Advertise on podcast: Setting the Standard

Episode 1: Executive Functioning 101 – Understanding Your Brain's Command Center What if the biggest obstacle to success isn't laziness—but understanding how the brain actually works? In the premiere episode of Setting the Standard, veteran educators Jared Mills and Danielle Gillespie unpack the fascinating world of executive functioning—the mental skills that help us plan, organize, focus, regulate emotions, manage time, and follow through on our goals. Whether you're a teacher, parent, coach, or simply someone trying to understand yourself better, this episode provides a practical introduction to the brain's "command center." You'll discover: What executive functioning is and why it doesn't fully develop until our mid-20s. The 10 essential executive functioning skills and how they influence learning, work, and everyday life. Why people can excel in some executive functioning skills while struggling in others. The powerful connection between dopamine, motivation, and task initiation. The critical difference between executive dysfunction and laziness—and why that distinction changes everything for educators, parents, and individuals. Filled with relatable stories, research-backed insights, and practical takeaways, this episode lays the foundation for understanding why we do what we do—and how we can better support ourselves and the students in our lives. Join us as we begin exploring how understanding the brain can transform the classroom, the home, and everyday life. Because when experience meets inspiration, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.