

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603: How can I use AI and Chat GPT for College Applications? 26:00

25d ago26:00

26:00

Chat GPT and AI are here. It can create and essay in a fraction of the time it takes the typical high schooler and many families are looking to it to ease the college application process. Megan and Erin provide some thoughts on when to use it (and when not to) for a truly spectacular college essay. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/20…

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S 3 E 1 Modern-Day Prophets: Featuring Spoken Word Poet Kae Tempest with Brianne & Erin 50:12

1M ago50:12

50:12

Send us a text Welcome to season 3 of Loving the Imperfect! Thank you for being patient with me over my long break. Join me this season along with my kindergarten classmate, Erin Grossi, as we introduce and discuss some modern-day prophets, people who, we believe, have at least one thing in common: the prophetic voice. The purpose of this season is…

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602: FAFSA Refresh Fall 2025 18:14

1M ago18:14

18:14

So many changes and redesigns – what is the current information? When should we fill it out? What tax year do we report? Megan helps answer all those questions without you having to search around amongst conflicting information to be ready for financial aid! The post 602: FAFSA Refresh Fall 2025 appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

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601: LISTENER QUESTION: How to get Research and Lab Experience 19:08

1M ago19:08

19:08

Maria writes and asks how high school students might get valuable lab experience in order to be more competitive. What should a STEM student do if their high school doesn’t offer research opportunities? Megan and Erin discuss strategies for high school students to gain research and lab experience. The post 601: LISTENER QUESTION: How to get Researc…

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600: College Investment Information 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

UGMA? UTMA? 529? Saving for college can be overwhelming and daunting. Erin is here with her finance experience to break down the difference between them and help you determine what is the best financial plan for your needs. The post 600: College Investment Information appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

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599: Cognitive Overload in Student Learning with Gretchen Wegner 28:53

2M ago28:53

28:53

Megan and guest host Gretchen Wegner explore the concept of cognitive overload and its impact on students’ learning abilities, particularly focusing on working memory and its limited capacity. Listen to learn about working memory which has a limited capacity and our goal in learning which involves transferring information to our long-term memories …

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598: Pros & Cons of Early College Entry 25:03

2M ago25:03

25:03

This week we are answering a listener question. Jason’s 9th and 19th graders are on track to exceed their state’s graduation requirements by the end of their third year in high school. They will also have surpassed the maximum number of AP credits many colleges accept. Should they try to start college early? Listen as Megan and Erin discuss: Factor…

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597: Supporting Students with College Essay Writing Strategies 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Writing college admissions essays is hard. We are here to help. This week, Megan and Erin discuss strategies to produce better essays and tips for educators and parents looking to support students through this process. Essays are personal— make them about YOU Some meaningful topics may may less effective essays because they cannot be connected to a…

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596: Universities in the UK & Canada: Is admission the same? 18:06

2M ago18:06

18:06

We love getting listener questions! Today we answer a question about universities in the UK and Canada. Is admission the same? What about majors? Are test scores important? How will costs and scholarships differ? The post 596: Universities in the UK & Canada: Is admission the same? appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.…

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595: Is Two AP Classes + Varsity Sport Too Much? 19:22

3M ago19:22

19:22

This week we are answering a listener question: is it feasible for a 10th grader to take two AP courses, compete in varsity swim, and still have time for everything else? Listen as we discuss: — the rationale behind taking two social studies AP classes and the potential challenges for the student –the importance of academic rigor and extracurricula…

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594: Bad schedule choices based on rumor 19:01

3M ago19:01

19:01

We are seeing it already this school year— students making bad schedule choices. High school course selection is important. Students and parents should make informed decisions. Listen as we discus The value of core academic courses How to balance taking challenging academic courses and having time for other activities Finding alternative options wh…

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593: Another School Year– Goals and Outlook for Fall 19:00

3M ago19:00

19:00

As we head back to school, there are a lot of changes. We have some changes at “The College Prep Podcast” too. Listen as we discuss: — How to decide when a big change is necessary — How to focus on what is important as we start a new school year — The challenge of getting clear on priorities when you feel conflicted — Learning to STOP is as importa…

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591: Three Warning Signs Your Student Is Behind (and how to fix it) 9:40

3M ago9:40

9:40

UPDATE– this episode didn’t post correctly last week, so we are releasing it with the correct audio . Most college students don’t fall behind at midterms. They fall behind starting Week 1 and it can rough to dig themselves out. In this mini-episode, we cover: 3 key signs your student may already be slipping off track A simple reset plan to get back…

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590: Community College Doesn’t Have to Be Your Backup Plan 10:10

4M ago10:10

10:10

Too often, students view community college or commuting as a last resort, but it doesn’t have to be, unless you want it. In this mini-episode, we help students and families rethink how to build a smart, balanced college list. We cover: Why every student should have at least one option they’d be excited to attend How to find affordable schools where…

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589: The Three People Students Need to Succeed in College 14:44

4M ago14:44

14:44

Students who build a support system early are more likely to succeed—and stay—in college. That’s why Alma Modern created the Three Connections Challenge: a simple way for students to build meaningful relationships in their first few weeks on campus. In this mini-episode, we walk through how to connect with: One professor – Use office hours to intro…

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588: Is the Optional SAT/ACT Essay REALLY Optional? 10:00

4M ago10:00

10:00

Many parents are confused by the optional essay portion of the SAT/ACT and wonder if their student should register. Will it make them look more responsible? Will it improve their chances of admission? in short, for most students, no. In this mini-episode, we explain: Why the writing portion is separate from the main test score How it can actually h…

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587: Do You Really Need to Buy Textbooks? (Yes—Here’s Why) 11:27

5M ago11:27

11:27

In college, the textbook isn’t just “extra reading”, it’s a central part of how successful students learn. Skipping it can mean falling behind fast. In this mini-episode, we explain: Why textbooks are key to the college learning cycle: before, during, and after class What to do when professors say the book “might not be necessary” Creative ways to …

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586: College is MUCH More Than Earning a Piece of Paper 10:32

5M ago10:32

10:32

Too often, college is reduced to “just get the degree.” But what truly shapes a student’s future isn’t only the diploma—it’s the experience. In this mini-episode, we explore: Why atmosphere, culture, and community matter How challenges like roommate issues, homesickness, and self-management are part of the learning The value of personal growth that…

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585: Is Your Student Prepared to Function in College Without You? 10:06

5M ago10:06

10:06

College brings a sudden surge in independence—and for many students, that shift reveals just how much they’ve been relying on others to manage their routines. In this mini-episode, we explore: Why summer is the ideal time to practice daily and weekly routines The importance of identifying what habits actually work (and which don’t) Questions studen…

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584: Don’t Wait Until Decision Day to Talk About College Cost 12:10

5M ago12:10

12:10

Imagine your student getting into their dream school, only to realize your family can’t afford to send them. It’s a soul-crushing reality that can be avoided with proper planning and communication. In this mini-episode, we cover: Why affordability should shape a student’s college list from the beginning The importance of having honest, early conver…

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583: How Choosing the Right Seat Leads to Higher Grades in College Classes 8:44

6M ago8:44

8:44

Where your student sits in class matters more than most people think. Research shows that students who sit in the T-Zone—the front rows and down the center aisle—tend to outperform their peers. In this mini-episode, we break down: Why professors pay more attention to students in the T-Zone How sitting in these seats encourages accountability and fo…

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582: Hardwork Alone Won’t Get Your Student Into College 9:57

6M ago9:57

9:57

A strong work ethic matters—but in college admissions, it’s not enough. Many students (and families) fall into the trap of thinking that showing up, trying hard, and staying positive will carry them through every challenge. But when it comes to building a college list or writing standout essays, effort alone won’t cut it. In this mini-episode, we e…

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581: Don’t Let Your Student Start College Without Reading This First 8:44

6M ago8:44

8:44

Most college students don’t know how to use a syllabus, and that can lead to confusion, missed deadlines, and a rocky start to the semester. Even on Day 1, when some professors may expect them to come in having already read, completed assignments, etc. In this mini-episode, we explain: What a syllabus is and why it matters The key questions it answ…

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580: The SAT & ACT Aren’t About Being “Smart” 10:27

6M ago10:27

10:27

Strong grades don’t always equal strong test scores—and that disconnect can be frustrating for both students and parents. In this mini-episode, we break down why the SAT and ACT are their own skill set, not a reflection of intelligence or identity. We talk about: Why test scores don’t always match classroom performance How over-prioritizing test pr…

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579: 5 Core Skills Every Student Needs BEFORE Day One of College 25:22

6M ago25:22

25:22

College admissions are behind us and it’s time to check out and enjoy summer, right? Wrong. This summer is your secret weapon. Why? Because getting into college is just step one. The next challenge is making it all the way to graduation—and most students aren’t ready. In this episode, we break down the five core skills every student needs to build …

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578: College Applications 101: Everything You Need to Know (College Admissions Essentials #4) 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

Your college application isn’t just paperwork—it’s your personal sales pitch. It’s how you present your academic story, your values, and your potential to admissions committees who may only spend a few minutes reviewing it. In the fourth episode of our College Admissions Essentials playlist, we break down what really goes into an effective applicat…

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577: They Got In! Here’s how they make it to Graduation Day 22:36

7M ago22:36

22:36

Getting accepted to college is a huge milestone, but getting in and graduating are two very different challenges. The truth? Most students spend months preparing college applications and almost no time preparing for what happens next. In this episode, we break down why getting into college doesn’t mean you’re ready for college—and what to do about …

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576: 10 Essential Tips for Neurodivergent Students Preparing for College 31:53

7M ago31:53

31:53

For students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges, the transition from high school to college can be exciting—but also overwhelming. That’s why we invited Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches to share her most essential, experience-tested tips to help neurodivergent students feel confident and supported as they step into colle…

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575: The Most Powerful Study Strategy You’ve Never Tried | the Feynman Technique 23:58

7M ago23:58

23:58

Most students think they’re ready for finals—until they try to explain the material out loud and suddenly blank. That moment? It reveals more than hours of rereading ever could. This episode introduces the Feynman Technique, a simple, research-backed method for turning shaky understanding into real clarity. It’s also a preview of the kinds of strat…

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Season 2 Finale: What Blessings May Come in the Mess of Life with Terry Gonda 1:02:09

8M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Send us a text Hello and welcome to Loving The Imperfect. Today we'll hear from Terry Gonda, a devout Catholic, who was fired from her position as a music director at a local Catholic church because of her marriage to a woman. Join us today as she shares her story and we hear how a tragic situation like this can evolve and enrich a person's spiritu…

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574: Big Name School vs. Best Fit: A Real-Life College Decision Story 27:45

8M ago27:45

27:45

Choosing the right college isn’t just about rankings or prestige—it’s about finding the best fit. In this special episode, Megan shares the story of how her son made his final college decision for next fall. Along the way, we reflect on what this process looks like in a family of multigenerational college graduates—and how that experience compares …

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573: The Truth About Extracurriculars: What Colleges Actually Care About (College Admissions Essentials #3) 26:36

8M ago26:36

26:36

When it comes to college applications, extracurricular activities often feel like a mystery. Are leadership titles essential? Do you need to be in five clubs? What actually matters? In this episode, we break down how students can move beyond simply “getting involved” to building an extracurricular profile that stands out for its depth, authenticity…

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Father Eric Williams: A Life in the Priesthood 55:43

8M ago55:43

55:43

Send us a text Today we'll hear from Father Eric Williams, the priest of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Rochester. He's going tell us about his journey being an Episcopal priest. This interview is more of a conversation, so you'll hear a lot more of me in this interview, and it's a longer interview than most of my others. So, I hope you enjoy thi…

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572: End-of-Year Survival Guide: How Students Can Beat the Stress 20:53

8M ago20:53

20:53

It’s that time again—the final weeks of the semester, when papers, projects, presentations, and exams all pile up at once. But what if our students could spread out the work now and avoid the stress later? In this episode, we walk you through five simple, science-backed steps to students stay ahead of the chaos and finish the term strong—without pu…

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571: Planning for College in Uncertain Times: How Current Headlines Affect College Choice 23:07

8M ago23:07

23:07

Between economic uncertainty, political shifts, and institutional changes, students and families planning for college in 2025 are facing new pressures—and many old ones that have become more urgent. In this episode, we explore how current events are directly impacting college-bound students, from FAFSA delays to program cuts and campus climate conc…

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Positive Experiences in Vietnam 12:47

8M ago12:47

12:47

Send us a text Today we'll hear from 90-year-old Dr. Daniel White, a local physician in this area, well known and well-liked by everyone. He was drafted into the Vietnam War as part of a MILPHAT team and spent some time in Vietnam with the civilians. Unlike most men who were drafted, Dr. White had a positive experience, and the friendships he made …

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570: The #1 Factor in College Admissions That Families Often Overlook (College Admissions Essentials #2) 29:28

9M ago29:28

29:28

When families start thinking about college admissions, they often focus on test scores, extracurriculars, and essay strategies. But the most essential factor in getting accepted to college is so obvious that it’s often overlooked: your high school transcript. Colleges don’t just look at grades or the number of AP classes you’ve taken—they consider …

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569: 7 Study Myths Holding Students Back (and What Actually Works!) 27:53

9M ago27:53

27:53

Many students rely on ineffective study habits—like highlighting, rereading, and cramming—without realizing they don’t work. In this episode, we bust 7 common study myths and reveal research-backed strategies that actually improve learning. What You’ll Learn: • Why rereading and highlighting don’t help with retention • How cramming tricks students …

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A High School Student's Journey with All Things Celestial 27:27

9M ago27:27

27:27

Send us a text Today we will hear from a 17-year-old local high school student who wishes to remain anonymous. He is very interested in space, and as of right now, he wants to be an astrophysicist. Despite all you'll hear in this interview, this student is still afraid that he will not get into college. What's really inspiring about his story, apar…

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568: Debunking the Fear: The Reality of College Acceptance Rates (College Admissions Essentials #2) 21:17

9M ago21:17

21:17

Everyone who wants to go to college can. (And not just community college!) Despite the headlines and fear-driven narratives, the truth is that most students get into one of their top three choices—and many even their first choice. According to data from the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA, approximately 75% of college freshmen we…

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567: Mastering the Art of Elimination – A MUST-KNOW Test-Taking Strategy 26:18

9M ago26:18

26:18

When in doubt, eliminate! The Process of Elimination (POE) is one of the most powerful strategies for SAT, ACT, and multiple-choice test success—but are students using it the right way? In this episode, we break down: —What the Process of Elimination is and why it’s a game-changer for test-taking. —How it helps students save time, reduce stress, an…

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Giving Back with Dr. Rick Maibauer 16:06

9M ago16:06

16:06

Send us a text Welcome back to Loving the Imperfect. Today, we'll hear a story from Dr. Rick Maibauer. He is the first person to perform a total joint replacement in Ghana, West Africa. So, we're going to hear his story today. Another exercise, again, in deep listening. This is a good exercise for us. I hope you enjoy this story. Thank you for join…

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566: 3 Common Note-Taking Mistakes (And How to Fix Them) 23:50

9M ago23:50

23:50

Taking notes isn’t just about writing things down—it’s about learning effectively. Yet, many students fall into ineffective note-taking habits that make studying harder instead of easier. In this episode, we break down a crucial study skill: how to take better notes. Whether you’re a student looking to improve your learning, a parent helping your c…

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565: Earning College Credit in High School: Are AP, IB & Dual Credit Classes Worth It?! 24:25

10M ago24:25

24:25

Today we’re diving into a lister question! A parent asks: How can students decide if AP, IB, or dual credit classes are worth taking? With so many options, it can be confusing to know which courses will actually count for college credit—and which might not be worth the extra effort. In this episode, we break down the key differences between AP, IB,…

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A Lifetime of Service with Ged Youngman 16:58

10M ago16:58

16:58

Send us a text Hello and welcome to this week's episode! Born during World War II in England, Ged Youngman tells the story of her life as a nurse attending both dying children and healthy babies as a midwife. Later in the United States, she spent much of her time helping her church and overseeing many ministries. She has attended my parish, St. Phi…

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564: Who Deserves a Spot? The Future of Legacy Admissions 23:49

10M ago23:49

23:49

Should legacy admissions still exist in 2025? For decades, many colleges have given special consideration to applicants with alumni parents, but now, this practice is under fire. With more schools eliminating legacy preferences, critics argue that it unfairly benefits privileged students—especially as affirmative action faces new restrictions. In t…