Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast

Beyond BookSmart
  • 5.0 (48)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Focus Forward is a comprehensive guide to improving Executive Functions - the mental skills like time-management, task-initiation, organization, and emotional regulation that allow us to be successful. Whether you're a parent looking to better support your child, or are simply looking to improve your own Executive Function (EF) skills, this podcast is for you. We'll be having guests of all kinds on, including parents who've had success in improving their child's EF challenges, adults who have navigated executive dysfunction, and experts who specialize in treating these types of issues. Focus Forward is an Executive Function Podcast sponsored by Beyond BookSmart.

  1. 12/10/2025

    Ep 78: Misdiagnosed & Misunderstood: How Women with ADHD Can Reclaim Their Story (ft: Kristen Baird-Goldman)

    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 Kristen https://bairdintegratedtherapy.com/ The CBT Workbook for Adult ADHD: Evidence-Based Exercises to Improve Your Focus, Productivity, and Wellbeing https://www.amazon.com/CBT-Workbook-Adult-ADHD-Evidence-Based/dp/1685394876 Kristen's questions for the doctor/therapist: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mbte9PCvKj5JaB5F5XWPRxkyU4hoAwMm/view?usp=drive_link Let’s Talk About Perimenopause and ADHD https://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 Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    55 min

  2. 11/26/2025

    Ep 77: Breaking the OCD Cycle: Understanding Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions (ft. Dr. Kim Glazier-Leonte)

    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 Kim https://www.cvhorizons.com/about/kimberly-glazier-leonte OCD Resources https://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/ OCD Awareness Scale https://www.letsbreakthecycle.com/ocd-awareness-scale Focus Forward Ep 47: Redefining OCD: Debunking the Misconceptions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ft. Dr. Anthony Bram https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=4wt4ip9ozv Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    1h 6m

  3. 11/12/2025

    Ep 76: Your Second Brain: How Gut Health Shapes Focus, Mood, and Executive Function (ft. Dr. Anastasia Galanopolous

    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 Galanopoulos https://www.getnewperspective.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/galanopouloseducationtraining/ Learn More about the Gut-Brain Connection Resource Sheet Shared by Dr. Galanopoulos https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EUUvgjhycHuwyRoG_qNKWtJccz3hpSnV/view?usp=sharing Gut-Brain Connection: Microbiome, Gut Barrier, and Environmental Sensors https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8263213/ The gut-brain connection: What the science says https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/03/gut-brain-connection-long-covid-anxiety-parkinsons.html Recipes Easy-to-make kimchi by Maangchi https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/easy-kimchi Fermented Hot Sauce https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/fermented-hot-sauce/ The Simple Guide to Kickass Kombucha https://www.liveeatlearn.com/the-simple-guide-to-kickass-kombucha/ Fermented Pickles https://www.feastingathome.com/fermented-pickles/ Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    43 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    Ep 75: Creativity Counts: How Expressive Arts Support ADHD & Executive Functioning (ft. Shayne Swift & Jamal Kirk)

    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 Shayne https://swiftlyfe.com/about/meet-shayne-swift-ms/ Expressive Arts Coaching https://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 Skills https://www.edutopia.org/blog/strategies-executive-functions-arts-judy-willis https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1725&context=expressive_theses Learn More About Our Corporate Executive Function Training https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/training Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    1h 3m

  5. 10/15/2025

    Ep 74: ADHD Under Pressure: How to Break the Cycle of Bullying and Rebuild Self-Worth (ft. Brooke Schnittman)

    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 Brooke https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/about-brooke Successfull with ADHD Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successfull-with-adhd/id1674069554 Bullying: What Parents and Teachers of Children with ADHD Need to Know https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_06_12_Bullying.pdf Bullying Resource Center https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bullying_Resource_Center/Home.aspx How to Demobilize a Bully in 5 Steps https://www.additudemag.com/stop-bullying-adhd-upstander/?srsltid=AfmBOoozI6FRhewOLn8ICHuypgxNjYuz4icT8UfTDNIPcYINmIxqmwt3 Put Down the Stick, Pick Up a Feather: Adult ADHD & Self-Criticism https://chadd.org/attention-article/put-down-the-stick-pick-up-a-feather-adult-adhd-self-criticism/ Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    45 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    Ep 73: The Perils of Helicopter Parenting: How to Raise Future Adults by Letting Go Today (ft. Dave Krasky)

    Learn More About Dave Krasky Website https://www.raisingfutureadults.com/ Raising Future Adults - his book https://www.raisingfutureadults.com/books Read more about other topics mentioned in this episode FAFO Parenting - “F*** Around and Find Out” https://www.parents.com/what-is-fafo-parenting-unpacking-the-trend-11678790 Autonomy-Supportive Parenting by Emily Edlynn https://www.emilyedlynnphd.com/autonomy-supportive-parenting Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Chores-and-Responsibility.aspx Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    57 min

  7. 08/13/2025

    Ep 72: 5 Essential Lessons About Self-Improvement: What I Learned From Talking to 20+ Experts in Season Four of Focus Forward

    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 Harder https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/how-ai-helps-adhd-brains-work-smarter-not-harder Season 4 Themes Theme 1: Understanding Our Own Executive Functioning & Neurodiversity Episodes 51, 52, 54, 60, 61, 64, 65, 68, and 71. Theme 2: Holistic Well-being Episodes 51, 58, 59, 65, 66 Theme 3: Strategies for Managing EF Challenges Episodes 50, 51, 58, 59, 63, 67, 69 Theme 4: Parenting & Communication Episodes 52, 54, 56, 62, 65, 70 Theme 5: Self-Advocacy & Personal Growth So many episodes (maybe even all of them), and especially episodes 53, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 66, 68, 71 Many 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 Mitchell Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    26 min

  8. 07/30/2025

    Ep 71: ADHD, Mental Health, and Masculinity: Diving Deep with Tyler Mitchell

    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 Mitchell Website https://tylermitchell.com/ Tyler’s LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylercmitchell/ Learn More About ADHD in Men A Guide for Men With ADHD (and Their Loved Ones) https://add.org/adhd-symptoms-in-men/ For Men With ADHD — and Those Who Love Them https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-men-relationship-anger-shame-communication ADHD in Adults https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know Learn More About Our MAP Program https://map.worksmartcoaching.com Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works Get in Touch podcast@beyondbooksmart.com Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching www.beyondbooksmart.com

    55 min
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Focus Forward is a comprehensive guide to improving Executive Functions - the mental skills like time-management, task-initiation, organization, and emotional regulation that allow us to be successful. Whether you're a parent looking to better support your child, or are simply looking to improve your own Executive Function (EF) skills, this podcast is for you. We'll be having guests of all kinds on, including parents who've had success in improving their child's EF challenges, adults who have navigated executive dysfunction, and experts who specialize in treating these types of issues. Focus Forward is an Executive Function Podcast sponsored by Beyond BookSmart.

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