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Focus Forward is a comprehensive guide to improving Executive Functions - the mental skills like time-management, task-initiation, organization, and emotional regulation that allow us to be successful. Whether you're a parent looking to better support your child, or are simply looking to improve your own Executive Function (EF) skills, this podcast is for you. We'll be having guests of all kinds on, including parents who've had success in improving their child's EF challenges, adults who have navigated executive dysfunction, and experts who specialize in treating these types of issues. Focus Forward is an Executive Function Podcast sponsored by Beyond BookSmart.
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Hi everyone! I have something to tell you and I don’t really know how to say it, so I’m just going to say it like it is. I’ve decided to end my time as part of the marketing team at Beyond BookSmart and sadly, that means that I’ll no longer be hosting Focus Forward. Today’s episode is not our last, we’ll be dropping one more at the beginning of February, so I hope you come back to listen to that. I don’t know what the future is for the show, but I’m sure if Beyond BookSmart decides to keep it going, they’ll continue to provide great content for our listeners. I won’t say too much about our last episode, but it’ll be special and I do hope you come back to listen. And, the archive of the old episodes will still be available, so you can always go back for a listen there. This podcast has been an important part of my life for the past four years, and I’m really grateful for that. This was not an easy decision to make but I’m excited to see what the future holds. If you want to keep up with me, Please look me up on LinkedIn or Instagram. I’d love to hear from you. I’ll also still be doing some coaching for Beyond BookSmart, so you can email me there at hchoi@beyondbooksmart.com. But, let’s talk about today’s episode: it’s all about dyslexia, and I’m really excited to share this conversation with you. I’m joined by Ben Powers and Jeff Ruggiero from the Southport School, and we had the opportunity to record this interview in person at the Fairfield Public Library. Huge thank you to Philip Bahr for once again letting us use the space and equipment and for helping get everything set up. Recording in person is always such a treat and brings a different kind of energy to the conversation. Since this is the first focus forward episode on dyslexia, we really focused on the basics. Ben and Jeff help break down what dyslexia actually is, what it is not, and why it’s so much more complex than just reversing letters or struggling to read. We talk about early signs of dyslexia, the importance of early identification and screening, and what happens in the brain when a child is learning to read. We also spend time talking about the overlap between dyslexia, ADHD, and executive function skills, and why so many students who struggle with reading also struggle with things like organization, working memory, task initiation, and confidence. Ben and Jeff do a great job of explaining why instruction matters so much, including the role of structured literacy and the science of reading, and why certain approaches work better for dyslexic learners, actually, they work better for all learners. Show Notes: Learn More About Ben, Jeff, and Southport School Southport School https://www.southportschool.org/ https://www.southportschool.org/about/leadership Southport CoLAB https://www.southportcolab.org/ https://www.southportcolab.org/aboutus/our-team CoLAB Calendar of Events and Offerings https://www.southportcolab.org/calendar-and-events The Executive Function Blueprint: A Practical Framework for the Classroom https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Function-Blueprint-Practical-Framework/dp/B0DV4J41DQ Learn More about Dyslexia and Reading Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars (documentary) https://www.hopevilleadvocacy.com/home International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org/ Early Bird Reader Study & App https://www.gaablab.com/early-literacy-screener-study-1 https://earlybirdeducation.com/ Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
I’m so glad you’re here for this conversation, because today we’re diving into a topic that is personally very close to home for me and I’m guessing many of you: the intersection of ADHD, womanhood, and self-love. My guest today, Kristen Baird-Goldman, is a licensed mental health therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent women, especially those over 40. She brings such clarity and compassion to this whole messy thing of hormones, ADHD, and mental health. We talk about why so many women go undiagnosed until midlife, how perimenopause can amplify ADHD symptoms in ways that feel terrifying, what’s actually happening in the brain and body during this time, and how we can advocate for ourselves in a medical system that still has a long way to go. I’m so relieved to see this topic finally getting more attention in the news, in research, and all over social media. The conversations are growing and the awareness is catching up! I’m so glad you’re here today with me to be a part of it all - especially the men out there listening. Truly, I mean it. Your willingness to understand these experiences makes a real difference in the lives of your partners, friends, colleagues, and family members. Thanks for tuning in! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Show Notes: Learn More about Kristen https://bairdintegratedtherapy.com/ The CBT Workbook for Adult ADHD: Evidence-Based Exercises to Improve Your Focus, Productivity, and Wellbeing https://www.amazon.com/CBT-Workbook-Adult-ADHD-Evidence-Based/dp/1685394876 Kristen's questions for the doctor/therapist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mbte9PCvKj5JaB5F5XWPRxkyU4hoAwMm/view?usp=drive_link Let’s Talk About Perimenopause and ADHD https://www.additudemag.com/perimenopause-treatment-low-estrogen-symptoms-adhd/ Does Menopause Cause ADHD? https://chadd.org/attention-article/does-menopause-cause-adhd/ Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
In today’s episode, we’re revisiting obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. If you’ve been listening a while, you may remember that in episode 47, I interviewed Dr. Anthony Bram about OCD. wanted to return to this topic because OCD is both more common and more misunderstood than most people realize. And even though awareness has grown in recent years, stigma and shame still keep so many people from getting the help they need. My guest today is Dr. Kim Glazer-Leonte, a psychologist who specializes in OCD, anxiety, and perfectionism. She shares such valuable insight into what OCD is, the way our brains get “stuck” on certain thoughts, and how this can look very different from the stereotypes we often see. We also talk about the incredible variety of OCD themes, how shame can make it hard to open up about symptoms, and what effective treatment looks like. And something that surprised me - how important a role loved ones play in the lives of people with OCD. This episode is all about understanding OCD more deeply and breaking down the stigma that surrounds it. Whether you’re supporting someone with OCD, working with clients, or just curious about how our minds work and how thoughts can get stuck, I think you’ll find this conversation engaging, eye-opening, and shared through a very compassionate lens. Thanks for tuning in! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Learn More about Kim https://www.cvhorizons.com/about/kimberly-glazier-leonte OCD Resources https://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/ OCD Awareness Scale https://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/ocd-awareness-scale Focus Forward Ep 47: Redefining OCD: Debunking the Misconceptions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ft. Dr. Anthony Bram https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=4wt4ip9ozv Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Today’s episode is a fascinating look at the connection between our guts and our brains. This powerful two-way communication between our digestive system and our mind influences everything from mood and sleep to focus and decision-making. My guest is Dr. Anastasia Galanopoulos, is a developmental psychologist and parent coach who is passionate about teaching people about how our gut health shapes our mental health and executive functioning. Anastasia’s interest in this field began with her own health struggles - experiences that led her to connect the dots between nutrition, stress, and brain function in both children and adults. In our conversation, we talk about the science of the gut-brain connection (I have to admit, it sounds pretty unbelievable to me but it’s a thing people, it’s a thing), how to recognize signs that your microbiome might be out of balance, and what kinds of foods and daily habits can help restore it - including fermented foods, plant-rich meals, and stress management. Thanks for tuning in! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Learn More about Dr. Anastasia Galanopoulos https://www.getnewperspective.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/galanopouloseducationtraining/ Learn More about the Gut-Brain Connection Resource Sheet Shared by Dr. Galanopoulos https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EUUvgjhycHuwyRoG_qNKWtJccz3hpSnV/view?usp=sharing Gut-Brain Connection: Microbiome, Gut Barrier, and Environmental Sensors https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8263213/ The gut-brain connection: What the science says https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/03/gut-brain-connection-long-covid-anxiety-parkinsons.html Recipes Easy-to-make kimchi by Maangchi https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/easy-kimchi Fermented Hot Sauce https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/fermented-hot-sauce/ The Simple Guide to Kickass Kombucha https://www.liveeatlearn.com/the-simple-guide-to-kickass-kombucha/ Fermented Pickles https://www.feastingathome.com/fermented-pickles/ Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Today we’re wrapping up ADHD Awareness Month with something a little different — and a lot of fun. This episode is all about creativity, self-expression, and the power of play in adulthood. We’re diving into Expressive Arts Coaching - a unique, creative approach that helps people with or without ADHD strengthen their executive function skills through art, creativity, and imagination. My guest, Shayne Swift, is an Executive Function coach with Beyond Booksmart and she incorporates Expressive Arts Coaching into her practice. She combines her background in education, expertise in executive functioning, and experience and training in creative exploration to help clients unlock insight and self-awareness through the expressive arts. I’m also thrilled to say that we’re also joined by Jamal, one of Shayne’s clients, who shares how this approach helped him communicate more clearly at work, deepen his relationship with his kids, reduce stress, and rediscover confidence in his own strengths. Jamal also shares how his employer invested in him by paying for Executive Function coaching and how his work experience has improved greatly since then. You’ll also get to experience a hands-on activity with Shayne - a fun, colorful reflection exercise designed to help you explore your current EF skills and challenges and walk away with a way to visually see what skills need attention and what skills you know you can rely on. So whether you’re following Shayne’s prompts and doodling while you listen, out on a walk, or just taking a well-earned break, this is your reminder that even as adults, we can - and should - make space for fun and creativity. And that AdHD brains, as challenging as they can be, do have some pretty awesome things about them. Thanks for tuning in! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Learn More About Shayne https://swiftlyfe.com/about/meet-shayne-swift-ms/ Expressive Arts Coaching https://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/how-to-start-your-own-art-program/expressive-arts-facilitation-training/ https://www.ieata.org/how-to-start-career-expressive-arts/ Creativity and Executive Function Skills https://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-executive-functions-arts-judy-willis https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1725&context=expressive_theses Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Hi everyone! Today we’re exploring the connection between ADHD and bullying. Research consistently shows that children with ADHD are more vulnerable to bullying than their neurotypical peers. For instance, a study utilizing data from the National Survey of Children's Health found that 47% of children with ADHD reported being victims of bullying, more than double the prevalence in the general population PMC. This increased susceptibility isn't just a childhood issue—it extends into adolescence and adulthood, affecting self-esteem and mental health. Adolescents with ADHD who experience bullying are at a significantly higher risk for anxiety and depression compared to their peers without ADHD. My guest today, Brooke Schnittman, knows this firsthand. Brooke is an ADHD coach, speaker, and host of the podcast, Successful with ADHD. She works to help adults turn their challenges into strengths. In our conversation, she shares her own story of being bullied from childhood into adulthood, how it shaped her understanding of ADHD, and what helped her begin to rebuild a sense of self-worth. This episode isn’t just about surviving bullying - it’s about understanding how those experiences shape the brain and the stories we tell ourselves, and how healing becomes possible through awareness, coaching, and connection. I also share some additional strategies - both for parents and adults - that can help build proactive protection and resilience in environments where bullying or exclusion might occur. I hope you enjoy! Here are the show notes: Learn More About Brooke https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/about-brooke Successfull with ADHD Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successfull-with-adhd/id1674069554 Bullying: What Parents and Teachers of Children with ADHD Need to Know https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_06_12_Bullying.pdf Bullying Resource Center https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bullying_Resource_Center/Home.aspx How to Demobilize a Bully in 5 Steps https://www.additudemag.com/stop-bullying-adhd-upstander/?srsltid=AfmBOoozI6FRhewOLn8ICHuypgxNjYuz4icT8UfTDNIPcYINmIxqmwt3 Put Down the Stick, Pick Up a Feather: Adult ADHD & Self-Criticism https://chadd.org/attention-article/put-down-the-stick-pick-up-a-feather-adult-adhd-self-criticism/ Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Learn More About Dave Krasky Website https://www.raisingfutureadults.com/ Raising Future Adults - his book https://www.raisingfutureadults.com/books Read more about other topics mentioned in this episode FAFO Parenting - “F*** Around and Find Out” https://www.parents.com/what-is-fafo-parenting-unpacking-the-trend-11678790 Autonomy-Supportive Parenting by Emily Edlynn https://www.emilyedlynnphd.com/autonomy-supportive-parenting Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Chores-and-Responsibility.aspx Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Believe it or not, this is the last episode of our fourth season of Focus Forward! We normally take off all of August and September, but I just had to get one more episode in. After reviewing the topics & guests we featured this season, I realized there were some key themes that came up again and again across a whole variety of conversations. To wrap the season up, we’re reviewing 5 key lessons about personal growth that have been gathered over 20 conversations with experts throughout this past year. Although there are many great pieces of advice waiting for you in today’s episode, the most important of all is to remember to unconditionally give compassion to yourself and empathy towards others. We’re all a work in progress, but the simple act of trying to do better is a seed for transformation. Hopefully, this episode helps provide the water you’ve been looking for. I truly hope you’ve enjoyed and learned from the conversations we’ve shared with you this season and from my solo episodes. If you’ve enjoyed listening, please take a second to rate us on Spotify or Apple. I look forward to seeing you again in Season 5! In the meantime, here are the show notes from today’s show (as well as the various episode numbers that were referenced throughout it): How AI Helps ADHD Brains Work Smarter, Not Harder https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/how-ai-helps-adhd-brains-work-smarter-not-harder Season 4 Themes Theme 1: Understanding Our Own Executive Functioning & Neurodiversity Episodes 51, 52, 54, 60, 61, 64, 65, 68, and 71. Theme 2: Holistic Well-being Episodes 51, 58, 59, 65, 66 Theme 3: Strategies for Managing EF Challenges Episodes 50, 51, 58, 59, 63, 67, 69 Theme 4: Parenting & Communication Episodes 52, 54, 56, 62, 65, 70 Theme 5: Self-Advocacy & Personal Growth So many episodes (maybe even all of them), and especially episodes 53, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 66, 68, 71 Many thanks to Season 4 guests (in order of appearance): Archie Chimanayi, Kendra Adachi, Dr. Nerissa Bauer, Dr. David Helfand, Neal Elliott, “The Tidy Dad” Tyler Moore, Dr. John Randolph, Dr. Emily Gordon, Melissa Llewellyn Snider and Brianna Morton from Hypercast Podcast, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, Ellen Galinsky, Dr. Megan McClelland, Dr. Sarah Cheyette, Dr. Jackie Wolfman, Sara Sherman and Dr. Mort Sherman, Lizzett Cuervo, Helena Bowen, Eliza, Sam, Mark, and Tyler Mitchell Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
In today's episode we’re diving into the world of ADHD through the lens of Tyler Mitchell. Tyler is a strategy consultant (whatever that is!), a husband, a father of five, and a passionate advocate for awareness around ADHD and the workplace. If you’re active on LinkedIn at all, you may have come across Tyler’s thoughtful and popular posts. As we all know, adulting is hard enough, but throw in ADHD and it’s a whole ‘nother can o’ worms. Tyler addresses these challenges with compassion, empathy, honesty, and some humor. In our conversation today, Tyler shares what it was like to be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and how that moment shifted and revealed everything for him. He opens up about the emotional side of things and what he’s discovered about himself, especially what it’s like for men who’ve spent years pushing through without support or answers. And how he’s become someone that other men reach out to for an empathetic ear. Listen to hear us explore themes people need to be talking about: the pervasive stigma surrounding ADHD, the generational pressures that discourage emotional vulnerability, and the powerful impact of understanding one's own neurodivergent brain. Tyler candidly discusses how his diagnosis helped him unravel years of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, and how he's now using social media to create a supportive community for others. Tyler's story highlights the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and breaking down outdated masculinity stereotypes. His mission is to normalize conversations about ADHD and show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Here are the show notes from today’s episode; Learn More About Tyler Mitchell Website https://tylermitchell.com/ Tyler’s LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercmitchell/ Learn More About ADHD in Men A Guide for Men With ADHD (and Their Loved Ones) https://add.org/adhd-symptoms-in-men/ For Men With ADHD — and Those Who Love Them https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-men-relationship-anger-shame-communication ADHD in Adults https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
In this episode, I had three experts come on the show, but they’re not the typical experts I have on Focus Forward. I got to sit down with three incredible teens, Eliza, Mark, and Sam, to talk honestly about conflict and how to manage it between teens and adults. This episode is one I’ve been wanting to do for so long and I’m thrilled to bring it to you today. We covered everything from communication styles to what it feels like to be misunderstood, and even how trust is built—or broken—in those tricky conversations. And of course, I couldn’t not mention EF skills, so you’ll hear me comment here and there on how key executive function skills like self-regulation, flexible thinking, and perspective-taking show up in real life and impact us during conflict and resolution. Listen to learn from these teens about the importance of creating space for mistakes and learning, and how trust is the answer - we have to work to trust them and they us. It’s a hard journey that we’re all making together. These teens were thoughtful, vulnerable, and wise beyond their years. I think you'll walk away with some valuable insight—and maybe even a few moments of, "Oof… yeah, I’ve done that as a parent or teacher." I know I experienced this multiple times! But, as we’ve heard Ellen Galinsky, Nerissa Bauer, Ken Gisburg, and others, say, it’s never too late to make a difference in how you interact with your kids. Thanks for listening! Here are the show notes from today's episode: Learn More About Conflict Resolution with Teens Family Conflict Resolution: 6 Worksheets & Scenarios (+ PDF) https://positivepsychology.com/conflict-resolution-family-kids/ Parent-teen conflicts less troublesome when teens feel loved, study shows https://news.yale.edu/2020/07/14/parent-teen-conflicts-less-troublesome-when-teens-feel-loved-study-shows Other Focus Forward episodes on teen-related topics: Ep 66: From Overwhelmed to Empowered: 4 Essential Coping Skills Every Teen Needs to Thrive (ft. Dr. Jackie Wolfman) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=mj2r59gs2v Ep 62: Lighthouse Parenting: How to Communicate, Connect, and Guide with Confidence (ft. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=v0rl5xa5ub Ep 40: The Breakthrough Years: Raising Thriving Teens Through Executive Function (ft. Ellen Galinsky) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=fhebx5zqfl Ep 54: Self-Regulation Starts with Us: Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions (ft. Nerissa Bauer) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=kqhshzq15x Ep 38: Coping with College Stress: How to Meet the Demands of College Life with Confidence (ft. Dr. Bianca Busch) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=baxmpspptj Attend our MAP Demo! July 21 12:00pm ET/9:00am PT https://beyondbooksmart.zoom.us/j/81330992542 Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Today’s guest is one of my executive function coaching clients, Helena Bowen. Helena is a speaker coach and speechwriter and supports speakers for TED, TEDx, and other major events. She has ADHD and came on the show to share her experience and what she’s learned about herself and her brain over the years. We talk about how Helena is learning to move beyond the frustrating and self-critical thought: “I know what to do, so why can’t I just do it?” Through coaching and her own experiments and data collection, she’s shifting away from viewing her struggles as character flaws—and instead, getting curious about what’s really going on. You’ll hear Helena describe how she discovered that what looked like task initiation challenges were actually self-regulation challenges - moments of getting stuck while avoiding the difficult emotions that came up when faced with certain tasks. She opens up about the creative and often unexpected strategies that help her follow through - timers everywhere, mood tracking with the How We Feel app, absurdly tiny task breakdowns, and even art supplies and a foundation brush to outsmart her own brain and build systems that actually work for her. Doing things differently is part of being neurodivergent, and Helena rocks it and then some. I’m excited to share this conversation. I’m so proud of Helena and the work she’s done for herself in coaching over the last year and a half. I hope you’ll see yourself in Helena’s story, feel less alone, and maybe even feel brave enough to try something different. I know I have learned a lot from her approach to her EF challenges, so I hope you do, too! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Learn More About Helena Bowen Website https://www.helenabowen.com Instagram and TikTok @helenaspeaking Learn More about Procrastination and More World's Leading Expert On How To Solve Procrastination - Dr Tim Pychyl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGIUtVu7w4Y Struggle Care Ep. 70: How to Coach Your Executive Functioning with Hannah Choi https://www.strugglecare.com/podcast-rss/70-how-to-coach-your-executive-functioning-with-hannah-choi Ep 11: Procrastination: Why We Wait & What to Do About It https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=n2bmc91r6d Ep 43: Creativity & Executive Function: How to Enjoy the Brain Benefits of Each https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=2o3uog9wpo Ep 63: Big Tasks, Tiny Steps: A Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting Stuff Done https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=ww20vsahvw
I’m so happy to be able to bring this conversation to you today! My guest is Lizzett Cuervo - a first-generation Cuban American, executive function specialist, and co-founder of the nonprofit Circle Match. I first connected with Lizzett over LinkedIn and then we got to meet in person when she attended my presentation on college students and executive functioning at our local public library. Lizzett is such a fantastic person doing such important work that I knew I had to have her on the show. As you’ll hear, Lizzett’s personal journey through life has moments of discouragement and frustration that many of you may relate to - either directly or in your own way. Her experiences are also deeply inspiring. I know I was very moved by her story. From being told by her high school counselor that she wasn’t “smart enough” for college, to later discovering a love of learning and receiving a life-changing ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, Lizzett has used her experiences and this deep love of learning to create a future for herself, her son, and others that is full of hope and opportunity. In this conversation, you’ll hear about how Lizzett’s own academic struggles lit the spark - hah! for Chispa, a company she started that helps adults and students strengthen their executive function skills and conquer their challenges—and how Circle Match, a non-profit she started with her son, Michael, opens doors to Ivy League and other top tier colleges by offering free college admissions advising and executive function support to students and their families who have historically been left out of those spaces. Lizzett is living proof of what happens when young people are given not only access and knowledge, but also a place to belong. This is a story about overcoming shame, challenging broken systems, being brave enough to do things differently, and creating something better for the next generation. I can’t wait for you to hear it. Show notes: Learn More About Lizzett and Her Work https://chispaefc.com/ Circle Match https://circlematch.org/ Other Resources Focus Forward Ep 32: College Admissions Made Simple: An Executive Function Approach to Success in College https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=q38ax8pzj7 Making College Affordable: 5 Tips for Securing Scholarships https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/making-college-affordable-5-tips-for-securing-scholarships How to Navigate Student Supports in College https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/how-to-navigate-student-supports-in-college
Okay, so this week we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools we have out there for our focus, our mental health, our community, our families, our children, ourselves - music! We don’t even realize how much music plays a role in our lives. And luckily, gone are the days of believing we must work in sterile, silent environments - many (or dare I say most?) brains, including those with ADHD and other EF challenges, truly benefit from some kind of stimulation while doing focused work. The power of music has been studied by researchers so if you’d like to learn more, I’ve shared some articles in the show notes. But one of the best resources I can recommend is a new book out called Resonant Minds. Written by a daughter and father pair, Sara and Mort Sherman, this book covers all aspects of music - from its impact on the brain and learning, including as a mindfulness practice or as Sara and Mort call it “mindful action”, to its positive impact on individuals and community. I sat down with Sara and Mort to learn about music and share stories about how music has impacted us and others and about, as Sara and Mort say, that music is ultimately about love. Sara and Mort are so uniquely qualified to write this book so I asked them to introduce themselves, and the book Resonant Minds is such a unique book that I knew it was only right for them to describe it, so let’s get on with the show! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Learn More About Sara Sherman https://mozartformunchkins.com/ Learn More About Mort https://my.aasa.org/AASA/Resources/SAMag/Sep16/InsideSherman.aspx Resonant Minds book https://mozartformunchkins.com/resonant-minds-the-transformative-power-of-music-one-note-at-a-time/ https://www.resonantminds.com Research on Music and the Brain Melody for the Mind: Enhancing Mood, Motivation, Concentration, and Learning through Music Listening in the Classroom https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20592043231214085 Keep Your Brain Young with Music https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music The transformative power of music: Insights into neuroplasticity, health, and disease https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10765015/ The Youth Orchestra Hannah mentioned: https://gctyo.org/ Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
This week, we’re revisiting a topic & conversion that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I had the opportunity to speak to the public at our local library about Executive Function skills for four different age groups, ranging from early elementary students to adults. In all four groups, we talked a lot about the importance of self-regulation and coping skills to get through challenging times. As we learned from Megan McClelland in the last episode, our ability to persist through challenges is hugely important, even as early as age four. This episode brings our attention specifically to our upper high school students, college students, and young adults. The challenges that teens and young adults face during those years bring all kinds of emotional and logistical hurdles, and having a set of reliable coping tools can make a huge difference in how successful and grounded young people feel during that time. To explore this further, I spoke with Dr. Jackie Wolfman, a therapist based in the Boston area. She teaches her clients coping strategies through DBT—or dialectical behavior therapy. If you’re familiar with CBT, or cognitive behavior therapy, DBT is a related approach that also focuses on how our thoughts and behaviors interact. CBT helps people notice and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, while DBT adds tools specifically for managing intense emotions and building practical coping skills. The tools and strategies Jackie shares from DBT are for everyone, regardless of age or mental health needs, so I know that this episode will truly be useful to anyone. I even use these strategies myself! Thank you for listening! Here are the show notes from today’s episode: Learn More About Dr. Jackie Wolfman and DBT https://villagepsych.com/ DBT® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition, by Marsha Linehan https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Training-Handouts-and-Worksheets/Marsha-Linehan/9781572307810 Dialectical Behavior Therapy https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/ What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents - A helpful YouTube video https://youtu.be/Stz--d17ID4 Other Resources Mentioned And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School by Judith Warner https://www.amazon.com/Then-They-Stopped-Talking-Me/dp/1101905883 Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman https://www.oliverburkeman.com/meditationsformortals Helena's speechwriting website www.helenabowen.com Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Have you heard the saying “research is me-search”? It means people often explore topics they personally need or want to understand better. Well, that’s exactly what today’s episode is for me. I’ve had migraines since I was a teenager, and after being diagnosed with ADHD a couple of years ago, I started noticing how closely the two seem to be connected. Conversations with clients, colleagues, and other people I know showed me that I’m not alone. It seems like many people who have ADHD also deal with migraines. I started researching to find out if there is a connection between migraines and ADHD, and it turns out, there is! I connected with Dr. Sarah Cheyette to learn more. Dr. Cheyette is a pediatric neurologist who specializes in both ADHD and migraines. Dr. Cheyette graduated from Princeton University and received her medical degree at UCLA. Following specialty training in pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and in pediatric neurology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, she practiced at Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She now owns a private practice in northern California. Today, she brings her insight into how these two conditions overlap. In our conversation, we talk about what migraines are, why migraines happen, how they’re triggered, and—most importantly—what we can actually do about them - both to prevent and treat. Dr. Cheyette shares strategies for tracking headaches, making small but meaningful lifestyle changes, how to make sure you’re doing the right things and taking the right meds to manage these debilitating headaches. Whether you live with both ADHD and migraines, or you’re supporting someone who does, I hope you’ll find this episode informative and validating. I have shared some articles and research studies in the show Show notes: Learn More About Dr. Sarah Cheyette https://sarahcheyette.com/ Migraines and ADHD The Connection Between Migraine and ADHD https://www.migrainedisorders.org/migraine-and-adhd/ Migraines and ADHD: The Overlooked Connection to Headaches https://www.additudemag.com/migraines-and-adhd-headaches-symptoms-treatments The Connection Between ADHD and Migraines https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/the-connection-between-adhd-and-migraines/ Comorbidity of migraine with ADHD in adults https://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12883-018-1149-6 ADHD Is Comorbid to Migraine in Childhood: A Population-Based Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28587507/ Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works
Today’s episode is one I’m especially excited to share with you. Whether you’re an Executive Function expert or you’re just starting out learning about these essential life skills, you’ll want to listen because we have not one but *two* Executive Function leaders featured. First up, I’m so happy to have been joined once again by the OG of Executive Function awareness, Ellen Galinsky, who sat down with me on Focus Forward in March of 2024 when her book, The Breakthrough Years, came out. Ellen is the President of the Families and Work Institute and the elected President of the Work and Family Researchers Network (WFRN). She also serves as senior research advisor to AASA, the School Superintendent Organization. Previously, she was the Chief Science Officer at the Bezos Family Foundation and faculty at Bank Street College. Her research has focused on the impact of work-life on families, child and adolescent development, youth voice, child-care, parent-professional relationship, and parental development. Ellen’s work has contributed deeply to how we understand children’s learning and development - and how we, as adults, can nurture it. Our second Executive Function leader is Dr. Megan McClelland, an internationally recognized expert on school readiness and self-regulation in very young children. She is the Katherine E. Smith Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University, where she also directs the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Megan’s research focuses on optimizing children's development, especially as it relates to children’s self-regulation, early learning, and school success. Her recent work has examined links between self-regulation and long-term outcomes from early childhood to adulthood and intervention efforts to improve these skills in young children. She is currently involved with multiple national and international projects to develop measures of self-regulation and improve school success in young children. Megan is also the co-author of Stop, Think, Act, a book all about how we as educators and parents can help our kids strengthen their EF skills through play. Today, you’ll hear us talk about why executive function skills matter and how we can help kids strengthen them through everyday activities - Megan and Ellen help parents and educators see that we learn when we play! Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about kids' success in the long run, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss. I hope you enjoy listening! Here are the show notes from the episode: Learn More About Ellen Galinsky Ellen Galinsky’s Website www.ellengalinsky.com The Breakthrough Years https://ellengalinsky.com/the-breakthrough-years/ Mind in the Making https://www.mindinthemaking.org/ Families and Work Institute https://www.familiesandwork.org/ Learn More About Megan McClelland, PhD. https://health.oregonstate.edu/directory/megan-mcclelland Stop, Think, Act by Megan McClelland and Shauna Tominey https://www.amazon.com/Stop-Think-Act-Integrating-Self-Regulation/dp/0415745233 Executive Function Resources Vroom www.vroom.org Institute for Education Sciences: "Preparing Young Children for School" - A research-based guide with specific tips and activities for educators. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguide/30 Focus Forward Ep 23: Parenting for Success: How to Nurture Executive Function Development in Early Childhood https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=rgbq6nrrvf Focus Forward Ep 26: Navigating Stress, Parenting, and the Brain: A Conversation with Dr. Alison Roy https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=oygnbqkqqq
In today’s quick 15-minute episode, we're exploring strategies for breaking down large tasks into manageable steps - a crucial skill for enhancing productivity and reducing overwhelm. From brain dumping to time mapping, learn new practical techniques that are designed to help initiate tasks, reduce decision paralysis, and maintain momentum. These methods are particularly helpful for anyone with ADHD, executive dysfunction, or anyone who finds getting started challenging. By implementing these approaches, you'll hopefully be able to transform those daunting projects into many small steps that will lead to action and confidence. As always, thank you for being part of the Focus Forward community! If you enjoy this episode, be sure to leave us a 5-star rating on the platform you're listening on ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here are the show notes from this episode (lots of useful links and tools!) STM Tool Google Docs version (will force you to create a copy) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WAabo_q7Zg61Ns-A8KkXVYmvq9eXhQUlnSoiHWk5HYM/copy Want an Excel version? Email me and I'll send you one! Focus Forward Episodes Mentioned in this Episode Ep 11: Procrastination: Why We Wait & What to Do About It https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=n2bmc91r6d Ep 14: 4 Steps to Build Time Management Strategies You'll Use for Life https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=2hd9mmw2wi Ep 21: Rethinking Your Thinking: How Cognitive Flexibility Can Improve Your Life and Relationships https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=mdpox3lokq Ep 43: Creativity & Executive Function: How to Enjoy the Brain Benefits of Each https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=2o3uog9wpo Ep 58: Routines Without Rigidity: Your Guide to Building & Sustaining Healthier Habits https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=jhszcaaccp Ep 62: Lighthouse Parenting: How to Communicate, Connect, and Guide with Confidence (ft. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=v0rl5xa5ub Online and AI Tools University of Toronto Assignment Planner https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/assignment-planner (shared by Beyond BookSmart coach, Kerrie Welch) Goblin.tools Learn More About Our MAP Program Morning accountability sessions for planning, skill-building workshops, and work sprints for maximum support and accountability! All for a low monthly fee. https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch: podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
Today, I am so excited to share this conversation I had with Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg. If you are a parent, a caregiver, an educator, a coach, a therapist, a human who interacts with children, young and old, this episode is for you. We all have something to learn from Dr. Ginsburg’s insightful and engaging interpretation of these decades of research on what works in parenting. Dr. Ginsburg practices adolescent medicine at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania, a founding director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, the Director of Health Services at Covenant House Pennsylvania, an agency that serves Philadelphia’s youth enduring homelessness and a father of two young adults. This vast experience and deep passion for supporting children of all ages and their families, in my opinion, makes him the perfect lighthouse for us as we navigate the sometimes murky or stormy waters of raising our own children and supporting the children of others around us. You’ll hear Dr. Ginsburg and I speak highly of Ellen Galinsky who was a guest on Focus Forward and who wrote the highly acclaimed books Mind in the Making and The Breakthrough Years, all about EF skills in children and adolescents. If you’re interested in learning more about Ellen’s work, check out the show notes and Focus Forward episode #40, which coincidentally dropped exactly a year ago this week. Ellen will be joining me again in a few weeks to talk more about Executive Function skills with early childhood development researcher, Megan McClelland. In the meantime, thank you for listening! Show Notes: Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Learn More About Dr. Ginsburg https://www.fosteringresilience.com Center for Parent and Teen Communication https://parentandteen.com/ Ellen Galinsky’s books https://ellengalinsky.com/
As a person with ADHD or Executive Function challenges it can often feel like society - you know, people at work, in our homes, anyone we encounter during our day, expects you to think, work, and communicate the same way as everyone else. It can be exhausting and can often require that you advocate for yourself and your needs more than you would like! And the first step of advocacy is figuring out what exactly it even is that you need! In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Llewellyn Snider and Brianna Morton, ADHD coaches and co-hosts of The Hypercast ADHD Podcast. Together, we explored the power of self-acceptance because, as they say, it is truly the foundation for building strong and effective self-advocacy skills. We discussed the challenges of setting boundaries, navigating dynamics at work and in our personal lives, and learning to communicate our needs—without guilt or apology. We talked about the importance of having people around you who GET YOU. And, most importantly, we’ll talk about embracing our differences rather than masking them, because, as Brianna shared, you’re not a weird horse—you’re a perfectly normal zebra. Show notes: Learn More About Our Guests: Hypercast: An ADHD Podcast www.hypercastpod.com Melissa Llewellyn Snyder https://www.likemindcoaching.com/ Brianna Morton https://www.understandingadhd.ca/ More about Self-Advocacy: Read & Listen Ep. 39: Speaking Up: How to Empower Our Kids to Advocate for Themselves (ft. Dr. Nerissa Bauer) https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=j5rz3vnbkp From Failing to Thriving: ADHD Strategies Every College Student Needs https://hypercastpod.buzzsprout.com/2328723/episodes/16524660-from-failing-to-thriving-adhd-strategies-every-college-student-needs Talking to Teachers: Building Self-Advocacy in College Students - Beyond BookSmart Blog https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/talking-to-teachers-building-self-advocacy-in-college-students Self-Advocacy Can Improve Your Life https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/self-advocacy-can-improve-your-life/
Today’s episode is especially important for people to find - we’re covering the topic of eating disorders - it’s a tough one but so important to talk about as eating disorders are so much more than you may realize. Beyond simply affecting what someone does or doesn’t eat, they also impact brain function, emotional regulation, and the other critically important executive functioning skills we use every day like impulse control, focus, and decision-making. To help us understand these challenges, I sat down with Dr. Emily Gordon, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in adolescents and young adults, with expertise in eating disorders, body image, and parenting. Dr. Gordon has worked in clinical leadership roles at McLean Hospital. She helped launch the Klarman Center for Eating Disorders and now runs a private practice in Massachusetts. She’s also a parent of three teenagers. So listen today to learn from Dr. Gordon as she teaches us about the different types of eating disorders, their impact on executive functioning, and the early warning signs parents should look out for. If you're a parent navigating these challenges, you’re not alone. Supporting a child through something like this can be overwhelming, and I’ve seen in my own experience that many families find that the addition of executive function coaching helps bring structure and support in times of stress. If you’re curious to learn more about how we help, you can visit our website at beyond booksmart.com Show Notes Learn More About Dr. Emily Gordon Website: www.dremilygordon.com Instagram: @dremilygordon LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/dremilygordon Subscribe to her newsletter: dr-emily-gordon.kit.com/podcast Learn More About Eating Disorders What are Eating Disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders National Eating Disorders Association https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/resource-center/ Executive dysfunction in eating disorders: Relationship with clinical features https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36181959/ Exploring the Relationship Between Disordered Eating and Executive Function in a Non-Clinical Sample https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0031512520937569 Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com
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