The holiday season is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! From spending extra time with family to festive lights and delicious food, there’s so much to love. But let’s be honest—the holidays can make it tough to stick to your health goals, especially when sugary treats and big meals are everywhere.

As a math tutor and ADHD coach, I know how food choices affect focus, energy, and mood. In the past, I struggled with self-control during the holidays, overindulging and feeling awful afterward. If you can relate, this episode is for you!

What you’ll learn:

• How to enjoy holiday treats without the sugar crash
• Simple healthy swaps to balance indulgence with nutrition
• Why blood sugar stability is key for ADHD and focus
• How food impacts brain function and energy levels
• Mindful eating strategies to avoid feeling sluggish after big meals

You don’t have to deprive yourself to stay on track this holiday season. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy every bite while feeling your best!

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

Eating healthy while dining out can be a challenge—especially when portion sizes are huge, fried food is everywhere, and temptations run high. In this episode, I sit down with NASA Engineer Ivette Rivera Aponte to talk about making smart food choices while embracing cultural cuisine. As a Puerto Rican and a Persian-American, we love discussing food, culture, and how to navigate restaurant menus in a way that supports both enjoyment and nutrition.

What you'll learn:

• How to plan ahead by checking the menu before you go
• Why portion sizes in the U.S. can be unrealistic and how to manage them
• Simple swaps to avoid fried or overly processed foods
• The trick to eating a small snack before dining out to make mindful choices
• How ADHD affects food choices and ways to stay on track with healthy habits

Trying new restaurants and exploring different cultures through food is amazing—and you can still stay aligned with your health goals! This episode will help you enjoy dining out while making balanced, nourishing choices.

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

Preparing for the SAT and ACT can feel overwhelming, especially if you have ADHD or struggle with test anxiety. While some schools no longer require these exams, I still encourage students to take them—it can open doors to better opportunities and teach valuable study habits for college.

As a math tutor and ADHD coach, I’ve helped students improve their test scores by focusing on smart study strategies, test-taking techniques, and anxiety management. In this episode, I’ll break down how to study efficiently and approach these exams with confidence.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why the SAT and ACT are still valuable, even if they’re optional
• How ADHD students can study smarter, not harder
• Simple strategies to reduce test anxiety and improve focus
• The role of mental health, physical health, and nutrition in test performance
• Practical tips to manage time effectively during the test

Standardized tests don’t have to be a nightmare! With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be ready to crush your exams and feel confident walking into test day.

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

We have an amazing guest with us this week! Let me introduce Ivette - my former NASA mentor! We are such great friends, and I appreciate her taking the time to come on the Launching Forward podcast. We started working together at Kennedy Space Center in 2008, and she encouraged me to pursue entrepreneurship! She’s an inspiration to me, and I know many others, too.

Today, we’re talking about the challenges and lessons of being a woman in the STEM field. When Ivette started at NASA in 2003, she was the only female in the office. It’s challenging to work in an office as the only female. There are several other industries where this is the norm. Let’s talk about some of the experiences and lessons Ivette and I have as women in STEM.

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

Balancing work, family, personal goals, and everyday responsibilities can feel overwhelming—especially if you have ADHD. In this episode, I sit down with Annelies, owner of F45 Gym in Brussels, Belgium, to talk about how she navigates a busy life with both compassion and discipline.

Annelies shares her journey of managing a demanding career, fitness, and personal life, all while avoiding burnout. Whether you’re a mom, a student, or a professional juggling multiple responsibilities, this conversation will help you rethink balance and learn how to prioritize what truly matters.

You'll learn:

• How to balance work, family, and personal goals without feeling overwhelmed
• Why discipline and self-compassion go hand in hand
• Strategies to avoid burnout while still pushing toward your goals
• How ADHD impacts daily routines and how to adapt for success

CONNECT WITH ANNELIES:

Instagram: @annelies_f45

Come to their studio and get an amazing workout!

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

o you have a big test coming up or a major goal you’re working toward? Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone trying to improve focus and productivity, these study tips will help! As a math tutor and ADHD coach, I teach my students how to develop strong study habits that actually stick—just like astronauts train for their missions.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• 10 astronaut-approved study techniques that improve focus and retention
• How to create ADHD-friendly routines that make studying easier
• The best ways to break down big goals into manageable steps
• Why mindset and structure are key to long-term success

Success isn’t about cramming—it’s about building smart, sustainable habits. No matter what challenge you’re tackling, these strategies will help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

The postpartum period—also known as the fourth trimester—can be overwhelming. Your hormones are shifting, and for many moms, that can bring on anxiety, depression, or feelings of being completely out of control. As a mom with ADHD, I’ve had to navigate postpartum in a unique way, and I want to share my experience with you.

In this episode, I’m opening up about:

• My postpartum experience with my first child and what I learned
• How I’m preparing for postpartum the second time around
• The connection between ADHD and postpartum anxiety
• Practical ways to give yourself grace and manage your mental health

Every postpartum journey is different, and there is no one right way to cope. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and you won’t feel this way forever. You just created life—give yourself time to heal and adjust. You’ve got this, mama! ❤️

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

Today, I’m opening up about my personal ADHD journey—how I learned to manage it without medication. While I did try medication for a short time in college, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Through trial and error, I discovered alternative strategies that helped me stay focused, organized, and productive.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• Why I stopped taking ADHD medication and what happened next
• The holistic and practical strategies I use to manage ADHD
• How structure, accountability, and lifestyle changes made a difference
• Why ADHD is part of who I am, and I wouldn’t change it

If you’re struggling with ADHD and wondering if there are alternatives to medication, I want you to know that you have options! No single approach works for everyone, and I hope my experience gives you ideas to explore what works best for you.

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

Do you struggle with math or feel overwhelmed by numbers? As a math tutor and ADHD coach, I strongly believe that every woman—especially those with ADHD—needs to understand their numbers. Whether it’s budgeting, business finances, or everyday decision-making, knowing your numbers is essential to feeling empowered and in control.

In this episode, I’m breaking down five key reasons why understanding numbers matters, even if math isn’t your strong suit. You’ll walk away with practical tips to boost your confidence and take charge of your finances, career, and personal goals.

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

I get a lot of questions about why I left NASA. It was my dream job since third grade, and I worked incredibly hard to get there. So, did I get fired? Did I quit? Today, I’m finally opening up about my journey—from landing a role in the NASA engineering program to making the life-changing decision to leave and pursue a new path as an ADHD coach and math tutor.

In this episode, I share:

• How I got into NASA and what it was really like working there
• The unexpected challenges I faced as someone with ADHD
• Why I ultimately decided to leave my engineering career
• How this decision led me to coaching and helping others reach their full potential

CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH:

• Instagram: @lailaalieh
• Email: [email protected]
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter

Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com. 

To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.