The Nick Standlea Podcast
If you like to ask questions, dive beneath the surface, and learn about fascinating individuals, you’ve found your home. Join Nick Standlea for long-form conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, creators, athletes, scientists, entertainers, and other brilliant guest experts. You can follow Nick and the show on Instagram: @NickStandlea. A little bit about Nick: He earned a perfect score on the SAT, but thinks standardized tests are overrated. He won grants to teach kids to surf in China, explore caves in Tibet, study business at the University of Oxford, and explore Art History in Italy. Nick is a former Research Associate at the Quality of Life Research Center where he studied creativity, learning, and flow under his mentor, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He founded numerous companies, including Test Prep Gurus, a test prep and education consulting firm based in Newport Beach, California that works with students across the United States, and more than a dozen other countries. Nick is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, and podcaster. Ask questions. Don’t accept the status quo. Be curious.
Welcome.
We value your attention and time and take great care with every episode. We look forward to connecting with you.
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If you would like to ask a question or give feedback about the show, you can reach Nick at NickStandlea@gmail.com
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Episodes
Episodes
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Monday Apr 01, 2024
Optimize the college application process. We provide actionable steps for each year of high school, 9th to 12th grade, to help students make the best college admissions choices. We meticulously strategize each phase of high school with Jenn, a renowned private college counselor, professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, and author of the best-selling book 'The Parent Compass' who supplements this episode with her valuable experiences and expertise.
Jenn stresses the significance of developing specific high school habits and the formative value of resilience and grit. We also delve into Jenn's book, 'The Parent Compass,' which offers a blueprint for maintaining healthy parent-child relationships during turbulent teenage years, personal goal-setting, tackling misconceptions about college entrance, and learning to foster a growth-oriented mindset.
We discuss common misconceptions about college admission, highlighting the importance of pursuing personal interests over conformism. Insights about sports scholarships, leadership skills, and involvement in meaningful activities make this episode a must-listen.
We then transition steps to effectively prepare for college during sophomore year. Highlighting the importance of interesting activities, creating a testing timeline, reading for pleasure, choosing future courses, and showing 'demonstrated interest' at desired colleges, this episode provides comprehensive guidance for high school students to ambitiously prepare for college admissions.
During Junior year, Jenn describes the essentiality of keeping track of achievements throughout high school, the importance of financial conversations between parents and teenager, the impact of test preparation, and strategic planning around merit aid.
For 12th grade, we break down all the steps associated with filling out applications, meeting deadlines, and the differences between Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular application deadlines.
Lastly, Jennifer Curtis, a seasoned college admissions expert, throws light on the complexities of today's college admissions process. She elaborates on topics such as standard test scores, the nuances of 'test optional' applications, the benefit of independent educational consultants, and more. Gain critical information on tangible steps to reduce stress, face rejection, and understand the importance of early financial aid management.
Whether you're a student or a parent, this episode is a quintessential guide to navigating the often daunting world of college admissions.
Category: Education
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
EPISODE LINKS:
Jenn Curtis, IG: @MyFutureWise
FutureWise Consulting: https://www.futurewiseconsulting.com
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
Jenn Curtis: @MyFutureWise
PODCAST INFO:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow
- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Brad Burge: Psychedelic Therapy
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
In this episode of the Nick Standlea Show, we journey into the world of psychedelic therapies, exploring the use of psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and ayahuasca for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We unpack the efficacy of psychedelics for treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and maladies. We also examine the potential dangers of unregulated psychedelics and discuss the importance of set, setting, and integration in psychedelic therapy to amplify positive outcomes.
Nick's guest is Brad Burge, a Stanford University alumni who has devoted his professional life to psychedelic research as the communications director for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and at his own PR firm for the psychedelic industry, Integration Communications.
Brad shares his personal mental health journey and the positive role that psychedelics played within it. The conversation turns to MDMA therapy for PTSD, illustrating its transformation from recreational drug to potential therapeutic treatment. We explore the FDA approval process, the funding potential, the possible shift in cultural and political perspectives, and the emergence of an industry centered around psychedelic therapy.
We discuss the missteps of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program, but also emphasize responsible usage and regulated control of psychedelics.
We explore the role of Ketamine in treating mental health issues, particularly depression. A discussion on off-label prescribing, accessibility, effectiveness, and potential abuses highlights the complex reality of the field.
Ultimately, the episode underscores the need for responsible, systematic, and well-regulated administration of psychedelic therapy. The dialogue seeks to address the lack of robust and accessible support systems, touches on how the pharma industry fits into the psychedelic therapy landscape, and highlights the importance of educating providers about the process of integration after a psychedelic experience.
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the field of psychedelic therapy, public health policy, and alternative treatments for mental health.
Now on YouTube!
Psychedelic Therapies: Brad Burge: https://youtu.be/hlX2KOmvQiI
Category: Medical
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
EPISODE LINKS:
Brad Burge, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-burge-84326728/
Integration Communications:
Website: https://integrationcommunications.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrationCommunications/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67983738
IG: https://www.instagram.com/integrationcomms/
T/X: https://twitter.com/IntegrationComm
MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies):
Website: https://maps.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/maps__org/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mapsnews/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mapsmdma/
T/X:@MAPS
Article: Some Reflections on the Backlash Against Psychedelic Hype
https://www.samwoolfe.com/2023/11/backlash-against-psychedelic-hype.html
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
Integration Communications: @integrationcomms
(https://www.instagram.com/integrationcomms/)
PODCAST INFO:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow
- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
California Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal delves into his forthcoming visit to Israel, the need for effective conflict resolution in the Israel–Palestine war, and his commitment to understanding the complexities of the situation from all perspectives.
The conversation ventures into bills the Assemblyman has recently passed on critical societal issues to combat roofied drinks, sexual assault, and body-shaming. We also explore his ongoing work to remedy the negative influences of social media and the explicit links they bear with mental health issues among teenagers. He proposes potential regulatory actions to make social media safer and more responsible, emphasizing the need for such platforms to incentivize wellness and positive engagement.
In the final segments, the topics transition towards intricate details about U.S. government and societal issues, the implementation of artificial intelligence to improve government operations and high recidivism rates in California’s criminal justice system. The episode details the potential benefits to be reaped from technology and proposed reforms in criminal justice, and addressing the current mental health crisis.
Category: Politics
Now on YouTube!
CA Assemblymember, Josh Lowenthal: https://youtu.be/4aY_y3cJ7rA
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
EPISODE LINKS:
IG, Josh Lowenthal: @AsmLowenthal
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
- Guest Josh Lowenthal: @AsmLowenthal
PODCAST INFO:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow
- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon) - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Dr. Donald D. Hoffman offers us the chance to take the red pill, stay in Wonderland, and show us how deep the rabbit hole goes.
In this conversation, best-selling author of "The Case Against Reality" and UCI professor emeritus Don Hoffman takes us on a journey through cutting-edge research that points to an interconnected consciousness beyond space and time, that could potentially be the true architect of our reality (and others).
In a conversation that challenges the norms, Dr. Hoffman backs up his bold claims with research that spans evolutionary biology, game theory, neuroscience, philosophy, high-energy physics, and theoretical mathematics, and discusses his newest discovery -- 'positive geometries' that exist independent of space and time.
What is consciousness? What is death? What happens when we meditate? We discuss these questions and more. Prepare to question your most fundamental beliefs about existence as Dr. Hoffman presents his theories on the illusory nature of reality (spoiler: we're living in a simulation).
Now on YouTube!
Dr. Donald Hoffman: https://youtu.be/X-gPsuyFpgo
Category: Education
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
EPISODE LINKS:
X, Donald D. Hoffman: @donalddhoffman
Bill Hicks Story: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2r85h2
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
PODCAST INFO:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNickStandleaShow
- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Monday Jan 29, 2024
The Importance of SAT and ACT in College Admissions
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
In recent years, the relevance of SAT and ACT tests in college admissions has been questioned, prompting some colleges to switch to test-optional policies. However, extensive research and data analysis now suggest that this may not have been the best approach.
New articles in the NY Times and Forbes reveal that standardized test scores are the single most powerful predictors of college grades, college graduation rates, graduate school placement, and job placement. Unlike high school grades, which have been marred by inflation, SAT and ACT scores provide a level playing field for assessing students' college readiness. Even for students from less privileged backgrounds, a good test score often signifies their capability to thrive in an academic setting.
However, the reluctance of administrators to reintroduce standardized tests isn’t so much about concern for the fairness of the tests or the lack of knowledge about their potential benefits. It seems to be more about the potential political backlash they may encounter in doing so. The surge in applications and subsequent financial benefits a university enjoys being “test-optional” also plays a part. Thus, while many colleges may maintain their test-optional status, they increasingly favor applicants with strong SAT and ACT scores.
There appears to be a growing myth that standardized tests only benefit privileged students, thereby leading to biased college admissions. This argument is challenged using data that shows the greater predictability of a student's success by standardized test scores as compared to their high school GPA. Contrary to popular belief, the SAT and ACT are seen not as hurdles but as lifelines for students from less renowned high schools – allowing them to demonstrate their potential in a widely recognized and standardized manner.
As the admissions process continues to evolve, the role of standardized tests will undoubtedly remain pivotal. Though not perfect, these tests serve as substantial evidence of a student’s readiness to handle high-level academic work and are seen as a determinant of their probability of succeeding in college – and beyond. Therefore, for students looking to increase their chances of admission into top universities and earn substantial scholarships, preparing for these standardized tests might just be the secret key.
We must recognize that while it may not completely eradicate the flaws in the admissions process, standardized testing does provide a more transparent, equal-opportunity platform for all students to demonstrate their capabilities and potential. Thus, until a more predictive tool emerges, standardized testing looks set to continue playing a significant role in college admissions.
Category: Nick Solo Episode
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
EPISODE LINKS:
NY Times, "The Misguided War on the SAT": https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/07/briefing/the-misguided-war-on-the-sat.html
Forbes, "The SAT is Making a Comeback - Are You Prepared?": https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherrim/2024/01/08/the-sat-is-making-a-comeback-are-you-prepared/?sh=1fef9615b8ea
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
PODCAST INFO:- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Monday Jan 22, 2024
You're Sitting in a Chair in the Sky
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
🎙️✨ Louis CK's hilarious take on flight delays hits close to home because, let's admit it, we've all been there. Complaining about minor inconveniences when we live in a world of convenience. ✈️🤣
This bit serves as a reminder of how we tend to overlook the miraculous surrounding us daily. From pocket-sized supercomputers to AI conversations, innovations that were once unthinkable are now part of our routine.
But here's the catch: familiarity breeds indifference.
We become accustomed to these conveniences, forgetting the marvel they truly are. So, what can we do?
Let's take a page from Seth Godin's story about psychological framing.
By shifting our perspective and framing trivial inconveniences as what they are—tiny speed bumps in a world of unparalleled ease—we open the door to gratitude and wonder.
This mindset shift allows us to channel our time and energy towards what truly matters, focusing on personal growth, meaningful projects, and doing the work to achieve the change in the world we want to see.
🌍💫 #PerspectiveShift #GratitudeMindset #NickStandleaPodcast #BeCurious 🎧✨
Category: Nick Solo Episode
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
EPISODE LINKS:
Louis CK, Hilarious Album, Air Travel Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3dYS7PcAG4
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
PODCAST INFO:- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Context is Everything
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
A short story about my kids that demonstrated how context is everything.
We often think we know where everyone is coming from, what their agenda is, what their history is, who they are, but in reality, we can’t ever see the whole picture.
What can we do about that?
We can choose.
Choose to be conscious of what that other person might be going through.
Choose to be aware of the fact that whatever the situation is, we don’t have all the information.
Choose to give people a little grace. Choose to give some to yourself too.
If we push ourselves to pay attention, really pay attention to others, and what they might be dealing with, we’ll have options for how to deal with them. We’ll notice things about them, we’ll be slightly better versions of ourselves. We’ll at least move the needle in the direction of kindness and decency -- and that's a world I'd like my kids to grow up in.
Category: Nick Solo Episode
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
INSTAGRAM:
- Host Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
PODCAST INFO:- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
College Rankings are an Illusion
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
College rankings are an illusion. Despite the power they hold in popular culture, they were made up by a magazine that was going out of business. But not all colleges play the rankings game. In fact, Pitzer College won the rankings game by not playing it and telling their own story. Learn how students can do the same to reach their goals for college and beyond.
Category: Nick Solo Episode - Learning & Higher Education
Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:
Test Prep Gurus:
https://www.prepgurus.com
@TestPrepGurus
https://www.instagram.com/testprepgurus/
INSTAGRAM:
- Host, Nick Standlea: @NickStandlea
PODCAST INFO:- Podcast website: https://nickshow.podbean.com/
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nick-standlea-podcast/id1700331903
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YqBBneFsKtQ6Y0ArP5CXJ
- RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/nickshow/feed.xml
SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast.
- Support on Patreon: (coming soon)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickstandlea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-standlea-43732573/
- Medium: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/nick-standlea-of-test-prep-gurus-how-to-take-your-company-from-good-to-great-491ef2c53fb9
Ask questions.
Don’t accept the status quo.
Be curious.