Best Great Minds Advising Podcasts (2024)

1
10 Ways To Build An Admissions Hook 2:06:16

5h ago2:06:16

2:06:16

In this episode, we cover ten primary ways students can build their admissions hooks to differentiate their applications at top colleges, the pros/cons of each activity type, and several highly common activities that tend to contribute minimally to—and even potentially jeopardize—a student’s odds of acceptance. “The Game” is hosted by Sam Hassell a…

1
Episode 16 — Do The PSAT & National Merit Matter? 1:19:38

10h ago1:19:38

1:19:38

In this episode, we break down the timeline and significance of the PSAT and various National Merit awards that are associated with strong PSAT scores: PSAT for students in grades earlier than 11th (e.g. PSAT 8/9 + PSAT 10) The PSAT/NMSQT exam in 11th grade Score ranges for juniors who might be in play for National Merit awards connected to their P…

1
Episode 15 — Should You Contact Admissions Officers? 1:21:55

5d ago1:21:55

1:21:55

In this episode, we dive into the many different types of “demonstrated interest” and the particular case of contacting admissions officers: Why “demonstrated interest” is generally overrated and over-discussed compared to other candidacy-building factors for students targeting highly selective colleges “Strong” vs “weak” demonstrated interest: def…

1
Maritime Events & Advising on SHOGUN as a Japanese Boat Builder - Douglas Brooks 1:00:46

9d ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Wonderful interview with the inspiring carpenter-educator-writer Douglas Brooks about more of his projects in Japan, and around the world, to preserve and celebrate the traditional wooden boats of Japan. Watch the interview here on YouTube to add visuals to the images we are talking about. As always, big thanks to Casey Bean for the opening and clo…

1
Visiting Pearl Harbor on Hiroshima Day - how to develop better cross-cultural relationships 22:42

29d ago22:42

22:42

Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima Peace Memorial park are difficult places to visit, but also important destinations to maintain and allow people to consider wartime choices and their consequences. This year, I had the chance to visit Pearl Harbor on Hiroshima day August 6th and attend a peace light-up event at Pearl Harbor again on August 7th to commemor…

1
Episode 14 — Application Red Flags To Avoid 47:00

24d ago47:00

47:00

Admissions Masterclass Registration (8/7 via Zoom) In this episode, we cover the much more strategic attitude—versus a purely “instructions-following” mindset—students should take into the application process for each and every piece of information admissions officers will view, including components that might seem like pure “data entry.” We highli…

1
Travel to Japan's Nature Reserve Tropical Islands with a talented photographer 1:12:42

17d ago1:12:42

1:12:42

In early spring 2024, Tom Miyagawa Coulton and I traveled on a 24h ferry from Tokyo to some of Japan's most remote and not well known tropical nature reserves called the Bonin or Ogasawara islands. YouTube video of this talk here Tom is a talented photographer and is always a great collaborator on writing and consulting projects like this around Ja…

1
Sustainable Travel, Business, Art & Life in Japan - Celebrating the 500th Episode 2:33:00

21d ago2:33:00

2:33:00

The entire 500th Episode of the "Good People Doing Great Things" Seek Sustainable Japan episode - so many fun and interesting people and insights here to enjoy.By JJWalsh

1
Episode 13 — The Truth About Summer Programs 1:25:49

28d ago1:25:49

1:25:49

Admissions Masterclass Registration (8/7 via Zoom) Think college summer programs are helping your case for admission to highly selective schools? Think again. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the widely popular—and vastly overrated—college summer programs in which so many high school students enroll and why almost all of them fail to ac…

1
Episode 12 — An Extraordinary Applicant? 1:07:15

1M ago1:07:15

1:07:15

Admissions Masterclass Registration (8/7 via Zoom) In this episode, we dissect the candidacy of a student from the Wall Street Journal piece, "To Get Into The Ivy League, Extraordinary Isn't Always Enough These Days." The piece spotlights Kaitlyn Younger, a Texas high school senior with a 3.95/4.0 unweighted GPA in 11 AP courses, 1550/1600 SAT, top…

1
Episode 11 — “What Are My College Chances?” & Other Student Qs 1:35:46

1M ago1:35:46

1:35:46

In this episode, we respond to real questions in the popular online forum Reddit from students across the country. In particular, we cover answers to the following: Which letters of recommendation do I send? How important is course rigor freshman and sophomore year? How do you come up with your college essay topic? Which GPA do colleges use? What a…

1
Episode 10 – How To (Actually) Interpret Acceptance Data 1:06:31

2M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Many students and families heavily rely on the college acceptance data (GPA/test scores vs. college outcomes) of past applicants from their high school to make high-stakes decisions about their school list, selection of early decision colleges, and likely overall college outcomes. In this episode, we break down how past college acceptance data is r…

1
Episode 9 — Rejected Premed Case Study 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode, we review the profile and applications of a premed student who was rejected from both of their early decision schools, roughly top-25 to top-35 national universities. This student attended a top-1% US high school, possessed a 3.9 unweighted GPA, 99th percentile test scores, took 15 AP/honors courses, and had what many would conside…

1
From Scotland to Japan - talking deep sake tour insights with Sake Brewer Andrew Russell 1:05:10

2M ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Andrew Russell is originally from Scotland, but has been living and brewing sake in Japan for more than 8 years. In winter, Andrew is busy brewing sake from Oct to Mar each year, but during the off-brewing season, he gives excellent Sake tours in the famous brewing region of Nada in Hyogo. This is the third sake brewing area in Japan where he has w…

1
Episode 8 — School List Mistakes & Myths 1:05:49

2M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

In this episode, we cover many factors—including costly mistakes, myths, and traps—related to students’ school selection. In particular, we address the following: School Visits Why it doesn’t make sense to visit highly selective colleges before mid-11th grade Prioritization of best and best-fit colleges for visits, especially schools that offer bin…

1
Compost Toilets & Sustainable Japan Travel - Sustainable Japan Short-Takes 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

JUNE topics: Refugees | Same-Sex Couples Equality | Koike vs Renho Tokyo Gov | Big Garbage Reuse by Gov on Mercari app | Compost Toilets & Sustainable Travel | Peace Ed & Gaza from Hiroshima | Mountain Ecosystem Tokyo Event | BCCJ event Exploring Japan Corporate Diversity LINKS: ==Renho vs Koike for Tokyo Gov== https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/202…

1
Episode 7 — Building An Admissions “Hook” 1:37:15

2M ago1:37:15

1:37:15

In prior episodes, we’ve determined that top colleges seek not only students with excellent grades, course rigor, and test scores but also students with compelling admissions “stories” or “hooks” related to their academic/intellectual passions and how they will contribute to their future college—and hopefully, the world—in some specific, unique way…

1
Episode 6 — Rejected Valedictorian Essay Analysis 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

She was the Valedictorian of her high school. Perfect GPA in over twenty advanced classes, taking Calculus BC by 10th grade and college math courses by 11th grade. All perfect or near-perfect test scores, tennis captain, multiple leadership positions, a scholarship to a prestigious math program, and state math champion. To boot, as a female applyin…

1
Hyogo Japan's Awaji Island is perfect for Sally's AiAii Indigo Workshop & Shop 57:39

2M ago57:39

57:39

I have a great love for the sustainability of Japanese indigo. It can be grown without pesticides while capturing carbon and restoring the soil, it can be used without damage to the people who work with it and it can be put down the drain without damage to the environment and waterways- a perfect solution to our modern textile needs. Aizome also ha…

1
Episode 5 — The Biggest College Essay Mistake 56:32

3M ago56:32

56:32

Summer is upon us, and many rising seniors—if they haven’t already—are turning their attention to college applications. Among the most important components they will be tackling is the Common Application “Personal Essay”, often simply called “the college essay.” For almost all students, this will be the most important essay colleges read, and for s…

1
The Kyoto example of sustainably good urban planning in Japan 1:02:50

3M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

In this follow-up episode with Miroslav Bachura, an architect design and urban planning insider based in Shizuoka - we discuss some key issues of good, more sustainable (people-planet-profits in balance) urban design with examples from Kyoto, Shizuoka and other areas. Miroslav Bachura joined us last month to talk about his renovation projects in Sh…

1
Episode 4 — What Top Colleges Look For & How To Build It 45:35

3M ago45:35

45:35

College admissions has never been more competitive: high GPAs, strong test scores, and a well-rounded resume—once sufficient for an acceptance—are now common features of most applications to highly selective colleges. In this episode, we reveal what top colleges nowadays seek: students with compelling admissions stories centered around a focused ac…

1
Nagoya's Iridescent theatre helps open minds & build community - talk with Aya Kawakami Murray 1:02:01

3M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Japan needs the diverse perspectives represented in the creative performance arts & Aya tells us the how and why theatre, acting and performance helps us live healthier and happier lives. Aya Kawakami Murray is a university educator who founded the Theatre Iridescence in Nagoya and will give us insights on her backstory, vision for the theatre, a b…

1
Episode 3 — Why College Outcomes Vary 26:26

3M ago26:26

26:26

When many parents applied to college around three decades ago, college lists and outcomes assumed a fairly predictable, linear order. You had your “safeties,” schools to which you were almost certain to be admitted, your “targets,” schools to which you could reasonably expect to be admitted, and “reaches,” schools to which you would most likely not…

1
Double Spring Episode for Sustainable Japan Shorts with Tove & Joy 1:03:19

3M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Double the fun in one episode of our April and May live talks in the Sustainable Japan short-takes series with consultants Tove Kinooka and Joy Jarman-Walsh. April 2024 Episode: 00:30 Bring Your Own Bottle 01:00 Refill with MyMizu 01:45 Singaport Hilton tap water sign 02:40 What is MyMizu? 03:15 Is Plastic Recycled? 04:05 Plastic Waste Export Crisi…

1
Episode 2 — Breaking Down Single-Choice & Restrictive Early Action 21:07

4M ago21:07

21:07

You’ve probably heard of Early Action, but do you know what Single-Choice and Restrictive Early Action are? Seven of the top colleges (Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, CalTech, Georgetown, and Notre Dame) offer one of these unique sub-types of Early Action that place significant restrictions on the other colleges to which students under these pl…

1
Journalist-Filmmaker David Caprara talks Historical & Community Projects 59:39

3M ago59:39

59:39

David Caprara is an American journalist who has been based in Japan since he first came as a JET in 2012. David has worked as a writer, researcher, director and producer with major broadcasting companies both inside and focused on Japan from the US. Some of his interesting film projects give us a new perspective on travel and community issues in Ja…

1
Creating Traditional-Modern Houses & Businesses in Japan - Miroslav Bachura 1:04:07

3M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

Miroslav Bachura is an architect-designer who is originally from Slovakia, now based in Shizuoka Japan. Here he talks about how to properly reuse Minka traditional Japanese houses and materials to be both stylish, cost effective, safe and more sustainable. Watch the talk with Miro here to see all the great pictures we refer to in this talk. Miro is…

1
Episode 1 — One Thing Every Junior Must Do Now 40:04

4M ago40:04

40:04

While many students and parents are caught up with AP exams, senior course selection, college visits, college essays, requesting teacher letters of recommendation, in this episode, we reveal the one thing that absolutely every high school junior must do right now if they want to ensure they are on the path to admissions success at top colleges. And…

1
Positive Flip Side Influence of Inbound Travel Japan 19:58

4M ago19:58

19:58

2024 is set to be the biggest year yet for international visitors coming to Japan and while most news articles focus on overtourism and the bad apples in the crowd- I’d like to highlight how inbound tourism is having a positive influence on the local people, planet, proactive mindset and a more sustainable economy. Also, ideas for how we might appe…

1
Celebration of Rural Japan & Beautiful Traditions - Minka Summit Event 2024 19:15

4M ago19:15

19:15

Bonus podcast of my MEDIUM article Celebrating Rural Japan at the 3rd Annual Minka Summit in Hanase Village. Read the full article here: https://medium.com/@jjwalsh/celebrating-rural-japan-life-reuse-of-old-houses-at-minka-summit-24-1e496d5bc357 This year was the 3rd annual Minka Summit and we went back to the beautiful Hanase Village in rural Kyot…

1
Rural Kyoto Traditional House, Atelier & Business Melanie of 2m26 talks of Sustainable Roof Design 14:03

4M ago14:03

14:03

As a part of the 2024 Minka Summit in rural Kyoto, we had the chance to visit the stunning KAYABUKI thatch roof MINKA traditional home and atelier art studio of talented design team 2m26 Mélanie and Sebastien. Here Mélanie talks about the process of changing their roof from metal and tile back to natural straw thatch roof over the last year. 2m26 a…

1
Twits in Peril, Chapter 5 - My Short but Brilliant Acting Career 26:29

4M ago26:29

26:29

When we last saw Cyril he was being carried on the shoulders of a mob bent on confronting the evil tycoon Cyril Chippington-Smythe. They little suspect that the heroic “Johny” who is leading their little uprising is, in fact, the very Chippington-Smythe they despise. Quite a sticky wicket for our hero, but every step is bringing him closer to the r…

1
Twits in Peril, Chapter 4 - I Get a Job 23:47

4M ago23:47

23:47

We left Cyril and Binky packed like sardines on a creaky old mattress. Binky has put his foot in it by passing himself off as a leader of the Welsh Underground in order to impress Judy. A new day has dawned, however, bringing with it the promise of new adventures... and pancakes! Judy has arranged jobs for them and they happily head off to experien…

1
Twits in Peril, Chapter 3 - Wales is a Mysterious Place 24:23

4M ago24:23

24:23

We left Cyril horrified by the arrival of his Aunt Hypatia, Uncle Hugo, Cousin Binky and C. Langford Cheeseworth, who have come to join him in the amusing game they call, “Slumming”. Will they scuttle Cyril's chance to win his wager? Will he be forced to slink back to the Club in disgrace? The relatives retire to Cheeseworth's camouflaged land yach…

1
Twits in Peril, Chapter 2 - I Eat a Cherry 23:45

4M ago23:45

23:45

We left our hero in shorts and flip-flops, preparing to infiltrate a world without privilege. Can he survive for a week without cheesy eggs? without a girdle? Without Bentley? Ernie leads him into the topsy-turvey world inhabited by the working poor and Cyril's eyes slowly begin to open. A cherry causes him to re-evaluate his beliefs. NOW AVAILABLE…

1
Twits in Peril, Chapter 1 - An Ill-Advised Wager 22:44

4M ago22:44

22:44

Cyril is happily swilling down a Brandy and Prozac at the Club Bar when his old friends, Ford and Lincoln join him. The conversation turns to the gulf between the privileged class and the masses and Cyril is goaded into betting that he can pass for a member of the working class for a week. His cousin Binky arrives and places his bet on Cyril. Alas,…

1
Vancouver based Vegan Educator-Entrepreneur on Japan Travel & Plantbased Philosophy 1:03:31

4M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Vancouver based Brigitte Gemme is a mom and researched professional who has been spreading her love of vegan eating and sustainable lifestyles with an international audience through her blogs, podcasts and workshops. In spring 2024, Brigitte traveled Japan with her family and has some advice for vegan eaters who want to enjoy the experience. 00:00 …

1
Sustainable travel, events and business updates in 30-min with Tove & Joy 32:21

4M ago32:21

32:21

Tove & Joy talk about the latest sustainability focused projects, news and entrepreneurship around Japan for March of 2024 that are on our radar. Tove Kinooka is co-founder of sustainability focused consultancy and training business in Tokyo: ENTELECO: https://www.entelecoconsulting.com/ https://jp.linkedin.com/in/tove-kinooka-35a39323 Joy Jarman-W…

1
OJIKA island Nagasaki traditional house salvage & renovations - Brett Rassmussen 1:01:43

5M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Brett works on Ojika island (Nagasaki) and elsewhere in Japan (new project in Nagano) under the business name “Okibi”. Here he talks about the ups and downs of fixing up old houses, reusing local materials, being as sustainable as possible with renewable energy, natural materials, community building and even beach cleanup activities as a part of hi…

1
Twits in Peril, Trailer (Season 2) 0:52

5M ago0:52

0:52

Cyril Chippington-Smythe (Michael Urie) never met a wager he didn't like. When his old friends, Ford (Nik Walker) and Lincoln (James Rana), bet him that he can't survive living like an average citizen named “Johny” for a week he jumps in with both feet and his cousin Binky (Christian Borle) jumps with him. Alas, Bentley (Dakin Matthews) must stay a…

1
Choosing to stay in a community after a devastating earthquake - talking with NOTO residents Bernd & Mitsue 1:04:37

5M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

The Noto peninsula was rocked by one of Japan's strongest earthquakes on Jan 1, 2024. Bernd Schellhorn and Mitsue Nagase are residents of the Noto peninsula area who chose to move there from Kyoto and make it their home. Bernd and Mitsue have been on the Seek-Sustainable-Japan talkshow before sharing insights about Shojin-Ryori and Photography. Thi…

1
Why should we care about the traditions of Japanese Houses? talking with author Azby Brown 1:04:38

5M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

As a preview for the 3rd annual Minka Summit on April 19-21 this year, I had the chance to talk with author and Japanese house design expert Azby Brown (who is this year's keynote speaker) about some of the ideas he will be presenting to the audience of over 500 traditional Japanese house enthusiasts from across Japan who will gather in rural Kyoto…

1
Ultra Athlete for Climate Awareness - Carole Fuchs 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

Carole Fuchs is an impressive endurance athlete who has climbed Mt.Everest, she works at the British Embassy as a climate advocate, and is an entrepreneur who launched Feel Run - a sustainable business focused on promoting sustainability in sportswear, events and sports. The sportswear she makes reuses waste plastics and bamboo fibers - the company…

1
Earthquake Safety in Traditional Japanese Houses 59:38

6M ago59:38

59:38

Ayumi & Uberto are an international couple living in Fukuoka who know a lot about earthquake resistant traditional Japanese buildings. Ayumi wrote an excellent Medium blog about it and another about how Japanese students are educated and trained to survive an earthquake. They have been renovating and living in an old Japanese house KOMINKA after ma…

1
Travel to Rural Kyoto for the 2024 Minka (Traditional Japanese House) Event of the Year 1:02:02

6M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

The 3rd annual Minka Summit will be held once again in Hanase Village (about an hour from Kyoto station). In this preview talk about this year's event, Lauren, Andrea and Stuart join to give insights on the special speakers, minka mall, minka tours, locals and the village, and how the event has changed over the last 3 years. Key Takeaways They are …

1
Renovating Akiya to Guest House along Shimanami Kaido Cycle Route - Dani Benton 57:35

6M ago57:35

57:35

Originally from the US, Dani & Evan Benton have bought properties and land to live and run a guest house and to do natural farming in rural Japan. The Bentons have been so generous in sharing their knowledge on YouTube by documenting and sharing a variety of useful information about how to get a Japan business and startup visa, buy a house, renovat…

1
Foodies App to share better Life & Travel places with a like-minded community 1:02:49

8M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Nori is an inspiring entrepreneur, working mother and sustainable business expert based in Tokyo - this time Nori joins us to introduce HUE - a new kind of foodie / map app to share your favorite eateries with likeminded users in Japan and beyond. The Pod-Save-America episode I reference in the beginning of the show on being sober & community conne…

1
Explore Kyoto's Spiritual Side with Nathan- a Buddhism Insider guide 1:01:32

9M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

How can you enjoy deeper experiences at temples and shrines and religious places in Japan? Nathan Jishin Michon has been studying and practicing Buddhism for the past 20 years and is based in Kyoto where he offers deeper, more meaningful guided tours to international visitors. Kyoto is one of Japan's top travel destinations but without a good guide…

1
Hidden Japan destinations still exist - talking with author Alex Kerr about his latest book 1:05:50

9M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Alex Kerr is a living treasure of knowledge about all things Japan- especially Japanese culture, traditional houses, community development, village life and the arts. In this talk, Alex shares insights about his latest book which features unknown destination gems in Japan which still retain their traditional charms - called HIDDEN JAPAN. Alex Kerr …

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