Best Sarah Kesty Brain Tools School Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 66 Autism on Stage: Elaine Hall shares her journey and insights 54:39

25d ago54:39

54:39

Team, Elaine Hall is a force of nature, whose story will inspire you! On the show, Elaine talks about her experiences with her son, Neil, and the creation of the Miracle Project, an inclusive theater program for autistic youth and young adults. You may know her from Love on the Spectrum, Autism the Musical, or through her books (did I mention how a…

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Ep 65 Grandma Has ADHD: Jami Shapiro shares executive function supports for seniors (and all of us!) 33:42

1M ago33:42

33:42

Team, My new friend Jami Shapiro had me at the title of her podcast, "Grandma Has ADHD." And, while it's funny and memorable, it's also an important perspective to consider: how do we address executive function needs, as seniors or those who love and support them? How do we ensure seniors are included in the neurodiversity conversations? Jami share…

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Ep 64 Choosing the right college for your brain, with Jordan Burstein 41:17

1M ago41:17

41:17

Hey team! There are so many options for college, and many are designed to support bright students with executive dysfunction! Listen to my conversation with college consultant, Jordan Burstein, as we talk about his non-linear path to success! He takes what he's learned and helps others find their way! Even if you're not prepping for college for you…

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Ep 63 Self Perception and Supporting Ourselves and Loved Ones with the uplifting Dr. Blaise Aguirre 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

Team, This was a tough episode to title! Dr Aguirre and I talk about tricky things like self-hatred but also keep a bright light on hope. He shares many examples and analogies that will make you feel seen and heard, possibly taking away some of the internal friction you feel in facing the complexities of life. Dr. Aguirre's new book, " I Hate Mysel…

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An easy way to develop Executive Function? Play! Learn with Jocelyn Greene 44:41

5M ago44:41

44:41

Hey, Team! Our guest, theater director Jocelyn Greene has good news for all of us: PLAY can develop executive function! Jocelyn has great strategies on how to make play part of your every day, encouraging flexible thinking, problem-solving, and promoting self-regulation. You will love these uplifting ideas! All my love, Sarah More about Jocelyn: Jo…

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Ep 61 JD Barker, a best-selling author, dad, and executive function innovator! 39:08

6M ago39:08

39:08

Hey team, JD Barker is an incredibly talented and prolific author who has uncovered great strengths in his autism. We talk about self-perception, strategies for writing (and managing many projects at once), and the hope for ALL of us who struggle with executive function. You don't want to miss it! All my love, Sarah More about JD:J.D. Barker (Jonat…

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Ep 60 Charlie, Are You Daydreaming Again? Author Fabian Grolimund shares strategies and perspectives for children and adults with attention challenges 31:04

8M ago31:04

31:04

Hey Team! Join us to explore the experience of children (and adults) with ADHD, with author Fabian Grolimund. His book, Charlie Are You Daydreaming Again?, gently teaches children strategies for managing attention and shares the very relatable experiences of Charlotte, or Charlie. The warmth and hope of this episode will fill your bucket, I promise…

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Ep 59 Strategies for eating enough, "on time" and healthy(ish) with Dana Monsees, Dietitian-Nutritionist. 49:49

9M ago49:49

49:49

Hey Team, Eating consistently and healthy-ish, cooking meals, remembering to bring lunch and snacks…it all takes executive function. Nearly every one of the amazing humans I work with struggles in some way with eating. My friend and Dietitian-Nutritionist Dana Monsees shares perspectives and strategies for making eating easier and more consistent. …

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Ep 58 Problem Solving and How to Not Hate Math, with Ben Orlin 48:27

9M ago48:27

48:27

Hey Team, Whether you love or hate math, this episode with author and educator Ben Orlin is for you! We talk about problem solving, the purpose and process for getting stuck, and how to support yourself when faced with challenges. You will love Ben's humor and outlook! All my love to you, team, Sarah Get Ben's Book Additional article links: What It…

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Ep 57 Hidden Hazard: Work to do Work 18:35

9M ago18:35

18:35

Hey team! You know how sometimes it takes about 1000 steps before you actually start on the intended task? That's work to do work! On this week's show, learn how to recognize and reduce work to do work. It will be a game changer! Pep talk at 15:52 All my love, Sarah Read my Psychology Today articles! Join us in Brain Tools School…

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Ep 56 Mindset Tricks for Actually Using Executive Function Strategies 17:05

10M ago17:05

17:05

Team, You know that excited feeling you get when you get new tools or make a new plan that you hope will make things all easy? Yeah, I do, too. And then, sometimes that excitement goes away and we kind of lose steam for doing the plan? Join me today to learn how to plan for and overcome the challenges that stop us from using strategies. You're sure…

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College for students of all abilities, with Elizabeth C Hamblet 38:08

10M ago38:08

38:08

Team, 1 in 4 college students has a disability! This episode teachers you how to maximize success as a student with a physical or learning challenge. Guest Elizabeth C Hamblet has done the leg work and knows how to empower young adults to thrive on campus! All my love, Sarah Learn more about Elizabeth! Buy her book here. Use code RLEGEN20 for 20% o…

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Ep 54 Taming the Cost of College with Brad Baldridge 38:45

10M ago38:45

38:45

Hi, Team! Join us to explore the process of planning and paying for college--there are some surprises and lots of hope in this episode! As with any process, getting ready to manage college tuition involves a lot of executive function, and my guest, college funding specialist Brad Baldridge and I share concrete ways to lower stress--and possibly eve…

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Ep 53 Are you accidentally playing on hard mode? 30:57

1y ago30:57

30:57

Hi team! Executive function is tricky enough, and some of us accidentally make it harder by doing (or not doing) things that challenge our brains in unnecessary ways. This week, let's uncover some easy wins so you're not accidentally making life more challenging! Brain Tools School: Life After High School program opens summer 2024! Here's the link …

1
Ep 52 Talk Yoga! How language, movement, and executive function connect 41:46

1y ago41:46

41:46

Join my friends Kim and Amy, of Talk Yoga, in learning and laughing together. We'll explore how tools for self-regulation, play, and language can boost anyone's executive function and performance. For more on Talk Yoga: https://www.talkyogaslp.com/ And on Instagram Brain Tools School: Life After High School program opens in just a few weeks! Here's…

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Ep 51 Time Management Hacks (that you haven't heard of yet!) 20:05

1+ y ago20:05

20:05

Time management might be one of the most requested executive function areas I support, and yet it still is misunderstood! Join me today to hear strategies for adults and kids who are working on better using--and planning--their time. No 5 am club required! We're celebrating brain-friendly ways to feel more efficient with your efforts! New: Hey Huma…

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Ep 49: Getting and staying organized with a system that works with your brain, with ADHD Coach Debra Levy 26:45

2y ago26:45

26:45

How many of us have told ourselves (or heard from others), "You need to get organized?" Yet the HOW piece is still confusing! What "organized" means to different people varies widely, and there's the big challenge of maintaining any system you create! (Because, hello? It's FUN to get going with all of the new tools and gadgets, but continuing after…

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Ep 50: The Opportunity of Adversity: an audio love note to you, my team! 12:38

2y ago12:38

12:38

If you're feeling a little wonky or exhausted, this is the quick audio love note, pep talk, perspective shakeup for you! On the show, I share a short keynote I recently gave before a charity walk, in which I celebrate the opportunity of adversity. And before you say "nope," because I understand why you might (hello...it's not always helpful to find…

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Ep 48: Tech addictions: another perspective on how to unwire our kids, with Gaia Bernstein 41:56

2y ago41:56

41:56

Team, Our kids can seem glued to their phones and display what looks like physical pain when their technology is taken away. Are they addicted? Is it problematic use? This episode explores tech's hold on our brains, how to discuss it with your teens and tweens, and what we can all do to call upon technology companies to do better by our kids. Guest…

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Ep 47: A Brighter Day: Suicide Awareness and Prevention, with Elliot Kallen 37:07

2y ago37:07

37:07

Team, Today on the show we "go there," we talk about teen suicide with A Brighter Day Charity founder Elliot Kallen. We explore some of the signs and ways to approach suicide, with many tools for kids and parents. It's a tough and important conversation, and we invite you to join us! Find A Brighter Day online Teen survival guide Charity golf event…

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Ep 46: Hack Studenting by Boosting Your Routines: Webinar audio 1:30:38

2+ y ago1:30:38

1:30:38

Hey team! Listen in to our webinar about building routines to make life easier! We will explore: Student hack #1: teachers love routines Student hack #2: routines to save you time Student hack #3: routines to save you brain space Workshop time: Plan some up level and very brain-friendly routines to get started right away! Join future webinars: sign…

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Ep 45: Neurodivergence and a 9th burrito, with special guest Brandon Tessers 56:53

2+ y ago56:53

56:53

Team, Listen in on a very geeky conversation with my colleague and friend, Brandon Tessers. Brandon's company, Effective Artistry, provides support to humans with unique brains and does so with a science-based, compassionate, and innovative approach! You can find Brandon here and on Instagram at @ef_artistry. Audience: all ages and contexts Brain T…

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Ep 44: Accommodations for Executive Function (listen in for ANY age learner!) with Crystal Rose Hill-Farrell, college access expert 48:27

3y ago48:27

48:27

Team! We've got an accommodations and assistive technology expert, Crystal Rose Hill-Farrell, who will share some super helpful insights for identifying and using accommodations for learning! Even if your child is not yet college-aged, you'll want to hear Crystal Rose's ideas and perspectives! Mentioned in the show: BeeLine Reader Voice Typing (Her…

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Ep 43: Empowering conversations around DEI and neurodivergence: Deanna Singh from Uplifting Impact 35:59

3y ago35:59

35:59

Having a brain with executive function needs is tricky; it also connects us with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement. The perspective shifts associated with DEI-- inclusion and celebration of differences--benefit all of us. Author and speaker Deanna Singh shares her actionable and positive strategies for talking with your kids and t…

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Ep 42: Sleep: A Brain Vitamin for Executive Function. Interview with Authors Julie Wright and Heather Turgeon 40:15

3y ago40:15

40:15

Sleep. It can feel so wonderful and at times, so unattainable, especially for our teens. Yet we intuitively know--and science proves--sleep matters immensely as a brain vitamin for growing and using executive function. So, how do we get our teens (and ourselves) more sleep? Experts and authors Julie Wright and Heather Turgeon share their best tips …

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Ep 41: Travel tips for executive function and neuro-diverse needs with guest Dawn Barclay 27:44

3y ago27:44

27:44

Team, You listen to this podcast because your life is impacted by executive function needs. And, while many of our examples are for studenting, we also know that executive function needs show up...everywhere! Even on vacations! On today's show, we talk with author and travel expert Dawn Barclay, whose book, Traveling Different, will empower you to …

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Ep 40: A Mom's perspective on Executive Function development in her college Son 34:35

3y ago34:35

34:35

Sometimes the right help at the right time makes all the difference! On today's show, Mel, a parent to an amazing college student, shares her journey of understanding and supporting her son! Mel shares how a deeper understanding led to her giving her son encouragement and space to change. Her son went from some failing grades and frustrating moment…

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Ep 39: Coaching for college success: Zach's reflections and celebrations! 25:39

3y ago25:39

25:39

Hi Team! On today's show, you'll hear from a college student, Zach, who shares how small-but-powerful strategies and perspective changes made all the difference for his college experience! He dives into some important insights for anyone who's struggling in an area of life which they think "should" be easier and gets down to some great tips about h…

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Ep 38: College Tips for Recent High School Grads with guest BA graduate, Alec! 37:42

3y ago37:42

37:42

Hi Team! If college, trade school, or tech school is around the corner for your teen, you're probably beginning to list the to-do's and what if's! I hear you there! Lots of the families I coach are peeking their heads out of the "just get to graduation" space, to take a look at the "get ready for college" section of the journey. On today's show, yo…

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Ep 37: Be College Ready! Big announcement for our Team!! 8:39

3y ago8:39

8:39

Nearly 50% of college Freshman with ADHD (or other executive function challenges) fail at least one class, if not the whole semester. Only 40% go on to graduate. Preparing your high school junior or senior with college-ready strategies is the best way to beat the stats and empower future success! (Plus, save that tuition, too!) On today's quick sho…

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Ep 36: Advocacy for Executive Function Student Needs, with Seth Perler (part 1) 25:22

3y ago25:22

25:22

Team, Executive Function needs are invisible, and our kids are often able to cope well enough that schools don't see the true struggle. So, how do we, as parents and educators, advocate so that our kids are supported and understood? My friend and fellow executive function expert, Seth Perler, and I are teaming up for a 3-part series on Advocacy! Li…

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Ep 35: Calm Strips for self-regulation with special guests Michael and Luce! 36:53

3y ago36:53

36:53

What do you use to regulate your energy? Maybe you fidget with your clothes or jewelry or get up and move? Michael Malkin and Luce Fuller from Calm Strips developed a super cool way to manage your energy, and they share the Calm Strips story, their own executive function strategies, and a lot of laughs on this week's show! Learn more about Calm Str…

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Introducing the IEP OMG Show! 2:28

3y ago2:28

2:28

Navigating the Special Ed World is tough! On the IEP OMG Show, I share insider tips on how to secure and maintain the best supports for your child with special needs. These bite-sized shows will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to rock any SST, 504, or IEP. (PS this show is still for you if you don’t yet know what those are!) Let me guide yo…

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Ep 34: Change is hard... and possible with these 2 strategies! 15:24

3y ago15:24

15:24

Making goals can be exhilarating! Keeping the momentum, however, is not as much fun. It takes real work and the right mix of baseline strategies. In this episode, we uncover the two non-negotiables that need to be in place in order to create lasting change, and we explore practical ways to get them! (It's not extra work, but, instead, small changes…

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Ep 33: Autism and Executive Function: Guest and Autism Advocate Jeff Snyder 38:47

3+ y ago38:47

38:47

Team, You'll love hearing from Jeff Snyder, an autistic adult who speaks nationally in support of neurodiversity. Jeff shares his personal strategies and an incredible story about how he realized he had autism! In the show, Jeff also shares and recommends others in the neurodiverse community, including: Jeff Snyder's Going the Distance Blog and Spe…

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Ep 32: It's the Most Stressful Times in School, A Pep Talk 13:10

3+ y ago13:10

13:10

Hey Kid, Did you know that I can predict your grades, your energy, and your schedule based on the month? And no, I'm not psychic! School terms follow a pattern, and those patterns of demands, interest, and energy levels can be predicted--and supported with strategies! When you listen, let the feelings simmer for a bit: you're not alone, and there's…

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Ep 31: 2e Twice Exceptional Kids: Strategy Brainstorm with Author Emily Kircher-Morris 47:52

3+ y ago47:52

47:52

Team, This week we get to hear from the brilliant Emily Kircher-Morris who specializes in supporting kids with Twice Exceptional brains---meaning they are highly intelligent and also needing support with executive function! Sound familiar? She shares some great strategies and perspectives with us, all the while letting her love for our innovative k…

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Ep 30: Our Challenges are Invisible! 17:28

3+ y ago17:28

17:28

No one would be cool with shaming someone who had a visible disability, yet the assuming, blaming, and shaming is loaded onto people with executive function challenges. Jump on this ride as we explore how to rethink our approach to invisible struggles. This week's pep talk is one of my BEST, and it starts at 13:25. All my love, Sarah sarahkesty.com…

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Ep 29: The Executive Function-Friendly Home! with Seth Perler, our special guest! 27:22

4y ago27:22

27:22

Let's make your home executive function-friendly! If your brain just kind of organizes itself, it may be tricky to understand the types of supports your child needs for their executive function growth. Conversely, if your brain is naturally disorganized, you may know what to do but have difficulty doing it. Either way, there's a strategy for that s…

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Ep 28: Hack Motivation to End the School Year Well! 24:47

4y ago24:47

24:47

Lacking motivation to finish the school? Maybe not! Let's massage your perspective a bit with exploring why you and your child may be feeling low "motivation" these days---and what to do about it! There's a strategy for every struggle! All my love, Sarah Audience: Students and parents, school context…

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Ep 27: Organizing your child's mind: the Bullet Map strategy 50:27

4+ y ago50:27

50:27

Team, I want you to meet and learn from my friend Darius Namdaran. He's brilliant, and his simple-but-profound method of brain organizing will empower you today! Hear his thoughts on dyslexia, executive dysfunction, and a brilliant kid whose brilliance was allllmost overlooked, for poor handwriting! Darius has his own podcast, Dyslexia Explored, an…

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Ep 26: Kid, You're Gonna Fail. A Pep Talk 9:50

4+ y ago9:50

9:50

Turn that frown upside down! Fix your attitude! Stop crying! We do a lot to prompt our kids to feel better, and it makes sense: we don't want our loved ones to hurt. But, could it be that when we try to "fix" what we think of as negative emotions, we make them more intense and long-lasting? This Pep Talk is for any kid who's had a rough day, week, …

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Ep 25: Winter of Wonder: Detective Perspective Will Stop the Yelling at your Kid 15:09

4+ y ago15:09

15:09

Hey Team, Kids are frustratingly human all the time. They do the thing you said not to do not two seconds after you told them not to do it. Oh, these tiny humans. Today's show will teach you how to embrace a "Detective Perspective" so that you can approach patterns and problems with a problem-solving lens, making yelling a tool you just don't need …

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Ep 24: BeeLine Reader Makes Reading Easier! 28:05

4+ y ago28:05

28:05

Have you ever read something, only to realize your focus had floated away? Or, have you lost your spot when switching lines of text? This week we talk to Nick Lum, founder of BeeLine Reader, an assistive technology designed to make reading easier. It is proven to help alleviate some of the mental tasks of reading, improving comprehension, and exten…

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Ep 23: Top 6 ways to Coach Your Child during Finals Week Stress 19:56

4+ y ago19:56

19:56

If you had a dollar for every time someone told you or your child to "just study" or "study harder," you'd be rich, right? But, what does that even mean? And how can you study harder if you never learned how to study anyway? This episode has study tips AND how to coach your child to actually USE them, now, to improve their grades on last-minute wor…

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Ep 22: Do your genes determine your destiny? An interview with Geralyn Spiez 1:01:05

4+ y ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Tribe, This interview will rock your brain! Geralyn is an Occupational Therapist, writer, and mom who challenges the medical and educational systems to do better for everyone. You will love her story and unique perspective. She writes on Medium and is the founder of the Down Syndrome Action Plan. Listen to show to find out why Geralyn says, "we hav…

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Ep 21: Executive Function hacks to Beat the Holiday Blues, Even in a Pandemic 14:56

4+ y ago14:56

14:56

Hey Tribe, If you're feeling weird going into this Pandemic-Clouded Holiday Season, you are not alone. Flexible thinking is an executive function that is in high demand right now, and the holidays are going to call upon it loads. Plus, you might be managing disappointment, anxiety, and social pressures...all while staying safe from a mostly invisib…

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Ep 20: Our ONLY Safe Assumption 22:19

4+ y ago22:19

22:19

Tribe, try-o-meters are not a thing. We cannot assume we know how hard others, especially our kids, are trying. I challenge you to replace your assumptions with only one: Kids do their best. Please listen and share. (This episode is in response to some emails my students and clients received from teachers this week, including, "You need to actually…

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Ep 19: The BEST plan for boosting Executive Functions and Combating Stress today 23:22

4+ y ago23:22

23:22

Team, This episode may go against the grain a bit. We all are fighting so hard right now. Fighting to stay safe. Fighting to stay positive. Fighting to stay on top of whatever "school" may look like. We are trying to be in action all the time because we think action is the solution to stress. Today's episode won't ask you to stop acting, but it wil…

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Ep 18: Using disappointment to grow Executive Functions 15:38

5y ago15:38

15:38

Disappointment is a pandemic's middle name. Today I want to teach you how to use disappointment as a way to develop self-regulation and flexible thinking in yourself and your kids. The thought framework is available at sarahkesty.com/blog/episode26. All my love to you, Sarah Audience: all ages and contexts…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sarah Kesty Brain Tools School Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen