In this episode, Dr. Carey Heller sits down with Morgan Schill, founder of the Positive Play Project, to tackle the pressure cooker of modern youth sports—and how we can fix it. Morgan shares how sports served as her anchor during tough childhood transitions, and why creating a supportive, high-joy environment is essential for young athletes today.

We dive deep into:

• The Burnout Epidemic: Why commercialization, early specialization, and parental pressure are driving kids away from the game.

• Navigating League Culture: How parents can parse through endless club options and find the right fit for their child.

• The Case for Multi-Sport (and Non-Sport) Balance: Why letting kids explore music, art, and other interests actually makes them better athletes and happier humans.

• Actionable Advice for Adults: How parents, coaches, and league directors can align expectations and put the fun back into play.

Whether you're a parent trying to navigate competitive club teams or a coach looking to build a healthier team culture, this episode offers practical insights to keep kids playing, growing, and thriving—both on and off the field.

👉 Learn more about Morgan's work at Positive Play Project.

Morgan Schill is the founder of the Positive Play Project, a former collegiate volleyball player and three-year team captain, youth sports coach, and mom of three. She also serves on the boards of youth sports organizations, giving her a firsthand view of the challenges facing families, coaches, and community programs. Through the Positive Play Project, Morgan helps adults create healthier sports environments where kids can compete, build confidence, develop as people, and experience the joy and life lessons youth sports are meant to provide.
Instagram: @positiveplayproject

Substack: https://substack.com/@positiveplayproject

👉 Learn more about Dr. Heller's work:

Dr. Heller is a licensed psychologist and founding partner of the Heller Psychology Group in Bethesda, Maryland specializing in supporting kids and teens with ADHD and executive function challenges. His clinical practice centers on equipping neurodivergent youth and their families with concrete, actionable strategies to master real-world skills from time management, organization, and study habits to emotional regulation and stress management. Known on the field as “Coach Carey,” he also integrates this specialized expertise into youth sports by advising parents, coaches, and leagues on how to create inclusive, supportive athletic environments where children with ADHD and processing differences can manage performance anxiety, stay focused, and build lasting confidence.

https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/ ⁠https://coachcareyadhdsports.com/

https://linktr.ee/AthleteDHD

Unlock the hidden keys to boosting athletic performance for kids, teens, and college athletes with ADHD and executive function challenges. In this episode, host Dr. Carey Heller, a licensed psychologist, brings you into an interesting discussion between two professionals who specialize in ADHD and executive functioning, looking at sports from two entirely different fields.

Dr. Heller sits down with Dr. Savanna Forry to reveal science-backed strategies and practical tools that parents and coaches can use today to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Imagine turning emotional outbursts into moments of calm, or transforming confusion into clarity. These are just some of the game-changing insights Dr. Savanna Forry shares, drawing from her unique expertise as an occupational therapist. Whether it’s teaching kids how to reset after unfair calls, harness their energy with fidget tools, or improve focus through visual aids, this conversation gives you concrete techniques to support young athletes in overcoming their unique hurdles.

• The science behind deep breathing and vagus nerve stimulation as calming strategies during high-pressure moments.

• How to help kids understand and remember complex sports plays using visual and kinesthetic methods.

• Practical approaches to improve transitions, follow multi-step directions, and foster emotional regulation in sports settings.

• Why open communication between parents, coaches, and athletes is critical for sustained success.

• Tips for creating supportive environments that leverage children’s interests and strengths to build confidence and resilience.

This episode is perfect for parents, coaches, and educators who want to empower children, teens, and college athletes with executive functioning challenges to thrive on the field and beyond. If you're tired of mislabeling effort as disinterest or frustration as defiance, this collaborative discussion between Dr. Heller and Dr. Forry will transform your approach and spark new strategies for lasting impact.

Dr. Savanna Forry, an experienced occupational therapist based in Los Angeles, shares insights from her work with student athletes, emphasizing compassion, understanding, and practical interventions that benefit all children.

If you’re ready to change the game for the young athletes in your life, tune in now. This is your playbook for nurturing focus, emotional mastery, and confidence in sports—and in life.

• The fundamentals of executive functioning and its relevance to sports performance

• Practical tools to manage emotional regulation during games, such as deep breathing and emotional labeling

• Environmental adaptations and visual supports to improve following multi-step directions

• The importance of communication between parents, coaches, and children about learning differences

• Creative approaches to teaching sport positions, memorizing plays, and transitioning between activities

• How fostering a supportive system can boost confidence, resilience, and team cohesion

Connect with Host Dr. Carey Heller:

• Website: https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/ & https://coachcareyadhdsports.com/

Connect with Guest Dr. Savanna Forry:

• Scholar Athletes Society Website: www.scholarathlete-society.com

• Instagram: @scholarathlete.society

Why the "Dishwasher Battle" is Actually About Anxiety and ADHD

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elana Hoffman to dissect a phenomenon every neurodiverse couple knows too well: the explosive argument over a simple chore.

Whether it's a stack of plates or an overflowing laundry basket, Dr. Hoffman explains that these "surface arguments" are rarely about the mess. Instead, they are a clash of two different nervous systems trying to find safety. For the anxious partner, order equals security. For the ADHD partner, executive dysfunction can make that order feel impossible to maintain—leading to a cycle of resentment and shame.

Inside this conversation:

• The Neurodiverse Disconnect: Why the anxious partner interprets ADHD "forgetfulness" as a lack of love or respect.

• The Pursuit of Safety: How a messy environment triggers a "fight or flight" response in anxious brains.

• The Partnership Test: Moving away from the "parent-child" dynamic and back toward being true life partners.

• Dr. Hoffman’s Core Question: Are you feeling loved, connected, and intimate—or are you just managing a roommate?

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Dr. Elana Hoffman is a licensed Clinical Psychologist whose work sits at the intersection of neurodivergence and relationships — helping ADHD and neurodivergent adults understand how their wiring shapes the way they love, communicate, and connect. She's the founder of a national telehealth practice licensed across 40+ states through Psypact, where she works with clients navigating everything from partnership dynamics to major life transitions, with a particular focus on divorce. Elana is also the host of Talk Relationship to Me, a podcast exploring the psychology behind how we relate — and the author of So, Your Wife Left You… Now What? She's passionate about helping neurodivergent people stop pathologizing themselves and start building relationships that actually work for their brains.

Website: https://www.drelanahoffman.com/

Instagram: @dr.elanahoffman

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HOST

Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist and founding partner of Heller Psychology Group based in Bethesda, Maryland. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), executive function issues, learning disabilities, and related items including anxiety. Dr. Heller serves on the National CHADD board as the chair of the EAB and as the chapter coordinator for the Montgomery County, Maryland CHADD chapter.

High performance with ADHD isn't about working harder—it’s about working with your brain. Performance coach Chloe joins Dr. Carey Heller to share her ultimate toolkit for ADHD management.

Whether you’re dealing with time blindness, procrastination, or sensory overwhelm, this episode provides actionable advice you can start using today. Learn why a regulated nervous system is the key to accessing flow states and how simple lifestyle changes—like evening wind-down routines and high-protein meals—can stabilize your mood and focus.

Key Highlights:

• The 2-Minute Rule: How to get through daunting tasks when you’re frozen.

• Biohacking ADHD: The role of nutrients.

• Digital Wellness: Strategies for Inbox Zero and minimizing screen time.

• Mindset Shifts: Reframing ADHD as a creative gift rather than a deficit.

Don’t just manage your symptoms—learn how to thrive. Subscribe for more episodes on becoming the best version of yourself!

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Learn more about Chloe

Chloe Deutscher is a performance coach specializing in nervous system regulation and ADHD. With a background in chemical engineering and biology, and a decade in biotech and strategy, she blends science with practical tools to help people rewire how they think, feel, and perform.
After overcoming severe anxiety, panic attacks, and ADHD-related burnout herself, Chloe developed a framework that’s helped hundreds of clients regain focus, energy, and emotional control.
Today, she works with clients worldwide, leads a global audience of over 300,000, and runs her signature program, Neuromagnetic, helping people move beyond coping and retrain their brain and nervous system to access their potential and build deeply fulfilling lives.
Follow her on social media @chloegoesinward on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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Learn more about Dr. Carey Heller

Dr. Heller is a licensed psychologist based in Bethesda, Maryland who specializes in ADHD and executive functioning. He is somewhat unique in his approach, blending traditional therapy with practical ADHD/EF coaching. He works with kids, teens, and adults. Dr. Heller is actively involved in the ADHD community, serving on the CHADD board at the chapter and national level.

Learn more:

https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/dr-carey-heller/

https://linktr.ee/Hellerpsych

https://linktr.ee/ADHD_Assist

- Check out Dr. Heller's free and low cost AI planning tools and Notion templates.

How to Make Youth Sports Fun: Coaching Tips with Kevin McKeown

Are youth sports becoming too intense? In this episode of Being the Best Version of Yourself, Dr. Carey Heller (@CareyhellerPsy.D./CoachCarey_ADHD_Sports) sits down with viral youth baseball coach Kevin McKeown (@Coachdadlifefl) to discuss how to bring the joy back to the diamond. Whether you are a volunteer coach or a sports parent, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to improve team spirit, manage player engagement, and teach lifelong lessons through the game.

We dive deep into the topics every youth sports family faces:

• Rec vs. Travel Ball: When is the right time to move to a higher-level team?

• The "Bench" Problem: Creative ways to keep kids focused in the outfield and on the bench.

• Effective Communication: How coaches can better manage parent expectations and boundaries.

• Coach Self-Care: Avoiding burnout as a volunteer coach.

• ADHD in Sports: Balancing fundamentals with high-energy engagement.

Whether you're looking for better practice plans or ways to build resilience in young athletes, Coach Kevin’s real-world experience paired with Dr. Heller's professional expertise offers a roadmap for a successful season.

• Instagram: Follow Kevin at @Coachdadlifefl for coaching tips.

• Resources: Check out Kevin’s downloadable practice plans for youth baseball.

Dr. Heller is a licensed psychologist based in Bethesda, Maryland (serving 40+ states virtually) specializing in ADHD and executive functioning. As a multisport coach himself, he helps kids and teens thrive on and off the field.

• Follow Dr. Heller: @CoachCarey_ADHD_Sports/@CareyhellerPsy.D | Website

• Masterclass: Game On with Coach Carey – A Psychologist's playbook for coaching kids with ADHD.

  • Limited Time Sale: Use code DA6ZZWQ to get the course for only $16.00!

In this episode, Dr. Carey Heller is joined by special guest Lauren Eckert from Life Solved Coaching. She shares practical strategies for parents to organize their lives and manage their children's activities effectively. Topics include simplifying systems, family meetings, shared calendars, and leveraging technology to reduce mental load.

key topics

• Managing parental overwhelm
• Effective family communication and planning
• Using technology to organize family activities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:34 Parents' Overwhelm and Mental Load

04:37 Importance of Simplifying Systems

09:06 Minimizing Decision Fatigue

14:42 Weekly Family Meetings

17:50 Using Shared Calendars and Tech Tools

20:57 Involving Kids in Organization

26:54 Prioritizing Self-Management for Parents

33:14 Building Family Autonomy and Routine

34:17 Resources and Final Tips

keywords: parenting, organization, family management, time management, family calendar, mental load, executive function, parenting tips, family routines, technology in parenting

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Lauren Eckert

https://www.lifesolvedcoaching.com/

https://www.instagram.com/life.solved

Carey Heller

https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/Carey_heller_Psy.D.

In this episode, Dr. Carey Heller and Dr. David Palmiter discuss strategies for parents to effectively navigate the challenges of raising children with ADHD, particularly in school settings. They emphasize the importance of collaboration between parents and teachers, focusing on the strengths of the child, and the need for open communication. The conversation also highlights the significance of early intervention and the role of mental health professionals in supporting children’s development. Practical tips for parents are shared, along with insights into the power dynamics in educational settings and the necessity of recognizing hidden struggles in children.

If you like this podcast, please like it, follow us, and share it with a friend who would benefit.

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More about Dr. David Palmiter

Website: www.helpingfamilies.com

Blog: www.hecticparents.com

YouTube: www.kidsandcouples.com

X: @DrPalmiter

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More about Dr. Carey Heller

 **Website:https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/

 **YouTube: @Hellerpsychology  

**Instagram: Hellerpsych/Carey_heller_Psy.d

** Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HellerPsychology 

** Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/HellerPsychology 

Articles: https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/heller-psychology-resources/dr-hellers-published-articles/

Courses, digital downloads, books: https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/heller-psychology-resources/heller-time-management-planning-tools/

In this episode of the Being the Best Version of Yourself podcast, host Dr. Carey Heller is joined by psychotherapist Ethan Ulanow to discuss the pressures faced by children and teens in the D.C. area as well as those by their parents. They emphasize the importance of validation and acknowledgment of these pressures to the extent the child experiences them, the balance between extracurricular activities and academic demands, and the need for open communication between parents and children to understand individual needs and interests.

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Connect with Carey Heller, Psy.D.

https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/

Connect with Ethan Ulanow, LCSW-C

https://www.ethanulanow.com/

In this episode of the "Being the Best Version of Yourself" podcast, host Dr. Carey Heller sits down with Alejandro Berthé, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Locker Ready. They discuss the vital role of mental health in youth sports, focusing on how parents and coaches can help young athletes navigate frustration, develop resilience, and find lasting joy in competition.

In this video, you’ll learn:

Understanding Frustration: Why reality often clashes with expectation for young athletes and how to help them bridge that gap.

Emotional Regulation: Practical "in-the-moment" strategies, like the "birthday candle" breathing technique, to help kids calm down after a tough play.

The Power of Connection: Why the coach-athlete relationship is the most important factor in a child’s success and emotional well-being in sports.

The 3 P’s of the Locker Ready System: Performance enhancing, Purpose inspiring, and Protective resilience building.

Detached Engagement: How parents can support their children without becoming overly invested in their performance.

-----------------------------------------------------Follow the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with a parent or coach who could benefit! Stay tuned for future episodes focused on helping you become the best version of yourself.Also subscribe to  ⁨@HellerPsychology⁩  for videos of podcast episodes and other resources. #YouthSports #SportsPsychology #StudentAthletes #MentalHealth #Resilience #ParentingTips #Coaching #LockerReady #BeingTheBestVersionOfYourself----------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Alejandro Berthé, LCSW-C:

He is a psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete dedicated to helping individuals and groups overcome challenges, heal old wounds, and unlock their peak performance. As the founder of Berthé Counseling, Alejandro specializes in working with children, adolescents, parents, and men on a variety of issues, with a special interest in working with athletes from middle school on up.Combining his clinical expertise with his experience as a former D1 and USL soccer player, Alejandro created LockerReady—a "Mental Game OS" designed to make sports psychology accessible to every athlete who wants it. Launching on the App Store and Google Play within the next two weeks, the platform provides the tools and rituals necessary to help athletes let go of distractions and lock into the moment. A father of five, Alejandro is committed to helping others bridge the gap between clinical healing and elite achievement to live more resilient, meaningful lives.

Counseling Practice: BertheCounseling.com www.lockerready.com - app waitlist for appLinkedIn: Alejandro Berthé-SuarezInstagram: @lockerreadyapp X: @lockerreadyapp--------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Carey Heller, Psy.D.

Dr. Heller is a licensed psychologist who specializes in ADHD and executive function issues. He also has a passion for sports and is a seasoned youth sports coach. Dr. Heller works with kids, teens, and adults.

Check out Dr. Heller's on-demand course: 🏀 Master Focus & Engagement in Youth Sports: Strategies from an ADHD Specialist, parent, and seasoned youth sports coach! ⚾- Use the link below for a major discount (limited time only)https://psychopayments.gumroad.com/l/pkrqyi/tor3jli

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📌 Stay Connected **Website:https://hellerpsychologygroup.com

**YouTube: @Hellerpsychology **Instagram: Hellerpsych and Carey_heller_psy.d** Facebook: HellerPsychology & Carey_heller_psy.d** Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/HellerPsychology

Free Articles: https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/heller-psychology-resources/dr-hellers-published-articles/

Courses, digital downloads, books: https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/heller-psychology-resources/heller-time-management-planning-tools/ 


In this episode, Dr. Carey Heller is joined by special guest Matt Douglas. Matt is a college consultant and teen mentor as well as the author of Unlocking College Admissions: Your Step-By-Step Workbook For Finding The Right College And Getting In⁠. The two discuss what to expect and do at this point in the college process and tips for navigating the rest of senior year. As part of this, the focus turns to executive function skills and how to help teens/young adults build these up using senior year as a trial run of college to help ease the transition. You likely focus a lot on helping your child get into college. Now, you also need to help them to be able to be successful once they are there. There's a lot you can do in the next several months to help them prepare.

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Matt Douglas is a former teacher and school administrator turned college consultant, teen and young-adult mentor, and the author of Unlocking College Admissions: Your Step-By-Step Workbook For Finding The Right College And Getting In. You can learn more about his services and background at unlockingcollegeadmissions.com, www.lifecoachingsd.com or via @unlocking.college on social media.

Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist specializing in ADHD and executive function issues. He provides psychotherapy, ADHD/executive function coaching (often together with therapy), and evaluations for ADHD & learning disabilities. Dr. Heller also runs an executive functioning boot camp, which is a two hour 1:1 intensive individualized session to help people jump start or fine tune EF skills and systems.

https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/adhd-executive-functioning/

📌 Stay Connected

** Tap the link in bio for more resources! 

 **Website:https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/

 **YouTube: @Hellerpsychology  

**Instagram: Hellerpsych

** Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HellerPsychology 

** Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/HellerPsychology 

Articles: https://hellerpsychologygroup.com/heller-psychology-resources/dr-hellers-published-articles/

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Disclaimer: This video is intended for educational purposes only, is not therapy, and should not replace guidance from professionals with whom you work.