The Executive Function Podcast for Student Success | Untapped Learning

In this episode, we sit down with Isaac Green, former University of Washington Track & Field All-Pac-12 runner and current Untapped Executive Function Coach. Isaac opens up about his own academic struggles, like failing statistics (twice), and the skills that helped him bounce back.

Together, Brandon and Isaac explore practical strategies for:

✅ Time management and planning routines

✅ Building study systems that actually work

✅ Developing self-advocacy with teachers and professors

✅ Learning from failure and building resilience

✅ Balancing athletics, academics, and personal growth

Want to learn more about how Untapped Learning helps students (and their families) build executive function skills?

Explore our 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, and free resources at

🌐 Website: https://untappedlearning.com

📥 Free Downloads: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads

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

In this episode, Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning, sits down with Jill Michaud, Head of School at Hillside School & Center for Dyslexia in Boulder, Colorado. Together they unpack what dyslexia is (and isn’t), the connection between phonological processing and reading, and how early intervention can completely change a student’s confidence and self-esteem.

Jill explains Hillside’s structured, evidence-based approach to literacy and how small class sizes, expert instruction, and relational teaching rebuild both skills and belief in learning. The conversation also explores how dyslexia and executive function challenges often overlap, highlighting strategies that strengthen working memory, attention, and motivation.

This episode celebrates the new Untapped x Hillside partnership, uniting two student-centered programs that help learners build the academic and personal skills they need to thrive.

Why is it that student-athletes can show incredible discipline in sports, but struggle to stay organized or focused in school?

In this episode, Brandon talks with John Gassner, ADHD coach and academic strategist with Order Out of Chaos. A former Division I swimmer and ESPN sports marketing exec, John brings both personal experience and professional insight into the unique challenges student-athletes face with executive function.

Together, they unpack why time and energy management—not just motivation—are the key skills for balance. From sleep and nutrition to planning and self-advocacy, John shares proven strategies to help students build structure, close EF gaps, and perform at their best—both in the classroom and on the field.

Tune in to learn how to translate athletic discipline into lifelong success.

Learn more about John's work at: https://www.orderoochaos.com/adhd-athlete-coaching-academy

When kids struggle with executive function, procrastination and anxiety often collide—creating a frustrating loop that impacts the whole family. In this episode, Brandon Slade sits down with Danielle Svingos, Associate Director of the Berkeley Clinic, longtime clinician, and parent of neurodiverse young adults, to explore the deep connection between executive function challenges, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors.

Danielle introduces her “green brain, yellow brain, red brain” framework, showing parents how to recognize escalation early and use co-regulation to reset. She shares how creating a self-regulation menu of personalized calming strategies empowers kids to take ownership of their emotions.

The conversation digs into why procrastination is not laziness but often an emotional self-protection response to overwhelming tasks. Danielle and Brandon unpack the power of positive reinforcement, why parents need to zoom out to long-term goals, and how reframing success around well-being (not just Ivy League outcomes) can transform family dynamics.

Whether you’re a parent navigating homework battles, a teacher wondering if procrastination signals anxiety, or someone working on your own executive function, this episode is full of compassionate insights and practical strategies.

Learn more about Danielle's work at https://www.albani.group/

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

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

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

This podcast is hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning.

What does it take to go from struggling to read in elementary school to earning an MBA? In this inspiring episode, Brandon Slade sits down with Gabe Corradino, a former student athlete who grew up with dyslexia and executive function challenges.

Gabe shares his journey of resilience—from reading at a first-grade level in fifth grade to finding success in both athletics and academics. He talks candidly about what it was like to play hockey and other sports while struggling with comprehension, how harsh coaching environments affected his confidence, and why empathy and clear expectations are essential for athletes who learn differently.

The conversation dives into the power of acceptance—from family, schools, and self—in unlocking accommodations and creating space for growth. Gabe reflects on his time at Western Colorado University, the support systems that helped him thrive, and how he discovered his own way of learning by embracing flexibility and personalization.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or coach, Gabe’s story is a reminder that learning differences don’t define limits—they can become strengths when paired with the right support and mindset.

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

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

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

This podcast is hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning.

Parenting an anxious or resistant child can feel like walking a tightrope between supporting them and fighting daily battles over homework, phones, and responsibilities. In this episode, Brandon Slade sits down with Bryna Cunningham, clinical social worker, school counselor, and private practice therapist, to talk about the connection between executive function deficits and anxiety—and what parents can do to help.

Bryna shares practical strategies for creating a “soft landing” after school, recognizing overstimulation, and approaching resistance with curiosity rather than control. She explains why defensiveness often masks anxiety, how body doubling and modeling can reduce stress, and why letting kids experience natural consequences is sometimes the best teacher.

They also dig into timely challenges like phone use and overstimulation, the importance of clear expectations, and the danger of sacrificing long-term relationships over short-term academic battles. Bryna emphasizes wholehearted parenting—showing kids they’re valued as people, not just for performance—and reminds us that building trust, modeling balance, and prioritizing connection are what truly help kids thrive.

If you’re a parent navigating homework resistance, teen defensiveness, or the ever-present phone battles, this episode will leave you with concrete tools and reassurance that you’re not alone.

Visit Bryna's Website: https://www.brynacunningham.com/

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

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

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

This podcast is hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning.

Why is the transition to adulthood so hard for young people today? In this episode, Brandon Slade sits down with Roxanne Turner, Founder and CEO of RBT Coaching, Certified ADHD Professional, and Board Certified Coach, to unpack the realities of “adulting” and how families can better support independence.

Roxanne shares why developmental lags make launching more complex for students with ADHD, and how misunderstandings about executive function often fuel conflict at home. From laundry battles and messy rooms to money management and self-care routines, she offers practical strategies for teaching real-world skills without creating learned helplessness.

The conversation explores the delicate balance of giving autonomy, setting clear expectations, and resisting the urge to swoop in too quickly. Roxanne emphasizes the importance of getting curious, modeling skills, and trusting the process, even when progress feels messy. She also addresses the rising concerns around “failure to launch,” offering guidance on when outside support might be necessary.

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your teenager, a college student navigating independence, or a professional supporting neurodiverse learners, this episode offers clear and compassionate insight into helping young adults confidently transition into the next stage of life.

Learn more about Roxanne's work at www.rbtcoaching.com

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

Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

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

This podcast is hosted by Brandon Slade, Founder of Untapped Learning.

What does it really take to help students grow through struggle instead of being defeated by it? In this episode, Brandon sits down with Aaron Ragon, a leader with decades of experience in counseling, mental health, and student support. Aaron is a Partner of Student Support Services for Cherry Creek School District, oversees 192 counselors in Douglas County, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver.

Aaron shares his powerful framework—the Zen Warrior mindset—and explains why resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, but about adapting with authenticity. He discusses the role of parents in balancing support with letting kids struggle, how to guide high-potential students with anxiety, and why executive function skills are the foundation for self-efficacy.

This episode is for parents, educators, and anyone supporting young people through adversity. You’ll leave with strategies to help students build confidence, independence, and the ability to advocate for themselves—skills that shape both academic success and long-term fulfillment.

Therapist Bridget Weigel joins the podcast to explore the emotional roots of executive function, especially in families where both parents and kids face similar challenges. Through a trauma-informed, somatic lens, Bridget shares how slowing down, building routines, and regulating emotions can disrupt the cycle of guilt and reactive parenting. She explains why mindfulness doesn’t have to mean meditation, how movement fosters curiosity and connection, and why healing our nervous systems is the most powerful gift we can offer our kids. From ADHD to anxiety to overwhelm, this episode is a masterclass in breaking generational patterns and modeling calm, connected resilience. Learn more about Bridget Weigel's work at:

movetherapy.net

experiencechange.net

Want to learn more about how Untapped Learning helps students (and their families) build executive function skills? Subscribe to our channel and explore our 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, and free resources at

🌐 Website: https://untappedlearning.com

📥 Free Downloads: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

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

Like, share & comment with your thoughts or questions—we'd love to hear from you! This podcast is hosted by Brandon Slade and edited/produced by Gavin Berk and Nathan Weinberg.

Therapist Clayton Norman, also known as the skateboard therapist, returns to share strategies for managing anxiety, building mindfulness, and supporting executive function in high-stress moments. In this conversation, he explains why students resist slowing down, how boredom is often misunderstood, and what it really takes to sit with discomfort instead of avoiding it.

From better sleep routines to movement-based regulation, Clayton offers practical, compassionate tools that help students feel more in control. He also explores how families can shift from correction to connection, especially during tough times like finals.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, this episode is a deep and relatable look at how small shifts in awareness can lead to long-term growth. Tune in to learn how mindfulness, structure, and trusted support can help students manage emotions and stay grounded.

Want to learn more about how Untapped Learning helps students (and their families) build executive function skills? Subscribe to our channel and explore our 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, and free resources at

⬇️Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

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

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

Like, share & comment with your thoughts or questions—we'd love to hear from you!

This podcast is hosted by Brandon Slade and edited/produced by Afton Carter and Nathan Weinberg.

#Mindfulness #ExecutiveFunction #ADHD #Therapist #Anxiety #TeenMentalHealth #SelfRegulation #UntappedLearning #ClaytonNorman