Best Random Acts Of Study Podcasts (2025)

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The Creator Washes Feet: The Incredible Act of Humility in John 13 1:32:24

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9d ago1:32:24

1:32:24

We're studying John's account of the final week of Christ’s ministry. Known as the "Upper Room Discourse", the scripture places us at a low table at supper with Jesus and the 12 disciples gathered around it. Yet, in the middle of it all, Jesus does something completely staggering. He gets up from the supper and does a job for his disciples that was…

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Does Your College List Suck? Fix It Before It’s Too Late 18:40

12m ago18:40

18:40

Too many students build college lists that are unrealistic, unbalanced, and way too expensive. Here’s how to fix that before it's too late. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood goes full stream-of-consciousness on how most families mess up their college lists—and how to make sure yours includes real options you can actually afford …

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What You’re Not Told About Elite College Admissions 25:43

10d ago25:43

25:43

College admissions myths, prestige pressure, and the truth about what really makes a college “good.” In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood tackle the obsession with “rear window sticker colleges” - elite schools that parents want to brag about, but that might not serve their kids best. It’s time to rethink what “best colle…

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The College Advice Your Guidance Office Won’t Give 32:55

22d ago32:55

32:55

Back to school means College Nights, info sessions, and sugar-coated admissions advice. Here’s what they won’t tell you… and what families actually need to hear. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood pull back the curtain on what really matters in the college admissions and financial aid process. These are the uncomfortabl…

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College Admissions After DEI: What Changes Now? 27:32

1M ago27:32

27:32

Colleges are stripping out DEI and race‑based preferences—and it’s shaking up admissions and aid strategy for everyone. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood unpack how the end of affirmative action and shrinking DEI efforts are changing who gets in—and how much support students receive. Topics include: ✔ New admissions sign…

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Behind the Scenes: Ivy League Financial Aid Mistake 19:46

2M ago19:46

19:46

In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood break down a real case study from one of their clients whose financial aid package from Columbia was completely off. This behind-the-scenes look reveals how even Ivy League schools get it wrong—and what you need to know to protect yourself. Topics include: ✔ How Columbia’s aid offer mi…

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What Students Get Wrong About College Admissions 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood shares a raw, unfiltered account of a real conversation with a Class of 2026 student. Everything was going smoothly—until a single comment changed the tone of the meeting. What happened next says a lot about how students approach the admissions process. Topics include: ✔ The moment students lose…

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The Riches of Solomon’s Temple | 2 Chronicles 3 and Hidden Clues to Christ 1:06:18

2M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

What if every beam and gemstone in Solomon’s Temple was whispering the gospel? In this walk-through of 2 Chronicles 3 we'll trace straight into the New Testament. What else happened at Mount Moriah? What significance does the veil have inside the temple? Why were the names of the two pillars so important? and a few more thoughts you won’t want to m…

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Think You Don’t Qualify For College Help? Listen to this! 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

FAFSA for high-income families, CSS Profile pros and cons, and financial aid tips for families who think they make too much to qualify. Here’s what you need to know. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy and Pearl Lockwood discuss whether families who don’t qualify for need-based financial aid should still file the FAFSA or CSS Profile—and w…

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New Law Could Cost You Thousands In College Aid 30:02

2M ago30:02

30:02

Major changes are coming to New York’s college financial aid system in 2025. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down two critical developments: 1. The Universal FAFSA mandate for all NY high school seniors 2. The new $65,000 lifetime cap on Parent PLUS loans Topics Covered: -How the FAFSA Simplification Act impact…

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ACT Score Jump: 17 to 31 — Real Tutoring Case Study 36:47

3M ago36:47

36:47

ACT tutoring case study, how to raise your ACT score fast, and proven test prep strategies from real students. Learn how one teen jumped from 17 to 31, and how your kid can too. Andy Lockwood interviews ACT tutor Marissa U about one of her most dramatic student turnarounds: a 17 ACT score transformed into a 31 (and counting). They break down exactl…

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Ephesians 3:1-13 - ”Don’t be sad I’m in prison.” - The Great Mystery Revealed 1:16:23

3M ago1:16:23

1:16:23

Eli's failures as a father led his sons to an untimely death and impacted an entire nation. But how do we as fathers learn from his mistakes? What were they exactly? #biblestudy #gentiles #ephesians #Faith #BiblicalWisdom #livestreamingBy Random Acts of Study

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3 College Essay Mistakes That Could Cost You Admission 34:47

3M ago34:47

34:47

College essay mistakes, Common App essay fails, and admissions tips, all based on real examples from our weekend bootcamp. These writing errors can sink even great students. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, Andy & Pearl Lockwood share real case studies from their latest in-office essay bootcamp. You'll see the most common college essay mista…

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Can You Lie on Your College Application in 2025? 34:16

3M ago34:16

34:16

Lying on college applications, Common App essays, race/ethnicity, fake extracurriculars: and how the NYC mayor candidate got away with it. What does this mean for you in 2025? Today on College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood dives into the bizarre and very real story of a NYC mayoral candidate who allegedly lied on his college application: race, backgro…

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New Law Could Destroy Student Loans: What Families Must Know Now 22:27

3M ago22:27

22:27

Student loans, parent loans, FAFSA changes, college financial aid, and federal loan limits are all about to change—big time. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, college advisors Andy and Pearl Lockwood break down the hidden student loan changes buried in the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” that could affect millions of families starting with the C…

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Essay Mistakes That Kill Applications | How to Stand Out in 2025 20:34

3M ago20:34

20:34

College supplemental essays are one of the most overlooked and important parts of the college application. Learn how to write essays that stand out and avoid the mistakes that get students rejected. In this clip from College Coffee Talk, Andy Lockwood explains: ✔ What admissions officers actually want to read ✔ Why vague, generic essays backfire ✔ …

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1 Samuel 4:1–11 | Bad Parenting can Lead to National Destruction 1:06:36

4M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Eli's failures as a father led his sons to an untimely death and impacted an entire nation. But how do we as fathers learn from his mistakes? What were they exactly? #biblestudy #ChristianParenting #Fatherhood #Leadership #1Samuel #Faith #FamilyAdvice #BiblicalWisdom #livestreamingBy Random Acts of Study

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The Grinch Who Saved Her College Dreams (With Hard Truths) 13:48

4M ago13:48

13:48

In this episode, Andy Lockwood recounts a recent client meeting that got real—fast. A high-achieving 10th grader wanted to apply to a Top 12 college. But when Andy reviewed her junior year course load, he gave her the advice no one else had the guts to say: You’re not competitive yet. ✔ Why skipping an AP could cost you an Ivy ✔ What “rigor” actual…

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FAFSA Changes 2025: Student Loan Limits & Financial Aid Cuts Explained 31:08

4M ago31:08

31:08

FAFSA changes, Department of Education cuts, student loan limits, financial aid mistakes—these updates could affect every college-bound family in 2025 and beyond. In this clip from College Coffee Talk, college advisors Pearl and Andy Lockwood explain how proposed congressional reforms might drastically limit student and parent borrowing. Plus, what…

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Financial Aid Myths for High-Income Families (Debunked!) 1:29:50

4M ago1:29:50

1:29:50

Think you make too much to qualify for college financial aid? Think again. In this episode, college advisor Andy Lockwood interviews CPA Rick Darvis to reveal powerful, little-known tax strategies that high-income business owners—especially lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs—can use to potentially unlock tens of thousands in financial aid. ✔ The #…

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Good Works That Last: Building a Lifelong Legacy 20:22

4M ago20:22

20:22

Good works aren't simply actions we perform—they're the heartbeat of our Christian identity. In this final episode of the season, we unpack what we've learned through sixteen weeks of exploring service and reveal what we believe is the ultimate good work: sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Both of us reflect candidly on the lessons tha…

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College Admissions Secrets: What Officers Really Look For in 2025 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

College admissions officers don’t just want perfect GPAs or test scores—they want authenticity, consistency, and leadership. Here’s what really matters in 2025 applications. In this episode, Pearl and Andy Lockwood unpack: ✔ The “60/40” formula behind Ivy League admissions ✔ How GPA inflation is hurting students ✔ What colleges look for beyond stat…

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Good vs. Evil: The Spiritual Battle Behind Good Works 35:14

4M ago35:14

35:14

The spiritual battle between good and evil isn't just theological concept—it's a daily reality for Christians committed to doing good works. Have you ever noticed that the moment you start pursuing godly activities, obstacles suddenly appear? There's a reason for that. Drawing from Job 1:8, we explore how our commitment to good works can actually p…

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Do As I Do: How Parents Can Instill a Heart for Service in Their Children 21:28

5M ago21:28

21:28

Stories have power. None more so than when they teach us how to guide young hearts toward serving others. Josh shares the compelling "two-cart story," where a father ingeniously teaches his children about sacrifice by letting them select premium groceries, then asking which items they'll give to a family in need. What begins as reluctance transform…

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Major Changes to Federal Financial Aid: What Families Need to Know 35:41

5M ago35:41

35:41

FAFSA changes, federal aid reforms, financial aid bills in Congress—families need to understand what these radical proposals mean for college affordability and student loan eligibility. In this episode of College Coffee Talk, college advisors Pearl and Andy Lockwood explain what’s being proposed in Washington—and why it could completely shift how f…

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Marriage as Ministry: Serving Together to Glorify God 23:23

5M ago23:23

23:23

What makes a Christian marriage thrive beyond mere companionship? The secret lies in discovering how marriage was designed not just as a relationship but as a ministry partnership with divine purpose. Marriage transforms when viewed through the lens of Ephesians 2:10, where we're reminded we're "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God pre…

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Double Deposits in College Admissions: Smart Strategy or Huge Mistake 30:15

5M ago30:15

30:15

Double deposits, college decisions, admissions policies, financial aid penalties—families need to know what really happens when students commit to two colleges. Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down the legal, ethical, and financial dangers of double depositing—and why it could backfire for Class of 2025 students and families navigating college admiss…

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Stirring Up Good Works: Finding Joy in Collective Service 34:27

5M ago34:27

34:27

Serving alongside others transforms both our impact and our spiritual journey. In this enlightening conversation, Josh and Mark explore the profound biblical principle that we're designed not just to do good works, but to do them together. Drawing from Hebrews 10:24 ("Let us consider how to stir one another up to love and good works"), they unpack …

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When God Feels Distant, What do You do? - Psalm 60 1:00:13

5M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Things were falling apart. The battles weren’t going well. It felt like God had left. Psalm 60 is a prayer from that exact moment—a cry for help when nothing makes sense. In this podcast, we walk through each verse and ask real questions: Why does God let His people struggle? What does it mean to be “beloved” even in loss? And how do we hold on to …

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How You Can Get Off College Waitlists in 2025 28:37

5M ago28:37

28:37

Waitlisted on college application? You’re not alone. We discussed how to get off the waitlist. In this exclusive clip from College Coffee Talk, college experts Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down the real numbers behind college waitlists—and what families should be doing now to improve their chances of getting in. Pearl and Andy Lockwood break down:…

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Healing Broken Relationships: A Biblical Guide to Peacemaking 25:37

5M ago25:37

25:37

What happens when conflict arises in our most important relationships? Too often, we focus on winning arguments rather than restoring connections, letting pride drive us further apart. The good news? Jesus offers a profound promise in the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This identity as p…

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Finding Joy Through Service: How Helping Others Heals Your Heart 14:03

6M ago14:03

14:03

What if the act of helping others could actually heal your own emotional wounds? It sounds counterintuitive, but the evidence is compelling. Good works don't just benefit those on the receiving end—they transform us in profound ways, acting as a form of therapy that science and scripture both affirm. Drawing from Isaiah 58:10, we explore how pourin…

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Seeing Beyond the Surface: Building Authentic Relationships 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

Why do some people seem naturally aware of others' needs while we struggle to notice? Josh and Mark tackle this question in a heartfelt exploration of awareness in relationships, revealing that while some have this gift naturally, anyone can develop it with practice and intention. The episode dives into the seemingly contradictory reality of our di…

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Ep. 11: Trade Chaos, Voter Suppression SAVE Act, MO Voters Ignored Again 24:03

6M ago24:03

24:03

Sources used https://www.worldometers.info/gdp/gdp-by-country/ The SAVE act The Bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/22 USA Today summary piece: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/11/what-is-save-act-2025/83042307007/ https://newrepublic.com/post/193868/democrats-save-act-bill-harder-married-women-vote htt…

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How Should Christians Act? - 1st Thessalonians 5:12-28 1:14:40

6M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Years ago Paul, Silvanus and Timothy wrote a letter to a very specific church, telling the body precisely how to live and act. But are these lessons applicable to modern day Christians? Join our discussion as we spend the hour together learning God's word! Want to join live? Follow us on Facebook at Random Acts of Study so you can enjoy the live st…

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To Be or Not To Be (Seen of Men): Balancing Service and Humility 18:24

6M ago18:24

18:24

The age-old tension between shining our light and remaining humble sits at the heart of authentic Christian service. How do we navigate Jesus's seemingly contradictory instructions to let others see our good works while also keeping our charitable deeds secret? This episode delves deep into the motivation behind our actions, exploring the critical …

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Why They Got Into The Ivy League — And You Didn’t 37:29

6M ago37:29

37:29

In this exclusive clip from College Coffee Talk, college consultants Pearl and Andy Lockwood reveal the little-known patterns behind Ivy League acceptances—and the common traits of those who don’t make the cut. ✅ What elite schools are really looking for ✅ Why perfect grades and test scores aren’t enough ✅ The overlooked X-factors behind every YES …

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Is Trump Ending the Department Of Education? 31:42

6M ago31:42

31:42

Is Trump about to defund the Department of Education? In this video college consultants Pearl and Andy Lockwood react to Trump’s latest push to cut DOE funding—and what that means for: - PLUS loans - FAFSA processing - Student loan forgiveness - Families with college-bound kids 🎙 This is a recording from the show College Coffee Talk. Tune in every …

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Ep. 10: March Against Oligarchy 20:12

6M ago20:12

20:12

Dan Brigman Substack Host: Adam Sommer Find Adam on tik-tok (maybe) and bluesky as "midmapdadenergy" - follow The Process on instagram. JOIN PATREON FOR MORE “Change The Conversation” Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/ Nothing on this channel is to be taken as legal advice for any jurisdiction. …

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It's the Little Things: How Small Acts Create Lasting Impact 23:44

6M ago23:44

23:44

Have you ever wondered if your small contributions really make a difference? This powerful conversation explores how seemingly insignificant acts of service and kindness can create ripple effects that transform lives. Josh and Mark dive deep into Scripture's consistent theme of God using small things for extraordinary purposes. From David's humble …

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Finding your Groove: Discovering Your Unique Role in God's Kingdom 18:34

7M ago18:34

18:34

Discovering your unique place of service in God's kingdom isn't just fulfilling—it's essential. In this heartfelt conversation, we unpack what it really means to "find your groove" in ministry and break down the barriers that keep many believers on the sidelines. What if ministry isn't just for professional church leaders? We challenge the common m…

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2025 Financial Aid at Risk? DOE Cuts Explained 29:17

7M ago29:17

29:17

Will financial aid survive the Department of Education’s layoffs? With massive job cuts underway, families—especially the Class of 2025—could expect potential FAFSA delays, reduced support, and major funding uncertainties. In this episode, Pearl & Andy Lockwood break down: ✔ Predictions about how DOE layoffs will impact FAFSA and aid packages ✔ How…

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Remembering the Poor: The Heartbeat of Christian Faith 16:26

7M ago16:26

16:26

Generosity isn't just a nice add-on to our faith—it's fundamental to understanding what following Jesus truly means. When the Bible mentions the poor over 200 times, we should pay attention. During this thought-provoking conversation, we unpack a fascinating moment in Galatians 2 where the apostle Paul meets with Peter, James, and John. These "pill…

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Ep. 9 "Women's Work" 29:05

7M ago29:05

29:05

Story Links https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/repub/judge-orders-rehiring-of-thousands-of-fired-probationary-federal-employees/ https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/repub/democratic-attorneys-general-sue-trump-over-u-s-education-department-layoffs/ https://www.missourinet.com/2025/03/14/bid-to-scrap-missouris-minimum-wage-paid-sick-l…

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FAFSA & Student Loans at RISK? The TRUTH About Education Job Cuts 8:41

7M ago8:41

8:41

📉 FAFSA delays, student loan uncertainty, and financial aid disruptions—how will the Department of Education’s job cuts impact parents and students? This change could mean fewer resources, slower application processing, and major challenges for families planning for college. 🔍 In this episode, we break down: ✔ How these cuts could slow down FAFSA p…

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Ep. 8 Alford The Cowardly? 19:53

7M ago19:53

19:53

Adam dives into the 4th Congressional District in Missouri and the ongoing attacks on the first amendment under the new administration and how folks can respond. (NOTE: Some small audio technical difficulties early in the episode that pan out). Host: Adam Sommer Find Adam on tik-tok (maybe) and bluesky as "midmapdadenergy" - followThe Process on in…