Focus Forward is a comprehensive guide to improving Executive Functions - the mental skills like time-management, task-initiation, organization, and emotional regulation that allow us to be successful. Whether you're a parent looking to better support your child, or are simply looking to improve your own Executive Function (EF) skills, this podcast is for you. We'll be having guests of all kinds on, including parents who've had success in improving their child's EF challenges, adults who have navigated executive dysfunction, and experts who specialize in treating these types of issues.
Focus Forward is an Executive Function Podcast sponsored by Beyond BookSmart.
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Focus Forward is a comprehensive guide to improving Executive Functions - the mental skills like time-management, task-initiation, organization, and emotional regulation that allow us to be successful. Whether you're a parent looking to better support your child, or are simply looking to improve your own Executive Function (EF) skills, this podcast is for you. We'll be having guests of all kinds on, including parents who've had success in improving their child's EF challenges, adults who have navigated executive dysfunction, and experts who specialize in treating these types of issues.
Focus Forward is an Executive Function Podcast sponsored by Beyond BookSmart.
Today’s episode is a fascinating look at the connection between our guts and our brains. This powerful two-way communication between our digestive system and our mind influences everything from mood and sleep to focus and decision-making. My guest is Dr. Anastasia Galanopoulos, is a developmental psychologist and parent coach who is passionate about teaching people about how our gut health shapes our mental health and executive functioning. Anastasia’s interest in this field began with her own health struggles - experiences that led her to connect the dots between nutrition, stress, and brain function in both children and adults.
In our conversation, we talk about the science of the gut-brain connection (I have to admit, it sounds pretty unbelievable to me but it’s a thing people, it’s a thing), how to recognize signs that your microbiome might be out of balance, and what kinds of foods and daily habits can help restore it - including fermented foods, plant-rich meals, and stress management.
Thanks for tuning in! Here are the show notes from today’s episode:
Learn More about Dr. Anastasia Galanopoulos
www.getnewperspective.com
Learn More about the Gut-Brain Connection
Gut-Brain Connection: Microbiome, Gut Barrier, and Environmental Sensors
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8263213/
The gut-brain connection: What the science says
https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/03/gut-brain-connection-long-covid-anxiety-parkinsons.html
Recipes
Easy-to-make kimchi by Maangchi
https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/easy-kimchi
Fermented Hot Sauce
https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/recipes/fermented-hot-sauce/
The Simple Guide to Kickass Kombucha
https://www.liveeatlearn.com/the-simple-guide-to-kickass-kombucha/
Fermented Pickles
https://www.feastingathome.com/fermented-pickles/
Learn More About Our MAP Program
https://map.worksmartcoaching.com
Learn More About 1:1 Coaching
https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/how-it-works
Get in Touch
podcast@beyondbooksmart.com
Instagram/Facebook/Tiktok: @beyondbooksmartcoaching
www.beyondbooksmart.com
Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast
Focus Forward is a comprehensive guide to improving Executive Functions - the mental skills like time-management, task-initiation, organization, and emotional regulation that allow us to be successful. Whether you're a parent looking to better support your child, or are simply looking to improve your own Executive Function (EF) skills, this podcast is for you. We'll be having guests of all kinds on, including parents who've had success in improving their child's EF challenges, adults who have navigated executive dysfunction, and experts who specialize in treating these types of issues.
Focus Forward is an Executive Function Podcast sponsored by Beyond BookSmart.