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LSQ Newsletter

A newsletter for lifelong learners looking to improve their processing, retention and recall of everything they learn.

Written by

Ray Blakney

What Your Brain Actually Does When You Learn Something New

The brain change you can't see

Ray Blakney

Beyond the Cardboard: How Playing Games With People Builds Skills You Actually Need

May 16, 2026

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9 min read

Beyond the Cardboard: How Playing Games With People Builds Skills You Actually Need

Why the social dimension of board games turns out to be one of the most transferable life skills there are.

Ray Blakney

The Zone Just Past Comfortable: Why Stretching Yourself Is How Learning Actually Happens

May 15, 2026

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9 min read

The Zone Just Past Comfortable: Why Stretching Yourself Is How Learning Actually Happens

Why comfortable studying doesn't produce growth, where the actual learning zone lives, and how to deliberately calibrate the discomfort that produces real progress.

Ray Blakney

Five Retention Techniques That Aren't Active Recall (And Why You Need Them Too)

May 15, 2026

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10 min read

Five Retention Techniques That Aren't Active Recall (And Why You Need Them Too)

The lesser-known evidence-based retention techniques that work alongside active recall.

Ray Blakney

Find Someone to Look Up To: The Hidden Power of a Good Role Model

May 14, 2026

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10 min read

Find Someone to Look Up To: The Hidden Power of a Good Role Model

The person who proves it's possible

Ray Blakney

How Manual Skills Make You a Better Learner

May 14, 2026

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10 min read

How Manual Skills Make You a Better Learner

Why woodworkers learn better

Ray Blakney

How Aromas Actually Affect Your Studying

May 13, 2026

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9 min read

How Aromas Actually Affect Your Studying

Can scents really help you study?

Ray Blakney

Your Brain's Reward Engine: How Dopamine Actually Drives Learning

May 13, 2026

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9 min read

Your Brain's Reward Engine: How Dopamine Actually Drives Learning

Why "dopamine hits" isn't how it really works.

Ray Blakney

When Your Learning System Stops Working: How to Spot It and Fix It

May 12, 2026

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9 min read

When Your Learning System Stops Working: How to Spot It and Fix It

The warning signs that your current learning approach has stopped serving you.

Ray Blakney

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Archive

What Your Brain Actually Does When You Learn Something New

Beyond the Cardboard: How Playing Games With People Builds Skills You Actually Need

The Zone Just Past Comfortable: Why Stretching Yourself Is How Learning Actually Happens

Five Retention Techniques That Aren't Active Recall (And Why You Need Them Too)

Find Someone to Look Up To: The Hidden Power of a Good Role Model

How Manual Skills Make You a Better Learner

How Aromas Actually Affect Your Studying

Your Brain's Reward Engine: How Dopamine Actually Drives Learning

When Your Learning System Stops Working: How to Spot It and Fix It

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