The Executive Function Podcast

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 High School program opens in just a few weeks! Here's the link to secure your invitation! There are many things that make EF extra tricky. Things to consider this week: Hydration. One study showed that dehydrated participants made 12% more mistakes on a test of cognitive flexibility (which is an EF) and re-hydrating brought EF skills back to their baseline levels. Location. Try to find a match of energy levels, the right amount and type of noise, activity and visual stimuli, closeness or distance from others, and the specialness of a space. Attend to your bodies: think about movement, fuel, breaks, comfort...and remember that sitting and staring is an indication that you're stuck. Social Conflict or needs: Emotional pain=physical pain as far as our brains are concerned. Make peace with the person OR about the conflict (write a letter, schedule time to think about it again, ask for help) Keeping distractions around: consider removing the things that steal your brain, when you really need to focus. Not asking for help: remember to know your personal signs of “stuck,” keep a list of where/who can help you, and plan for help for the harder things. You got this! Let me know how these help! All my love, Sarah Brain Tools School: Life After High School program opens in just a few weeks! Here's the ⁠link ⁠to secure your invitation!

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 To have Sarah train your school staff or workplace on all things executive function, reach out! Sarahkesty.com or sarah@sarahkesty.com. Thanks!

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 feel more efficient with your efforts! New: Hey Human pep talk (for all ages) is at 16:30. Updates: I'm scheduling my school and workplace trainings for the year, and I would love to support you! Reach out to sarah@sarahkesty.com or go to Sarahkesty.com to learn more!

If you're feeling a little wonky or exhausted, this is the quick audio love note, pep talk, perspective shakeup for you! On the show, I share a short keynote I recently gave before a charity walk, in which I celebrate the opportunity of adversity. And before you say "nope," because I understand why you might (hello...it's not always helpful to find the silver lining in all moments; sometimes it's okay to just feel bad about a challenge), this isn't that kind of pep talk. My words will allow your brain peace and perspective as you--and your children--navigate the tricky moments of having a human brain. Sending you so much love, Sarah PS If this is the kind of message your school, group, or workplace needs to hear, reach out! I customize trainings and keynotes to meet your group's needs and specialize in growing groups' awareness and support of neurodiverse and differently-abled humans! Previous trainings include Cepheid, The Humane Society, Minnesota Department of Education, Sacramento County Department of Education...and more! I love this work and would be honored to support your group, too! Audience: all ages and contexts

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 all of the new tools and gadgets, but continuing after the newness fades? Ehh...) Our guest, Debra Levy, offers easy and brain-friendly ways to get and stay organized, including how to think about managing time as part of your system. This episode is great for grownups and kids alike! The Rocks, Pebbles, Sand Video About Debra: Debra Levy, is a Certified Life, ADHD, and Productivity Coach, and is the owner of A Life That Fits, LLC. She is dedicated to helping her clients make time and space for what matters most in their lives. Debra begins by working with her clients to clarify what is important to them, what will make them feel happy and fulfilled, and determining what guidance and support is required to create the life they want. She focuses on areas that are a struggle for many of her clients (whether ADHD or neuro-typical) including time management, hyper- focusing, distractions, the setting of goals and priorities, and establishing healthy boundaries. Together, she and her clients work on gaining insight into what is holding them back. She helps them to become more aware of their own natural abilities, modalities, and tendencies, make room for their big-picture goals, and implement step-by-step solutions to help them get from where they are, to where they want to be. Debra is here to partner with her clients on a thought-provoking and productive journey to envision “A Life That Fits” their values and dreams and provide the motivation and accountability to maximize their potential. www.alifethatfits.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/debraslevy/ https://twitter.com/alifethatfits https://www.instagram.com/alifethatfitscoaching/ https://www.facebook.com/alifethatfitscoaching/ Audience: all ages and contexts

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 technology companies to do better by our kids. Guest Gaia Bernstein will inspire and empower you! More about Gaia on her website Order Gaia's new book, Unwired All my love, Audience: all ages and contexts Sarah

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 Brighter Day online Teen survival guide Charity golf event 2023: All my love, Sarah Audience: all ages and contexts More links to this important work: https://abrighterday.info/ https://www.facebook.com/uniteforabrighterday/ https://www.instagram.com/abrighterdaycharity/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotkallen/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCix1ywbqDiVW2VvKhMFMlw

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 to get started right away! Join future webinars: bit.ly/jointeamkesty Resources available here. Audience: Students and parents, school context

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 @ef_artistry. Audience: all ages and contexts

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! Mentioned in the show: BeeLine Reader Voice Typing (Here's my how-to Doc) Natural Reader CaptiVoice All my love, Sarah Audience: all ages and contexts

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 positive strategies for talking with your kids and teens about DEI. She takes away the political and negative emotions to get down to the essence of why these conversations and strategies matter. For all of us with different brains, having a welcoming space in which we can shine (and use our strategies) is huge! I know you'll love this uplifting and smart conversation! All my love, Sarah About Deanna: Deanna Singh is a business consultant, speaker, and podcaster who is internationally recognized for her work in leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Deanna helps her clients create more equitable and inclusive work environments and engage more authentically within their internal and external communities. A gifted communicator, she is a champion for marginalized communities through her work. Her podcast, Uplifting Impact with a focus on looking at the intersection of Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, focuses on solutions and is directed at people who want to break the status quo. Singh earned her Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Fordham University, a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. Actions Speak Louder book Uplifting Impact Podcast I am a Girl of Color children's book I am a Boy of Color children's book Selah's Bridge children's book Audience: all ages and contexts

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 Julie Wright and Heather Turgeon share their best tips on today's show. You'll learn so many easy-to-implement strategies from their book, Generation Sleepless, including: what causes less sleep, how we can get our kids/teens on board, and how you can pass responsibility to your child. Learn more about their work. Grab a copy of Generation Sleepless. All my love, Sarah Audience: all ages and contexts

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, whose book, Traveling Different, will empower you to travel stress-free this summer! Her hope is to "open up the world" for families, and the tips she shares here (and in her book) will do just that! Preorder the book: http://www.travelingdifferent.com About our guest: Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. She started as an agent with her parents’ firms, Barclay Travel Ltd and Barclay International Group Short-Term Apartment Rentals, and then branched out into travel trade reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report. She is a mother of two and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse Publication Date: August 15, 2022 • ISBN: 978-1-5381-6866-0 • $32.00, Hardback • 344 pages Audience: Students and parents, school context, college, high school

Sometimes the right help at the right time makes all the difference! On today's show, Mel, a parent to an amazing college student, shares her journey of understanding and supporting her son! Mel shares how a deeper understanding led to her giving her son encouragement and space to change. Her son went from some failing grades and frustrating moments (including driving and safety) to an empowered young man with straight As and a transfer acceptance to his dream college! Let her story inspire you to embrace what's possible! All my love, Sarah Join our college prep group here Learn more Audience: Students and parents, school context, college, high school

Hi Team! On today's show, you'll hear from a college student, Zach, who shares how small-but-powerful strategies and perspective changes made all the difference for his college experience! He dives into some important insights for anyone who's struggling in an area of life which they think "should" be easier and gets down to some great tips about how to make schedules work for you (whatever schedule format you choose to try!) Zach's progress and ever-growing toolbox of strategies are kudos to his dedication and hard work in coaching! And, it's possible for anyone with executive function struggles to grow in this way, too! If you or your child are struggling with "studenting," join our Launch to College Group! Our 8 weeks of live coaching and activities will have you ready to independently rock college, trade, or tech school--prepared with perspectives and tools to handle any life-ing that comes your way! Our group starts June 9th, 2022...so grab your spot and get ready for an action-packed brain adventure! (All ages of high school and up are welcome! The skills will help with independence, whether in college or not yet) Learn more: https://sarahkesty.com/college/ and join: https://www.coachaccountable.com/offering/PrvVYjdTnxfBUB2aAbtGBKD42lkOAio All my love, Sarah Audience: Students and parents, school context, college, high school

Hi Team! If college, trade school, or tech school is around the corner for your teen, you're probably beginning to list the to-do's and what if's! I hear you there! Lots of the families I coach are peeking their heads out of the "just get to graduation" space, to take a look at the "get ready for college" section of the journey. On today's show, you'll hear from the brilliant and uplifting, Alec, who recently graduated with a BA in psychology. His tips and perspectives can help you begin to shift your thinking about college- or independent living-prep for your teen or young adult. (And...if your child isn't yet graduating, you'll still want to tune in to hear some of Alec's thoughts on balance, emotional regulation, and ways families can communicate! He shares so many easy-to-use strategies!) And, if this kind of help is exactly what you're looking for right now, you've got to join our summer launch to college group. Imagine ending the summer feeling 100% confident in your teen's ability to handle independent life! That's what we're doing in our group! Learn more: https://sarahkesty.com/college/ and sign up: https://www.coachaccountable.com/offering/PrvVYjdTnxfBUB2aAbtGBKD42lkOAio All my love to you, Sarah Audience: Students and parents, school context, college, high school

Nearly 50% of college Freshman with ADHD (or other executive function challenges) fail at least one class, if not the whole semester. Only 40% go on to graduate. Preparing your high school junior or senior with college-ready strategies is the best way to beat the stats and empower future success! (Plus, save that tuition, too!) On today's quick show, you'll hear just some of the skills we're developing in our college prep summer group and why this is the best way to spend your summer! Now's your chance to do something fun and meaningful with your time together over the next few weeks! Join our Launch to College and Executive Function group for guided progress toward college readiness. You know, all those skills you said you'd deal with after graduation? Learning how to do laundry, manage money, keep a schedule, wake up on their own, eat healthfully...those skills? The time is NOW! Imagine your teen feeling 100% ready for college and adulting! That's what we're doing in our summer group! With proven strategies and neurodiverse-friendly brain hacks, your child will be empowered to handle all of the demands of college. Listen now and sign up here. All my love and see you in the group, Sarah Audience: Students and parents, school context, college, high school

Team, Executive Function needs are invisible, and our kids are often able to cope well enough that schools don't see the true struggle. So, how do we, as parents and educators, advocate so that our kids are supported and understood? My friend and fellow executive function expert, Seth Perler, and I are teaming up for a 3-part series on Advocacy! Listen to part 1 here, where we talk about the need for and possible impact of accommodations for executive function! And, check out Seth's work on his website and The Executive Function Online Summit, which will happen in just a few months! My Launch to College Group for high school and transfer students and families starts soon! Click here to sign up so your child is college-ready by the end of the summer (and you can rest assured the tuition is safely invested because your child has tools to avoid failing out!) All our love, Sarah and Seth Audience: all ages and contexts

What do you use to regulate your energy? Maybe you fidget with your clothes or jewelry or get up and move? Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller from Calm Strips developed a super cool way to manage your energy, and they share the Calm Strips story, their own executive function strategies, and a lot of laughs on this week's show! Learn more about Calm Strips or watch them on Shark Tank. All my love, Sarah Audience: all ages and contexts

Navigating the Special Ed World is tough! On the IEP OMG Show, I share insider tips on how to secure and maintain the best supports for your child with special needs. These bite-sized shows will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to rock any SST, 504, or IEP. (PS this show is still for you if you don’t yet know what those are!) Let me guide you through what is often confusing and overwhelming. Team up with me on IEP OMG!