What if the youth mental health crisis isn't a mystery—but a measurable, screen-driven epidemic we can reverse? In one of the most urgent and affirming conversations we’ve ever had, Mike McLeod, executive function specialist and founder of GrowNOW ADHD, returns for his fourth appearance on The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. With clarity, conviction, and deep compassion for families, Mike explains why executive functioning—not grades—is the greatest predictor of life success, and how screen overuse is directly delaying the very skills kids need most: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, and self-evaluation. The solution? Simpler than you think—and available to every family.

You’ll leave this episode empowered to act, not overwhelmed. We talk about why schools are broken, how parents have unintentionally become permissive, and why taking away screens isn’t extreme—it’s essential. Mike’s new book The Executive Functioning Playbook (coming January 9) and his podcast, The ADHD Parenting Podcast, are must-follow resources. But this episode? It might just be the wake-up call that changes everything.

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