Podcast appearances and mentions of James Davey

In the late 18th-century, Britain was catapulted into war with Republican France. At the same time, it was also grappling with the tumult of the Age of Revolutions. All this upheaval was keenly felt by the huge institution that was the Royal Navy. Speaking with Elinor Evans, James Davey delves into the Royal Navy's journey across the turbulent 1790s, a period rife with radicalised sailors, mutinies and harsh responses from those in power. (Ad) James Davey is the author of Tempest: The Royal Navy & the Age of Revolutions (Yale University Press, 2023). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tempest-Royal-Navy-Age-Revolutions/dp/0300238274?keywords=tempest+james+davey&qid=1683301653&sprefix=tempest+james+,aps,84&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=aspectsofhist-21&linkId=2ffed357d5dc10f0417d4cec79933310&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Maritime World of Early Modern Britain, James Davey and Richard J. Blakemore, Amsterdam University Press, 2020

Get your copy of The Midnight World here- bit.ly/D4MIDNIGHT Welcome to The Midnight World! A new horror ttrpg that focuses on anxiety and PTSD in horrifying situations, presented in a system that is respectful. James Davey, one of the Co-Creators runs Raya Sunshine, Ellie Collins, Ian Muller and Devan Henderson through a truly terrifying tale! Music by Fesliyan Studios- www.fesliyanstudios.com Watch D4 LIVE every SunD4y at 4p PT/7p ET on twitch.tv/d4rpg with VoDs releasing to Podcast every Friday! For more info visit our website at www.d4dndrpg.com

Marx interviews James Davey of Gem and Eye Games about The Midnight World, a game about mental health, world-altering powers, and terrifying gods from other dimensions.This episode is kindly sponsored by Kurt Refling and Ian Howard, whose game Here We Used to Fly is on Kickstarter now.Yes Indie'd Pod on TwitterYes Indie'd Pod websiteYes Indie'd Pod PatreonDonate via Ko-FiThe Midnight World official websiteThe Midnight World on FacebookThe Midnight World on DTRPG / ItchioStarsworn on KickstarterMichael Low on TwitterLuck of Legends on ItchioAll music derived from: be quiet from the album Sketches by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License • available from Free Music ArchiveSupport the show

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Having worked with some of Britains biggest household names and e-commerce brands, James answered some of the burning questions everyone has about retail post covid. We asked James what the future of retail looks like and where the real opportunities are. If you work in the e-commerce or retail industry you do not want to miss this episode!

In this episode I talk to Jo Sutherst and Sam Jones, postgraduate researchers at the University of Exeter, about their experience of studying for their research degrees at a distance. During the podcast we discuss: The Supporting PGR Writing project and our daily Shut up and Write groups   You can find Jo on twitter @JoSutherst and Sam @samjonesrnli.   Music credit: Happy Boy Theme Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/   Podcast transcript   1 00:00:09,000 --> 00:00:15,000 Hello and welcome, to RD, D and the Inbetweens, I'm your host, Kelly Preece, 2 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:32,000 and every fortnight I talk to a different guest about researchers development and everything in between. 3 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:36,000 Hello and welcome to Episode three of R, D and the Inbetweens. 4 00:00:36,000 --> 00:00:47,000 This week I'm joined by two of our PGR's, Sam Jones and Jo Sutherst, who are going to talk to me about what it's like to be a distance PGR. 5 00:00:47,000 --> 00:00:52,000 So Sam and Jo were both distant students before COVID-19. 6 00:00:52,000 --> 00:01:01,000 And I think that this conversation is really timely because increasingly we're all working as distance students and distance workers. 7 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:06,000 But also the likelihood is that sector is going to shift and we're going to have more more people studying 8 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:15,000 at a distance because hopefully our online provision and support is going to be even better than before. 9 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:19,000 So Sam and Jo, are you happy to introduce yourselves. Hi, I'm Jo. 10 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:26,000 So first, I am a first year PGR in the College of Humanities in art history and visual culture. 11 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:30,000 And I am based in the forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. 12 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:39,000 Hello, I'm Sam Jones and I'm based in Tobermory on the beautiful Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides off West Coast Scotland, 13 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:45,000 and I am a second year part time PGR in maritime history. 14 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:53,000 So can I start by asking you both, why did you decide to study at a distance? 15 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:59,000 So for me, I actually did my M.A. by distance through Falmouth University. 16 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:04,000 I've been living in the forest of Dean for over 20 years and I'm really established here. 17 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:12,000 My husband's work is established here and I didn't want to up sticks and move to university. 18 00:02:12,000 --> 00:02:19,000 And I when I started to look at the PhD course, I looked at my local university, it's University of Gloucestershire. 19 00:02:19,000 --> 00:02:23,000 And I also then looked to Exeter because of the distance programme. 20 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:32,000 And for me, choosing a university where the supervisors match my kind of interests and can give me the best experience was important. 21 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:40,000 And I wanted to study at Exeter, but I didn't want to move. So that's really why I chose the distance programme. 22 00:02:40,000 --> 00:02:50,000 What about you, Sam? For me, I think it was because the university has a specialist centre for maritime history 23 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:58,000 and I discovered that it was possible to do an MPhil or a PhD via distance learning. 24 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:04,000 So I got in touch with the department and said, this is the area that I'm thinking about working in. 25 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:09,000 And they put me in touch with Dr Helen Doe, who is now one of my supervisors. 26 00:03:09,000 --> 00:03:17,000 Brilliant. And so can you tell us a little bit about the kind of day to day experience of being a distance PGR? 27 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:26,000 Obviously, it's gonna it's gonna be markedly different from those they're based on or living near campus. 28 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:33,000 Well, for me, it's I tried to get myself into a routine and get obviously just the normal getting up 29 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:38,000 and getting ready in the morning and then sit down with the computer to start working 30 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:43,000 sort of between nine and 10 and having access to things like the shut up and write 31 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:49,000 sessions have been really good because they give you some structure to your day. 32 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:57,000 And I then tend to work for two to three hours in the morning, have a lunch break and try and then and do other things for a while. 33 00:03:57,000 --> 00:04:02,000 Look away from the screen and really refresh the brain and come back to again in the afternoon. 34 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:05,000 But I think it gives you flexibility. 35 00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:11,000 Working actually at home as a distance student, because if you're not well or like me, you have a medical condition. 36 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:18,000 You don't have to work at set times you don't have to be in when other people are in the know in an office. 37 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:25,000 If you if you're not feeling up to working in the morning, you can always shift your day and work later and work into the evenings. 38 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:31,000 So it gives you a lot of flexibility. So days tend to be a bit more flexible. 39 00:04:31,000 --> 00:04:38,000 But I try to get that structure in of trying to do two to three hours in the morning and two to three hours in the afternoon. 40 00:04:38,000 --> 00:04:45,000 What about you, Sam, because you're obviously managing this part time with work. 41 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:53,000 Yeah, I think I am. I think it's I think the point that Jo has made about routine is really, really important one. 42 00:04:53,000 --> 00:05:00,000 And this is kind of second time around for me. I did a doctorate 28 years ago now. 43 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:06,000 In fact, I suspect there's some PGRs who weren't even born. 44 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:14,000 My doctorate previously that was done full time with an economic and social research council studentship. 45 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:18,000 And even then, I had a routine. I was very lucky. 46 00:05:18,000 --> 00:05:25,000 I was a research centre in Oxford and I had I shared an office, so I had a routine then. 47 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:29,000 My routine now as a part time PGR is obviously very different. 48 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:37,000 And I think that there's different pre and post lockdown, certainly pre lockdown. 49 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:41,000 I was juggling it with a full time job. 50 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:52,000 So. I would be working during the day and then take the dog for a walk at tea time, come back and then work on my, my, my, 51 00:05:52,000 --> 00:06:06,000 my thesis for a couple of hours, and I'd usually spend at least one day weekend, if not a day and a half at the weekend on on on university work. 52 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:11,000 Post lockdown has been very different for me because my contract work dried up. 53 00:06:11,000 --> 00:06:21,000 So kind of flipped around and I'm not. I've basically been been working full time, but generally working during the day. 54 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:26,000 Which is, you know, has been fantastic. It certainly kept me sane. 55 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:30,000 Having having that discipline and like Jo, I've been, you know, 56 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:38,000 shaping my weeks around the shut up and write sessions and having those sort of two hours in the morning and then two hours in the afternoon. 57 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:43,000 And I'll generally work on a little bit afterwards. But it's just been fantastic. 58 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:51,000 And it's and it's really, really supportive community. I was taking part in them before and in webinars. 59 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:59,000 You know, since I started in 2018. But I think they have a very different feel to them at the moment. 60 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:03,000 It's just a really, really supportive environment and a great community. 61 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:07,000 And I would recommend them to absolutely anybody. Definitely. 62 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:14,000 They've made a huge difference to me as well. You know, lockdown has has changed a lot of things for people. 63 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:20,000 And although I was working from home on my PhD full time, anyway, 64 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:28,000 the lockdown had a different impact on sort of mental health and mental well-being in that being in a shut up and write group. 65 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:36,000 I can't go out, but having that community, knowing that every morning or most mornings and most afternoons, 66 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:45,000 I'm going to be with a group of like minded people who are sharing some of those issues has made a massive difference. 67 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:49,000 And like some is, you know, I would agree it's been a game changer, 68 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:57,000 really having all of those sessions and access to those sessions that you can just step in and out if you want to. 69 00:07:57,000 --> 00:08:03,000 It has been a tremendous thing, certainly during lockdown. 70 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:10,000 Because that was going to be one of my really crucial questions was about sense of connection and community. 71 00:08:10,000 --> 00:08:15,000 And you both obviously really experience that, particularly during lockdown. 72 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:23,000 I'm interested to know how you feel like the opportunities for connection and for engagement with the university, 73 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:28,000 but also that sense of community, you know, has. Has that changed? 74 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:30,000 Has it got better because of lockdown? 75 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:39,000 So has this kind of I guess what I'm asking is, has a lockdown provided kind of more opportunities for you as a distance student? 76 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:44,000 I think so, I mean, I I've made quite a few trips down to the university to try and network with 77 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:49,000 people before lockdown and so had built up some friends within the art history, 78 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:54,000 visual culture area. And so that had been fine. 79 00:08:54,000 --> 00:09:04,000 But I think the shut up and write sessions in lockdown have provided a wider range of people to connect with at different stages. 80 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:12,000 So I think it has made a huge difference in lockdown and it has got better. 81 00:09:12,000 --> 00:09:18,000 Yeah, I think it's got better in lockdown for me. What about you, Sam. 82 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:25,000 Yeah, I think like Jo, you know, I try and get down to her when I can. 83 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:28,000 Ironically, I haven't actually been on campus since May last year. 84 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:39,000 Because I've been seeing my supervisors elsewhere in London, for example, and Bristol and having Skype supervisions as well. 85 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:47,000 But certainly, I, I really, really enjoy coming down to Exeter and going on to going on to the campus, 86 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:52,000 going into the library and and feeling connected in that way. 87 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:56,000 And also, you have some very nice breweries down in Devon. 88 00:09:56,000 --> 00:10:04,000 So that's always really nice as well. But I think things have got better after lockdown. 89 00:10:04,000 --> 00:10:13,000 I find there's been some really excellent. College of Humanities webinars as well. 90 00:10:13,000 --> 00:10:20,000 That's Stacey Hynd's been running, which again, I think made me feel very connected. 91 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:29,000 So we've talked a little bit about shut up and write and and the college webinars and also some. 92 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:33,000 You've mentioned the fantastic programme that's offered in humanities. 93 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:41,000 But what other ways do you primarily engage with and connect with the university as a distance student? 94 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:46,000 I think there's a lot of engagement through Twitter as well. 95 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:54,000 And, you know, following those different accounts and actually engaging with the conversations and discussions that's happening there. 96 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:59,000 And that's not just what the doctoral college itself and the university, but also with. 97 00:10:59,000 --> 00:11:03,000 I mean, certainly for me, with the Department of Humanities, but with other PGRs 98 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:09,000 And there's often conversations going on sort of in that Twitter sphere that are really interesting as well. 99 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:17,000 That's that's another way that I found of engaging and connecting with other other PGRs and with the university. 100 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:30,000 One of the things I found really helpful. It's the library and the ability to borrow books, obviously pre lockdown to have them posted out. 101 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:40,000 It was very I was very fortunate. I managed to get hold of a I think back in February of a book that was was sent out to me by the university library, 102 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:47,000 which if I hadn't had access to, I wouldn't have been able to write the thesis chapter that I had been working on for the last couple of months. 103 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:54,000 But also the support that you can access through the library online. 104 00:11:54,000 --> 00:12:03,000 There's a little chat box. And I had some some really, really excellent help from from from the library staff over the last few months. 105 00:12:03,000 --> 00:12:12,000 Now, if I've been struggling to access a journal or struggling to find something and, you know, that's that's that's just been fantastic. 106 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:19,000 A really, really good resource. And another way in which, you know, you do feel you do feel connected and you feel supported as well. 107 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:26,000 What are the real challenges and the areas that we need to improve. 108 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:31,000 I think a lot of it does go down to who you are as a distance learner as well, 109 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:35,000 because you do have people who will just be content to sit back and not actually engage. 110 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:44,000 But I like to engage with people, like to talk to people. And I've not really had an issue connecting with people in that way. 111 00:12:44,000 --> 00:12:49,000 I mean, I've enjoyed everything so far and felt really supported and really glad that 112 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:54,000 I chose Exeter sort of distance learning as opposed to Gloucester University, 113 00:12:54,000 --> 00:13:03,000 which would have been on my doorstep and I could have been a face to face there. You've hit on the key point I think, which is about. 114 00:13:03,000 --> 00:13:10,000 Yourself, because obviously, you know, the fact that I've asked you to be on this podcast. 115 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:19,000 Means that we've connected virtually and met fleetingly in person. 116 00:13:19,000 --> 00:13:27,000 You are both incredibly active on Twitter and in the shut up and write groups and the various other activities in the community, 117 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:35,000 and I think that's probably. Well, I know, I know that's why you're getting so much out of your experience, because, I mean, 118 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:42,000 to get the most out of any research degree, you need to be proactive and you need to be engaging. 119 00:13:42,000 --> 00:13:50,000 But I think that's even more crucial when you're at a distance. It requires an awful lot of work on the part of the student. 120 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:56,000 And you both do that. Yes, it does. I mean, it during my M.A, which was a distance programme. 121 00:13:56,000 --> 00:14:01,000 We started as a cohort of twenty five on the M.A and people dropped out because they just 122 00:14:01,000 --> 00:14:07,000 couldn't deal with the fact that they were in this virtual community that was online. 123 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:14,000 And that was the way that you connected with people. And then when we had face to face events where we would meet up, 124 00:14:14,000 --> 00:14:18,000 quite a few people wouldn't come because they couldn't make that transition between the two areas. 125 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:22,000 So they couldn't transition from being distance to being face to face, 126 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:29,000 or they were struggling themselves to actually engage with the content and engage with the rest of the cohort digitally. 127 00:14:29,000 --> 00:14:38,000 They would struggle and webinars because obviously they they just couldn't actually make that transition from real life into the digital world. 128 00:14:38,000 --> 00:14:41,000 And I think if you're the kind of person that is going to try and get the most 129 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:45,000 out of it and you are prepared to put some work in to make those connections, 130 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:48,000 I think that it's it's all there for the taking. 131 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:54,000 It is down to you to actually make a bit of effort to no one's going to hand you it a plate and say, hey, you are here's your 132 00:14:54,000 --> 00:14:58,000 Nice little you're going to talk to you do not actually need to go. 133 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:01,000 Hello. I'm here. I'd like to be involved. How can I be involved? 134 00:15:01,000 --> 00:15:08,000 And I think you know your personality. If you're deciding to do a distance learning programme, you really need to look at. 135 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:17,000 Are you disciplined and organised individual? And can you actually make links with people over sort of digital and virtual networks? 136 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:19,000 I think that's absolutely right, Jo. 137 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:26,000 I think, you know, I think it's it's like many things in life, the more that you put into it, the more that you you get out of it. 138 00:15:26,000 --> 00:15:33,000 And, you know, I know that I am very fortunate that I've worked from home for the best part of 20 years. 139 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:40,000 You know, obviously with travelling around and travelling into workplaces and things. But so I'm used to having that discipline. 140 00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:46,000 I have a spare bedroom, which is, basically it sounds glorifies 141 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:54,000 it to call it a study. To be honest, it's just full of piles of books and papers and and photography gear and stuff like that. 142 00:15:54,000 --> 00:16:02,000 But I have that space where when I'm in here I'm either working or I'm studying. 143 00:16:02,000 --> 00:16:07,000 You know, it's not somewhere where I'll come and sit in at night to watch. a film on my my screen or whatever. 144 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:11,000 So I have that difference between, you know, when I'm in my kitchen or I'm in my lounge. 145 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:21,000 That's my kind of downtime when I'm in here. I'm either working or I'm doing university stuff or I'm doing RNLI stuff. 146 00:16:21,000 --> 00:16:23,000 So I think, you know, I'm very lucky that I've got that. 147 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:28,000 And I know that, you know, more widely in the community, you know, sort of outside the university. 148 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:29,000 But I know that during lockdown, 149 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:35,000 a lot of people have been struggling with that transition from being in a workplace to all of a sudden working from home and 150 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:44,000 having to do home schooling at the same time finding out that your partners got really irritating habits that you didn't know. 151 00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:51,000 And, you know, so so I kind of I feel that I've I've I've I've kind of coming from quite a strong position anyway. 152 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:52,000 But I think I think it's true. 153 00:16:52,000 --> 00:17:00,000 It is it it is what you what you what you put into it, what you what you choose to invest, you know, you will get repaid. 154 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:10,000 You know, in in triplicate. I think the one thing that I think I'm, I miss is having that face to face contact. 155 00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:15,000 You being able to pop into, you know, if you were based at university, being able to, you know, 156 00:17:15,000 --> 00:17:22,000 go and chat to other PGRs, you know, just without having to sort of arrange a call or or whatever. 157 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:27,000 And I think just going into the library and being able to browse, you know, 158 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:35,000 it's great being able to search the catalogue and look on, you know, I mean, didn't the electronic resources that we have now. 159 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:41,000 I mean, I don't know how I managed to complete it in 1992. 160 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:49,000 Had I don't know how that worked. I know I spent a fortune on photocopying, that's for sure. 161 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:57,000 But. You know, just being able to go and browse the shelves and think, oh, that's that's interesting, 162 00:17:57,000 --> 00:18:06,000 that's that's an angle that I haven't, you know, I haven't thought about. So I think, you know, I just I just love libraries and bookshops anyway. 163 00:18:06,000 --> 00:18:11,000 So for me, you know, whenever I'm I'm I'm down in Exeter, then, you know, 164 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:20,000 I do spend an inordinate amount of time in the library, quite often browsing books that have to be. 165 00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:26,000 Oh, so. Yeah, I. But I think some. 166 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:30,000 For me, I find that it's working very well. It was working very well before lockdown. 167 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:35,000 I've got two great supervisors, very, very supportive. 168 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:42,000 Dr. Helen Doe and Dr. James Davey. And but I think since lockdown. 169 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:47,000 You know, I think I think there's been like a step change, really. 170 00:18:47,000 --> 00:18:52,000 And I do think a lot of it has been shut up and write groups. 171 00:18:52,000 --> 00:18:58,000 It's you know, that they have been I think they're a real success story at the moment. 172 00:18:58,000 --> 00:19:03,000 Definitely. And I think for people who are used to being actually at the university, 173 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:09,000 realising that this can all still happen in the virtual world and they can still feel connected. 174 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:18,000 I think that it's actually been quite an eye opener for them and perhaps makes them realise how different it is being a distance student. 175 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:24,000 But actually, for a lot of those people who have been struggling potentially with having to go and 176 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:29,000 work from home or go back to their families and working from their childhood bedrooms, 177 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:32,000 they realise that they can still connect with people. 178 00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:41,000 And I think, you know, in that respect, I think some of myself are lucky because, you know, we chose this way to learn. 179 00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:42,000 Other people have sort of been thrown in the deep end. 180 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:49,000 So I think we've been a bit perhaps a bit more resilient to the changes and the issues around lockdown. 181 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:58,000 But, you know, I think that's made a big difference for us, being able to actually help other people as well, saying, you know, it does work this way. 182 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:02,000 You can learn this way and we can make steps progress. Well, I think. 183 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:07,000 Yeah. Yeah. So say I think we're a little bit lucky in that respect because we were used to it. 184 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:12,000 But I think it has got a lot better. And that community is building and building and building. 185 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:22,000 Being proactive in getting the most you can out of the experience seems to have been the the thread of this whole conversation. 186 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:28,000 The. You know, being a distance student requires you. 187 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:38,000 To be much more proactive. But because it requires that of you has the potential to make the experience richer. 188 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:43,000 I think, um, I think project management is is a is really important as well. 189 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:49,000 I've worked as a programme manager and a project manager in previous lives, 190 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:55,000 and I think that's a really useful skill to bring, especially at the moment. 191 00:20:55,000 --> 00:21:01,000 Now, where a lot of people that, you know, they may have had a really good project, 192 00:21:01,000 --> 00:21:07,000 plans for their research, and all of a sudden it's they've just been torn up. 193 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,000 You know, people are unable to get into. 194 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:19,000 People are unable to go and carry out, you know, face to face interviews if they're working in social science, for example. 195 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:25,000 And those of us who are working in history are unable to get into archives. 196 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:37,000 There is you know, there is material available online. But, you know, the really important stuff, you know, inevitably, generally isn't. 197 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:43,000 So it's you know, it's having to then re, you know, replan and and not to. 198 00:21:43,000 --> 00:21:48,000 And having your project plan, being a living document as well, not to sort of producing it and then thinking, well, that's that. 199 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:54,000 I've done that for the upgrade and now just sort crack on and, you know, put it away in a in a drawer somewhere. 200 00:21:54,000 --> 00:22:02,000 It's it's actually living thing and and managing risk as well because, you know, the. 201 00:22:02,000 --> 00:22:05,000 The future is uncertain. 202 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:13,000 You know, from a personal perspective, I don't know when I'm going to be able to get back into the archives that I need to get into. 203 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:18,000 I mean, I'm fortunate I'm still at a relatively early stage because I'm only my second year part time. 204 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:22,000 So first year equivalent. So there is a lot that I can still be doing. 205 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:30,000 But there is going to come a point where it's kind of I really do need to get into the archives or get back into the archives. 206 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:34,000 And so it's it's it's very challenging. 207 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:44,000 And I think it's and I think. So that's a sort of extra layer of challenge, if you like, to people who are perhaps not used to. 208 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:52,000 To, you know, to working from home to working from from a distance. And that gives you another skill, obviously, 209 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:56,000 that we could have brought up earlier about resilience and actually being able to 210 00:22:56,000 --> 00:23:00,000 bounce back when things are presented to you that you are beyond your control, 211 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:06,000 that affect your work and actually being able to to think outside of the box almost. 212 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:11,000 And think of another way of attacking some of that work and perhaps progressing with a different part. 213 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:14,000 Being able to pick things up and put them down. 214 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:21,000 And I think being distance does take give you a lot of resilience and a lot of ability to be able to be flexible in 215 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:27,000 what bit you might be able to do because of the resources and things that are available to you at that point in time. 216 00:23:27,000 --> 00:23:35,000 If there are people listening who are thinking about starting a distance research degree or even changing. 217 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:43,000 Yeah. To studying a distance, if they're midway through, what advice would you give them? 218 00:23:43,000 --> 00:23:45,000 I think the main thing for me would be. 219 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:54,000 Be realistic about whether or not you are disciplined and organised enough to do it from home because it sounds great working from home. 220 00:23:54,000 --> 00:24:06,000 But if you are just going to be at home distracted by the tele and your family and animals or other activities, and you're not going to commit to it. 221 00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:13,000 I think that you need to give it some serious thought. You need to understand that it's still a research degree. 222 00:24:13,000 --> 00:24:20,000 It is still either full time or part time. And you need to commit a certain number of hours to it in order to get the most out of it. 223 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:26,000 And I think if you and if you don't have a supportive network around you, people who understand that when you're at home, 224 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:32,000 it's not that you're at home and your available to go out for coffee or whatever, that you are at home and you are working, 225 00:24:32,000 --> 00:24:40,000 then that's also quite important and being realistic about where you might work in a do you have that space at home? 226 00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:43,000 Do you have an area that is good for reading an area? Good. 227 00:24:43,000 --> 00:24:48,000 That's good for writing those kind of things or being creative, whatever it is you need to do. 228 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:56,000 So you need to make sure that you've got access to those spaces that you can distinguish between that and your home life, basically. 229 00:24:56,000 --> 00:25:05,000 I think that's all really, really good advice. I think it's I think you have to ask yourself very, very, very firmly. 230 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:09,000 Do you have the commitment? Do you have the passion to do this? 231 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:17,000 Because when you're waking up on a Sunday morning, if you're a part timer like me and the sun is out, your friends are, you know, 232 00:25:17,000 --> 00:25:26,000 having a barbecue and you've got to start you've got to spend eight hours reading about Victorian charity and philanthropy, 233 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:30,000 you know, because you you you have to you have to have that commitment. 234 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:35,000 You have to have that discipline. And it you know, it's it's not always easy. 235 00:25:35,000 --> 00:25:42,000 I had some very good advice from a friend who had done an open university degree who said, you know, 236 00:25:42,000 --> 00:25:50,000 when you come to do your studying in the evening, don't take a break from from from from from, you know, 237 00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:58,000 don't have some downtime between work and study because you'll you'll not do it because you said that's what I found, is that, you know, 238 00:25:58,000 --> 00:26:01,000 if I just thought I'm just going to have half an hour and, you know, 239 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:06,000 watch the news or whatever, then before you know it, you know, it's two hours later. 240 00:26:06,000 --> 00:26:10,000 And your actually I'm too tired. And so I goes back to this point. 241 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:21,000 That routine is, you know, I would finish work, take my dog out for a for a walk, come back and then bang into into the study. 242 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:25,000 And so it's having it's having that commitment, you know, do you do you care? 243 00:26:25,000 --> 00:26:34,000 Do you really, really care about this this this thing that you want to research because you need that that fire to keep going when your mates are 244 00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:41,000 all having a lovely barbecue in the sun and in on the one day that the sun comes up here in Scotland and you've got a deadline, 245 00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:47,000 you've got a you know, you've you've got to stay indoors and. 246 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:55,000 So it is. And I think I think the point that Jo made as well about having a support network around you. 247 00:26:55,000 --> 00:27:00,000 It's really important. And having a workspace is is really important. 248 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:12,000 And just if you're a few of the right, you know, if you're the sort of personality who is willing to be proactive and is willing to to to make. 249 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:17,000 To make the most out of out of this and and and keep going. 250 00:27:17,000 --> 00:27:21,000 I. Yeah, those are all the sort of things that I would say. 251 00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:26,000 But if if if you want to do it. The support is there for you. 252 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:31,000 From the university. Definitely. And, you know, you'll you'll find it ironic. 253 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:35,000 I didn't actually I haven't actually visited the first time I visited the campus of 254 00:27:35,000 --> 00:27:40,000 Exeter was for my PGR induction because I knew I was going to be working at a distance. 255 00:27:40,000 --> 00:27:44,000 And what mattered to me was, was having that sense for maritime history, 256 00:27:44,000 --> 00:27:51,000 that having having that that interest there and having been able to access the support. 257 00:27:51,000 --> 00:27:57,000 So it was a really lovely surprise when I turned up and realised that it's really, really beautiful campus. 258 00:27:57,000 --> 00:28:02,000 And I think our beautiful campus is probably a really good note to end on. 259 00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:10,000 Thank you so much to Sam and Jo for taking the time out of their day to talk to me about being a distance PGR and really share some 260 00:28:10,000 --> 00:28:21,000 important insights into what that experience is like and the kind of person you need to be to undertake a research degree at a distance. 261 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:27,000 So is going to become more and more popular, I think, in the kind of post COVID 19 World. 262 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:41,000 And so I think it's it's crucial that we get the message out about how positive and connected and supportive that distance research experience can be. 263 00:28:41,000 --> 00:29:13,633 And that's it for this episode. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe and join me next time when I'll be talking to somebody else about researchers, development and everything in between.  

The clock ticks over and we must face the Midnight World. We talk with the guys over at Gem and Eye Studios about their “The Midnight World” Kickstarter.The Midnight World Kickstarter (KS United) Midnight World - Actual Play Picture - 21st Century Centurion Virtual Horror ConPicture - Modern ChimeraPicture - Pnomenia Picture - Vine WolfEmail: Polyhedronpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: Matthew (@bioimportance), Scott (@divismalkav), Ryan (@rjuous), @Polyhedroncast,Patreon: http://patreon.com/polyhedronRSS Feed: LinkReddit: Link

Mage has mechanics for injury to the body with health levels and injuries to your grip on reality with Quiet, but what about anxiety, PTSD, and other debilitating conditions? James Davey is a long time World of Darkness fan who's designed a game with that question in mind where characters glimpse the size of the multiverse granting both great power but with great stakes. The game emphasizes rapid character and story creation, and a core clock mechanic that drives plot, character advancement, tension, and possibly personal doom. Learn what you can steal! The Midnight World on Kickstarter The Midnight World on Facebook The Midnight World on Twitter The Dark Archive Podcast on the World of Darkness Mage the Podcast Episode on Quiet, Madness, and Morbidity --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mage-the-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mage-the-podcast/support

Episode 302: Visiting the Midnight World Indie game developers James Davey and Jim Beverly join the Favorite, the Curmudgeon and the Legend to talk about their upcoming tabletop rpg, The Midnight World. Carie, Jason and Ryan talk with these two incredible combat veterans about their game and its unique focus on PTSD and mental health awareness! Special Guests: James Davey and Jim Beverly.

The Twenty First Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. For more information please visit white-wolf.com. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/The Midnight World ROG: https://www.gemandeyerpg.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/themidnightwor1/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Twentieth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. For more information please visit white-wolf.com. SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/The Midnight World ROG: https://www.gemandeyerpg.com/ , https://www.facebook.com/themidnightwor1/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Nineteenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! “Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of White Wolf Entertainment AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. For more information please visit white-wolf.com.” SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/The Midnight World ROG: https://www.gemandeyerpg.com/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Eighteenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Seventeenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: B. Dave Walters as Salvador Garcia of Clan BrujahPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/bdavewaltersMcKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Sixteenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Fifteenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! DONATE TO RAICES: https://www.raicestexas.org/SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring:Selena Rhodes as Victoria Ash of Clan ToreadorCharlotte by Night Podcast: @CLTbyNight on Twitter McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Fourteenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios

The Thirteenth Episode of Burn It Down: A Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition Livestream Campaign! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://Patreon.com/SimulacraStudios Featuring: Matthew Webb as Nicky C of Clan BrujahJackalope Live Actions Studios: http://jackalope-larp.com/ McKenna Kelly as Cadence Hughes of Clan GangrelMcKenna Talks Games: https://youtube.com/mckennatalksgamesChangeling Game Log: https://throughtheglassdarkly.tumblr.com/https://mckelly.dreamwidth.org/https://www.pillowfort.io/toreadorableCommissions: https://www.fiverr.com/mckennackellyhttps://commiss.io/mckelly Dylan Coffey as Madison Faircloth of Clan VentruePixel Pals: https://gaming.youtube.com/channel/UCr3z-ShLlwmHF49OLL7w9kQBACK IN ACTION! https://twitch.tv/mazmedias Mo Ferrer as Willow Walsh of Clan ToreadorDuets With Dice: https://youtube.com/channel/UC225ooZzPu9so512gkemewA (Season 2 coming soon!) James Davey as Alex "DJ 2nd Sight" Mars of Clan MalkavianThe Dark Archive: https://darkarchivepod.comhttps://patreon.com/TheDarkArchive/ and Scott Kuban as The StorytellerPolyhedron Podcast: https://headcanongames.com/polyhedronhttps://patreon.com/Polyhedron/Simulacra Studios: https://patreon.com/SimulacraStudios    

The retail world is changing, but the high street isn't 'dying' certainly not here in Norwich. It's evolving, as ever. We're really fortunate to hear retail and e-commerce expert James Davey explain what's happening, and it's relevance business for all of us.

The retail world is changing, but the high street isn't 'dying' certainly not here in Norwich. It's evolving, as ever. We're really fortunate to hear retail and e-commerce expert James Davey explain what's happening, and it's relevance business for all of us.

On today’s show we begin by learning about logging in Vancouver Island's old growth forests. News Collective reporter Ande Laidman speaks with Western Canada Wilderness Committee canvaser James Davey about the intricacies of logging in the area of Carmanah Walbran. We then debunk accusations of sexism launched against various UBC groups/organizations, by the UBC Men’s Rights Association—a rejected AMS club.Lastly we asses a January 15th motion to rezone two developments at 2230 Harrison Drive and 3532 East Hastings under a Rental 100 policy. Both Sara Sagaii of the Vancouver Tenants Union and City Councilor Adriane Carr give their perspective on whether the new Council should continue incentivizing the construction of rental developments under the previous Council's Rental 100 policy.

Want to know 3 important lessons I learned when I was 16? Have a listen!  Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I lay out a few key principles to creating an effective revision timetable for your exams. I'll be following this up with a video on YouTube to demonstrate exactly how you can go about setting up and adjusting your own in the lead up to your exams.  Be sure to check out other related podcast episodes below:  Systems Move You Forward (Ep. 29) Work expands to fill time (Ep. 35)  Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I have a go at painting a picture of the future. I truly believe the teaching, learning and informational industries are set to be disrupted even more than they already have been. Be prepared for a rough ride! But through change, there will always be opportunities to be taken along the way. Be ready.  Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast I talk you through 7 ways to revise faster.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: https://www.theexamcoach.tv/social-media/ ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theexamcoach/ ✩ Instagram - http://instagram.com/theexamcoach ✩ Snapchat - https://www.snapchat.com/add/theexamcoach ✩ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8443534 ✩ Podcast - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-exam-coach-podcast/id1066290356?mt=2 ✩ Website - http://www.theexamcoach.tv   //   James Davey is an online exam coach and creator of The 7 Day Exam Plan. The Plan helps students working towards exams prepare and perform their best in any set of exams.   James went from lacking focus and drive to a top performing student. He's determined to help you undergo the same transformation and develop the study skills and exam performance techniques necessary for exam success.   After you've nailed your exams, James's ready to help you with your career advancement and the continued good management of the most important device of the 21st century - the smartphone. Bring it on!

Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: https://www.theexamcoach.tv/social-media/   How To Study For Exams - 7 Study Tips Supported By Science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97Rs3oDzEtc   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theexamcoach/ ✩ Instagram - http://instagram.com/theexamcoach ✩ Snapchat - https://www.snapchat.com/add/theexamcoach ✩ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8443534 ✩ Podcast - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-exam-coach-podcast/id1066290356?mt=2 ✩ Website - http://www.theexamcoach.tv   //   James Davey is an online exam coach and creator of The 7 Day Exam Plan. The Plan helps students working towards exams prepare and perform their best in any set of exams.   James went from lacking focus and drive to a top performing student. He's determined to help you undergo the same transformation and develop the study skills and exam performance techniques necessary for exam success.   After you've nailed your exams, James's ready to help you with your career advancement and the continued good management of the most important device of the 21st century - the smartphone. Bring it on!   //   10 Tips on Social Media and Exam Preparation Consciously prioritise throughout the year. Protect certain times of the day.  Check in with your feelings don't be afraid to unfollow, unsubscribe etc.   Think about it like 'Digital Nutrition'    Practice one screen free day a week Practice an exam season retreat Practice selective ignorance Turn off read receipts pressure to respond  Place your phone face down when not using it Have a purpose when you go to your phone, opt for direct messages over broadcast consumption

3 Key Skills You Need To Pass Any Exam  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqUXhzmSIEw   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: https://www.theexamcoach.tv/social-media/ ✩ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theexamcoach/ ✩ Instagram - http://instagram.com/theexamcoach ✩ Snapchat - https://www.snapchat.com/add/theexamcoach ✩ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8443534 ✩ Podcast - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-exam-coach-podcast/id1066290356?mt=2 ✩ Website - http://www.theexamcoach.tv   //   James Davey is an online exam coach and creator of The 7 Day Exam Plan. The Plan helps students working towards exams prepare and perform their best in any set of exams.   James went from lacking focus and drive to a top performing student. He's determined to help you undergo the same transformation and develop the study skills and exam performance techniques necessary for exam success.   After you've nailed your exams, James's ready to help you with your career advancement and the continued good management of the most important device of the 21st century - the smartphone. Bring it on!

In this podcast episode I recap a recent YouTube video ‘5 Ways NOT To Motivate Yourself For Exams' and suggest some practical ways you can become more motivated to do well in your exams.   If you're looking for some practical ways to get motivated enough to begin your journey to a better set of exam results than you expected, this podcast is for you.    Topics talked about:  5 Ways NOT To Motivate yourself for exams  How we can become motivated by the process of doing something  How historical source analysis is a useful skill-builder for spotting fake news  Making sure your motivation and actions are aligned with your values and standards Putting the time we spend studying for exams into perspective  The concept of ‘advertising' to yourself  Breaking huge tasks down into smaller chunks which can be tackled daily  Other things mentioned:  'Drive' By Daniel Pink Quote: "Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you" Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: https://www.theexamcoach.tv/social-media/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast I walk you through 'How to crush the NEW GCSE' - the eBook I've recently published on The Exam Coach website. In part 1 we discuss 5 areas you'll need to focus on in order to succeed in this new set of exams designed to raise standards within UK schools. Let's crack on and get stuck in!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast I walk you through 'How to crush the NEW GCSE' - the eBook I've recently published on The Exam Coach website. In part 2 we discuss 5 areas you'll need to focus on in order to succeed in this new set of exams designed to raise standards within UK schools. Let's crack on and get stuck in!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast, I talk through the key themes and questions I'm seeing in private messages sent to me by students preparing for exams. I also give you a few handy tips and solutions along the way!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast I talk through how you can think about balancing out your routine so you're not just studying the whole time. If you have many interests figure out how to make time for them all.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast I talk through how you can make the most of your half term. Should be a cracker if you have mock exams coming up in November.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast I talk about how I motivate myself to give it 110% every day. I'm getting better and better at doing this everyday. If I had one wish for you it would be to start doing it now. You'll be amazed where you get to in 5-10 years time.  Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

GCSEs have become harder and more focused on exam performance. FACT. Here's what you can do about it...   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast, I discuss what I've done on the podcast up to now and what I plan to do in the future.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this podcast I talk about the small things you can do to set yourself up to get more done than yesterday. Be patient, 1% better compounded and stacked up over time results in big changes!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

In this episode I discuss how you can set up WhatsApp in order to feel less social pressure and have more time to yourself.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast I discuss three simple areas you can focus on to ensure you make a great start going back to school.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I discuss a revision plan over the course of a year. Of course, when you need to start revising is mainly determined by how you feel about the work and the position you're currently in. You need to make that judgement call!   Here's my shot at laying out a structure over 3 terms to pace your revision right so you're peaking just in time for exam season.    //   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

I've just come back from a weekend away in Devon with some of my best buds. Usually I'm Snapchatting and on my smartphone...This time I decided to go 48 hours in airplane mode. Here's what happened....   //   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theehttps://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast I talk through the realities of exam preparation and performance as well as how they can cause stress and anxiety. Instead of getting into 'complainer-mode' (things only get worse this way) I encourage you to get positive, address your pain-points and find a way forward.   //   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theehttps://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Yo squad, in this podcast I discuss The Exam Coach way of making lists and getting stuff done. Have a listen before you get home from school today. Then execute the hell out of a cheeky list!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I discuss a model I use to keep myself on track in the long term and the short term view.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the free WhatsApp Bulletin for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2Q9T1mG

Try it. ;) Let me know how you go. Hit me up on WhatsApp - +44 7522 772 261   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theehttps://www.theexamcoach.tv/about-the-exam-coach   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Take the time now to look at who tends to be on the top of you social feeds most days. Are they five role models you can learn from? If not, have a think about whether you want to try a new approach. If you are currently trying to get better or improve at something audit the time you spend on your smartphone as a first step. The people you watch and interact with on it will impact how you feel and what you do throughout the day. Make sure they're the right people for you and what matters to you right now (whatever that may be).

Changing and adjusting your routine can help you identify new ways of improving your day to day efficiency. Especially when your routine goes out the window, knowing how to get the most out of a day by reacting to the circumstances and time you have left to get stuff done.     Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Don't stress over unimportant tiny stuff that doesn't matter. Stay cool, stay calm. Check this mini example from my day. Life is better than most of us think.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Part 2 of my thoughts on the 'time well spent' Instagram update.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Instagram Gets Serious About Smartphone Health With Time Well Spent   ^^ That's an important update to the app, but one which I think a lot of people will not want to tackle head-on due to the fact it's going to shed some very bright light on all those hours we waste away peering into other people's lives, thinking about doing things and going places rather than actually interacting with people and doing the cool stuff!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

What a company! What a two years! Proud to say I was a part of it alongside some awesome people who will remain friends. But now for some full time Exam Coaching.

I've taken on a new mentor and I'm already learning new lessons and reaffirming old ones.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Look at your text messages and your social profiles? Who are you spending the most time with whilst using your smartphone? Pay attention to this, these people with influence your thoughts and actions on a daily basis, make sure they're who you want them to be. If they need to be changed to push your life in a more positive direction, change them.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Let's talk about our online vs our offline behaviour. We often use the words 'attention seeker' to describe someone we find pretty annoying in real life. So why do we tolerate or even get involved with attention seekers/click-bait in the online world? Let's work to spend more time with content that matters and less time with content that doesn't.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Some key revision/study principles to help with your exam preparation!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

How To Choose Who To Follow On Social Media? It's all about your current objective, time/attention trade-off and actionable value delivered at the right time in your day. Listen up!  Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I talk about the importance of being a doer rather than a talker. Yes, it's important to think and be smart about what you do, but when it comes down to it, doing ALWAYS beats talking. Do more.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

This podcast should give you some really smart ways to manage the decisions you make on your smartphone and those you make in your broader life! I came up with the Attention Sieve idea, the Regret Minimisation Framework I pinched from Jeff Bezos, CEO at Amazon. ;)  Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

It's important to think about how we can use the time spent on our smartphones most effectively. They're hugely useful and important to us, but both you and I know, sometimes we don't use them in the ways that always deliver value/happiness to us.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Another one about the internet and online life and how important it is that we take full control over it!   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

Listen up as I talk through resetting your expectations of how long some daily tasks 'should' take and how much time you spend on certain aspects of life. If you make something enough of a priority you can find the time for it, it's just up to you to make it happen every day through a solid routine.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I talk through my view on the benefits and drawbacks of paid online courses versus free content on the internet.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

In this podcast, I discuss two very popular social networks with the 13-25 age demographic: Snapchat and Instagram. I talk about how I think about them as social platforms and therefore what action/thought I take whilst using each of them.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

Here's the link to the segment from the graduation speech by Matthew McConaughey:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpCactzuQIU&index=6&list=PLnHKMN5Guqs8fCaI3PzvTVqccDT2uiu_8 Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast, I talk through what to do when you know you've underperformed in an exam. I also touch on how this lesson is applicable to many different kinds of situations useful throughout life. Hakuna Matata. ;)    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

This stuff is so important! We all need to figure out how to manage everything we do, including the stuff which can often take us further away from our goals.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

In this podcast, I discuss how your exams and the skills you learn whilst preparing and performing in them can be useful for your eventual career path.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this podcast episode, I talk through thinking of your brain like computer software and constantly updating it in line with the rate at which the tech devices and platforms update. This way, you'll always be able to stay mentally on top of the content coming down your smartphone.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

I'd love to turn the podcast into a talk show for a period of time! For a while now, it's been one-way vocal traffic from my end. Let's get a few others involved and see what we can stir up during a jam sesh! If you're interested in coming on the show, just reach out to me via any social media channel, email, WhatsApp, whatever suits you best, and I'll get back to you.    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Check out the link below to find out more on The Exam Coach, why he does what he does and how he can help you...   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/james-davey   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD

In this episode, I talk through the implications behind this recent software update announced by Apple:   "Apple today announced new tools built into iOS 12 to help customers understand and take control of the time they spend interacting with their iOS devices. These new features, available later this month as part of the iOS 12 public beta, include Activity Reports, App Limits and new Do Not Disturb and Notifications controls designed to help customers reduce interruptions and manage screen time for themselves and their families."     Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

10 minutes of jamming on the Smartphone and how you/I can use it to its full potential.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

Get inside your own head, keep your head down, don't compare. Just do what you need to do.   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

If you want to get truly great at extracting all of the value out of your smartphone you need to totally change the way you physically use it. Your eyes and thumbs are a great place to start!    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

In this podcast, I talk about what I'm trying to help you out with after you've smashed your exams! That is, your career. I'm learning as I go!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

In this podcast, I talk about 'the difference that makes the difference' in young people's ability to achieve what they want out of life. Your smartphone usage, the internet and the social media apps on them are both the lock and the key to so much disappointment and opportunity in life. It's your job to figure out how to best use them in service of the things you value. As long as you do this, you'll always be winning. :)    Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

In this podcast I talk about cycles of work and relaxation and how just being in one mode the whole time lowers overall performance. You want to do both. Earn your breaks and down time!   Subscribe to the podcast for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

In this podcast, I talk through how you can get the most from the experience of your parents whilst also being able to carve your own path in life.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

So important....Have a listen.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

Voice tech is coming. I'm going to help you build smooth routines via that tech opportunity. Let's get ready to set stuff on cruise control and let it run!   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

'Employers Hire For Attitude, They Train For Skills' - learn this truth here and now. Get your attitude right, then build your skill set.   Subscribe to the channel for more exam, career and smartphone help.   Want exam help right now delivered to you in a structured and well thought through way? Try The 7 Day Exam Plan.   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-7-day-exam-plan   What to take a free short course in how you could use your Smartphone to help you achieve your study and career goals? Check out the link below:   -> https://www.theexamcoach.tv/smartphone-crash-course/   Find and follow The Exam Coach here:   ✩ Join the WhatsApp Broadcast List for free exam, career and smartphone management help: http://bit.ly/2jF3RTD 

We take a deep dive into the setting of Shadowrun with our good friend James Davey.

Nick and Jonathan speak with James Davey, host of the Dark Archive, about the World of Darkness series of tabletop role-playing games, and the stories and history within. James' podcast the Dark Archive is very good. Go listen to it once you're done. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dark-archive/id1292113032?mt=2 http://toppodcast.com/podcast_feeds/the-dark-archive-james-davey/ https://darkarchivepod.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheDarkArchive/

We sit down with our good friend James Davey about his new World of Darkness focused podcast called "The Dark Archive". 

“Ultimately it’s just what works best for you. Technically a pretty low grade, rotten, 10 buck shaft can outperform a ₤350 shaft if it just suits you better.” – Simon Cooper Simon Cooper co-founded Precision Golf in 2004, alongside clubmaker and good friend James Davey. The company custom fits clubs to players, utilizing advanced technology to manufacture the clubs which best suit an individual’s needs. Ultimately, this enables golfers to maximize their potential with the skill set they have. Prior to this business venture, Simon was a talented golfer himself. He participated in a number of esteemed amateur events, and played on the EuroPro Tour in 2004 – coincidentally the same year in which Precision Golf launched. As a player, he showed an interest in understanding his game as deeply as possible, which made a move into club fitting a natural progression. In this episode, Simon explains how Precision Golf got started, and how the process of being fitted works. He also provides some valuable insights into various technical elements of a club, how they impact shot outcomes, and some of his favorite clubs. Ep. 3: Simon Cooper from Precision Golf Show Notes Simon explains the history of Precision Golf. [3:40] How the perception of club fitting has changed in recent years. [5:40] What was the driving force behind starting Precision Golf? [7:10] How Precision Golf’s location was chosen. [8:30] The benefits of fitting indoors vs outdoors. [9:30] Simon talks about the impact of personal biases in selecting clubs for purchase. [12:10] Simon explains the process of being fitted by Precision Golf. [14:00] The most common problem with clubs which players face prior to being fitted, and how Precision Golf attempts to rectify them. [17:10] Simon explains the difference between the swing of a low-handicapper and a high-handicapper. [21:30] Fixing your swing vs changing your clubs.[22:50] What happens after the swing data has been gathered? [26:00] What are the key metrics looked at in the TrackMan? [30:30] Simon explains how long the entire process of club fitting takes. [33:00] What gear is used at Precision Golf to manufacture the clubs? [34:40] Simon talks about the development of equipment in recent years. [36:40] The benefits of being fitted for a putter. [38:20] Simon explains the danger of becoming overly fixated on data. [42:00] How much are drivers improving? [44:00] Is the club head or the shaft more important? [46:40] Simon explains what makes a good shaft. [47:40] Who is the best manufacturing company to work with? [49:40] Simon talks PXG. [51:30] Simon answers some rapid fire questions. [53:30] Why lessons are the best value investment for a golfer. [58:30] The differences in club grips. [61:00] Simon talks about the differences in player’s requirements. [63:00] What are the highest quality clubs? [63:50] Simon’s favorite book. [65:10] Action challenge. [66:00 Simon Cooper’s Action Challenge Work out your yardages Specifically, work out carry distances for every club in the bag. This will enable you to know whether your ball will carry that bunker, that body of water, that hazard. Record it in whichever way you prefer – write distances on your shafts, on your card, in your pocket. Memorize it. Gear/Resources Mentioned TrackMan SST Pure Shaft Technology RBZ Driver Seven Dreamers custom made shafts PXG Mizuno T-ZOID Pro Iron Set Mizuno’s TP11 irons TaylorMade r500 Driver Series Miura Wedges Ping Answer Putter GripMaster Grips Black Widow Grips Arnold Palmer Autobiography People Mentioned James Davey Colin Montgomerie Jack Niklaus Bernhard Langer Lee Westwood Connect and follow Simon Cooper Precision Golf LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 9 of Davey Discusses a podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. If you're on The FUN Exam Plan I hope you're sticking to the routines and exam techniques in it - keep going and use this podcast to support you. For more info on The FUN Exam Plan go to www.theexamcoach.tv/the-fun-exam-plan there you'll find the tried and tested routines and exam techniques that make exams as easy, effortless and enjoyable as possible...something like this wasn't around when I was taking my exams - so I created it - if you're in the same boat as I was and looking for the best way to get you through your exams with a solid set of grades whilst not becoming super stressed or a nerdy hermit for half the year then check it out. It's all online and easily accessible, moreover, it demonstrates exactly what to do rather than chuck a load of half formed ideas and recommendations at you and let you pick out the good stuff like I had to during my own education. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college or Uni there is certainly something of value to be taken away. It's designed to fill that period of down time you may have when walking to school in the morning, in between lectures at Uni or whenever else you have 5 minutes to spare and put it to good use. Let's crack on.    Okay in this episode I'm going to a talk about a question that was running through my head constantly when I was at school...   That question was 'are exams actually worth it?' - are they worth all the hard work, or is it better not to bother too much about them.    I'll take you through exactly what I was thinking on both sides of the argument....   So lets kick things off by talking about some of the reasons why I thought Exams were just not worth the hassle. I used to do it all the time and so did many of my friends and people I hung around with. Exams have always had the reputation of being an inconvenience and I certainly thought a lot about why they just weren't worth all the time, hassle and hard work they demand.   So here's what I was thinking:   I'm Young, I Should Be Having Fun and Enjoying myself   I thought to myself I'm young, I should be out partying, having fun and enjoying what most people say are the best years of their life rather than worrying too much about exams. I shouldn't have to be dealing with all this hard work, potential stress and pressure. I'll worry about the future later, right now I'm going to have as much fun as I can, take risks and enjoy myself.       It's Pointless and Boring   I knew I was learning stuff that I would probably never use again. Some of it I couldn't care less about, I just wasn't interested.  I couldn't see why I should be spending my time doing something so boring that I don't want to do in the future.   It's Not A realistic test of Intelligence   Spending hours and hours memorising stuff, understanding concepts and trying to perform under pressure just wouldn't come in handy later in life. I want to be doing exciting work in business or some other career path and these things won't require any of the skills needed for exam success, I'' do all my learning when I'm out of school and the real world doesn't seem like it involves many pressurised situations like exams.    I wouldn't mind doing well in my exams but I don't want to work hard for it   Hard work just isn't cool....furthermore working hard and failing is embarrassing . Not being seen to work hard and succeeding is pretty cool, not caring at all is also pretty cool, not working hard and failing is accepted by most people.    I Don't Need Exam Results To Do What I Want To Do   All of my friends say its about who you know not what you know, adults are even saying it. So why should I need to spend ages studying when really I'm going to get my job through a contact. Also, I want to be an entrepreneur like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates - they all dropped out of education - that proves how you don't need exams to do what you want to do. They all say its not the grades that matter but whether you are passionate about what you want to do and whether you have got the other skills required for success. If the thing I want to be when I'm older doesn't require good grades then what's the point in spending so much time getting them?     So there are the reasons for not trying in your exams...and here are the reasons why I sometimes thought they might be worth it and what I also think now.       I'm Young, I Should Be Having Fun and Enjoying myself   When you're taking exams it's important to look at the hard work, hassle and pressure in context.   There are three main parts to this:   - How long you actually spend revising and doing exams compared to the rest of the time you have to do whatever you want when you are young - the answer is its not very much so you do actually have plenty of time to have FUN and do your exams - The long term impact of results - the short term pain long term gain idea - Earned FUN is far more fun than the you just take it for granted.   It's a bit like being thirsty versus just drinking water to stay hydrated...when you've just done a run or worked out and haven't drunk any ice cold water for a while it really does hit the spot, whereas the you're just sipping away at your desk its not quite the same....   Also, it is fair to say that revising for exams doesn't actually make up much of your time per year at all - at a push lets say on average 3 months a year between the ages of 13-21 it takes up 25%...if you don;t know how to have Fun in the other 75% of your time then you don't know how to have FUN.   It's pointless and boring and no one else cares so why should I    - Going by what everyone else your age does is a bit silly as no one really knows anything more than you about what the future holds and whether exams are really that important - period, it doesn't matter how cool, streetwise or how many older brothers and sisters they have who have told them x, y and z then don't know it... - Older people and adults also don't always know what's best for you, just because they turned out alright after having flunked their exams doesn't mean you can do the same thing. The careers and job market is completely different from what it was 20 even 10 years ago...  Don't listen to those people in the year above you who tell you its easy - its always seems easy when you've crossed the finish line, in hindsight many things seem easier than they actually are when you are doing them.    It's Not a Realistic test of intelligence    The absolute basics do end up helping you out. But I was right in thinking there's a lot that you will never use again. One thing I would like to remind you of is that exams can be seen as the current market conditions. They're the way things currently work and they are the first hurdle or the first hoop you have to jump through to get in front of future employers. They may not be perfect but when you look at them this way they are worth paying attention to. Perhaps what you understand and memorise for exams may not always come in so handy, some of it might do, but the majority probably won't. However, the invaluable training you receive in an exam situation on how to prepare and perform in a highlight pressurised situation is vital - in the world after education these situations come up on a daily basis and it's those who have learned to overcome them that really get on in life.    I wouldn't mind doing well in my exams but I don't want to work hard   Hard work is what it's all about, it's a skill, it has to be learned and developed over time. Start now with your exams and you'll be way ahead of the game. Hard work is a key ingredient in any achievement in whatever field, it's necessary and it's something that you have to come to terms with and begin to enjoy, the more you try the more results you start to see and the more you begin to enjoy the whole process of working towards a top set of exam results because when you are no longer relying on lucky breaks or good fortune you start to see that in all most all cases in life if you put something in you will get something out. If you're not willing to put anything in you're going to get the same amount out - the earlier you can learn and understand the lesson that hard work is a skill and the earlier you start refining and working on you ability to work hard and achieve something this massively increases your chances of achieving whatever you what care about at a later stage.    5. I Don't Need Exam Results To Do What I Want To Do   I'd encourage you to think about human development and what we find appealing when thinking about unconventional success stories. The media knows that is what sells, the inconventional and unusual interests us. We love the against all odds stories of people beating the system or achieving in spite of something. Like, for example, Richard Branson being a hugely successful entrepreneur after having had a tough time in   education. People also look to figures like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates as University and College dropouts and misleadingly suggest as a consequence they didn't care much for hard work, educational excellence or taking on challenges. They all passed exams to get into the prestigious colleges they eventually dropped out of. Lastly, you don't hear about all the people who achieved a lot at school and university, got great exam results and then went on to achieve even greater things .... why? Well it's not a very good story is it, its expected and predictable - hardly worth talking about. What I'm saying is do't be drawn like a fly to a lightbulb to the against all odds success story, also think about those whose education clearly set them up for what they later went on to achieve - there are far more of the later than the former and it doesn't make their success any less notable - only in the eyes of the media and the human bias of wanting to hear the extraordinary over the calculated and predictable.      So there you go, there are 5 ideas that were running through my head as to why exams weren't worth it and 5 rebuttals to those arguments that I gradually developed through personal experience and my observation of and conversations with other people. See you next time. 

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 8 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college or Uni there is certainly something of value to be taken away. It's designed to fill that period of down time you may have when walking to school in the morning, in between lectures at Uni or whenever else you have 5 minutes to spare and put it to good use. Let's get stuck into this one then....   What happens to the people who just don't care about exams? I often thought about this and I spent periods on time on both the side that doesn't care and the side that does.... When you're revising putting a shift in - you're thinking do these people know something that I don't, are these exam things something I will look back on to say, 'why did I spend so much time at the desk', I should have been chilling with the chillers, regret, it's one of life's worst inventions because there is nothing you can do to change whatever it is that you regret.   The good news is the D Towners who chill whilst you go hard at it during exam season, really don't know much at all, they don't know anything that you don't. They'll often talk a good game, in fact most of them lack the general self awareness to try and make you believe they have it all sussed out - the answer is they don't, the big answer is no one does, no one has it sussed, remember that. But what about that other question, will you regret all that time you spent at your desk? The short answer is no, you won't remember half of it, the complex answer is you will have some small regrets, that is, only if you fail to balance and prioritise the time spent at your desk with all the other things young people like doing: socialising, nights out, chilling out, sports, musics...whatever suits your fancy. Balance and prioritise - it's The Exam Coach Way. But let's move our attention back to those who would have you believe that being a D Towner -  not caring, not believing in the value of hard work and believing that you are entitled to something without having to put the required effort and work in. Let's take a look at this....What happens to these people? Do they succeed because of their supreme confidence? Did they actually know something that you didn't about how it all pans out down the line in life after education? Are they really up to their eyeballs in contacts and once they're out of school then they'll begin to work hard and you'll look like a fool for working hard and putting the effort in during school, because, they knew that none of that really matters....I'll lay out a few observations I've made so far...again, as with all these podcasts let me offer a caveat with this, I'm only 23, I don't claim this view to be correct or right, its just based on what I have seen and observed and learned from personal experience in my own 23 years.    So what happens to the D Towners...   It doesn't work out, they don't get lucky, things don't just fall into place   The story doesn't end well for the D Towners. In fact life inside education is about as good as it gets for them, they get used to having everything made easy for them, its a safe place where they don't have to put too much effort in order to get by...Everything changes when you're out in the real world. It's those people who have conditioned themselves over the years to work hard, persevere and think independently that really get on in this environment. They don't feel entitled to anything and for that reason they end up getting that job, starting that startup or just doing something that they really like doing for a living - these are the A Towners. The D towners end up settling and looking for reasons why that person, that A Towner is doing what they would like to be doing: they come up with all number of excuses but the one thing they don't realise is this process started 5,10,15 years back with the development of that secret ingredient - hard work. And no, it's not about putting it in every now and then, its about the gradual development of your ability to work hard with efficient and effective action. This is in itself is a skill. It takes time to develop and you should be starting right now.    The game changes entirely    From the age of about 13-18 it's cool to be a chiller, not to be seen as working hard and still get good results, in fact not to be seen working hard and not getting good results is even cooler... I know this to be true and I've got the report cards to prove it as I tried my hardest to get good grades without appearing to try and then just going for the 'rude boy' approach of not trying and not caring in the slightest. Take a look at the video called James story on the Exam Coach Website if you're interested... Now let's move on to a slightly older age category 18-22, University or College... here the game changes slightly, people grow out of that challenging stage between 13-18 and become more independent in the way they think and operate, as a consequence it's pretty cool to work hard and get good results whilst also having the time to party, chill and do all the other stuff the average students would do. Most people have passed a test or exam to gain entry into this higher level of education, therefore there is a certain amount of respect given to academic success as long as its not at the expense of everything else a student enjoys. The job market is also looming on the other side of College and University, this brings into the equation the idea of success. Our society in general is very success orientated, it's cool to be a success, you are respected and often looked to as an example to follow and replicate... it's not cool to be a failure. Whatever success and failure means in this context exactly is an entirely different podcast episode so I wont get into that right now. The key point I'm making here is that the game changes from when you're 13-18 to when you're 22 plus. When you're 22 plus people don't have any time for the people who don't work hard, have a sense of entitlement and think they're a bit too cool for school and as a consequence produce average results. Instead they have a lot of time for the hard worker, the person who is willing and used to going above and beyond what is expected and the person who knows the world owes them nothing and they'll have to work for everything in order to create great results. Having the foresight to know that this is how the game plays out down the line is what I want you to pay some serious attention to. To put it in business terms not knowing that this progression happen between the ages of 13 and 22 and that what is considered to be cool and not cool completely changes is a bit like being a company back in the early 2000s who had no idea about how the iPod and iPhone would revolutionise the mobile technology space. Those who didn't have an understanding of this ended up losing big time, those who did were served up some massive opportunities. Be at the forefront of the change that is about to happen at whatever stage you are currently at in your young life, that way you'll always be ahead of the game, thinking independently and making moves that put you in the best position to succeed. Know how the game is going to change and be prepared for it.    The contacts myth    I always remember when I was at school the following would usually be used to described the average D Towner, let's take the example of Darren the D Towner for instance...here's what others would say about Darren. 'Darren pisses about loads in lessons and doesn't try hard, he literally couldn't care less about his exams...he's sorted though, his old man is minted and has bare contacts' Now, I don't doubt that there is some truth in this, Darren's old man may well be minted and through this know a few very influential people... but here's the thing, if Darren can't prove that he can work hard and achieve results that would benefit an organisation then that makes the whole task for Darren's old man of finding his son a job a lot tougher. He'll have to really dig deep into the grace bank of favours he has developed with his business contacts, if he has developed anything like this is the first place. Furthermore, when Darren goes to that company and does a crap job because he's never lifted a finger or put a shift in before it's going to look pretty bad on his old man, his old man's contact and the situation in general can get pretty sticky. So...as you've seen the whole I've got contacts card really isn't all its made out to be, there are a whole number of barriers and road blocks that can stop anything like this happening and even if you do manage to get a job purely through a contact with no reliance on prior experience, proven track record, academic performance or grades you have it all to do when in you're in the job and one slip up won't be as early forgiven and trust me there will always be slips ups in the real world. I don't think risk is an inherently bad thing, in fact I quite like it as something that can help people to grow, develop and learn. But exposing yourself to unnecessary amounts of risk by not working hard at school and having nothing to show for your time there is a risk not worth taking. Furthermore, you transfer that risk over to that contact your family member has, and to the contact themselves it's totally up to them whether they want to take that on and you won't have to do much wrong from them to start thinking hiring you was a risky decision just not worth taking. Put a shift in, don't rely on the promise of contacts and networking, people to work with people who bring the most value to them both in a business and personal sense, bear this in mind when you think about how much value you could add to someone's life or business.      Ands that's all for this week. Keep developing your ability to work hard. Exams are the perfect training ground for this. Until next time. 

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 7 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college or Uni there something of value to be taken away. It's designed to fill that period of down time you may have when walking to school in the morning, in between lectures at Uni or whenever else you have 5 minutes to spare and put it to good use, so plug in and let's get stuck into something that's going to get you moving forward on that long and winding road to A town.   In this episode I want to talk about something that probably had the single biggest transformational effect on the way I approached exams. So when I was a young lad, the mini Exam Coach if you will, I absolutely loved sports all sort, any kind, I was competitive as well, always wanted to win and loved every minute of it. For a long time that took precedent over anything academic, and then of course when it came to crunch time and I began to sit exams that would actually have a serious bearing on my prospects and the future direction in life I had to rethink this. I was really not taking anything to do with exams or education in general seriously - if you want to see for yourself check the exam coach website and search this url: www.theexamcoach.tv/james-story...But the moment I made the connection between sport and exam preparation and performance the whole game changed for me and I was able to pretty quickly channel my competitive streak into something quite frankly I didn't care about.    I began to understand the whole process of exam preparation and performance in terms of sport, both team sports and individual.   Exams like sports are something you train for the only difference being is that when game day comes along people aren't pumped - they're nervous, and it's often not the good king or nervous, its the crippling I don't want to be here kind of nervous, they don't do their warm up routines in fact sometimes they don't really want to play and they're sometimes even late for the game, people sub themselves off early by leaving the exam early, or they take a voluntary sin bin by going to the loo in the exam and missing out on points on the scoreboard. A lot of the plays I see students making in the exam room, if you were to apply them in a sports context would be considered disastrous and even stupid and would leave the person in question with little to no chance of performing well and winning the game so to speak.    The Exam Coach Way breaks down this idea of the similarities between high performance in sport and exams into the 5 phases of exam performance, Morning of, pre exam, during exam, post exam and the constant ongoing challenge of doing this routine with the same attention to detail and intensity for each and every exam. It's the Nailing it Part of The FUN Exam Plan and is often, as I found with myself, the single biggest factor in shifting someone's general approach to exams and consequently their final grades    It just makes sense. The principles that athletes of any level, but especially professional level deploy in order to perform at their best is so relevant to Exams in order to execute to the level you know you can on a consistent basis yet it hasn't really been thought about or taken seriously because 'hey' exams aren't cool. But it's by making this direct link between any performance sport, or for that matter any performing art or practice you are passionate about and requires you to perform in a pressurised situation that is going to make all the difference for you on results day. On the most basic level, sportspeople including myself and you warm up before a game, we think about what we're eating, drinking and how much we've slept, we talk through a game plan either with our coach if competing individual or with the team if playing a team sport. But a lot of this doesn't even cross most students minds before they're about to sit an exam - most rely on a frantic scan of the notes a couple of minutes before the examiner calls them in then carnage ensues in the exam room and D Town is inevitable.    I've seen people who know the syllabus back to front go into an exam and not be able to get it down on the day because they're thrown off by something, because they didn't get the rub of the green, they slacked off in their final warm up, their exam technique was off the boil or they were still thinking about how they missed out on that 2 marker in the previous paper they sat and those are the margins we're talking about. Yet the person who prepares fully and then delivers on their game day routines and warm ups will be able to transfer everything from their head to the paper in that 2 hour window everyone gets to show what they know. Its that specific morning routine, the thorough warm up and the exam technique routines during the pressurised exam time which enable that person to perform consistently at the highest level, it allows them to connect the dots in the moment, find that word that they scratching their head over, phrase things just right so the examiner awards all the marks instead of 3 out of 5.   Exam success really does go to the people who can put in the training in the off season but then really get their routines up to scratch for game day. Lessons can be taken both from the gritty determination and occasional selfishness that is needed to succeed in individual sporting or performance pursuits and also the team situation. Exams require that competitive individualistic determination that is so prevalent in individual sport, not to say that it isn't in team sport, I'm just saying that in individual sports it is especially strong. Meanwhile as I've always said exams are a team game and its about assembling or putting yourself amongst a group of people who are only going to help, support, assist and add value to you exam performance on game day. these are the kind of people you can bounce a few questions off and do some casual Q and A type stuff where they also have your best interests in mind rather than trying to highlight how little you know or how they are so nervous and therefore you should be too. Its all about mutual benefit and helping each other along the road to A town.    SO if you're a sportsman or woman, if you're into your creative arts, if you do anything that requires you to deliver in a situation where you are competing and there may be some level pressure on you. Have a good think about how you can take some of the basic mindsets and things you do in these situations and transfer them to an exam situation. Building up some kind of performance routine that you do every time you sit an exam is going to really help you churn out top performances consistently - Exam Coach Students use the 5 phases of The Nailing It Plan. That's what were looking for, solid and reliable performance day in day out, it doesn't matter what curve balls are thrown our way we've done the prep and the leg work all the way up to the moment we enter that exam hall, further more we've got the exam technique on deck to deal with anything thrown our way during the exam - The Exam Coach Way. Everyone has the ability to do well in their exams its just finding the right buttons to push to set you in motion to find that why, for me it was making the connection between sports performance and exam performance.       

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 6 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college or Uni there is certainly something of value to be taken away. It's designed to fill that period of down time you may have when walking to school in the morning, in between lectures at Uni or whenever else you have 5 minutes to spare and put it to good use. Let's get stuck into this one then.      In this week's episode I''l talk about three important personality traits you will need to work on developing in order to do exams The Exam Coach Way.    Number 1 - You need to be Calm   Students who do well in exams remain calm at all stages of the examination process from revision to exam performance.  They are not phased easily and always keep one eye on the bigger picture, they are also able to quickly find solutions when under pressure. Two tips I have for developing this is are as follows. The first would be to use effective planning to offset stress and anxiety - a good planning session even if its just planning the next 24 hours can really help keep you calm and moving in a straight line towards your target. This is also why I'm such a fan of routine because effective planning leads to good routine - that's why The FUN Exam Plan is choc full of things to help you form routines because I believe they are the basic building blocks to successful exam performance as their effective execution help to keep your calm and on track at all times.   The second is self belief, believe that you can find an answer, this is not some positive thinking woo woo stuff with no action and execution to back it up. What I'm saying you should do is believe you can find answers and think carefully and intelligently about what the answer may be. This belief should lead to a positive set of reactions to a tough question of any sort of challenge set within the context of exams. Now your immediate reaction once there is a tough question thrown your way is to step back and think about it properly in a calm manner considering all the options rather than defaulting to desperation, self criticism and panic like many other students do. In this way the mindset f self belief is very useful.    But you're probably thinking something like 'In an exam its actually pretty hard to stay completely calm if you actually do not know or have the faintest idea of the answer to the question - especially if it carries a lot of marks such as an essay question'.  Let's say you open the paper - and the essay questions that come up just happen to be the ones you are least comfortable with. First you will feel your tummy role a bit and then comes the defining moment in that exam do you panic or do deploy plan B, in sporting terms this is your scrambling game, do you start running the pig skin instead of throwing the Hail Mary, do you deciede to chip out from behind the tree to give you a clear shot at the green instead of trying to play a 200 yard draw over water. What I mean by these examples is do you have your exam management on deck or are you just a fair weather player. Doing exams the exam coach way means you can come out of an exam with a decent grade regardless of whether you're teed up with an absolute beauty of a question or a toughy. If you're served up a stinker you start deploying your scrambling game, your Plan B. You do what any quarterback would do if it was too windy to risk making plays by throwing to the wide receivers instead you resort to the running game you give it to the running back and he makes the hard yards. In the same way a pro golfer would resort to some course management if he or she found their ball in a difficult position. The key is they'd put in the preparation and the planning beforehand to deploy a decent Plan B strategy to put them in with a good shout of winning, they'd work out a way to still salvage a score. You need to do the same in your exams. If you get a toughy the key thing is to first work out exactly what the question is asking you - it may just turn out it isn't that tough after all. Then you need to start piecing together an answer from what you do know, remember to always be answering the question set mind you, it never works when you try to manipulate or alter the meaning of the question to suit what you do know. Be honest and always give the kind of answer the examiner is looking for. Again it's not glamorous or creative but it's effective and that's what you need - effective methods to come away with some decent results next to your name. Have your A game ready to go and if the questions suit you then you are cruising, if the questions dot quite go your way on the day make sure you have worked on your Plan B enough so that your scrambling game can pull you through with a decent result - a great Plan B will help you stay calm just in case your Plan A doesn't quite work out as you'd hoped. Be flexible and adapt to the exam situation.    The second key trait that people have who do exams The Exam Coach Way is that they are cool. And I don't mean cool in the calm sense - I've just spoken about that - I mean cool as in as in socially popular. I know this may not be something you'd immediately associate with someone who does well in exams but when you're doing exams the exam coach way - this is almost always the case. People who do well are socially popular. Are here's why....   What I'm n about here is the simply truth that socially popular people are authentic, they don't pander to the crowd, they are themselves and it is because of this uniqueness in being themselves that they tend to stand out and therefore are usually quite popular. You need to be cool because you need to be able to have the strength in your decision making to do what is right for you, every time. Socially popular people also feel confident enough to have potentially difficult conversations with friends because they know that their friendships run deeper than just surface level behaviour and trying to do the 'cool' thing, as people always say the moment you start 'trying' it just isn't cool because its not really you, socially popular people realise that people will have to accept them for who they are because they can't try and pretend to be anything else.    So its the cool people who are often very skilled in doing exams the exam coach way. Remember the exam coach way is about balance its about doing well in your exams whilst also being able to do all of the other stuff like socialising, sports, gaining out etc. There are people who are considered to be cool who don't do well in exams - that's because they are missing the other part of the equation. They can manage their social relationships but the work ethic and exam coach way isn't there, they're not balancing. On the flip side those people who have the exam tekkers but don't necessarily have the cool side which allows the to manage their relationships effectively also struggle to achieve great exam results the exam coach way. It is those who are well rounded and balanced who do and being cool enough to be comfortable and confident with yourself and your friends is all part and parcel of this. It allows you to make the right decisions for yourself instead of being heavily influenced or even dictated by external factors such as the needs of friends or social pressure in general.    Here's a few examples from my own experience. The school I went to was a boarding school and this meant that it was pretty much not stop socialising for 5 years. Every night there would be something going on, people would be doing something that really, in the short term, you would love to be doing. Things like a footie on the astro in the evening, gaming sessions and tv series binges. I genuinely believe one of the key skills that was developed during this time was my ability to say no to something that in the short term was very tempting but I knew that long term it would add little value to my main long term goal. I'm not saying I was the most socially popular person by any stretch of the imagination but what I am saying is that I felt very comfortable doing what was right for me and my long term, and I was also comfortable that my friends would accept that, after all that's who I am and how I will always be. The negative issue arises when someone doesn't have the confidence, or social awareness to realise that its okay to do this and their friends should just accept it as part of being your friend. Its those people who constantly feel they need to please and pander rather than just do the right thing in the long term that end up not being able to pull it off in exam time because other people control their time and social activities rather than themselves. And playing to the crowd, pandering and just being a run of the mill average joe isn't too cool in most people's book, I'd like to think most people would want to spend time with interesting, independent minded people who have their own authentic personality and character traits. Being confident enough to get the balance right between prioritising your own needs and the people who are you friends and you enjoy spending time with is key to exam success. Being cool is part and parcel of this because being cool is being yourself, when you are being yourself you usually have a pretty good grasp of what's best for you in the long term, and that long term thinking is going to land you slap bang in the middle of A town.   I'm constantly working on this balance between my personal needs, what I would like to be doing in the short term and what my friends would like me to be doing with them or vice versa what I would like to be doing with them. It's all about balance and prioritisation, the difficult part of this is having enough confidence and foresight to make the best decisions for you. It's not selfish, you've got everyone's best interests in mind. For example, if you say you want to get involved with something your friends are doing but you're not fully there as your mind is wandering off about the revision or work you know you really should be doing then that's not really doing them justice, what's more you will not hit A town in your exams - it's a lose lose. If you are more selective you will actually want to be with your friends and they will enjoy your company far more, you'll be on top form and what's more you'll hit A town because you know you've put the work in by sometimes prioritising work over socialising when you know you needed to. Its a win win. That's how I see it under the lense of doing exams The Exam Coach Way and for me it works, when ever I'm with my friends I go all in and when I'm working I also go all in - its a recipe for happy relationships with your friends and exam results.    The third key skill is the ability to focus on one thing at a time. Exams can be daunting prospect even The Coach gets that, and that's especially so if you have lots of them. The revision can really stack up, the number of exams can feel like a marathon and the long days can be a grind. One of the best techniques for achieving a seemingly very difficult task was perfectly demonstrated this year by Leicester City Football Club in the English Premier League. Forgive another sporting analogy but I really do think they do a good job of contextualising some of the points I'm making and making them easily understandable and relatable - let name know if its helping you - theexamcoach on snapchat They just took it on game at a time, they didn't get ahead of themselves and all of a sudden it was the final few games of the season and they had won the league. They gave each individual game their full time and attention, they broke things down, they divided and conquered so to speak. They didn't take anything for granted, after all its Leicester - everyone thought they'd eventually fall off the pace and end up in the lower half of the table. But it really was a perfect example of chunking up a huge task and achieving something extraordinary. Your ability to chunk up your individual revision session, the syllabus, each exam and everything else that can be chunked, sliced and diced etc. is really going to help you devote your total focus to hitting A town on results day. A classic example of students  getting this wrong is when they dwell too long on a past exam and they start thinking about or trying to guess what they scored by discussing answers with others. Before they know it they''re sitting their next exam and they've done no revision for it because they were too concerned about the previous paper - then after they've finished the current paper that they haven't revised for they really will have something to worry about and the downward cycle continues. Break it down, focus on one task at a time and you'll be able to climb the mountain, keep your head down and watch the ground pass you by. Exams are as much a psychological test as they are about your ability to actively recall information under a pressurised situation in the exam room. This is why the psychology of peak performance in sport is so useful in aiding us with our exam prep. The same principles apply. Treat every exam as it comes, have a game plan, execute the strategy, mark down some improvements and learn from it, then onto the next.    In summary stay calm, be cool and always focus. Thanks for listening and I shall be back next week.

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 5 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college or Uni there is certainly something of value to be taken away. It's designed to fill that period of down time you may have when walking to school in the morning, in between lectures at Uni or whenever else you have 5 minutes to spare and put it to good use. Let's get stuck into this one then.    In today's episode I thought I'd talk a bit about exams - yea I know a bit surprising seeing that I'm Exam Coach.  The purpose of this episode is to lay out a really important conversation I had inside my own head when I was taking my exams - this conversation took place around the age of about 15/ 16 to give you a rough estimate. It was about why exams are worth it, why bother trying, why learn all this information that your probably never going to use in a practical way again, why put yourself under pressure to perform well, why get up early and stay up late and make sure have covered the material and then put in all the pre exam prep to make sure you execute a top performance. I believe this is a conversation pretty much every young person, student or anyone remotely involved in education has with themselves at some point.Some people take longer over it than others but everyone comes to some sort of decision whether they realise it or not. They either decide to crack on get their head down and go for it, or they decide not to bother or what most people do is they decide to kind of sort of try, they dangle a foot in, not willing to fully commit but also not willing to put no effort in at all. So what's the point of doing it all, of putting in all the hard work, I used to be a chiller and chilling was nice, no hard work, no pressure and the occasional telling off from the teachers and parents - why is this second best to cracking on and getting the job done. Why do I think exams are actually a really good thing and a superb opportunity for anyone who wants to get on in life and actually make something happen instead of just accepting whatever is given to them.    There are a number of reasons why I like exams and what they represent. The first is because exams represent the ultimate meritocracy. Meritocracy is very simple, its the system whereby people are favoured based on merit, i.e. what they have actually achieved that is worthy and measured under an equal fair and just system. That is the Exam Coach definition as it relates to exams but I think you'll find the dictionary definition to be very similar. I am always going to support anything that is based on meritocracy.    I love that there's a mark scheme in pretty much every exam, a clear guide to stick to and total anonymity with that - it's a fair and consistent system. There's a way to succeed and a way to fail and it isn't based on someone's opinion, its based on object fact, the amount of subjectivity and opinion allowed for in an exam situation by a marker is very little - they either give the mark or they don't. Those who work hard and apply themselves are rewarded, if you do these two things you will be rewarded, you will get good grades. It doesn't matter about anything else that may determine your prospects, all the examiner cares about is whether you deserve the marks and you can be judged fairly against everyone else.    I thought I'd bring up a bit of History here just because I wrote about his topic quite a bit in my dissertation at University. Exams were in fact initially designed to make the process of applying for officer positions in the armed forces fair, previously people were chosen based on who they were, what family they were born into etc. Exams served to level out the playing field so that the people who had proven they were fit for a role as an army officer got the positions instead of those who were lucky enough to be born into the right family.  I'm interested in what you actually do rather than what you think you are entitled to for whatever reason and so is the examiner, the examiner doesn't care what you look like, who you know or whether you think you're pretty cool or not. And exams provide the platform to get deep on this topic - the people who are the best at preparing for and taking exams will be rewarded and that's how it should be in a just and fair environment. The cream rises to the top.    Please note I don't think people who achieve great exam results are better or more intelligent than others. I've touched on my views about exams and intelligence in earlier episodes in case you're interested but I also plan to create an episode where I do into detail on this topic at some point. I simply think that anyone who does well in exams has shown a degree of hard work and understanding of what it takes to prepare and perform for an exam which, in today's society is heavily rewarded. Remember, exams are the way education works at the moment - this may well change in the future - but at the moment exams are here to stay and it's your job to effectively play to the 'market conditions' created by the existence of exams. The most valuable assets you can have in this market are hard work and an understanding of what it requires to pass an exam - its a technique and it can be learned, you're not born with it, and you have a chance to compete on a fair basis just like all those potential army officers way back in the 17th and 18th centuries who had the first opportunity to be judged by their ability and not any other factor they had no control over - that's why I think exams are something worth buying into.    You may have already guessed the second reason why I love exams - it's because they reward hard work.    I love hard work. I love the fact that exam success boils down to how bad you want it, how many times you are prepared to revisit the desk and figure something out, the amount of repetitions you do in order to memorise something and all those times where you went above and beyond what was expected to ensure you got what you wanted on results day. I like it because when you see how it works there are actually few secrets left to tell when talking about any form of success either now or later in life. All great ideas are simple ideas as many people often say. One of the key ingredients if not the key ingredient is hard work. It's the ability to actually do stuff and not just talk about it, talk is so cheap and there's so many people who do this, they kid themselves and they try to kid others. This remains true for exams, careers and beyond. Executing the action of hard work is the first step, it seems so simple and so many people will tell you this but there are very few who actually do, after the hard work you can then start thinking about working smart and making things easier and more efficient - many people think too much. Just do, look at the results you're getting and go from there.    The third reason why I love exams is because they the perfect teaching tool to instil discipline.    Discipline is so important, I'm not talking about discipline enforced on one person by another, I'm talking about personal discipline, self disciple. Today its really about controlling what you focus on and where you spend your time and attention in a digital world. It's not going to be the smartest people who get on the most in life. It's going to be those who can control their attention - see episode 4 for my take on this... I believe the ability to control where you spend your time and attention at any moment is the new global currency and anyone who invests this wisely will be rewarded at a future day.    Discipline in the modern context of the exam game is all about what you allow into your head on a daily basis. It's mental. No one can really see it or diagnose it. That's part of the beauty of it, it requires self assessment, reflection and diagnosis. Are you happy with how you are investing your time and attention at the moment? If not, rearrange your investment portfolio so to speak put some time and attention where it matters. Where you can see some big return coming in from in the long term? I'd argue exams offer both short term and long term returns. In the short term you feel like your making progress whilst you're at school or university and then, in the longer term after you graduate, doors are opened! Procrastination is a bigger killer of exam dreams than ever before its a poor investment but the easiest one to make, you invest large amounts of time and attention into a distraction, it gives you a temporary feeling of comfort by not having to get down to work and then after the procrastination session is over you are back to panic stations. In financial terms this is like being a day trader who is always looking for the short term wins but at the end of every day they make a combination of poor transactions and lose everything they had earned and the cycle happens over and over again. Be a both a short term and long term investor.    Don't mistake my love of self discipline for conformity. Exams do instill conformity. They don't allow for much creativity and this is something I think everyone would like to change. But there's one problem with creativity. It's so subjective, you can't really measure it. Think of art for a moment, paintings by both Picasso and Monet are adjudged to be superb but it's a matter of opinion which artist you think is more creative and therefore a better artist so to speak. It's a matter of perspective and opinion as to which artist you think is better. As long as we live in a competitive capitalist society people will want to know who is better suited to do certain tasks and jobs, and the only way we have figured out to do this so far is by standardised exams - a test that is fair and objectively marked by an examiner.   Self discipline as a skill is not only useful in the exam preparation and performance process. Beyond education this element of self discipline is needed. Even if you don't want to conform to a traditional lifestyle or career path you will always need an element of discipline to stick it out and make it work for you. So many students think they can just turn on behaviours they have never practiced before. So many people think they can just go straight out of school, college or university - come up with a business idea and then just start performing at the exceptionally high levels needed to succeed in such a field. Let me tell you this. I've been out of university for just under two years now and this isn't how it works. People fall flat on their face, even those who have been honing and refining their ability to work exceptionally hard and streamline the way the work and their personal self discipline slip trip and often fall. Exams are a training ground for these qualities, and they need to be learned and practiced over an extended period of time, there are no hacks, no secret master recipes or mastermind seminars - people go looking for answers, they want to find the magic ingredient that is going to suddenly create that unbelievable education, life whatever it may be... what they don't realise is that all progress is incremental, it takes time, its for the long game players and it's difficult. That's why those who get cracking on this journey now, when they are taking their exams will have a much better chance of seeing this through. This Chinese Proverb sums up what I've just said nicely, here it goes: 'The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is now' - remember to water that seed and give it some sunlight everyday and don't lose sight of the bigger picture no matter how many people try to tell you their is a miracle recipe that you are missing out on - there isn't.      I'll using a sporting analogy to help summarise the jist of what I've been talking about, you'll know by now that I like using sporting analogies to help better explain things - life without some of the key principles that exams represent would be a bit like the barclays premier league moving all its games to night games and then turning off the floodlights, no one would be able to see a thing or influence the result of the game in any skilful or deliberate way. It's boring. Everything would be down to luck and chance. And therefore, in my opinion it would be a game not worth playing and I'm sure you'd agree. I like it when the cream rises to the top because with exams everyone has that opportunity presented to them. If you work hard, get your head down and do what's necessary you will be rewarded it really is that simple! Again, it's not a case of some people being better than others because they do well in exams. Some do take the opportunity and some don't - and that's fine, it's always going to be that way, people have their own views about exams and what they mean to them. What I'm saying is that what a lot of students don't fully understand is the wider benefits of trying to do well in exams, they miss out on the bigger picture and they see them as an inconvenience  Exams are the best way we have discovered so far in making sure the people who deserve to be rewarded are rewarded and the knock on effect of exams they have instills the basic building blocks needed to achieve. People often say to me oh but I don't like this subject or that subject, or I'm just not suited to exams, or I think it's unfair that society tests for intelligence in this way and it's mandatory so I have to do it. I'd say that's great, learning to achieve and succeed in something you may, one not be totally and utterly passionate about and two may not be suited to, is vital. Its superb training for the real test, when you do try to follow whatever it is that you really want to do, because I can guarantee you there will be numerous large and immovable road blocks in your path - as long as other people would like to do what you want to do there will always be competition and when there's competition being the cream that rises to the top is always tough. But if you can ply your trade have a practice run, lay some markers down early doors by practicing these skills through top exam preparation and performance then you're going to be at a massive advantage to anyone who thinks they can just go into a situation fresh and just start executing high performance without any practice, training or reference points. It just doesn't work like that.   Exams are the perfect practice ground for this and I believe too many people miss out on the opportunity to practice the key life skills of participating in a meritocratic system and learning how to win, the not so secret ingredient of hard work and the importance of consistent self discipline and control. That's all for this week, see you next time!     

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 4 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college or Uni there is certainly something of value to be taken away.  Let's get stuck into this one then.    So in last week's episode I talked about a key exam skill, this was effective application of knowledge rather than simply knowledge itself. In this week's episode I want to talk through one of the key traits of people who succeed in their exams have. The interesting thing about this trait is that over the last 10 years or so it has become even more important and an even more crucial component part of effective exam preparation and performance.    This trait is something that I mentioned in my Snapstory earlier this week, it's the ability to control where you place your attention at any moment.   There's three key reasons why I see this attribute as so pivotal to exams success:    The first reason is that everyday people and companies compete for our attention. It's valuable to them. This has always been present in human society, from something as simple as having a conversation with someone to noticing and reading an advertising billboard - we are spending time and attention which other people value. What's very different about today is that the touch points through which we can be contacted have proliferated massively. No longer is it just the in-person conversation or traditional advertisements that are able to hold our attention. We're constantly being bombarded through the technology we use everyday. And its not necessarily a bad thing, a lot of this interaction and bombardment is voluntary on our part, we like doing it, we like chatting to friends on Facebook or Snapchat, watching the latest vlogger on You Tube and being able to have most of what's going on in the world at our finger tips. But because all of this information is more accessible than ever and it is almost unlimited in its quantity, I believe anyone who wants to achieve anything has to become highly selective about what they do and don't pay attention to. And I'm not talking about the very simplistic positive thinking narrative that is so often pushed by the numerous inspiration and life gurus online. I'm talking about the information you allow into your head on a daily basis, the quality and utility of that information in relation to the direction you'd currently like to be headed in. To many students allow their time and attention to be monopolised by all of the people, companies and things which in reality add little value to them. Of course, this all depends on what you perceive value to be, value could be entertainment, knowledge or a whole number of different things. The Exam Coach way of defining value is something which puts you in a better position to achieve or do something that matters.    In The FUN Exam Plan I detail exactly how I'd go about an 'attention diet' during exam season. I believe that during exam time you have to make the holes in your metaphorical attention sieve much smaller. In the build up to exams you should only be focussing and paying time and attention to those things that truly add value to your exam preparation and performance. It's a students ability to effectively execute this and have a robust system that stops them from being distracted and losing valuable time and attention that has a large role to play in the final results achieved by that student. This can be anything from installing a number of preventative measures during exam season like website blockers or installing a routine where you put your phone face down and on do not disturb every time you sit down to revise. Whenever I forget to do this, yes The Exam Coach does make numerous mistakes, I notice that its my automatic reaction to turn and look when the notification sound on my phone goes off, I just can't resist looking down at the screen to see what has popped up on the screen of my phone. It's conditioning and during exam time you have to set up something to combat against this because all of these little distractions add up in the form of loss of momentum, drops in concentration, re-reading of text, more work and less results for you.    Aside from preventative measures one of the most effective ways I have discovered to combat against attention distraction is to realise and fully comprehend the argument I am laying down before you right now. Simply understanding that its really not the most fortunate, well off, intelligent, best looking or whatever other factor you think contributes to achievement in any pursuit in life that really matters. If you cannot control what's coming though your attention sieve then whatever you put out is going be a reflection of this rather passive, zombie like existence. Instead its those people who can make firm decisions about what they do and don not want to allow through their attention sieve and into their mental space who will be able to make inroads both in the micro context of exams and the macro context of careers, life in general and anything else you may care about. Once you realise that attention is one of the really important unspoken global currencies in the world you currently live in then the holes in your attention sieve will naturally become a lot smaller, you'll start becoming more selective and more decisive about what it is that you want to let in and how that it going to impact what you then put back out into the world. Primarily its about value exchange how is that thing that is asking for your attention going to contribute to you in a positive way?      The second reason why our ability to control where we place our time and attention is so important is because  the people, companies and forms of communication or entertainment who are competing for our attention are developing ever more sophisticated ways of earning it and keeping it. They know what makes you tick as a young person. They know how to keep you wanting more. They know how to peak your interest, they know what you like and they know where you live. Okay maybe I've gone a bit far there but the majority of that remains true.   I'll try to give you a case study to think about. I think television series like Game of Thrones and the rest of them have pretty much got it spot on in terms of knowing how to grab and a students attention and keep it. I hadn't watched any Game Of Thrones until a couple of months ago and I still haven't watched more than the first five or six episodes of season . I was more interested to see what kind of hooks they're throwing out there that gets students addicted to what they have to offer. But really when I thought about it after watching a three of four highly addictive episodes back to back I figured that the broad themes in every box set series are roughly the same and involve some cocktail of human emotions and behaviours that we are intrigued by. Drama, suspense, violence, storytelling, good vs evil, action, sex and the rest of them.... They just know how to appeal to what humans are naturally interested beyond how we think, they're tapping into the way we have developed over thousands of years and capitalising on those genetic predispositions.   Without getting into too much detail I think any student should realise the basic overarching idea that people at the head of these big companies competing for your attention know what makes you tick, they know how to grab your attention and keep it. From all the videos that autoplay one after the other to the classic cliffhanger, they know how to do it. But you must always remember that they don't care much for you personally, they don't care about your exams and what you really want to do with your life - all they care about is that you're watching becuase that's another person added to their overall viewing figures. This may all sound a bit serious but you really can't afford to be sucked into a tv box set series during exam season. When you have the time then go for it, tv series do well because they are actually enjoyable and entertaining, i'd say you just need to be selective about when exactly you want to be entertained. And remember this is always your choice.     The third and final reason why your attention is so important is for the following reason...Something that I will always push at The Exam Coach is the idea that exams are more about the investment of hard work and time than they ever will be about natural ability or good fortune. Furthermore there is a recipe to preparing for and executing great exam performance. Exam success is not reserved for those people who have the smartest parents, started reading books the earliest, just get maths or anything else. I really do believe you can turn things around pretty sharpish... why, because an exam is a fixed amount or body of knowledge and therefore all the information within the remit of the exam it can be learned, memorised and recommitted to paper easily with practice. Exams are often criticised because they encourage students to rote learn information and regurgitate it onto the paper. That's fair enough but as long as that system remains in place I'm going to do everything I can to allow you to succeed within the current 'market conditions'. It's a great market to be in as well because hard work and time invested are rewarded as opposed to good fortune or anything else that is out of your control. How you spend your Attention is a vitally important part of this market, you won't be able to work as hard as you need to if your attention is invested all over the place in things that really aren't going to help you grow or add value to you as a person. It doesn't matter how bright you are if your watching Game of Thrones throughout exam season you're not going to be hitting A town, and that's a guarantee.   Being able to control where you place your attention at any moment is the unspoken ingredient that goes into the exam success recipe. Furthermore it will stand you in pretty good stead in any other field you care about and would like to achieve in and see things through. Practice this now and reaps the rewards at a later date. Be patient, see your attention as an investment, unlike other investments you don't need money or experience, all you need is the ability to make a decision about where you are going to put it on a daily basis. Make deposits regularly and watch them grow into something that you value. 

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 3 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. This short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance whether you're at school, college at Uni there is certainly something of value to be taken away. By now I'm guessing your accustomed to the format of this podcast and are ready to fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run - let's get stuck into this one then.      In this episode I'm going to talk about the key exam skill most students don't know.   The key skill is this: application of knowledge.    When you understand that application of knowledge is key to exam success rather than knowledge itself you begin to think differently about what an exam actually is and how you're going to ace it.   One of the main reasons why people think they cannot do well in an exam is because they do not believe themselves to be knowledgeable or intelligent. Because they were not reading books from an early age or solving maths puzzles they relegate themselves into the stupid bracket and think there is no road to improvement / A Town for that matter, if you don't know what A Town is add me on snapchat username: the exam coach - I talk about it the whole time on there.   So, from a personal perspective I didn't read books at an early age and maths was never my strong suit, however, I could smash out A*s in English and Maths exams because I understood an exam is about application of knowledge and not knowledge itself.   If an exam was about knowledge and intelligence in their own right then you may well struggle to get good grades, in all honesty, so would I. But luckily for you and I they aren't. An exam has been created by a group of people, and that group of people have to specify or define what they believe knowledge and intelligence to be within the context of the exam. Put simply the examiners create a mark scheme, they choose what is going to be marked as right and what is wrong and they set out a general set of guidelines for markers to follow. It is up to you to follow the guidelines the examiners have laid out, following these guidelines results in the effective application of knowledge.     You could know everything about a subject, you could be a walking encyclopaedia. But when it comes down to an exam if you don't know how to give the examiners what they want to see then you're not going to be hitting A town any time soon.   It's one of the great flaws and opportunities that exist within the education system at present. A professor could write a fantastic answer to an exam question, it could be groundbreaking in terms of the argument and evidence supplied but if that answer is not well enough supported by what the mark scheme says should be marked as correct then that professor will not be hitting A town. This is true so far as national exams marked on a mass scale go.    Whereas a student who has written a far less sophisticated and technically intelligent answer but hits the check points on the mark scheme will be given As galore. They'll be hitting A town each and every time. It's an opportunity that the people who a willing to understand what an exam is and why applied knowledge is so important should be taking advantage of.    This is the current state of the education system. For you at the moment it doesn't really matter if you agree with it or not. What matters is that you play to the conditions set. If you want to change the conditions for future generations so be it, that can be a project for you to campaign for after exams, but at the moment I believe you should be focussing on how to win in the current educational climate.    You need to understand how to answer the questions in the way the examiners want. You need to understand the key terminology and phrases that should be used in particular exams. Objectively these may terms and definitions may not be correct, and you may disagree with how the exam board has defined a certain word or structured the mark scheme. But it doesnt matter what you think, the examiners have decided to do it that way and its up to you to play in that ball park.   Now, because there is a clearly defined mark scheme this makes our task a lot easier. We can just become really, really, really good at answering that exam how the examiners want it to be answered. The process has a start point and a finish line, it is a set amount of work that you need to do. For this we don't need to be naturally intelligent, vastly knowledgeable or anything else we just need to train ourselves to apply knowledge within the context of that exam in a way that it will be marked as correct.   Remember I'm The Exam Coach, I'm coaching you how to do well in exams. Don't confuse doing well in exams with outright intelligence,  there are many different forms of intelligence. It's just that intelligence shown in exams is the one used by society most frequently to quantify anyone's perceived level of general intelligence. Again whether this is right or wrong isn't relevant to the work I do, my job is to help you navigate the current educational climate to put you in the best position to succeed in later life. I'd also argue that exam intelligence is the easiest to train your self for and very often has the biggest return on time and effort invested.    In summary don't lose sight of the fact that you are sitting an exam and you need to understand how to put the information down in a way that the examiner is going to mark as correct. Simply knowing stuff is not going to deliver great results, understanding how to apply the material in an exam situation will. Develop this skill by doing lots of practice papers and then looking becoming an expert on how the mark schemes for those papers are structured and what they are looking for. Keep an eye out for the exact terminology used, develop your understanding of what examiners are looking for in questions that are worded a particular way, hone and refine your way of answering each paper. It's called Exam technique and its how those people who aren't necessarily the most naturally gifted people with their minds get the grades they need to open the doors they want to walk through later down the line.  

Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 2 of Davey Discusses a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season.   So this short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance. I'll talk about what I believe is necessary in order to do well and deliver a cracking set of results and also how to avoid some of the common mistakes I see students making.   These episodes are longer than the short, punchy video format I choose to deliver my usual Exam Coach tips and that's because they are intended to be easy listening, they're more conversational, I'd recommend listening to them when you're on the move, for example on the way to school or college they're intended as Kipling put it 'to fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run'    I wouldn't want you to sit through a video and unnecessarily take up your time and attention when the same value can be delivered through spoken word only. It's the Exam Coach Way of doing things, lets keep stuff simple and double down on the few ways that deliver the greatest results most efficiently and effectively. Without much further a due, lets get crack on.   In this episode I'm going to talk about what happens to the people who CBA to do well in their exams. CBA stand for for the few of you who may not know can;t be arsed, in other words the people who just don't care and don't try, not interested.    When I was at school I always wondered  - were exams actually worth it, was I missing something that everyone else knew, why did some people just not seem to care? Was I trying hard whilst everyone else knew that exams didn't really count for much? I think one of the biggest fears any student has about exams is that all their efforts and time spent revising and learning the material may not in the end be all that important down the line.   Certainly when I was younger and my grades and reports weren't looking too good at all i definitely had a bit of the CBA attitude. But once I decided to try and turn it around I was still a bit worried about what I've just explained - would all my hard work and effort count for nothing?     This all comes down to your belief in whether hard work and merit is rewarded or not. In this episode I'm going to lay out some observations I've made on this issue, I'll tell you what I've learned about the value of hard work and hopefully reassure some people that by getting their head down and working hard they will be rewarded in the long term.    Remember, the Exam Coach Way plays for the long term big wins, not the relatively meaningless short term ones.    So here are three things I've learned about what happens to the CBA crew down the line and why you should trust in the process and work hard for your exam results:      They Don't Get Lucky   The first thing is, they don't get lucky. A lot of students get worried about trying hard in their exams and making the necessary sacrifices only to find out that after education people can just get lucky. That person who got straight D's has a contact who got them in somewhere or they were randomly selected by an influential person and they seem to have got to where you would like to be without all the hard work effort and sacrifice. Yes, you're right,  this could happen. But let's put it into context...   I've always liked to think about exams and career choices in terms of gambling - I don't have any particular view on gambling I'm just using it to illustrate my point. Lets use the example of a roulette wheel. For me, choosing to well in your exams is like spreading your bet throughout the wheel, you might put a few chips on the top third and few on the bottom third and few on some numbers both red and black. You cover your bases and therefore you have more chance winning on a consistent basis. Those who don't bother with exams are placing the classic newbie bet, the bet that inexperienced gamblers place, they go for either red or black and they put all their chips on either one or the other, if they win they win big, but give them one or two more spins and they will eventually lose. Having said that they are equally as likely not to win at all in the first place - its a 50 50 and the longer the game goes on the more chance they have of losing it all. The spread bet counters against this, you can keep going for longer and in the end your more likely to come away with something.   The odds are stacked heavily against the group who just can't be bothered with exams, they are the rookie gamblers, betting on either red or black. They generally don't get lucky, and if they do, the luck doesn't last for long, its maths.    But you might also be thinking you always see people in the news after having built businesses and achieved amazing things with no qualifications. But this only serves to prove the point I've just made further. The reason why the media reports on this is because it is the exception rather than the rule, the story is news worthy because it is so rare. On the other hand, thousands and thousands of news stories of people with great qualifications achieving great things either go unreported or when reported on the persons qualifications aren't mentioned, its not newsworthy, its not surprising that they succeeded it was expected. The news likes to report about the unexpected and unusual - that is what attracts reader attention.   So what I'd like you to remember here is the importance of perspective. Its the student who cover their bases, who don't have to rely on luck or good fortune to get them places who stand a much greater chance, that being said, who said you can't have great grades and a bit of good fortune to go with it! If you back yourself to be the 1 in a one hundred thousand who relies on external factors beyond your control to get a lucky break then that's fine, I can't tell you what to think, but from what I've learned so far I'd want to be making sure I'm in the game for as long as possible and that I have some control over where I end up, to do this you'll need to solid set of exam results to help you along the way.    They Can't Just 'Turn It ON   When I decided to work hard and crack on with getting top exam results (around the age of about 15) I'd always hear the same story from the CBA crew. Things like 'it's about who you know not what you know' or 'I just don't like school, I'll be able to work hard and be successful afterwards - right now I'm chilling'.   Well, no we're all out the other side they could not have been more incorrect.    Let's deal with that first point 'it's about who you know not what you know'. No matter how well connected you are you need to have something to be able to back up why you are the right person for the job. If you don't its going to be much harder for your contact to explain to others why you are the right person for it. The job market is super competitive and when there is competition you need to have things to show that you can do the job well, if you don't, just being a friend of the boss or the son of a director isn't enough. It may have well been like this 30 years ago, I've heard lots of stories of people getting jobs because of who they knew back then. And yes, I do believe contact can still help. But today you need something to back this up. Everyone has a voice now, people want to see others achieve based on merit rather than who they are, decision makers have to react to this new environment of connectivity and communication where their decisions will be scrutinised, therefore their choices have to be the right ones both reasoned, rational and backed up by evidence. If you as a candidate can't supply the cold hard evidence then it's going to be difficult for your contact whoever they are to explain why you are the right person for the job or rationalise to themselves why you would be a good fit for their business. As a student you need to react to the conditions of the market, it's competitive on a global scale, you need to bring your A game to the table and there's always going to be someone waiting in the wings to step up and do the role you'd like for yourself. It's nothing to be afraid of but it's certainly something you should be aware of.     Also, the CBA crew can't just turn it on, they can't just start operating at a high level of performance once they leave school. I think this is another worry of those people who try hard and hone their craft over a period of time. The worry that other people will just be able to 'turn it on; so to speak, what I;m saying is they fear that other people will be able to leave school not having tried or worked hard or practiced and then will all of a sudden be able to perform work, execute routines and complete worthy and difficult tasks to the same standard as they people who have been honing and refining their way of doing things for many years. Well, I can tell you this doesn't happen. Every time you work hard or beat on your craft and practice creating great work you are becoming better at it and a gap is opening up between you and those who aren't. It takes time to close it, they can't just come out of school and suddenly start executing the routines, management systems and general attitudes that you have practiced and refined over many years.  Ever heard the quote 'you are what you continually do, excellence therefore is a habit' - Aristotle, it's quoted a lot but I have found it to be true. Hard work, organisation and persistence are skills that are developed you're not born with them and you can't suddenly do them to the same standard as a person who has practiced to a high standard over an extended period of time. Someone who hasn't done any of this whilst at school will be starting from square one whereas someone who has applied themselves is way ahead of the game. It's how things work and I nor any other person who is willing to put the work in wouldn't have it any other way.    They Just Don't Win   So let's go back to my first point, what about the people who go for the all in gamble, they stack all their chips on red time and time again because they are convinced that what they want to do has nothing to do with getting good exam results... Do they win?   It's a difficult one but from what I have observed so far I'd say no. Your passions and interests are subject to a lot of change as you grow up and what you are convinced about being or doing in the future when your 13 is very likely to change when you are 16 or 17 and then maybe again when you are 20 to 21 or at any other time for that matter. The most basic general example I can give of this is when very young kids say they want to be a policeman a sheriff or a firefighter a nurse or something like that (mainly because that's the fancy dress of choice for 5-8 year olds) and then some years down the line they joke about it, some may still want to do that, but I'd say the majority have a change of view. Perhaps a more concrete example would be this, I was convinced I wanted to be a lawyer around the age of 16, absolutely convinced, the money, seemingly high flyer lifestyle and being part of a respected profession was very appealing to me, 3 weeks and 3 law firm work experience placements later it had moved to the bottom of my list of career choices, it just wasn't for me. Regardless this didn't change my outlook on exams as I would have still needed a top set of grades to get a place at law school.   But what about if you're rooting for something that really doesn't require exam results. Popular choices for the dreamers out there are things like being a professional sportsperson or a performing artist and musician. Here I'd put forward the argument that exams actually help with the development of the skills needed to succeed in these fields you will need extraordinary levels of commitment, persistence in the face of failure, self belief and a relentless work ethic which always prioritises the long term. Exam preparation instills this in a person. It's great for developing the skills you will need for your future ambitions even though you may not perceive the grades to be of any real use to you. What's more you're covering your bases, not having a plan B because it distracts from a Plan A is disneyland thinking, although I would never deter anyone from pursuing what they truly want you always need something at least to fall back on and regroup. A solid set of exam results will give you the cushion to brea your fall if you are serious about competing in an industry where the failures outweigh the successes disproportionately.      From what I know it tends to be the people who applied themselves at school, realised the potential of getting great results and developing their skill set based on hard work that do the things all the CBA people wish they could be doing. I regularly meet up with od friends from my school days and its those who applied themselves in school who are now reaping the rewards for playing their cards right. Those who didn't are left figuring out how they are going to climb an uphill battle against the odds, it's till possible, but man those thighs are going to be burning when you get to the top of the mountain. So in fact we've come full circle, if you want an easier ride in the long term put the work in now and reap the rewards later, if you'd rather chill now, you can do that if you want to, but be prepared to have the deck very heavily stacked against you when you're in the real world.   Something that I mention a lot in The FUN Exam Plan is the importance of balance and prioritisation. You don't know what's going to come your way so the best thing you can do is cover your bases and make the call on what's most important to you on a day by day basis. That way you're ready to adapt to anything. For people who aren't willing to do this they often find too late and time catches up on them, they've wasted their time CBAing and they've got nothing to show for it, no skills, no work, no prospects, no nothing. It paints a pretty glum picture but its true - hard word is rewarded, and if you put nothing in you will invariably get nothing out.    If you're working hard and care keep going, the trick is to trust that hard work and persistence will be rewarded and to believe it from an early stage when you haven't seen much in return yet. If it's some consolation I can tell you that it will be, I'm out the other side and I don't regret one minute i spend sat at my desk hitting the books, nor do I regret any of the cracking times partying and having fun when exams weren't the pressing priority. Balance and prioritise - remember this. If you push something into life something is going to pop out the other side, the same applies for your exams. Keep going, the journey to A Town is a long one, but it's worth it. 

In this episode I talk about a huge topic for students, motivation and how to develop it. Get listening and take note!   Transcript below:   Hello, this is James Davey, The Exam Coach and Welcome to Episode 1 of a new podcast series I'm putting together in time for the 2016 Exam Season. I've decided to call it Davey Discusses - innovative and cutting edge I know.   So this short podcast series is designed to tackle everything to do with exams from preparation to performance. I'll talk about what I believe is necessary in order to do well and deliver a cracking set of results and also how to avoid some of the common mistakes I see students making.   These episodes are slightly longer than the short, punchy video format I choose to deliver my usual Exam Coach tips and that's because these episodes are intended to be easy listening, they're more conversational, I'd recommend listening to them when you're on the move, for example on the way to school, college they're intended as Kipling put it 'to fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run'    I wouldn't want you to sit through a video and unnecessarily take up your time and attention when the same value can be delivered through spoken word only. It's the Exam Coach Way of doing things, lets keep stuff simple and double down on the few ways that deliver the greatest results most efficiently and effectively. Without much further a due, lets get crack on.     So let's start by smashing out a few thoughts and solutions to a question I'm asked very often 'How do you get motivated for exams?'   This is huge. If you can't find the reasons why you want to do well in exams then that's the equivalent of falling at the first hurdle in a 60metre hurdle race - you're just not going to win no matter how hard you try.     I'd recommend three very simple things to help with motivation. Take note and act on them, don't just listen.    1). Take the time out to think seriously about the big picture.   Most people lack motivation for exams because they can't see beyond the temporary short term pain associated with revision, study and all things exams. All they can see is a wall of revision and a whole load of exams waiting for them at the top.   The motivated students look beyond this - they can see over the wall, beyond the exams and into the distance. They see the road map ahead and how great exam results are going to allow them to travel certain roads that people without the results just can't go down. These are the facts, you will not be able to gain entry into certain places or land a particular job if you do not have the grade requirements they are asking for - that's why, for those you who follow me on Snapchat, I always talk about A Town and D Town - these are the made up places where people with certain grades end up - you need a ticket to get into each town - an A grade can get you in anywhere - but you won't be entering A town when all you've got is a ticket to D Town - you'll either have to take on the bouncers or find another way in. It's not meant to divisors or harsh - it meant to be a bit of fun but a bit of fun that also highlights an important truth about exams and the bearing they can have on your future. Many students fail to consider this properly and therefore experience the long term pain of not actually being able to do what they want to do or be where they want to be because of a poor set of exam results. They made the mistake of not seeing the bigger picture and deceived themselves by thinking they were avoiding short term pain by not taking exams seriously and working hard towards them - instead they booked them self a whole load of unnecessary worry and inconvenience in the future.    Also, by looking at the bigger picture it helps us put exams in context regarding how much time they actually take up when we are students and young people. The answer is they dot take up much time at all, you probably spend about 3 to 4 months max every 3 or so years really going at exam revision hard. That totals to about 1 year of hard work out an average of around 15-20 years people spend in education Its between 5-8% of your total time spent as a student. The rest of the time you're in cruise control. In the grand scheme of things the time you are giving up to exam preparation is really not that much. Therefore, you should be able to become motivated for the short period of time when paying attention to your exams matters. The effect they can have on what you do in the future can be huge. Think of them like a ticket, it just depends what letter you want to have on your ticket depending on what you want to do in life - its up to you.... Part of getting motivated is realising how much time, hassle and worry exams can save you down the line in return for comparatively little time and effort in the present moment. The trick is to realise this and then actually have to presence of mind to implement a strategy to achieve great results.    Life is longer than you think and I'm only 22 its worth taking a step back in order to think properly about how exam results are going to assist you in where you want to go and then once you've made a decision, take two steps forward by being pushed on by what the future holds and how you are willing to work hard towards the realisation of how you want it to be.    2). What would your role models do?    The next thing you can do is think about a role model or person you admire. Think about what they would do faced with the challenge you currently have. I use a lot of these principles like this in The FUN Exam and its because i think students need to rethink how they think about the people they admire. I see too many students admiring someone for what they have achieved instead of what can really make a difference to them, that is, the behaviours that person they admire adopted in order to achieve what they achieved.    Whether it be a sportsperson, artist or business person they have almost definitely shown a level of persistence, hard work and skill in their pursuit of what they wanted to achieve.   So my challenge for  you is think about the attitude a person or people you admire would take on to face the challenge you face...Think about the attitude they would have were they in your situation. Would they just give up and throw the towel in? I don't think so, they'd find a way to get what they wanted.   And don't think they would just not bother about their exams and go and do the thing they want to do, that's not an accurate reflection of your current situation, and t's not an option for either you or them, you need to do your exams, there's no getting out of them, they're compumplsory.   Be prepared to replicate the behaviours and actions of those people you admire, this is far more useful to you and others than simply admiring an achievement from a distance. Put pictures of these people whoever they are  where you can see them, have a few to pick from, each with different traits and talents and successes. When you are struggling to find motivation, think about what they would do...the answer is most probably they'd keep going and find a way to succeed and move forward in a positive direction even if it was tough going to start with.   3). Then third thing you can do is to take what I like to call Motivation medication   These are little bitesize 3 to five minute motivational videos on you tube and perhaps also a handful of inspirational pictures on Instagram. Now, it's important not to think digesting this material is progress,  never make the mistake of believing that thinking about what you are going to do is the same as actually doing it. You see this behaviour all the time with things like motivational videos and inspirational pictures, there are scores of people who comment, like, subscribe and shout from the rooftops about what they are going to do but never actually execute. Talk is cheap, there's really no need for it, digest the material then start doing things as a result of taking the medication.   That's why I call it medication, its supposed to be taken in small doses at particular times in order to give you a quick boost. Being reliant on it for a false sense of accomplishment is no good to you or anyone else. Have a few of your favourite videos and motivational pictures to hand - they'll help you out when you really need it. Once you've got the dose you need get back to work.   In summary motivation for exams is simple.    First up it's about seeing the big picture both in terms of your future and the time you have as a student. Then its about setting up a few safety measures to put you right when your motivation starts to drop off. This will help to keep you focus on that thing you really want, the end goal, that reason why you are willing to put all the work in, rather than all the less attractive stuff in between.   That's all for this episode, remember implement this stuff and you will find yourself in strolling into A town on results day   Stay in touch! Add the exam coach on Snapchat and follow the exam coach_tv on Instagram and Twitter. It's inevitable that you are going to procrastinate during exam revision on social media - we all do it. My job is to catch you whilst your on it and remind you of what really is important and send you back to work with a few more tips and tricks up your sleeve to make your work easier and the delivery of great results more achievable. Finally check out The FUN Exam Plan, it is exactly what I needed when I was at school preparing for my exams - it is the step by step exam preparation and performance plan to achieving great results, it comes in three sections, Foundation, Understanding and Nailing It and all of it is relevant, easy to understand and quick to put into practice. Keep working hard, the road to A town is a long one, it full of ups and downs, but those who get there never regret it. Until next time.