PODCAST · health
The Executive Function Podcast
by Sarah Kesty, Brain Tools School
Helpful, fun, and effective strategies to support everyone's executive function! Learn how to coach yourself, your teen, or your child to manage attention, organize, and plan. We share inspiration for families and individuals with neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and more. We love what we do and are passionate about helping you thrive!
Episodes
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Why Gold Stars Backfire: The Science of Rewards with Dr Ozgur Bolat Ep 92
Hey, Team! Have you ever tried to motivate yourself or a loved one with a reward only to have the process backfire? There's a ton of research behind that experience, and that's what Dr Ozgur shares with us. This is particularly helpful insight, as we often try to pair rewards with new executive...
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Back to School: Executive Function, Neurodiversity, and the Transition to College with Dr Tara Williams, Ep 91
Hey team, Today we learn from Dr. Tara Williams, a tenured chemistry professor and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants> We talk about why the transition from K–12 to college is so challenging—especially for neurodivergent students (with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia) and anyone...
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Back to School: Managing Humans with Chris Mukibi Ep 90
Hey team! Meet my friend Chris Mukibi, a Southern California high school chemistry and AVID teacher, and generally awesome human. We dive into the neuroscience of classroom behavior and the art that is managing humans. We discuss regulation and dysregulation, why shared language helps prevent...
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Back to School: Mitch Weathers on Executive Function for Every Classroom, Ep 89
Hey, team, Mitch Weathers is an educator, author, and speaker who loves executive function almost as much as I do :) On the show, he'll tell us the easy ways he's created to help teachers create systems to support students' executive function. The predictability, skill review, and routines are...
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TEFOS 26: Back to school with Seth Perler's Annual Event, Ep 88
Hi team, Back to school means lots of things, and it also means The Executive Function Online Summit! TEFOS is this weekend (August 14-17 2026)! The Executive Function Online Summit is hosted by my friend Seth Perler and is my very favorite EF event each year. Parents, educators, and coaches…
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Life as a Highly Sensitive Person: Strategies and Insight from Dr Judith Orloff Ep 87
Team, If you or your loved one is someone who feels everything at level 11, you're not alone, and this episode is for you! The cross over between having executive function needs and having high sensory or emotional sensitivities is huge--and an area we need to talk about more often. Dr. Judith...
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How to Negotiate for What You Need: tips and tools for ND brains with expert John Richardson Ep 86
Hey Team! Whether we realize it or not, we spend a lot of our communication in negotiations: asking for what we need, helping family members do chores or homework, simply working with other humans, we're negotiating a lot. But, as it turns out, we're not so great at negotiating, as it's about…
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Back at School: solutions for absenteeism with Dr Dennis, Ep 85
Hey Team, I remember reading a sentence that changed my brain forever: childhood is the only time we're expected to be good at everything. Think about it. As an adult, you likely engineer your life (at least work life) to avoid things that are more difficult or boring. Don't like chem? Don't…
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Writing, Executive Function, and Life: Sarah Kesty is the GUEST this week, with host Blaise Aguirre Ep 84
Hi, Team! We're backwards this week, but not in the "hidden message when you play the track backwards" way. Dr Blaise Aguirre, a guest from episode 63, interviews me! After reading my book, Growing Executive Function, the doctor and author of many impactful books explores what he found…
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Sustainable Stress Strategies with Amy Leneker, Ep 83
Hello my team, Stress, am I right? It's ever-present, sometimes overwhelming, and something we just can't avoid...but what if we're framing it wrong? This week's guest, Amy Leneker, tells us about her three step framework for functioning differently with stress. She's not here to gaslight us or...
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Anxiety and Executive Function: Brain-friendly strategies with Kristen Stuppy, Ep 82
Team, Have you ever tried to think clearly with super loud, distracting sounds going on? That's a good analogy for using executive function when your anxiety is high. It's just plain harder. Our guest this week, Kristen Stuppy, is a pediatrician and ADHD advocate. She shares simple tips for...
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Getting Through the Slumps of Life, with EF Coach Carrie Bonnett, Ep 81
Team, Sometimes I pretend I'm psychic and guess what students are thinking, experiencing, and struggling with based on the time of year. I wish these moments came from ESP, but they come from knowing the predictable patterns of the year. Our energies and the demands on us ebb and flow, and many…
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Good Sleep for Neurodivergent Brains, with Dr Melisa Moore Ep 80
Hey, team! Your executive function relies on being well-rested and getting good sleep. Our brains do their clean up and solidify new learning when we're asleep, and being too tired can mean we struggle with emotional regulation and attention, both of which will impact our executive function! To...
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Brain Health and Executive Function with Dr Majid Fotuhi Ep 79
Team, Our brains are, like, kind of a big deal. Since they don't come with owner's manuals, we may need a little help keeping them healthy and functioning well. That's where Dr Fotuhi comes in . He's spent decades learning about the brain, helping others change their brain health and, in turn,...
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The Executive Function of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids: Debbie Reber from Tilt Parenting Ep 78
Hello my team! I can't wait for you to hear from Debbie Reber! She lives and breathes strategies for parenting neurodivergent kids, based on her life and her experience supporting families for decades. She is brave, smart, and hopeful, sharing her stories and hard-won perspectives. I loved…
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Late Diagnosed ADHD: Executive Function Strategies from Wise Squirrel founder, Dave Delaney, Ep 77
Hello, Team! If you'd only known then what you know now, right? Dave Delaney, creator of the Wise Squirrels Podcast, knows the sentiment well. When he was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, he realized how much his patterns of strengths and struggles made sense. And, he realized, becoming aware...
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The 5 Habits of Hope: A key ingredient for growing executive function Ep 76
Hey, Team! Hope. It's a delicate friend. During our darkest times, it can feel so tiny and fragile. And when you're working on building executive function, hope is what carries you through testing out and adjusting strategies until you find the right fit. Dr Julia Garcia joins us this week to…
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Inspired By Fear: Kris Jennings Ep 75
Hey, Team! Most of the time, we tend to avoid what we fear, and this works okay...until it doesn't. Kris Jennings, author and change leader, teaches us how to both manage and grow from fear. Having struggles with executive function can mean feeling stressed by and possibly fearful of heavy...
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The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery with Sol Smith Ep 74
Team, Autism is on the news, tv, and social media a lot, and much of the conversation is aimed at helping people understand autism. Sol Smith helps fill in a missing piece: helping autistic people understand themselves. We talk on the show all the time about how executive dysfunction and being...
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The ADHD Productivity Manual: Learning from Ari Tuckman Ep 73
Hey Team! Dr. Ari Tuckman is a real-life hero to me. His latest book, The ADHD Productivity Manual, is like a pep talk meets a strategy session. He gets ADHD, and he gets human brains. You'll love this episode, where we talk perspectives and tools to make life smoother. All my love to you, Sarah...
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Give Yourself a Mistakes Budget: Wealth, EF, and Elizabeth Husserl Ep 71
Hi team, You might call it an "ADHD" or "Executive Dysfunction tax." The very real experience of executive function challenges costing money is frustrating. Late fees, forgotten payments, impulse buys...these might even be topics you don't want to approach because they're overwhelming and…
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Creating a Life That Fits: a conversation with ADHD coach Debra Levy, Ep 70
Hi, Team! You know when you feel overwhelmed or lost and you have (or want) that one friend who can hear you and help you sort things out? That's Debra Levy. In our conversation, we explore self-advocacy, adult ADHD, and why our minds might be like messy closets. (Real talk: we definitely have…
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Exploring Different Models of School, for all kinds of brains Ep 69
Hey Team! By now you've probably come to realize that being different isn't wrong, and that's certainly true for our students! Sometimes the traditional school model is out of synch with what our students need,--a challenge we meet with accommodations, learning plans, and sometimes changing...
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Allison Robertson, actor and filmmaker, shares her experience of being neurodivergent in Hollywood...and in life! Ep 68
Team, Meet my new friend, Allison Robertson, who you may know her from The Accountant 2 . What you might not know is that Allison's journey is one to celebrate and learn from. Allison reminds us that what you see on the outside, in this moment--a successful actor, filmmaker, singer, and model…
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Steve Spitz (Love on the Spectrum) shares his perspectives on being different, connecting with others, and enjoying life! Ep 67
Team, When I met Steve at the TACA convention, I realized that Love on the Spectrum captured his awesomeness well--but not in its entirety. Steve is thoughtful, upbeat, and, well, full of Love! On our show, Steve and explore the experience of being different, how we can look to artists for…
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Autism on Stage: Elaine Hall shares her journey and insights. Ep 66
Team, Elaine Hall is a force of nature, whose story will inspire you! On the show, Elaine talks about her experiences with her son, Neil, and the creation of the Miracle Project, an inclusive theater program for autistic youth and young adults. You may know her from Love on the Spectrum, Autism…
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Grandma Has ADHD: Jami Shapiro shares executive function supports for seniors (and all of us!) Ep 65
Team, My new friend Jami Shapiro had me at the title of her podcast, "Grandma Has ADHD." And, while it's funny and memorable, it's also an important perspective to consider: how do we address executive function needs, as seniors or those who love and support them? How do we ensure seniors are...
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Choosing the right college for your brain, with Jordan Burstein Ep 64
Hey team! There are so many options for college, and many are designed to support bright students with executive dysfunction! Listen to my conversation with college consultant, Jordan Burstein, as we talk about his non-linear path to success! He takes what he's learned and helps others find their...
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Self Perception and Supporting Ourselves and Loved Ones with the uplifting Dr. Blaise Aguirre Ep 63
Team, This was a tough episode to title! Dr Aguirre and I talk about tricky things like self-hatred but also keep a bright light on hope. He shares many examples and analogies that will make you feel seen and heard, possibly taking away some of the internal friction you feel in facing the...
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An easy way to develop Executive Function? Play! Learn with Jocelyn Greene Ep 62
Hey, Team! Our guest, theater director Jocelyn Greene has good news for all of us: PLAY can develop executive function! Jocelyn has great strategies on how to make play part of your every day, encouraging flexible thinking, problem-solving, and promoting self-regulation. You will love these...
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JD Barker, a best-selling author, dad, and executive function innovator! Ep 61
Hey team, JD Barker is an incredibly talented and prolific author who has uncovered great strengths in his autism. We talk about self-perception, strategies for writing (and managing many projects at once), and the hope for ALL of us who struggle with executive function. You don't want to miss…
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Charlie, Are You Daydreaming Again? Author Fabian Grolimund shares strategies and perspectives for children and adults with attention challenges Ep 60
Hey Team! Join us to explore the experience of children (and adults) with ADHD, with author Fabian Grolimund. His book, Charlie Are You Daydreaming Again?, gently teaches children strategies for managing attention and shares the very relatable experiences of Charlotte, or Charlie. The warmth and...
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Strategies for eating enough, "on time" and healthy(ish) with Dana Monsees, Dietitian-Nutritionist. Ep 59
Hey Team, Eating consistently and healthy-ish, cooking meals, remembering to bring lunch and snacks…it all takes executive function. Nearly every one of the amazing humans I work with struggles in some way with eating. My friend and Dietitian-Nutritionist Dana Monsees shares perspectives and...
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Problem Solving and How to Not Hate Math, with Ben Orlin Ep 58
Hey Team, Whether you love or hate math, this episode with author and educator Ben Orlin is for you! We talk about problem solving, the purpose and process for getting stuck, and how to support yourself when faced with challenges. You will love Ben's humor and outlook! All my love to you, team,...
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Ep 57 Hidden Hazard: Work to do Work
Hey team! You know how sometimes it takes about 1000 steps before you actually start on the intended task? That's work to do work! On this week's show, learn how to recognize and reduce work to do work. It will be a game changer! Pep talk at 15:52 All my love, Sarah Read my Psychology Today...
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Mindset Tricks for Actually Using Executive Function Strategies Ep 56
Team, You know that excited feeling you get when you get new tools or make a new plan that you hope will make things all easy? Yeah, I do, too. And then, sometimes that excitement goes away and we kind of lose steam for doing the plan? Join me today to learn how to plan for and overcome the...
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College for students of all abilities, with Elizabeth C Hamblet
Team, 1 in 4 college students has a disability! This episode teachers you how to maximize success as a student with a physical or learning challenge. Guest Elizabeth C Hamblet has done the leg work and knows how to empower young adults to thrive on campus! All my love, Sarah Learn more about...
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Ep 54 Taming the Cost of College with Brad Baldridge
Hi, Team! Join us to explore the process of planning and paying for college--there are some surprises and lots of hope in this episode! As with any process, getting ready to manage college tuition involves a lot of executive function, and my guest, college funding specialist Brad Baldridge and I...
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Ep 53 Are you accidentally playing on hard mode?
Hi team! Executive function is tricky enough, and some of us accidentally make it harder by doing (or not doing) things that challenge our brains in unnecessary ways. This week, let's uncover some easy wins so you're not accidentally making life more challenging! Brain Tools School: Life After…
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Ep 52 Talk Yoga! How language, movement, and executive function connect
Join my friends Kim and Amy, of Talk Yoga, in learning and laughing together. We'll explore how tools for self-regulation, play, and language can boost anyone's executive function and performance. For more on Talk Yoga: https://www.talkyogaslp.com/ And on Instagram Brain Tools School: Life After...
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Ep 51 Time Management Hacks (that you haven't heard of yet!)
Time management might be one of the most requested executive function areas I support, and yet it still is misunderstood! Join me today to hear strategies for adults and kids who are working on better using--and planning--their time. No 5 am club required! We're celebrating brain-friendly ways to...
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Ep 49: Getting and staying organized with a system that works with your brain, with ADHD Coach Debra Levy
How many of us have told ourselves (or heard from others), "You need to get organized?" Yet the HOW piece is still confusing! What "organized" means to different people varies widely, and there's the big challenge of maintaining any system you create! (Because, hello? It's FUN to get going with…
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Ep 48: Tech addictions: another perspective on how to unwire our kids, with Gaia Bernstein
Team, Our kids can seem glued to their phones and display what looks like physical pain when their technology is taken away. Are they addicted? Is it problematic use? This episode explores tech's hold on our brains, how to discuss it with your teens and tweens, and what we can all do to call upon...
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Ep 47: A Brighter Day: Suicide Awareness and Prevention, with Elliot Kallen
Team, Today on the show we "go there," we talk about teen suicide with A Brighter Day Charity founder Elliot Kallen. We explore some of the signs and ways to approach suicide, with many tools for kids and parents. It's a tough and important conversation, and we invite you to join us! Find A...
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Ep 46: Hack Studenting by Boosting Your Routines: Webinar audio
Hey team! Listen in to our webinar about building routines to make life easier! We will explore: Student hack #1: teachers love routines Student hack #2: routines to save you time Student hack #3: routines to save you brain space Workshop time: Plan some up level and very brain-friendly routines…
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Ep 45: Neurodivergence and a 9th burrito, with special guest Brandon Tessers
Team, Listen in on a very geeky conversation with my colleague and friend, Brandon Tessers. Brandon's company, Effective Artistry, provides support to humans with unique brains and does so with a science-based, compassionate, and innovative approach! You can find Brandon here and on Instagram at...
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Ep 44: Accommodations for Executive Function (listen in for ANY age learner!) with Crystal Rose Hill-Farrell, college access expert
Team! We've got an accommodations and assistive technology expert, Crystal Rose Hill-Farrell, who will share some super helpful insights for identifying and using accommodations for learning! Even if your child is not yet college-aged, you'll want to hear Crystal Rose's ideas and perspectives!...
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Ep 43: Empowering conversations around DEI and neurodivergence: Deanna Singh from Uplifting Impact
Having a brain with executive function needs is tricky; it also connects us with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement. The perspective shifts associated with DEI-- inclusion and celebration of differences--benefit all of us. Author and speaker Deanna Singh shares her actionable and...
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Ep 42: Sleep: A Brain Vitamin for Executive Function. Interview with Authors Julie Wright and Heather Turgeon
Sleep. It can feel so wonderful and at times, so unattainable, especially for our teens. Yet we intuitively know--and science proves--sleep matters immensely as a brain vitamin for growing and using executive function. So, how do we get our teens (and ourselves) more sleep? Experts and authors...
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Ep 41: Travel tips for executive function and neuro-diverse needs with guest Dawn Barclay
Team, You listen to this podcast because your life is impacted by executive function needs. And, while many of our examples are for studenting, we also know that executive function needs show up...everywhere! Even on vacations! On today's show, we talk with author and travel expert Dawn Barclay,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Helpful, fun, and effective strategies to support everyone's executive function! Learn how to coach yourself, your teen, or your child to manage attention, organize, and plan. We share inspiration for families and individuals with neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and more. We love what we do and are passionate about helping you thrive!
HOSTED BY
Sarah Kesty, Brain Tools School
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Executive Function Podcast have?
The Executive Function Podcast currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Executive Function Podcast about?
Helpful, fun, and effective strategies to support everyone's executive function! Learn how to coach yourself, your teen, or your child to manage attention, organize, and plan. We share inspiration for families and individuals with neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and more. We...
How often does The Executive Function Podcast release new episodes?
The Executive Function Podcast has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Executive Function Podcast?
You can listen to The Executive Function Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Executive Function Podcast?
The Executive Function Podcast is created and hosted by Sarah Kesty, Brain Tools School.
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