Executive Function for All | A Podcast by Untapped Learning

How do you balance training for the Olympics while excelling in school? Chris Guiliano, 2024 Olympic gold medalist, shares how he manages the intense demands of elite swimming and academics at the University of Notre Dame. From time management and daily routines to mental resilience and study habits, Chris reveals the strategies that helped him succeed in and out of the pool. In this interview, Ch...

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Chamberlin, an Untapped Learning mentor, who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life and has firsthand experience navigating these struggles. Christian opens up about slipping through the cracks in school, why hyperfocus kept him afloat, and how alternative learning paths like online school and self-directed learning helped him take control of his educatio...

Most of us have been told that stress is bad—but what if that’s only half the story? In this eye-opening interview, Natalie Wilcox breaks down the science behind stress and how it can actually help improve your learning. We dive into the difference between acute stress (good!) and chronic stress (bad!), and how managing your cortisol levels can enhance memory retention. Natalie, a Life Science spe...

What if the key to unlocking focus, motivation, and productivity wasn’t medication, but movement? Dr. John Ratey, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has spent decades researching the connection between movement and brain function. His groundbreaking book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain changed the way we think about exercise—not jus...

ADHD isn't about laziness or a lack of intelligence—it's about executive function. In this interview, Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, sits down with Roxanne Turner, Founder and CEO of RBT Coaching, to explore how students can build executive function skills to take ownership of their success. Roxanne Turner, a Certified ADHD Professional and Executive Function Coach, helps students sh...

Starting college is a big transition—especially for neurodiverse students. In this episode, Sydney, a second-year student at the University of Colorado Boulder, shares how she navigated the shift from high school to college with the support of her mentor, Maddie. Together, they discuss the importance of executive function skills, self-advocacy, and building routines to balance academics, work, and...

Transitioning from high school to college is challenging for any student, but for student-athletes, the leap is even greater. Managing academics, athletics, and mental well-being requires discipline, structure, and executive function skills—but many athletes don’t realize just how important these skills are until they struggle. In this episode, we sit down with Grant Green, a University of Tampa l...

In this episode, we sit down with Shawna Warner, parenting coach and founder of Cultivating Resilient Teens, to discuss the challenges teens face when developing resilience, independence, and executive function skills. Shawna shares insights on how parents can support their children without stepping in to "fix" everything, the power of allowing kids to navigate their own struggles, and the importa...

The college application process can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, we’re joined by Stefanie Esposito, Founder of Clearstory College Counseling, who has guided over 700 students and their families through the college search and application process. We discuss: - How to find the right college fit (beyond rankings!) - What parents should focus on during the admissions p...

Are executive function challenges holding you back? In this episode, we sit down with Monica Werner—therapist, executive function coach, and co-author of Unstuck and On Target—to explore practical strategies for building flexibility, problem-solving skills, and independence. What you'll learn: - How executive function impacts daily life (and what to do about it)- Why flexibility is the secret sauc...

David Elkins traded the courtroom for the classroom—and he’s revolutionizing how we think about teaching. In this episode, we dive into David's innovative pre-law program for high schoolers, designed to mirror the rigor and engagement of law school. Hear how David uses AI to design captivating mock trials, simplify complex legal concepts, and ignite critical thinking in his students. From leveragi...

Natalie Wilcox, a master's student specializing in neuroimmunology at Queen's University, shares her transformative journey from a perfectionist high schooler to a neuroscience expert who has mastered how to study effectively. In this interview, Natalie delves into her experiences of balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth, revealing the studying techniques that helped her succe...

Ever wonder how to create a classroom environment where students feel confident and ready to learn? Shane Saeed, a nationally recognized educator, shares her strategies for using consistent lesson structures to engage neurodiverse learners and build a more inclusive classroom. Routines and predictability are not just 'nice to have'—they're essential. Research shows that structured environments red...

Untapped Learning’s founder, Brandon Slade, teams up with Dr. Jill Aloia to explore the unique challenges in supporting twice-exceptional students. Dr. Aloia, a licensed psychologist in Colorado and Board-Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology, brings extensive expertise in assessing and guiding children, adolescents, and young adults with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders....

Are you struggling to help your students develop the confidence and independence they need for success? Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Peg Dawson, co-author of Smart But Scattered and a leading expert in executive function skills. Dr. Dawson shares her unique insights on: The importance of failure in building resilience and executive function. Why today’s kids struggle with independ...

Meet Emiko, our Post-Secondary Director, and Maddie, our Operations Manager, as they dive into the art of mentorship. Together, they’ve worked with countless students, helping them build independence, overcome challenges like brain fog, and create strategies tailored to their unique needs. From managing distractions (ever tried turning your phone to black and white?) to embracing seasonal routines...

Maddie & Emiko have so much wisdom to share that we couldn’t fit it all into one episode! This bonus conversation dives deep into academic probation, keeping students engaged even on tough days, and structuring mentoring sessions for long-term success. From helping students bounce back after setbacks to guiding them through challenges like staying focused and creating effective routines, our m...

Meet Ethan Lahoda, a two-time MCLA National Champion and the driving force behind growing youth lacrosse in Colorado, overseeing 45 teams and inspiring over 1,000 young athletes. Despite his struggles with ADHD, Ethan turned challenges into opportunities, using sports as his focus and fuel. In this episode hosted by Brandon Slade, we dive into Ethan's journey from player to coach, the life lessons...

Dane’s journey proves that ADHD and dyslexia are not roadblocks to success—they’re stepping stones. From an intelligent but scattered middle schooler to a thriving accountant, Dane shares how he transformed his life through self-discipline, organization, and finding his passions. He didn’t take the 'typical ADHD creative path' but instead embraced numbers and structure, proving that any career is...

Nick Thompson is more than a counselor; he's a game-changer for families and youth navigating the challenges of adolescence. In this episode, discover why parents, educators, and students alike sing his praises. From inspiring transformation in families to empowering teens to thrive, Nick shares his unique approach to connecting with young people, fostering executive function skills, and guiding f...

Clayton Norman’s unique approach as a skateboard therapist connects him with individuals on a deeper level. He combines traditional therapy with skateboarding sessions, making mental health support accessible and relatable. In this interview, he talks about how physical activity, routines, and understanding executive function can help manage ADHD and anxiety. FREE downloadable resources: https://u...

Award-winning student-athlete Annabelle Calderon shares her journey through recovery from a major injury, highlighting the resilience and executive functioning skills she leaned on to return to the softball field. Hear how she balanced her academic and athletic goals and what routines helped her rebuild her physical and mental strength. Thank you to Annabelle for letting us highlight her incredibl...

Think talent alone is enough to succeed in college sports? Think again. Mariano Kemp, an all-state running back from Fairview High School, reveals how he used executive functioning skills like time management, planning, and routine to overcome adversity and excel both on and off the field. In this interview with Brandon Slade, Mariano breaks down practical strategies for staying committed, managin...

Unlock the secrets to balancing academics, athletics, and social life with insights from Isaac, a former Untapped employee and elite NCAA track athlete from the University of Washington. Discover how to navigate executive dysfunction, foster a process-focused mindset, and maintain mental health amidst the pressures of being a Division 1 student-athlete. This interview with Isaac, hosted by Untappe...

Many student-athletes dream of getting recruited by a school like the University of Michigan. For Carlo Kemp, that dream became a reality, but it required more than just talent. Carlo sat down with Brandon Slade to talk about how he made it to Michigan and the NFL by using prioritization, planning, and mentorship to stay on top of his game, both in the classroom and on the field. Discover the day-...