Brain Health and Executive Function with Dr Majid Fotuhi Ep 79

Hi, Team!We're backwards this week, but not in the "hidden message when you play the track backwards" way. Dr Blaise Aguirre, a guest from episode 63, interviews me! After reading my book, Growing Executive Function, the doctor and author of many impactful books explores what he found interesting in my writing. I'm excited to share this side of my life with you, team! And many thanks to Dr Aguirre for his lovely interview!All my love,Sarah PS If you want your very own copy of my book, Growing Executive Function, you can find it here. And, if you'd like to learn more about Dr Aguirre's work, including his many books, check this out.

Hello my team, Stress, am I right? It's ever-present, sometimes overwhelming, and something we just can't avoid...but what if we're framing it wrong? This week's guest, Amy Leneker, tells us about her three step framework for functioning differently with stress. She's not here to gaslight us or tell us that stressors are no biggie; instead, she offers accessible ideas to test out in real life. Having executive function struggles is a valid, stressful experience. I loved having Amy's perspective on how to both honor what you go through and manage the stress in new ways. After you listen, do a new and good check in with your loved ones! All my love,Sarah About Amy:Amy Leneker is an optimistic, joy-seeking, recovering workaholic. She's also a leadership consultant who has helped over 100,000 leaders and teams – including those at Fortune 100 companies – lead with less stress and more joy. Her soul goal? To help one billion people do the same. With over 25 years of leadership experience – including a decade in the C-suite – Amy understands the soul-crushing toll of burnout because she's lived it. Twice. After surviving her own brush with burnout, Amy became determined to help others succeed without sacrificing their joy, their health, or their weekends. A first-generation college student, Amy earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees while working full-time and later raising a family. She has studied leadership at Yale, neuroscience at the NeuroLeadership Institute, and stress resilience at Harvard Medical School.In her upcoming book, Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy (Wiley // March 24, 2026), Amy shares a refreshing and science-backed roadmap to break free from burnout. Her signature “Un-Stressing Method” - See, Sort, Solve, Celebrate - is designed to help leaders and teams finally break the cycle of exhaustion, overwhelm, and self-doubt.PS : My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #stress, #burnout, #ExecutiveFunciton, #adhd, #autism, #neurodivergent, #Work, #Joy, #relax, #leaders, #managers, #leadership

Team, Have you ever tried to think clearly with super loud, distracting sounds going on? That's a good analogy for using executive function when your anxiety is high. It's just plain harder. Our guest this week, Kristen Stuppy, is a pediatrician and ADHD advocate. She shares simple tips for managing anxiety in ways that are brain-friendly and doable. I really enjoyed my time with Kristen, and I think you will, too. All my love, Sarah PS I just wrote a Psychology Today piece about emotional regulation and executive function. From the show: Goblin Tools TEACH Me ADHD Find Kristen at: LinkedInBlog More about Kristen: Kristen Stuppy, MD is a pediatrician with more than 25 years of experience caring for families in Overland Park, Kansas. Her personal journey with ADHD, both as a parent and through her own late diagnosis, fuels her commitment to educating and empowering kids, teens, and parents with practical, compassionate support.Since 2012, Kristen has volunteered with ADHDKC, the Kansas City Metro chapter of CHADD, serving in many roles but especially enjoying her work with ADHDKCTeen. During the pandemic, she launched monthly virtual sessions to help teens understand their ADHD and build real‑life skills.In 2023, she began leading Dr. Nerissa Bauer’s creative, detective‑themed TEACH Me ADHD classes, guiding kids and parents through fun, interactive lessons on managing ADHD.Her experience with both of these online programs inspired her to develop teen‑focused workshops on ADHD, emotional regulation, and executive function, using an engaging, activity‑based format. Kristen’s mission is simple and unwavering: reduce stigma and make ADHD support accessible to all. Whether she’s teaching, writing, collaborating with professionals, or caring for patients, she strives to help every child, teen, and parent feel seen, understood, and supported as they learn to thrive with ADHD.

Team, Sometimes I pretend I'm psychic and guess what students are thinking, experiencing, and struggling with based on the time of year. I wish these moments came from ESP, but they come from knowing the predictable patterns of the year. Our energies and the demands on us ebb and flow, and many of the patterns of the context can be predicted. But, what do we do when the situation demands more of us than our current capacities feel able to do? This week, we learn with fellow coach Carrie Bonnett, who shares her gentle perspective and strategies for getting through the midterm slumps and work life overwhelm. Carrie's strategies help students, parents, and humans of all ages as we navigate this thing called life. All my love,SarahLearn more about Carrie: On her websiteAnd, Free resource:  Task Initiation Toolkit. PS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #ExecutiveFunction, #ADHD, #Coaching, #burnout, #students, #parenting, #autism, #neurodivergent

Hey, team!Your executive function relies on being well-rested and getting good sleep. Our brains do their clean up and solidify new learning when we're asleep, and being too tired can mean we struggle with emotional regulation and attention, both of which will impact our executive function!To make it more complicated, it takes some executive function to manage sleep routines and bedtimes. And here's the rub: sleep problems are very common for neurodivergent brains. On this episode, the amazing Dr Melisa Moore shares success stories, humor, and research-backed tips to help with sleep. Melisa's book, The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids, is out now! Check out the links below. More about wonderful Melisa Moore: https://www.drmelisamoore.com/https://www.instagram.com/drmelisamoorehttps://www.drmelisamoore.com/bookhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-USo9Oyv0E&t=1sPS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #ExecutiveFunction, #Sleep, #Neurodivergent, #Neurodiverse, #autism, #ADHD, #parenting, #exhaustion

Team, Our brains are, like, kind of a big deal. Since they don't come with owner's manuals, we may need a little help keeping them healthy and functioning well. That's where Dr Fotuhi comes in . He's spent decades learning about the brain, helping others change their brain health and, in turn, their lives. In this episode, we dive into easy(ish) ways to adjust your habits for a healthier brain. I hope you love it!All my love,Sarah PS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. Meet Dr. Majid Fotuhi , who earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University in 1992 and his Medical Degree from Harvard Medical School in 1997. Currently, he serves as an adjunct professor at the Mind/Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins University, while also teaching at George Washington University and Harvard Medical School. With 37 years of experience in teaching, clinical practice, and neuroscience research, Dr. Fotuhi has pioneered a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing brain vitality and cognitive performance at any age. His groundbreaking “Brain Fitness Program” combines a comprehensive baseline “Brain Portfolio” assessment with 12 bi-weekly brain training sessions. This program targets lifestyle optimization and cognitive stimulation to improve memory, focus, and overall brain health. Dr. Fotuhi’s program has delivered measurable success for patients dealing with memory loss due to aging, concussions, and ADHD, as documented in several peer-reviewed journals. He is also the author of three books, including the highly acclaimed Boost Your Brain: The New Art and Science Behind Enhanced Brain Performance. https://drfotuhi.com/ https://drfotuhi.com/pre-order/ Get The Invincible Brain here

Hello my team! I can't wait for you to hear from Debbie Reber! She lives and breathes strategies for parenting neurodivergent kids, based on her life and her experience supporting families for decades. She is brave, smart, and hopeful, sharing her stories and hard-won perspectives. I loved hearing her talk about the milestones we fret about, giving us permission to honor all of the paces of development. Let me know what you think! All my love,Sarah Connect with Debbie: Tilt Parenting: https://tiltparenting.comDifferently Wired Club: https://tiltparenting.com/clubFacebook: https://facebook.com/tiltparentingInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/tiltparentingYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fulltiltparenting/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahreber/Author website: https://www.debbiereber.comMore about Debbie: Debbie Reber, MA, is a parenting activist, author of Differently Wired, and founder of Tilt Parenting, a top resource for families raising neurodivergent kids. Through her Full-Tilt Parenting podcast (9M+ downloads), bestselling books, and speaking, Debbie champions a strengths-based, inclusive approach to parenting. A three-time TEDx speaker and certified Positive Discipline trainer, her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and on NewsNation. Debbie lives in the Netherlands with her husband and two cats, while her neurodivergent young adult attends university in Scotland.PS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠ or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #adhd, #neurodivergent, #neurodivergence, #tdah, #parenting, #add, #autism, #autismo, #2e, #gifted, #parent, #TiltParenting, #ExecutiveFunction

Hello, Team!If you'd only known then what you know now, right? Dave Delaney, creator of the Wise Squirrels Podcast, knows the sentiment well. When he was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, he realized how much his patterns of strengths and struggles made sense. And, he realized, becoming aware of his brain also meant matching up strategies to help him thrive. On the show, he shares about his journey to discover the executive function strategies that work for him, as well as some encouragement for when you have challenging moments. You'll love Dave's positive spirit and insights!All my love to you, listeners,Sarah Connect with Dave: Wise SquirrelsDave's WebsiteThe Wise Squirrels Nest Dave's Substack PS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #adhd, #ExecutiveFunction, #adultADHD, #tdah, #LateDiagnosis, #add

Hey, Team!Hope. It's a delicate friend. During our darkest times, it can feel so tiny and fragile. And when you're working on building executive function, hope is what carries you through testing out and adjusting strategies until you find the right fit. Dr Julia Garcia joins us this week to teach us the Five Habits of Hope. My favorite hope-building strategy is to add "maybe" to my thoughts. "Maybe" this is getting better..."maybe" my strategy will work out. It doesn't feel too "toxic positivity" to me. Let us know what resonates with you! All my love,SarahPS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. About Dr Julia:Dr. Julia Garcia is a psychologist, author, and renowned speaker dedicated to empowering people through the science of mental health. For nearly two decades, she has worked with educators, students, business leaders, and individuals facing life’s toughest moments—helping them break through fear, doubt, and hopelessness to build lasting habits of healing and hope.Dr. Garcia weaves her real, lived experiences with behavioral science to create practical, transformative strategies for lasting change. Whether through her TEDx presentations, her interactive workshops, or her book The 5 Habits of Hope, Dr. Garcia’s mission remains the same: to prove that hope isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you practice, one habit at a time.She additionally hosts a live-audience talk-show style podcast, The Journey with Dr. J, which blends conversation and poetry.Website:https://www.drjuliagarcia.com/Social Media Links:https://www.instagram.com/drjuliagarcia/https://www.youtube.com/@DrJuliaGarciahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drjuliagarcia/

Hey, Team!Most of the time, we tend to avoid what we fear, and this works okay...until it doesn't. Kris Jennings, author and change leader, teaches us how to both manage and grow from fear. Having struggles with executive function can mean feeling stressed by and possibly fearful of heavy cognitive tasks or life transitions. On the flipside, when fear takes over our brains, it can be hard to use our executive function! Fear is an important consideration when we're growing executive function.Living with PTSD, Kris knows fear well and has developed tools and perspectives to use her fear as fuel for growth and living a meaningful life. On the show, Kris shares practical ways to befriend your fear as well as her executive function hacks for writing. I think you'll love our conversation! Let me know what you think. All my love,SarahFind Kris:WebsiteBuy "Inspired By Fear" About Kris:I help change agents and leaders learn how to make organizational change faster and easier by growing their influence.I pursue my passions for health and creativity by exploring new places several times a year. My recent trips include swimming the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia with my oldest son, making encaustic art in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, yoga in the jungle of Costa Rica, and beautiful southern France with my husband. Wherever we go, we eat well! (Food is art + love.) Writing will always be a core part of how I share my expertise. Read about making change easier in my book, subscribe to receive articles, or connect on social media.Join me in making change in our world more positive for humans. 🧡Mentioned in the show: Box breath videoCalm Strips Connect with Sarah!My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.I'm also training educators across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving students' executive function is game-changing! Improved behaviors, attendance, learning...big, surprising impacts (even to me, who loves this stuff!) If that sounds like what your school or child's school needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #executiveFunction, #change, #fear, #leader, #adhd, #neurodivergent, #inspiration, #neurodiversity