Sam Smith

Sam completed his Bachelors of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Following his graduation, he worked at the National Institutes of Health Vaccine Research Center studying HIV. Meanwhile, with a microphone in his garage, Sam founded the MCAT Basics podcast. The podcast has grown to become the top rated MCAT podcast on iTunes. In addition to podcasting, Sam enjoys the outdoors, sports, and his friends and family.
  • MCAT Basics PodcastThe MCAT Basics Podcast

    Acids and Bases

    Acids and bases are foundational topics in chemistry, crucial for understanding various biological and chemical systems you’ll encounter in the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the selection and use of indicators in titrations to the pH at…

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    The Nervous System

    A foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain structure. In this episode, Sam Smith walks us through the nervous system, covering its major components and functions.…

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    Amino Acids

    Amino acids are the building blocks of life and an essential topic for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith takes us through the key concepts of amino acids, including their structures, naming conventions, and roles in protein formation.…

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    Gluconeogenesis

    One of the body’s key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body’s clever way of making glucose when supplies are low. On this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast, guest host Alex Starks walks through the…

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    Electron Transport Chain

    The electron transport chain is a fundamental pathway in biochemistry, critical for understanding the energy production that powers cellular function. In this episode, guest host Alex Starks breaks down the intricate process of the electron transport chain (ETC). Building on…

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    The Krebs Cycle

    One of the most fundamental biochemical processes is the Krebs cycle. This metabolic pathway plays a critical role in both the Chem Phys and Bio/Biochem sections of the MCAT, so understanding it is key. In this episode, our guest host,…

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    Glycolysis

    In this episode, guest host Alex Starks introduces the Metabolism series by examining glycolysis, a fundamental biochemical pathway for energy production. The discussion covers glucose digestion, the role of insulin and glucose transporters, and the step-by-step breakdown of glucose within…

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    Biosignaling

    In this episode, we focus on biosignaling and cover how cells communicate through systems like voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, using real-world examples such as neuronal signaling and muscle contraction. We also break down the role of enzyme-linked receptors, specifically…

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    Gas Phase

    In this episode, guest host Alex Starks dives into Gas-Phase Concepts for the MCAT. He breaks down the physical properties of gases, explores the ideal gas law, and unpacks the ABCD laws of gases. Alex also covers key conditions that…

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    The Lymphatic System

    In this episode, we focus on the lymphatic system, a crucial topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We’ll cover the structure of the lymphatic system, including lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and major organs such as the bone marrow…

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