Learn Smarter Podcast

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402: Re-Air: Improving Family Connections with Dr. Sharon Saline (Author Series)

2026-03-1051:40

In this re-air of episode 169 (originally aired August of 2021), Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET talk with Dr. Sharon Saline, author of What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life. Dr. Saline discusses her goal of improving the connection between parents and learners with ADHD through improving conversation. She walks them through her 5C’s of parenting, which are self-control, compassion, collaboration, consistency, and celebration. They also dive into a conversation about medication. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

401: Commitment Overwhelm: What if “I Don’t Know If We Can Handle This” Means Something Else? (Educational Therapy Series)

2026-03-0310:10

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET are back to chat about commitment overwhelm. Families often say things like “We’re too busy right now” or “Let’s wait until next semester.” But sometimes those words aren’t about scheduling — they’re about commitment overwhelm and that heavy feeling that starting something new, even something helpful, might just be too much to handle. In this episode, Rachel and Steph unpack what commitment overwhelm really is, why it shows up for both learners and families, and how to meet it with empathy and structure instead of pressure. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 07: Educational Therapy vs Tutoring

400: Special Anniversary Episode

2026-02-2422:34

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET celebrate 400 episodes of Learn Smarter! In this special milestone episode, they reflect on what they’ve learned over the years—from their learners, their guests, their listeners, and each other. Rachel and Steph share their biggest takeaways about growth, executive functioning, and the parenting journey, and they look back on some of their favorite moments and funniest behind-the-scenes stories. They also take time to thank the Learn Smarter community for showing up week after week to learn, reflect, and grow together. This episode is part celebration, part reflection, and part love letter to everyone who’s been part of the Learn Smarter journey. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 38: How to set S.M.A.R.T. Goals Ep 201: Executive Functioning Skills Master Class with Dr. Peg Dawson (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 109: Learning About Learning with Dr. Rishi Sriram Ep 115: Learning About Learning with Dr Rishi Part 2 (Author Series) Ep 130: The 5 M’s of Talent with Dr. Rishi Sriram (Author Series)

399: The Power of Early Indicators with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local Professional Series)

2026-02-1728:51

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back Dr. Karen Wilson, a pediatric neuropsychologist, founder of ChildNexus, and podcaster of Diverse Thinking, Different Learning. She teaches Rachel and Steph about early indicators that could impact learners. She shares how the early signs are used as information and early signs should be observed in relationship to their peers. She talks about the importance of listening to parent/teacher gut and intuition and they have a quick discussion about the true impact of COVID. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 61: The Assessment Process with Dr. Karen Wilson Ep 325: Neuropsych vs. Psycho Ed Assessments with Dr. Karen Wilson (Local Professionals)

398: The Lost Art of Boredom (Executive Functioning Series)

2026-02-1015:17

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET talk about the lost art of boredom and why it’s so essential for developing executive functioning skills. It’s well documented that kids, learners, and adults are really overscheduled and overstructured (and we really do not like and have a problem tolerating being bored). Rachel and Steph explore what boredom actually does for the brain, how it supports creativity, problem-solving, and self-reflection, and why tolerating “nothing to do” is an important life skill. They share practical strategies for helping learners relearn how to rest, think, and just be, even when it feels uncomfortable for parents and learners at first. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

397: Trusting Your Gut When the Experts Don’t Agree: When Mixed Feedback Confuses You (Educational Therapy Series)

2026-02-0309:40

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss how tricky the decision to start educational therapy when parents receive mixed feedback from the other adults in their learner’s life. They chat about why a lack of consensus can easily emerge and the questions you can ask yourself to help you determine if you should start educational therapy. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

396: Non-Verbal Learning Disorders Part 2 with Dr. Jessica Broitman and Dr. Jack Davis (Local Professional Series)

2026-01-2727:49

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET Dr. Jessica Broitman and Dr. Jack Davis for part 2 of their conversation about Non-verbal Learning Disorders (Developmental Visual Spatial Disorder). They share what to do once you know that your learner has NVLD. They talk about the importance of passion, giving your learner permission to talk about whatever their learner is upset about with you, not pretending that NVLD is easy and taking complete advantage of their verbal strengths. They also share how educational therapists can be supportive in this dynamic. Dr. Davis: Davisjackm@aol.com Dr. Broitman: Doctorjess.org NVLD Project Psychology Today Article Mentioned Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 395: Non-Verbal Learning Disorders Part 1 with Dr. Jessica Broitman and Dr. Jack Davis (Local Professional Series)

395: Non-Verbal Learning Disorders Part 1 with Dr. Jessica Broitman and Dr. Jack Davis (Professional Series)

2026-01-2057:34

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome Dr. Jessica Broitman a psychoanalyst, child psychologist, and researcher and Dr. Jack Davis, school psychologist and neuropsychologist for this conversation about non-verbal learning disorders. They share the history of NVLD and discuss the process of renaming NVLD to be classified as Developmental Visual Spatial Disorder. They also talk about what NVLD is and the developmental signs of NVLD at ages and stages. Connect with Dr. Davis: Davisjackm@aol.com Connect with Dr. Broitman: Doctorjess.org NVLD Project Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

394: Simplicity Builds Sustainable Systems (Educational Therapy Series)

2026-01-1313:22

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET dive into all the ways learners unintentionally overcomplicate their foundational systems. From color-coding everything to creating elaborate planners they never use, Rachel and Steph unpack how learners often make organization and productivity harder than they need to be. They discuss why this happens and what parents and educators can do to help learners simplify. You’ll hear practical strategies to help learners build systems that are clear, sustainable, and actually work in real life. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

393: Is educational therapy just “extra work” for my already overwhelmed learner? (Educational Therapy Series)

2026-01-0613:59

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET talk about one of the most common concerns they hear from parents: “My learner doesn’t want extra work.” In this episode, they explore what’s really behind learner resistance and how to tell when a learner is truly ready for support. They share how resistance is often a form of self-protection, not defiance. Rachel and Steph break down practical ways to build readiness through trust, curiosity, and small wins—so support feels empowered instead of overwhelmed. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 310: Learners Who Don’t Want Educational Therapy (Educational Therapy Series)

392: How to Shift from Nagging to Supportive (Educational Therapy Series)

2025-12-2317:01

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET explore what’s really happening when support starts to feel like nagging. They discuss why it happens, how it affects both parents and learners, and share practical ways to shift from constant reminders to strategies that build independence and strengthen connection. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 62: Manager vs. Consultant (Parenting Series)

391: Motivation Mindset with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series)

2025-12-1634:27

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back Dr. Ellen Braaten, clinical psychologist and professor, to discuss her latest publication Motivation Mindset Workbook. In this super fun interview, Dr. Braaten talks about motivation as a skillset, how it’s a part of executive functioning and how executive functioning and motivation are two sides of the same coin. She shares how we can operationalize motivation and talks about the differences between motivation and effort. We also spontaneously played a fun game where we all felt super validated and heard. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 63: Slow Processing Speed with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 166: How Time Perception Impacts Learners with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 167: How Processing Speed Impacts Social Skills with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 168: Processing Speed vs. Sluggish Cognitive Tempo with Dr. Ellen Braaten (Author Series) Ep 252: “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less” with Dr. Ellen Braaten Part 1 (Author Series) Ep 253: “Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less” with Dr. Ellen Braaten Part 2 (Author Series)

390: Procrastination vs. Perfectionism (Educational Therapy Series)

2025-12-0912:54

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET dig into the differences, similarities, and overlap between procrastination and perfectionism. They dig into the motivations of both and discuss how to decipher what’s going on and some strategies of what to do next. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

389: “Is now the best time to start Educational Therapy?” (Educational Therapy Series)

2025-12-0211:12

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss how there is no perfect time of year to start educational therapy support. They discuss the benefit of “just getting started” and all the emotional benefits of beginning to address learner challenges. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

388: The Executive Functioning Skills Behind Sports (Executive Functioning Series)

2025-11-2517:10

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss the hot topic of executive functioning skills in sports. They talk about the benefit of sports in general and how executive functioning skills are strengthened as a result of sports. They also chat about some potential pitfalls of executive functioning skills and sports. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 384: Metacognition Formula Ep 385: “I’m too busy for Educational Therapy” (Educational Therapy Series)

387: What Questions to Ask a School You Are Applying To

2025-11-18--:--

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss how hard and stressful it can be for parents of learners in educational therapy to figure out what the next best school for the child is. They are often asked, “Should I tell the school what’s going on with my kid?” and “What questions should we ask?” In this episode, Rachel and Stephanie go over things to think about and questions to consider asking as parents make critical decisions. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

386: How Study Buddies Boost Executive Functioning (Educational Therapy Series)

2025-11-1112:27

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss a few important strategies that a lot of learners employ: study buddies and body doubling. In this episode, Rachel and Steph discuss the virtues (and pitfalls) of body doubling and study buddies. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 346: All About Body Doubling (Executive Functioning Series) Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 140: The Secret to “Studying Harder” (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 160: Our #1 Study Hack (Tricks of the Trade Series)

385: “I’m too busy for Educational Therapy” (Educational Therapy Series)

2025-11-0413:39

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss how important educational therapy is when learners have a busy schedule. As educational therapists, Rachel and Steph are constantly supporting busy learners who want to accomplish and engage with all the things–and look at educational therapy as a “waste” of their very valuable time. In this episode, Rachel and Steph dig into how vital it is for a busy learner to have strong executive functioning skills and that busy-ness is often a critical sign that educational therapy is necessary. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 297: Time Blindness (Educational Therapy Series)

384: Metacognition Formula

2025-10-2813:13

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET discuss metacognition, which is the idea of “thinking about thinking”. The ability to reflect back and compassionately examine one’s own thinking is an important skill developed in educational therapy. Rachel and Steph talk through how to develop this with learners. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist

383: Executive Functioning of Moving (Executive Functioning Series)

2025-10-2120:49

Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET share a behind the scenes episode on Steph’s executive functioning experience (nightmare?) of moving homes. She shares the challenges, overwhelm, and curveballs that occurred during her recent move and how it has helped her empathize with executive functioning skills challenges. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/learnsmarterpodcast How to connect with us: Join our e-mail list Rachel’s Kapp Educational Therapy Group website Steph’s My Ed Therapist website @learnsmarterpodcast, @kappedtherapy, @myedtherapist Other episodes mentioned: Ep 03: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying Ep 04: Creating a Study Plan Ep 126: How to Study for a Math Test Ep 140: The Secret to “Studying Harder” (Educational Therapy Series) Ep 160: Our #1 Study Hack (Tricks of the Trade Series)

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