Episode Details

Why do smart, capable students and adults say or do things they regret, procrastinate even when they want to succeed, or constantly chase distractions? It’s not about discipline. It’s brain science.

In this conversation, Brandon Slade and neuroimmunology student Natalie Wilcox break down what impulsivity really is, especially in ADHD brains, and why it's not a character flaw—it's a dopamine and executive function issue.

You’ll learn:

🧠 Why people with ADHD experience stronger “rewards” from impulsive actions

🧠 What “temporal devaluing” means (and why tomorrow’s goals don’t feel real today)

🧠 Why punishments rarely work—but praise and metacognition do

🧠 How to rewire impulsive habits through immediate rewards and micro-goals

🧠 What parents and teachers can do before a behavior happens to prevent it

From visualizing long-term goals to packing your gym clothes the night before, this episode connects the science of impulsivity to simple, practical strategies for real change.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this is your reminder: executive function isn’t just about trying harder—it’s about understanding yourself better.

Want to learn more about how Untapped Learning helps students (and their families) build executive function skills? Subscribe to our channel and explore our 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, and free resources at

⬇️Website: https://untappedlearning.com/

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FREE downloadable resources: https://untappedlearning.com/resource-type/downloads/

This Interview was hosted by Brandon Slade and filmed/edited/produced by Nathan Weinberg.