EF This!

Erin and Nancy sit down with Deb—an expert in the field (because she’s living it in real time), navigating the college search and application process with her senior son. From the early pressure that starts way too soon (hello, middle school) to the very real executive function demands of junior and senior year, Deb shares what this process actually looked like day to day—researching schools, managing deadlines, starting essays, and figuring it out as they went. We talk about what helped, what felt hard, and how to support your teen without taking over—especially when overwhelm and “I don’t know” show up. You’ll hear why starting early matters, how giving your teen a clear mission can shift everything, and why looking at essay topics sooner than you think is a game-changer. We also dig into the bigger picture—modeling balance, keeping an open mind about “fit,” and remembering this is your child’s journey (even when you have opinions… and you will). If you’re about to embark on this search and application journey, this one’s for you. Learn more about Nancy Learn more about Erin

This isn’t a “which is better?” episode. It’s a “what do I need right now?” conversation. In this episode of EFThis!, Erin and Nancy break down the real differences—and powerful overlap—between therapy and executive function coaching. Not from a competitive lens, but from a compassionate one. We talk about how therapy often helps people heal, process, and understand—while coaching helps people build skills, create systems, and turn insight into action. Because knowing why something is hard doesn’t always make it easier to do the thing—especially for neurodivergent brains. Whether you’re a parent, student, or adult wondering which support makes sense (or if it might actually be both), this episode gives you language, clarity, and permission to choose support without shame. Growth isn’t linear. Support doesn’t have to be singular. Nancy Erin

Are your holiday plans full of genuine intentions—or just a desperate game of “hoping for the best”? Erin and Nancy dive into how to choose presence over presents, share your light without turning into a burnout ornament, and survive the pressure to create “perfect” holiday magic. They joke (and groan) about saying no to obligations, resisting the urge to do all the things, and remembering that no amount of money can buy a single minute of time. If you need permission to skip a few events, start a silly new tradition, or just breathe through the chaos, this episode has you covered—laughs included. Nancy Erin

In this episode, Erin and Nancy explore how small moments of gratitude can create big shifts in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and daily focus—especially for neurodiverse brains. They share funny, honest stories from their own attempts at starting (and restarting) gratitude practices, from abandoned journals to unexpected “gratitude wins” that showed up in the most ordinary places. You’ll learn why gratitude is more than a feel-good idea: it’s a powerful executive function tool that helps you pause, notice what’s working, and build more intention into your day. And don’t worry—this isn’t about perfection. It’s about simple, doable steps that make gratitude stick. If you’ve wanted to start a gratitude practice but weren’t sure where to begin, this warm and relatable conversation will help you take the first small step toward a big shift. Nancy Erin

Ever wonder what an English teacher-turned-professional organizer sees when she walks into a room full of doom piles and emotional clutter? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the mess. In this episode, we chat with the fabulous Caroline from Categorically Caroline about her journey from the classroom to the chaos—aka the beautifully unpredictable world of executive function and organizing support. We cover everything from why clutter isn’t just “stuff” (hello, emotional baggage), to how Caroline helps families ditch perfectionism and start building habits that actually stick. She shares her favorite first steps for overwhelmed families, her take on what success really looks like… …and reminds us all that progress doesn’t require color-coded bins, just a willingness to start somewhere—even if that somewhere is next to a pile of unmatched socks and last year’s science fair project. If you’ve ever felt like your space is working against your brain, this one’s for you. Tune in, laugh a little, and maybe even get inspired to tackle that one corner you’ve been side-eyeing for months. Learn more about Caroline Nancy Erin

In this fast-track highlight reel, Erin and Nancy unpack the real deal behind accountability—it’s not just checklists and chore charts. Get quick insights into the executive function skills that power follow-through (hello, impulse control!), plus standout tips from ADDitude’s spring issue on college readiness for ADHD students. It’s all about finding support that sticks—and maybe even makes the process fun. Email us at [email protected] Learn More About Erin Learn More About Nancy  

In this episode, Nancy and Erin welcome their very first guest—creative powerhouse, business owner, and fellow ADHD mom, Janna Willoughby-Lohr. Janna gets real about what it’s like to juggle life as a successful entrepreneur and a parent of neurodivergent kids—while also navigating her own adult ADHD diagnosis. From systems that actually work (yes, they exist!) to letting go of perfectionism, Janna shares the mindset shifts and executive function strategies that help her thrive in the chaos. You’ll laugh, nod along, and maybe even shout “SAME” more than once. The standout wisdom? “Done is better than perfect.” (Write that on a sticky note. Or twelve.) If you've ever felt like you're doing all the things and still dropping balls, this one’s for you. [email protected] Learn more about Janna  

In this highlight reel, Erin and Nancy serve up the best bits from their episode on planning—the good, the bad, and the hilariously overambitious. From color-coded dreams to napkin scribbles, they share quick laughs, real-life flops, and bite-sized tips to help you go from plan to action (without the meltdown). [email protected] Learn More About Nancy Learn More About Erin

In this bite-sized highlight reel, Nancy and Erin tackle the sneaky power of working memory—why it matters, how it trips us up, and what to do about it. Packed with quick laughs, real-life moments, and practical tips, it’s your fast pass to understanding one of the brain’s most underrated skills. Full Episode [email protected] Erin Nancy

This short-and-sweet highlight reel pulls the best moments from our full episode on emotional regulation. Nancy and Erin share quick snapshots of real-life meltdowns, relatable laughs, and practical tips to help you keep your cool when things get chaotic. If you're short on time but still want the wisdom (and the laughs), this mini version is for you! [email protected] Nancy Erin

Is your kid heading to camp this summer? Before the bug spray and bunk beds, let’s talk executive function! In this episode, we’re roasting up s’more tips to help your neurodiverse camper feel prepped and powerful. We’ll cover how to pack without panic, manage emotions like a boss, and keep routines rolling (even when the WiFi’s not). Think of it as a backpack full of brain hacks—designed to build confidence, one campfire at a time. Connect with Nancy and Erin!  Email the show: [email protected]

We’re in Hail Mary season, folks—and yes, it’s totally possible to finish the year strong! In this episode, Erin and Nancy are breaking down how to launch a last-minute comeback that actually works. First step? Get honest about what’s really going on (no more guessing—check the online portals!). Then, we talk teacher emails, realistic game plans, and how to break all that work into bite-sized chunks that won’t fry your brain. If your student’s behind or overwhelmed, don’t stress—there’s still time to make a move. Let’s help them throw that Hail Mary... and watch it land. [email protected] Nancy Erin

Executive function skills don’t take a summer break—and neither should the support! In this episode, we chat about how coaching over the summer can help kids keep building routines, independence, and confidence at home. Plus, we share easy, low-stress strategies to keep those EF muscles strong all summer long! Nancy Erin

In this mini episode, Erin and Nancy revisit their full-length chat on focus—why it’s so hard, and what actually helps. Get quick, practical tips to boost attention (for both kids and adults), plus a little real talk and laughter along the way. Focus Up!

In this episode, Erin and Nancy dig into the true meaning of accountability—and why it’s more than just ticking boxes. They break down the executive function skills that make it possible (think emotional regulation, impulse control, task initiation, and more) and show how they’re all connected. Plus, they review articles from ADDitude magazine’s spring issue on college readiness and transition strategies specifically for ADHD students—and explain how finding the right accountability partner or group can make the journey both supportive and surprisingly fun! Email us at [email protected] Nancy Erin

In this bite-sized episode, Erin and Nancy revisit key takeaways from their full-length conversation on time management—one of the biggest executive function challenges. Tune in for a quick refresher and practical tips you can start using today! It's About Time

In this bite-sized episode, Erin and Nancy circle back to the strategies from Episode 2, sharing fresh insights and takeaways. Tune in for quick, practical tips to support executive function — perfect for a quick reset or spark of inspiration! Nancy Erin

Ah, planning—the best of intentions meets the harsh reality of execution. Whether you're a color-coded calendar guru or a “back of a napkin” planner, we’ve all been there: grand plans that fizzle out faster than a spring fling. In this episode, Erin and Nancy dive into the wins and woes of planning—celebrating successes, laughing at pitfalls, and figuring out how to actually follow through. With personal stories (including a few epic fails), a dash of humor, and an infusion of spring motivation, we’ll help you turn your plans into action! Learn more about Nancy Learn more about Erin

Highlight Reel – Quick, actionable strategies from past episodes to help you stay on track! Intro to EFThis! 

In this episode, Nancy and Erin tackle the rollercoaster of emotional regulation—because let’s be honest, we all lose our cool sometimes! Blending personal mishaps with professional insights, they share real-life struggles, laugh at the chaos, and offer practical tips to manage emotions before they manage us. Tune in for relatable stories, a few "oops" moments, and strategies to keep your head on straight when life gets messy. Meditation app Dr. Ross Greene Dr. Daniel Siegel

In this episode, Nancy and Erin explore the complexity of working memory and its role among the executive functions. Blending science with personal stories, they break down how working memory impacts daily life and share practical insights for strengthening this essential skill. Russell Barkley Sarah Ward

In this episode, Erin and Nancy dive into all things focus—and the struggles that come with it. They share practical tips and strategies to help both kids and adults improve their attention and stay on track. Plus, they tackle a listener’s email with their signature blend of advice, laughs, and real talk—you never know where this conversation might go!

In this episode, Erin and Nancy dive into time management—one of the biggest challenges for people struggling with executive function. They explore why managing time can feel so overwhelming and share practical strategies to make it easier. Whiteboard Timer Time-Blocking Timer

In this episode, we give an overview of executive function.  Two resources from the show: 1. Center on the Developing Child, Harvard  2. Dr. Thomas Brown's model 

Join Nancy and Erin in their first ever EFThis! podcast episode. In this episode, they introduce themselves and share more about their journey to becoming executive function coaches.  Email your executive function questions to: [email protected]