Sharing dyslexia stories from all stages and walks of life to help parents of Tween/Teens with Dyslexia find practical and helpful tips.
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Darius Namdaran Podcasts
The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, co-hosted by Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran, is a biweekly exploration into improving executive functions. The series transforms complex brain science into accessible, practical strategies for enhancing cognitive skills. It investigates areas like boosting memory, improving cognitive flexibility, and offers tailored strategies. The podcast also examines lifestyle factors and technology on cognitive performance. Aimed at a diverse audience, ...
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#94: Organizing Your System and Executive Functions
1:06:30
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1:06:30In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren explore the impact of organizing systems on executive functions. They discuss various strategies and tools, including Google Docs, Google Keep, and ivvi, to help with managing ideas, materials, technology, and assignments. The episode emphasi…
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#165: Mind Mapping for Executive Function: Capture, Focus, Adapt with Liam Hughes
1:20:03
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1:20:03In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran is joined by Liam Hughes of Biggerplate to discuss mind mapping as a powerful tool for individuals with dyslexia. Liam shares his personal story of discovering mind mapping software in university, which helped him overcome his struggles as a slow reader and pass critical exams. …
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#93: Teachers as Executive Function Champions
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55:51In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran focus on the vital role of teachers as champions of executive functioning. They share personal teaching experiences and discuss the significant challenges educators face, including political and parental pressures, and high rates of burnout. …
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#164: Dyslexia, Parenting, and Building ivvi: A Family, a Struggle, a Solution with Jo Lee
1:05:12
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1:05:12In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran welcomes back Joe Lee, his co-founder and wife, to discuss how coaching strategies can aid individuals with dyslexia. Leveraging her extensive experience as a life and business coach, Joe breaks down the distinctions between various forms of coaching and counseling. She delves i…
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Living With Dyslexia: From the Outside In with Jo Lee
54:08
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54:08In this episode of Dyslexia Explored, host Darius Namdaran interviews his wife Jo, an accomplished pharmacologist, scientific researcher, life coach, and business coach who later co-founded an AI software company. Despite not having dyslexia herself, Joe has extensively lived in and supported a family deeply intertwined with the condition. They dis…
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#92: Executive Function Reset: Starting the Semester Strong
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56:08In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer podcast, host Erica Warren welcomes back Kim Sorise for an insightful discussion on executive functioning resets at the start of new semesters. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on the prior semester to identify what worked and what didn’t, and how this reflection fosters resilience …
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#91: Building Executive Functioning Skills over Breaks
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59:50
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59:50In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren welcomes back guest Kim Sorise to discuss effective strategies for building executive functioning skills during breaks. The conversation covers various tactics, such as actively engaging children in tasks like co-piloting during road trips, cooking, reading maps…
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#90: Using Executive Functions to Learn Golf
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59:50In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran explore practical strategies to exercise and strengthen executive functions. The discussion highlights Darius's personal journey of learning golf, emphasizing principles over sequential learning and externalizing processes as strategies to na…
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#162: Executive Functioning: Why Processing Matters More Than You Think with Erica Warren
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51:51In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran dives into the critical topic of executive function and its impact on individuals with dyslexia. Joined by Dr. Erica Warren, an expert in the field, they explore the intricacies of working memory and how understanding it can be a game changer. They discuss practical strategies l…
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#161: Mental Health are NOT just Problems: Empowering Neurodiversity with Liz Day
29:14
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29:14When the Neurodiversity Show was cancelled this year, Dr Martin Bloomfield wanted to pay tribute to Arran Smith's original concept, while keeping part of the conversation alive by bringing together some of the speakers, with the support of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, and created this one-off online event: The Neurodiversity Empowered 2025. The s…
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#89: What is it like to be an Executive Functioning Coach?
1:03:43
1:03:43
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1:03:43In this episode of the Executive Function Braintrainer Podcast, host Dr. Erica Warren is joined by fellow executive functioning coach, Kim Sorise, to discuss the intricacies of executive functioning across different life stages, from elementary age to the elderly. They explore the importance of developing executive skills early, the impact of COVID…
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#88: How AI and Assistive Technology can take the Dis out of Disabilities Recorded
1:10:50
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1:10:50In this episode of the Executive Function Braintrainer Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren explore how AI and assistive technology are revolutionizing the landscape of learning disabilities. They discuss the potential of AI tools like Speechify, Google Classroom, and Notebook LM in leveling the playing field for students with dyslex…
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#160: Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) support for Neurodiverse Children (Toni Horn)
44:26
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44:26When the Neurodiversity Show was cancelled this year, Dr Martin Bloomfield wanted to pay tribute to Arran Smith's original concept, while keeping part of the conversation alive by bringing together some of the speakers, with the support of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, and created this one-off online event: The Neurodiversity Empowered 2025. The f…
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#159: Sports, ADHD, and Dyslexia Resilience with Liz Day
1:49:29
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1:49:29In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran introduces Liz Day, a dedicated teacher, and mother who shares her experiences with dyslexia through both her profession and her son's journey. They discuss a range of topics, including the importance of touch typing for dyslexic learners, the unique challenges and advantages dy…
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#87: Become the Expert on your Challenge
1:04:16
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1:04:16In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren discuss the importance of becoming an expert on one's challenges and strengths. They explore the intersection of executive functions with conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, emphasizing the need to self-advocate and accommodate person…
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#158: Screening Dyslexia through Handwriting and AI with Nora Fink
1:41:22
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1:41:22In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran welcomes Nora Fink, co-founder and co-CEO of ever-growing GBH, to discuss innovations in dyslexia screening using AI and handwriting analysis. Nora shares her personal journey with dyslexia, spurred by her son's diagnosis, and how it led to the development of the Dyslexia 99 pro…
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#86: Future-Proof Your Mind: 5 essential Executive Function Skills
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49:44In this episode, we dive into a fascinating report outlining the top 5 skills that will dominate the global job market over the next 5 years. These skills are all deeply rooted in executive functions—the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus, adapt, and manage tasks effectively. We’ll explore why these skills are in such high demand, how t…
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#85: Conscious Awareness: A Key to Managing Executive Functions
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53:58In this episode of the Executive Function Braintrainer Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren dive into the essential topic of conscious awareness and its impact on executive functions. They discuss various perspectives on conscious awareness, including neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology, highlighting the startling fact that 95-9…
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#157: Dyslexia Assistive Technology and its Innovation Throughout the Years with Antony Ruck
1:02:35
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1:02:35In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran converses with Antony Ruck, the CEO of Aventido, an assistive technology company. They discuss the significance of assistive technology for dyslexic students and its global reach. Anthony shares his personal journey with learning difficulties, emphasizing how early interventions…
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#84: The Power of No for Executive Function
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56:23
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56:23In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran tackle the critical yet paradoxical topic of learning to say no in the context of executive functions. They discuss how saying no can actually help in achieving goals by enhancing working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility.…
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#156: Dyslexie Font Creator Christian Boer Talks About Dyslexia and Literacy
1:09:53
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1:09:53In this episode of The Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran is joined by Christian Boer, the creator of the Dyslexie font, a typeface designed specifically to aid those with dyslexia. Christian shares his personal journey with dyslexia, from his struggles in school to the innovative font he designed as his final year art school project. …
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#83: Transition to College and the Impact of Executive Function
1:22:00
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1:22:00In this episode of The Executive Function Braintrainer Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren explore the crucial transition from high school to college and its impact on executive functions. They discuss the importance of planning, organization, and independence, comparing approaches in the UK and the US. Using the metaphor of a butte…
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#155: Dyslexia, Mental Health and Mentors with Microbiologist and Coach Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski
1:27:54
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1:27:54In this episode of 'The Dyslexia Explored Podcast,' host Darius Namdaran speaks with Danielle Cudjoe Michalski, a microbiologist turned neurodiversity trainer and coach. Danielle shares her journey of discovering her dyslexia during her final year of university, the challenges she faced in the corporate world, and how a mentor helped her pivot into…
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#82: “Flare and Focus”for Executive functions:
57:04
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57:04In this episode of 'The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast,' hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran explore the concept of 'flare and focus' and its impact on executive functions. The discussion delves into how the terms, commonly used in design thinking, can be applied to cognitive processes like brainstorming, prioritizing, organizing, …
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#81: Nutrients and Supplements can Boost Executive Functions
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51:45In this episode of The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast,' hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran delve into the controversial yet crucial topic of supplements and executive functioning. The discussion highlights key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and zinc. They explore how these elem…
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#80: Notebook LM: A Tool to Support Executive Functions
1:01:36
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1:01:36In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran delve into the innovative features of Notebook LM, a language model smart notebook by Google. They discuss its potential in creating efficient study guides, interactive podcasts, and timelines to help with tasks like preparing for exams, mana…
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Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren offer a lively discussion on 'hot' and 'cold' executive functions—a subject deeply explored in theoretical and empirical literature for over two decades. This episode presents the distinct neural systems in our brain that support these functions, guiding us in social situations and higher-order cognitive process…
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#79: How Movement Unlocks Executive Functions
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54:43In this episode of The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran discuss the critical role of automaticity in executive functions, particularly how it impacts movement and multitasking. They delve into how practicing sequences to automaticity can enhance productivity, whether in sports, learning, or profes…
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In this first episode of the year, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran discuss the transformative role of AI agents in 2025 and how they will impact executive functions. They explain the evolution of AI from simple tasks to complex processes and emphasize the importance of active engagement to strengthen cognitive skills. The episode also ex…
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#77: AI Developments for Executive Functions
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49:52In this episode of The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran discuss the latest advancements in artificial intelligence with a focus on OpenAI's O1 model. They detail how this new model is trained differently, integrating metacognitive processes for better decision-making. They explore how AI can suppo…
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#76: The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Executive Functions
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59:52In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran delve into the impact of the autonomic nervous system on executive functions. They explore the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, offering practical tools like breathing exercises, yoga nidra, mindfulness, and even the therapeutic pote…
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#75: Executive Functioning Coaching
1:10:07
1:10:07
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1:10:07In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran discuss the foundational elements of executive functioning, like working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, and how these skills are crucial at various stages of life—from elementary kids to adults. The hosts explore practical s…
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#154: Organizing Dyslexia through simple notes and vision boards with Mike Guesty
1:08:04
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1:08:04In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran converses with Mike Guesty, a multifaceted photographer and fellow dyslexic entrepreneur. They discuss Guesty's journey of discovering his dyslexia, overcoming chronic pain through foundation training, and the practical strategies he has implemented to manage dyslexia, including…
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In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran delve into the often unspoken topic of menopause and its impact on executive functions. They discuss the cognitive changes many women experience during menopause, including brain fog, memory issues, and emotional regulation difficulties. The …
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#153: The Dyslexic Edge Author: Being Comfortable with your skin. Jamie Waller
1:30:37
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1:30:37In this episode, Darius Namdaran talks with author Jamie Waller, the author of The Dyslexic Edge. Jamie shares personal journeys of overcoming challenges, the intersection of dyslexia with other conditions like ADHD, and the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. The episode delves into practical strategies for leveraging dyslexic strengths,…
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#73: Habits are Tools for Executive Functions
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50:01In this episode of 'The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast,' hosts Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren explore into the power of habits and innovative tools for enhancing executive function and learning. They discussed the formation and benefits of habits, especially for individuals with dyslexia and ADHD, and introduce iVVi, a groundbreakin…
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#72: How to Make Hard Tasks Instantly Easy
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55:24In this episode of the Executive Function Braintrainer Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran explore strategies to make challenging tasks easy using executive functions. The conversation covers techniques like time chunking, unitasking, changing perspectives, body doubling, processing styles, and delegation. The episode emphas…
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#152 The Dyslexic Investor, Edward Keelan, on Dyslexic Stereotype, Problem-solving and Family Support
1:52:56
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1:52:56In this episode of The Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran sits down with Edward Keelan, a partner at Octopus Ventures. Edward opens up about his early diagnosis with dyslexia and how he navigated the challenges in both education and his tech career. From organizing charity fundraisers to landing pivotal roles at Rolls Royce and becomin…
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#41 Exploring Visual, Auditory, Tactile and Kinesthetic Ways of Processing
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1:14:02In this episode of The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, Erica and Darius guide us through the dynamic world of visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic processing. As we navigate our everyday lives, our brains, and executive functions decode the world around us via multiple sensory channels. Dive in as we unpack each processing type, pro…
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#71: Cognitive Flexibility and Emotions
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1:02:02In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran explore the relationship between cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation. They discuss the concept of cognitive flexibility as a critical executive function and its role in managing emotions. Through the metaphor of the caterpillar's t…
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#70: Untangling the Mess: Strategies for the Chronically Disorganized
1:08:39
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1:08:39In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran explore various decluttering and organizational methods. They discuss strategies like the KonMari Method, the Four Box Method, and the 20-20 Rule, as well as the emotional aspects and psychological benefits of maintaining an organized space. Ideal …
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#151: The Dyslexia Journey: Chronicling Life with Dyslexia with Sonya and Nick Solter
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46:52In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran interviews Sonya and Nick Solter, parents of a dyslexic teenager and creators of 'The Dyslexia Journey' YouTube channel and podcast. They discuss their experience with their daughter's dyslexia, the reasons behind starting their own podcast, and the challenges they've faced. Son…
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In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran discuss techniques for managing confusion and strengthening executive functions. They explore various strategies and metaphors to help listeners create 'maps' that clarify tasks and goals. Aimed at parents, educators, and learners of all ages…
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#150: Dyslexia: Cultivating Belongingness at Work with Donna Stevenson
1:41:50
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1:41:50In this episode of 'Dyslexia Explored,' host Darius Namdaran is joined by Donna Stevenson to delve into the journey of supporting neurodivergent individuals. They explore strategies across various life stages, from childhood to adulthood, including early indicators and practical methods for dyslexic adults. The discussion highlights the transformat…
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In this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, hosts Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran delve into the relationship between overwhelm and executive function. They explore practical strategies to manage overwhelm, focusing on the use of technology like Apple Notes to clear mental clutter and improve productivity. The discussion includes re…
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#67: Losing Things and Executive Functions
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59:23In this episode of the Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast, Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran delve into the challenges of losing important items like keys, wallets, and rings, particularly for those with dyslexia or ADHD. They discuss how executive function impacts these behaviors and explore effective strategies to create reliable habits.…
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#149: The Dyslexic Painter, Invaluable Mentors and Practical Skills with Josh Wilkins
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1:14:04In this episode of 'Dyslexia Explored,' host Darius Namdaran talks to Josh Wilkins, the Dyslexic Painter, to explore his journey from the struggles of school life to a successful career in painting and decorating. They discuss the impact of dyslexia on his personal and professional growth, the invaluable guidance of mentors, and the importance of v…
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#148 TikTok, Teaching and Assessing Dyslexia, with Dyslexia! Jo Rees
1:31:09
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1:31:09In this episode of Dyslexia Explored, Darius Namdaran interviews Jo Rees, a mother, former primary school teacher, and current SENCO who has become a prominent figure on TikTok for her engaging discussions about dyslexia. Jo shares her personal journey, including her late diagnosis of dyslexia, the emotional and practical impacts of her condition, …
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In this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran explore the impact of diet on executive functioning. Erica shares her personal journey with diet changes that helped her overcome colitis and cancer. They discuss essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, with supportive research on thei…
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#147: Hormones' Impact on Dyslexia and ADHD with Annie Hitchman and Nikki Allford
1:35:13
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1:35:13In this episode of Dyslexia Explored, host Darius Namdaran is joined by Annie Hitchman and Nikki Allford to delve into the impact of hormones on dyslexia and ADHD, particularly in women. They discuss how fluctuations such as menopause and menstrual cycles can exacerbate challenges. The episode also examines how mind mapping can aid individuals with…
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