Podcasts about focus forward

Today's episode is one I'm especially excited to share with you. Whether you're an Executive Function expert or you're just starting out learning about these essential life skills, you'll want to listen because we have not one but *two* Executive Function leaders featured.First up, I'm so happy to have been joined once again by the OG of Executive Function awareness, Ellen Galinsky, who sat down with me on Focus Forward in March of 2024 when her book, The Breakthrough Years, came out. Ellen is the President of the Families and Work Institute and the elected President of the Work and Family Researchers Network (WFRN). She also serves as senior research advisor to AASA, the School Superintendent Organization. Previously, she was the Chief Science Officer at the Bezos Family Foundation and faculty at Bank Street College. Her research has focused on the impact of work-life on families, child and adolescent development, youth voice, child-care, parent-professional relationship, and parental development. Ellen's work has contributed deeply to how we understand children's learning and development - and how we, as adults, can nurture it. Our second Executive Function leader is Dr. Megan McClelland, an internationally recognized expert on school readiness and self-regulation in very young children. She is the Katherine E. Smith Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University, where she also directs the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families. Megan's research focuses on optimizing children's development, especially as it relates to children's self-regulation, early learning, and school success. Her recent work has examined links between self-regulation and long-term outcomes from early childhood to adulthood and intervention efforts to improve these skills in young children. She is currently involved with multiple national and international projects to develop measures of self-regulation and improve school success in young children. Megan is also the co-author of Stop, Think, Act, a book all about how we as educators and parents can help our kids strengthen their EF skills through play.Today, you'll hear us talk about why executive function skills matter and how we can help kids strengthen them through everyday activities - Megan and Ellen help parents and educators see that we learn when we play! Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about kids' success in the long run, this episode is full of insights you won't want to miss.I hope you enjoy listening! Here are the show notes from the episode: Learn More About Ellen GalinskyEllen Galinsky's Websitewww.ellengalinsky.comThe Breakthrough Yearshttps://ellengalinsky.com/the-breakthrough-years/Mind in the Makinghttps://www.mindinthemaking.org/Families and Work Institutehttps://www.familiesandwork.org/Learn More About Megan McClelland, PhD.https://health.oregonstate.edu/directory/megan-mcclellandStop, Think, Act by Megan McClelland and Shauna Tomineyhttps://www.amazon.com/Stop-Think-Act-Integrating-Self-Regulation/dp/0415745233Executive Function ResourcesVroomwww.vroom.orgInstitute for Education Sciences: "Preparing Young Children for School" - A research-based guide with specific tips and activities for educators.https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguide/30Focus Forward Ep 23: Parenting for Success: How to Nurture Executive Function Development in Early Childhoodhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=rgbq6nrrvfFocus Forward Ep 26: Navigating Stress, Parenting, and the Brain: A Conversation with Dr. Alison Royhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=oygnbqkqqq

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In today's quick 15-minute episode, we're exploring strategies for breaking down large tasks into manageable steps - a crucial skill for enhancing productivity and reducing overwhelm. From brain bumping to chunking, learn new practical techniques that are designed to help initiate tasks, reduce decision paralysis, and maintain momentum. These methods are particularly helpful for anyone with ADHD, executive dysfunction, or anyone who finds getting started challenging. By implementing these approaches, you'll hopefully be able to transform those daunting projects into many small steps that will lead to action and confidence. As always, thank you for being part of the Focus Forward community! If you enjoy this episode, be sure to leave us a 5-star rating on the platform you're listening on ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here are the show notes from this episode (lots of useful links and tools!)STM ToolGoogle Docs version (will force you to create a copy)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WAabo_q7Zg61Ns-A8KkXVYmvq9eXhQUlnSoiHWk5HYM/copyWant an Excel version? Email me and I'll send you one!Focus Forward Episodes Mentioned in this EpisodeEp 11: Procrastination: Why We Wait & What to Do About Ithttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=n2bmc91r6dEp 14: 4 Steps to Build Time Management Strategies You'll Use for Lifehttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=2hd9mmw2wiEp 21: Rethinking Your Thinking: How Cognitive Flexibility Can Improve Your Life and Relationshipshttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=mdpox3lokqEp 43: Creativity & Executive Function: How to Enjoy the Brain Benefits of Eachhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=2o3uog9wpoEp 58: Routines Without Rigidity: Your Guide to Building & Sustaining Healthier Habitshttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=jhszcaaccpEp 62: Lighthouse Parenting: How to Communicate, Connect, and Guide with Confidence (ft. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=v0rl5xa5ubOnline and AI ToolsUniversity of Toronto Assignment Plannerhttps://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/assignment-planner (shared by Beyond BookSmart coach, Kerrie Welch)Goblin.toolsLearn More About Our MAP ProgramMorning accountability sessions for planning, skill-building workshops, and work sprints for maximum support and accountability! All for a low monthly fee.https://map.worksmartcoaching.comLearn More About 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksGet in Touch:podcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com

Jason Bahamundi Running With Passion Welcome Welcome to Episode #483 of the 303 Endurance Podcast. We're your hosts Coaches Rich Soares and April Spilde. Thanks for joining us for another week of endurance news, coaching tips and discussion.  This week we have a special interview with Jason Bahamundi. Jason is an endurance athlete and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles and the founder and owner of Run Tri Bike, a media company dedicated to celebrating the stories of everyday endurance athletes and promoting diversity and inclusivity in sports. Shoutout to Coach Jasmine Moezzi for the introduction! It is officially Spring and this episode is your CALL TO ACTION! Folks, some of you have races coming up in two months! It's GO TIME! Spring Training is officially on and we have a lot of fantastic content coming up to get you ready for race season.   Show Sponsor: UCAN UCAN created LIVSTEADY as an alternative to sugar based nutrition products. LIVSTEADY was purposefully designed to work with your body, delivering long-lasting energy you can feel. Whether UCAN Energy Powders, Bars or Gels, LIVSTEADY's unique time-release profile allows your body to access energy consistently throughout the day, unlocking your natural ability to finish stronger and recover more quickly!   In Today's Show Announcements and News Ask A Coach - Feature Interview with Jason Bahamundi Get Gritty: Spring Training TriDot Workout of the Week: Decreasing Intervals Fun Segment: Like It, Love It, Leave It – Ultrarunner Edition!    Announcements and News: Upcoming Programming - Our March focus will be on running. Mar. 22 - Jason Bahamundi from RunTri Magazine Mar. 29 - USAT CEO Vic Brumfield on USA Triathlon's strategic plan – Elevate 2028: Focus Forward – which is USAT's roadmap to LA 2028 Apr. 5 - Author and Founder of The ONE Thing, Jay Papasan to help us find that lead domino and create habits for success   G2G Spring Training Camp - Are we ready to announce?-Absolutely! May 17-18 - Swim Focus in C.Springs and Chatfield May 24-25 - Bike Focus - Chatfield/Chatfield May 31-June 1 Run Focus - Boulder/Boulder   Grit2Greatness Endurance Website and Social Media - Come check out our new coaching  Website - Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching Facebook page @grit2greatnessendurance Ask A Coach Sponsor: G2G Endurance Triathletes, it's time to unlock your potential! Grit2Greatness Coaching has joined forces with TriDot to bring you personalized, science-backed training that actually works. No fluff—just smarter training, better results, and a 2-week free trial to get you started. After that? Plans start at just $14.99/month. The best athletes don't just train harder; they train smarter. Click the link in our show notes and see what's possible! Coach April Spilde April.spilde@tridot.com TriDot Signup - https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/aprilspilde RunDot Signup - https://app.rundot.com/onboard/sign-up/aprilspilde    Coach Rich Soares Rich.soares@tridot.com Rich Soares Coaching TriDot Signup - https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/richsoares RunDot Signup - https://app.rundot.com/onboard/sign-up/richsoares   Ask A Coach: Interview with Jason Bahamundi Jason's journey into endurance sports began in New York. Among his notable achievements include completing eight Ironman and eight Western States 100-mile endurance run finishes to his record. During the pandemic, Jason launched Run Tri Bike to create a platform that highlights the experiences of non-professional athletes.  Jason's philosophy revolves around taking risks and betting on oneself, a mindset he applies both in his athletic pursuits and his career. He encourages others to overcome the fear of failure and strive for their goals, believing that success comes from pushing one's limits and learning from setbacks. Get Gritty Tip: Spring Training Spring Cleaning Alright, triathletes, listen up. This is a great reminder to do a Pre-Season Gear Check before the training really ramps up. Here are 10 things you can check, tune or replace as needed. 1. Bike cleats - listen to Cycling in Alignment Pod 2. Running shoes - replace old and worn (replacement window 300-500) 3. Brake pads or disk wear - check lock screw 4. Wetsuit - look for tears and wear 5. Chain ring and cassette wear - look for shark fins 6. Tire wear - cuts 7. Rim tape 8. Power meter batteries 9. HR strap batteries 10. Bike tune-up and servicing  Spring Training Spring is here, and that means it's time to lay down the foundation for your best summer races yet. I'm here to dish out ten recommendations to get you race-ready and thriving by the time the starting gun goes off. So, grab your notepad or just mentally file this away as your spring triathlon checklist:   Proactive Bike Maintenance: Your bike is your race-day ride-or-die. Get it tuned up—replace those worn tires, check the chain, and make sure your brakes are crisp and responsive. A squeaky bike isn't a speedy bike. Perfect Your Bike Fit: Comfort and efficiency are the name of the game. Spring is the ideal time to see a bike fitter—small tweaks in posture can lead to huge gains in performance and stave off injuries. Run Gait Analysis: Have a pro take a look at your run form. A little feedback could help you reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and maybe even shave seconds off your mile splits. Riding in Wind: Summer races often mean unpredictable weather, so use spring to master those blustery bike rides. Practice holding your line in crosswinds and staying aero without exhausting yourself. Sun Protection Routine: No one wants to look like a lobster crossing the finish line. Spring training means figuring out which sunscreen won't sweat off, and getting comfy with UV-protective gear like sunglasses and hats. Transition Practice: Time lost in transitions is time you'll never get back. Set up mini transition zones in your yard and rehearse until your T1 and T2 flow like clockwork. Nutrition Experimentation: What works for your gut during a long ride or brick workout? Test different fueling strategies now so you aren't rolling the dice on race day. Open Water Swim Practice: If the lakes and reservoirs in your area are warming up, start hitting them. Practice sighting and adapting to unpredictable water conditions—it's a whole new ball game compared to the pool. Strength and Mobility Work: Add a dash of strength training to your weekly schedule. Focus on key areas like your core, glutes, and shoulders to improve stability and power in all three disciplines. Mental Race Prep: Visualize your success, plan your pacing strategies, and practice mindfulness techniques to keep you focused on race day. Your brain is just as much a part of the game as your body.   There you have it—ten actionable, spring-season steps to make this summer's races your best yet. Whether you're aiming for a PR or simply hoping to cross the finish line with a smile, these tips should have you dialed in. Now, go crush it out there! TriDot Workout/Drill of the Week:  Decreasing Intervals  This session is similar to a normal interval run but the duration of the efforts decreases as you go. Do your best to maintain a consistent pace with each effort regardless of its duration. The pace of your last interval should be close to the first. Resist the urge to go faster on the last few shorter efforts and focus instead on holding strong form. Recoveries should be at an extremely slow jog. These sessions are often done on a track.   Warmup 3-5 min jog followed by 2x10 yards or meters of each drill: Quick Feet Butt Kicks A Skips Asymmetric Arm Swings B Skips   2 x 50-60 yard or meter Strides Leg Swings   Main Set 2 x 3 min @ Z4 (60 sec) 3 x 1m 30s @ Z4 (60 sec) or 2 x 600 @ Z4 (60 sec) 3 x 300 @ Z4 (60 sec)   Balance of time @ Z2   Fun Segment: Like It, Love It, Leave It – Ultrarunner Edition!  Alright, ultra runners and those who are just ultra curious—it's time for another round of Like It, Love It, or Leave It! – Ultrarunner Edition! The game where we throw out ultra running scenarios, gear, or habits, and you have to decide: Do you like it (it's fine, but you could take it or leave it), love it (you're all in), or leave it (hard pass, never again). Rich, you ready to see where we stand on the ultra-madness? The Ultra Running Lineup – Like It, Love It, or Leave It? 1. Pre-Race Breakfast: Cold Pizza at 3 AM You're getting ready for a 50-miler, and the only thing available at this ungodly hour is cold pizza from the night before. Like it, love it, or leave it? 2. Mid-Race Aid Station Mystery Soup You're 40 miles deep, you roll into an aid station, and they hand you a cup of ‘mystery soup.' It's warm, it smells kind of good, but no one can tell you exactly what's in it. Like it, love it, or leave it? 3. Post-Race Foot Photos Ultra runners love to flex those gnarly, blister-covered, toenail-less feet on social media. Like it, love it, or leave it?” 4. Running Through the Night Headlamp on, sleep deprivation setting in, hallucinations starting to appear—like it, love it, or leave it? 5. Mid-Race River Crossing You're deep into an ultra, and suddenly—bam! There's a freezing cold river between you and the next aid station. No bridge, no steppingstones, just straight through the water. Like it, love it, or leave it?  

Today, I am so excited to share this conversation I had with Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg. If you are a parent, a caregiver, an educator, a coach, a therapist, a human who interacts with children, young and old, this episode is for you. We all have something to learn from Dr. Ginsburg's insightful and engaging interpretation of these decades of research on what works in parenting. Dr. Ginsburg practices adolescent medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania, a founding director of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, the Director of Health Services at Covenant House Pennsylvania, an agency that serves Philadelphia's youth enduring homelessness and a father of two young adults. This vast experience and deep passion for supporting children of all ages and their families, in my opinion, makes him the perfect lighthouse for us as we navigate the sometimes murky or stormy waters of raising our own children and supporting the children of others around us.You'll hear Dr. Ginsburg and I speak highly of Ellen Galinsky who was a guest on Focus Forward and who wrote the highly acclaimed books Mind in the Making and The Breakthrough Years, all about EF skills in children and adolescents. If you're interested in learning more about Ellen's work, check out the show notes and Focus Forward episode #40, which coincidentally dropped exactly a year ago this week. Ellen will be joining me again in a few weeks to talk more about Executive Function skills with early childhood development researcher, Megan McClelland. In the meantime, thank you for listening! Show Notes: Learn More About 1:1 Coaching https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksLearn More About Dr. Ginsburghttps://www.fosteringresilience.comCenter for Parent and Teen Communicationhttps://parentandteen.com/Ellen Galinsky's bookshttps://ellengalinsky.com/

I'd love to hear from you. Send me a text! :)Have you been dwelling on the past—replaying mistakes, wondering “what if,” or feeling like your past disqualifies you from God's purpose? Maybe regret is whispering, “It's too late; you've missed your chance.”Let me tell you something…“God is not looking at your past; He's calling you forward!”In today's episode, we're diving into 3 biblical principles and 3 practical tools to help you release the weight of regret and step boldly into God's beautiful plan for your life.So, if you're ready to stop looking back and start moving forward in faith, go grab a notebook, pen, and your favorite beverage, and let's do this! :)~ ~ ~

#482 Run Mechanics and Drills Show Sponsor: UCAN UCAN created LIVSTEADY as an alternative to sugar based nutrition products. LIVSTEADY was purposefully designed to work with your body, delivering long-lasting energy you can feel. Whether UCAN Energy Powders, Bars or Gels, LIVSTEADY's unique time-release profile allows your body to access energy consistently throughout the day, unlocking your natural ability to finish stronger and recover more quickly! In Today's Show Announcements and News Ask A Coach - How is my run form? Get Gritty: Surround yourself with people who move you forward TriDot Workout of the Week: Interval Run!  Fun Segment: Triathlon Guilty Pleasures    Announcements and News: Upcoming Programming - Our February focus will be on swimming. Mar. 22 - Jason Bahamundi from RunTri Magazine Mar. 29 - USAT CEO Vic Brumfield on USA Triathlon's strategic plan – Elevate 2028: Focus Forward – which is USAT's roadmap to LA 2028 Apr. 5 - Bike handling skills for all conditions Apr. 12 - Essential bike maintenance skills   Announcing Coaches Corner (aka Office Hours) with Coaches April Spilde and Rich Soares. Every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Link to March 18 Coaches Corner - https://www.facebook.com/share/15reK1J3m5/   Grit2Greatness Endurance Website and Social Media - Come check out our new coaching  Website - Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching Facebook page @grit2greatnessendurance Ask A Coach Sponsor: G2G Endurance: Triathletes, it's time to unlock your potential! Grit2Greatness Coaching has joined forces with TriDot to bring you personalized, science-backed training that actually works. No fluff—just smarter training, better results, and a 2-week free trial to get you started. After that? Plans start at just $14.99/month. The best athletes don't just train harder; they train smarter. Click the link in our show notes and see what's possible! Train With Coach Rich: Rich.soares@tridot.com Rich Soares Coaching TriDot Signup - https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/richsoares RunDot Signup - https://app.rundot.com/onboard/sign-up/richsoares   Train with Coach April: April.spilde@tridot.com TriDot Signup - https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/aprilspilde RunDot Signup - https://app.rundot.com/onboard/sign-up/aprilspilde    Ask A Coach: How's my run form, Coach? Here we are going to provide an overview of basic run mechanics and things that I look for when doing a run assessment. I always do run assessments on the treadmill to make sure I have a controlled view and position relative to the athlete. This allows me to get a front, side and rear view of the athlete without having the angle or distance change during the video process. Body Lean Description: The angle of the torso relative to the ground. Purpose: Proper body lean can improve running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury by promoting a forward momentum.   Elbow Angle Description: The angle between the upper arm and forearm. Purpose: Optimal elbow angle (usually around 90 degrees) helps in maintaining balance and rhythm, reducing unnecessary energy expenditure.   Joint Alignment Description: The alignment of joints (shoulders, hips, ankles) during running. Purpose: Proper alignment ensures efficient movement patterns and reduces the risk of overuse injuries.   Foot Strike Angle Description: The angle at which the foot contacts the ground. Purpose: Determines the type of foot strike (heel, midfoot, forefoot) which can affect running efficiency and injury risk.   Cadence Description: The number of steps taken per minute. Purpose: Higher cadence (around 180 steps per minute) is often associated with reduced impact forces and improved running economy.   Vertical Displacement Description: The amount of vertical movement of the body during running. Purpose: Minimizing vertical displacement can improve running efficiency by reducing wasted energy.   Shoulder Stability Description: The ability to maintain stable shoulder positioning. Purpose: Stable shoulders help in maintaining proper posture and reducing unnecessary upper body movement.   Limb Movement Description: The movement patterns of the arms and legs. Purpose: Efficient limb movement contributes to overall running efficiency and balance.   Pelvic Stability Description: The ability to maintain a stable pelvis during running. Purpose: Pelvic stability is crucial for proper force distribution and reducing the risk of lower back and hip injuries.   Rich - Heel Height Symmetry Description: The height of the heel during the swing phase of the gait cycle. Purpose: Symmetrical heel height indicates balanced and efficient running mechanics.   Pronation/Supination Description: The inward (pronation) or outward (supination) roll of the foot during the gait cycle. Purpose: Proper pronation helps in shock absorption, while excessive pronation or supination can lead to injuries.   Foot Strike Position Description: The position of the foot relative to the body when it contacts the ground. Purpose: Ideal foot strike position (under the hips) promotes efficient running mechanics and reduces injury risk.   Rich - Triple Springs and Elastic Recoil Measurements Hip Flexion Description: The angle of the hip joint when the thigh moves towards the torso. Purpose: Adequate hip flexion is important for stride length and running efficiency.   Hip Extension Description: The angle of the hip joint when the thigh moves away from the torso. Purpose: Proper hip extension contributes to powerful push-off and forward propulsion.   Knee Flexion Description: The angle of the knee joint when the lower leg moves towards the thigh. Purpose: Optimal knee flexion helps in shock absorption and energy storage.   Knee Extension Description: The angle of the knee joint when the lower leg moves away from the thigh. Purpose: Proper knee extension is crucial for efficient push-off and stride length.   Ankle Flexion Description: The angle of the ankle joint when the foot moves towards the shin (dorsiflexion). Purpose: Adequate ankle flexion is important for foot clearance and shock absorption.   Ankle Extension Description: The angle of the ankle joint when the foot moves away from the shin (plantarflexion). Purpose: Proper ankle extension contributes to powerful push-off and forward propulsion.   These measurements collectively help in analyzing and improving running mechanics, leading to better performance and reduced injury risk.   Here are short descriptions of some common running drills:   High Knees Description: Running in place while lifting your knees as high as possible. Purpose: Improves hip flexor strength, running form, and cardiovascular fitness.   Butt Kicks Description: Running in place while kicking your heels up towards your glutes. Purpose: Enhances hamstring flexibility and strength, and improves running mechanics.   Strides Description: Short bursts of running at a faster pace, usually 50-100 meters. Purpose: Helps improve speed, running form, and prepares the body for faster running.   Skipping Description: Skipping forward with exaggerated arm and leg movements. Purpose: Improves coordination, rhythm, and strengthens the lower body muscles.   Bounding Description: Long, exaggerated strides with a focus on distance and height. Purpose: Enhances power, strength, and running efficiency.   Carioca (Grapevine) Description: Sideways running with a crossover step pattern. Purpose: Improves lateral movement, coordination, and hip flexibility.   A-Skip Description: Skipping with a focus on driving the knee up and forward. Purpose: Enhances hip flexor strength, coordination, and running form.   B-Skip Description: Similar to A-Skip but with an added extension of the leg forward. Purpose: Improves hamstring flexibility, coordination, and running mechanics.   Heel Walks Description: Walking on your heels with toes pointed upwards. Purpose: Strengthens the muscles in the front of the lower leg and improves ankle stability.   Toe Walks Description: Walking on your toes with heels lifted off the ground. Purpose: Strengthens the calf muscles and improves balance and stability.   These drills can help improve various aspects of running mechanics, strength, and overall performance.   Get Gritty Tip: Find the right scene. Daily Stoic, March 9 “Above all, keep a close watch on this—that you are never so tied to your former acquaintances and friends that you are pulled down to their level. If you don't, you'll be ruined. . . . You must choose whether to be loved by these friends and remain the same person, or to become a better person at the cost of those friends . . . if you try to have it both ways you will neither make progress nor keep what you once had.” —EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 4.2.1; 4–5” ― Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living   Prioritizing Growth and Improvement: The quote emphasizes the importance of choosing personal growth over maintaining the status quo. For a triathlete, this means focusing on training, improving techniques, and pushing beyond current limits, even if it means spending less time with friends who may not share the same goals.   Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People: It suggests that the company you keep can significantly impact your progress. A triathlete should seek out a community of like-minded individuals who encourage and support their athletic ambitions, rather than those who might inadvertently hold them back.   Making Tough Choices for Long-Term Success: The quote highlights the necessity of making difficult decisions to achieve long-term goals. For a triathlete, this could involve sacrificing certain social activities or habits that are not conducive to their training regimen, in order to become a better athlete.   TriDot Workout/Drill of the Week:    “Interval Run” Alright, runners, it's time to lace up and lock in—because this week's TriDot Workout of the Week is all about speed, endurance, and dialing in that perfect pacing strategy. We're talking interval runs! Now, if you've ever gone out way too hot in an interval session, only to end up in survival mode by the last rep—congrats, you're human! But today, we're going to do this right. This workout is designed to push your top-end speed in Zone 5 while teaching you how to stay controlled, efficient, and powerful through every interval. Warm-up:  2-3 min jog followed by 2x10 yards or meters of each drill:  High Knees Ankle Springs Hopping Carioca/Grapevine B Skips Walking Lunges   2 x 40-60 yard or meter Strides Leg Swings Main Set:  4 x 4 min @ Z5 (4 min) or  4 x 600 @ Z5 (4 min)   Balance of time @ Z2 Session Note As with all interval runs, be sure to hold a consistent pace throughout the session. Not too fast at first only to go too slow at the end. Focus on maintaining excellent form and staying relaxed during your stride. Push yourself and stay positive and determined despite how you feel during the session. Your recovery periods are full rest, but keep moving.   The key to nailing this session? Hold steady. Don't burn out in the first rep and turn the last one into a death march. Keep that form crisp, stay relaxed, and when it starts to hurt—because it will—remind yourself that this is where the magic happens.   Fun Segment: Triathlon Guilty Pleasures

#481 Chasing Mastery with Matt Fitzgerald Welcome Welcome to Episode #481 of the 303 Endurance Podcast. We're your hosts Coaches Rich Soares and April Spilde. Thanks for joining us for another week of endurance news, coaching tips and discussion.  This week we have a special feature with guest author, athlete and coach Matt Fitzgerald.   Show Sponsor: UCAN UCAN created LIVSTEADY as an alternative to sugar based nutrition products. LIVSTEADY was purposefully designed to work with your body, delivering long-lasting energy you can feel. Whether UCAN Energy Powders, Bars or Gels, LIVSTEADY's unique time-release profile allows your body to access energy consistently throughout the day, unlocking your natural ability to finish stronger and recover more quickly!    In Today's Show Announcements and News Featuring our 303 Webinar Series interview with Matt Fitzgerald  Special Get Gritty: Rich and April Mastery Chase TriDot Workout of the Week - Rich Fun Segment: Tri-Battle: April vs. Rich!    Announcements and News: TriDot Pool School - Last week's Pool School was an incredible success: 20 athletes on average made a 15% improvement (reduction) in their 100y time At 6000 feet on the USAFA campus    Upcoming Programming - Our February focus will be on swimming. Mar. 7 - Webinar with author and coach Matt Fitzgerald on his new book Chasing Mastery Mar. 15 - Run Drills and Run Mechanics Mar. 22 - Trail and Snow Running Mar. 29 - USAT CEO Vic Brumfield on USA Triathlon's strategic plan – Elevate 2028: Focus Forward – which is USAT's roadmap to LA 2028.   Announcing Coaches Corner (aka Office Hours) with Coaches April Spilde and Rich Soares. Every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Link to March 18 Coaches Corner - https://www.facebook.com/share/15reK1J3m5/   Grit2Greatness Endurance Website and Social Media - Come check out our new coaching  Website - Grit2Greatness Endurance Coaching Facebook page @grit2greatnessendurance Ask A Coach Sponsor: G2G Endurance Triathletes, it's time to unlock your potential! Grit2Greatness Coaching has joined forces with TriDot to bring you personalized, science-backed training that actually works. No fluff—just smarter training, better results, and a 2-week free trial to get you started. After that? Plans start at just $14.99/month. The best athletes don't just train harder; they train smarter. Click the link in our show notes and see what's possible!   Train With Coach Rich: Coach Rich Soares Rich.soares@tridot.com Rich Soares Coaching TriDot Signup - https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/richsoares RunDot Signup - https://app.rundot.com/onboard/sign-up/richsoares   Train with Coach April: Coach April Spilde April.spilde@tridot.com TriDot Signup - https://app.tridot.com/onboard/sign-up/aprilspilde RunDot Signup - https://app.rundot.com/onboard/sign-up/aprilspilde    Ask A Coach: Chasing Mastery with Matt Fitzgerald There's more to endurance performance than training. Best-selling author and coach Matt Fitzgerald gives athletes 25 practical lessons to unlock their true potential and master their sport. Every athlete's pursuit of performance will eventually become a game of diminishing returns. Matt Fitzgerald invites endurance athletes to focus on mastery, and performance will follow. The path to mastery goes well beyond an athlete's training program and stretches beyond the realm of sport. The end goal is for the athlete to realize their full potential, which will elevate their experience both in their sport and the rest of life. Preorder on Amazon for March 27th. Chasing Mastery: 25 Lessons to Cultivate Your Full Potential in Endurance Sports: Fitzgerald, Matt: 9798990795808: Amazon.com: Books Get Gritty Tip: Chasing Mastery Take-Aways April:  There's so much that I learned that it's hard to choose one, but I'd have to say I loved and will continue to think about the power of self-regulation. I think that is such a magnificent concept and speaks to how our daily choices really do determine our long term outcomes. True mastery comes from self-regulation: the ability to control your emotions, thoughts, and actions in pursuit of your goals. Talent and training matter, but they're not enough. The best athletes—regardless of age or ability—are those who develop discipline, resilience, and the capacity to push themselves to their absolute limit. Mastery isn't about being the fastest; it's about taking control of what you can and becoming the best version of yourself. I can choose to be Marcus or Bella…Being good at a sport isn't just about performance or raw speed—it's about mastering your full potential.  Rich:  What I loved about it is that it's so empowering. On the one hand it helps us to accept that we only have the potential we were born with, but it also gives us all of the responsibility of living up to that potential. The responsibility is squarely on the athlete to master and own all the decisions. Whether it's how well you executed today's workout, the decisions that set you up for success for not, decisions around training, recovery, nutrition, injury - everything. Even the decision to work with a coach or not.  TriDot Workout of the Week:  “Fartleks” Where does the word “Fartlek” come from and what does it mean? Fartlek - Wikipedia Fartlek is a middle and long-distance runner's training approach developed in the late 1930s by Swedish Olympian Gösta Holmér. It has been described as a relatively unscientific blending of continuous training (e.g., long slow distance training), with its steady pace of moderate-high intensity aerobic intensity,[2] and interval training, with its “spacing of more intense exercise and rest intervals.” Simply stated, in its widely adapted contemporary forms, Fartlek training is alternating periods of faster and slower running, often over natural terrain, including both “level and hilly terrain.   Session Note As with interval runs, the goal with fartleks is to be consistent throughout the session from start to finish. Don't go out too fast or cut your recovery periods short early in the session. This will negatively impact your training toward the end of your session. Be disciplined and hold consistent pacing and recovery periods for the entire session.   Warmup 2-3 min jog followed by 2x10 yards or meters of each drill: Quick Feet Butt Kicks Skipping for Height & Distance A Skips Asymmetric Arm Swings B Skips Bounds 2 x 40-60 yard or meter Strides Leg Swings   Main Set 3-9 x 4 min @ Z4 (60 sec jog) Balance of time @ Z2   Session Note Your goal is to perform each repeat with a consistent effort. The pace of your last repeat should be the same or slightly faster than your first. Be conservative and don't go out too hard on the first one else your later repeats will be negatively impacted. The most significant training benefit will come in how well you perform on the last few efforts. Recoveries should be at an extremely slow jog.   Fun Segment:  Tri-Battle: April vs. Rich Triathlon Edition – Do Rich and April Agree, or is There a Friendly Argument Brewing?   Now we're taking this debate beyond the run and into the full triathlon experience! In this segement, we will break down our Top 5 triathlon favorites—but do we actually agree, or is this about to turn into a friendly (but competitive) triathlon showdown?   How it Works:  - After each pick is revealed, Rich and April have 30 seconds to defend their choice.   - If we agree—great! Mutual validation.   - If we disagree—it's time for the Great Triathlon Debate!     - Each person gets 30 seconds to makes their case.     - At the end, they either:       - Convince the other to switch sides        - Agree to disagree   Who had the better argument? Folks, keep your eyes peeled for our polls this week on social media. Next episode, we'll reveal the results and either celebrate a victory lap or begrudgingly admit defeat.     Closing: Thanks again for listening this week. Please be sure to follow us @303Triathlon and @grit2greatnessendurance and of course go to iTunes and give us a rating and a comment. We'd really appreciate it! Stay tuned, train informed, and enjoy the endurance journey!  

Suits Creator, Aaron Korsh, Extends "Open Invitation" To Meghan, Duchess of Sussex While attending the premiere of the show's spinoff, Suits LA, in California on Thursday, Feb. 20, Suits creator Aaron Korsh spoke about the possibility of a cameo from the Duchess of Sussex following her exit from the legal drama in 2018. “Obviously, if Meghan wants to come back under any circumstances, Meghan can come back.” Harry & Meghan Continue To Make Groundbreaking Progress o Social Media Safety, Now Will & Kate Are Desperately Trying To Connect Themselves to Work They DIDN'T DO! "This may be an extraordinary family that everyone gets to talk about and write about and see, be interviewed and all that sort of stuff. But at the end of the day, it's a family." Jason Knauf Crawls From Beneath His Rock To Peddle More BullSH*T Jason Knauf, who previously worked as a communications secretary for royal brothers and their wives, made the rare comments in a new interview with 60 Minutes Australia that aired on Feb. 23. Invictus Games Athletes Share Heartwarming Interactions With Prince Harry While Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have put in plenty of work speaking about and promoting the Games, something that can easily get lost is how dedicated the pair really are to each year's event. Us Weekly spoke to several of the 2025 participants about their experiences meeting Harry and Meghan, and it's clear that the duke's passion is a big part of what makes the Invictus Games so special. __________________________________________________________ Sources: People | Meghan Markle Has an Open Invitation To Return To Suits: https://people.com/meghan-markle-has-open-invitation-to-return-suits-show-creator-aaron-korsh-11683924 Vanity Fair | Meghan & Harry, William & Kate Unite on Social Media Concerns: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/meghan-markle-prince-harry-prince-william-kate-middleton-unite-social-media-concerns People | Media Bully Jason Knauf Breaks Silence: https://people.com/prince-harry-prince-william-aide-breaks-silence-brothers-rift-jason-knauf-60-minutes-australia-11685045 US Weekly | Invictus Games Athletes Share Heartwarming Interactions with Prince Harry: https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/invictus-games-athletes-on-prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-impact/    

In this solo episode, after what could have been a tragic event, I am inspired to discuss a subject of most Nostalgic proportions... Manual Transmission in vehicles! Is it a rite of passage or a gateway to greatness?Check out everything I'm doing! ---> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Nostalgia Alchemist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please take care of yourselves and each other, as we, “Glance Back to Focus Forward” together. I'm always here, "For Whenever You Remember Why."

In this special episode, I interview a woman that needs no introduction: my Mom! We go through a nursing career retrospective, as well as a few nostalgic stories slipped in.This interview was conducted on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 on Twitch during my Extra Life charity broadcast, benefitting The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Click here for everything I have to offer! ----> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Nostalgia Alchemist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please take care of yourselves and each other, as we, “Glance Back to Focus Forward” together. I'm always here, "For Whenever You Remember Why."

In my first solo episode, I discuss the dangers of gatekeeping, and the weaponization of nostalgia. Click here for everything I have to offer! ----> ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Nostalgia Alchemist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please take care of yourselves and each other, as we, “Glance Back to Focus Forward” together. I'm always here, "For Whenever You Remember Why."

Hello everyone and welcome back to our podcast where this week there is tension... we are close to falling out... see if you can spot it, its well hidden ha ha We all have differing opinions on players, the problems etc and this week we air ours and go from there... BUT the key is to move forward and focus on what is ahead of us as we still have it in our hands to make this a very solid / good foundation season to build from if ... IF we can put together some results and we have four games left in January to do that otherwise I fear what comes next if we do not. Come On You Spurs !!!!

In this episode, I speak with my friend Jessica Mathis, AKA "KillerQueenDopamine", all about Grunge Music. You can follow Jessica here: Threads | The Unplug Initiative | Music Morphine Click here for everything I have to offer! ----> ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Nostalgia Alchemist⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please take care of yourselves and each other, as we, “Glance Back to Focus Forward” together. I'm always here, "For Whenever You Remember Why."

Today, I'm joined by the one and only Tyler Moore, AKA “Tidy Dad.” Tyler is a New York City Public School teacher, a husband, and a father of three. He creates content based on his own experience with tidying that he hopes will help others find joy and order in what he calls, “the beautiful mess of life”. Tyler came on to Focus Forward to share his new book, Tidy Up Your Life, which was just released this month! The book is a deep dive into the connection between physical and mental clutter and how our ability to organize, prioritize, and adapt can shape the way we live. Tyler and I also explored how embracing uncertainty and the “messy middle” of change, pivoting when necessary, and experimenting with routines can lead to powerful shifts in both mindset and priorities. He also explained the thinking behind his step-by-step approach to maintaining our homes —starting with organizing, followed by tidying, and then cleaning. In his book, he expands his ideas on this by offering cleaning and tidying options that are thoughtful, simple, and accessible for each area of the house.Tyler was fun to talk with and I hope you enjoy our conversation and learn a lot from him! Here are the show notes from today's episode: Learn More About TylerWebsitewww.thetidydad.comInstagramwww.instagram.com/tidydadTidy Up Your Lifehttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751698/tidy-up-your-life-by-tyler-moore/From the Beyond BookSmart BlogGetting Organized: Minimizing Clutter In 4 Easy Steps - Beyond BookSmart Bloghttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/getting-organized-minimizing-clutter-in-4-easy-stepsGaining Calm by Organizing: How to Clear Your Space & Mindhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/meditation-in-organization-how-to-clear-your-space-mind7 Tips for Organizing With ADHD: How to Organize Betterhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/7-tips-for-organizing-with-adhd-how-to-organize-betterGet in Touchpodcast@beyondbooksmart.comInstagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoachingwww.beyondbooksmart.com

Is the story of the life that you are living a story that you are proud to share with your audience? Create a new and inspiring story by making a brave choice. It's a new year and an opportunity for you to turn the page and begin a new chapter in your life. Is the year 2025 the year you Focus Forward and make a brave choice? A brave choice is one that scares and excites you. Change is scary. Remaining stuck is scarier and more destructive. Contact: doug@dougstevenson.com  

In this episode, enjoy Lee's hugely popular monthly Energy Update where he takes the pulse of what's going on energetically, emotionally, and psychologically.Read the full text of this update here: https://www.leeharrisenergy.com/january-2025-energy-updateSubscribe to Lee's channel so you can always stay up to date on his latest free videos: https://youtube.com/subscription_cent...Timestamps:03:14 - THE OLD IS LEAVING US FAST05:48 - THE NEW BEGINS 12:19 - BEWILDERMENT and GRIEF turn into TRANSFORMATION 16:27 - FOCUS FORWARD on what you wish to create20:02 - COSMIC and SPIRITUAL messages on overdrive23:21 - KNOW your vibration and NOTICE that of others26:12- PHYSICAL BODY UPGRADES INCOMING28:42 - TRANSFORMING THE VICTIM/PERPETRATOR dance on Earth

There are many memories from the past that nag for our present attention. The Bible provides us with practical, actionable encouragement for believers to help us to focus forward. Thanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends. We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

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Happy holidays, everyone! It's such a special time of year and I'm grateful to all of you for choosing to spend some of it with us here at Focus Forward! Don't forget to check out Beyond BookSmart's New Year's discount on our new monthly coaching subscription, which offers 2 of our 45-minute one to one coaching sessions per month for a more accessible price of $252. You have the choice to add more sessions if you need additional support. You can find more information in the show notes or by going to our website, beyondbooksmart.com. Still have questions? Shoot me an email at podcast@beyondbooksmart.com and I can help you out!Parenting, much like coaching, is a journey full of questions, challenges, and opportunities for growth—both for our children and ourselves. How do we guide without pushing, encourage independence while offering support, and foster resilience in a world full of pressures? Ooof, it's a lot of work. Today, I'm joined by Neal Elliott, a parent and veteran coach at Beyond BookSmart who has been coaching since our company's inception in 2006, and whose wisdom has shaped countless lives. I asked Neal to join me to share three stories about coaching. The stories he chose highlight the importance of trust, relevance in learning, and meaningful parent-child relationships. You'll hear about a student who improved his algebra skills by connecting math to Minecraft, a long-term client who rebuilt confidence through trust, and a special in-person coaching moment from our pre-virtual coaching days.Neal's stories inspired our conversation and led us to talk about building trust, encouraging progress (even the smallest steps), and reframing failure as a vital learning opportunity. Whether you're navigating the teen years or guiding a younger child, I hope Neal's stories and wisdom will inspire reflection and offer some support for the road ahead. And be sure to check the show notes for Neal's curated collection of books and other resources he wants to share with Focus Forward listeners. Neal knows what he's talking about and he's created a treasure trove, people! Show Notes: Neal Elliott's Resource Listhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/14vTPW7F2IrCF8CDwKp8xTEXMSt5NsR0xiPG5i6boDxE/edit?usp=drive_linkLearn more about Beyond BookSmart's 1:1 Coaching Programhttps://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-worksSee our current coaching subscription prices (discounted through January 5, 2025!)https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/contact-us

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-202404033030

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/

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jenn, Jad, and Melissa discuss the themes of focus, self-awareness, and accountability, drawing lessons from Proverbs 4 & 26. In this insightful conversation, the pastors delve into the importance of guarding your heart against distractions and negativity, emphasizing how our focus can easily be derailed by "sideshows" in life. They explore the power of humility, self-awareness, and personal growth, offering practical strategies like using "I statements" to improve communication and owning your actions. The discussion also highlights the balance between accountability and grace within relationships and community, urging listeners to stay focused on their purpose while being open to correction and learning from others.   Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast   Download a copy of our free resource guide to go along with this series at st.lukes.org/adults 

In this episode, it's Part I of my conversation with filmmaker and tap dancer Johnnie Hobbs III about his 2012 film “Nostalgia” and subsequent discussion about “The Hobbs Test”. Find the film “Nostalgia”, “The Hobbs Test” and Johnnie's other works & socials here! Click here for everything I have to offer! ----> ⁠⁠⁠The Nostalgia Alchemist⁠⁠⁠ Please take care of yourselves and each other, as we, “Glance Back to Focus Forward” together. I'm always here, "For Whenever You Remember Why." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thenostalgiaalchemist/support

In this episode, it's Part II of my conversation with filmmaker and tap dancer Johnnie Hobbs III about his other works, and the conclusion to our conversation in the previous episode.Find Johnnie's works & socials here!(Disclaimer: Please check back in with Johnnie's website soon for the public release of his film, "Yuri", which will be available in the future from the release of this episode.)Johnnie's Film List:If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), Dir. Barry JenkinsNetwork (1976), Dir. Sidney Lumet25th Hour (2002), Dir. Spike LeeBamboozled (2000), Dir. Spike LeeBlack Swan (2010), Dir. Darren AronofskySaturday Night Fever (1977), Dir. John BedhamSynecdoche, NY (2008), Dir. Charlie KaufmanA Face In The Crowd (1957), Dir. Elia KazanMy Film List:The Wind Rises (2013), Dir. Hayao MiyazakiPaper Moon (1973), Dir. Peter BogdanovichThe Godfather Epic: Novella for Television (1972 & 1974), Dir. Francis Ford CoppolaA Night At The Opera (1935), Dir. Sam WoodThe 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), Dir. Lau Kar-leungKill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (2003 & 2004), Dir. Quinten TarantinoMary Poppins (1964), Dir. Robert StevensonThe Wrestler (2008), Dir. Darren AronofskyWhiplash (2014), Dir. Damien ChazelleOcean's Eleven (2001), Dir. Steven SoderberghThere Will Be Blood (2007), Dir. Paul Thomas AndersonSingin' In The Rain (1952), Dir. Gene Kelly & Stanley DonenClick here for everything I have to offer! ----> ⁠⁠⁠The Nostalgia Alchemist⁠⁠⁠Please take care of yourselves and each other, as we, “Glance Back to Focus Forward” together. I'm always here, "For Whenever You Remember Why." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thenostalgiaalchemist/support

This month we are focusing on building the habit of building a Growth Mindset.My goal is to help you build habits peacefully so that you can impact your world powerfully.In the Hello Mornings Daily Podcast, I share a simple tip based on our monthly theme and then I close the podcast with our 3-Minute Morning Routine.THE 3-MINUTE MORNINGGod Time: Pray Psalm 143: 8 (Minute 1)Plan Time: Prayerfully Review Your Calendar  (Minute 2)Move Time: Take 5-10 Deep Breaths (Minute 3)That's it! Adjust as needed and use as your pathway to a growing morning habit!Want to go deeper with our workshops, journals, Bible Studies and accountability ? Join The Hello Mornings Academy, where we help Christian women build habits and reach goals peacefully so they can impact their world powerfully.GOODIES: Click here to download our FREE morning routine goodies.COMMUNITY: Click here to learn more about the Hello Mornings Academy.BOOK: Click here to get the Hello Mornings BookCheering you on,❤️ Kat Lee   

Start your project early, communicate with regulatory bodies often, and begin with the validation in mind—that's Dr. Paul Martinetti's starting advice for aspiring life scientists looking to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare. Tune into our latest SNiP, a special segment of Fractals Life Science Conversations, to hear more. Listen now, and stay tuned for the full episode of Fractals, releasing later this month.

If you're worried about the real estate market changing, I have bad news. The change has already happened. No matter where you are, there's no doubt that the market has softened.   There's less properties on the market, less buyers, higher interest rates, more people sitting on the fence and ultimately, less sales.   Navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape requires adaptability and strategic thinking. How do you put your focus forward instead of looking back to the market we had before? From prioritizing lead generation to engaging in coaching, how do you survive and even thrive in the current real estate environment?   In this episode, I share practical tips on how to thrive in today's dynamic market.

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/

Pastor Drew continues in our "Struggle Together" series. Today we look at what it means to “Joyfully Focus Forward” in Philippians 3:1-14. - Give to BWC at www.bwch.org/give - Follow BWC on your favorite platform at: - Facebook - @bwchoh Instagram - @bridgewaterchurch Web - @ www.bwch.org

To donate to Marie Mohler, click here: https://give.cornerstone.cc/wholesoulmasterydonate Part 2 of this 2-Part Video Series delves deeper into these May 2024 Energies via Frequency Writer, Marie Mohler.  Themes include: Focusing Forward Into The Post Ascension Future & Calling It Into Your Now, Practicing the Art (and Soul Skill) of Quantum Leaping and Timeline Jumping, The Importance of Frequency Awareness and Aligning Vibrationally With What We Most Desire to Live and Be, Being Courageous Creators, and more.  Thank you for joining me and please share with others who would benefit from these insights and positive energies.Part 1 of this 2-Part Video Series spotlights the Energies in May 2024 via Marie Mohler, a star seed and intuitive channel.  Themes include: this Powerful Portal of Time in All of Creation That Is Now, Quantum Dreaming, Quantum Multidimensional Living, Changing Your Vibrations & Changing Your Story, Changing Your Frequencies and Changing Your Life, and more. To tune into the Original Message, click here: https://youtu.be/QQLmLnCs_HIPlease like, subscribe, and share!Interested in learning about ways to bring balance to your life, increase your faith and fortitude, and grow your Cosmic Wealth?  Email Marie: frequencywriter@gmail.com for more informationFor more Inspirational Messages and Products, please visit:https://frequencywriter.com​​​​Or email: info@frequencywriter.comTo listen to more amazing podcasts and insightful broadcasts, or to make a donation, visit:  http://www.wholesoulschoolandfoundation.orgTo donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/wholesoulschoolandfoundationTo shop our apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/whole-soul-school-and-foundation/Thank you!Follow me via Whole Soul Mastery:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marie_mohlerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholesoulmasteryYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@colorthemagicRumble.com: https://rumble.com/c/c-353585​​​​UgeTube: https://ugetube.com/@wholesoulmastery​​​​Telegram: https://t.me/wholesoulmasteryTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@frequencywriter& https://truthsocial.com/@wholesoulmasteryTune into Frequency Writer Transmissions & Marinades, Whole Soul Mastery Podcasts with Amazing Guests, and Whole Soul School and Foundation's variety of inspiring podcasts via:Spotify, Apple iTunes, Buzzsprout, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music + other favorite podcast platforms Find me by searching Whole Soul Mastery or Whole Soul School and FoundationIf would like to support me and my work directly, please send donations to: https://give.cornerstone.cc/wholesoulmasterydonateYou can also mail donations to:Marie Mohler/Whole Soul Mastery400 S. Elliott Rd., Suite D259Chapel Hill, NC 27514Every donation is appreciated! Thank you

Darlene Hildebrandt is a photographer and educator. Darlene helps amateur photographers improve their images through articles on her website, video tutorials on her YouTube channel, online courses, and worldwide photography tours. As a woman in a mostly male dominated industry in the 1980s, she never let being a female or standing five foot tall stop her from reaching for the sky and living her dreams. Learn more about Darlene. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. Read the show notes.

Today we're talking all about creativity. You may have already known that Executive Function skills benefit our creativity, but what you might know is that creative hobbies can actually have huge benefits for the development of our Executive Functioning. In this episode, we explore this symbiotic relationship so you can learn how to enjoy the brain benefits of both creativity and Executive Function. The full episode is now available to stream on all your favorite podcast platforms (linked above!)As always, thank you for being part of the Focus Forward community! If you enjoy this episode, be sure to leave us a 5-star rating on the platform you're listening on ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Here are the show notes from today's episode: Benefits of Creative HobbiesAssociation of Enjoyable Leisure Activities With Psychological and Physical Well-Being: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/Crafts as serious hobbies: Impact and benefits in later life: https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/crre.9.1.93_1Window of ToleranceWhat Is the Window of Tolerance, and Why Is It So Important: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/making-the-whole-beautiful/202205/what-is-the-window-tolerance-and-why-is-it-so-importantHow to Help Your Clients Understand Their Window of Tolerance: https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/Managing PerfectionismConquering Failure: Expert Tips for Building a More Resilient Life: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/overcoming-procrastination-webinar-on-demand-registration-0Focus Forward Ep 11: Procrastination: Why We Wait & What to Do About It: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=n2bmc91r6dThe Perils of Handmade Perfectionism: https://luvliness.net/2024/02/the-perils-of-handmade-perfectionism/5 Teachings From The Japanese Wabi Sabi Philosophy That Can Drastically Improve Your Life: https://www.omaritani.com/blog/wabi-sabi-philosophy-teachingsCreative Hobbies and Executive FunctionDirections Practice: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zIOa53QyoJkx98mhLCluX2NGNgZ4iXN-ag2hW-gHUL0/editSewing with Threads Podcast - Sewing and Neurodiversity: https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2024/04/03/sewing-and-neurodiversity-with-hannah-choi-episode-76Learn more about Hannah and Bonnie (Bonnah Co Fiber Arts): https://www.bonnahco.com and https://www.instagram.com/bonnahcofiberarts

To donate to Marie Mohler, click here: https://give.cornerstone.cc/wholesoulmasterydonatePart 1 of this 2-Part Video Series spotlights the Energies in April 2024 via Frequency Writer - Marie Mohler; a star seed and intuitive channel.  Themes include Focusing Forward in Faith, April 8th's Eclipse, Epic Choicepoints, Jumping Timelines, Conscious Breathing, and more. Thank you for joining me and please share with others who would benefit from these insights and positive energies.There will be a SECOND April 2024 Frequency Writing that will post this week. So stay tuned for that!Part 3 of this 3-Part Video Series this month delves deeper into these April 2024 Frequencies.  The Marinades message will post on Saturday, April 6th!  Stay tuned!Please like, subscribe, and share!Interested in learning about ways to bring balance to your life, increase your faith and fortitude, and grow your Cosmic Wealth?  Email Marie: frequencywriter@gmail.com for more informationFor more Inspirational Messages and Products, please visit:https://frequencywriter.com​​​​Or email: info@frequencywriter.comTo listen to more amazing podcasts and insightful broadcasts, or to make a donation, visit:  http://www.wholesoulschoolandfoundation.orgTo donate: https://give.cornerstone.cc/wholesoulschoolandfoundationTo shop our apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/whole-soul-school-and-foundation/Thank you!Follow me via Whole Soul Mastery:Twitter: https://twitter.com/marie_mohlerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholesoulmasteryYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@colorthemagicRumble.com: https://rumble.com/c/c-353585​​​​UgeTube: https://ugetube.com/@wholesoulmastery​​​​Telegram: https://t.me/wholesoulmasteryTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@frequencywriter& https://truthsocial.com/@wholesoulmasteryTune into Frequency Writer Transmissions & Marinades, Whole Soul Mastery Podcasts with Amazing Guests, and Whole Soul School and Foundation's variety of inspiring podcasts via:Spotify, Apple iTunes, Buzzsprout, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music + other favorite podcast platforms Find me by searching Whole Soul Mastery or Whole Soul School and FoundationIf would like to support me and my work directly, please send donations to: https://give.cornerstone.cc/wholesoulmasterydonateYou can also mail donations to:Marie Mohler/Whole Soul Mastery400 S. Elliott Rd., Suite D259Chapel Hill, NC 27514Every donation is appreciated! Thank you

Today's conversation explores a really important topic - the occurrence of ADHD with other diagnoses, also known as comorbidities. If you aren't sure if this topic applies to you, I encourage you to listen anyway because you might end up learning something that could truly, truly help yourself or someone you love in ways you never expected. I learned so much from my guest, Dr. Roberto Olivardia, who is a clinical psychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School. I met Roberto at the ADHD conference in Baltimore last year and was excited to get him on Focus Forward. He's just a wealth of knowledge and super interesting to talk to. Roberto and I started out exploring the comorbidities that can occur with ADHD, such as OCD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Our conversation led us to sleep and sleep apnea and eating disorders in boys and men and the connection to ADHD here, too. This important connection is not talked about or studied as much as it needs to be. Thank you for listening and I hope our conversation resonates with you or someone you love.Show NotesLearn More About Dr. Roberto OlivardiaRoberto Olivardia's profile: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/profile/roberto-olivardiaMcLean Hospital's Free Mental Health Webinars: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/video-series/mental-health-webinarsFacing Insecurities With Body Dysmorphic Disorder - webinar hosted by Roberto: https://www.mcleanhospital.org/video/facing-insecurities-body-dysmorphic-disorderThe Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys: https://www.amazon.com/Adonis-Complex-Identify-Prevent-Obsession/dp/068486911X/Roberto Olivardia on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=roberto+olivardiaLearn More about the Connection between ADHD and Other DiagnosesWhat Is Complex ADHD? Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment by Theresa Cerulli, MD:https://www.additudemag.com/complex-adhd-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/Not Just ADHD? Helping Children with Multiple Concerns: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/features/not-just-adhd.htmlAre Eating Disorders Related to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4777329/Is obstructive sleep apnea associated with ADHD? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21808754/

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Tuesday, March 19, 2024.   WV's solar energy continues to grow with the addition of Marion County's Fort Martin site. A new campaign targets potential first-time foster parents. And explore new technologies at the Focus Forward conference in Morgantown…on today's daily304.  #1 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia has long been one of the nation's leading producers of electrical energy, largely due to the coal industry. Until the beginning of this year, when FirstEnergy's Fort Martin solar site in Marion County came online, the largest solar array in the state belonged to Toyota. Visitors to the campus of Toyota Manufacturing West Virginia in Buffalo are greeted by the sight of its SmartFlower solar array. The campus also is home to a 5-acre array of more traditional-looking solar panels. The arrays are capable of generating 2.6 megawatts of power. The energy is used to power a number of employee services buildings on the campus and three EV charging stations. FirstEnergy's solar site on the site of its Fort Martin Power Station has about seven times the generating capacity of Toyota's array. The 80-acre site has nearly 50,000 solar panels capable of producing up to 18.9 megawatts per hour. The site is the first of five the company has said it plans to operate in the region. “It is important to have this voluntary option available to customers, as renewable energy is a large economic driver in both attracting new industry to West Virginia and keeping existing companies that now require a portion of their electricity to come from renewable sources,” said Jim Myers, president of FirstEnergy's West Virginia operations. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/wvlegislature/not-just-coal-west-virginias-solar-energy-industry-continues-to-grow/article_5273520e-dc85-11ee-9d1b-6f1859b8899e.html    #2 – From METRO NEWS – A few different agencies are joining forces to recruit more foster parents and address the shortage of foster care placements in West Virginia during a newly-launched, statewide campaign. The West Virginia Department of Human Services, along with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, Mission West Virginia, and 10 foster care organizations around the state are all collaborating for the initiative, which targets first-time foster care parents as recruits, and focuses on finding older youth in the system good, stable homes. The Executive Director of Mountain Health Promise with Aetna Better Health of West Virginia Kathy Szafran said the organizations all agreed there's a great need in those areas. They are particularly looking for single or married adults who may have considered fostering in the past but have not yet taken the steps needed to become qualified. “The focus is on honesty, urgency, and duty,” she said. “We want folks in West Virginia to be able to know that we need them and we need them now.” They encourage those considering being a foster parent to visit wefosterwv.org as the next step, as it's a central resource outlining everything you need to know to become qualified. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2024/03/11/west-virginia-agencies-come-together-for-newly-launched-statewide-campaign-to-recruit-more-foster-parents/ #3 – From WVPEC -- Get ready to thrive in tomorrow's digital world with Focus Forward.  This conference, sponsored by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, explores how new technologies will continue to revolutionize every aspect of society - at work, at school and at home.  The event takes place March 27 at Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. Sign up now! Learn more: https://wvpec.wvu.edu/events-and-initiatives/focus-forward-preparing-today-for-the-west-virginia-of-tomorrow/2024-focus-forward   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Hi everyone! It's a special day for us here at Focus Forward. Today marks our 40th episode, just days ahead of our two-year podcast anniversary. I want to thank our amazing team at Beyond BookSmart and of course, you, our listeners. It means so much to us to know that so many are finding the work that we are doing here at Focus Forward helpful.Today's episode is also really special because I had the ultimate privilege and joy of getting to sit down with Ellen Galinsky. Ellen is the OG of researching and writing about Executive Function skills, parenthood, and child development. In addition to being the author of many books, she also founded the Families and Work Institute along with many other life accomplishments you can read about in her bio. You may have heard of or read her book “Mind in the Making” which explores seven life skills young kids need to thrive - and these life skills are Executive Function skills! In her books, she takes the brilliant work done by researchers all over the world and writes about it in a way that we non-researchers can understand and use in our lives. She's done the same in her new book, The Breakthrough Years, which comes out in a couple of weeks on March 26. The Breakthrough Years teaches us more than just how to help our teenagers thrive, it helps us understand them. As you'll hear Ellen explain, she asked teenagers what they want people to know about them and the messages that teens want us adults to hear make up the five chapters of the book. So tune in and learn how to help raise thriving teens through a deep knowledge of what drives them and through the application of Executive Function strategies. Learn More About Ellen GalinskyEllen Galinsky's Websitehttps://www.ellengalinsky.comThe Breakthrough Yearshttps://ellengalinsky.com/the-breakthrough-years/Mind in the Makinghttps://www.mindinthemaking.org/Families and Work Institutehttps://www.familiesandwork.org/Other Parenting Resources I've Been Loving LatelyLisa Damour's books and "Ask Lisa" podcastAliza Pressman's book and "Raising Good Humans" podcastNever Enough by Jennifer Breheny WallaceAdam Grant's books and “Rethinking” podcast (not parenting-focused, but still very much applicable!)Kenneth Ginsburg's book, Congrats - You're Having a Teen! Contact Us!Reach out to us at podcast@beyondbooksmart.comIG/FB/TikTok @beyondbooksmartcoaching

The season of Lent is not just giving something up. It is also a season of intentional placement of Christ as the focus of our lives once again. Have we allowed something else to captivate our attention? Let us find ourselves focusing on Christ, letting all else fall to the wayside. For we who seek first the kingdom of God are promised to find everything in Christ.

Shelia's professional portfolio is nothing short of impressive - serving as the Current President, Founder, CEO, and General Counsel of Focus Forward Consulting, Chief Leadership and Talent Officer for WOMN LLC, and an Expert and Consultant for the Bates Group. In our conversation, we delved deep into Shelia's illustrious career, exploring the adaptability of skills and our innate capacity for personal growth. A novel theme emerged during the podcast as we extensively discussed the pivotal role of office culture and the quest for the right professional fit. Shelia also underscored the importance of adding and receiving value as individuals, highlighting the important role networking plays when contemplating career changes or life pivots. Shelia's advice to remain flexible and not overly attached to any single position in life offers a sense of relief to myself and fellow listeners, prompting us to ponder: what's the worst that could happen? Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about Shelia and her remarkable company by checking out the details below!Links to find Shelia and her company:linkedin.com/in/sheilamurphyfocusforwardfocus-forward-consulting.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lawyersinthemaking.substack.com

Today's episode covers a topic that's close to my heart - both as a parent and an Executive Function coach. We'll be talking about self-advocacy for kids and adolescents with Dr. Nerissa Bauer, a behavioral pediatrician from Indiana whom I met through my colleague Wendy Craven. Nerissa and I got to meet in person at the ADHD conference in 2023, which was just so much fun that I had to bring her onto Focus Forward! Together, we explored the importance of emotional literacy, which empowers kids to recognize and express their feelings effectively. We also discussed how kids, especially those facing learning challenges or other diagnoses, can learn to advocate for themselves. You'll hear Dr. Bauer share invaluable insights and actionable tips for parents and caregivers of all ages, from toddlers to high school seniors. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I enjoyed being a part of it! Here are the show notes from today's episode: 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 Course for Parents and Kidshttps://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/teach-me-adhd-sales-page-general-registrationSelf-Advocacy Resources6 tips for helping your grade-schooler learn to self-advocatehttps://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-tips-for-helping-your-grade-schooler-learn-to-self-advocateThe Importance of Self-Advocacyhttps://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-importance-of-self-advocacyGetting Students on the Road to Self-Advocacyhttps://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-students-road-self-advocacy/Self-Advocacy for College Studentshttps://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/self-esteem-stress-management/self-advocacy-college-studentsEmotional LiteracyMarc Brackett, PhD talks emotional literacy with Brene Brownhttps://brenebrown.com/podcast/dr-marc-brackett-and-brene-on-permission-to-feel/Emotional Knowing and Emotional Literacyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/envy/202209/emotional-knowing-and-emotional-literacyDeveloping Emotional Literacy Across the Grade Levelshttps://www.edutopia.org/article/developing-emotional-literacy-across-grade-levels/

In our next episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Annalease Richards, a renowned pediatric psychiatrist with extensive experience in the field of child and adolescent mental health. Dr. Richards will be sharing her invaluable insights on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), from diagnosis to treatment and everything in between. She will delve into the reasons why timely intervention is critical, the various treatment options available, and what parents and caregivers can expect in terms of prognosis. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone interested in learning more about ADHD, this episode promises to be an enlightening resource, packed with professional guidance and advice to navigate the challenges of ADHD. Don't miss this opportunity to gain deeper understanding and practical tips from one of the leading experts in pediatric psychiatry in the Caribbean. 

Could we really have a podcast called “Focus Forward” without eventually covering the topic of attention and focus? Of course not! Rest assured, today's the day, and as a person with ADHD, difficulty paying attention is one of the most frustrating aspects of my brain. Most annoyingly, I seem to notice just about everything that's happening around me but still end up missing so much of what's actually important for me to remember. Luckily, I now know that this is simply a feature of my ADHD, but for most of my life, I thought it was some inherent character flaw. Can you relate to that struggle, too? Well, then this episode is for you. Today, we explore the critical Executive Function skill of attention and examine some of the most effective strategies for supporting focus in people of all learning profiles. I hope you enjoy and gain some valuable ideas to try out in your own life! If you do, be sure to leave us a review (and let me know at podcast@beyondbooksmart.com!)In the meantime, here are our show notes for today's episode: Impact of Meditation on the BrainMindfulness Meditation Is Related to Long-Lasting Changes in Hippocampal Functional Topology during Resting State: A Magnetoencephalography Studyhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312586/When science meets mindfulnesshttps://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/7 Ways Meditation Can Actually Change The Brainhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/02/09/7-ways-meditation-can-actually-change-the-brain/Myth of MultitaskingDan Crenshaw's YouTube Video - Try the Myth of Multitasking Exercise!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eQyfirx2HAPsychology and Neuroscience Blow Up the Myth of Effective Multitaskinghttps://www.inc.com/scott-mautz/psychology-and-neuroscience-blow-up-the-myth-of-effective-multitasking.htmlStop Multitasking. No, Really — Just Stop It.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/29/opinion/do-one-thing-at-a-time-management.html?unlocked_article_code=1.NE0.5X_B.EppCuwbpn7YE&smid=url-shareContact Us!Reach out to us at podcast@beyondbooksmart.comIG/FB/TikTok @beyondbooksmartcoachingTranscriptSpace CadetAirheadDaydreamerAbsent-Minded ProfessorDitzyScatterbrainedShe's got her Head in the CloudsDreamerAny of those names sound familiar to you? I can feel my own gut reaction to saying them aloud just now and know that I have either been called them by others or called myself them inside my head. As a person with attention and memory challenges, it's bound to happen that I forget stuff or neglect to pay attention to stuff I really should notice. And, ironically and very annoyingly, I seem to notice literally everything going on around me and at the same time, not notice the important stuff when it's really, really important for me to do so. Now I know that this is a feature of my ADHD, but for most of my life, I thought it was just a character flaw. Can anyone relate to that, too? Well, today's episode is about the EF skill of attention, which as you may know already, is tightly connected to the EF skill of memory. They're like best friends and worst enemies at the same time. Frenemies, as they kids say, wait how long has that word been around? Do people still say it? Am I dating myself by saying it or making myself seem cooler than I really am. Lemme look this up MAKE TYPING NOISE Okay, I just did a quick google search and “frenemy” was first used in 1953! It's often attributed to Jessica Mitford, Queen of the Muckrakers and notorious Civil Rights lawyer who wrote in her 1977 book “Decca: The Letters of Jessica Mitford” saying that her sister came up with the word. Wait, what's a muckraker…hold on. Ahh, wait, okay, Hannah pay attention and get back to the episode at hand. We can learn about muckrakers later on.Okay yes, so, the connection between memory and attention. When I interviewed Dr. Sherrie All for episode 16 of Focus forward, which was all about memory, she said this: memory is like the storage of information that gets into your brain. Right? That attention is the gateway, you cannot expect yourself to remember things that you didn't notice in the first place. So, if you struggle with remembering stuff, it might be worth an investigation into your attention EF skill. That's what we're going to do today. We'll take a look at how inattention can impact our lives and what we can to do set ourselves up for success. I'll teach you some tools and strategies our coaches like to share with our clients and I'll also spend a little time debunking the myth of multitasking. Sorry folks, it's not a thing. At least, not for most of us. Before we dive in, I want to talk briefly about the connection between EF skills and our emotions. As you have heard me say before and I'll say again and again, our emotions are connected to our executive functioning. If we're stressed, having trouble regulating our emotions, or in a crisis, our EF skills may be, will likely be, harder to access, especially the ones that we struggle with in regular times. So, if you find it hard to pay attention and your memory is anything like mine, go easy on yourself, especially in challenging times. Improving your attention can help with remembering more but the reality is that some people will still have challenges with memory, even if they are fully paying attention. Have some grace, some compassion for yourself. Listening to this episode, learning some strategies, and taking the time to learn and care for yourself is a good way to do this. Okay, so other than the direct impact on memory, how else can inattention impact our lives? Inattention can lead us to overlook important details. This can look like not noticing a negative sign in a math problem, missing a payment to the dentist, entering a wrong number on our taxes or maybe not even paying our taxes at all, missing a meeting with the boss, or putting the waistband on a pair of pants backward. That last one was me. I love to sew clothing and I did that once. Wait, I actually did it twice. In the same day. I noticed that I had put the waistband on backward and then unstitched it all, which if you've ever unstitched something, you know how tedious it is and then I did it AGAIN. So, inattention can have some real consequences on our grades, our finances, our time, and our self-esteem. It can also have a severe effect on our health and safety. In the kitchen, it can result in injuries or fires, while driving it could potentially lead to fatal accidents, while playing sports, we could hurt ourselves or others. We could miss cues our bodies are giving us and unintentionally delay treatment for a health condition. We could miss dangers in our environment, like when I walked head-on into a guy wire. The guy wire was fine. My knee was not. Wait a second. Is it guy wire or guide wire? I've always said guy wire but maybe it's guide wire? Hold on…wait wait wait back to the episode, you can research that later, Hannah.Anyway, there are a ton of other situations I'm sure you can imagine or pull up from your own life experience. The message here is that attention is a critically important, time-saving - and potentially life-saving - EF skill to work on. So, it's good you're here.So, how can we set ourselves up for success? There are a bunch of things we can do to increase our attention and reduce the chance of all that bad stuff I probably just depressed you with from happening. There's hope, folks, there's hope. And a lot of the things we can do are pretty simple. Of course, you actually have to do them, which is the hard part but let's all give it our best shot.First one is a magic trick. At least, for me, it seems to be a magic trick. It's to slow down. Just slow down. It's that simple. And yet, sooooooo hard to remember to do in the moment. But, really, slowing down can make a world of difference for your attention ability. When we rush, we're more likely to miss things. Just this morning, my son was leaving for school and had to be there earlier than normal and had to bring some extra stuff with him. He rushed out the door and 30 minutes later, we got a call from him that he forgot the extra stuff. If he had slowed down, he would have noticed the bag we had oh so thoughtfully left right by the door. And earlier this week, I rushed to send an email to a large mailing list and then my colleague pointed out that I had forgotten to include the link I referenced in the email. In the moment, it feels like slowing down will waste time, but you can see in these two examples, we ended up having to use more time later to fix the consequences of rushing. It can help to repeat a mantra of “slow down” or “take your time”. Slowing down does not come naturally to many people and can take some time to build it into your life. But I think it's a goal worth working towards because it helps us be more proactive and less reactive.This reminds me of that quote by Viktor Frankl: “Between the stimulus and response, there is a space. And in that space lies our freedom and power to choose our responses. In our response lies our growth and our freedom”Slowing down allows us to expand that space and take advantage of the many benefits of this kind of thinking. Okay, this naturally leads me to the next tip for improving our attention - mindfulness and meditation practice. I've talked about this before on Focus Forward and you've likely heard about it before. Studies have shown that meditation and mindfulness do actually strengthen our ability to pay attention, focus on what we're doing, and, as you might expect, remember things. You can find links in the show notes if you'd like to learn more. When we meditate regularly, we strengthen the areas of our brain that support attention and focus. The prefrontal cortex actually changes structurally! And, meditation can lower your stress levels, which as you know, will make it easier to access your executive functions. As we learned from Rachel Hulstein-Lowe in episode 12 about maintaining progress during times of transition, mindfulness doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just taking the time to pay attention to the things we do regularly, to slow down and notice what we're doing and the sensations we're feeling. But, if you're interested in a more comprehensive meditation practice, there are so many amazing resources out there in the form of apps, websites, and books. You could check out your local library, gym, and yoga studio to see if they offer meditation classes. If you are skeptical, rely on the science to convince yourself to try it. Your attention will thank you!Okay, next up is something we always hear and probably just go “yeah, yeah, yeah” about. Sleep. Prioritizing it is critical for a bajillion reasons and attention is one of the most important ones. I'm going to be interviewing sleep and ADHD specialist, Marlee Boyle and our conversation will drop sometime in April. We met the other day and I asked her for her top five tips for maximizing our sleep quality. 1) Keep a regular wake up time. Sleep regularity improves sleep quality and helps us fall asleep at a regular time. Even if you have a poor night's sleep, still wake up at the same time to prevent throwing off your sleep schedule for multiple nights2) Try not to stay in bed while you're awake. If you're awake for more than 20 minutes in your bed, try getting out of bed for 20 minutes and do something boring in low lighting until you feel sleepy and then return to bed.3) Get outside in the morning and take breaks outside as much as you can when you're not sleeping well. Sunlight is a strong regulator of sleep so by getting daylight exposure (even on overcast days) will improve your circadian rhythm and help you sleep. And, I just want to add to Marlee's tip here that if you work at night and sleep during the day, installing blackout curtains, using a white or brown noise machine to minimize sounds that might wake you, and using a sunrise lamp for waking might help improve your sleep.4) Don't stress about not sleeping. If you're having difficulty sleeping, try not to let yourself worry about it because that will keep you awake longer. 5) Limit caffeine to just the morning time and use it strategically, rather than habitually. Okay, that's enough for sleep. Try to get more, okay? and come back in April to learn even more from Marlee.Next up are two quick tips I like to teach my clients. Breaking large tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps and paying attention to diminishing returns. I've covered both of these in other episodes so I won't get into them too deeply, but just a reminder that these two strategies can have a huge impact on your ability to pay attention. Okay, so first let's quickly look at breaking things down. When the steps of a project are smaller and clearly defined, it's easier to pay attention to the task. We are less distracted by worries about how long it'll take or how hard it'll be, the requirements of the task are clear to us, and we know there will be a stopping point relatively soon. Slowing down before you start a large task and breaking it down into these smaller steps will give you so much relief down the road. My second tip is to pay attention to diminishing returns - is your effort giving you an equal amount of productivity in return? Instead of setting a timer when you're going to do work, try paying attention to how you're engaging with the work. Are you finding it easy to focus? Keep going! Is your mind wandering and you can't focus? Maybe it's time to do something else or employ some other kind of strategy to support your focus. I recognize that many listeners may rely on urgency to get things done, so this strategy may not work for you. If that's you, you might benefit from the procrastination episode I did - it's episode 11 - awww, back when we were just a baby podcast.I had a college student client who did poorly on a test in an astronomy class. He got half the questions wrong even though he paid attention in class and studied well. When we took a look at what he did during class, he mentioned that he was listening to the instructor but he wasn't taking notes and was only relying on her handouts, slides, and the text for studying materials. He decided he'd try taking notes for the second half of the semester. He got only one question wrong on the final and reported that he truly understood and remembered the material in a way he had never before. Not only did he have more resources to use when he studied for the final, he was fully engaged in the class and because of that, found it more interesting and easier to pay attention. When we engage ourselves in what we're doing, we're less likely to be bored and distracted and we're more likely to remember what we did. This same strategy can be used in a variety of situations - taking notes in a work meeting is likely to help you remember what the heck your boss said, asking questions during a boring conversation with your grandmother might make it more interesting, and taking notes in a class you find boring might trick your brain into actually learning something. Granted, I know this can be a Herculean task when it's a topic you're completely not interested in, but I do think it's worth a try. And you never know, you might find out that astronomy is your jam! Like, did you know that a majority of stars we see are actually binary stars? It's not one star, but two stars orbiting around a common center of mass. Amazing!Ack, okay back to the topic at hand, Hannah - pay attention! Now, let's explore another tool for focus, and this one might not be for everyone: listening to music. Surprisingly, for some, it can enhance attention during focused work, as long as it's the right kind of music. Studies support this, even though it might spark disagreement among parents.Many find lo-fi music ideal for studying. I usually listen to mellow tunes in a foreign language to avoid getting distracted by the lyrics. If music doesn't work for you, be honest with yourself. It can be tempting to listen anyway, even if you know it's detrimental to your ability to focus. Instead, consider brown or white noise to minimize distracting background sounds. Finding what works best for you is key to making potentially mundane tasks more manageable.You might be wondering why I haven't delved into how phones can wreck our attention.I kinda feel like I don't have to. We all know they're distracting, and it's a tough battle to win. Pretty much everything on that phone is designed to leave you wanting more. Instead, let's explore how we can use our phones to help us with attention. Planning apps, to-do lists, and reminders help us focus and break down tasks. Apps like Focus Dog and Forest motivate us to stay off our phones. Meditation apps like Headspace and Smiling Mind teach us to meditate. Note-taking, Pomodoro timing apps, and phone features like digital well-being settings enhance productivity and reduce distraction. Set alarms and timers for focused work without constantly checking the clock. Countdown timers can challenge you to finish tasks within a set timeframe. Embrace your phone as a tool for focus rather than a distraction.I just want to say one more thing about phones and attention. Please, please get off your phone while you're driving. I totally get how easy it is to do. I promise you I'm not trying to preach or act like I'm innocent - I have totally done it myself, but truly - the people in your life need you to stay alive. Other people driving or walking on the roads need to stay alive for their people. So keep your attention on your driving and not your phone. Distracted driving can be more devastating than you could ever imagine.Okay, so let's move on to debunking that multitasking myth. I'm the bearer of bad news for those of you who self-identify as multitaskers. You're actually switch-taskers. We know you can't actually do two things at once and quickly switching back and forth between things may SEEM like multitasking but it's actually still switch tasking. Although, I have to say that when my kids were little, I think I might have actually been able to multitask - somehow I could open a yogurt smoothie bottle for my daughter and answer the never-ending “why” questions she was asking me while cooking dinner and cleaning off the counter and adding new socks for her little brother to the mental list of things I had to get at the store and also wondering when I had last washed my hair. Can anyone relate? Okay, so other than parents of young children, no one is truly multitasking. Every time we break from a task to switch to a new one, we lose focus, which, as we know, slows us down or causes us to miss stuff or make mistakes. Here's a little test you can try to see this in action. I learned this from Dan Crenshaw, whose YouTube video is linked in the show notes. Okay, so You're going to pause me and do two things: one, get a pen and paper and two, open the stopwatch on your phone. Then, come back and I'll tell you what to do next. See, I'm breaking down the task into smaller steps! Practicing what I preach, baby. Okay, hit pause now and come back when you're ready. Yay! You're back! Okay, hopefully you've got your pen, paper and timer ready. Alright, you're going to pause me again and write the alphabet down on your paper. Then, below that, write the numbers 1 through 26 under each corresponding letter. So, when you're done, you'll have two horizontal lines - one with the alphabet and one with numbers 1 - 26. Be sure to time yourself doing it, okay? Alright, go do it, I'll wait again. Okay, yay, you came back again! Okay, now you're going to do the same thing again but this time you're going to write A and then 1, B and then 2, C and then 3, D and then 4 and so on. So the result will look the same - a line of the alphabet with a line of numbers under it, but you'll be switching back and forth between the letters and corresponding numbers. Got it? Okay, do it now and don't forget to time yourself again cuz otherwise this is just a big waste of time. Welcome back! So unless you're magical or a parent of small children, your second time should be longer than the first time. You may have even made or almost made some errors while you were doing it. My point is, if you can, try to work on one, just one, thing at a time. You'll hopefully find it easier to focus, get more done, feel less tired when you're done working, and make less errors. Granted, if you've been really embracing the multitasking life, you'll likely find it challenging to drop this habit. But, give it a shot! You may find you need to use strategies to support this - maybe use a timer to keep you on task, use one of those focusing apps for your phone, or if you meet virtually, try keeping your camera on so you can't sneak off and send an email during a meeting. It can also be motivating to keep track of how you feel when you don't multitask - are you noticing any improvements or benefits? Check out the show notes for more ideas on beating multitasking!Okay, so hopefully you're still with me and I haven't lost your attention yet! And yay for you because you've made it to the end of this episode! I hope it was not too boring and you were able to learn something new. There are a ton more things about attention I could have written about but frankly, I was getting a little bored of this topic myself and was losing my own attention, so that's our show for today! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to listen! Please share this episode with anyone who might find it useful which is probably everybody. We're so grateful to everyone who has shared Focus Forward! Word of mouth keeps us alive. If you have questions or topic suggestions, you can reach out to me at podcast@beyondbooksmart.com. Please subscribe to Focus Forward on Apple and Google podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts. Sign up for our newsletter at www.beyondbooksmart.com slash podcast. We've got some super special stuff coming up for our newsletter subscribers, so get your name on that list so you can find out what we're up to. Our patient and kind editor and producer is Sean Potts and our brilliant content marketer is Justice Abbott. Thanks for listening and I wish you all a healthy and happy new year. Oh, and it's guy wire, in case you were wondering. A guy is a rope, cable or cord used to steady, guide or secure. And a muckraker describes a journalist who worked to search for and expose real or alleged corruption, scandal, or the like, especially in politics. Roosevelt used the term as an insult to these writers in a speech in 1906. Hahaha, aren't you glad you paid attention until the end of this episode??

https://www.madisonchristian.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Christmas_2023.png Heart of Christmas: Focus Forward false no 1:13:02 Madison Ch

A few months ago, I was in Ithaca for a family event and met Doug Kim, who shared that he works for Microsoft as a principal design manager in their inclusive design team. Once he told me that his team develops technology in a way that supports neurodiversity and mental health, I knew I had to get Doug on Focus Forward. For anyone who doesn't know about inclusive design, let me give you a little primer. Microsoft is a leader in the field and much of what I am sharing I learned from their Inclusive Design Toolkit, (which you'll hear more about later!) Inclusive design is a methodology that enables and draws on the full range of human diversity. Most importantly, this means including and learning from people with a range of perspectives. This explanation, which I just said, is the current, widely accepted definition, which was written by the inclusive design team at Microsoft. The concept of inclusive design was originally used for developing digital products but can, and should be used when designing anything that many people will use. It's more than just making a product accessible, it's about discovering and learning the variety of ways people might use a product from the people who will use it. Another thing I learned from the toolkit that helped me understand inclusive design more deeply is that “An important distinction between accessibility and inclusive design is that accessibility is an attribute, while inclusive design is a method. While practicing inclusive design should make a product more accessible, it's not a process for meeting all accessibility standards. Ideally, accessibility and inclusive design work together to make experiences that are not only compliant with standards but truly usable and open to all.” Something else you'll hear my guests talk about is the collaborative and iterative nature of inclusive design. It involves continuous learning and adaptation based on user feedback. It's a dynamic process aimed at creating products that truly meet the diverse needs of users. This aspect of inclusive design really resonated with me as an Executive Function coach and I hope it resonates with you, too! Microsoft's ResourcesMicrosoft Inclusive DesignOriginal ToolkitToolkit for CognitionInclusive AIFurther Reading:Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design by Kat HolmesInclusive Design Toolkit and resources from University of Cambridge, UKInclusively - Support for employers and employeesHistory of Inclusive Design - Institute for Human Centered DesignInclusive Design LinkedIn Learning Course with Christina MallonContact Us!Reach out to us at podcast@beyondbooksmart.comIG/FB/TikTok @beyondbooksmartcoachingTranscriptHannah Choi 00:04Hi everyone and welcome to Focus Forward, an executive function Podcast where we explore the challenges and celebrate the wins you'll experience as you change your life through working on improving your executive function skills. I'm your host, Hannah Choi. Oh my goodness, it has been a month since we last dropped an episode. With Thanksgiving and the ADHD conference and all the other stuff that just goes on at work. We decided to skip one this past month. And before I get to this episode's topic, I wanted to share a little mini report on our experience attending the ADHD conference, which was held in Baltimore from November 29 to December 2, and I'm recording this a few days after returning home and I am still filled with excitement. It was so great. Sean Potts and Justice Abbott from our marketing team and Wendy Craven, who is one of our outreach specialists joined me at the conference. And it was truly an incredible experience for us all. We met some brilliant and interesting people who stopped by our booth in the exhibit hall and shared their stories with us. And we worked really hard to make our booth a fun place to stop by people lined up to spin our colorful prize wheel and learn about ADHD symptoms and some tools that you can use to manage the challenges that come along with those symptoms. And our ADHD Beyond BookSmart squishy brains in our teal blue company color were a major hit. And our you're not lazy bracelets and stickers resonated with many people. We also had a secret notes project where people could anonymously share their thoughts about their ADHD, and a community art wall that everyone could contribute to. We are all so grateful we were able to attend. And next year's conference is in Anaheim in southern Southern Cal in sunny Southern California. And it is absolutely an event worth attending. So start saving those pennies. Okay, so let's get into today's episode. Back in June, I was in Ithaca for a family event. And I met Doug Kim, who is a friend of my husband's cousin, Doug shared that he works for Microsoft as a principal design manager. And part of his job includes collaborating with the inclusive design team at Microsoft, and working on developing a guide for Inclusive Design for neurodiversity. And as soon as I heard those words come out of his mouth, I knew I had to get Doug on Focus Forward. And of course, because he's wonderful, he wholeheartedly said yes, and then came through with an even better offer, and brought two of his colleagues who are the leaders of inclusive design at Microsoft, Christina Mallon and Margaret Price. And for anyone who doesn't know about inclusive design, let me give you a little primer. Microsoft is a leader in the field and much of what I'm sharing I learned from their inclusive design Toolkit, which you're going to hear more about later. And inclusive design is a methodology that enables and draws on the full range of human diversity. Most importantly, this means including and learning from people with a range of perspectives. This explanation that I just said is the current widely accepted definition. And it was written by the inclusive design team at Microsoft. The concept of inclusive design was originally used for developing digital products, but can and should be used when designing anything that will be used by many people. It's more than just making a product accessible. It's about discovering and learning the variety of ways people might use a product from the people who will actually use it. An additional thing that I learned from the toolkit, and that helped me understand inclusive design more deeply is that an important distinction between accessibility and inclusive design is that accessibility is an attribute. Well, inclusive design is a method. While practicing inclusive designs should make a product more accessible. It's not a process for meeting all accessibility standards. Ideally, accessibility and inclusive design work together to make experiences that are not only compliant with standards, but truly usable, and open to all. And something else you'll hear my guests talk about is the collaborative and iterative nature of inclusive design. It involves continuous learning, and adaptation based on user feedback. It's a dynamic process, and it's aimed at creating products that truly meet the diverse needs of users. And this aspect of inclusive design really resonates with me as an executive function coach. As coaches we also collaborate with our clients to carefully and thoughtfully over time. Figure out the best way of using a tool to create a larger system that works to support the EF challenges the client experiences Okay, enough of me talking about this, let's get on to the show. Oh, and by the way, you get to hear Exhausted Hannah today, I tried to record Focus Forward episodes in the mornings when my attention and my brain are at their best. But due to some scheduling limitations, a couple of my guests are on the West Coast. I recorded this conversation after a long day of work. And apparently speaking coherently, in complete sentences was not my strong point at that time that day, so please have patience with me. As you wait for me to get my thoughts out of my head. Oh, boy. Okay,Christina Mallon 05:38here we go.Hannah Choi 05:41All right. Well, hello, Microsoft people. Thank you so much for joining me on Focus Forward. Would you go around the room and introduce yourselves? Doug, do you want to start since you're the one that kind of connected us all?Doug Kim 06:01Sure, yeah. Well, my name is Doug Kim, and I'm a design manager at Microsoft. Part of my charter is to help support inclusive design. And a strong collaborator with Margaret. And Christina, were also on the podcast today. And we've been talking and working quite a bit over the, over the past couple of years on developing our developing our inclusive design toolkit, and especially developing better practices for designing for neurodiversity.Hannah Choi 06:34And Christina,Christina Mallon 06:37so I am Christina Mallon, I lead inclusive design at Microsoft, I joined about two years ago. I have dual paralysis and ADHD. So really excited to bring my lived experience into the conversation today. Hannah Choi 06:53Yeah, thank you. And Margaret. And last but not least, Margaret Price 06:57Hi, my name is Margaret. I joined Microsoft in 2014, as one of the founders of the inclusive design practice. I'm a strategist, I have ADHD, and I'm on the spectrum. And so this is a topic that is near and dear to me.Hannah Choi 07:13So can you just tell me the story about how you, you know, got to where you are today, and, and you know, how this inclusive design became what it is, and just kind of how you got here.Margaret Price 07:28Back in 2014, the number of product groups at Microsoft were asking some pretty big, bold questions like, What is the future of interaction design? And what's missing from various design thinking methods today? And how can we think about embracing the full range of human diversity as we think about product making, from how we frame problems to how we solve them. And so a small team of people got together and created this practice called inclusive design at Microsoft, which is grounded in three principles of recognizing where there's exclusion today. Learning from diversity, and scaling, for figuring out how you can think about disability through the lens of permanent temporary and situational abilities. And recognizing that there's so much opportunity to learn from somebody who may be experiencing a permanent disability or anyone who's experienced a large range of exclusion. You might think about exclusion through the lens of disability, but also through the lens of socioeconomic status, gender identity and a number of other dimensions. And how do you bring people into the process who've been excluded. And what that means in product making is, of course, having diverse teams of people and championing that, but also thinking about how you recruit folks to come into the process as CO designers to actually bring equity into the process because, of course, what we make as a byproduct of how we make and so we started as a very small and scrappy team of people and ended up building education and capability for all of Microsoft and scaling that we wanted free, accessible resources for the world. So we actually ended up creating curricula that's now in over 60 universities around the world. And a number of companies have been inspired by the work that we've done to create their own inclusive design departments. And we've worked hard to, you know, create a number of experts there are incredible brilliant people all around Microsoft, who are experts in the space now who apply the inclusive design method into their own product groups. And so it's been, it's been a journey of trial and error and learning and testing from a number of diverse communities in Microsoft and outside of Microsoft. And it's certainly a subject that is near and dear to my heart and Doug's and Christina's.Hannah Choi 10:17That's great. Yeah, I love I love how that conversations are being had with people who, who truly know, the experience from because it's a lived experience, there's not, you know, there's not really sort of assumptions being made. Can you tell me a little bit about how you work with your co-creators and how you make that whole process? happen? And it sounds like it's pretty fantastic and successful.Christina Mallon 10:52Yeah, I mean, I'm happy to cover that. And Doug, let me know if you want to add on. So we believe and as Margaret just mentioned, it is integral that there is equity within product making. So our goal that Microsoft is to ensure that we are creating with people from marginalized communities, at the beginning of ideation, all the way to releasing for, you know, general release, and how we work with them is through either ERGs within our company, that has individuals from marginalized communities as a part of that erg and an erg as an employee resource group, or we work with teams or individuals with different lived experiences from being a part of a marginalized community outside and we pay them to ensure that they can provide feedback at multiple times within the product development process. And feel free to really join in as I know, we've been working hand in hand on this specifically in Azure.Doug Kim 12:04Yeah, you know, we're always looking for ways that we can collaborate with people who have experience and always always looking for ways to improve that and always ways to like, help, you know, the people on the inside, who are creating these products really, really, like, learn to empathize with what people are experiencing with their products, which is not easy. And it's, it's, it's not an easy process. And like, there were a lot of mistakes, I think, there were made, like, in the early days, people were just sort of building awareness about disability and accessibility, you know, people would try to just like, whatever, try to use a screen reader or something and say, oh, okay, I got it, right? Well, you know, you don't, right, because if you have the luxury of turning off the screen reader after 15 minutes, then you have no idea what it's like to not be able to do that. And so this is a lesson that we try to like, you know, drill into all the folks that we work with, in terms of like bringing them along on this process. You know, there's this, this is kind of like widely adopted phrase principle, you know, nothing for us without us. And so we really try to stick to that principle, like, involve people very deeply in the design process, who represent the audiences we're trying to expand our capabilities to include, and Sen. And we just really feel like you cannot practice inclusive design. Without that step. You know, you can't make assumptions because, you know, I guarantee if you're making assumptions without that input, they're going to be wrong. Yeah.Christina Mallon 13:40Yeah. And then Microsoft, we only consider products that are inclusive are ones that are co designed with communities. Because, you know, we believe that it is key to product success,Hannah Choi 13:54Right. So is, which would you say that, that like, how, how much does the idea of inclusive design come up in across to Microsoft as a whole? Like, is it it, would you say it's a conversation and and a viewpoint that the entire company has or is it is it more specific to certain products?Christina Mallon 14:26 Yeah, I mean, our mission is to create you know, tools, so that every single customer and enterprise customer and person on this earth can use it to reach their dreams and the company is bought into inclusive design. There are, you know, certain parts of the company where I feel like it was a design is used more. I definitely you know, if you have champions like Margaret, and Doug and they are specific In organizations, we see a lot of inclusive design. There are others where there isn't a strong champ of inclusive design, that less inclusive design happens.Hannah Choi 15:12And I suppose that's found, I mean, it's huge company.Christina Mallon 15:14So over 200,000 people, yeah.Doug Kim 15:19You know, it doesn't matter you can, you can be in a company of 200,000, or a company have like three things, you're trying to change behavior, it's always interesting what you have to, like, think about, right and plan for and strategize. So I think our situation is different. Obviously, we're at one of the biggest companies in the world. But like, you could be at a company of six and face like a similar set of challenges, and convincing people to work this way, developing expertise, you know, that's what the toolkit is about, just because we want to be able to like, like, empower the whole ecosystem, and give folks like yourself, like a set of tools that kind of like, normalizes the idea of inclusivity, it doesn't make it like an oddball thing that you only do, or think about, you know, once in a while, when you have the times likeHannah Choi 16:12that one person or something. Christina Mallon 16:14First original toolkit, over 2 million people have downloaded and used, we just launched the inclusive design for cognition, which we like to call Inclusive Design for Brain Stuff. And that launched it and we've seen a massive amount of users using it. But really, the Inclusive Design original toolkit is what led the way.Hannah Choi 16:38Yeah, I really love that. Something that I am, one of the goals of this podcast is to increase conversations about, you know, like, neurodivergent brains and how, and how, like, Let's break the stigma. And so I really love that you guys addressed that. saw that as a as a separate, not a separate, I don't want to say separate but like sight as its as its own area that needed attention. And that, and that needed that recognition and guidance for people who might not know what, you know, what people are experiencing. So I really love that that is that that is out? Are you seeing more and more people?Christina Mallon 17:28Now we're definitely a huge demand, Margaret, and Doug, get some original work around cognition. And as I took in the new role about, you know, two years ago, and change, we said, Okay, this work is so amazing. How do we get this in a more formalized toolkit? Because there is such a demand, I'm constantly getting LinkedIn messages, emails and say, Hey, how are you designing for people who have trouble focusing or making decisions or communicating? And that's why I reached out to both Doug and Margaret, when I joined to say, hey, can we build upon this work, and they really were, let's do it and signed up. And I really appreciate the partnership, because, you know, we're seeing a lot of usage of the toolkit, and also seeing it reflected and used by product makers at Microsoft and externally.Hannah Choi 18:25And I really love how the way that you created, it makes it I felt like, as I read it as a I don't, you know, I don't create products, but I do create, I do help my clients create, you know, systems that work well for them. And I really loved how it, I felt like it really encourages the reader from whatever viewpoint they're coming from, to consider what they need, and, and to consider how to ask for what they need. And here are some possible ideas and it just the way that you presented it is just really accessible. And it's kind of fun. And, you know, like the graphics are really fun. And I know that's just kind of like little stuff, but as a consumer, it made a difference for me when I was engaging with it. So anyone listening who hasn't checked out the Inclusive Design toolkits from Microsoft, I really highly recommend checking them out a lot of really good stuff in thereDoug Kim 19:35Inclusive dot Microsoft dot design, that's the website that they're on. Thank you, we promote and that's where like the original toolkit is there's a bunch of videos and guidance PDFs of what the new stuff on there and you know examples of how you know we've we've built these into products is these concepts.Hannah Choi 19:58So when you were creating them, how do you do come up with and kind of incorporate the five types of, of cognitive demands? Which for me are executive function skills, learning focus, decision making recall and communication. So I was just wondering like, how did you decide on those? Well,Doug Kim 20:23were you talking to Margaret? Oh, it's okay. Go ahead. No, you start.Margaret Price 20:29So it started with a pretty comprehensive, lit review. So looking at a lot of existing information from different fields of study, from psychology to cognitive science, to think about help us think about how do we frame this space? This is a really complex space. So how should we think about it? So we started with a lit review, then conducted hundreds of interviews with folks all around the world over a span of maybe two and a half years and 2015 2016. A lot of folks in academia to really deeply understand how can we think about perception, I can think about sensing and thinking, what are all of the different ways we could frame this? What are all the possibilities, and then we apply the inclusive design method to it, we brought in a lot of CO creators, we mapped a number of ways we could think about it, we started mapping the various dimensions. And actually, there's many, many, many more than our initial few. We prioritize these few based on the business opportunity for Microsoft, the opportunity for the world to have stronger impact on the need that we saw from people. And so all of this is grounded in evidence based research. And was prioritized based on where we saw the largest need in our communities.Doug Kim 21:59Yeah, and so like, I work on Azure, which is our, you know, enterprise oriented cloud services offering. And we did a lot of studies for how Azure works, or does not work for neurodivergent users. And so a lot of the things that we pulled out of those studies kind of found its way into the guidance that there's there in the toolkit, like decision making in Azure is, is kind of a huge deal like and you have to retain a lot of information to be able to effectively make effective decisions you have like dozens or hundreds of options to choose from to get a particular result that you're looking for. And so we wanted to kind of like abstract out some of these to the like, the cognitive types of functions that are at play here, and how we do or do not support them. So I think a lot of the some of the impetus to choose these came from, you know, the research that Margaret was referencing, but also kind of the experience of our users who are saying, like, this is where if I make the wrong move, I could be in big trouble. You know, you could write $1,000, as opposed to nothing. Yeah. So you hear that? And you go, Oh, okay, I get it. That's a tough call. Yeah.Hannah Choi 23:27Yeah. And if you can't confidently make those decisions, then you're going to be more stressed, which is going to impact your ability to use your executive function skills. Well, which is going to set you up for making more mistakes. So yeah, and that just shows you how important it is to consider these things for people who do not have a, you know, you know, that like don't have ADHD or don't, you know, have mental health struggles or whatever, you know, is impacting someone's someone at work, it's so important to consider that. And I love how you think about that scalability. I have how, you know, like, this thing, yes, it addresses a need here that everybody can actually use it and benefit from it.Doug Kim 24:19So I'm curious like for you, okay, so you're an executive functioning coach, very fascinating to learn how this kind of affects your work. Like one of the issues that came up for us was just consequences. Right? Am I aware when I'm going through a given experience, what the consequences of my decisions are? And if not, how do I move forward? So is that something that comes up for you like what, what are your clients telling you about consequences and the stuff that they need to be able to, like understand and move forward make decisions? You know, when the consequences are ambiguous? Hannah Choi 24:55Yeah, it's huge. And so much so much that comes out is confidence, the confidence to make any decision that they're making? And many of the people that I've worked with, have have spent their life feeling like they've been doing it wrong all along. And, and so to come to a space where question like, you know, like, I'm asking them questions like, what does work for you? What doesn't work for you? What have been the consequences of your actions in the past? And, you know, and and what do you kind of envision for yourself in the future? It's? Yeah, not really sure where I'm going with this. You're really, really, really, so much of what I do just real, I can really relate to the work that you guys have done in addressing. Yeah, the potential consequences that other people have to have in their life and the business decisions that they're making or whatever. Doug Kim 25:58Yeah, yeah, I think it goes back to sort of like, basically understand, like, what the, one of the one of the key concepts in the toolkit is trying to try to understand what the cognitive load is, like, how much demand are you putting on the on the user? And why and where does it come into your experience? Right? And so these are, the aspects of the dimension is how much you're asking them to remember how much you are you expecting them to project in terms of the the consequences of their decisions, I want you you're expecting them to be able to act on their own versus in collaboration with their teammates, or co workers. And I think these are normally things that we don't really discuss in depth, we're just sort of like build products, assuming that a person is acting alone, acting independently, and has all the tools that they need to be able to say, make an informed decision. And so, I mean, that's not totally true. I'm being a little bit. I'm exaggerating a little bit, just to make the point. But I think that one of the points of the toolkit is to say, don't make assumptions here, options about what your customer does or doesn't know or what they're expecting, as they're moving through an experience. Build it in a way so you understand what you're asking of your customers, you and understand the level of demand that you're placing on them to do anything, because every experience does that. Right. There's something that it's going to ask of you, right to say, like, if you jump into a car, like there's a presumption that you understand how to operate it, because you've passed the test, at some point, we're seeing all that stuff, the minute you turn on the ignition, right, there's an assumption that you know that when you press the brake, that the car is going to stop. So every, every experience does that to a certain extent. But not all product traders measure that, and weigh that and say, what actually, where are we assuming before somebody even, you know, starts the car? Margaret Price 28:10Well, I love what you're saying. And to build on it, I think it's a really great set of points that leads to the recognition. You know, there's a lot I mentioned, at the beginning of the call, I have ADHD, and I'm on the spectrum, and there's a lot of self-blame that can happen. What's wrong with me? Why can I use those sorts of thoughts? And I think that's where, you know, the worlds colliding and unlikely between what we do and a lot of what you do, which is, you know, as Doug mentioned, asking, what are the cognitive demands? And where are the mismatches between what's needed from the person and what the product is providing? And recognizing that it's not your fault. It's this product's fault. Yeah, this is not built in a way that's going to serve you. Well. And this is not about you. This is about the product not being built. Good enough.Hannah Choi 29:03Yes. Yes. And that yeah, that's, that's many conversations that I have with my clients is being like, there's nothing wrong with you. This is how your brain works. And this and unfortunately, it is not the system, the world that we are in is not, you know, necessarily designed for that.Doug Kim 29:25Well, I think that's especially true with like, well, I don't know, I don't want to get into kind of a waiting thing. But like, you see, that was neurodivergent. Conditions like so commonly, like I think societally, like in this is true, I think, pretty much across the globe, we're like conditioned to say, put the onus on the person with that condition to adapt. Yep. It's an experience that wasn't built for them. And, you know, that's sort of like one of the key premises of the toolkit and this extension of the toolkit. deals with cognition, which is that no, like, that's, it's not you, it's us. It's not, it's not you, like, if it doesn't work for you, then that's a problem with a product, right? It's a problem with the environment or the world that were created, never expecting you to participate in. Like, if it doesn't work for you, then we need to adapt it, we need to come up with systems that normalize you to an extent that allows you to function as effectively or better than anybody else who's using a product. And, like, puts the onus on us as periodic creators, to, to adapt to you as opposed to the other way around. And the fact that our systems up until, you know, very recently, and like without this sort of understanding of how things work could work potentially a lot better for our interviewers. And folks. It's, it's, you know, it just hasn't been built that way. And, you know, I think our mission, like the three of us together, and now you and everybody else who's like involved in this inclusive design process, is is to upend that expectation, and say, it's the onus on people who are creating products. You know, I mean, you create a product, this podcast is a product, right. And it could be applied to anything that anybody, you know, makes,Christina Mallon 31:25I think, people are starting to see this, you see the World Health Organization, how they define disability as a mismatch between a person and a design. And I think that is really key because, again, as a disabled person, I'm told, okay, you need to figure out how to do this or fix this solution. Yeah, and it's really taxing. And this is something that's common in marginalized communities.Hannah Choi 31:54Yes. Yes. Yeah, I was just doing some research on, on advocating for yourself at work. And, and many of the articles that I read, said, unfortunately, it is on you, it will, in most situations, it will be on you to educate your employer, on what how to, you know, meet your needs. And so, it's, and that's, that's with any marginalized community, marginalized community, right. It's it, unfortunately, at this point, it is, it is on that group to educate everyone else. This inclusive design, the fact that Microsoft is embracing this so much shows us that that, like, that's a good role model. Do you think that within I mean, I guess you guys can only speak for the departments with it to work. But would you say that within it, or in your experience? Like, Christina, if you need something? Do you feel like you're, it is easy for you to advocate for yourself? Do you feel like that inclusive design concept spreads to the advocacy part? And for Costco? Yes,Christina Mallon 33:14I'm definitely empowered to implement inclusive design, and that the entire company has a pretty good understanding the importance of it. But the current state of the economy, with our focus on AI, there's definitely more begging that needs to get done for resources around it. And I think, you know, that's why people in positions of power really need to advocate for this. And that's why when I started, Doug, and Margaret, could empathize with me. And were able to provide, you know, their resources to help create the inclusive design for cognition toolkit.Hannah Choi 33:58And, and Doug and Margaret would like, where did where did your strength in, in, in your knowledge come from? Was that just from your experiencing your experience of creating this inclusive design? Or is that something that you have naturally already felt before you got into that?Doug Kim 34:19Everything I know comes from Margaret.Hannah Choi 34:24Margaret, you're amazing.Margaret Price 34:28You're all amazing. Yeah,Christina Mallon 34:30we're all amazingMargaret Price 34:32 lots of listening and learning. And I as a generalist strategist, I like to learn there's so many brilliant leaders in this space outside of Microsoft, who pioneered inclusive design long before Microsoft got in the business. And so a lot of listening and learning to brilliant folks. And we can, you know, give you links For show notes too. Yeah,Hannah Choi 34:58Thank you, I was just gonna say thatMargaret Price 35:01A lot of listening, a lot of learning a lot of synthesizing just a ton of information. And wanting to communicate it in ways, as you mentioned earlier that are simple for anybody to understand. And connecting dots that might seem not connectable, I have a background in research as well. And so I love listening and learning and connecting dots that might seem like they can't connect. And I think, you know, to your question earlier about advocating for ourselves in the workplace, I think, for me, a lot of it came from not as much inclusive design as the work on myself. And I think you do a lot of this with folks that you coach, probably, but really becoming, you know, keenly self aware about my needs, and how to communicate them and boundaries and how to communicate them. And recognizing that communicating well. And communicating in a way that's going to serve me is the absolute best thing that I can do, rather than ignoring or suppressing what I need.Hannah Choi 36:07Yeah, and so much of advice, like going back to the idea of how you have to, you know, it is on you as a person to advocate for yourself, and you might end up having to educate your employer. But a big part of that self advocacy is, you know, like, knowing yourself, and knowing what your boundaries are and right, like you said, like learning how to, how to ask for that. And yeah, that is, it's a lot of what I do. Yeah. And it's so funny, because I just, just over the past year, went through the whole ADHD diagnosis and answered all these life questions that I've had about myself for a very long time. And, and, you know, working at beyond booksmart, it was, it was like, not a thing, and not a big deal. It was, you know, it wasn't like I had to decide whether I was going to disclose and, and, you know, there were already so many systems built into, you know, built into how we do things at beyond booksmart. Because, because we are in the business of supporting people with executive function challenges. So I feel very lucky that I work at a company where I am just automatically supported, and that there are lots of people within the company who, you know, also, like, have shared needs or similar needs, or even different needs. And so a lot of our training materials are presented in many different formats. And, you know, there's, there's many different ways to interact and many different choices that you can make whatever works the best for you. And I know, that's not how it is that many places. And so I, I really hope that these kinds of conversations continue to happen that companies like Microsoft, and other I mean, you guys almost have like a, an I don't know, if you feel this way, but as a very large company, like you have a really big opportunity to, you know, to be a voice for this. I, you know, I like I kind of feel that way, there's a podcast host of like, well, I don't really have a lot of power, but I have a little bit of power, and I'm going to try to use it. So do you. Do you feel that? Do you feel like that responsibility? Christina Mallon 38:18Yeah, I mean, I took my job six months pregnant with my first child, which is kind of crazy. But I knew the power that Microsoft has to empower people like be to be able to achieve their dreams. And I already knew that the foundation has been set by people like Doug and Margaret. So it would come into a very inclusive company.Doug Kim 38:48Well, I would say that, you know, something that, like kind of struck me as you were talking when I was was like the, the idea that you have power, and I think everybody has power. And a lot of us have this tendency to like even regardless of what position we're in, to kind of under estimate what that what that power is. And so I think if you're in this, you care about this space, which if you made it this far into this episode, you obviously do. You can exercise your power on one on one, right, you can help shape conversation and you can help normalize things. If you're more of like from representing the ally ship side of things, you can learn more, you can reduce the burden on your colleagues or whoever it is to have to advocate for themselves. You can absorb information like our toolkit, but any of the other like, you know, amazing resources that are that there are out there to help, you know, again, create this expectation. ation of inclusion as a as a regular and standard practice. So there we're constantly stretching ourselves to be more inclusive and to include more audiences that haven't been included to this point. So it could be a one person company, it could be two people working together to see, you know, examine how they operate, could be a soccer club could be whatever a classroom. I don't think that work ever ends. But it's like, I think we found that it's joyful work, you know, it's inspiring work. Learn more about human human capability, and what you can do to enable and empower that. So, you know, it's also fun.Hannah Choi 40:48What creative work, problem solving, and something that you said in the beginning, just connected me back to what you were just saying. And you said, I think Margaret, it might have been you, you said, you asked people a lot of questions, the CO creators that you worked with. And then Doug, you said, you made a lot of mistakes in the beginning, I can't remember exactly who said what, but but I think that's part of that power is not being afraid to ask the questions, and not being afraid to make the mistakes. And, and that is so scary for people, especially when you're asking questions about something that you don't really know a lot about. Doug Kim 41:29So yeah, you know, sort of, you're bringing into mind this, or like, you know, that era that Margaret was referring to earlier, back 2014, 2015. You know, I just started, like, getting used to interviewing people with disabilities. And I was interviewing this woman who has a low vision person who used like, an extreme amount of magnification, and a third party tool to be able to magnify her, um, screens to something like 400 person, and I was watching her work and just kind of like, making little comments. And at one point, the, the screen magnification tool she was using just crashed and quit. And, you know, I was looking at her and I said, and I just kind of chalk. Well, I said, oh, shoot, like, it's a crash. Let's, let's reboot that out. And she just looks at me, she goes, Why are you laughing? And I said, Oh, well, it's just the like, a little glitchy thing. And she just said, you know, it's not a glitch. When this happens. It is so hard for me to get this back. And my livelihood, because she was an independent business person, right, who worked on her own. She said, You know, my livelihood could be drastically affected. Like every time this happens, and you know, Margaret's done a lot of research, too with customers who have said a lot of the same things around things like, you know, improperly coated, or created notifications and interruptions. There's a lot of science around that, too. But at the time, I was like, oh, boy, I just got a big lesson. Yeah. And understanding, you know, how to empathize with what people are experiencing. Yeah, so I view that as kind of, like, you know, a mistake on my part, in terms of how I reacted to what she was experiencing at the time. But something that has, like, continued to, like, help me understand how to move forward, and how to understand how to work with folks with disabilities, or with anybody really, anybody? Yeah, developing more like tools for empathy and understanding and how to keep you know, going deeper into this work. So those are, those are really helpful. Actually, I still pretty much think that, you know, like, if she remembers that at all, it's quite some time. Now, she probably didn't think much of me. But yeah, she's been enormously helpful. Just that one episode, to you know, whatever progress I've made my journey along this path.Hannah Choi 44:05Yeah, and going back to that power, I mean, that shows like the power of, of experiences for people, we, you know, we never know the impact that we might have on somebody. And so you guys probably don't even see the the impact that your work has, has had on, on everybody.Christina Mallon 44:25We get some nice notes here and there. But I think having people with disabilities within the company is super important. Because you're able to do these really quick empathy sessions and you can actually see oh man, this really does affect when the small design changes made. When we look at power and power dynamics, most people that are making decisions sit in an area where they have lots of power, they are white, they are male, they're educated. They speak English, upper middle class live in, you know, the states or the UK. And it is so important to have diversity within the company so they can influence these power makers or become one of the power people. And Microsoft does a good job of that, and really looking at hiring and trying to increase the exposure to people with disabilities. But you know, here's the thing, everyone's gonna make a mistake, I make mistakes about disability, and I'm disabled myself. So it's always a learning experience. And if people treat it as a learning experience, and don't get scared to even interact with someone that disability, life will be better. Yes,Hannah Choi 45:42I worked for a few years in the, in the students in the, like Disability Resource Center at a community college. And, and I just loved it, that diversity of employees within that, within that office, and then the students that came in, it was, it was I made a ton of mistakes, I made a ton of mistakes. And I learned so much. And it was, it was just such an amazing experience. So grateful for it. Yeah, I we're actually, I'm right in the middle of preparing for a webinar, we do these community education webinars, and we have one coming up a week from today. And it's about, it's about how to manage like perceived failure. And, and we're talking a lot about how, like, exactly that what you said, Doug, like that, that felt like a mistake, but you are still learning from it years later. And how how when you can change your viewpoint from seeing it as a mistake, and something to trip you up and stop you and switch it to see us something as that we can learn from and grow from. And you can separate a little bit separate, like your ego from it and and then become more, you know, just more aware and more understanding.Doug Kim 47:10Well, you know, yeah, and I think that, like, if you're coming from a position of ally ship, again, that you should expect to encounter a road where you have setbacks and you take on risks, you know, in, in your journey to like, you know, help serve that community or even understand more about that community, you you're part of the goal, I think of ally ship is to alleviate risk from other people and put it on yourself. And some of that risk is, you know, involved in in making mistakes. I mean, if I look at whatever the embarrassment that I felt in that moment that I was talking about, it's not much compared to what the person that I was trying to understand from past experience every day, every time that you know, magnifier crashes. And so like, if a second if I can take one second to have an embarrassing moment, and help, you know, ultimately create a better system for her, then that's really not much of a risk. But it is, it is, like a lot of people like think about, like a potential misstep like that as a huge risk. In some ways it is. It's embarrassing. It's not fun. But it's what you're doing is you're you're you're taking some like emotional discomfort, you know, or the possibility of emotional discomfort, you know, off somebody else's plate and putting it onto yours. That's a very that's, that's an expected and also a that's an outcome. You know, you should you should expect to have.Hannah Choi 48:54My favorite quote, ever is by Susan David, who's a psychologist, and she said, discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life. And I just love that so much.Margaret Price 49:08Oh, that's beautiful. I love Susan David.Hannah Choi 49:10I know I love her. She's so great.Margaret Price 51:21Delightful. Well, thank you so much for having us on. Because yeah, speaking of executive executive functioning skills, flexibility is part of that and my, and my rigid schedule, I am gonna have to hop. But really, it was such a delight. Meeting you, Hannah, and speaking with you, and of course, talking with two people that I just adore, Christina and Doug. So thank you for having us on and for discussing this important topic.Hannah Choi 51:52And that's our show for today. Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to listen and learn about inclusive design and for having some patience with me. You can find links to lots of inclusive design resources in the show notes, and please share this episode with your family or your friends who might help it find it useful. If you have questions or topic suggestions, you can reach out to me at podcast at beyond booksmart.com and please subscribe to focus forward on Apple podcast Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts. If you listen on Apple or Spotify, you can give us a boost by giving us a five star rating. Sign up for our newsletter at beyond booksmart.com/podcast. We'll let you know when new episodes drop, and we'll share information related to the topic. Our very patient editor and producer is Sean Potts. Our thoughtful and creative content marketer is justice Abbott extra special thanks to Doug who brought Christina and Margaret onto the show with me and a million thank yous to the people at beyond booksmart who helped make our attendance at the ADHD conference possible. Thanks for listening

Applying for college can feel like a monumental, overwhelming task - and that's because it is! There are so many deadlines, details, and steps that could be missed even by someone with fantastic Executive Function skills - but does it have to be? And then, once you get there, how do you set yourself up for success as a college student with EF challenges? I wondered how I could use the platform of Focus Forward to help those of you out there find some resources and strategies to make applying and going to college a little easier. Luckily, my colleague at Beyond BookSmart knew someone at McMillan Education, an organization whose goal is to help make the process of applying to college a little easier and less stressful for everyone. Rachel Leja, an educational consultant at McMillan came to my rescue! We met on a sunny morning just last week to have a chat about all things college - both before and after acceptance. Keep listening to learn how you can make the most of this next chapter and if your kiddos are too young to be thinking about college, tuck this episode away in your back pocket for the future. It'll be here waiting for you!In the meantime, here are some show notes related to the episode: Guide to Colleges for Students with Learning Differences (check your local library or school counseling office)https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colleges-Students-Learning-Differences-dp-0593517407/dp/0593517407/ref=dp_ob_title_bkMcMillan Educationhttps://www.mcmillaneducation.com/WISE Advice on Educational Planning - McMillan's Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2134583Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education:Know Your Rights and Responsibilitieshttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.htmlSelf-Advocacy for College Studentshttps://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/self-esteem-stress-management/self-advocacy-college-students7 Ways to Support Your Teen During the College Application Processhttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-ways-support-your-teen-during-college-application-ellis-mba-phd/Contact Us!Reach out to us at podcast@beyondbooksmart.comIG/FB/TikTok @beyondbooksmartcoaching

In this week's episode, I invited Eric Tivers, host of the popular ADHD ReWired Podcast, to join me on Focus Forward and we talked about the common feelings of shame experienced by individuals with ADHD. We explored the benefits of finding connection and support within the ADHD community and discussed some aspects of living a strategy-based life and take a little detour to talk about tennis and pickle ball scoring, classic ADHD tangent. Stick around to the end of our conversation to learn more about how to get in touch with Eric and about the high-quality services he and his team provide. Because of some timing and our Focus Forward hiatus, this episode was actually recorded back in May of this year, coinciding with my official ADHD diagnosis, and despite the time that has passed, the insights remain relevant. I'm delighted it's now October and ADHD awareness month so we can share this conversation with you all! Here are the show notes from today's episode:Hannah's guest appearance on ADHD ReWiredADHD ReWired Podcast2023 Annual International Conference on ADHDADHD Support Group SearchMy podcast episode with Dr. Jan WillerBeyond BookSmartHow to Keep Score in Pickle BallHow to Keep Score in TennisADHD ResourcesAdult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1)CHADDBeyond BookSmart's ADHD Success KitHow to Thrive with ADHD After a DiagnosisEp 13: How to Unlock the Superpowers of ADHDWomen's ADHD Wellbeing PodcastContact us!Reach out to us at podcast@beyondbooksmart.comIG/FB/TikTok @beyondbooksmartcoachingTranscriptHannah Choi 00:04Hi everyone and welcome to Focus Forward, an executive function podcast where we explore the challenges and celebrate the wins you'll experience as you change your life through working on improving your executive function skills. I'm your host, Hannah Choi. Hannah Choi 00:18Before I dive into this episode, I wanted to share a correction from our last episode, I mistakenly said that I had an appointment with a psychiatrist. Jan, who I interviewed caught this when she listened to the episode and helped me realize that I actually have an appointment with a licensed professional clinician, who in Connecticut anyway is qualified to evaluate people for ADHD. I don't know about you, but I find all of these titles quite confusing. But I am so glad I get to learn all about this and share it with you. Anyway, I wanted to share again what Jan taught me that psychiatrists are great for testing people with more complex brain issues. And people with master's levels degrees, who are qualified can diagnose ADHD even without a full neuro Psych Exam. I'm still going to pursue the test. Because you know me brain nerd. I'm super curious to learn more about how my own brain works. But please know that you absolutely don't have to do the same to get the help you need. Hannah Choi 01:22Okay, so it is still ADHD Awareness Month and I've got some exciting news to share. I will be attending the upcoming 2023 annual International Conference on ADHD in Baltimore at the end of November. I am headed there with three of my wise colleagues, Sean Potts, Justice Abbott, and Wendy Craven. We will have a Beyond Booksmart table in the exhibit hall. And we'll also be learning from some of the presenters who will be sharing their knowledge and experience with attendees. If you want to find out more about the conference, check out the show notes. There's a link down there. Hannah Choi 02:00And besides being all about ADHD, this conference has a special connection to today's guest. We are back with another ADHD themed episode for this month of ADHD awareness. At the end of the summer, I had the absolute pleasure of being a guest on the ADHD rewired podcast. It is hosted by the very funny and very smart Eric Tivers. We talked about finding success in college when you struggle with executive functioning skills. And when we spoke not only did Eric convince me that I had to go to the ADHD conference, okay, wait a second, convinced his way too strong of a verb. He just kind of mentioned it with enthusiasm. And of course, I was totally sold. So let's try that again. Not only did Eric inspire me to go to the conference, but he also shared that he'll be presenting at it on the topic of technology. Bonus. Okay, so, back to the meat of this episode, I invited Eric to join me on Focus Forward, and we talked about the common feelings of shame experienced by individuals with ADHD. We also explored the benefits of finding connection and support within the ADHD community. So keep listening to hear Eric share about the coaching groups and the adult study halls he offers to provide that essential support and community we discuss some aspects of living a strategy based life and take a little detour to talk about tennis and pickleball scoring, you know, classic ADHD tangent, and stick around to the end of our conversation to learn more about how to get in touch with Eric, and about the high quality services that he and his coaches provide. I really encourage you to check out the good work that he and his team are doing. You can also find links to his website in the show notes. Because of some timing and our Focus Forward hiatus, this episode was actually recorded back in May of this year, coinciding with my official ADHD diagnosis. And despite the time that has passed, the insights do remain relevant. I am delighted that it is now October so we can share this conversation with you all. Okay, on to the show. Hannah Choi 04:12So, hi, everyone. I'm here today with Eric Tivers, who is the host of the ADHD ReWired podcast and you do a lot of other stuff. So could you introduce yourself and maybe share what you do and short a brief explanation of how you even got to where you are today?Eric Tivers 04:36Sure, so I'll thank you for having me on. My name is Eric Tivers. I host the ADHD ReWired podcast. And, you know, we, I am a licensed clinical social worker. And I started ADHD ReWired back in 2014. When it was, you know, I didn't even know what I was really going to be dealing with it. It was sort of like I I know I have thoughts and ideas that I want to share. I don't really like to write, it's a struggle for me. So like podcast, and like when I was in grad school, I was really actually struggling with my ADHD. And I discovered podcasts around that. And I discovered this old, like, not even good quality podcast, but it was like raw and authentic. And I wanted you that one day, like that kind of stuck with me for a long time. Yeah. And, and then I mentioned, we launched the podcast, it first started as just a solo show. And then I sort of stumbled into an interview. And I was like, Oh, I like this way better. Because, you know, it's as trained as a therapist, like, I'm just a curious conversationalist, I guess. And it was, I just really enjoyed helping other people tell their story. And then sort of through that, I launched my first online coaching group and, and that wasn't even like a grand plan, either. That was sort of a, I had this idea. And it was, the idea came out of actually, like I was in therapy at the time. And I would like go to try to get to my therapist office, like about 20 minutes early, just so I can do the homework that I supposed to be working on. This is silly. You know, it's like I'm my clients, this whole working man, wish there something working just to have like, regular like check ins kind of touch points, just to kind of keep me on track throughout my week. And so I started looking online for stuff and like, there was nothing. There was no one doing anything like that. So I created that. That's awesome. Yeah, I mean, it was like, where it is now to where it was when I first heard the very first version of it. I don't know if you ever heard the idea that a few are not kind of you don't cringe at your like earliest stuff you put out there, like you waited too long to start. I definitely cringe at some of the first stuff like we did, like, we didn't even have like a concrete schedule for the first season of coaching group that we did. Like it was like every week, like alright, what's good for me, I Oh, my God, that's an awful idea.Hannah Choi 06:55But you know what I love I love that, that you cannot wait for perfection to start, just just start and then it will evolve into what it's supposed to be. Eric Tivers 07:06Yeah, so you know, now here I am. You know, we're recording this on May 5, I'll happy Cinco Demayo. And, you know, we're, I think I, we just released episode 480 something. And you know, and I have experimented, and I've done different iterations of stuff on the podcast, and it's been super fun. You know, and there's no way I would have been doing a podcast from 10 years. Now, if I didn't love what I'm doing, right. It's amazing. So these coaching groups, they just kind of they almost kind of life of themselves, like they know, they were feeling really fast. And then I started doing two coaching groups at a time the manager didn't three coaching groups at a time. And then I was burning out a little bit. So I scaled back at two. I closed my clinical practice to focus exclusively on the coaching groups. So we've had over 1000 people go through the program. We're on our, we just started at registration for our summer season will be our 33rd season.Hannah Choi 08:04Oh my goodness, congratulations. Eric Tivers 08:07Thank you. Thanks. Hannah Choi 08:07That is awesome.Eric Tivers 08:08Yeah. And so we've been we've been growing, I got a couple of coaches that work with me, and, you know, learning all the kind of the leadership stuff there, which is, it's way harder than I ever imagined it would be like, I gotta figure it out, then I'm like, no, no, no more to learn. So it's it is like, I'm going back for seconds and thirds of humble pie on a regular basis.Hannah Choi 08:33I have a colleague who always says, always learning and growing and I love that. That's so true.Eric Tivers 08:39Yeah. I mean, as soon as you think you, you know everything, then that's where you get into trouble.Hannah Choi 08:43Yes, that's right. So I love thinking about all the people in your that that you have encountered that are now probably so much more confident, and so much more sure of their own abilities, despite their executive function challenges, despite their ADHD, so congrats to you and everyone that works for you for creating that space for people.Eric Tivers 09:10Well, I definitely didn't do it. I'm I mean, I've had lots of lots of help lots of other people who do a lot of stuff sort of on the back end. And, you know, we have we have a very active alumni community too. And a lot of our a lot we have. And when I open up the alumni community, it's because people will kept like re signing up for the group to do it again. And and so people were asking, was there anything else we could do after this? And like, maybe, and so maybe three or four years ago, we started this, the alumni community, and it's been wonderful. We have a bunch of different of our alumni who are leading peer based sessions each week. And so it's really cool because it's like, I tell people, one of the best things I do for my own ADHD is this work because it kind of makes me think about it all the time after like, I can't go into autopilot. I think a lot of other people feel that same way. It's like when they and sort of give back and be in some kind of leadership role in the community, it helps them stay on top of their own stuff.Hannah Choi 10:06Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I find that as a coach, you know, just talking about it all the time with my clients, and, you know, trying to think of news, like help them come up with new solutions for whatever challenge that they're dealing with it, that kind of thinking becomes a habit, and then you just kind of do it for yourself or, yeah.Eric Tivers 10:27So yeah, so that's kind of when we have our we have an adult study hall, it's a co-working community, which, so that's, that's another thing we have been working on. So yeah, lots of lots of things in the fire and, you know, experimenting with different things. And you know, one thing that is that is constant is that things are always changing.Hannah Choi 10:47So something that you and I had talked about before we recorded was the idea of community. And I really think that, that you are creating that community with the work that you're doing. And I just, we just dropped an episode the other day, I interviewed two social workers and their coach. And we talked a lot about how important validation is, and how important finding your flock is. And so I'm sure through that experience, you are creating that in a way for people.Eric Tivers 11:28Yeah, you know, one of the things because people always ask me, like, Well, how do I know if I should do group? Or if I should do one on one? And, you know, I would I, I tell them, I have a strong bias towards group. Because there's, you know, I and I've done intensive one on one coaching with people. And, you know, I tell them that I'm kind of a sucker for, like, positive reinforcement. And when I see people doing like, like, profoundly better. To me, that's like, my big shiny gold star. Right. And with group there's, there's just something that's, you know, it's funny, I'm very science based person, but like, it's, I think it's just magic, what happens in group, I, because it is, you know, we see ourselves in each other, and we are so much more generous and compassionate towards others, others are having the same struggles. And then, you know, when we see that kind of what they're doing and where they're coming out, they're they're doing all these great things. And yet, they're being so hard on themselves. And then there's that recognition of like, oh, wait a minute. Like you have these these mirrors that are reflecting you, back to you. Right, except now there's no judgment being Hannah Choi 12:35Yeah. That's awesome. That's powerful. Eric Tivers 12:39that that me too, is super, super powerful. Yeah, and I always tell people to I'm like, I just want to be really clear before we, there's any, like, ideas, that I have all my stuff together, because I don't, I am working on all the same stuff, too. I mean, being consistent, you know, it's like, I get the planning and then I stop looking at the planning, right, I gotta come back to it. And so really, what I think what community has really done one of the strengths of, of community is resilience. It is a sort of a resilience incubator. Yeah, because we're kind of be inconsistent with ADHD, it's just, you know, it's and I'm not saying that, like, it's just is what it is, you know, but it's part of it's part of ADHD, the consistency. So what we can do is skip the part, when we've fallen off what we want to be doing, we can skip the part of beating ourselves up, and we can reach out for help as a ham struggling here. Yeah, well, we get when we can say it, when we can speak the thing that we're instead of like being silenced in silent and shame. I mean, that because that that shame piece it is it's significant, it is really significant. And when you're in a community of people who get it because they also live it and your non judgmental support. It's, it's really profound, you know, it's, it's kind of like a rabid onion pillar, right? If people come in for white, like, I just want to get my planning and time management stuff figured out. It's like, work on that. But keep keep an open mind, because there's a way like, you can't not deal with the shame stuff when you're dealing planning. And anything that at the planning of time management when you have ADHD. Yeah. Oh, yeah. And it's not just the planning. It's not just the time now.Hannah Choi 14:24Yeah, yeah. And that's something that we talked about in that conversation was how tightly wrapped our executive function skills are with our emotions, and how and how the context in which we are talking about is how coaching sessions can can often sometimes feel like therapy, and it's because you cannot, you just can't separate that. And so being able to, like you said, you have that mirror to reflect yourself back to yourself without that judgment is such a nice way of of dealing with those emotions. I'm not sure how to explain what I'm saying. And I'm sure you know what I mean. I just I love that. I love that. Eric Tivers 15:07Well, your executive, its executive functions are self. It's about self regulation. Yeah.Hannah Choi 15:13Right. Yeah. And it comes down to it, you know,Eric Tivers 15:16I mean, it's, it's the self regulatory stuff that we have intentions of doing. And that impacts, like the things we're trying to do. I think like, like Russell Barkley talks about an executive functions, any goal oriented behavior that you sort of put out to the world, and it comes back to you in some way. So it's like, even if it's like, it's as simple as getting dressed, right? Like, your intention is, you gotta get up before you get dressed. Right. And, yeah, if you are successful with it, you got clothes on your body, right? Hannah Choi 15:42That's so funny. That's the example I always use. Like, you have some executive function skills, because you're wearing clothes. Eric Tivers 15:49Yeah, you know, are looking at like emotional self regulation, if you are employed. And you think that your boss is a jerk, and you let them know that and your goal is to get a promotion. And instead, you're actually shutting the door, because you can get yourself fired because you mouthed off to your boss, right? That ability to take a deep breath when you're in that that space. Like, you know, it's, it's hard. It's hard to do. Yeah.Hannah Choi 16:15Well, I, I haven't shared this yet on the podcast, but by the time people listen to this episode, they will know, I just got diagnosed with ADHD, which I am so happy about, because it has answered everything. And I'm sure this is the story that you've heard from so many people. And all of that has, over the past few weeks when I've been thinking about it, and I feel like I am calming my, I'm like giving my self a hug my past self. And like, you know, just and so and, and that whole shame piece. And the whole inner narrative really comes up a lot for people with ADHD or for people just who are struggling with anything, really, because there's this sort of this message that we receive from society that we're supposed to be just like, amazingly successful at everything all the time. And you have to like, especially as a mom, like you're supposed to do all these things plus, like have a really beautiful Instagram feed and be like selling cookies on the side or whatever.Eric Tivers 17:24And make it all look easy, right? Hannah Choi 17:26Yeah, yeah. And it's just not easy for anybody. And if you're additionally, you know, dealing with executive function challenges, if, because of any diagnosis, and it just makes everything a lot harder. So, yeah, so being able to being able to talk about it and to, and to address it in a really safe and encouraging and warm way is is really wonderful. So I'm really glad you're able to provide that for to your, to your coaching groups.Eric Tivers 18:02 It's so it's so interesting. First of all, congratulations on this.Hannah Choi 18:05Thanks. Thank you.Eric Tivers 18:07And you're in it's so interesting, too, because so many people who have such a wide variety of responses to Yeah, that diagnosis. And it's, it's really kind of striking, like how many people I've spoken with throughout the years who who've been professionals in the ADHD space, didn't think they had ADHD going. And then like, years and years later realize, I actually do, and it's so funny, because I have always like, was like, just thought that was a really like, Ha, what what would that be like to experience that? And I see it, because right now, and I have not gotten an official diagnosis. But I did recently take an online evaluation for autism. And I had a highly what I didn't mention is that part of my clinical practice, before I closed my clinical practice was specializing in autism. Okay, and so, you know, my, I have a 11 year old son who has has autism and ADHD. So it's like, you know, I used to speak and present on this stuff. And yeah, you know, in part of, and I was, I was mentioning at the top of the show, about, like, how, you know, leadership has been serving me some humble pie. And it because part of it's like some of the social stuff that I think I've been Miss reading and I'm like, right, and so like, I'm always someone who's always trying to do better. And it's like, if, and so what I'm sort of seeing a certain pattern, I'm like, okay, like, this is something other than like this than ADHD, like, I really tried to cultivate a culture of feedback in my community, with my team and yeah, I've gotten some little some hearts of your feedback, but like, thank goodness that some of my team has felt safe to Yeah, sure that I know. You know, it's sort of that that the only way I can sort of think about it as being like the the realization that maybe sometime Sam's coming off as an accidental a hole. And I'm just like, Oh my God. Yeah. And so it's been very humbling, recently something I'm still kind of working through. But you know, it's like, yeah, when we gain that self awareness, that that like, entry into a new space of awareness, that hurts like it. It is it is, you know, but I, you know, from the time I got diagnosed when I was 20 years old, I've been like, I'm this this sort of mission to keep uncovering blind spots. Because it's like, and I'm just understanding the concept that we all have blind spots. Yeah, right. Yeah. And knowing that, you know, that sort of like idea like, so if someone is not self aware, how do they know? Hannah Choi 20:49Yeah, I felt, and I don't know, maybe you feel this? It's almost freeing. I, as soon as she told me, you know, the results, I just felt this like, huge. Ah, okay. Now, I get it. And like you said, you're discovering things over the time, I have also been discovering things. And it's like, oh, that's why that happened. That's why I did that. And then I'm able to release myself of that burden of shame that I have been carrying for feeling so bad about that thing, whatever it was. It's kind of been like Christmas the past few weeks, I've just like opening up all these things. I hope you experienced the same thing with the air or maybe you already are with that. Eric Tivers 21:40Oh, I think I'll get I'll yeah, it's definitely a, it's like, hot, it's definitely been a little bit of a, it's like, I don't know, it's not like shocking, but it's, it's, I don't know, it's like, it's just humbling, it's what it's telling me where I can describe to describe her. And I was like, this feels very, very humbling. And just interesting. You know, it's, it's, if we are on, if we have that growth mindset, and we are open to feedback, you know, it's, I always tell people helping you to think that, like, the growth journey is a fun one. No, no, no, this is hard. This is our critical timeout for a little while. I tell you, you know, when anytime I have had big discoveries about myself, it has led to huge growth. And so I've always been open to trying to find those blind spots, even though I know it's gonna suck emotionally for a while. It has never, I've never not been grateful, in hindsight, for those discoveries. Hannah Choi 22:47And I see that a lot in my clients too. And I work with a lot of college kids and a lot, and what I've noticed is that a lot of them are still learning to be self aware. And they're still discovering aspects of themselves that they didn't know. And, and, and executive function coaching is such a great place to explore that it's such like a nice, safe, safe place, and so many different things that we can kind of test out and figure out and, and so much of my coaching comes back to asking why and so much of answering the question, why is becoming is by, you have to become self aware to answer that, why. And it can be really hard, like you said, it can be really hard to to admit, whatever the Y is, and, but that is the key to open the door to allow for that growth. And to, to be able to let go of whatever that shame is that you've been carrying around because of that challenge or limitation.Eric Tivers 23:45Yeah, it's I always tell my group members, like if you're not uncomfortable, like, lean in more. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, that's, you know, you're not, you don't have to be sort of in that state forever. And it doesn't last forever. It's, it's sort of it's episodic, you know, it's, you go through periods, and then you, you know, at least for me, it's like, figuring these things out. And then spending years on on like, honing in the skills and the pieces around that, that I need to and then it's like, as you develop mastery around different things, then you kind of the process repeats like, oh, new discoveries. Oh, again,Hannah Choi 24:21Yep. Or, Oh, I just got I found mastery, but I'm sliding because of whatever and now let's discover a new way to get myself back back in the game and and to be okay with that.Eric Tivers 24:32You know, it's funny too, because, like, one of the things that that I'm that I'm actually trying to work on now is being treated less sarcastic in different interactions. I guess it's funny, I was I was talking to my partner yesterday about this cuz she's been kind of helping me through through some of this. And like, when she kind of gave me this feedback about my sarcasm, and I found myself wanting to hold on to like, like gripping. But start I love beings. It's funny. Yeah, but not it's not always received as well as I think you think it is like, yeah. All right. I'm gonna sit with that for a while. And you know, it's it's having that courage to ask others like, hey, like, is this been your experience that like in our conversations? Yeah, so it's having those those courageous conversations. I mean, that's really what it's, it's about. Yep.Hannah Choi 25:21And I don't know if you've experienced this as hosting a podcast, but I feel like I experienced that every time I listened to a new episode or listened to anything that I've ever recorded. Like I, I go through that, like, Oh, God, why did I say that? Or why didn't I say it this other way? And then But then I always go back and say no, okay, now you have a chance to, to learn from that and to grow from that and to step even more outside your comfort zone and to challenge maybe challenge what you how you did something before and yeah,Eric Tivers 25:55Yeah, you know, to me, like, I love absurdity. Like, that's just like, absurdity is my sense of humor. Or it was probably where I like sarcasm, but I just, you know, I'm learning to be more careful about that. But like, when I think about just like, brains are funny, glitchy and they are, like, you know, if we can, instead of being so hard on ourselves, like, why can't I do this, like, drive, we were talking before I hit record, like, I love playing pickleball I cannot remember the score during the game. For me, it is like to be in like one of those like baseball pitch counters and just like holding my other hand, butHannah Choi 26:35then you'd have to remember to use it.Eric Tivers 26:40And I always feel really at home when everybody else I'm playing with also can't remember the score. I'm just like, I think it'll be like, Well, what's your excuse? Because, you know, one of the younger ones there? And it's like, yeah, it's called ADHD.Hannah Choi 26:55It's not my age. Yeah. Oh, man.Eric Tivers 26:58It's it's funny. I'll, I'll say the score my head over and over again. And then one for one moment, I'm thinking about something else. And I forgot score. Hannah Choi 27:05Oh, my God, I feel you I just like relate to that so much. I just started, I started playing tennis and this a year ago, with my sister who's actually quite good at keeping track of the score, and I'm always like, I think I just need to play with her all the time. I'm the same way. I'm like, Alright, I got it. And I don't I actually and I don't even know which side of the court I'm supposed to be on right now.Eric Tivers 27:31With tennis is like the funny scoring it like, right?Hannah Choi 27:34Yeah, it's so weird. Yeah. And then if you play doubles in pickleball, it's even weirder, because then you have to say, like, if you're serving first or second, right?Eric Tivers 27:44Well, I typically only played doubles have, like, I don't, I don't want singles. I mean, it's a it's an amazing workout to play singles, because it's like, oh, my god, she has to be everywhere. I like doubles. So I don't know. It's but you're right. Because you have to say which, which, which serve it is.Hannah Choi 28:01It's too confusing for me. And we just play we just hit the ball around and be like, Yeah, we both won. Or we all win. Yeah, Everyone's a winner. Yes. What were we talking about? Speaking of forgetting things.Eric Tivers 28:22Brains are funny.Hannah Choi 28:23Brains. Brains. Yes, I love the brain. And I love helping people understand why they do what they do, because of their brains. And helping people learn strategies that can help them use their brains to their advantage instead of being sort of taken over by their brain. So like a lot of that emotional regulation is a huge part of my coaching. And, and I love just learning about it and teaching people about it.Eric Tivers 28:54You know, within that frame. There's this idea that I that I talk about my groups that, you know, if you're wanting to be successful, and you have ADHD, you have to learn how to bend the world to you. Because like, the world is not bending the other way. Like the world's not reaching out to say, Hey, how can I accommodate you? Right? Like, yeah, we get all this paperwork is really hard. Like, it's like planning this, you get it with paper, and it's, you know, your teacher tells you about it, you know, in the first day class never mentioned it again, like, right, we have to develop these strategies to really scaffold the things that we need around us. And be you being okay with that too. And that's such an important and I think for a lot of people a really hard thing because, you know, I always said who I am, we are not trying to get you to learn how to be normal. Like that is not our goal. Right? Like that is like that is our goal to make sure that that like you don't want that to be your goal, because that is like that will be a goal that you'll you're not going to achieveHannah Choi 29:57And we want to preserve your uniqueness, right. Yes. See?Eric Tivers 30:00Yes, yeah, you know, so whatever, like, whatever you need, like, just kind of figure out how to, you know how to advocate for it, how to ask for it, you know, when something that kind of informs a lot of the work that I do, and even my personal life was based on some work that I did when I was in grad school. And so it was around my dissertation, and it was looking at, what does it take for students with invisible disabilities and ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, etc, to be successful in adulthood. And what they found is that it is not the diagnosis that is preventing people from having the same sort of measures of success compared to their peers, it's if they have high levels of self awareness, if they have self determination, and good self advocacy skills, like, if you look just at the sort of the outcome measures, whether it's income, educational attainment, just overall life satisfaction, you got those three things, when you have ADHD or something like it, right, you're going to do just as well, like, that doesn't mean that things aren't going to be sometimes harder, like they will be. But like, You got to be willing to do the stuff and make sure that you love what you're doing. Because that's another thing our ADHD, it's like, we don't really have that, that, you know, the luxury of doing work that we don't loveHannah Choi 31:22Right. Yes, yes. It's very hard to keep that going. Eric Tivers 31:27Right, right. I know for a little while, but youHannah Choi 31:31Yeah, yeah. Yeah. So much of that, that those those aspects that you named are part of figuring out, or you it's, you can find those when you have that opportunity to learn about yourself and ask those questions and discover the different aspects of you that yeah, they don't fit into this system of the world that is out there. And that, but then, like you said, That's okay. So let's figure out how we can just just embrace that and use it as a as a benefit and use it as a, you know, something that can take you to places that you might not go if you're more of a linear thinker, or if you are more of like a round peg in a round hole?Eric Tivers 32:19For sure, for sure. Yeah. Cuz it's, you know, managing life and you have ADHD requires coming up with 1001 Little strategies, like it really is. It's, and it's this idea of living a strategy based life. Right? It's like, when we were kids, okay, I'm struggling with that, right? What can I do? That didn't work? What else could I do? Alright, that worked for like two weeks, that's not working anymore. What else can I try? Right? It's, and if we can stay open to, you know, just being curious of what works, what's getting in the way, we'll get there. Maybe it's, I think one of the things that I think is helpful for us to remember with ADHD is that, you know, we want progress yesterday. You know, stick with it, like, you look back and serious of yours, and you'll see the growth. But if you're just like in the moment, like week to week, it can be really hard to see the growth. And if you're really doing the work, it can actually sometimes feel like you're doing worse, when you're actually doing better. And that's called a self awareness that is growing self awareness makes us feel like we're doing worse, even though we're not Hannah Choi 33:21Yeah, you know, something, how you mentioned this strategy based life. I remember when I told my colleague who is also the, the editor and producer of our podcast, Sean, who also has ADHD was diagnosed when he was 12. He said to me, I'm so surprised to hear that you have ADHD and I and he said, You have such good executive function skills. And that and I said, I think it's because I am exhausted from using strategies all the time. Like, all the time, I keep my shit together, for the most part, because I am constantly using strategies, which is, frankly, completely exhausting. And, and, and so often I find myself or have found myself saying, why can't I just do this without fill in the blank? And, and now I can say it's okay. At least you're doing it with that thing. You're not just like not doing it?Eric Tivers 34:21Yeah, and you know, and one of the things too, is is like, find me strategies, but then you got to adopt them are destined for to make them work for you. Yeah, you know, like, in our in our groups, we you know, we have a lot of these frameworks, but we really try to explain this as they think about everything we're sharing as sort of this is the sandbox for you, right? Like play with it and make it your own like you have this this worksheet for planning like you don't like the way that it's laid out, like, recreate it for yourself. So it like resonates with your brain, like break what we're doing. If we're telling you something that is different than what you do You want to do what's currently working? Ignore what we're telling you. Don't try to fix what's not broken. Yes, right.Hannah Choi 35:07Yes. Well, this has been so great talking to you. And, and thank you so much. You're actually the first person that I've told outside of my family, that I have ADHD but and it's not because of a shame place. It's just because I haven't. I haven't really said ADHD episode yet. And so I just kind of saving it for that. But it it's talking about community and, and, and hearing yourself in someone else's voice. I experienced the benefit of that today in our conversations. So I just like I said before, I'll say it again, I'm so glad that you're creating those spaces for people because I know that it's highly needed.Eric Tivers 35:54Well, congratulations. And it's it's it's super exciting. You know, it's it's just knowing that we have like, a hole that just opens up so many, like opportunities and things to explore that we can learn about when we have like, Oh, this is why we're, we're struggling, you know, yeah, great. Thanks. Because it really, you know, out of all out of all the disorders, really, I mean, it's, I think ADHD is one of the most manageable, but it could also be one of the biggest, you know, pains in the butt if you're not managing it, right, because it will remind you on a regular basis, you have ADHD, if you're not like paying attention to it. I tell people that we don't have the luxury to do left on autopilot. Like we will crash and burn. And if we think yeah, do like autopilot.Hannah Choi 36:40Yeah, I'm so glad there's that the stigma around being neurodivergent is really starting to break down and that more people are having these really important conversations. And I'm so glad that you have so many listeners, and I hope I start to have more listeners, because these conversations people need to hear them, they need to get that validation that it's okay to struggle. And there are there are options, there are questions that you can ask and answers that you can find.Eric Tivers 37:12You don't need to struggle alone, you know, yeah, yeah. Yeah.Hannah Choi 37:15So could you share your contact information and where people can find you, because I'm sure people are going to be really curious about learning more.Eric Tivers 37:24Yeah, best best place to reach me would be at my website, which is ADHDrewired.com. Since you are listening to this, you listen to podcasts. So you can also use whatever podcast app you're listening to and search for ADHD ReWired. And, you know, when we have our coaching groups, you know, our, I don't know, when this episode's gonna come out, but we we do them a couple times a year. In the end, they're intense, if you're looking for, like, if you're someone who does, well look almost like that boot camp style of like, Alright, I'm going to full immersion. Like, it's, you know, it's like a six to sometimes up to 10 hours a week, we do three sessions a week, you have a four person accountability team that you meet with twice a week where you do masterminds with, and then all the other stuff that we have available in our alumni community. So it's really designed to not just help you learn some skills, but to really, it's about, you know, the shame, resilience is about getting self awareness, and then, you know, having a safe space to practice learning skills.Hannah Choi 38:23I love that. And I have to put a plug in for your podcast. It's great. It's I love, I listened to a bunch of episodes and, and they're long, but the conversations are so interesting, and so relatable. And I love how many wide variety of topics you have. There's kind of something for everybody in there. Eric Tivers 38:43Well, thank you for doing the work that you're doing. This is wonderful. And thanks for letting me be on the other side of the mic. It's fun.Hannah Choi 38:49Yeah. Great. And I look forward to being on the other side of the mic with you as well, later on in the year.Eric Tivers 38:57Whenever that's on the calendar, whatever. Right now, so we have no idea when.Hannah Choi 39:03We have no idea. But it's happening. We know that yes, yes. Thank you so much. Yeah, thank you, Eric. Take care. You too. Hannah Choi 39:12And that is our show for today. I hope you enjoyed our conversation. And if you know anyone who might relate to any of it, please share this episode with them. I hope we get to see you at the ADHD Conference in Baltimore. If you go stop by our booth number 112 in the exhibit hall and say hi. Until then you can reach out to me at podcast@beyondbooksmart.com. Please subscribe to focus forward on Apple and Google podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your podcasts. If you listen on Apple podcasts or Spotify, you can give us a boost by giving us a five star rating will love you for it. Sign up for our newsletter at beyond booksmart.com/podcast and we'll let you know when new episodes drop and we will share information related to the topic. Thanks for listening

In this episode, Hannah Choi joins Eric on the podcast!  Hannah is an Executive Function Coach for Beyond Book Smart and is the host of the podcast, Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast.  Hannah works with both college-aged clients and adult clients, and lives in Connecticut with her husband and two kids.  Her executive function strengths are time management and cognitive flexibility, and her challenges are working memory and attention.  Hannah also loves to read, watch Korean dramas, exercise, travel, and spend time outdoors!  You'll hear about the importance of developing a relationship with your professors, strategies and skills for self-advocacy, the benefits of breaking down big projects, and emotional regulation to access executive function skills.  Then, you'll also hear about the importance of maintaining sleep, nutrition, and exercise, managing medication, a warning about due dates, course load, schedule design, and more!  Learn more about Hannah at beyondbooksmart.com Listen to Focus Forward at beyondbooksmart.com/podcast Questions/Topics:  [00:01:02] Introducing Hannah  [00:02:14] How did Hannah begin working with college students?  [00:04:56] Hannah shares her experiences in college while questioning her abilities  [00:05:44] “If I knew then what I know now….”  [00:07:18] A discussion on self-advocacy while in college and getting over the fear of getting to know your professors [00:11:45] Hannah shares a tool she uses with clients  [00:13:56] Breaking down Steps/Time/Mapping [00:18:076] Finding balance between college work and socializing [00:22:44] A discussion on emotional regulation and accessing executive function skills  [00:30:21] Managing ADHD medication and other mental health treatments  [00:32:53] What are some other important accommodations that students can ask for?  [00:41:56] Eric shares an experience and a warning about (a lack of) due dates [00:44:47] How important is course load and schedule design?  [00:49:14] Navigating interests in college  [00:51:41] Closing Thoughts

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