*Sorry for the poor audio on this one folks. Turns out forgetting to plug in the correct microphone can decrease the quality! We'll get it right for next time, and this seemed like a fine topic for audio issues. Thanks!*

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Menu Development and why it matters for the RD Exam. From menu types (static, cycle, and single-use) to pricing styles like prix fixe and à la carte, we review the key concepts you need to recognize on exam day.

You’ll also learn how menus impact the entire foodservice system — including staffing, equipment, cost control, sustainability, cultural considerations, government regulations, and nutritional adequacy. We walk through menu psychology, aesthetics (color, texture, shape, and balance), and the Star, Plow Horse, Puzzle, and Dog framework for evaluating menu items.

If menus feel straightforward but you’re not always sure what the exam is really asking, this episode will help you connect the dots and approach these questions with more confidence.

Follow RD Exam Ready for more exam prep:

Instagram: @RDExamReady
TikTok: @RDExamReady
YouTube: RD Exam Ready

Listen or watch the podcast anywhere:
https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with your study group.

Happy Studying, RD2Be 💙

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak reviews key Nutrition Assistance Programs you’ll want to understand for the RD Exam and real-world community nutrition practice. We break down what each program provides, who is eligible, and the income guidelines that determine benefits — from SNAP and WIC to school meals, older adult nutrition programs, CSFP, CACFP, and more.

📺 Upcoming RD Exam Ready YouTube Live — 2/18/26
Mark your calendar! We’ll be going live on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 PM Central Time with another review session designed to help you study smarter. More practice questions, explanations, and real-time support. You don’t want to miss it!

📲 Follow RD Exam Ready
Instagram: @RDExamReady
YouTube: RD Exam Ready

🎧 Listen or watch the podcast anywhere:
https://feeds.transistor.fm/rd-exam-ready-podcast

In this episode of the RD Exam Ready Podcast, Zak breaks down Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) and staffing calculations, a topic that often causes confusion in foodservice management. You’ll learn how FTEs fit into the management functions, how to calculate FTEs per day, week, and year, and how to account for relief employees and adjusted FTEs. Zak walks through common exam-style scenarios, highlights unit-tracking tips, and finishes with practice questions to help you apply these concepts with confidence on exam day.

📺 Upcoming YouTube Live – EN & TPN Calculations
Join us Wednesday, February 4th at 7:00 PM Central Time
(5:00 PM Pacific | 6:00 PM Mountain | 8:00 PM Eastern)
👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/rhQiFfnCVd4?si=UQygvJ_tVdvPesZL

📲 Follow RD Exam Ready for more practice questions & live updates:
Instagram: @RDExamReady
YouTube: RD Exam Ready

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help spread the word and support fellow RD2Be’s.

Happy studying 💙