Mechanical PE Exam Prep Podcast

Hosted by Dan Molloy, PE

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May 2026

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Welcome to the Mechanical PE Exam Prep Podcast! In this podcast, I provide you will the skills and motivation to obtain Professional Engineering Licensure, and hear from recent candidates and industry professionals along the way! HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle Thermal & Fluids Systems Full Access Bundle For questions about preparing for the Mechanical PE Exam email Dan@mechanicalPEexamprep.com

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May 22, 20261 hr 0 min

MPEP-E45: He Didn't Touch Engineering for 4 Years — Then Passed the PE Exam

Evan Adamson took a winding road to his PE license — from centrifugal pumps in California, to roller coaster wheels, to a cross-country COVID move to Texas that pulled him out of engineering for nearly four years. In this episode, he shares how he rebuilt his technical foundation from scratch, developed a study plan that had him walking into exam day with genuine confidence, and learned the crucial difference between getting the right answer and truly understanding why. He also opens up about the support system that kept him balanced through the grind and the office hours moments that changed how he approached hard problems. If you've ever doubted whether you're too far removed from the material to pass, Evan's story is the answer you need to hear.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

May 8, 202638 min

MPEP-44: He Waited 10 Years — Then Passed the PE in 8 Weeks

Zach Tedford's path to the PE wasn't a straight line — it took a decade of life happening, a marriage, three kids, and a management role before he finally went all in. Then in just 8 weeks, he passed. In this episode, Zach breaks down exactly what changed, what it cost him, and why he says preparation is the only thing standing between you and those two letters after your name.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

February 23, 202634 min

MPEP-43: Didn’t Pass the Mechanical PE (TFS) the First Time? Listen to This.

In this episode, Dan Molloy PE speaks with Jonah Murray who shares how he navigated a major career pivot—from wastewater projects to overhead transmission lines—while preparing for and ultimately passing the Thermal & Fluids Systems PE exam. After coming up short on his first attempt, Jonah regrouped and rebuilt his approach, committing to early-morning study sessions during his busiest season of the year, when long workdays and officiating basketball games left little room for evenings. He opens up about managing anxiety, closing knowledge gaps, and learning to think clearly under pressure—especially when facing unfamiliar problems on exam day. This conversation is a practical and honest look at what it takes to turn a setback into momentum—and how steady preparation, patience, and the right structure can completely change your experience the second time around.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

February 8, 202635 min

MPEP-42: Failed the PE Once. Passed the Second Time by Changing This

In this episode, Dan Molloy, P.E. talks with Cherian Joshua, a mechanical engineer who failed the PE once, procrastinated for two years, and finally broke through by changing how and where he studied. We dive into why studying alone at home wasn’t working, how nightly library sessions with a coworker became the turning point, and why booking the exam date and buying a prep course on the spot flipped the switch mentally. Cherian shares how counting problems backward from exam day, front-loading progress to survive holidays and sickness, and “getting stressed during practice” completely changed his exam-day experience—from panic and near burnout to calm, focused execution. If you’ve struggled with motivation, isolation, or exam anxiety, this conversation offers a clear, honest blueprint for turning things around.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

January 28, 202651 min

MPEP-E41: Not a Design Engineer? Why You Can Still Pass the PE Exam

In this episode, Dan Molloy, P.E. sits down with Gabriel Montalvo, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam after years of postponing it due to work, life, and uncertainty. Gabriel shares how a nontraditional background in facilities engineering, retrofits, and controls—not pure design—actually became a strength during exam prep, and how disciplined study habits helped him rebuild rusty calculation skills. They dive into the mental side of studying, overcoming impostor syndrome, and why “you already know more than you think you do.” This is an honest, motivating conversation for engineers wondering if their experience is “enough” to finally commit to the PE and get it done.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

December 8, 202536 min

MPEP-E40: Physical Goals, Mental Grit, and PE Exam Victory

In this episode, Tyler Lloyd shares his honest and inspiring journey to passing the Mechanical PE Exam after regrouping from a tough first attempt. He opens up about the mindset shifts, study habits, and personal discipline that transformed his second try—including how a parallel physical challenge became the unlikely key to staying motivated. We dive into what changed, how he rebuilt confidence, and the exact strategies that carried him across the finish line. Whether you’re on your first attempt or coming back for another round, Tyler’s story is the kind of real, practical encouragement every future PE needs.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

November 23, 202543 min

MPEP-E39: Slow Is Fast - The Counterintuitive Strategy To Pass the Mechanical PE Exam

In this episode Dan chats with Muhammad, a mechanical engineer in New York City who recently earned his PE license after years of persistence through immigration challenges, demanding aviation projects, and family milestones. Muhammad shares how he shifted from memorizing problems to truly understanding engineering concepts — a mindset change that transformed his preparation and performance. He reflects on lessons from managing large-scale design-build projects at LaGuardia and JFK, the value of slowing down to think critically, and how staying disciplined through setbacks led to success. His story is a powerful reminder that depth, patience, and perseverance are the keys to mastering the PE exam.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

November 8, 202542 min

MPEP-E38: How Andrew Turned a PE Exam Setback into a Major Comeback

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Gleason, a mechanical engineer who recently passed the PE exam in New York after an inspiring comeback. Andrew shares how he balanced a demanding work schedule, coaching hockey, and personal travel while refining his study strategy after an initial setback. He opens up about what changed the second time around — from daily repetition and focused problem-solving to clearing his schedule for an all-out final push. In this conversation, we unpack the mental side of preparing for the PE, how to handle failure without losing momentum, and what it feels like when everything finally clicks on exam day.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

October 29, 202539 min

MPEP-E37: How Malachi Passed the PE Exam Just Months After Graduating

In this episode, I sit down with engineer Malachi Tesarik, who took the FE in March, graduated in May, and passed the PE by September — all while settling into his first full-time engineering job. Malachi shares how he balanced on-the-job learning with 17-hour study weeks, the mindset that kept him motivated, and what it’s like preparing for the PE so early in his career. Tune in for practical study tactics, lessons from the trenches, and inspiration for anyone considering an accelerated path to the PE.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm

September 4, 202534 min

MPEP-E36: What Finally Worked: Breaking Through PE Exam Roadblocks

In this episode, Dan sits down with Blake and Carlton—two newly licensed Professional Engineers—to talk about the realities of preparing for the PE exam. Carlton shares how he “would not have succeeded at taking the PE exam if I didn’t have somebody like Blake there keeping me accountable”—highlighting the power of study partners and weekly check-ins. Blake admits that he “floundered for the first year” before finding the right structure, reminding us that persistence and course correction are key parts of the process. Whether you’re just starting your prep or in the middle of it, their candid stories about setbacks, accountability, and ultimately passing the exam will give you practical strategies—and motivation—to keep going.ENROLL IN FE & PE EXAM PREP COURSES Enroll in FE Mechanical Exam Prep Course here: https://bit.ly/3PkilH7 Enroll in PE HVAC & Refrigeration Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4gHLVlu Enroll in PE Thermal Fluids & Systems Full Access Bundle here: https://bit.ly/4iJQKwm