Best Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin Podcasts (2024)

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121: Understanding Passage Structures and Interpreting Tone 22:39

3+ y ago22:39

22:39

Tone provides a deeper sense of one's attitude. Understanding tones and structures in a CARS passage will help you get a better sense of the passage and author. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/more-than-a-feeling/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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120: Exploring Hypnosis in Comparison to Psych Experiments 20:40

3+ y ago20:40

20:40

If you want more free practice for MCAT CARS, visit jackwestin.com. Today, Jack and I focus on learning as we read this passage about hypnosis. Listen now! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hypnosis-experts-cast-doubt-on-famous-psychological-experiments/…

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119: How to Discern Facts, Assumptions, and Opinions in CARS 20:34

3+ y ago20:34

20:34

Today, we talked about the difference between facts and opinions/assumptions that sounds factual. Understanding the differences can help you score high in CARS. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/28/first-winged-reptiles-were-clumsy-flyers-research-suggests…

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118: Practicing Empathy With MCAT CARS Passages 23:15

3+ y ago23:15

23:15

In this episode, Jack and I discuss how to find article passages that are similar to MCAT CARS passages. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin aldaily.com Link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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117: How to Critically Think When Reading Deep Passages 27:28

3+ y ago27:28

27:28

MCAT passages are all about giving a message. You don't have to understand everything, but you can't make just assume or predict things that aren't there. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/roots-realityBy Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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116: Taking MCAT CARS to Outer Space and Beyond 18:18

3+ y ago18:18

18:18

The recent landing of the Mars Perseverance rover reminds us that our universe is vast, as are opinions on the MCAT. What are my thoughts? Listen to find out! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/rogue-planets-milky-way/616897/…

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115: Experiments and Observations: Media Multitasking 17:32

3+ y ago17:32

17:32

Experiment-based passages are found all over the MCAT. Today, we focused on following the details of the passage, and keeping track of the different ideas. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/…

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114: Social Media Polarization, Influencers, and Echo Chambers 25:04

4y ago25:04

25:04

We all think of the world in specific ways. However, success in CARS requires you to keep an open mind. Leave your biases at the door and question everything. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-social-media-makes-us-more-polarized-and-how-to-fix-it/…

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113: What's Up with App Users, Data Abuse, and Exploitation? 17:04

4y ago17:04

17:04

This week, we look at the consequences of using apps that exploit user data. We discuss how to determine the author's tone from keywords throughout the passage. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/subscriber-city/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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112: How to Deal With an Author's Questions Within a Passage 17:01

4y ago17:01

17:01

Today, we discuss how to approach questions within MCAT CARS passages. Don't insert your own answers! Let the author convince you with evidence and examples. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/…

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111: Voting Prediction: Finding Trends in an MCAT CARS Passage 17:50

4y ago17:50

17:50

Today we look at trends in the author's voice and context specifics. Join us as we dive into this passage on elections and voting outcome predictions. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/what-the-chart-wants/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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110: Is Charity Crowdfunding Just A Game of "Would You Rather?" 19:06

4y ago19:06

19:06

Does charity crowdfunding create similar choices to "Would You Rather?" That's what Jack and I discuss in today's thought-provoking MCAT CARS practice passage. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/mercy-markets/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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109: Where to Find the Main Idea in an MCAT CARS Passage 15:54

4y ago15:54

15:54

Finding the author's main point in an MCAT CARS passage takes practice. Today, we'll give you a few tips for how to sift through the details to find it. Join us! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://harpers.org/archive/2020/10/reason-not-the-need-self-storage…

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108: How to Find Clues in the Details of an MCAT CARS Passage 24:15

4y ago24:15

24:15

Today, we examine an MCAT CARS practice passage about Google Earth and discuss the importance of reading a passage and paying attention to the details. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/springtime-everywhere/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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107: How to Approach "Easy" MCAT CARS Passages 16:20

4y ago16:20

16:20

What should you pay attention to when you come across straight-forward passage on the MCAT? Jack gives us tips for how to tackle deceptively-easy passages Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2046694228515/pleasant-dreamsBy Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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106: Does the AAMC Ask Polarizing Questions on the MCAT? 17:21

4y ago17:21

17:21

Our passage today is about a topic that might be considered controversial—QAnon. Will you see these types of passages on the MCAT? Listen and find out.By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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105: How Does Individual Adaption Contribute to Evolution? 16:11

4y ago16:11

16:11

Today we talk about assumptions and the connections we make as we tackle this MCAT CARS passage about adaptability and evolution. Join us! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://theconversation.com/chimpanzees-in-volatile-habitats-evolved-to-behave-more-flexibly-it-could-help-them-weather-climate-change-1…

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104: Does Training Your Brain Help You in the Real World? 20:18

4y ago20:18

20:18

Today's passage is all about brain training. Maybe it will help you with your MCAT CARS prep! Don't forget to read the text first and then come back and listen. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Email jack@jackwestin.com Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-brain-training-actually-work/…

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103: A Philosophical Passage About Memes and CAPTCHAs 26:36

4y ago26:36

26:36

What do memes and CAPTCHAs have in common? That's the question we hope to answer in today's MCAT CARS passage. Follow along! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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102: Understanding an Article about Surveillance in Nature 18:55

4y ago18:55

18:55

We practice our critical reading skills with an article about surveillance in nature and rural areas. Listen as we break down the author's perspective! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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101: How to Handle Words You Don't Know in a CARS Passage 26:09

4y ago26:09

26:09

We read a passage about how language and culture are commonly conflated. And we discuss what to do when you're confronted with words you don't know! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/were-french-people-born-to-speak-frenchBy Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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100: The Importance of Contrast Words Like "However" in MCAT CARS 19:55

4y ago19:55

19:55

Today we read a passage about England that exemplifies the importance of contrast words like "yet," "but," and "however" in MCAT CARS passages. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200724-colonial-countryside-facing-up-to-britains-murky-past…

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99: A Passage about Ideologic Bias 26:30

4y ago26:30

26:30

Dr. Gray and Jack Westin unfold a passage about ideological corruption and contemporary science. Join us in dissecting this CARS passage.By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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98: What To Do When You Get Lost in a CARS Passage? 26:44

4y ago26:44

26:44

As we dive further into CARS prep, this passage is a doozy. We get down and dirty with a philosophical passage and how to breakdown a confusing passage. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/issue-positivity/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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97: A Passage About Ellen DeGeneres and Being a Nice Person 31:28

4y ago31:28

31:28

In the CARS Practice Passage, Dr. Gray and Jack Westin unfold this passage about Ellen Degeneres and always having to be a "nice person." Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/ellen-degeneress-relatability-crisisBy Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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96: Picking Up Topics in the Passage You Do Not Know Much About 19:11

4y ago19:11

19:11

What do you do when you get to a passage that you have no clue what it is talking about? We dive into how to break it down and defeat the passage. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/08/accidental-creation-hybrid-fish/614974/…

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95: Beginner Level CARS Passage to Understanding Tone 23:18

4y ago23:18

23:18

Are you just beginning CARS prep? We take a look at a fundamental passage to understanding tone in CARS passages. The deed is done and what that means. https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconnor Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconn…

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94: Breaking Down an Article about Robots Taking Over 25:59

4y ago25:59

25:59

In this CARS practice passage, Jack and I take a look at a great article about the robots taking over the world. Come learn how to better our MCAT CARS score! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/automatic-for-the-bosses/By Ryan Gray, MD with Jack Westin

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93: A CARS Passage about Clueless. Hopefully you won't be. 23:23

4y ago23:23

23:23

The movie Clueless is a classic. In our passage today, we learn about the makeover storyline and how Clueless was also a makeover movie. Read and follow along! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Jack Westin’s CASPER strategy course Link to the article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200716-how-clueless-transformed-the-movi…

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92: CARS Passage Breakdown: Glass vs. Porcelain 25:27

4y ago25:27

25:27

Come explore another article to understand the author's views as they write about why glass is so popular. Try pre-reading and then listening to us discuss. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200714-why-glamorous-glassware-is-booming…

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91: MCAT CARS Investigates Violence in Movies 34:26

4y ago34:26

34:26

In this MCAT CARS practice passage, we look at how the author views violence as a form of entertainment. Join us and see if you can pick up on the author's view! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cinema-atrocityBy Ryan Gray

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90: MCAT CARS Asks: Who's Really Leading the Conversation? 28:02

4+ y ago28:02

28:02

UX writers play a critical role in driving how we interact with technology. In today's MCAT CARS practice passage, we look at what they do and why it matters. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack WestinBy Ryan Gray

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89: MCAT CARS Asks: Accurate Portrayal or Cinematic Betrayal? 35:23

4+ y ago35:23

35:23

What should you do when you encounter a conversational MCAT CARS passage? What about topics with which you are unfamiliar? Follow along and find out! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Jack Westin's daily passage sectionBy Ryan Gray

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88: MCAT CARS: What Constitutes Identity? 26:43

4+ y ago26:43

26:43

How should you handle MCAT CARS passages with which you don't agree? Jack and I break it down for you as we look at the role of technology in creating identity. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/who-goes-there/By Ryan Gray

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87: MCAT CARS Asks: A Beautiful Synchrony or Lovely Loners? 20:12

4+ y ago20:12

20:12

Science and society are captivated by the inexplicable synchrony of the natural world, but are we missing the evolutionary significance of the outliers? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.quantamagazine.org/out-of-sync-loners-may-secretly-protect-orderly-swarms-20200521/…

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86: MCAT CARS Asks: Fintechs: Friends or Foes? 23:47

4+ y ago23:47

23:47

Are financial technology startups leveraging technology to ameliorate the economic crisis, or are their motives more duplicitous? Follow along and decide! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack WestinBy Ryan Gray

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85: MCAT CARS Asks: What's Driving U-Haul's Tobacco Policy? 23:39

4+ y ago23:39

23:39

Is U-Haul really trying to create a health-conscientious culture, or do they ulterior motives? Follow along in today's MCAT CARS passage and find out! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack WestinBy Ryan Gray

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84: MCAT CARS: Taking Control of the Natural World 35:44

4+ y ago35:44

35:44

Today we talk about finding common themes in sporadic passages as we look at this MCAT CARS passage that leaps from COVID-19 to zoos and beyond. Follow along!By Ryan Gray

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83: MCAT CARS: Penetrating Radios and Podcast Passivity 28:30

4+ y ago28:30

28:30

The advent of podcasts offered listeners the opportunity to have thoughts without having to think. But is that a good thing? Let's discuss! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/podcast-passivity/By Ryan Gray

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82: MCAT CARS: Celestial Bodies and Mundane Afflictions 30:27

4+ y ago30:27

30:27

In this MCAT CARS passage about planets, pandemics, and unpredictability, we investigate the subtle nuances that bring long, mundane passages to life. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/gone-viralBy Ryan Gray

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81: MCAT CARS Asks: Can Computers Learn Common Sense? 20:20

4+ y ago20:20

20:20

Some of the smartest machines on earth can't tell you what would happen if you dropped a match on a stack of logs—so, are they really that smart? Let's discuss! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Jack Westin’s Chrome extension Link to the article: https://www.quantamagazine.org/common-sense-comes-to-computers-20200430/…

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80: MCAT CARS: An Affectionate Nostalgia for Vines of Old 29:32

4+ y ago29:32

29:32

In this MCAT CARS passage, we investigate what it is about our nostalgia for Vines from the past that endures in a world driven by novelty and innovation. https://reallifemag.com/this-website-was-free/By Ryan Gray

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79: MCAT CARS: Chalking to Raise Awareness of Urban Flora 21:09

4+ y ago21:09

21:09

How should you approach MCAT CARS passages about random topics? We analyze a passage about rebel botanists to show you how to uncover the point of the passage. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/01/not-just-weeds-how-rebel-botanists-are-using-graffiti-to-name-forgotten-flora-aoe Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin…

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78: The New MCAT Format: What Does It Mean for Premeds Now? 36:37

4+ y ago36:37

36:37

The AAMC just dropped a BOMB on the premed world — a shorter MCAT. What does this mean for you? How should you go about studying? And more! Don't miss it! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack WestinBy Ryan Gray

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77: MCAT CARS Asks: Does Power Illuminate Your Character? 17:28

4+ y ago17:28

17:28

Easy CARS passages are often accompanied by tough questions. We'll show you how to interpret the author's message and what types of questions you might expect. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to article: http://nautil.us/issue/46/balance/why-power-brings-out-your-true-selfBy Ryan Gray

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76: MCAT CARS: Finding Folklore In Scary Stories 16:57

4+ y ago16:57

16:57

Are scary stories little more than folktales and urban legends told in the dark? How has folklore contributed to the rise in their popularity? Let's dive in! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to article: https://daily.jstor.org/the-folklorist-behind-scary-stories-to-tell-in-the-dark/…

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75: MCAT CARS Asks: Can Statistics Be Used to Predict Behavior? 34:50

4+ y ago34:50

34:50

Using our CARS skills, Jack Westin and I tackle this TOUGH practice passage and learn about how social physics can be used to predict human behavior. Join us! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Check out our YouTube channel on Premed.tv Jack Westin Jack Westin’s YouTube videos Link to article: https://www.realclearscience.com/2019/07/10/can_…

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74: MCAT CARS Asks: Are Human and Animal Emotions Similar? 22:59

4+ y ago22:59

22:59

What kinds of emotions do animals feel? Are they similar to human emotions? How should we address personal biases when answering CARS questions? Let's discuss! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media JackWestin Link to article: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_kind_of_emotions_do_animals_feel…

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73: MCAT CARS Investigates the Cultural History of First Words 25:57

4+ y ago25:57

25:57

Using our CARS skills, we'll look at the cultural significance and history of first words. What types of questions might students see from this passage? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to article: https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2019/07/26/a-cultural-history-of-first-words/…

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72: MCAT CARS Asks: Is Nutrition Science Broken? 16:59

4+ y ago16:59

16:59

When so much of what we are told about diet, health, and weight loss is inconsistent and contradictory, can we believe any of it? Follow along and find out. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to article: https://undark.org/2019/07/18/science-of-eggs/By Ryan Gray

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Ryan Gray, MD With Jack Westin Podcasts

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