RD Exam Ready Podcast

Conventional, Commissary, Ready-Prepared, & Assembly-Serve

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:30:50 -0500

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Foodservice Production Systems to help you feel confident tackling these concepts on exam day. This episode focuses on the four major systems you’re expected to know — conventional, ready prepared, commissary, and assembly serve — and how each one operates in real-world settings.

You’ll review how food is prepared, transported, and served within each system, along with key differences in labor, skill level, equipment needs, and cost considerations. Zak walks through relatable scenarios to help you clearly distinguish between centralized and decentralized service, and understand when each system is most appropriate.

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Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

Community Needs Assessment & Program Planning

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:56:36 -0500

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Community Needs Assessments and program planning to help you feel confident tackling these concepts on exam day. This episode focuses on how to approach community nutrition questions, understand the flow of a needs assessment, and apply critical thinking to identify the next best step in a given scenario.

This episode emphasizes how to think through questions the way the RD Exam expects—focusing on sequence, decision-making, and practical application—then wraps up with practice questions to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Want the notes from live sessions and updates on new episodes? Join the email list here:
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Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

Phytochemicals and Plant Pigments

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:16:00 -0500

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.

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Happy studying, RD2Be 💙

Wound Healing MNT

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:29:23 -0500

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=share

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Toddler Life Cycle Nutrition

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:06:47 -0500

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.

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Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

Food Science: Meat, Poultry, & Fish

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500

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.

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Endocrine Disorders MNT

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:10:45 -0600

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=share

Want the notes from live sessions and updates on new episodes? Join the email list here:
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Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

Menu Planning for Exam Day

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:56:54 -0600

*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.

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Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

Nutrition Assistance Programs

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:31:49 -0600

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!

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FTE- Full Time Equivalent Calculations

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:52:17 -0600

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

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Happy studying 💙

Bariatric Surgery MNT

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:45:46 -0600

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.

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📺 Upcoming YouTube Live:
February 4th at 7:00 PM Central
https://youtube.com/live/rhQiFfnCVd4?feature=share

Fixed vs. Variable Costs

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:10:34 -0600

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
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Question Strategy to Pass Exam

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:07:03 -0600

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.

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Management Functions: Organizing

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:51:27 -0600

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

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Inflammatory Lab Values

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:30:32 -0600

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.

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MNT of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 12:44:44 -0600

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.

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Behavior Change Theory

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 13:04:38 -0600

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.

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Facility Equipment Breakdown

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:15:50 -0600

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.

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Research Types

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:28:43 -0600

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.

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Unions and Labor Laws

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:31:23 -0600

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.
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Critical Care MNT

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 13:54:44 -0600

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.

Diabetes Carb Counting

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:41:53 -0600

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.

Baking Ingredient Functions

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:15:59 -0600

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.

Infant Nutrition

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:12:10 -0500

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.

Biochemistry of Fats

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 12:47:41 -0500

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.

Theories of Management

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:40:33 -0500

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.

Herbs & Botanicals

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 11:26:27 -0500

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.

Food Science of Water

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:04:49 -0500

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.

Renal System

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:22:25 -0500

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.

Biochemistry of Protein

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 12:49:05 -0500

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!

Surveys and Surveillance Systems

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 19:31:14 -0500

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.*

Digestive Tract Enzymes, Hormones, and Anatomy

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:36:50 -0500

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!

Pregnancy Nutrition and Weight Gain

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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.

Heart Failure MNT and Pathology

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 12:59:26 -0500

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!

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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 diet
D. 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 retention
D. 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. Obesity
C. Unintentional weight loss
D. Severe Malnutrition

Breakeven Point

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:57:11 -0500

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.

Biochemistry of Carbohydrates

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 12:22:27 -0500

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 pathways
How your body uses and stores glucose through glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and glycogenesis
What happens in fasted vs. fed states, and how hormones like insulin and glucagon play a role
How to study biochem effectively with diagrams, stories, and active recall techniques

Whether 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!

CDR Exam Outline & Build a Study Schedule

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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 on
A weekly study schedule that fits real life
How to shift from learning to applying knowledge
What to do (and NOT do) in the final 48 hours before your exam

Whether 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!

About this show!

Zak Kaesberg MS, RD — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:56:11 -0500

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