014 | "Using Rap for SATs to Get Into Ivy Leagues" (Austin at Rhymes with Reason)
Today’s guest on the “Phil with Forbes 30” podcast is Austin Martin – CEO of Rhymes With Reason
Forbes List: USA
Year: 2020
Category: Education
San Diego native Austin Martin was not considered the best of students, but he was considered to be a bright kid. It’s ironic that his Forbes 30 under 30 award was given to him in the education category. Austin is the CEO of Rhymes with Reason (RWR), an online vocabulary and literacy centered learning tool that is powered by a student’s favorite music.
RWR has been used in more than 100 schools and education programs across the United States. The company and product have been covered by Bloomberg, NPR, EducationPost, HuffingtonPost and other media outlets.
In 2019, RWR launched a collaboration with Chance the Rapper’s Social Works and was awarded the 2019 Echoing Green Fellowship.
Austin’s story centers around his good fortune of meeting Cliff Weitzman (another Forbes 30 under 30 interviewed on this podcast) when he got involved in social entrepreneurship at Brown University. Austin learned the importance of researching and validating his idea and he shares his unique “light bulb” moment that got him started in developing his concept.
Austin’s inspiration for his company really comes from a high school passion. He was almost addicted to his love of studying rap music, primarily for the art of the lyric and appreciation of how those words were conveyed in music.
Austin believes that because of his studying these lyrics he had a wider vocabulary. He says, “I had a better grasp of figurative language. I understood all the allusions and references that are made in rap music including pop culture and history.”
RWR program executes a strategic use of “the world’s most popular and equitable word bank” with popular music to engage young people in academics, and to increase access to vocabulary by presenting vocabulary and English language learning within a context (popular music) that most of the world already understands and enjoys. It most definitely helps with those SAT questions to get students into Ivy League institutions. And like what Austin did in high school, it helps to teach educational concepts that motivates students and increases learning.
I enjoyed our conversation with Austin’s sharing of why he has become successful and the practical tips of when and how to listen to other people’s advice and your own gut feelings.
Once you listen to his story you’ll appreciate why his goal is to reach a million young people with his RWR program.
Austin’s approach to education certainly is one of a kind. Enjoy the show and be sure to get his gift listed below.
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?\
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra because of my learning the importance of self-awareness and happiness.
What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - I bought a domain name, created a website and just went to work.
Worst - Even if you make a mistake you always learn something.
What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning routine and most impactful thing you do in your Evening routine?
AM - I get outside and run or walk to wake up my mind.
PM - I plan out specific objectives for the next day.
Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of going to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
I’d make sure I’d do an inventory on myself and know that the business I am starting is one I believe in and care about. Then I would hire developers and start the marketing plan.
What’s something you never knew you needed?
I’m slowing down because taking a couple of steps back is really taking a couple of steps forward.
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Austin Martin’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Austin Martin – CEO of Rhymes With Reason
CONTACT: On Instagram @rhymeswithreason and @life.withreason
WEBSITE: http://www.rhymeswithreason.com/
COUPON CODE DISCOUNT: rhymeswithreason.com/covid-19 and use code "PHIL"
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.philwithforbes30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com
