The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast: Embodying Executive Functions

Join Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran on an adventure to translate scientific jargon and brain research into simple metaphors and stories. They explore topics that will help you turbocharge your mind and steer around the invisible barriers so that you can achieve your goals.

You can listen on many podcast sites. Here are just a few:

Here are a selection of our Podcasts:

#48: Hot and Cold Executive Functions:

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 processes.

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#47: Medications and Executive Functionings

In this episode, Erica and Darius explore the topic of medication as a supportive tool for enhancing executive functions such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. With special focus on ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions that influence executive skills, they explore:

The role of stimulant medications.
Non-stimulant options
Potential roles of supplements and dietary changes in enhancing cognitive functioning.

Remember, medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should always be considered after exploring other options and as part of a broader treatment plan. Consult your healthcare provider to tailor the best course of action for you or your loved ones.

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#46 The Inner Voice and Executive Functionings

In this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, Darius and Erica dive deep into the relationship between our inner voice and executive functions. They answer the big questions: What is the inner voice, and how does it affect our ability to think and act efficiently? You'll discover the different types of inner voices that exist, from the cheerleader to the critic, and understand how these subconscious dialogues can be transformed into powerful tools for success. Especially beneficial for parents, tutors, and educators interested in dyslexia and executive function, this episode aims to empower you with actionable steps to cultivate a constructive inner dialogue, boosting not just academic performance but emotional resilience as well. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation designed to improve both your understanding and your approach to executive functions.

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#45 AI and the Socratic Method

In this insightful episode of "Personal Brain Trainer," Darius Namdaran delves into a unique perspective on artificial intelligence (AI) and its connection to the Socratic Method. Together with Dr. Erica Warren, they explore how AI can be utilized to enhance executive function skills and encourage out-of-the-box thinking through inquiry and reflection. Drawing inspiration from Socrates' approach to teaching, they discuss how questions and responses can provoke curiosity, foster exploration, and build understanding.

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#44 AI Capabilities with Memory and Processing

In this episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, join hosts Erica and Darius as they dive deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI), its likeness to the human brain, and how it interacts with our memory systems. They unpack the functions of language models like GPT, which Erica describes as a procedural memory powerhouse, and Darius compares to an "inference machine" that predicts and processes language in a similar way to our brains. Will AI impact our personal and professional lives? How does it affect data privacy, copyright laws, and overall human intelligence? And most importantly, how can AI tools like Chat GPT support those of us with unique cognitive profiles, such as dyslexia? Tune in to explore these questions and more, and let's journey together into the future of cognitive science and technology.

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# 43 Exploring Interactive, Indirect Experience, Direct Experience, Rhythmic Melodic Ways of Processing

Tune into this enlightening episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, where hosts Erica and Darius journey into the diverse realms of interactive, indirect experience, direct experience, and rhythmic-melodic processing. Understanding these unique cognitive styles can vastly improve our executive functions and how we interpret and interact with the world. From the collaborative brainstorming of interactive learners to the in-person approach of direct experience learners to the rhythm-driven minds of melodic learners, we explore strategies to accommodate each unique style. Whether you're drawn to shared experiences or beat-driven patterns, there's something to learn and apply in this exciting exploration of brain processing.

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#42 Exploring Sequential, Simultaneous, Reflective Logical, and Verbal Ways of Processing

In this episode of The Personal 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, providing a comprehensive understanding of how we interpret visual stimuli, sounds, tactile experiences, and movement. This episode will also provide valuable strategies to accommodate and enhance these unique learning pathways, promoting more effective, inclusive, and immersive learning experiences. Whether you're a visualizer or kinesthetic learner, there's something for everyone in this sensory symphony. Get ready to embark on a journey of cognitive exploration and self-improvement.

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# 41 Exploring Visual, Auditory, Tactile and Kinesthetic Ways of Processing

Episode 41 In this episode of The Personal 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, providing a comprehensive understanding of how we interpret visual stimuli, sounds, tactile experiences, and movement. This episode will also provide valuable strategies to accommodate and enhance these unique learning pathways, promoting more effective, inclusive, and immersive learning experiences. Whether you're a visualizer or kinesthetic learner, there's something for everyone in this sensory symphony. Get ready to embark on a journey of cognitive exploration and self-improvement.

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#40 Memory Strategies Improve Executive Functioning

Episode 40: In this episode, Darius and Erica dive into the interplay between memory and executive functioning. Learn about internal and external memory techniques as well as specific strategies that can be used to enhance memory. This episode offers a multitude of insights, whether you're a student eager to boost academic performance or a lifelong learner striving to optimize cognitive abilities.

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#39 Metacognition and Executive Functioning

Episode 39: In this warm and engaging episode, Erica and Darius explore the intriguing world of metacognition and executive functioning (EF). Discover how these interconnected cognitive processes shape the way we think, learn, and problem-solve. Perfect for students, teachers, or anyone with a curiosity about the human mind, this episode offers research-backed insights and practical strategies for developing metacognition and enhancing executive functioning. Join us as we dive into self-reflection, active learning, and goal-setting techniques designed to unlock your full potential in both daily life and academic pursuits. Your personal brain training journey starts here!

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#38 Neurodiversity and Executive Functioning

Episode 38: In this episode, Erica and Darius explore the impact of neurodiversity on executive functions, discuss the importance of accommodating diverse ways of processing, and promote inclusive environments. They share valuable strategies to break down complex tasks, encourage self-reflection, and leverage technology to support individuals with unique learning needs. Tune in to learn how to empower neurodiverse individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

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#37 Organization and Executive Functioning

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Episode 37: Discover the link between organization and executive functioning in this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast. We delve into how being organized can boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Learn about the key components of executive functioning and how they contribute to maintaining an orderly and efficient life. Tune in to unlock the secrets of effective organization for a better, more balanced life.

#36 Time Management and Executive Functioning

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Episode 36: In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss the importance of time management and ways to evaluate and improve this skill. They share practical techniques like creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, time blocking, delegating tasks, and managing distractions. They also recommend a variety of apps for tracking time and improving productivity. Tune in to learn how to manage your time more effectively and efficiently.

#35 Artificial Intelligence Improves Productivity and Creativity

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Episode 35: This episode explores how artificial intelligence like OpenAI's Chat GPT can be used to improve our productivity and creativity. Come listen to the discussion.

#34 Executive Functioning and Google Apps

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Episode 34: This episode investigates the benefits of using Google Apps such as Drive, Docs and Keep to name a few. This in depth discussion also dives into some key features within the apps.

#33 Executive Functioning and Apple Apps

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Episode 33: Darius shares the recent iOS upgrades that make Apple apps the most convenient productivity tools that can support your executive functioning. Come listen to the discussion.

#32 COVID and Executive Functioning

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Episode 32: This episode explores the impact COVID can have on Executive functions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continued long term physical and cognitive symptoms may impact as many as 1 in 5 adult survivors of the illness.

#31 Goal Setting and Executive Functioning

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Episode 31: In this episode, Darius and Erica discuss the relationship between goals to executive functioning and how to make and execute them.

#30 Creating a Daily Practice to Aid Executive Functioning

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Episode 30 delves into the benefits of establishing a daily practice and the impact on executive functions.

#29 Executive Functioning Offers Tools to Access Your Best Self

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Episode 29 explores how developing our executive functioning skills helps us access our best self.

#28 Expedition Planning: Lessons in Executive Functioning

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Episode 28 explores the executive functioning tools required to have a successful expedition.

#27 Executive Functions at Work

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Episode 27 offers advice on workplace accommodations for those with EF problems.

#26 Parental Support When Kids have EF Problems

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Episode 26 offers a discussion on the many ways parents can support their children that exhibit executive functioning difficulties.

#25 Our Personal EF Hacks: Cognitive Flexibility

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Episode 25 presents a discussion on cognitive flexibility hacks and Dr. Warren and Darius Namdaran teach to their students and use in their own lives.

#24 Zoom and Executive Function

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Episode 24 offers a discussion about Zoom and how it can be a helpful tool for executive functions. Erica and Darius also discuss the platforms limitations.

#23 Our Personal EF Hacks Inhibitory Control

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Episode 23 offers inhibitory control hacks. Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran talk about their personal strategies as well as the approaches and tools that they teach their students.

#22 Our Personal EF Hacks Working Memory

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Episode 22 presents working memory hacks. Dr. Erica Warren and Darius Namdaran talk about their personal hacks as well as the approaches and tools they teach their clients.

#21 Do I Have ADHD and Does it Impact Executive Functions?

Episode 21 offers a discussion about ADHD, the symptoms and how it impacts the areas of executive functions.

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#20 What is Auditory Processing?

Episode 20 offers an indepth exploration into auditory processing and all the different types.

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#19 The Impact of Vision on Learning

Episode 19 offers a discussion about how different vision weaknesses can impact learning. Additionally, we discuss a variety of compensatory strategies.

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#18 Related Areas to Visual Processing

Episode 18 offers a discussion on a number of cognitive areas that work in tandem with visual processing. Additionally, we discuss a variety of resources that can be used to enhance these cognitive skills.

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#17 What is Visual Processing?

Episode 17 offers exploration of visual processing and the vital key it plays in learning visual information. In addition, we also discuss how it is a fundamental skill for reading, math, and spelling.

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#16 Executive Function and Memory

Episode 16 offers exploration of the connection between working memory and long-term memory.

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#15 Learned Helplessness

Episode 15 offers a discussion about learned helplessness and its impact on learning. Strategies that can help students move through learned helplessness and embrace learning are also addressed.

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#14 How Do You Teach Writing Skills?

Episode 14 offers a discussion on how we teach writing skills to our own students as well as a number of key tools that make the process fun and memorable.

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#13 How to Motivate Students to Do Their Homework

Episode 13 offers a discussion on motivation. We also talked about how to properly praise a student.

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#12 How Executive Functions, Dyslexia and ADHD Relate

Episode 12 offers a discussion about executive functions, dyslexia, and ADHD relate.

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#11 How Do You Teach Executive Functioning?

Episode 11 offers strategies and methods for teaching executive functions.

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#10 Building a Routine for Improved Executive Functions and Memory

Episode 10 focuses on the importance of building a routine for improved executive functioning skills.

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#9 Strategies to Help Improve Executive Function Skills

Episode 9 explores 12 simple strategies that can be used to improve executive functions.

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#8 What are Higher Level Executive Functions?

Episode 8 looks that the uniting force of working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility to reveal higher level executive functioning skills.

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#7 Exploring Cognitive Flexibility

Episode 7 offers a spotlight on cognitive flexibility - the third key area of executive functions.

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#6 How Inhibitory Control is essential to Executive Function

Episode 6 presents a deep dive into inhibitory control where Erica and Darius discuss the many feature of this EF skill.

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#5 Overview of Executive Functioning

Episode 5 covers an overview of executive functions and looks at the three subsets of EF: working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.

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#4 What is Working Memory and How Can We Strengthen This Skill?

Episode 4 offers a deep dive into working memory - one of the key components of executive functions and an outstanding indicator of academic success.

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#3 Learning to Automaticity: The Only Way to Multitask

Episode 3 defines learning to automaticity and discusses how this needed skill can be used for academic areas that require multitasking such as reading and writing.

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#2 How Can We Exercise and Improve Visualization Skills?

Episode 2 offers a deeper exploration into visualization. and Erica and Darius explore how to improve visualization skills.

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#1 What is Visualization and How Can it Help Struggling Learners?

Episode 1 presents a discussion about visualization and how it can be a secret weapon to learning for struggling learners.

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Introduction

Our Introduction Episode tells the public about our podcast project. We focus our discussions on executive functions and strategies to optimize our learning potential.

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