Advertise on podcast: My Planet Self

What happens when two childhood friends sit down and start reminiscing? 😂 In this episode of My Planet Self, I’m joined by my childhood friend Richard Bonsu as we take a trip down memory lane and talk about what it was like growing up in Ghana together. We revisit childhood memories, school days, the things we used to do for fun, the people we grew up around, and some of the moments we haven’t thought about in years. We also compare what we remember now as adults and laugh about the experiences that felt completely normal to us as kids. It’s a nostalgic, funny, and honest conversation about childhood friendship, growing up Ghanaian, and looking back at the memories that made us who we are. If you grew up in Ghana—or just love reminiscing about the chaos, friendships, and random memories of childhood—this episode will probably have you thinking about your own childhood too. 🎙️ Featuring Richard Bonsu Follow My Planet Self for new episodes every other week.

I start medical school TOMORROW—and after years of figuring out how to get into medical school, now I have to figure out how to actually study in it. 😭 In this episode of My Planet Self, I’m sharing my M1 study plan before I’ve even stepped into my first official class. From Anki and practice questions to Pathoma, lectures, active recall, and my goal of finishing my studying by 6 PM, I’m breaking down exactly how I plan to approach my first year of medical school. This isn’t a “how to succeed in medical school” guide—I haven’t earned that authority yet 😂. This is my starting point. I’m talking about avoiding resource overload, using the 80/20 rule, figuring out whether live or asynchronous lectures work best for me, protecting my life outside of medicine, and learning when studying more starts giving diminishing returns. Will this strategy actually survive M1? We’ll find out. I plan to come back later and compare what I thought medical school studying would look like with what actually worked. If you’re starting medical school, preparing for M1, or just curious about how a first-year medical student plans to tackle the workload, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe to My Planet Self for new episodes every other Sunday.

What happens when you finally get the life you prayed for… and realize that it’s still hard? In this episode, “Nobody Prepares You for the Life You Prayed For,” I’m talking about the emotional side of achieving your dreams, entering new seasons of life, and realizing that answered prayers can still come with pressure, fear, uncertainty, and responsibility. For years, one of my biggest goals was getting into medical school. But once the dream becomes your real life, the question changes from “Can I get there?” to “Can I actually handle being here?” We talk about medical school, imposter syndrome, navigating your 20s, ambition, burnout, personal growth, gratitude, comparison, adulthood, and redefining success. I also reflect on the guilt that can come with struggling through something you once desperately wanted. Because being grateful doesn’t mean everything has to feel easy. You can love the direction your life is going and still feel overwhelmed. You can be proud of yourself and still experience self-doubt. You can accomplish something major and still feel like a beginner. This episode is also about learning not to constantly move the finish line. It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll finally relax after the next exam, degree, job, relationship, financial goal, or milestone. But eventually, you have to realize that your life isn’t waiting for you at the finish line. This is your life right now. If you’re a medical student, premed, young professional, ambitious twenty-something, or simply someone entering a new chapter you once prayed for, this episode is for you. We’re talking about: Achieving your dreams and adjusting to successMedical school and imposter syndromeNavigating your twentiesFeeling overwhelmed by an answered prayerAmbition, burnout, and comparisonBecoming a beginner againSeparating your identity from your accomplishmentsLearning to enjoy the presentRedefining what success means to youGrowing into the person capable of carrying the life you asked forMaybe nobody prepares you for the life you prayed for because becoming the person who can live that life is part of the journey. Don’t become so focused on your next prayer that you forget you’re already standing inside an old one. Keywords: personal growth, navigating your 20s, medical school journey, medical student life, premed podcast, medical school podcast, imposter syndrome, achieving your dreams, answered prayers, ambition and burnout, high achiever burnout, self-doubt, adulthood, quarter-life crisis, redefining success, medical student motivation, life transitions, comparison, gratitude, work-life balance, personal development, and learning to enjoy the present.

Applying to medical school this cycle? Your secondary essays could be the deciding factor between receiving an interview invitation and getting lost in the applicant pool. In this episode, I break down everything I learned throughout the medical school application process and share the exact strategies that helped me approach my medical school secondary essays with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. If you’ve been staring at a blank screen wondering how to answer prompts like “Why Our School?”, “Tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome,” or “How will you contribute to our community?”, this episode is for you. Secondary applications often arrive quickly, come with tight deadlines, and require you to tell your story in different ways without sounding repetitive. That’s why having a strategy matters. Throughout this episode, I walk you through how to approach every secondary essay with intention instead of panic. We discuss how admissions committees actually evaluate applications, what they’re looking for beyond GPA and MCAT scores, and how you can write essays that genuinely reflect who you are while remaining memorable. Whether you’re applying through AMCAS, AACOMAS, or TMDSAS, these principles can help you create stronger applications. You’ll learn why authenticity is your greatest advantage, how to brainstorm meaningful experiences that demonstrate resilience, leadership, compassion, service, curiosity, and growth, and how to avoid common mistakes that weaken otherwise competitive applications. I also share practical systems for organizing your secondary essays, creating reusable themes without copying yourself, managing deadlines, and editing your essays efficiently. In this episode, we cover: • Why secondary essays matter so much in the medical school admissions process • What admissions committees are actually evaluating • The biggest mistakes applicants make when writing secondaries • How to answer the “Why This Medical School?” essay • How to write compelling diversity, adversity, and challenge essays • Creating a cohesive application narrative • Writing about leadership, clinical experiences, volunteering, and research • Demonstrating reflection instead of simply listing accomplishments • Avoiding clichés and generic responses • Managing dozens of secondary essays without burning out • How to pre-write secondary essays before applications arrive • Editing tips that make your essays stronger • Standing out without trying to sound “perfect” Whether you’re a first-time applicant, taking a gap year, or reapplying, this episode will help you approach your secondary applications with a clearer strategy and greater confidence. My hope is that after listening, you’ll stop overthinking every prompt and start writing essays that genuinely represent the future physician you’re becoming. If this episode helps you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another premed student preparing for the medical school application cycle. Your support helps this podcast reach more aspiring physicians navigating the same journey. I’d also love to hear from you! Connect with me on social media Thank you for listening, and remember: your application is more than a collection of grades and test scores. It’s your story. Make it one only you can tell. Keywords: medical school secondary essays, secondary essays, medical school application, medical school admissions, AMCAS, AACOMAS, TMDSAS, premed, premed podcast, premed advice, how to write secondary essays, medical school essay tips, medical school application tips, accepted medical student, future doctor, physician journey, medical school interviews, diversity essay, adversity essay, why our school essay, personal statement, medical school admissions committee, pre-writing secondaries, gap year applicant, reapplicant, medical student, pre-health, healthcare careers, becoming a doctor, medical school success.

What does it really take to overcome adversity and keep moving forward? In this powerful episode of the My Planet Self Podcast, I sit down with Kofi Adom for an honest and vulnerable conversation about resilience, personal growth, purpose, and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Together, we share our personal journeys, the obstacles we’ve faced, and the lessons that shaped who we are today. Whether you’re navigating setbacks, chasing your dreams, or searching for motivation to keep going, this episode offers real-life stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement to remind you that your struggles don’t have to define your future. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this conversation is for you. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: Building resilience through adversityTurning pain into purposePersonal growth and self-discoveryLife lessons from difficult experiencesFinding strength during challenging seasonsWhy your story mattersIf this conversation resonates with you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that resilience can transform lives. 🎙️ Connect with me:Instagram: @abbbennieTikTok: @abbbennieYouTube: @abbbennie #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingAdversity #Purpose #Motivation #Inspiration #MentalStrength #SelfGrowth #Podcast #LifeLessons #KofiAdom #Storytelling #Mindset #SuccessJourney #ABPodcast

This World Cup has had me thinking about so much more than football. Watching teams overcome setbacks, prove doubters wrong, and fight until the very last whistle reminded me of something I’ve been learning in my own life: it’s not how you start—it’s how you finish. As someone who’s navigated setbacks, chased big dreams, and often wondered if I was “behind,” this tournament couldn’t have come at a better time. It reminded me that one bad performance, one rejection, one failure, or one detour doesn’t define your future. Whether it’s applying to medical school, building a business, creating content, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, success is rarely a straight line. In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest life lessons the World Cup has taught me about resilience, perseverance, growth, discipline, and trusting the process. We’ll talk about why you shouldn’t quit after your first setback, why comparison can steal your joy, and why the people who finish strong aren’t always the ones who started the strongest. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, wondering if your hard work will ever pay off, or questioning whether you’re on the right path, I hope this conversation reminds you to keep going. Your current chapter is not your final chapter, and your current score is not your final result. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, content creator, athlete, or simply someone working toward a dream, this episode will encourage you to embrace the journey, stay consistent, and believe that your breakthrough could be closer than you think. Keywords: World Cup, World Cup 2026, life lessons, motivation, resilience, perseverance, personal growth, mindset, success, self-improvement, discipline, consistency, overcoming setbacks, trusting the process, finish strong, productivity, inspiration, chasing your dreams, podcast, motivational podcast, Lionel Messi, Argentina, FIFA World Cup corruption

Want to know how to attend conferences for free or on a budget? In this episode, I share the best conference travel tips, budget travel strategies, and networking hacks to help students, entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals attend more conferences without overspending. Whether you’re trying to save money on conference registration, find conference scholarships, earn media or podcast passes, volunteer for free admission, or use travel rewards and hotel points to cut costs, this episode walks you through the exact strategies that can make attending conferences affordable. You’ll learn: How to attend conferences for freeHow to find conference scholarships and travel grantsHow to get media, speaker, and volunteer conference passesBudget travel tips for conferencesHow to save money on flights and hotels using travel rewardsNetworking strategies to maximize every conference experienceHow to turn conference attendance into career and business opportunitiesIf you’re looking for conference tips, affordable business travel, professional development advice, travel hacking strategies, or networking opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you attend more events while spending less. Keywords: how to attend conferences for free, conference tips, conference travel, budget travel, conference scholarships, travel rewards, networking tips, business conferences, professional development, student conferences, podcasting, entrepreneurship, career growth, travel hacks, affordable travel.

medical school in August while making the most of my time by traveling across Europe, Africa, and beyond. From the medical school application journey and getting accepted, to planning international adventures before classes begin, I’m taking you behind the scenes of this exciting transition. We’ll talk about: ✈️ My recent and upcoming travels 🏥 Preparing for medical school orientation and onboarding 📚 The transition from MPH student to future medical student 🌍 Why I chose to travel before starting med school 💰 Travel budgeting, points, miles, and planning 🎥 Content creation, YouTube, and documenting the journey 💭 Reflections on growth, goals, and what’s next Whether you’re a premed student, future medical student, traveler, or someone navigating a major life transition, I hope this episode gives you inspiration and insight into this exciting chapter. Keywords: medical school journey, starting medical school, med school vlog, premed life, future doctor, medical student life, travel vlog, solo travel, Europe travel, gap year travel, life update podcast, public health student, MPH to MD, study abroad, travel content creator, productivity, personal growth. #MedicalSchool #Premed #FutureDoctor #TravelVlog #LifeUpdate #MedicalStudent #TravelPodcast #StudyAbroad #MedSchoolJourney #TravelCreator #PersonalGrowth #PodcastEpisode

In this episode, I break down The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson — so you don’t have to read it yourself. This isn’t your typical self-help book. Instead of telling you to “think positive,” this book challenges everything we’ve been taught about happiness, success, and caring too much. I walk through the key lessons, biggest takeaways, and real-life applications of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, and explain what actually matters — and what doesn’t. If you’re overwhelmed, burned out, tired of toxic positivity, or just curious why this book went viral, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: The core message behind The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* Why caring less can actually improve your mental health What Mark Manson gets right (and what’s overrated) How to choose what deserves your energy Who this book is actually for — and who can skip it This is an honest book review and summary, designed to help you decide if this book is worth your time — without the fluff. Perfect for fans of: Self-help book summaries Personal growth and mindset shifts Mental health and self-improvement Book review podcasts “I read this book so you don’t have to” content And that’s the breakdown. I read the book so you didn’t have to, but now I want to hear from you: What is one thing you’re officially choosing to stop giving a f*ck about this week? > Drop your answer in the comments—I’ll be jumping in to reply to as many as I can. If this deep dive saved you some time or gave you a new perspective, do me a huge favor: hit that subscribe button and tap the notification bell. It’s the best way to support the show so I can keep doing the reading for you. 🎧 Listen now for a clear, realistic take on one of the most talked-about self-help books of all time. Catch you in the next one SEO Tags Mark Manson, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Book Review, Podcast, Self Improvement 2026, Personal Development, Book Summary, Life Advice, Mental Health, Motivation, Choosing Your Struggles, How to be Happy, Productivity.

Getting into medical school is often reduced to one thing: the MCAT. But the truth is, that’s not what got me accepted. In this episode, I break down what actually got me into medical school and why my MCAT score was not the deciding factor. I walk through the real components of a successful medical school application — including GPA, extracurriculars, clinical experience, leadership, research, and personal narrative — and explain how admissions committees evaluate applicants holistically. I talk honestly about my GPA, my MCAT journey, and the medical school requirements many pre-med students stress about, including whether you need a bachelor’s degree, how much grades really matter, and what schools are actuallylooking for beyond numbers. I also read a paragraph directly from my own medical school application essay, breaking down why storytelling, reflection, and authenticity can matter more than a perfect score. If you’re a pre-med student, MPH student, career changer, or someone feeling discouraged by MCAT pressure, this episode is for you. Whether your MCAT didn’t go as planned, your GPA isn’t “perfect,” or you’re wondering if medical school is still possible — this conversation is meant to give clarity, reassurance, and real insight into the admissions process. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover: What really matters in medical school admissions The role of MCAT vs GPA in acceptance decisions Whether you need a bachelor’s degree to apply to medical school How personal statements and essays influence admissions outcomes Why clinical experience, leadership, service, and growth matter What I included in my application that strengthened it beyond stats Advice for students who feel “behind” or overlooked in the pre-med process This is a transparent look at how I got into medical school without the MCAT being my strongest stat, and what I wish I knew earlier as a pre-med navigating requirements, expectations, and self-doubt. notes medical school admissions, MCAT, GPA, premed, getting into medical school, medical school requirements, personal statement, med school essay, MPH to MD, holistic admissions, premed advice, med school journey

2025 taught me a lot — mostly through the things I didn’t do well. In this honest and reflective episode, I open up about my biggest failures of 2025 and the lessons I’m carrying into the next season of my life. From not reading as many books as I planned, to struggling with consistency in fitness, finances, faith, friendships, and even language learning — this episode is about accountability, growth, and learning how to reset with intention. I talk openly about: • Why I didn’t hit my reading goals and how I’m restructuring my habits in the first quarter of the new year • The reality of preparing for the MCAT, not getting the score I wanted, and navigating disappointment in medical school applications • My complicated relationship with faith this year and learning how to spend time with God without turning it into a chore • Why making and maintaining friendships felt harder than ever — and the role personal initiative really plays • Lessons on money management, self-control, and what building wealth actually means • My struggles with working out consistently, motivation vs. systems, and how environment shapes discipline • Falling off with language practice and what that revealed about priorities and structure This episode isn’t about shame or perfection — it’s about failing forward, taking responsibility, and building systems that make growth sustainable. If you’re reflecting on your year, feeling behind, or trying to reset with clarity and purpose, this conversation is for you. ✨ Sometimes failure isn’t the end — it’s the feedback.

In this episode, I reflect on my 2025 accomplishments, lessons learned, and the growth that came from choosing consistency over fear. This year stretched me in ways I didn’t expect—but it also reminded me that failure is not the end of the story. I talk openly about retaking the MCAT after failing the first time and why not giving up on your dreams matters more than getting it right on the first try. If you’re navigating setbacks, exams, or big life goals, this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to fall—as long as you get back up. I also share personal milestones from 2025, including applying to medical school and receiving an acceptance, running my first 5K in under 40 minutes, and overcoming my fear of content creation on Instagram. Posting consistently taught me that your voice matters—even when it feels uncomfortable at first. Travel played a huge role in my growth this year. I celebrated my birthday in Amsterdam, explored Groningen and Leeuwarden, took my grandmother to Washington, DC, and went on a solo trip to Nashville, where I experienced my first luxury stay. These moments reminded me how important it is to explore new cultures, create memories with loved ones, and say yes when opportunities arise. I also reflect on major life decisions, including buying a new car after losing two cars in consecutive years, hitting an important financial savings goal, and learning how to balance discipline with enjoying the life you’re working so hard to build. Finally, I talk about relaunching my podcast—a goal I had put on pause—and why picking back up what you once loved can be one of the most powerful decisions you make. If you’re interested in personal growth, resilience, faith, medical school journeys, travel, financial goals, or content creation, this episode is for you. Let this be your reminder to keep going—even when the path isn’t clear yet.

In this episode, I talk about how growth can make people uncomfortable—not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something unexpected. Sometimes it’s not enough for others that you’re content; it’s almost as if they want you to stay average, familiar, and non-threatening. I reflect on moments like buying my car—how some people said it was “out of my league,” while knowing that if it had been older or smaller, the same voices would’ve questioned whether it was good enough. That contradiction reveals a deeper truth: when you grow, the criticism often isn’t about your choices—it’s about other people’s limits. We talk about: • Why growth challenges people who are comfortable staying where they are • How “be humble” can become code for don’t outgrow us • Why risk-taking is often mislabeled as arrogance • How to keep moving forward without shrinking yourself to be palatable This episode is for anyone who’s tired of being told—directly or subtly—to play it safe, dim their light, or stay in a box that no longer fits. Choosing growth isn’t a rejection of where you came from. It’s a commitment to where you’re going. Follow me: IG : @abbbennie

In this episode, I take you inside the real and unfiltered journey of building Handi, my tech startup designed to support older adults with daily digital tasks. After speaking with investors, advisors, and founders, I definitely learned things I wasn't expecting - from productmarket fit concerns to messaging mistakes to the harsh realities of scaling a service-based startup. I share: • The biggest early challenges I faced as a first-time founder • What investors really cared about (and what they didn't) • How talking to advisors reshaped my vision for Handi • What's working, what's not, and what's next for the product • The mindset shifts I'm making as I grow through this journey If you're curious about startups, pitching, failures, pivots, or the behindthe-scenes of building a tech company, this episode is a transparent look into the process. Connect with me + follow Handi: Instagram: @handi.us Website: https://handi-website-main.vercel.app/ My instagram : @abbbennie • Startup journey • First-time founder • Building a tech startup • Startup challenges • Pitching to investors • Startup mistakes • Founder storytelling • Handi app • Elder tech / aging tech • Founder lessons

It is terrifying to put yourself out there. Whether it's content creation, art, or a new business, the fear of embarrassment is real. But what if we looked at that fear differently? Join me as I explore the courage it takes to be "seen," using the story of Amarachi (played by Sonia Uche) as our blueprint. despite her mother attempting to crush her spirit, Amarachi sought every avenue to succeed. Let’s talk about how to apply that resilience to our own lives. Struggling with the fear of judgment or looking "embarrassing" while trying to build a personal brand? Today we are breaking down the mindset needed to put yourself out there in [Year]. To illustrate this, I’m recapping a [Movie Title] featuring Sonia Uche. We analyze how Amarachi navigated a toxic environment and maternal disapproval to chase her dreams. This is your sign to start creating. Topics: Overcoming fear of judgment in 2025. Sonia Uche movie recap & review. Amarachi’s guide to persistence. hashtags Content Creation Tips, Overcoming Fear of Failure, Fear of Judgment, Creative Mindset, How to be confident on camera. Sonia Uche, Sonia Uche Movie Recap, Nigerian Movie Recap, Nollywood Movies 2025, Amarachi Story, Unsupportive Parents. Motivation, Persistence, Self-Improvement.