Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast

Something I love about executive function skills is that when you host a podcast all about them, you will literally never run out of topics because EF skills impact every aspect of our lives. In today’s episode, we’re talking about romantic relationships and executive functioning. I’m joined by Dr. David Helfand, a licensed psychologist specializing in neurofeedback and couples therapy. Dr. H, as he goes by with his patients, shared how executive functioning impacts relationships, particularly for couples navigating the impact of stress, trauma, and neurodivergence. I was so happy to also be joined by my podcast team—Sean Potts, our editor and producer, and Justice Abbott, our creative visionary. We got to dig deep into how to make our relationships healthier by improving our communication, emotional regulation, and intimacy. Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship or support a partner with executive function challenges, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward together. Just a note if you’re listening with children around - we briefly and non-graphically mention sex, as this often an important aspect of romantic relationships. Some of the questions we covered today were submitted by our listeners. If you want to be part of the conversation, be sure to sign up for our subscriber newsletter and follow Beyond BookSmart on our social media channels.Episode 55 - Dr. David Helfand - couples and EFLearn More About Dr. David Helfandhttps://www.lifewisevt.com/david-helfand-psyd/https://marriagequest.org/dr-david-helfand-psyd/https://marriagequest.org/marriage-retreat/Further ReadingWhy You Should Stop Rescuing Your Partner (and what to do instead)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/why-you-should-stop-rescuing-your-partner-and-what-to-do-insteadRelationships & How ADHD and Executive Function can impact themhttps://sethperler.com/%F0%9F%A7%A0-relationships-how-adhd-and-executive-function-can-impact-them/The Impact of ADHD on Marriagehttps://guilfordjournals.com/doi/abs/10.1521/adhd.10.3.9.20553?journalCode=adhdEffects of adult ADHD on intimate partnershipshttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10522158.2023.2165585Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s so important for families navigating the ups and downs of childhood and parenting: behavioral and Executive Function challenges in kids.I had the pleasure of inviting back to Focus Forward the wonderful Dr. Nerissa Bauer, a developmental pediatrician with a wealth of knowledge and compassion for helping families thrive. Nerissa has been a great partner with us at Beyond BookSmart and I’m so happy to be able to share her wisdom with you all again. Listen today to hear us explore the messages behind children’s behaviors, the connection between emotional regulation and executive function, and how parents and caregivers can approach challenges with curiosity, collaboration, and love. Dr. Bauer shared invaluable insights, from understanding the “why” behind behaviors to the power of the pause and how we can model self-regulation for ourselves and for our kids. Be sure to check the show notes after you listen to learn more about Nerissa’s work.Learn More About Dr. Nerissa BauerYouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@NerissaBauerMDLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nerissa-bauer-md-mph-faap-4b692967/Let’s Talk Kids’ Healthhttps://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/Teach Me ADHD Virtual Courses for Parents and Kidshttps://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/virtual-coursesEp 39: Speaking Up: How to Empower Our Kids to Advocate for Themselves (ft. Dr. Nerissa Bauer)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=j5rz3vnbkpEmotional Regulation ResourcesEmotional Regulation as a Kid Can Be Challenging: These 7 Activities May Helphttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/7-activities-to-help-your-child-with-emotional-regulationHow Beyond BookSmart Supports Students with Emotional Regulation Challengeshttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-we-help/stress-managementEmotional Regulation and Executive Function Skills: A Powerful Linkhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/emotional-regulation-and-executive-function-skills-a-powerful-linkHow Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation? - The Child Mind Institutehttps://childmind.org/article/can-help-kids-self-regulation/Co-regulation: Helping children and teens navigate big emotions - Harvard Health Publishinghttps://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/co-regulation-helping-children-and-teens-navigate-big-emotions-202404033030Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com

Ah, I’m so excited about this one! In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Kendra Adachi - popular author, podcast host, and creator of “The Lazy Genius” approach. Kendra offers a refreshing perspective on using and trusting our executive function strengths and supporting ourselves where we face challenges. Her method encourages us to be "geniuses" about what matters while allowing ourselves to let go of what doesn’t. Throughout our conversation, we dive into Kendra's new book, "The Plan," which brings a compassionate twist to time management. We also explore the impact of small, intentional changes, trusting ourselves, and how to push back against pressure to “always do more.” Kendra also breaks down her five-step Lazy Genius Method for tackling big projects: prioritizing, essentializing, organizing, personalizing, and systemizing. Kendra’s insights remind us that we can find real contentment by honoring what truly serves us, trusting our instincts, and embracing the season we’re in. I hope you enjoy listening and walk away feeling as inspired as I did! Show notes: Learn More About Kendra Adachi and The Lazy Genius: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/The Plan - a book all about compassionate time management: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/theplanKendra on Instagram: @thelazygeniusLearn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com

It’s no secret that parenting a child with ADHD can be overwhelming at times. However, with the right mindset and support, it can also be fulfilling and inspiring. In this week’s episode of Focus Forward, I sat down with Archie Chimanayi, an ADHD professional who offers assessment, treatment, and management of ADHD, Autism, Depression and Anxiety for children and adults. Beyond his expertise, Archie also has a son who has ADHD and autism, which means he has a unique perspective of a professional and a parent of a child with a diagnosis that impacts Executive Functioning. I was lucky enough to be a guest on Archie’s “ADHD Care” podcast back in May of 2024 and left the conversation knowing that he would be a perfect guest for the Focus Forward audience. The format of this episode is a little different than our usual interview format. I'll be playing three short clips from our original chat. After each clip, I’ll share some of our recent conversation where we went beyond what we covered initially, bringing in fresh insights and more detailed discussion to help you as a parent, caretaker, or professional. From knowing what to look for, navigating the feelings that can come up after a diagnosis, and understanding the importance of self-care for men—this episode is about taking a closer look at the challenges and opportunities that come with raising a child with ADHD. I hope you enjoy the conversation!Here are the show notes from the episode:Learn More About Archie ChimanayiADHD Care, Ltd.https://www.adhdcare.co.uk/?p=aboutArchie’s Video Tour of Exhibit Hall: ADHD Conference in Baltimore (2023)https://youtu.be/cHahKPTxf8A?feature=sharedEpisode 61 - Navigating ADHD: Parenting, Podcasting, and Personal Insights with Hannah Choihttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-61-navigating-adhd-parenting-podcasting-and-personal-insights-with-hannah-choi--60147752Episode 69 - Focus Forward Podcast Feature with Hannah Choihttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-69-focus-forward-podcast-feature-with-hannah-choi--62388901Other resources mentionedMen with ADHD Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mensadhdsupportgroup/ADDitude Adults with ADHD Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/additudemag/Learn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching

Hi everyone! We're right in the middle of ADHD Awareness Month, and to celebrate, we're bringing back one of our all-time favorite episodes with a twist. Today, we look at what makes ADHD brains tick, explore both medication and non-medication strategies, and talk about how pairing these with executive function tools can build confidence in people with ADHD. We also give tips for those of you who are exploring a potential ADHD diagnosis for yourself or your child. This episode also includes voices from a number of people with ADHD who graciously recorded their thoughts to share with us. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around until the end, because we have the most adorable voice you’ve ever heard, sharing their experience with ADHD—I can’t wait for you to hear it! Show notes: Episode 51 - Re-release of ADHD episodeADHD FundamentalsADHD Success Kit by Beyond BookSmarthttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/adhd-success-kit-2022Fact Sheet: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Topicshttp://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets/adhd-facts.pdfBeyond BookSmart’s ADHD Webinarhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/on-demand-webinar-registration-adhd-fundamentalsADHD BrainsHow Does ADHD Affect The Brain?https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/the-brains-structure-and-functionADHD & the Brainhttps://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/ADHD_and_the_Brain-121.aspx2-Minute Neuroscience: ADHDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8JnDhp83gAThe Default Mode Network, Motivation, and Attentionhttps://www.labschool.org/news/stories/default-mode-network-motivation-and-attentionADHD Neuroscience 101https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-neuroscience-101ADHD and GenderADHD in girls and boys – gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measureshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3827008/The Intersection of ADHD and Gender Diversity - Mental Health Therapy, Psychotherapy, Counseling, Coaching, Psychiatry Blog Post By Holly Mileshttps://www.inclusivetherapists.com/blog/the-intersection-of-adhd-and-gender-diversityA Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls: Uncovering This Hidden Diagnosis - PMChttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195638/ADHD and Gender Identity: How They're Linked and Tips for Parentshttps://psychcentral.com/adhd/people-with-adhd-more-likely-to-question-gender-identityADHD Diagnosis SupportHow to Get an ADHD Diagnosis - Child Mind Institutehttps://childmind.org/article/how-to-get-an-adhd-diagnosis/Diagnosis of ADHD | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/ADHD Symptom ManagementThe Exercise Prescription for ADHD https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_06_12_Exercise.pdfWhat Should You Treat First: ADHD or Mental Health Challenges?https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/what-should-you-treat-first-adhd-or-mental-health-challengesCognitive-Behavioral Therapy - CHADDhttps://chadd.org/for-adults/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ADHD: Techniques and Optionshttps://psychcentral.com/adhd/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-for-adhdNon-drug treatments for adult ADHD - Harvard Healthhttps://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/non-drug-treatments-for-adult-adhdLearn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching

Long time no see! Welcome back to season 4 of Focus Forward AND our 50th episode of the podcast. We’re so happy you’re here with us as we begin the best season yet. Today’s episode topic was chosen based on research we’ve gathered about people interested in coaching. According to our questionnaire, planning & prioritizing is the #1 Executive Function skill that students and adults alike are currently struggling with. In this episode, I’ll be sharing some of our favorite tools and strategies to help you or someone you love buiild this critical skill. Show notes: Executive Functioning and Positive Outcomes for ChildrenExecutive Function & Self-Regulationhttps://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/executive-function/Executive Function Skills Predict Children's Success in Life and in Schoolhttps://www.mindinthemaking.org/stories/executive-function-skills-predict-childrens-success-in-life-and-in-schoolEllen Galinsky’s books on EF and children and adolescentsThe Breakthrough Yearshttps://ellengalinsky.com/the-breakthrough-years/Mind in the Makinghttps://www.mindinthemaking.org/Focus Forward Episodes MentionedEp. 40: The Breakthrough Years: Raising Thriving Teens Through Executive Function (ft. Ellen Galinsky)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=fhebx5zqflEp. 14: 4 Steps to Build Time Management Strategies You'll Use for Lifehttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=2hd9mmw2wiEp. 25: Laziness vs. Executive Dysfunction: Expert Tips to Help Motivate Your Kidshttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=e5k6nv0wteExecutive Function for Teachers and Classroomswww.braintracks.com7 Classroom Management Strategies That Teach Students Executive Function Skillshttps://www.braintracks.com/blog-posts/7-classroom-management-strategies-that-teach-students-executive-function-skillsLearn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching

Today’s episode is just for us parents during this back to school time. As you already know, supporting the people we love comes more easily when we feel good about ourselves. However, when things get busy and our energy drains, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. With the return to school providing plenty of chaos for us parents, now is the perfect time to prepare and make sure you’re ready to not only support your kids, but also yourself. So today, we’re exploring five key Executive Function areas that will really support you during this time and give you some tips and strategies in each area. Even if you can’t realistically do all of the things I cover, pick one - just one - that you’re going to commit to doing. Make observations over the next few weeks - what was hard? What was easy? Did it make a difference? Is there something else you can add? (This reflection is an Executive Function exercise in and of itself!) Show Notes:Register for our Back-to-School Webinar on August 14https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/back-to-school-relief-2024Watch Our Past Webinarshttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/workshops-and-eventsFocus Forward Episodes MentionedEp 44: Ask the Coaches: Answering Your Top Questions about Summer, Motivation, Transitions, and more!https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=z1tfw9hl2aEp 11: Procrastination: Why We Wait & What to Do About Ithttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=n2bmc91r6dEp 42: Insomnia, ADHD, and Sleep Hygiene: How to Transform Your Life Through Better Sleep (ft. Marlee Boyle)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=rpuckdh0f5Other ResourcesCovey Quadrants/Eisenhower Matrix (Hannah’s version)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bzg9nObT0HbK5EjK2s7bBW3deSRzstAVA_v_VEX71zY/edit?usp=sharingClutterBugwww.clutterbug.meLearn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching

Today’s episode is a conversation I had with Dr. Deborah Korn, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience treating trauma with EMDR therapy. If you haven’t heard of EMDR before, you’re in for a treat because this therapy technique is pretty mind-blowing. From our conversation, you’ll learn what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and who might be a good candidate for this innovative intervention for coping with trauma (spoiler alert: you don’t need to have had a big traumatic experience to benefit from EMDR!) Best of all, Dr. Korn shared some inspiring and heartwarming stories about people whose lives have been changed for the better (or maybe even saved) by EMDR therapy. I hope you enjoy the episode!Show notesLearn more about Dr. Kornhttps://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com/about-deborah-korn-psydEvery Memory Deserves Respect Bookhttps://www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com/bookLearn More About EMDREMDR International Associationhttps://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/EMDR Institutehttps://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/Learn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching

Dr. Anthony Bram, a clinical psychologist specializing in OCD, discusses debunking misconceptions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He explains the roots of OCD, the shame associated with obsessions, and the significance of flexible therapeutic approaches. The podcast also explores the impact of OCD on executive functioning, productivity, and decision-making, offering strategies for managing perfectionism and seeking professional help.

Okay, so this week is a tasty episode! I invited Becca King, a registered dietitian and social media influencer with nearly 200k followers, to join me on Focus Forward to talk about food, ADHD, and Executive Function as the three are more interconnected than you might think. We talk about many aspects of food and cooking - how to lower or get rid of barriers that may prevent us from cooking or eating nourishing food, meal planning and how to make it work for you and how it may change as your life situation changes. We also talked about the importance of crunch (haha!), finding satisfaction in the food we eat, and how to remove the guilt or shame we might feel when we don’t cook or eat how we feel like we “should”. Becca follows an “all foods fit” approach to nutrition and really helps people get to a place where they can nourish themselves with nutrient-dense foods and eat the fun stuff, too. Thanks for listening and be sure to check out Becca’s instagram and resources in the show notes below!Show NotesLearn more about Becca KingInstagram: www.instagram.com/adhd.nutritionistBecca’s Tips for Remembering to Eat: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Os3jH51Y-7BwNQdn7zSntTzj1b2FBswP/view?usp=drive_linkBecca’s Sensory Descriptors to help understand your sensory preferences with food: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gjbDnVhwDIvYbodCGtu7tGB0vbWS60aU/view?usp=drive_linkADHD and FoodExecutive Dysfunction 101: How to Treat ADHD's Most Difficult Symptom: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/executive-dysfunction-101-how-to-treat-adhds-most-difficult-symptom#howtotreatEDADHD Diet For Adults: Foods To Eat And Avoid:https://add.org/adhd-diet/Nutrition in the Management of ADHD: A Review of Recent Research:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10444659/Nutrition and ADHD: https://chadd.org/about-adhd/nutrition-and-adhd/Learn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/Get in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching