Phil Hawkins and Azaii Calderon Muniz from Jack Westin discuss anecdotes, advice, and ramblings on the premed years, the MCAT, and life both inside and outside of medicine. Have new episodes delivered to you by subscribing.
Struggling with CARS passages that feel more like vivid stories than arguments? In this episode, we'll show you how to stay engaged, avoid getting lost in the details, and uncover the author's arguments in story-based CARS Passages. Learn how to separate narrative from argument, and spot what's important despite being hidden in descriptive writing. These skills will help you raise your CARS score and stay interested, even when reading the toughest passages!
Struggling with MCAT questions? In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly break down the most overlooked skill in test prep: building a consistent, intentional MCAT question strategy.
CARS passages that involve history can be tricky. Between the dates, names, and places, it's easy to get caught up in the details and lose track of what the author is actually saying. In this passage breakdown, Jack and Molly walk through an AAMC-style passage on the British monarchy and demonstrate how to separate facts from the author's arguments. Cut through the noise, and zero in on the authors main idea with confidence.Friendly Reminder - try to complete this passage on your own first to maximize your learning!The “British Monarchy” passage (posted Aug 20): https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/british-monarchyWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this video, we break down how memory works—from forming new memories to strategies that help you study smarter. We'll cover the information processing model, working vs. short-term memory, and encoding strategies. Not only do we review how memory is tested on the MCAT, but we also show you how to apply these concepts directly to your prep so you can get the most out of your studying. Boost retention on Psych/Soc and across the exam!
Dense, philosophical CARS passages don't have to tank your score. In this reading skills workshop, Jack and Molly walk through an AAMC-style passage on patriotism showing how to map the author's argument, and avoid common CARS pitfalls.Friendly Reminder - try to complete this passage on your own first to maximize your learning!The “Patriotism” passage (posted Aug 13) on our site: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/patriotismWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Stop brute-forcing science passages. In this 520+ strategy guide, we show you how top scorers read slower, map smarter, and mine “testable info” then fly through questions. You'll learn the TAUT framework for figures (Title, Axes, Units, Trends), what not to do (over-highlighting, skipping figures), and a repeatable plan you can use on every Bio/Biochem, Chem/Phys, and Psych/Soc passage.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Can you keep your outside knowledge from hijacking a CARS passage, especially when the topic screams “medicine”?Join Molly and Jack as they dissect an AAMC-style CARS passage on "Chronic Illness" and show you how to spot the author's real agenda—single-parent burden—while sidestepping your own medical instincts.Read the passage here: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/chronic-illnessWhat you'll practiceLeaving your biases at the door when a passage hits close to homePinpointing the true main idea vs. the “too-broad” trapMapping paragraphs in real time so detail questions become freebiesHandling long, jargon-stuffed sentences without panicUsing “we” and other author clues to detect viewpoint & agreementTimestamps0:00 Intro & why this passage matters1:55 First-sentence trap: broad thesis or setup?8:05 Money, marriage & single parents—following the thread14:30 How the meeting paragraph hides the key finding22:00 Child illness ↔ parent function loop—what it really means28:40 Siblings surface: spotting narrow supporting arguments37:15 Main-idea wrap-up & how to crush “quote” questions42:30 Your turn: grab the free passage + questionsWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Get ready to make sense of all those arrows on your metabolism chart!
Jack and Molly walks you through a full CARS Reading Skills Workshop using an AAMC-style passage on Teenager Health. By the end of the session you'll know how to:Preview & Predict the passage's purpose in 60 secondsMap the Argument so you never lose the author's main ideaSpot Traps in inference and function questionsPace Yourself to hit the 10 min / passage targetApply Active Reading techniques that raise scores fastRead the passage first: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/teenager-healthWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this CARS Reading Skills Workshop, we dive deep into the July 23rd Daily Passage titled "Internet Instruction"—a thought-provoking look at how online education transformed college learning and the challenges it still faces.
In Episode 27, we wrap up our Metabolism series by diving into one of the most testable—and often misunderstood—topics on the MCAT: The Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and Oxidative Phosphorylation.We cover everything you need to know for MCAT success:
Think political‑science passages are “easy newspaper reads”?
Ready to move beyond glycolysis? In Episode 26 of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly guide you through the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) and the Citric Acid (TCA) Cycle—two of the highest‑yield pathways the MCAT loves to test.What we cover- Where it all happens – cytoplasm vs. mitochondrial matrix- PDC outputs & regulation – 2 Acetyl‑CoA, 2 NADH, 2 CO₂ and the key activators/inhibitors that flip the complex on or off- Real‑world connections – how arsenic poisoning and Wernicke‑Korsakoff syndrome derail PDC function- TCA Cycle essentials – step‑by‑step walk‑through, enzyme mnemonics (“Can I Keep Selling Shells…”) and the must‑know Big 3 regulators- High‑yield nuggets – why Succinate Dehydrogenase pulls double duty as ETC Complex II, Ca²⁺ activation during muscle contraction, plus glucogenic vs. ketogenic amino acid entry pointsBy the end, you'll know the exact products (NADH, FADH₂, GTP, CO₂), how to spot test‑maker tricks, and which regulatory enzymes to memorize for test day.
Stressed about squeezing Bio, Chem, Orgo + Physics into four years?
In this Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Jack and Molly tackle a lyrical passage pulled from Lewis's fantasy classic and show you how to keep your critical-reasoning compass steady when the prose turns mythical. Watch them read in real time, map each paragraph's purpose, and convert rich imagery into clear MCAT takeaways.In this session you'll learn how to- Separate story from stance – spot the author's underlying argument beneath allegory and nostalgia.- Decode symbolism quickly – translate lions, wardrobes, and eternal winters into testable main ideas.- Control pacing – keep long descriptive sentences from eating up precious minutes.- Anticipate question traps – apply “tone vs. fact” and “extreme language” filters before answer choices appear.Get the most out of itRead first: Grab the free daily passage “Lewis's Narnia” on https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/lewiss-narniaWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Thinking about medical school but worried you'll crack under nonstop feedback, grueling hours, and the pressure to put patients ahead of everything else? In Episode 2 of the Jack Westin Pre-Med Podcast, hosts Mike and Molly dive into three gut-check questions every future doctor must answer before hitting “submit” on their AMCAS:0️⃣ Can you take constructive criticism without shutting down?• Why med-school feedback feels like “drinking from a fire hose” – and how to turn it into growth fuel.• Sports-coach mindset shifts that make feedback your superpower.1️⃣ Are you truly ready to put others first?• The real costs of a medical career – missed family events, 3 a.m. pages, laundry piling up.• Balancing empathy for patients with the bare-minimum self-care that keeps you functional.2️⃣ Can you trust yourself and the process?• Concrete ways to explore medicine (shadowing, scribing, informational interviews) so your decision isn't a guess.• The one mindset reframing that helps you stay steady when advice from mentors contradicts.You'll walk away with a clearer, more honest picture of the road ahead—and a checklist to decide whether medicine fits your life, values, and mental stamina.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this week's Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly pull glycolysis out of the rote-memorization zone and rebuild it as a story you can see, explain—and defend—on test day. Starting with the big-picture difference between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, they zoom into the 10 classic steps, spotlight why hexokinase and especially PFK-1 are the pathway's “no-turning-back” moments, and finish with the hormonal signals that flip glycolysis on or off in real life. Along the way they debunk lactic-acid myths, link fasting physiology to MCAT passages, and hand you regulation mnemonics that actually stick.Key takeaways at a glance- Net yield, location & oxygen: Cytoplasmic pathway that nets 2 ATP, 2 NADH, 2 pyruvate—no O₂ required.- Energy investment vs. payoff: Why you spend 2 ATP up front and gain 4 later (+2 net).- Regulation checkpoints: Steps 1, 3 & 10 are irreversible; PFK-1 is the commitment step; ATP inhibits, ADP/AMP activate.- Hormonal control: Insulin (via PFK-2) ramps glycolysis up; glucagon turns it down—crucial in fed vs. fasting states.- Clinical & exam links: Cori cycle, muscle soreness myth, and how enzymes like hexokinase signal MCAT question writers.Next episode: PDH complex, electron-transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation—subscribe so you're ready for the hand-off from glycolysis to ATP powerhouse.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this episode we slow-walk a brand-new Psych/Soc passage—“Aging Brain” showing you, sentence-by-sentence, how top scorers:- Decode unfamiliar social-science jargon without getting stuck- Spot author attitude and trap wording that hide inside “friendly” topics- Build quick mental maps that link each paragraph back to the central thesis- Translate real-world quotes (yes, even a Henry Ford cameo) into testable MCAT questions- Turn every practice passage into timed, active-reading reps you can repeat on exam day
In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast episode, Mike and Molly turn the intimidating world of enzyme kinetics into a step-by-step masterclass you can use on your very next practice exam.What you'll learn- The real meaning of a Michaelis-Menten hyperbolic curve—and why enzyme concentration must stay fixed- How to picture Vmax, kcat, Km, and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) without memorizing charts- Rapid hacks for reading a Lineweaver-Burk plot (1/Vmax on the Y-intercept, –1/Km on the X)- Competitive vs. uncompetitive vs. mixed vs. non-competitive inhibition—how each one shifts Vmax, Km and the double-reciprocal graph- Mike & Molly's test-day mnemonics (
Thinking about becoming a doctor—but not sure medicine is really your calling? In this two-part conversation, Mike and Molly get brutally honest about the realities of the journey and share a practical framework to help you decide.What we cover:- “Why Medicine?” Discovery Tips – exercises to uncover your true motivations before you apply.- The Real Price Tag – tuition, lost income, lifestyle costs, and how long it actually takes to break even.- Alternatives to an MD/DO – rewarding health-care careers (and salaries) that most pre-meds overlook.- Shadowing & Exploration – smart ways to test-drive medicine now and gather stories for your personal statement.Gut-Check Questions!* Do I still love learning when classes get brutal?* Can I handle constant evaluation and criticism?* Am I willing to put patients' needs ahead of my own comfort?Trusting Yourself – red-flags that say “keep exploring” and green-lights that say “submit the application.”Whether you're early in college or finishing a post-bacc, these reflections will save you time, money, and second-guessing down the road.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Struggling to keep all the rate-law rules and enzyme facts straight? In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast episode, Mike and Molly break down exactly what the AAMC expects you to know—no fluff, just high-yield kinetics you'll see on Test Day.What we cover in Part 1* Big-picture difference between K (equilibrium) vs k (rate)* The Arrhenius equation & how Ea and T really control reaction speed* How to recognize zeroth, first & second-order rate laws in passages* Why the rate-determining step rules every multi-step mechanism* How enzymes lower activation energy, plus active site basics* Essential vocab: apoenzyme → holoenzyme, cofactors vs coenzymes* The Induced-Fit Model (forget “lock-and-key” oversimplifications)* Fast recall with the LIL HOT enzyme-classification mnemonicBy the end you'll be able to:✅ Write and manipulate rate laws with confidence✅ Predict how temp or catalysts shift reaction speed✅ Decode enzyme names on the fly and spot catalytic tricks the MCAT lovesNext up in Part 2: Michaelis–Menten kinetics, Km/Vmax shortcuts, and inhibitor patterns—so make sure you're subscribed and turn on notifications!Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this episode, Molly and Jack dive into a refreshingly relatable CARS passage—this time, it's all about architecture and the city of Las Vegas.
Confused about Gibbs Free Energy, reduction potentials, or how batteries actually work?
Welcome back to the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast – CARS Reading Skills Workshop edition! In this episode, your hosts Jack and Molly tackle a passage that's deceptively simple yet rich in critical reasoning practice: “Turns”
Electrons jumping around shouldn't tank your score. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down redox reactions so it finally clicks:- LEO goes GER – the one mnemonic you actually need- Spotting oxidizing vs. reducing agents (and why the wording trips people up)- Assigning oxidation numbers without rote memorization—yes, even the LiAlH₄ exception- How redox drives real bio: NADH/FADH₂, the ETC, cyanide poisoning, and antioxidant myths- High-yield orgo reagents: PCC vs. CrO₃/KMnO₄ for oxidation, NaBH₄ & LiAlH₄ for reductionWalk away knowing exactly which clues the MCAT drops and how to pounce on them for fast points.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
You can memorize every formula in the Kaplan book and STILL miss those sneaky MCAT acid–base questions. Let's fix that. In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike & Molly walk you from first-semester chem definitions all the way to high-yield clinical tie-ins—so you understand (not just memorize) acids and bases.
Struggling to keep the nervous system straight—or just worried you'll blank on that -70 mV resting potential?
In this week's CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack dissect the June 2 daily passage, “Mutiny of 1857.” You'll see—in real time—how 129 + scorers turn dense paragraphs on British-Indian politics into a clear, test-day game plan.What you'll learn:- How to spot the true argument inside a long list of dates, names, and facts- Why the trial of India's Mughal Emperor signaled a power shift—and how the author uses that to prove a point- “Mythological symbols” as a hidden theme the MCAT loves to test- When a single sentence is the key to the entire passage (and how to find it fast)- Why tougher reads usually mean easier questions—and how to exploit that pattern
Feeling lost when a “dry” history passage pops up in CARS? In this week's Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack prove that even the most yawn-inducing topic—British colonial revolutions—can become score-boosting gold once you know how to read it like a 129 + scorer.
Struggling to keep peptide, steroid, and amino-acid hormones straight—or how the HPA, HPT, and HPG axes actually work? In this of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly unpack the entire endocrine system from first principles, so you're not memorizing random facts—you're learning the why behind every hormone and pathway the MCAT loves to test.
In this week's Jack Westin CARS Workshop, Molly and Jack work through an entire passage live (see link below). You'll hear their unfiltered thought-process, why they slow down on certain lines, and exactly how they decide between tempting answer choices.
In this high-yield episode Mike and Molly travel through the entire nephron—from Bowman's capsule to the collecting duct—to show how the kidneys quietly run four huge homeostatic jobs:- Water balance (ADH / vasopressin & aquaporins)- Sodium-potassium balance (aldosterone & the distal convoluted tubule)- Blood-pressure regulation (the full RAAS pathway + ACE)- Acid-base regulation (H⁺ / HCO₃⁻ handling)Along the way we connect the dots to the cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems and share memory hooks, MCAT “buzz-words,” real-life examples (why alcohol makes you pee!), and pro tips for spotting kidney questions in passages.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT CARS Podcast, Molly and Jack tackle a notoriously difficult CARS passage focused on European finance—and show you exactly how to break it down with confidence.Try this exact passage and its questions for free: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/european-finance
Are negative-feedback loops really the body's default setting?
In this Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack tackle a challenging passage about translating opera, helping you master unfamiliar topics with confidence.Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/translating-opera✅ Learn how to stay focused even when the topic feels foreign or technical.✅ Discover how to identify the author's perspective—even when you're lost in the details.✅ Practice spotting comparisons, cause-effect relationships, and tone shifts—critical for high-scoring answers.✅ Build the mental flexibility needed to handle any weird CARS passage the MCAT throws at you.
Feeling like you're drowning in O-Chem, extracurriculars, and MCAT prep? In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly sit down with Dr. Sona Vasudevan, professor of biochemistry at Georgetown University and director of a top post-bacc program, to unpack why the pre-med journey feels so overwhelming — and what you can do about it.We dive into:- The hidden emotional toll of pre-med life- Common mistakes students make with time and stress management- Practical strategies for navigating coursework, applications, and burnout- Why mentorship (or the lack of it) makes or breaks successIf you're feeling stuck, scattered, or just plain exhausted, this is the episode for you. Don't forget to subscribe and share this with a fellow pre-med warrior.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In Episode 14 of the Jack Westin Podcast, Mike and Molly break down everything you need to know about fluid dynamics within the respiratory and cardiovascular systems for the MCAT.You'll learn how real-world physics—like Boyle's Law and pressure gradients—directly impact lung ventilation, gas exchange, and blood circulation across the body.✅ Understand the "why" behind O₂ intake and CO₂ removal (and how biochemistry plays a role)✅ Master the mechanics of inspiration and expiration (and why breathing isn't just about air!)✅ Learn how ventilators work and apply these concepts clinically✅ Break down heart flow circuitry (Right Atrium → Lungs → Left Atrium → Body) without memorizing✅ Debunk common myths about blood pressure in capillaries and veins
Ever felt lost in a philosophical CARS passage about art, symbolism, or abstract metaphors? Today's workshop is exactly what you need. In this Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Jack and Molly work through a challenging passage about the "Mother Mound," unpacking the complex ideas and hidden reasoning the MCAT loves to test.Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/mother-mound✅ Learn how to decode symbolism and focus on the author's deeper purpose.✅ See how to stay grounded even when the language gets flowery or confusing.✅ Practice identifying main ideas and logical flow in dense, abstract writing.✅ Build the mental endurance to tackle the hardest CARS passages with confidence.
In this episode, Mike and Molly breaks down everything you need to confidently tackle fluids on test day. From understanding pressure and density with relatable examples (like suitcases, watermelons, and sleeping on nails!) to mastering Bernoulli's equation, Venturi effect, and fluid continuity, you'll finally grasp the intuitive logic behind fluid dynamics.✅ In this episode, you'll learn:How to clearly define fluids, density, and pressure for MCAT-style questions.Real-world applications of pressure and hydrostatic pressure (watermelons, nails, soda cans!)Exactly how Bernoulli's equation and the Venturi effect work—and how airplanes fly because of it.The importance of fluid speed and pressure (continuity effect) to help you solve complex MCAT passages.
In this episode, Jack and Molly walks you through the “Expressways” CARS passage, breaking it down line by line to show you how top scorers approach complex arguments, tone, and author intent.Learn how to:– Identify the main idea in tricky passages– Navigate abstract language and structure– Use line-by-line reasoning to avoid trap answers– Think like the AAMC test makersClick here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/expresswaysWhether you're stuck on timing, comprehension, or just can't seem to raise your CARS score, this real-time walkthrough will show you how to read smarter and build the critical thinking skills the MCAT rewards.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly dive into one of the most important topics for MCAT success: how to actually learn the content like a top scorer.
In this deep-dive CARS workshop, Jack and Molly walks you through a real MCAT passage ('Horatii') and shares practical strategies to help you read with purpose, analyze with clarity, and avoid the traps that hold students back. Whether you're stuck on timing or struggling to connect ideas, this session will help you shift your mindset and build the skills you need to improve your score.Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/horatiiWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Feeling overwhelmed by the medical school application process? In this episode, Mike and Molly walk you through everything you need to know to get started on your application with confidence. From understanding the AMCAS and MSAR to tackling your personal statement and Work & Activities section, we break down every major component with expert-backed tips and timelines. You'll hear practical advice on starting early, being authentic in your writing, and managing key deadlines—including how rolling admissions can impact your strategy. Whether you're applying in the U.S. or Canada, this episode is your roadmap to getting organized, staying on track, and putting your best self forward.
In this special episode, join Jack Westin—the "King of CARS" himself—for an interactive workshop focused entirely on mastering CARS reading skills. Jack shares his proven strategies for active reading, efficient analysis, and avoiding common pitfalls. If you're struggling to improve your CARS score or simply looking to sharpen your comprehension, this episode will transform your approach and boost your confidence!Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/hunting-animalsWant to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
You've made it to the final week—now what? In this episode, Mike and Molly break down exactly how to manage your time during the last 7 days before your MCAT. From when to take your final full-length exam, to what not to do the day before, to expert-backed tips that help you stay sharp, focused, and calm—we've got you covered.
Wondering when you should take the MCAT? Timing your exam strategically can make all the difference in your medical school application process. In this episode, we break down exactly how to know if you're ready to test, the biggest red flags that signal you need more prep time, and expert-backed tips to optimize your study plan.You'll learn:✅ The key signs that you're not ready to take the MCAT yet✅ How to assess your FL scores and content gaps✅ The importance of simulating your exam day experience✅ The green flags that confirm you're ready to schedule your test✅ What to do if confidence is holding you back✅ The best time to schedule your MCAT for US and Canadian applicationsPlus, we share expert strategies to overcome self-doubt, track study momentum, and make the most of your remaining prep time. Don't miss out on our free resources, including a Content Diagnostic to pinpoint your weak areas and one-on-one academic advising to help you make the best decision.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
CARS is one of the most frustrating sections of the MCAT—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down the strategies that 130+ scorers use to master CARS, improve reading comprehension, and avoid common traps.
Struggling with MCAT science passages? Reading isn't enough—your review process is what makes the difference. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down how top scorers approach science passage review to maximize retention, improve accuracy, and boost scores.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
Taking full-length MCAT tests is one thing—reviewing them effectively is what really boosts your score. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down how top scorers analyze their mistakes, track progress, and refine their test strategy to improve with every practice exam.Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com!
What does your MCAT score really mean? In this episode, we break down how to interpret your score like a top scorer, including what a “good” score is, how med schools (both U.S. and Canadian) weigh different sections, and whether you should consider a retake. We also tackle common MCAT myths—like whether the test is curved or if guessing hurts your score—and share expert strategies for improving your performance.
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