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 importance of advocating for their unique learning styles.

We dive into real-life examples, from missed homework to social struggles, and explore how small mindset shifts can make a big impact. Plus, Shawna introduces her simple yet powerful La La framework—Learn, Acknowledge, Lean In, and Advocate—to help parents and teens embrace their strengths and build confidence.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or student looking for strategies to foster resilience, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

🔗 Find Shawna Warner at: CultivatingResilientTeens.com

🎧 For more resources on executive function skills, visit: UntappedLearning.com

If you found this episode helpful, rate us 5 stars and share it with someone who could benefit!

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

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 process

- The biggest mistakes students & parents make—and how to avoid them

- How executive function skills impact college applications- The power of a growth mindset in navigating college choices

- The role of gap years and how they can benefit students

- How to build an organized, stress-free college application plan

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help make the college journey smoother.

Tune in now and take control of the college admissions process!

For more resources and guidance, visit UntappedLearning.com

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

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 sauce to overcoming obstacles

- The power of self-advocacy for neurodivergent individuals

- How parents and teachers can model executive function skills

- Actionable strategies from the Unstuck and On Target curriculum

Monica shares insights from decades of experience supporting neurodivergent learners, including those with ADHD and Autism, helping them turn struggles into strengths. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode is packed with game-changing advice.

Listen now and start getting Unstuck!

Resources Mentioned:

Unstuck and On Target Website: https://www.unstuckandontarget.com/

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

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 leveraging 50 Cent’s legal battles to goat yoga in a mock trial, his storytelling approach is changing the game in education.

Discover how David empowers students, including those with ADHD and executive function challenges, to become confident thinkers and communicators. Whether you're an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode will inspire you to reimagine what’s possible in the classroom.

Tune in for practical strategies, heartwarming success stories, and the passion of an educator who truly cares.

Share this episode with someone who could use fresh ideas for making learning come alive.

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

If you or your student are interested in learning more about what Untapped Learning has to offer, visit us at:

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untappedlearning

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 succeed.

Learn how she uses active recall, visual notes, personal connections, and strategic breaks to study smarter, not harder. Whether it's leveraging tools like Quizlet or drawing flowcharts to simplify complex concepts, Natalie's insights are a game-changer for anyone looking to optimize their learning process.

Listen to discover her strategies, her reflections on perfectionism, and the one piece of advice she believes every student should hear.

Perfect for students, educators, and anyone passionate about improving memory and learning techniques!

If you or your student are interested in learning more about what Untapped Learning has to offer, visit us at:

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untappedlearning

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

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 reduce anxiety, especially for students with ADHD or executive function challenges. When students know what to expect, they can focus on mastering the content instead of figuring out what’s happening next.

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

In this interview, Shane explains how routines benefit both teachers and students:

• Increased Engagement: Students thrive when they know how to "show up" every day.
• Reduced Cognitive Load: Clear expectations let students focus on learning, not guessing.
• Easier Planning for Teachers: Consistent lesson structures simplify preparation, saving time and reducing burnout.

Shane also delves into additional impactful topics, offering actionable advice on:

• Incorporating movement into the classroom to boost focus and engagement.
• Strategies for helping students complete and turn in homework effectively.
• Tackling procrastination with manageable, practical interventions.
• Leveraging AI tools and school portals to streamline student success.
• Building meaningful relationships with parents through positive communication.

At Untapped Learning, we believe in equipping students with the skills to thrive in any environment, whether it’s breaking down complex projects into manageable steps or creating daily habits that lead to academic success. Shane’s approach aligns perfectly with these values, ensuring all students, regardless of ability, can shine in the classroom.

Discover why consistency isn’t boring—it’s transformational. Listen now to learn actionable tips for implementing routines that work for every learner!

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

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. With a special focus on twice-exceptional students, Dr. Aloia offers invaluable insights on how to support gifted learners with unique needs.

If you or your student are interested in learning more about what Untapped Learning has to offer, visit us at:

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untappedlearning

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

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 independence – and how to fix it.
• The shift from helicopter parenting to empowering children to take ownership of their growth.
• Strategies for fostering collaboration, self-reflection, and resilience in both kids and parents.

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or coach, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiring insights to help students thrive.

Check out Dr. Peg Dawson’s revised edition of Smart But Scattered: SmartButScatteredKids.com

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more valuable conversations with experts in education and executive skills!

If you or your student are interested in learning more about what Untapped Learning has to offer, visit us at:

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untappedlearning

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

#ExecutiveFunction #DrPegDawson #BuildingConfidence #ADHDSupport #SmartButScattered ##StudentSuccess #EducationalCoaching #GrowthMindset #NCSP #schoolpsychologist #CenterforLearningandAttentionDisorders #ADHD #learningdifferences

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 that spark motivation, Emiko and Maddie share actionable insights you can apply right away. They even explore how AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM can transform how students learn and study.

Discover how mentorship can empower students to thrive, even on their toughest days. Listen to the full interview now to explore strategies for fostering independence, creating structure, and modeling resilience!

If you or your student are interested in learning more about what Untapped Learning has to offer, visit us at:

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untappedlearning

FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This interview was hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, and edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.

#Mentorship #StudentSupport #ExecutiveFunctioning #YouthMentor #BuildingIndependence #StudyStrategies #ExecutiveFunctioning #OvercomingBurnout #LearningWithAI #UnteappedLearning

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 mentors ensure students are set up to thrive both academically and personally.

If you or your student are interested in learning more about what Untapped Learning has to offer, visit us at:

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@untappedlearning