

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
MedSchoolCoach
Join us as we detail MCAT exam topics. Each podcast covers several MCAT sections with lessons based on review material put out by the AAMC, such as practice tests and question banks. Sam also interviews MCAT tutors and experts who share tips on how premed students can raise their score to get into medical school.
Episodes
Mentioned books

23 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 33min
The Cell Cycle
Delve into the fascinating world of the cell cycle! Discover the critical phases of interphase and mitosis, and learn how cells grow and prepare for division. Uncover the intricate regulation of the cycle through key checkpoints, particularly the role of the p53 protein in maintaining DNA integrity. The conversation also reveals how disruptions in these processes can lead to cancer, highlighting the importance of understanding cell behavior in disease context. Plus, explore intriguing links between growth hormones and cancer risk!

Jul 29, 2025 • 31min
Isomers
Explore the fascinating world of isomers! Dive into structural isomers and their variations, like pentane's forms. Discover geometric isomers and how to navigate their naming with cis/trans and E/Z classifications. Unravel the complexities of stereoisomers, including enantiomers and diastereomers. Learn about conformational isomers through engaging examples like butane. Plus, understand how these concepts apply in real-life scenarios, especially in chemistry and biochemistry contexts, perfect for acing your exams!

21 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 57min
Emotion and Motivation
Dive into the fascinating world of motivation and emotion! Learn the key differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, and explore major theories like Maslow's hierarchy and the drive-reduction theory. Delve into the correlation between addiction and motivation, and uncover the physiological, cognitive, and behavioral components of emotion. Discover how various theories explain emotional responses, from the James-Lange to the Schachter-Singer model, and examine the cultural influences on emotions and common emotional disorders.

Jul 22, 2025 • 58min
Cardiovascular System + Fluids
The podcast dives into the intricate anatomy of the cardiovascular system and the essential functions of the heart. It covers how blood circulates through one-way valves and examines the roles of various cell types. The discussion then transitions to fluid mechanics, exploring concepts like total peripheral resistance and viscosity. Listeners also learn about the continuity and Bernoulli equations, enhancing their understanding of cardiovascular dynamics and their significance for MCAT preparation.

Jul 17, 2025 • 51min
Translational Motion
Explore the fascinating world of translational motion as vectors are demystified. Discover how acceleration, velocity, and position interconnect in intriguing ways. Dive into the nuances of free fall and projectile motion, understanding key concepts like air resistance and friction. Learn practical tips, like using trigonometry for vector problems, and gain insights into interpreting motion graphs. This engaging discussion will sharpen your physics skills for any future challenge!

141 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 55min
Cell Organelles
Dive into the fascinating world of cell organelles! Discover their functions and locations, from ribosomes and vacuoles to mitochondria and chloroplasts. Learn about the roles of these structures in protein production, cell organization, and cancer metabolism. Explore unique organelles shared by humans, plants, and bacteria, highlighting their interactions and benefits. Plus, uncover intriguing facts that make memorizing these essential components a breeze!


