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Josh is joined again by Abhi and Aaminah, co-hosts of Crushing 1L, to talk about how skills needed to succeed on the LSAT are the same skills needed to succeed in law school.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!
LSAC announces that upcoming LSAT administrations will return primarily to in-person testing. Ben and Nathan discuss the shift away from remote testing and what it means for test takers.Also in this episode:- How to approach a final LSAT attempt- Cooley Law offers a scholarship for attending a meet and greet with the dean- How much time to spend studying each dayStudy with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 547 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What's the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our Word of the Week library
#691: Your IQ used to be your biggest career asset. Then AI scored in the 99th percentile on the LSAT, the SAT, and the MCAT — and suddenly the cognitive skills that once set you apart became something anyone can access for free. Executive coach Liz Tran joins us to talk about what actually drives career success and earning power now. Her answer: AQ, or agility quotient — your capacity to handle change, learn new skills fast, and keep moving when your industry shifts beneath you. The personal finance implications are real. The average half-life of a technical skill is five years. In tech, it's closer to two. That means the expertise you spent years building — and the salary that came with it — can become obsolete faster than a mortgage term. Tran argues the people who protect their earning power long-term aren't necessarily the most credentialed. They're the ones who can unlearn old ways and adapt quickly. We walk through her four AQ archetypes — the neurosurgeon, the astronaut, the firefighter, and the novelist — each with a different default approach to change. Knowing your type helps you understand where you might freeze up during a career pivot, a market downturn, or a high-stakes financial decision. Tran points out that analysis paralysis, something many real estate investors and career changers know well, often comes down to archetype — and there are practical fixes. We also cover her ABCD framework — anchors, bets, classroom, and discomfort — which maps out how to stay functional and decisive during volatile periods. And we get into the six thinking hats theory, specifically how pairing black-hat (downside) thinking with green-hat (future-focused) thinking can sharpen any major financial or career decision. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) Intro to AQ — agility quotient defined (03:19) IQ vs. EQ vs. AQ — how the three differ (04:09) Origins of IQ — born from industrialization (04:41) Birth of EQ — rise of the knowledge worker (05:01) Why AQ matters now — the tech revolution (06:19) AI and IQ — cognitive skills are now commoditized (07:51) Technical vs. durable skills — and why both matter (10:48) Half-life of skills — technical skills expire fast (13:41) Measuring durable skills — how to spot your gaps (15:59) The four AQ archetypes — neurosurgeon, astronaut, firefighter, novelist (25:08) Improving your weak spots — run toward discomfort (30:59) The ABCD framework — four pillars of high AQ (43:56) Anchors — people, places, routines that ground you (54:25) Six thinking hats — six ways to approach any problem (01:04:28) AQ is changeable — it's never too late to grow Share this episode with a friend, colleagues, and your postal person: https://affordanything.com/episode691 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From the Inside Out: With Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein
Send a textSelf-Mastery in Real Life: Regulation, Trust, and the Shift from Control to ConnectionIn this episode of From The Inside Out Podcast with Rivkah and Eda, we sit down with Velvel & Chyena Friedman for a powerful conversation on what real success looks like when it's built on faith, family, and unshakable values. Velvel shares his unconventional journey—from a full-time yeshiva education and Rabbinical ordination to scoring a perfect 180 on the LSAT and stepping into high-stakes litigation—plus how Torah learning shaped his mindset, discipline, and clarity. Chyena opens up about the dignity and joy she finds in being the foundation of the home, and how the right partnership can elevate every area of life. Together, we discuss Shabbos as a “forced gift” of rest, navigating pressure without losing priorities, staying professional with strong boundaries, and why in marriage you're not meant to argue to win—you're meant to build a life as one team. What makes this conversation so powerful is that it's not just about success—it's about what success is built on. Throughout the episode, Velvel and Chyena show what it looks like to be led by a guiding principle, even when life is demanding. The episode closes with their mantra, “Ein od milvado”—a grounding reminder that everything is in Hashem's hands. No matter what season you're in, you'll walk away with something practical, uplifting, and real.EPISODE SPONSORSYAKIRA BELLAYakira Bella is the go-to for trendy, modest women's fashion that still feels current—think playful-but-polished pieces, elevated basics, and outfits that actually work for real life (day-to-day, Shabbos, events, everything in between). Their collections balance tasteful + bold, with a steady stream of new arrivals and best sellers so you can refresh your wardrobe without overthinking it. If you're looking for modestwear that's stylish, wearable, and affordable, Yakira Bella is absolutely worth checking out. Visit https://yakirabella.com/ and follow along at https://www.instagram.com/yakirabellaofficial/ GUEST BIOVelvel FreedmanVelvel Freedman is a high-stakes litigator and partner at Freedman Normand Friedland LLP. Raised in a secular-turned-observant home in West Palm Beach, he attended yeshiva and earned smicha before attending Columbia Law School. He credits years of Gemara study with sharpening his discipline, analytical rigor, and “zitsfleish”—the ability to sit, focus, and do the work—qualities he now brings to complex commercial disputes and high-pressure courtroom advocacy.Chyena FreedmanChyena Freedman brings a values-first lens to marriage, family life, and what success really means. With warmth and clarity, she shares how she and Velvel build a strong home culture, stay aligned on priorities, and keep faith at the center—even in the midst of a demanding career and a full family lifeCHAPTERS00:00 Smicha to Columbia: Velvel's Unlikely Path01:22 Meet Velvel & Chyena: Redefining “Success”10:43 Baal Teshuva Roots + Becoming “Velvel”16:47 Torah Mind COMMUNITYJoin the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 101, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have:
Nate and Ben tell a listener it's perfectly fine to take a break from LSAT study, especially to help prevent burnout.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!
"This is why you take practice exams. So that you know what you DON'T want to do on test day." Practice tests don't always move in a straight line—and this week, GMAC Zach finds that out firsthand. After hitting a personal high on his previous EA exam practice exam with a 155, his latest score dips slightly, sparking an honest conversation about score fluctuations, confidence traps, and what really causes plateaus during EA prep. Joined, as always, by Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep, they unpack why the third practice exam is such a common stumbling point, how overconfidence can quietly lead to careless mistakes (yes, even in your strongest section), and why focusing only on weaknesses can cause your strengths to atrophy. They also dig into practical strategy: how to review practice exams effectively, how to organize quant scratch work, and how to decide when you're truly ready to take your final practice test—or the real thing. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on motivation, deadlines, and whether booking the official exam before you feel "ready" can actually be the push you need. If you've ever felt frustrated by a score dip or unsure about your next step in EA or GMAT prep, this one will feel very familiar—and very reassuring. About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student. Helpful links: Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep Key Takeaways: Score dips are normal—especially around your third practice exam. As content knowledge increases, timing issues, overconfidence, and stubbornness can creep in. Focusing only on weaknesses can hurt your strengths. Mixed review matters, or previously solid skills can quietly slip. Careless mistakes often come from confidence, not confusion. Rushing through "easy" questions can cost just as many points as knowledge gaps. Practice exam review matters more than the score itself. Time spent, question-level decisions, and patterns of error are where the real insights live. Write everything down on quant. Clean, organized scratch work isn't about neatness—it's about thinking clearly under pressure. Grammar prep shouldn't break what already works. Use rules strategically to retrain your ear where it falls for traps, not everywhere. Your last practice exam is precious—but not sacred. For some test-takers, the real exam can function as a high-stakes "dry run" with better data. Deadlines can be powerful motivators—if you know yourself. Booking the test can help procrastinators push through, as long as flexibility remains. Don't tell anyone your test date. Fewer external expectations = fewer distractions on test day. Chapters: 00:00 Practice Exam Insights 07:04 Verbal Section Challenges 10:01 Quantitative Strategies 12:45 Considerations for Test Day 18:19 Setting Deadlines and Accountability
Applying to law school and wondering how admissions decisions really get made? In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted Law Consultant Brigitte talks with Sophia Sim, associate dean for admissions and financial aid at the George Washington University Law School (GW Law), about what applicants need to know – from rolling admissions timelines and waitlists to scholarships, LSAT-optional pathways, and professional etiquette. With decades of experience in law school admissions, Sophia offers clear, honest advice to help applicants make smarter decisions throughout the cycle.00:00 Introduction and Background02:43 The Challenges of Law School Admissions05:10 Understanding the GW Law Admissions Process08:26 The GW Law Waitlist Process Explained10:58 Navigating the GW Law Personal Statement13:51 LSAT Optional: Who Should Consider It?16:37 GW Law Part-Time Program Insights19:15 Final Thoughts and AdviceResourcesSophia Sim bioGW Law JD AdmissionsLaw School Admissions Calculator, a free toolRelated Admissions Straight Talk EpisodesHow to Get into George Washington School of Law, Episode 584Get Accepted to Cornell School of Law, Episode 590How to Get into Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Episode 579Follow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact Uswww.accepted.comsupport@accepted.com+1 (310) 815-9553
Reagan writes in after following Ben and Nathan's advice from a previous episode to retake the LSAT and reapply. She shares her success story, including multiple full-ride offers and additional stipends.Also in this episode:- How an older applicant can best prepare.- A student gets waitlisted…for the waitlist.- The guys react to Nathan's nephew's argumentative essay.Study with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 546 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What's the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our Word of the Week library0:00 Older Applicant 8:43 Waitlist for a Waitlist18:19 Retake & Reapply Results31:42 Test D Question — Room for Dessert48:42 Tips from Departing Demons54:02 Accommodation Solicitation57:04 Reaching Out for a Grade Change1:07:35 Argumentative Essay on Meat Pizza1:18:53 Word of the Week — paucity
this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz are joined by Alicia Crowder, aka Diana from Tell Me Lies, and it's peak fangirl chaos and behind-the-scenes tea. they get into the cult-like TikTok community around the show, insane fan theories that almost outdo the writers, and what it's like to watch people dissect your character in real time. from auditioning over Zoom and finding out she booked the role while sitting on her couch, to the shock of reading THAT plot twist, Alicia shares what it's really like being at the center of one of the internet's most unhinged relationship dramas.the girls dive deep into Diana's psychology: ambition, codependency, perfectionism, and that terrifying type-A composure that somehow still cracks. they talk toxic men, manipulation disguised as love, and why Stephen isn't strategic, he just wants control. Alicia opens up about Juilliard, 15-hour shoot days, filming scenes out of order, memorizing five-page dialogues, and the pressure of delivering emotional chaos on cue at 4 a.m. plus, the subtle power move of asking writers to let Diana score higher on the LSAT (as she should).and because this is Delusional Diaries, it wouldn't be complete without a little fun: Diana answering Hinge prompts, night owl vs. morning person debates, dog-mom routines, superstitions during auditions, and the very real spiral of waiting to hear if you're “the final two.” it's a mix of ambition, vulnerability, internet obsession, and the reminder that even the most put-together girls are still human. chaotic, thoughtful, and slightly delusional, obviously. just, with a special guest this time!Timestamps0:17 - Alicia Crowder from Tell Me Lies 14:45 - Season 3 reactions (and spoilers) 21:18 - If Diana was on Hinge 27:30 - Auditioning for Tell Me Lies 35:41 - Need a Season 4 Follow Alicia CrowderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicialucillecrowder?igsh=MXdwNnlqYnlxdzk2bw==TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alicialucillecrowder?_r=1&_t=ZP-93qX27Ub0DXMore of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/More of Halley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halleykmcg/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halleykateMore of Jaz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjazzzyidk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justjazzzyidkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/justjazzzyidkLinks Caraway - visit Carawayhome.com/DIARIES and use code DIARIES for 10% off your order Apartments.com - visit apartments.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The second, and likely smallest, LSAT of 2026 has wrapped, so it's time to talk specifics! Join Jon as he breaks down the February test—real sections vs experimentals, and every scaling outcome—as well as some breaking news for anyone testing a little later this year.
Ben and Nate walk a listener through how to bring her meditation practice from LSAT study to the official test.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!
This Day in Legal History: NAACP FoundedOn February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded in New York City. Sparked by ongoing racial violence, including the 1908 Springfield Race Riot in Illinois, a group of Black and white activists came together to launch an interracial effort to combat racial injustice. The NAACP would become the most influential civil rights organization in the United States, pursuing its goals through strategic litigation, public education, and advocacy.In its early years, the NAACP focused heavily on using the courts to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, particularly in education and voting. It played a pivotal role in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the landmark Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Through its Legal Defense Fund—established in 1940 and headed for a time by Thurgood Marshall, who would later become the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice—the organization spearheaded a range of major civil rights cases.Beyond litigation, the NAACP was instrumental in pushing for anti-lynching laws, though federal anti-lynching legislation would take over a century to pass. The group's efforts laid the legal and political foundation for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Its influence continues today as it monitors civil rights violations and advocates for racial justice nationwide.Tom Goldstein, a prominent U.S. Supreme Court advocate and co-founder of SCOTUSblog, testified in his own defense during his federal criminal tax trial in Maryland. Goldstein, accused of failing to report millions in poker winnings and misrepresenting debts on mortgage applications, told jurors he never intended to violate the law. He admitted omitting gambling debts to keep them hidden from his wife, and claimed he relied on accountants and firm managers for financial reporting. The trial, overseen by Judge Lydia Griggsby, has drawn attention for its mix of high-stakes legal and poker worlds. Goldstein is alleged to have reported only $27 million of $50 million in poker winnings to the IRS in 2016. He also faces allegations of channeling improper payments through his former law firm and requesting a $500,000 payment from actor Tobey Maguire be sent to a third party to cover personal debts. Maguire, a witness in the trial, is not accused of any misconduct. The defense has called more than a dozen witnesses, including IRS agents, poker players, and law firm executives. Goldstein retired from Supreme Court advocacy in 2023 after arguing over 40 cases. The trial continues with prosecutors set to cross-examine him following his testimony.Supreme Court lawyer Tom Goldstein takes stand at his criminal tax trial | ReutersAttorney General Pam Bondi faced sharp criticism from lawmakers during a House Judiciary Committee hearing over the Justice Department's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Thomas Massie accused Bondi of deliberately concealing the names of powerful individuals connected to Epstein, including billionaire Leslie Wexner, whose name was initially redacted in an FBI document. Bondi countered that Wexner's name had already been made public in other documents and was quickly unredacted once flagged. Lawmakers across the aisle expressed frustration over what they called excessive and unjustified redactions, despite a federal law passed in November mandating broad disclosure of the Epstein files.Bondi defended the department's efforts, highlighting the work of over 500 lawyers on a tight timeline, and insisted any release of victims' identities was accidental. She repeatedly praised President Donald Trump during the hearing and criticized Democratic members, accusing them of political theatrics. Her confrontational style sparked further tension, especially when she refused to apologize to Epstein's victims seated in the gallery, deflecting the request by referencing past administrations. The hearing reflects the ongoing controversy surrounding the Justice Department's approach to transparency, its alignment with Trump-era politics, and the public's demand for accountability in the Epstein investigation.US lawmakers accuse Bondi of hiding names of Epstein associates | ReutersThe Law School Admission Council (LSAC) announced that beginning August 2026, the LSAT will no longer be available online, citing rising concerns over cheating. The move comes after a period of hybrid testing, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed examinees to choose between in-person and remote formats. While remote testing will still be permitted in limited cases involving medical or geographic hardships, the default will now be in-person testing at designated centers. LSAC emphasized that the shift is meant to enhance test integrity and deter misconduct, which has become a growing concern—particularly after the organization suspended online testing in China due to reports of systemic cheating.Industry professionals, including LSAT prep company leaders, supported the decision, noting that online platforms made it easier for cheating rings to exploit the system through tactics like using cameras to capture test content or remotely accessing test takers' computers. Some cheating services reportedly charged thousands of dollars to help candidates gain an unfair advantage. LSAC added that technical difficulties also played a role in the change, with most scoring delays stemming from remote testing issues. On the January 2026 exam, 61% of test takers opted for in-person testing, suggesting a trend back toward traditional methods.US law school admissions test ends online option over cheating concerns | Reuters This is a public episode. 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Austen Lott is a Marquette University Law School and currently works as a Legal Recruiter at Flare and Marble Law. Austen's journey represents one we appreciate immensely on this podcast. A unique journey. Austen decided to go to Law School, by the seat of his pants, and decided in one moment he was going to take the LSAT and arrive at Law School. His journey showed off the hardships he endured throughout, including medical issues as a result of burnout, which he not only experienced once, but twice throughout his journey. Overcoming these moments made him stronger and showed him that these stories turned out to be the most relatable part of himself. Austen also shows through his story the power of skill stacking, and gaining a new skill at each job, and each turn in life. His attitude towards life is one that everyone can gain something from. Go out and take action, and figure the rest out later. This episode with Austen further proves the hypothesis I started the podcast about. There is no straight path in the legal field, only your Unique Journey to it. Austen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austenlott/Be sure to check out the Official Sponsors for the Lawyers in the Making Podcast:Rhetoric - Empowers your teaching and training with AI that strengthens learning, protects integrity, and proves authentic understanding, for students and professionals alike, with CICERO. Find them here: userhetoric.comThe Law School Operating System™ Recorded Course - This course is for ambitious law students who want a proven, simple system to learn every topic in their classes to excel in class and on exams. Go to www.lisablasser.com, check out the student tab with course offerings, and use code LSOSNATE10 at checkout for 10% off Lisa's recorded course!Start LSAT - Founded by former guest and 22-year-old superstar, Alden Spratt, Start LSAT was built upon breaking down barriers, allowing anyone access to high-quality LSAT Prep. For $110, you get the Start LSAT self-paced course, and using code LITM10, you get 10% off the self-paced course! Check out Alden and Start LSAT at startlsat.com and use code LITM10 for 10% off the self-paced course!Lawyers in the Making Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Lawyers in the Making Podcast at lawyersinthemaking.substack.com/subscribe
Nate and Josh tell a student who's learning the power of prioritizing accuracy over speed on the LSAT one "weird trick" to keep improving: slow way down.Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!
Before Sara Blakely became the founder of Spanx, her life looked nothing like a success story. She failed the LSAT twice, was told she was "too short" at a Disney audition, and spent seven years selling fax machines door to door—hearing no over and over again. What changed everything wasn't luck. It was how she treated rejection. Instead of seeing discomfort as failure, she treated it like training. In Part 2 of our Develop Your Voice Impact series, Krista Donargo, SGA unpacks how Blakely learned to fail forward, show up before things felt polished, and turn a scrappy idea into a billion-dollar brand without investors, a roadmap, or industry experience. From there, we zoom out to a skill every leader needs but few are ever taught: storytelling. Storytelling isn't fluff—it's a leadership tool. Stories activate emotion and logic, reduce resistance to change, and help people trust, understand, and follow your ideas. Whether you're leading a team, speaking on stage, guiding clients, or showing up online, how you communicate matters just as much as what you're saying. This is exactly the work we do inside our Voice of Impact Mini Intensives, to help leaders identify the stories they need to tell, shape them with intention, and deliver them with confidence, clarity, and authority. These high-touch intensives are designed to help your voice match the level of leadership you're stepping into—without scripts, gimmicks, or overproduction. If you've ever struggled to get people to understand, trust, or act on your ideas, this episode will change how you think about communication—and what's possible when you learn to use your voice with intention. Because growth doesn't require perfection. It requires conviction, connection, and the willingness to be uncomfortable long before the results show up. Resources → Learn more about our Voice of Impact Mini Intensives → Join the Fierce Factor Society → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: @kaeli.lindholm Additional Ways to Connect: Book a Discovery Call: Ready to scale with intention? Let's map out your next strategic move. KLC Consulting Website Kaeli on LinkedIn
A listener wonders if another LSAT retake will improve her chances at her dream law school. Ben and Nathan explain why retaking may not help when she's already above the school's 75th percentile, and why affordability should matter more than rank.Also in this episode- Ben and Nathan dunk on a law school offering a mystery "commemorative gift” in exchange for a binding commitment- A listener writes in about discouraging waitlists- A student who took the long road to law school shares their journeyClaude's ConstitutionStudy with our Free PlanDownload our iOS appWatch Episode 544 on YouTubeCheck out all of our “What's the Deal With” segmentsGet caught up with our Word of the Week library0:00 How High is High Enough?18:10 Law School Offering a "Commemorative Gift”24:16 Good at Drilling but Bad at Timed Sections31:42 Test D Question — Sunlight Exposure43:40 Things We Actually Enjoy50:50 Discouraging Waitlists1:03:41 Long Road to Law School1:07:22 Personal Statement Gong Show1:23:12 Word of the Week — emolument