The EdisonOS Podcast

Amie shares her remarkable journey from Princeton screenwriter dreams to test prep mastery, plus her recent gender transition and business rebrand! She reveals why she's always loved standardized tests "weirdly," her philosophy of balancing fun with high expectations, and how rebuilding from scratch taught her that authenticity trumps perfection. Plus insights on the digital SAT, Desmos mastery, a...

John shares his inspiring leap from 20-year classroom teacher to full-time test prep entrepreneur! He reveals how word-of-mouth built his national client base, why the first test is just "data gathering," and his game-changing approach of being "time aware, not time dependent." Plus insights on the enhanced ACT's rocky debut, mastering Desmos without overdoing it, and his philosophy of teaching in...

Chris shares his wild journey from snake-obsessed teenager to cancer survivor to test prep tutor! He reveals why digital SATs make students panic-click through answers, his detective-like approach to diagnosing each student's specific weaknesses, and drops a shocking prediction about AI making tutors obsolete. Plus insights on building confidence over cramming and why reading comprehension is the...

In this episode, Sonia Bauer opens up about her transition from traditional classroom teaching to leading test prep at Chelsea Hall. She shares how the landscape has shifted with digital testing, and why tutors today need to be more adaptable than ever. Sonia discusses how personalization, encouragement, and realistic test practice can radically improve student confidence and outcomes. She also re...

What happens when law school dreams crash during a recession? Charles accidentally became a test prep legend in Korea's $20 billion industry! Discover his shocking revelation about why students memorize entire exams the night before, how one bandage-handing volunteer got into Princeton, and the cultural secret that makes Korean test prep so different. This conversation will change how you think ab...

In this episode, Kenneth Brenner shares his journey from part-time tutoring to co-founding Delta Prep, offering insights into how the test prep industry is evolving. He reflects on the limitations of traditional materials, the rise of diagnostic-based tutoring, and how data-driven insights are improving student outcomes. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of customizing content to meet individual s...

Debbie Weaver shares her incredible journey from hating the SAT as a student to becoming a top test prep expert! She reveals why she's team ACT, how going virtual actually boosted student scores, and her game-changing approach of looking for wrong answers instead of right ones. Plus, her vision for training the next generation of tutors - including middle schoolers! Perfect for parents, educat...

In this conversation, Josh Druhan shares his journey into the world of tutoring and education, discussing the impact of technology and AI on the tutoring landscape. He reflects on the evolution of standardized testing, the importance of building relationships with students, and the vision for his company, Franklin Yard, in the coming years. Josh emphasizes the value of community among tutors and t...

In this conversation, Megan shares her journey into education, highlighting her passion for teaching and the creation of effective test prep solutions. She emphasizes the importance of building rapport with students, engaging curriculum design, and fostering trust and authenticity in tutoring.

In this conversation, Daniel Ryave shares his journey into test prep education, detailing his experiences as a teacher and tutor, including his impactful time in the Peace Corps. He discusses the transition to virtual tutoring, the importance of social media in building his client base, and the challenges of content creation.

In this conversation, Aaron Abernathy shares his journey from a part-time tutor to a full-time entrepreneur in the tutoring space. He discusses the importance of networking, student acquisition strategies, and the impact of pricing on his business. Aaron emphasizes the role of personalized tutoring and the use of technology, particularly Zoom, in enhancing the learning experience.

In this conversation, Dr. Saira Baker discusses her extensive experience in education and how she helps individuals and businesses create impactful online courses. She emphasizes the importance of emotional connections in learning, the role of AI in education, and the necessity of personalization and effective scripting in course creation. Dr. Baker also addresses the challenges and opportunities...

In this episode, Brett Ethridge shares his journey of founding Dominate Test Prep, starting with GMAT preparation and expanding into other standardized tests. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the impact of education policies on test prep demand, and his marketing strategies that emphasize value over price.

In this episode, William York discusses the transition to digital testing for the SAT and ACT, sharing his experiences as a test prep tutor. He highlights the challenges faced by students during this transition, the changes in test structure, and the adaptations he has made in his teaching methods. The discussion also covers the impact of technology on testing, student engagement, and the future o...

In this conversation, Tim Hall discusses the inception of Velocity ACT, the differences between SAT and ACT preferences among students, and the impact of digital testing formats. He shares insights on student performance trends, the challenges of test anxiety, and the business side of running a test prep company.

In this conversation, Elizabeth Breau discusses the transition to digital testing for the ACT and SAT, expressing concerns about the impact on critical thinking and reading comprehension. She highlights the challenges students face with shorter passages and formulaic questions, and shares her teaching strategies to adapt to the new format. The discussion also touches on the importance of fostering...

In this conversation, Steve Odabashian discusses the transition from traditional paper-based testing to digital formats for the SAT and ACT. He shares his initial concerns about the changes, the challenges faced with adaptive scoring, and the impact of recent glitches on students' testing experiences.

In this conversation, David discuss the transition from paper to digital testing for the SAT and ACT, exploring the challenges and surprises faced by students and tutors alike. They delve into the differences in scoring systems, the importance of mastering math skills, and the role of technology in test preparation.

In this conversation, Jeff Eisenberg discusses the transition to digital testing for the SAT and ACT, sharing his insights on the changes in format, the importance of the Desmos calculator, and the adaptation required for both students and educators. He reflects on the smooth rollout of the digital SAT, the challenges posed by new reading passages, and the implications of adaptive scoring.

In this conversation, Jag and David Blobaum delve into the complexities of merit-based financial aid, the implications of standardized testing, and the decision-making process for students choosing between prestigious Ivy League schools and other institutions. He discusses how test scores can impact scholarship opportunities, the financial realities of attending different types of colleges, and th...

In this conversation, David Blobaum shares his transformative journey through education, emphasizing the importance of reading and classical languages. He discusses the lessons learned from early work experiences and how they shaped his resilience. The conversation delves into the evolution of standardized testing, the mindset required for effective test-taking, and the common mistakes students ma...

In this conversation, Courtney Muse discusses the transition to digital SAT testing, its impact on test preparation, and the comparative analysis between SAT and ACT. Corey shares insights on the effectiveness of digital tools in tutoring, the importance of data-driven decisions, and the future of standardized testing in education. 

In this conversation, Megan Padden discusses the shift to digital SAT and ACT testing, examining the challenges and innovations influencing students’ experiences. Also, Megan covers the adaptive format of the exams, the difficulties students face with digital annotation, and the adjustments in test preparation. Megan highlights the significance of building strong foundational skills in math and re...

In this conversation, Jason, a college counselor, shares insights into the college admissions process, emphasizing the importance of understanding student pressures, the role of curiosity in education, and the significance of intrinsic motivation. He discusses strategies for navigating college admissions, including the benefits of early decision applications and the importance of accountability in...

In this conversation, Gus Elmashni discusses the transition of standardized testing to digital formats, particularly focusing on the SAT and ACT. He shares insights on how the pandemic has accelerated this shift and the implications for students and tutors. Gus also reflects on the changes in his tutoring business, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technology and the evolving needs of stud...