PMP Exam Prep with Scott Payne
After helping thousands of professionals pass the PMP exam, Scott Payne shares a simpler, smarter way to study. Each week, he provides practical PMP exam prep strategies, real student success stories, and honest coaching. Topics include how to pass the PMP exam, study strategies, agile vs waterfall, and exam questions. The podcast aims to help listeners get PMP certified without memorization or fluff.
Episodes
Inside the Mind of a PMP Coach Vol. 2 — Why Memorization is Killing Your Score with Coach Matthew
Most PMP students are studying the wrong way — and they don't even know it. In this episode I sit down with Coach Matthew Kohlmeier, program manager at Agilent Technologies and one of the most experienced coaches at All In PM Prep, for a deep conversation about what separates students who pass from those who keep spinning. Matthew came up through the military, managed labs at Brigham and Women's
Learn PMP Live: The 50/50 Game
In this episode, I walk through one of my favorite learning tools: our 50/50 Game. As we play through real PMP concepts, I explain why your brain learns better when you compare ideas, eliminate wrong answers, and talk through your reasoning instead of simply reading another chapter. You'll hear how I think through concepts in real time, why active learning beats passive studying, and how small lea
PMP Question Breakdown: Don't Make This Mistake
As your PMP exam gets closer, it's easy to fall into the trap of doing more. More practice questions. More videos. More study guides. More resources. But what if the answer isn't doing more? What if the answer is getting more value from the work you've already done? In this episode, I take you inside the All In PM Prep PMP Simulator and walk through how I actually use practice questions to build s
Inside the Mind of a PMP Coach — What Coach Debbie Knows After 4.5 Years of Getting Students Certified
What actually happens inside a PMP coaching session? What does a great coach look for, listen for, and how do they know when a student is ready? In this episode I sit down with Coach Debbie — one of our most experienced coaches at All In PM Prep — for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to get PMP certified. Debbie's been coaching students since 2022 and has one of the highest pa
PMP Exam Changing July 9th — Domain Weights Explained and What to Do Now
On July 9th, 2026, the PMP exam is changing — and if you're studying right now, you need to understand exactly what's shifting and what it means for you. The biggest change is in the domain weights. Business Environment jumps from 8% all the way to 26%. People drops to 33%. Process drops to 41%. In this episode I break down why PMI made this move, what they're actually saying through these numbers
Student Success: 3 Needs Improvement to 3 Above Target - Exactly How Ophira Did it!
Hey everybody, Scott Payne here. I want to share a story that I hope gives you a ton of encouragement. Just because you failed the PMP exam doesn't mean you can't succeed—sometimes far beyond what you ever thought possible. I recently had the privilege of working with an amazing student named Ophira. Before she found us, she had taken the PMP exam with another provider and received three Needs Imp
The PMP Answer Pattern Nobody Teaches
In this episode, I share a wild coaching-call experiment that completely changed the way my students looked at PMP questions. The group was absolutely crushing difficult situational questions, so I decided to flip the process upside down: I hid the questions… and only showed the answers. What happened next revealed one of the biggest secrets behind PMP success. In this episode, I break down: Why
Student Success: Scared to 3 Above Targets with One little Change = BIG Impact - How Vera Did It
PMP Rabbit Holes (Theory X, Maslow, and Other Stuff You Should Know - BUT NOT Too Deeply)
There are topics in PMP study that are super interesting, but you don't need to have a super detailed mastery of. Today I quickly explain those topics. After listening you will understand them enough to ace the "maybe 1" question the PMP exam has on the topics. Topics like: Theory X and Y, Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, McClelland's Theory of Needs, Power Types. If
Master People, Process, Business Environment This Way
You've gotta ace People, Process, and Business Environment to pass the PMP exam. Pretty much every question falls into one of those buckets. Problem is… most people study them the wrong way. And that's exactly why they get confused, overwhelmed, and don't know what to focus on. Today, I fix that. I'm gonna flip how you study the PMP so it actually starts making sense. And if you want help saving t
PMP Clock Is Ticking: How to Get Across the Finish Line
You've got an exam date. The PMP exam changes are coming. And deep down… you're not sure you're ready. Maybe you've already taken a bootcamp. Maybe you've watched hundreds of videos. Maybe you've been hammering quizzes over and over again hoping your scores magically improve. But here's the truth: Your quiz scores are NOT the real problem. They're just clues. A 58… a 68… a 73… those are observable
Student Success: 3 Above Target PMP Domination (In the face of 12 Pick 3 Questions!)
Barry was a podcast listener like you! He didn't feel ready so he called me and we went to work. Next think he knew he aced the PMP exam with 3 above targets!!!! He has tons to teach you. Dive in and learn. AND if you feel like something isn't totally right and you might need help, call/text me at 757-759-5282 (or email scott@allinprep.com) We WILL ace your exam!!!!!
PMP Mindset: How Your Response to Failure Determines If You Pass
Most PMP students think failing a practice question is a setback. It's not — it's data. In this episode, I break down the single mindset shift that separates PMP candidates who pass from those who keep spinning: how you respond when you struggle. You'll learn how to turn missed questions into momentum, stop the negative self-talk before it derails your exam day, and build real confidence before yo
Why Your PMP Study Plan Is Failing You (And What a Real One Looks Like)
If your PMP prep looks like a little of this course, a few random quizzes, a 35-hour checkbox, and scattered YouTube videos — that's not a plan, it's patchwork. In this episode, I break down why Frankenstein study plans fail and what a real PMP exam prep plan actually looks like — structured, progressive, and built to get you to exam day with confidence. Want a plan that actually works? Call or te
My PMP 'Bag of Tricks': How to Eliminate Wrong Answers Fast
Most PMP students are trying to find the right answer… But the real skill? 👉 Eliminating the wrong ones. In this episode, I walk through three real PMP-style questions and show you something different… Not just what the answer is—but how to think. I'm pulling a few tools out of my personal "bag of tricks"—the exact mental shortcuts I use (and teach my students) to quickly eliminate common trap ans
How You Fail the PMP Before You Even Start (And How to Fix It in 7 Minutes)
Most people don't fail the PMP exam because they don't know the material… They fail because of what happens inside their own head. In this episode, I break down the idea of a 7-minute mental diet—a simple but powerful way to stop negative self-talk before it wrecks your performance on exam day. Then I bring on Amy, who just passed her PMP with strong scores, to walk through what REALLY happened du
Agile vs Waterfall Explained Simply: A PMP Lesson I Taught My 10-Year-Old
I've always said if you really understand something, you can explain it to a kid. So I tested that. In this episode, I sit down with my son Hunter and explain Agile vs Waterfall using something he actually cares about — building the fastest race car possible. Real questions, real confusion, real breakthroughs. If you've ever struggled to truly get Agile for the PMP exam, this one will make it clic
How Leo Passed the PMP After Doubting He Ever Could
Leo didn't think passing the PMP exam was possible for him. He doubted himself going in, hit a wall mid-exam, and almost let it beat him — but he didn't quit. In this episode, Leo breaks down exactly how he pushed through real exam-day fear, stayed in the fight, and walked away PMP certified. If you're struggling with self-doubt or wondering if the PMP is even worth it, this is the episode you nee
100 Days Until the PMP Exam Changes — What You Need to Do
You have 100 days until the PMP exam changes on July 9th. That might sound like a lot of time—but it's not. If what you're doing right now isn't working, it's not going to magically start working. This episode is a real conversation about where you are, what's holding you back, and what you need to do right now to pass before the exam changes. No fluff. No dabbling. Just clarity, commitment, and a
PMP Escalation Questions Explained: The One Question That Changes Everything
Most PMP students get escalation questions wrong for the same reason — they're asking the wrong question when they read them. In this episode, I teach you exactly how to reframe escalation scenarios so you stop second-guessing and start picking the right answer consistently. One simple shift, big results. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
She Avoided the PMP for 4 Years — Here's What Finally Changed Everything
Four years of putting it off. Four years of "I'll do it later." Then one thing changed everything. In this episode, my student shares what finally pushed her to commit to the PMP exam, how she got over the fear of starting, and what the journey looked like from avoidance to certified. If you've been putting off the PMP, this story is going to hit close to home. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
The Investor Mental Model That Makes PMP Exam Questions Easier to Solve
The world's greatest investor has a framework for cutting through noise and finding the right answer fast. In this episode, I apply that exact mental model to PMP exam questions — so instead of getting lost in the details, you zero in on what the question is actually asking. A weird connection that genuinely works. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
The One Thing Missing from Your PMP Prep That Nobody Talks About
Most PMP candidates have the study materials, the practice questions, and the hours. But there's one thing almost nobody teaches that separates people who pass from people who keep retaking — and in this episode I break down exactly what it is and how to build it into your prep. If you've been studying hard but not seeing results, this is why. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
How to Pick the PMI Answer on the PMP Exam
If you've been studying for the PMP exam for a while, you've probably caught yourself saying something like: "I guess that's the PMI answer." And usually it comes with a little frustration. I hear this all the time from students who are struggling with practice questions. They feel like the exam is some kind of trick. Like there's a mysterious "PMI answer" hidden somewhere that doesn't match real
Stop Collecting PMP Practice Questions — Do This Instead to Actually Improve
More practice questions is not the answer. If you're stockpiling questions hoping your score will magically climb, I need you to hear this. In this episode I break down why raw question volume doesn't work and what you actually need to do — test your logic, not your memory. This is the shift that gets students unstuck and moving toward a passing score. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
PMP Wins Come in Bunches: Heather & Vicky's Double Success Story
PMP success doesn't happen in isolation. It happens every week, in bunches, when people follow the right process. In this episode, I sit down with two recently certified PMPs, Heather and Vicky, during one of our live coaching calls. Different backgrounds. Different experiences. Different challenges. Same result. They both passed the PMP exam — and more importantly, they share exceptional insight
Business Environment PMP Exam Questions - How to Find Them and Solve Them
In this episode, I'm breaking down the force that overrides everything else on the PMP exam: Business Environment. Sometimes people aren't the problem. Sometimes the process isn't the problem. Sometimes the context changes the rules completely. I walk through: What a business-environment–dominant situation actually looks like on the PMP How to recognize when external constraints shape what's p
Process PMP Questions - How to Find and Solve Them
In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the most common reasons strong PMP candidates miss questions: they react to symptoms instead of fixing the system. In the last episode, we talked about why adding more process to people problems usually makes things worse. This time, I flip the lens. Sometimes people feel like the problem — and they're not. Sometimes the real issue is how the work is struc
People Questions on PMP Exam - How to Find Them and Answer Them
In this episode, I'm going deep into one of the most misunderstood areas of the PMP exam: People. (If you need any help in preparing for the PMP exam or want to join my Invite Only PMP Cohorts - Reach out to me 757-759-5282 scott@allinpmprep.com) If you keep adding more process to people problems, you're going to keep missing questions — not because your answers are technically wrong, but because
People, Process, Business Environment - Why Your Scores Aren't Improving
Most PMP candidates think they're struggling because they're "bad at people questions," "bad at process," or confused by business environment. That's not the real problem. In this episode, Scott breaks down how the PMP actually tests judgment — and why treating People, Process, and Business Environment as study categories is holding you back. You'll learn: Why there are almost no "pure" people o
Why Your Aggressiveness Is Hurting You on PMP Questions
If you keep missing PMP questions that feel easy, the problem probably isn't knowledge — it's how fast you're trying to act. In this episode, Scott breaks down a hidden pattern that hurts a lot of capable PMP candidates: action bias. The instinct to jump straight into fixing, escalating, or documenting feels responsible — but on the PMP exam, it often leads to the wrong answer. You'll learn: Why
Podcast Listener Success Story - How Oksana Went from Confused to 3 Above Targets
Oksana was a podcast listener just like you! She was confused and lost before she found the podcast and she reached out to me to join our course. 6 weeks later she was a PMP who aced the exam with 3 Above Targets! Listen to the approach she followed so that you can achieve your goals too! If you want me to help you - Reach out - 757-759-5282 (this is my personal number - I will answer!)
I Built Something Awesome for you - check this out!
I Built Something Awesome for you - listen to this podcast - I'll explain. It is my new PMP Exam Prep Quick Reference Guide. I brings everything that matters into one spot that is super easy to read, learn, and reference at anytime!!! If you want an advanced copy - email me directly (scott@allinpmprep.com) or call/text me 757-759-5282.
How to Handle Vague PMP Exam Questions: Live Walkthrough with Real Examples
Vague PMP questions are some of the most frustrating on the exam — they feel like there's no right answer. In this episode I walk through real vague PMP scenarios live and show you exactly how to break them down, find the anchor in the question, and pick the best answer with confidence. This is a skill you can learn fast. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
PMP Exam Problem Types: Can You Tell the Difference? Most Students Can't
One of the biggest reasons PMP students miss questions they should get right is they don't recognize what type of problem they're looking at. In this episode I challenge you to identify the real problem types PMI uses on the exam and show you how to categorize them fast — so you apply the right mental model before you even read the answer choices. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
6-Week PMP Success: How Nacho Did it!!!!!
Nacho had a problem. She had to get the PMP in 6-weeks for a job interview. We partnered together to guide her to her PMP success before she stepped into the interview. This interview tells that story. You will be able to use the lessons learned to refine your PMP skills and get ready faster. If you want me to guide you - I am one call away - 757-759-5282. Call or text me. I will help you! Scott
Why You Keep Getting PMP Questions Wrong (It's Not What You Think)
If the PMP exam keeps feeling random and you keep picking answers that seem right but aren't, there's a specific reason — and it's not that you don't know the material. In this episode I break down the real pattern behind wrong answer choices and show you exactly what PMI is looking for instead. Fix this one thing and your scores jump. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Why Some People Pass the PMP Fast...And Other Struggle for Months
How long are you planning to study for the PMP? Most people don't have a real answer — they just keep grinding and hope they'll feel "ready" someday. In this episode, Scott Payne breaks down the real reason some PMP candidates pass in weeks while others struggle for a year or more — and it has nothing to do with intelligence, experience, or effort. You'll learn: The four levels of PMP study most
Project Manager vs Project Lead PMP Questions — Simple 2 Step Process
Questions that compare the Project Manager role and the Project Lead role are some of the easiest places to get stuck on the PMP exam — especially when both answers sound reasonable. In this episode, I walk you through a simple 2-step decision framework you can use to solve these questions consistently: • Where does the problem live — inside the team system or outside of it? • Can it be handled at
I'm Not a Good Reader… and I Passed the PMP Anyway (Chad's Story)
If you've ever thought… "I can do the job, but I can't learn all this broad PMP stuff." "I read it twice and it still doesn't click." "I'm falling behind… so maybe I'm not cut out for this." "Agile vocabulary feels like another language." …this episode is for you. Chad CashDollar is a shipyard foreman who works long hours, has a chaotic schedule, and openly admits that reading comprehens
Emotional Intelligence on the PMP Exam: How PMI Tests Leadership, Not Empathy
If you want to ace the PMP exam, you have to master emotional intelligence — whether you realize it or not. The PMP exam doesn't just test processes and formulas. It tests how you lead when people, conflict, and pressure are involved. And emotional intelligence is often the hidden factor that decides between two answers that both look right. In this episode, I break emotional intelligence down in
How PMI Wants You to Think: 7 Rules Behind Every PMP Question.
Want me to coach you to your PMP? Join my 10-week PMP Cohort starting February 2nd. You'll get a dynamite, focused study schedule, two high-impact 1.5-hour evening Zoom coaching sessions with me each week, and full access to everything you need inside my online portal — videos, simulator, tools, games, and live support until you pass. Call or text me 757-759-5282 or email me at scott@allinpmprep.c
The Real Reason Most People Fail the PMP Exam (And How to Make Sure You Don't)
Most PMP candidates don't fail because they lack knowledge. They fail because of something far more subtle — a pattern of thinking that PMI specifically designs the exam to expose. In this episode I name exactly what it is, why it trips up even experienced project managers, and what you need to do differently starting today. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Waterfall Finally Makes Sense — Live PMP Coaching Breakdown
In this episode, I'm taking you inside a real All In PM Prep Accountability Call — a full 56-minute live coaching session where Waterfall finally clicked for a group of new PMP students. We break down Agile vs Predictive in plain English, simplify the entire Waterfall process, teach students how to read questions the right way, and walk through several PMP exam scenarios step-by-step. If you've ev
PMP Exam Trauma, Two Fails, and Finally Passing – Kader's Story
If you've failed the PMP exam, feel "blocked" by test anxiety, or keep getting passed over for roles because you don't have those three letters, this episode is for you. Reach out to me personally - I will help you - Scott@allinpmprep.com or 757-759-5282 In this powerful PMP success interview, Scott talks with Kader (Dr. G), a seasoned federal government program director with 20+ years of project
The Biggest PMP Exam Myths Debunked
There are beliefs about the PMP exam that are flat-out wrong — and they're causing people to fail. In this episode I give you a sneak peek at the biggest myths I see destroying PMP students, starting with the ones that trip people up the most. If you think the PMP is all about memorization, this episode is going to change your mind. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Stump the Coach: Live PMP Coaching on Agile (Velocity, Story Points, MVP, MMF, Team Questions)
If you need help passing the PMP — or you're stuck on Agile concepts like MVP, velocity, story points, or team-focused questions — I can help you. 📱 Call or text me directly: 757-759-5282 🎓 Or start our trial course: allnpmprep.com/trial Episode Description Welcome to a completely different kind of PMP learning experience. In this episode, you get a fly-on-the-wall look inside one of our live All
Program Manager's Playbook: Delivering High-Stakes Results at Collins Aerospace
Go behind the scenes with Jacob Henschel, a Program Manager at Collins Aerospace, as he reveals what it really takes to lead high-stakes programs in one of the world's most demanding industries. This interview explores how program managers operate at the intersection of engineering, risk, timelines, and multimillion-dollar customer expectations. Jacob shares the real story of program leadership —
5-Week PMP Turnaround: How Mikhaia Went from Failing to Above Target
If you failed the PMP exam — or you're terrified you might — I can help you. I'll get on the phone with you myself, listen to your situation, and build a plan that actually works for you. 📩 Email me: Scott@allinprep.com 🎟️ Or just join our trial: allinpmprep.com/trial Episode Description In this episode, you'll hear the magical story of Mikhaia — whose PMP journey started with heartbreak. She enr
PMP Exam Changes 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before July
PMI just announced a major PMP exam update coming in 2026 — and every time this happens, people panic. Don't. In this episode I break down exactly what's changing, what it means for your prep, and what you need to do right now depending on where you are in your study plan. Clear information, no fear-mongering. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Agile 50/50 PMP Questions: How to Pick the Right Answer Every Time
🎯 Want to try the 50/50 Game for yourself? Get instant access to the All-In PMP Prep free trial, including the 50/50 Game, a live coaching call to solve hard PMP questions, and awesome PMP lessons: 👉 allinpmprep.com/trial In today's episode, I pull back the curtain on one of the most powerful learning tools inside the All-In PMP Prep system — the 50/50 Game. This episode is different. Instead of j
Learn It. Test It. Live It: How Peter Younes Brought the PMP to the Firehouse.
If you're looking to learn the PMP quickly without memorizing anything, reach out to me, Scott Payne, at 757-759-5282. In this episode, Peter Younes shares how he went from concepts to competence by applying PMP principles inside the Henrico, Virginia firefighter department. He breaks down how he tested ideas in the field, iterated fast, and built real systems—turning theory into results. You'll h
How Johnny Crushed the PMP Exam by Focusing on What Matters Most
Ready to Finally Pass Your PMP Exam? If you're studying for the PMP — whether you've just started, you're halfway through, or you're stuck — I'm inviting a few students to join our All In PMP Prep Program. It's invite-only, and every student gets a customized, guided plan that's more engaging than anything you've ever experienced. My team and I will stick with you until you pass — and we'll even h
The 3 Things Killing Your PMP Study Momentum (And How to Beat Them)
Every PMP student hits walls during prep. But most of those walls aren't random — they're caused by three specific things that kill your momentum and make you feel like you're going backwards. In this episode I name all three, show you how to spot them early, and give you the exact moves to push through. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Missing Lots of PMP Practice Questions? Here's Why That's Actually Good News
f you're missing a ton of PMP practice questions right now, I'm not worried about you — and after this episode you won't be either. I explain exactly why missing questions at this stage is not a sign you'll fail, what it actually means, and how to use every wrong answer to build the thinking patterns that pass the exam. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Scrum Roles Aren't Job Titles: They're Shared Accountabilities
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. Too many people think Scrum roles are job titles: Scrum Master = meeting scheduler Product Owner = requirements writer Developers = order-takers Wrong. In this episode, I'll break down what the Scrum Guide actually says about these ro
The Last 24 Hours That Make or Break Your PMP Exam
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. Most students think PMP prep is about cramming until the last second. But the truth is, the final 24 hours before your exam are the most important — and they're not about studying. They're about tapering down, protecting your clarity, and sho
The PMP Exam Isn't Trying to Trick You… It's Trying to Help You See This
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. So many students tell me: "Scott, the PMP exam is trying to trick me." The scenarios feel unrealistic, the answers all look half-right, and it seems like PMI is playing games. But here's the truth: the exam isn't trying to trick you. It's try
From Nerves to Success: How Kate Bounced Back and Claimed PMP® Victory
In this episode, Scott sits down with Kate, a PMP® student whose journey wasn't picture-perfect — and that's exactly why it's so valuable. Kate failed her first attempt at the PMP exam. She came close, but nerves and overwhelm got the best of her. Instead of letting that setback define her, she regrouped, worked with the All In PM Prep program, and came back just weeks later to absolutely crush th
Risk vs. Issue vs. Assumption: Why Getting This Wrong Wrecks PMP Questions
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. Three little words trip up more PMP students than almost anything else: Risk, Issue, Assumption. Get them confused on the exam, and you'll wreck a question you could have nailed. In this episode, Scott unpacks these concepts with clear defini
PMI Code of Ethics on the PMP Exam: How to Master Every Ethics Question
PMI's Code of Ethics isn't just background reading — it's a filter PMI applies to questions throughout the entire PMP exam. In this episode I break down exactly what the Code of Ethics means, how PMI uses it to test your judgment on situational questions, and the simple framework for nailing every ethics question on exam day. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
From Military to PMP: Craig's Success Story and Simple Lessons That Deliver Big Results
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring success story of Craig, who transitioned from the military to PMP-certified professional. Craig put in the work, stayed disciplined, and in the process discovered how to make even the most complex PM
Procurement Without the Pain (Part 2 of 2): Why Contract Types Confuse PMP Students
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. This is Part 2 of our deep dive into procurement, inspired by a listener who texted me after struggling with procurement questions on a mock exam. In Part 1, we broke down the contract families — Fixed Price, Cost-Plus, and Time & Materials —
Procurement Without the Pain (Part 1 of 2): Why Contract Types Confuse PMP Students
If you need help simplifying PMP concepts in a way that really makes sense, reach out and I'll teach you and create a plan that works for you: 757-759-5282. This episode kicks off a two-part deep dive into procurement, inspired by a listener who texted me after struggling with procurement questions on a mock exam. In Part 1, we cover: Why procurement feels so confusing on the PMP exam The thr
How to Stop Fighting PMP Exam Questions and Start Controlling Them
If you need help with PMP questions and you want to pass the PMP exam, call me, Scott, at 757-759-5282 and we'll talk through a plan for you. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes smart professionals make when tackling PMP exam questions: they fight the system. Instead of stepping into the role of a project leader, they slip back into an individual contributor mindset—arguing a
How James Passed the PMP Exam: The Strategies That Actually Worked
James came into his PMP exam prep with doubts and walked out certified — and in this episode he breaks down every strategy, mindset shift, and study approach that made the difference. One of the most packed success interviews on this feed. If you're studying for the PMP right now, take notes. Want the same kind of help James got? Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
What Every Successful PMP Student Does Daily — Do You Do This?
There's one daily habit that nearly every student I've coached to a PMP pass has in common — and it's not what most people think. In this episode I break down exactly what it is, why it works, and how to build it into your routine starting today. Small daily actions, compounding results. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Dinner Delays and the Critical Path: Why Projects Run at the Speed of the Slowest Task
If you love these stories and want more, reach out to me at 757-759-5282. Ever waited at a restaurant while everyone's food was ready except one steak — and the whole table had to wait? That's the critical path in action. In this episode, Scott Payne breaks down how a dinner out mirrors the reality of project schedules. You'll learn: Why the slowest task (the "steak") determines when the whole p
Extreme Programming (XP) Explained with Jimi from Fearless Agile: Myths, Lessons & Modern Practices
If you have more questions about XP, reach out to me at 757-759-5282 or Jimi at www.fearlessagility.com. Jimi is the absolute best. You will love this episode. Jimi from Fearless Agility to unpack Extreme Programming (XP) — what it really is, why it was created, and why it still matters today. He dives DEEEP into its core practices like pair programming and continuous integration, the myths that
PMO Explained: The Air Traffic Control Tower for Projects
If you like these PMP stories and want more, reach out to me, Scott, at 757-759-5282. In this episode, I break down why the PMO is like air traffic control for your projects. Pilots (project managers) fly the planes, but the PMO clears the runways, prevents collisions, and makes sure the right projects land at the right time. Without it, chaos takes over. If your organization feels like 30 planes
Vision to Bricks: How LEGO Teaches Project Managers Scope, WBS, and Planning
If you love this style of story-based teaching, reach out to me: 757-759-5282 LEGO isn't just a toy—it's a masterclass in project management. In this episode, You and I sit down at the dining room table with a massive LEGO Hogwarts set and realizes: this isn't just building for fun—it's a live-action lesson in scope, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), scheduling, cost estimation, and integration.
I Taught Agile to a Firefighter — This Conversation Will Change How You See Scrum
What happens when you teach Agile to someone who makes life-or-death decisions every day? In this powerful one-on-one coaching session, I sit down with a professional firefighter — and what starts as a simple training call turns into one of the most eye-opening Agile conversations I've ever had. We break down the Scrum roles using real fireground command structures, dive deep into velocity, story
Why Some Pass the PMP Fast — and Others Struggle for Years
If you need help reach out to me directly at 757-759-5282 Why do some project managers breeze through the PMP® exam in weeks while others grind away for months (or longer) and still fall short? In this episode, we break down the four levels of PMP preparation — from the exhausting "grind" that traps most people, to the advanced stages of Communication and Imagination where real mastery happens. Y
PMP Procurement Explained Fast: Everything You Need to Know for the Exam
Procurement is one of the most feared topics on the PMP exam and one of the most misunderstood. In this speed learning episode I cut through the noise and give you exactly what you need to know — contract types, key processes, what PMI actually tests, and how to think about procurement questions on exam day. Fast, clear, no fluff. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
The Internal Fight That Decides Whether You Pass the PMP Exam
On PMP exam day there are 180 questions — but there's only one fight that actually matters, and it happens entirely in your head. In this episode I break down the mental battle every PMP candidate faces mid-exam, why most people lose it without realizing it's happening, and exactly how to win it. This is the prep nobody talks about. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Part 2 of 22 Constantly Confused PMP Topics
If you're confused at any point, call me — Scott Payne — at 757-759-5282. I'm here to help. 22 Constantly Confused PMP Topics Simplified — Part 2. These are the tricky, overlapping, and often misunderstood concepts that trip up even the smartest PMP candidates. I break them down clearly, show you how they connect, and give you simple ways to remember them so you can walk into your exam with confid
22 Constantly Confused PMP Topics Made Simple (Part 1 of 2)
If you're confused at any point, call me — Scott Payne — at 757-759-5282. I'm here to help. In this episode, we tackle 22 Constantly Confused PMP Topics Simplified — Part 1. These are the tricky, overlapping, and often misunderstood concepts that trip up even the smartest PMP candidates. I break them down clearly, show you how they connect, and give you simple ways to remember them so you can walk
PMP Application Audit: How to Survive
🚨 Worried about getting audited during your PMP application process? You're not alone—and you can survive it. In this episode, I break down exactly what happens when PMI selects your application for audit. You'll learn: Why audits happen and how common they really are What documentation you'll need to provide (and what NOT to send) How to complete your Audit so you can sit for the exam! Wh
How Elvis Passed the PMP by Trusting the Process
Elvis had a goal, a timeline, and a lot of doubt. What he also had was a process — and he trusted it all the way to PMP certified. In this episode Elvis breaks down exactly what that process looked like, the moments he almost quit, and why committing to the system made all the difference. If you're mid-prep and wondering if it's working, this one's for you. Call or text me at 757-759-5282.
Perfect PMP Exam Day Pacing (So You Can Get the Most Questions Correct)
📞 Need help mastering your PMP pacing strategy? Text me directly — Scott at 757-759-5282. Let's get your timing locked in. 🎧 This episode is your Perfect PMP Exam Day Pacing Plan — no stress, no guesswork. You get 180 questions and 230 minutes — but the key to staying calm and confident is controlling your pace. We break it down into a smooth, steady rhythm: 3 sections of 60 questions 75 minut
