RD Exam Ready Podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down phytochemicals and plant pigments to help you feel confident tackling these food science topics on exam day. You’ll review major phytochemical groups like polyphenols, carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytoestrogens, their food sources, and their roles in health. Zak also explains how plant pigments such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and chlorophyll change under certain conditions.The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply what you’ve learned and reinforce key concepts for the RD Exam.Get your notes and stay updated: Join the email list for live session notes, new episode alerts, and PDF review sheets: http://eepurl.com/jvGxaAFollow RD Exam Ready for more exam prep: Instagram: @RDExamReady TikTok: @RDExamReady YouTube: RD Exam Ready Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcastSubscribe, rate, and share with your study group. Happy studying, RD2Be 💙

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Wounds and Wound Healing MNT to help you feel confident tackling these topics on exam day. This episode focuses on the nutrition foundations behind wound healing — including pressure injuries, staging, and how nutrient needs change based on severity.You’ll review the phases of wound healing, types of wounds, and how to identify and understand pressure injury stages. Zak connects this directly to Medical Nutrition Therapy by walking through calorie, protein, and fluid needs across each stage, along with the role nutrients play in supporting healing. He also ties in real clinical considerations like metabolic stress, malnutrition risk, and when supplementation becomes necessary — then wraps up with practice questions to help you apply what you learned.Join us live on YouTube March 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM Central (5:00 PT | 6:00 MT | 7:00 CT | 8:00 ET) as we break down practice questions and strategy for exam day: https://youtube.com/live/f5GkbjRVxfg?feature=shareWant the notes from live sessions and updates on new episodes? Join the email list here: http://eepurl.com/jvGxaAWhen you subscribe, you’ll get notified about new podcast episodes, upcoming YouTube Lives, and receive PDF notes from live review sessions directly to your inbox.Follow RD Exam Ready for more exam prep: Instagram: @RDExamReady TikTok: @RDExamReady YouTube: RD Exam ReadyListen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcastSubscribe, rate, and share with your study group. Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak walks through toddler and preschool nutrition and the key life cycle concepts you need to understand for the RD Exam. You’ll review how growth assessment changes at age two when we transition from WHO growth standards to CDC growth charts, including BMI-for-age classifications for overweight and obesity. Zak also covers feeding development, appropriate portion sizes, choking hazards, and how children develop food preferences through repeated exposure to new foods.The episode also reviews important nutrient needs for toddlers and preschoolers, including protein requirements, energy needs, and key micronutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, fluoride, fiber, and vitamin D. Want more free RD Exam prep content? Follow RD Exam Ready on social media:Instagram: @RDExamReadyTikTok: @RDExamReadyYouTube: RD Exam ReadyMailing List: If you want to get notified when new episodes release, hear about upcoming YouTube Live sessions, and receive PDF notes from those live review sessions, join the RD Exam Ready mailing list here:http://eepurl.com/jvGxaAListen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcastIf you’re finding the podcast helpful, make sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with other students studying for the RD Exam.Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews the key concepts you need to know about meat, poultry, and fish for the RD Exam. You’ll walk through the physical and chemical properties of these foods, their nutrient content, and how structures like muscle, connective tissue, collagen, elastin, and marbling impact tenderness and cooking methods.The episode also covers USDA inspection versus grading, beef and poultry grading systems, and the common cooking methods used for different cuts of meat and types of seafood. Zak explains when to use moist heat versus dry heat cooking and how tenderness, connective tissue, and fat content influence preparation methods. Join the RD Exam Ready email list here: http://eepurl.com/jvGxaAWhen you subscribe, you’ll get notified about new podcast episodes, upcoming YouTube Live review sessions, and receive PDF notes from live sessions sent directly to your inbox.Follow RD Exam Ready for more exam prep:Instagram: @RDExamReady TikTok: @RDExamReady YouTube: RD Exam ReadyListen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Endocrine Disorders MNT to help you feel confident tackling these topics on exam day. This episode focuses on key non-diabetes endocrine conditions you’re expected to know — including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, pituitary disorders, adrenal disorders like Addison’s and Cushing’s, and PCOS.You’ll review core physiology, lab patterns (T3, T4, TSH), common signs and symptoms, medical management, and the Medical Nutrition Therapy that matters most for the RD Exam. Zak connects hormone imbalances to nutrition implications like changes in metabolic rate, insulin resistance, sodium balance, and energy needs — then wraps up with practice questions to help you apply what you learned.Join us live on YouTube March 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM Central (5:00 PT | 6:00 MT | 7:00 CT | 8:00 ET) as we review foodborne illnesses together: https://youtube.com/live/273roYBV4Y8?feature=shareWant the notes from live sessions and updates on new episodes? Join the email list here: http://eepurl.com/jvGxaAWhen you subscribe, you’ll get notified about new podcast episodes, upcoming YouTube Lives, and receive PDF notes from live review sessions directly to your inbox.Follow RD Exam Ready for more exam prep:Instagram: @RDExamReadyTikTok: @RDExamReadyYouTube: RD Exam ReadyListen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcastSubscribe, rate, and share with your study group.Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

*Sorry for the poor audio on this one folks. Turns out forgetting to plug in the correct microphone can decrease the quality! We'll get it right for next time, and this seemed like a fine topic for audio issues. Thanks!* In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Menu Development and why it matters for the RD Exam. From menu types (static, cycle, and single-use) to pricing styles like prix fixe and à la carte, we review the key concepts you need to recognize on exam day.You’ll also learn how menus impact the entire foodservice system — including staffing, equipment, cost control, sustainability, cultural considerations, government regulations, and nutritional adequacy. We walk through menu psychology, aesthetics (color, texture, shape, and balance), and the Star, Plow Horse, Puzzle, and Dog framework for evaluating menu items.If menus feel straightforward but you’re not always sure what the exam is really asking, this episode will help you connect the dots and approach these questions with more confidence.Follow RD Exam Ready for more exam prep:Instagram: @RDExamReady TikTok: @RDExamReady YouTube: RD Exam ReadyListen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcastDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with your study group.Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews key Nutrition Assistance Programs you’ll want to understand for the RD Exam and real-world community nutrition practice. We break down what each program provides, who is eligible, and the income guidelines that determine benefits — from SNAP and WIC to school meals, older adult nutrition programs, CSFP, CACFP, and more. 📺 Upcoming RD Exam Ready YouTube Live — 2/18/26 Mark your calendar! We’ll be going live on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 PM Central Time with another review session designed to help you study smarter. More practice questions, explanations, and real-time support. You don’t want to miss it!📲 Follow RD Exam Ready Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: RD Exam Ready🎧 Listen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) and staffing calculations, a topic that often causes confusion in foodservice management. You’ll learn how FTEs fit into the management functions, how to calculate FTEs per day, week, and year, and how to account for relief employees and adjusted FTEs. Zak walks through common exam-style scenarios, highlights unit-tracking tips, and finishes with practice questions to help you apply these concepts with confidence on exam day.📺 Upcoming YouTube Live – EN & TPN Calculations Join us Wednesday, February 4th at 7:00 PM Central Time (5:00 PM Pacific | 6:00 PM Mountain | 8:00 PM Eastern) 👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/rhQiFfnCVd4?si=UQygvJ_tVdvPesZL📲 Follow RD Exam Ready for more practice questions & live updates: Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: RD Exam Ready🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help spread the word and support fellow RD2Be’s.Happy studying 💙

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews the major types of bariatric surgery and the nutrition considerations you need to know for the RD Exam. You’ll learn how each procedure changes digestion and absorption, what vitamin and mineral deficiencies to watch for, and how these concepts show up in exam-style questions. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply the material with confidence on exam day.📲 Follow RD Exam Ready Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady🎧 Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast📺 Upcoming YouTube Live: February 4th at 7:00 PM Central https://youtube.com/live/rhQiFfnCVd4?feature=share

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down fixed, variable, and semi-variable costs in a clear, exam-focused way. You’ll learn how to identify each type of cost, avoid common points of confusion, and apply these concepts to calculation and break-even style questions. This episode is designed to help you think more confidently through foodservice finance questions on exam day.📺 Join RD Exam Ready Live 🗓 January 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM Central Time 👉 https://youtube.com/live/yE5PpAN18SI?feature=share📲 Follow RD Exam Ready Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady🎧 Listen or watch the podcast anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak focuses on one of the most important skills for passing the RD Exam: QUESTION STRATEGY. You’ll learn how to approach every question with confidence using process of elimination, smart calculation techniques, and structured thinking for more complex clinical scenarios. This episode is all about improving performance on questions—not just memorizing content—so you can put the odds in your favor on exam day.📲 Follow RD Exam Ready Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady🎧 Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down the organizing function of management in a clear, student-friendly way. You’ll learn how managers group tasks, delegate authority, structure organizations, and manage staff through concepts like organizational charts, line vs. staff authority, span of control, and centralized vs. decentralized organizations. The goal is simple: help you recognize where these concepts fit so you feel confident on exam day.📺 Join RD Exam Ready Live January 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM Central Time We’ll be reviewing minerals live on YouTube. 👉 https://youtube.com/live/C7A6KrCYl8A?feature=share📲 Follow RD Exam Ready Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady🎧 Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down stress, inflammation, and the labs you’ll see in acute illness. Learn how acute phase reactants work, how to interpret albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and CRP, and why inflammation—not nutrition alone—drives many lab changes in hospitalized patients. This episode helps you connect inflammation, metabolism, and nutrition care with confidence.Follow & Listen 📲 Instagram: @RDExamReady ▶️ YouTube: @RDExamReady 🎧 Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak walks through common gastrointestinal disorders and the nutrition therapy used to manage them. You’ll review conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, with a clear focus on understanding etiology, signs and symptoms, medications, and nutrition interventions. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply what you’ve learned and strengthen your clinical reasoning for exam day.Follow & Listen: Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

YOUTUBE LIVE: 12/17/25 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time [VITAMINS WITH Q&A] Link:https://youtube.com/live/za_riY2HouY?feature=share In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down behavior change and educational theories you need to know for the CDR Exam. Learn how major models explain patient motivation, readiness to change, and counseling strategies—without getting lost in the details. The episode focuses on how to recognize these theories in exam questions and apply them confidently on test day, with practice questions to reinforce key concepts.Follow & ListenFollow on Instagram: @RDExamReadySubscribe on YouTube: @RDExamReadyListen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

Episode Description: In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down the key equipment and facility standards you’ll need to know for the RD Exam. From understanding equipment requirements and dishwasher basics to lighting standards and common exam traps, you'll learn how to identify what matters most on test day. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply and reinforce the material.Follow & Listen: Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

Episode Description: In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down the major types of research you’ll need to recognize for the RD Exam. You’ll learn how to distinguish descriptive vs. analytical studies, understand common designs like case–control, cohort, cross-sectional, qualitative research, and RCTs, and use simple examples to keep them straight. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply the concepts with confidence.Follow & Listen: Instagram: @RDExamReady YouTube: @RDExamReady Listen or watch anywhere: https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak covers the essential employment laws and union concepts you’ll need for the exam. Learn his proven method for identifying Pro- and Anti-Employee acts, then put your knowledge to the test with focused practice questions designed to reinforce what you’ve learned.IG: @rdexamreadyYT: @RDexamready

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down medical nutrition therapy for critically ill patients. You’ll review the metabolic stress response and how to identify the ebb, flow, and recovery phases, along with key nutrition considerations for patients with sepsis and major burns. Zak also covers calorie and protein prescriptions, when to use predictive equations, and why early enteral nutrition is preferred whenever possible. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply what you’ve learned and feel more confident on exam day.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Carbohydrate Counting for Diabetes in a clear way to apply to your exam day. You’ll review how to calculate carbohydrates in common meals and snacks, and what to know about starches, fruits, dairy, and non-starchy vegetables. Zak also walks through lean, medium-fat, and high-fat proteins to help you see how they fit into diabetes meal planning. The episode wraps up with practice questions to test your knowledge and help you feel more confident for exam day.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews the key ingredient functions tested on the CDR Exam. From flour, eggs, and fats to sugar, salt, and leavening agents, you’ll learn how each ingredient contributes structure, flavor, stability, and tenderness to baked goods. Zak also breaks down common baking issues — like low volume, fallen centers, and tunneling — and explains how ingredient balance affects final product quality. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply the material and strengthen your food science knowledge for exam day.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews the key concepts of infant nutrition you’ll need to know for the CDR Exam. From growth assessment standards and nutrient needs to feeding recommendations, you’ll learn what’s tested and how to apply it. Topics include energy, protein, fat, vitamin D, iron, and fluoride requirements, along with how to interpret WHO growth charts for infants. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply these concepts on exam day.

In this episode, Zak reviews the biochemistry of fats — what you need to know for the CDR Exam. From fatty acid structure and saturation levels to digestion, absorption, and metabolism, this episode breaks down how fats move through the body in both fed and fasted states. You’ll learn how triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols function — and how to connect these concepts to real RD Exam practice questions.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews key leadership and management theories tested on the CDR Exam. From Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Model to Expectancy Theory, Reinforcement Theory, and McGregor’s Theory X & Y, you’ll learn the essentials of how each theory explains employee motivation and management styles. The episode wraps up with practice questions to help you apply the theories directly to exam scenarios.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews the key herbs and botanicals you’ll need to know for the CDR Exam. From garlic, ginseng, and gingko to St. John’s Wort, valerian root, and more — you’ll learn what each claims to do, their risks, and the food–drug interactions that are most testable. The lesson wraps up with practice questions to help you apply the material and sharpen your exam skills.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak tackles the physical and chemical properties of water — the very first topic on the CDR Exam outline. You’ll review the essentials for exam day, including freezing and boiling points, cooking applications, and how water behaves in different circumstances. Dive in (no pun intended) and solidify your understanding of this core food science concept.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, we break down the renal system from the ground up. Zak covers kidney anatomy and function, filtration and absorption, and how the nephron maintains fluid, electrolytes, and pH balance. You’ll also learn about GFR, the RAAS system, and why nutrition is so critical in kidney disease. We finish with practice questions to help you connect the physiology to what you’ll actually see on exam day.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, we unpack the biochemistry of protein in a way that actually makes sense. From essential vs. non-essential amino acids to protein digestion, absorption, and metabolism, Zak breaks down the big processes like transamination and the urea cycle into exam-ready takeaways. To finish, we put your knowledge to the test with practice questions so you can know how to apply this information for exam day!

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, we break down the key nutrition surveys and surveillance systems you need to know for exam day. Zak reviews NHANES, What We Eat in America, NHIS, BRFSS, YRBSS, FSANS, TDS, and FLAPS — focusing on their acronyms, populations, and purpose. We’ll highlight how to differentiate between them and then reinforce the material with practice questions to help you apply this knowledge with confidence.*During this episode I mistakenly call the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System by many wrong names. Please note that whenever I specified Youth, I am referring to the YRBSS.*

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, we explore the major structures and functions of the GI tract, the key enzymes driving digestion, and the hormones that regulate the process. Zak breaks down complex physiology into exam-focused takeaways — then applies the material to targeted practice questions. Happy Studying RD2Be!

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, we take a focused look at nutrition during pregnancy. Zak reviews key physiological changes, macronutrient and micronutrient needs, and pregnancy weight gain guidelines — all aligned with what you’ll need to know for exam day. Then, we apply it all to targeted practice questions using process of elimination to help reinforce your learning and boost your confidence.

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, we break down the pathology and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for Heart Failure. From medical management to diet prescription, we cover it all! Learn about what you need to know about Heart Failure for your Exam Day! Subscribe to the RD Exam Ready podcast Youtube: @RDExamReadyInstagram: @RDexamready Practice Questions: 1. A patient is being discharged from the hospital and the RD has been assigned to provide a discharge nutrition prescription. Which of the following would be the most appropriate prescription for a 100 kg male patient?A. Sodium-restricted, fluid-restricted, low-protein diet B. High-sodium, fluid-restricted, low-fat diet C. High-carb, low sodium, high-protein dietD. Sodium-restricted, fluid-restricted, high protein diet 2. A patient with CHF is showing signs of lower extremity edema. This is likely due to: A. The ventricle size decreasing B. The patient is following the DASH Diet C. Aldosterone and angiotensin causing increased fluid and sodium retentionD. Excessive exercise 3. A 75 kg female presents to the hospital with dyspnea and coughing. Her BNP is elevated and she reports recent weight loss secondary to inability to consume meals due to fullness and chest tightness. She is not able to provide a 24-hour recall during your assessment. What would be the appropriate nutrition problem for this patient? A. Inadequate energy intake B. ObesityC. Unintentional weight lossD. Severe Malnutrition

Does the word “calculations” make your chest tighten? You’re not alone. In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak Kaesberg, RD, helps you tackle one of the most intimidating parts of the exam — math. You’ll learn how to confidently approach breakeven point calculations, when to use each of the two key formulas, and how to practice with purpose. With relatable examples, pneumonic tips, and a positive mindset, you'll see that “good enough” math can be more than enough to pass the RD exam.

Struggling with your Biochem? In this episode, Zak breaks down the core biochemistry concepts you’ll need for the CDR exam — with a focus on what actually shows up on test day (no deep dives, just the essentials).You’ll learn:The inputs, outputs, and locations of key metabolic pathwaysHow your body uses and stores glucose through glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and glycogenesisWhat happens in fasted vs. fed states, and how hormones like insulin and glucagon play a roleHow to study biochem effectively with diagrams, stories, and active recall techniquesWhether biochem feels overwhelming or you're just looking to simplify, this episode will help you study smarter and feel more confident.🎧 Tune in, take notes, and keep moving forward, RD2Be!

Starting your RD exam study journey? In this episode, Zak walks you through the CDR exam outline and shares a realistic, balanced study plan to help you prep smarter — not harder.You’ll learn:The breakdown of each domain and what to focus onA weekly study schedule that fits real lifeHow to shift from learning to applying knowledgeWhat to do (and NOT do) in the final 48 hours before your examWhether it’s your first or fifth time taking the exam, this episode will help you build confidence and structure your prep the right way.🎧 Tune in, take notes, and set yourself up for success!

RDs and RDs2Be! Come learn about this show and how I can help all students pass the CDR Exam!