Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast

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 SchoolSouthport Schoolhttps://www.southportschool.org/https://www.southportschool.org/about/leadershipSouthport CoLABhttps://www.southportcolab.org/https://www.southportcolab.org/aboutus/our-teamCoLAB Calendar of Events and Offeringshttps://www.southportcolab.org/calendar-and-eventsThe Executive Function Blueprint: A Practical Framework for the Classroomhttps://www.amazon.com/Executive-Function-Blueprint-Practical-Framework/dp/B0DV4J41DQLearn More about Dyslexia and ReadingHopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars (documentary)https://www.hopevilleadvocacy.com/homeInternational Dyslexia Associationhttps://dyslexiaida.org/Early Bird Reader Study & Apphttps://www.gaablab.com/early-literacy-screener-study-1https://earlybirdeducation.com/Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Traininghttps://www.worksmartcoaching.com/trainingLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 Kristenhttps://bairdintegratedtherapy.com/The CBT Workbook for Adult ADHD: Evidence-Based Exercises to Improve Your Focus, Productivity, and Wellbeinghttps://www.amazon.com/CBT-Workbook-Adult-ADHD-Evidence-Based/dp/1685394876Kristen's questions for the doctor/therapist:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mbte9PCvKj5JaB5F5XWPRxkyU4hoAwMm/view?usp=drive_linkLet’s Talk About Perimenopause and ADHDhttps://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 Traininghttps://www.worksmartcoaching.com/trainingLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 Kimhttps://www.cvhorizons.com/about/kimberly-glazier-leonteOCD Resourceshttps://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/OCD Awareness Scalehttps://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/ocd-awareness-scaleFocus Forward Ep 47: Redefining OCD: Debunking the Misconceptions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ft. Dr. Anthony Bramhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=4wt4ip9ozvLearn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Traininghttps://www.worksmartcoaching.com/trainingLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 Galanopouloshttps://www.getnewperspective.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/galanopouloseducationtraining/Learn More about the Gut-Brain ConnectionResource Sheet Shared by Dr. Galanopouloshttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1EUUvgjhycHuwyRoG_qNKWtJccz3hpSnV/view?usp=sharingGut-Brain Connection: Microbiome, Gut Barrier, and Environmental Sensorshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8263213/The gut-brain connection: What the science sayshttps://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/03/gut-brain-connection-long-covid-anxiety-parkinsons.htmlRecipesEasy-to-make kimchi by Maangchihttps://www.maangchi.com/recipe/easy-kimchiFermented Hot Saucehttps://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/fermented-hot-sauce/The Simple Guide to Kickass Kombuchahttps://www.liveeatlearn.com/the-simple-guide-to-kickass-kombucha/Fermented Pickleshttps://www.feastingathome.com/fermented-pickles/Learn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 Shaynehttps://swiftlyfe.com/about/meet-shayne-swift-ms/Expressive Arts Coachinghttps://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 Skillshttps://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-executive-functions-arts-judy-willishttps://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1725&context=expressive_thesesLearn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Traininghttps://www.worksmartcoaching.com/trainingLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 Brookehttps://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/about-brookeSuccessfull with ADHD Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successfull-with-adhd/id1674069554Bullying: What Parents and Teachers of Children with ADHD Need to Knowhttps://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_06_12_Bullying.pdfBullying Resource Centerhttps://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bullying_Resource_Center/Home.aspxHow to Demobilize a Bully in 5 Stepshttps://www.additudemag.com/stop-bullying-adhd-upstander/?srsltid=AfmBOoozI6FRhewOLn8ICHuypgxNjYuz4icT8UfTDNIPcYINmIxqmwt3Put Down the Stick, Pick Up a Feather: Adult ADHD & Self-Criticismhttps://chadd.org/attention-article/put-down-the-stick-pick-up-a-feather-adult-adhd-self-criticism/Learn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com

Learn More About Dave KraskyWebsitehttps://www.raisingfutureadults.com/Raising Future Adults - his bookhttps://www.raisingfutureadults.com/booksRead more about other topics mentioned in this episodeFAFO Parenting - “F*** Around and Find Out” https://www.parents.com/what-is-fafo-parenting-unpacking-the-trend-11678790Autonomy-Supportive Parenting by Emily Edlynnhttps://www.emilyedlynnphd.com/autonomy-supportive-parentingAge-Appropriate Chores for Kidshttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Chores-and-Responsibility.aspxLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 Harderhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/how-ai-helps-adhd-brains-work-smarter-not-harderSeason 4 ThemesTheme 1: Understanding Our Own Executive Functioning & NeurodiversityEpisodes 51, 52, 54, 60, 61, 64, 65, 68, and 71.Theme 2: Holistic Well-beingEpisodes 51, 58, 59, 65, 66Theme 3: Strategies for Managing EF ChallengesEpisodes 50, 51, 58, 59, 63, 67, 69Theme 4: Parenting & CommunicationEpisodes 52, 54, 56, 62, 65, 70Theme 5: Self-Advocacy & Personal GrowthSo many episodes (maybe even all of them), and especially episodes 53, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 66, 68, 71Many 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 MitchellLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 MitchellWebsitehttps://tylermitchell.com/Tyler’s LinkedIn Profilehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercmitchell/Learn More About ADHD in MenA Guide for Men With ADHD (and Their Loved Ones)https://add.org/adhd-symptoms-in-men/For Men With ADHD — and Those Who Love Themhttps://www.additudemag.com/adhd-men-relationship-anger-shame-communicationADHD in Adultshttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-knowLearn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.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 TeensFamily Conflict Resolution: 6 Worksheets & Scenarios (+ PDF)https://positivepsychology.com/conflict-resolution-family-kids/Parent-teen conflicts less troublesome when teens feel loved, study showshttps://news.yale.edu/2020/07/14/parent-teen-conflicts-less-troublesome-when-teens-feel-loved-study-showsOther 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=mj2r59gs2vEp 62: Lighthouse Parenting: How to Communicate, Connect, and Guide with Confidence (ft. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=v0rl5xa5ubEp 40: The Breakthrough Years: Raising Thriving Teens Through Executive Function (ft. Ellen Galinsky)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=fhebx5zqflEp 54: Self-Regulation Starts with Us: Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions (ft. Nerissa Bauer)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=kqhshzq15xEp 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=baxmpspptjAttend our MAP Demo!July 21 12:00pm ET/9:00am PThttps://beyondbooksmart.zoom.us/j/81330992542Learn More About Our MAP Programhttps://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com