College shouldn’t feel like a four-year exercise in panic management. Welcome to Syllabus Survival, the ultimate operational guide to thriving—not just surviving—in higher education. Hosted by academic coach Ethan Vance and student strategist Maya Lin, this show breaks down the unspoken rules of university life into clear, actionable strategies.From conquering mid-semester burnout and mastering time management to building a real campus community and handling career anxiety, Ethan and Maya tackle the raw realities of college head-on. No generic advice or outdated study tips—just practical tools, honest conversations, and bulletproof mindsets to help you reclaim your time, sanity, and degree.Whether you're staring down a packed calendar on day one or feeling lost in the middle of finals week, tune in every week. The syllabus is just the starting point—survival is up to you.
The brain does not have infinite resources. The trick to developing your ability to focus is reducing the number of things your brain must expend energy on and increasing your brain’s capacity for cognitive control, which “allows your mind to override your impulses and helps you make decisions based on your goals, rather than your habits or reactions.”
3 Sept 2026
The Importance of Undivided A 2
The brain does not have infinite resources. The trick to developing your ability to focus is reducing the number of things your brain must expend energy on and increasing your brain’s capacity for cognitive control, which “allows your mind to override your impulses and helps you make decisions based on your goals, rather than your habits or reactions.”
2 Sept 2026
The Importance of Undivided A
The brain does not have infinite resources. The trick to developing your ability to focus is reducing the number of things your brain must expend energy on and increasing your brain’s capacity for cognitive control, which “allows your mind to override your impulses and helps you make decisions based on your goals, rather than your habits or reactions.”
21 Aug 2026
Goal Setting 2
In this episode, they share how goal-setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, that it can be incredibly motivating to work towards something you truly want to achieve, that goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and that you can break down big, intimidating objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks that will help you move closer to your ultimate goal.
21 Aug 2026
Goal Setting 3
In this episode, they share how goal-setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, that it can be incredibly motivating to work towards something you truly want to achieve, that goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and that you can break down big, intimidating objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks that will help you move closer to your ultimate goal.
21 Aug 2026
Goal Setting 1
In this episode, they share how goal-setting is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, that it can be incredibly motivating to work towards something you truly want to achieve, that goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction, and that you can break down big, intimidating objectives into smaller, more manageable tasks that will help you move closer to your ultimate goal.
20 Aug 2026
Social Media's Impact 3
Social media can be a double-edged sword for college students, providing a platform for connection and self-expression while also fueling anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can be exhausting.But where does God fit in all of this? How does social media impact our relationship with Him? Should social media have anything to do with God or religion?
20 Aug 2026
Social Media's Impact 4
Social media can be a double-edged sword for college students, providing a platform for connection and self-expression while also fueling anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can be exhausting.But where does God fit in all of this? How does social media impact our relationship with Him? Should social media have anything to do with God or religion?
20 Aug 2026
Social Media's Impact 2
Social media can be a double-edged sword for college students, providing a platform for connection and self-expression while also fueling anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can be exhausting.But where does God fit in all of this? How does social media impact our relationship with Him? Should social media have anything to do with God or religion?
20 Aug 2026
Social Media's Impact
Social media can be a double-edged sword for college students, providing a platform for connection and self-expression while also fueling anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constant comparison to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, while the pressure to curate a perfect online persona can be exhausting.But where does God fit in all of this? How does social media impact our relationship with Him? Should social media have anything to do with God or religion?
19 Aug 2026
Stop Avoiding It A Practical Guide to Hard Conversations on Campus 2
Awkward roommate disputes. Terrifying office hour confrontation over a bad grade. A boundary talk with a friend that’s long overdue. In college, the conversations we avoid the most are usually the ones we need to have the most.In this episode of Syllabus Survival, Ethan Vance and Maya Lin unpack why difficult conversations trigger so much anxiety for university students—and how to handle them without the drama. We break down step-by-step frameworks for de-escalating tension, setting firm personal boundaries, and advocating for yourself with professors without burning bridges.Stop letting unspoken conflict drain your energy. Tune in to learn how to turn uncomfortable moments into career-defining confidence.
19 Aug 2026
Stop Avoiding It A Practical Guide to Hard Conversations on Campus 1
Awkward roommate disputes. Terrifying office hour confrontation over a bad grade. A boundary talk with a friend that’s long overdue. In college, the conversations we avoid the most are usually the ones we need to have the most.In this episode of Syllabus Survival, Ethan Vance and Maya Lin unpack why difficult conversations trigger so much anxiety for university students—and how to handle them without the drama. We break down step-by-step frameworks for de-escalating tension, setting firm personal boundaries, and advocating for yourself with professors without burning bridges.Stop letting unspoken conflict drain your energy. Tune in to learn how to turn uncomfortable moments into career-defining confidence.
19 Aug 2026
Beyond_the_Syllabus
College shouldn’t feel like a four-year exercise in panic management. Welcome to Syllabus Survival, the ultimate operational guide to thriving—not just surviving—in higher education. Hosted by academic coach Ethan Vance and student strategist Maya Lin, this show breaks down the unspoken rules of university life into clear, actionable strategies
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