Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Lacy Helms, MA, CCC/SLP, President of the Colorado Speech Language and Hearing Association (CSHA), about CSHA's initiatives, including advocating at the state Capitol and providing resources for state clinicians to stay informed and engaged. They discuss the impact of CSHA's advocacy efforts on Medicaid policies and …

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and cohost Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, share updates on advocacy efforts in Michigan, Nebraska, Colorado, and more. They acknowledge the positive aspects of ASHA advocacy but also critique its transparency regarding revenue from the CCC vs. actual membership dues. This candid discussion underscores the urgency of reform within profe…

Man, this one is GOOD! Join Ryan & Jeff as they welcome Beth Broom to the show to share her experience and expertise regarding ways in which we should consider trauma. Whether you are a trauma survivor, caring for a survivor of trauma or simply want to know more about this topic, this episode is for you! Beth's Website Christian Trauma Healing Netw…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas spends time with Jordan LeVan, chatting about his story as a person with childhood apraxia of speech, his experiences with speech therapy, and his efforts to make sure every child is heard and accepted. He is a fierce advocate as the author of multiple children's books, an IEP advocate, founder, and president of the 501c3, The …

The Singing SLP, Kevin Simmons, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas to share his journey from a graduate student to using his musical talents to make learning and therapy more engaging for his clients. He talks about his role as a sensory barber, transforming haircut experiences for children with sensory sensitivities. Kevin and Jeanette unravel the…

It's time for a new series on Trauma. This is a tough one to dissect quickly, so we will take our time. In this episode the guys simply talk about trauma, what it is, how its become such a buzzword, and how should we, as followers of Jesus, consider this important topic?By Jeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and guest host Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, talk with Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP from Tiny Voice Therapy who shares her journey integrating hippotherapy into her practice near Chicago. She's also raising awareness about SLP struggles, recently sharing her story and the story of many Fearless Fixers with her local NPR station (read the…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, discuss critical issues in the SLP community. They review systemic challenges, citing Elizabeth Nielsen MA/SLP's NPR story, and critique ASHA's influence on licensure. They advocate for grassroots policy influence and discuss how inflation affects SLP salaries and operations. Personal anecdotes about …

In our ongoing series on friendship, we have invited life-long friends Megan & Sarah to join Ryan and talk about their friendship, what makes it work, what makes it last, and how other might go about developing new friendships. This is a good one, you'll laugh, cry, and maybe even learn a thing or two! Listen to Megan's Lifestory Episode Empathy vs…

Guest host Preston Lewis, MS/SLP joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas to discuss the power of state-level advocacy, the importance of engaging with rehab companies, and the evolving role of SLPs in addressing diverse patient needs. With insights into state membership association dynamics and a special update about impactful initiatives in Michigan, this epis…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Shelby Midboe, MS, CCC/SLP, past president of the Montana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA), about Montana's specific challenges including the shortage of SLPs. They discuss the legislative advocacy the association takes on, and their efforts to increase connection throughout the Montana SLP and AuD communit…

This episode has to be Ryan's favorite episode ever of the Soul Care Matters podcast. In this episode Ryan is joined by three of his closest and most life-giving friends for a roundtable discussion about friendship, how theirs began, how it works through conflict, and practical ideas for establishing friendships of your own. Made for People: Why We…

Guest hosts Mikayla Treynor, MA, CCC/SLP and Alexa Chapman MA, CCC/SLP join Dr. Jeanette Benigas to discuss their efforts at the state level to eliminate the CCC requirement to Medicaid billing. Find out why access to care is so important to them and what they have been doing about it. Follow us on Instagram. Find all of our information at fixslp.c…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Robyn Martin, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-F, past president of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA), about the perks of TSHA membership, including free CEU webinars, a CE registry, and discounted advanced courses. She highlights TSHA's commitment to member feedback and financial sustainability, the association’s…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas addresses the evolving landscape of Fix SLP post-co-host Megan Berg's departure, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to supporting SLPs through transitional and challenging times with information to support grassroots movements in each state. Jeanette also explores the hurdles students and CFs face surrounding the CCC by debun…

Welcome to the new series on friendship. This one is going to be a little bit of a different vibe. In this series we will talk about the need for friendship, how the lack of it affects you, and even hear some strong friendships discussed and unpacked.By Jeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

It's the third episode in our opening series on anxiety. This is the episode that will provide some practical tools for you to put in your tool belt as you seek to manage your own anxiety. This is just an overview as you could do a years long podcast just on this topic. If you want an even deeper dive, consider joining an Managing Anxiety Cohort wi…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg speak with ASHA Fellow, Dr. Angela Loavenbruck who has served on many ASHA committees and also served on ASHA’s board as Vice President of Standards. Dr. Loavenbruck was refused membership and accused of violating the ASHA Code of Ethics when she dropped her CCC in the early 2000’s. She has lived happily ever aft…

We have a fresh episode of the Fix SLP podcast ready and waiting for you that will be released on Monday! In the meantime, enjoy this popular episode from our limited series podcast, Other SLPs’ Pockets, where we ask SLPs what they make. In this episode, we explore how we ditch our imposter syndrome, know our worth, and communicate that worth clear…

Brionna Pickens, M.A., SLP joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas to share her journey of advocacy to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates in Ohio. Brionna discusses her efforts to address the longstanding issue of low Medicaid rates, which significantly impacted her private practice and access to care for families. She recounts her four-year journey of resea…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss the explosive growth of the Fix SLP platform and the plans to turn this movement into a crowd-sourced grassroots advocacy firm. Unions, non-profits, alternative associations are all discussed, as well as an invitation to everyone who finds this work valuable to consider becoming a Fix SLP sustaining partn…

This is episode 2 of our series discussing anxiety. It's finally here! This is the episode Ryan has been wanting to produce for almost three years. Join Ryan & Jeff as they welcome pastor and author Steve Cuss to the podcast to discuss chronic anxiety and it's effects on us but also some helpful ways to manage it. If you're only able to listen to o…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss ASHA’s recent announcement of an 11% increase in fees starting in 2025. Why did they do this? What do they spend their money on? How can we opt out of their coercive system and what actions can we take right now to make a difference? We cover it all! If you’d like your question to be answered on the podca…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg speak with Dr. Ianessa Humbert about why SLP is trapped in a culture of fear. The episode centers around the intersectionality of gender, race, and institutions of control. In a field full of majority white women who would rather uphold a broken system than let it crumble at the risk of losing their own position …

Welcome back! We are here with season four of the Soul Care Matters Podcast. In this episode Jeff & Ryan talk about how season 4 will be a little bit different and intro our first series topic: Anxiety.By Jeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

Dr. Jeanette Benigas chats with Taylor Hahn, M.A., CCC/SLP, executive board member of the Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association (OSLHA), about the association's impactful advocacy work. They cover legislative wins like Madeline's Law, focusing on hearing aid reimbursement rates, ongoing efforts for affordable continuing education, and support fo…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg speak with Dr. Meredith Harold about the state of continuing education regulation in the field of SLP. Spoiler alert: ASHA CEUs aren’t required to maintain the CCC. What’s the difference between ASHA CEUs and ASHA-approved CEUs? Does ASHA vet courses for quality? Who can we trust to provide high quality CEUs? Wha…

Megan Berg speaks with Chantelle Hutchinson about the process for becoming a speech-language pathologist in Australia, discussing the ins and outs of Speech Pathology Australia’s Certified Practising Speech Pathologist program. The episode also covers international standards (or lack of international standards) and the risks posed to the profession…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss the idea of trying to change the direction of ASHA by getting on the board of directors- a concept that has been brought up by SLPs on social media. The episode covers how systemic factors limit practicing clinicians, particularly those whose views do not align with ASHA’s, from successfully moving throug…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas speaks with Ashley Laudick M.A., CCC-SLP, the president of the Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Ashley delves into the association's successful endeavors safeguarding SLP billing codes in Iowa and sheds light on ongoing advocacy work, particularly concerning potential restructuring of the state’s licensing boards. They…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss the ASHA SLP Practice Analysis, which serves as the evidence base for the CAA standards, the CCC standards, and the questions on the Praxis test. Is the practice analysis strong enough to hold up the entire field in these ways? Is it possible for SLP to evolve towards a competency-based model that adequat…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg list their top 12 wishes for SLPs from rest to career fulfillment to never having to hear the words, “But I talk just fine!” ever again. Join us as we celebrate all of the positive possibilities for our field! Follow us on Instagram. Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be a…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg speak with MaryTherese Sabatino, an SLP currently completing her SLPD and pursuing a track in academia who has decided to drop ASHA membership. The episode touches on the history of the membership association, how it has grown in the last 20 years, and opinions around lack of transparency and accountability. Gras…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas introduces a guest, Kristina Fuentes, M,S. SLP, the President of the Hawaii Speech, Language, and Hearing Association, who shares about her clinical practice, background, and the association's initiatives. Kristina discusses advocacy efforts and achievements, such as securing licensure for clinical fellows, as well as future go…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg get clarification from CARF about if the CCC is required for SLPs working at CARF accredited facilities. They re-envision what it could look like to become a licensed SLP, exploring options of splitting the field into tracks, ditching a national exam, and focusing on competency checklists during grad school train…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg talk to 12 different people from 12 different professions about how their field is regulated. The bottom line? There is no *one* way to regulate a field. There are lots of different ways! We explore if the current standard of ASHA attempting to quasi-regulate the field with their “optional” certification is worki…

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss how the field of speech-language pathology is regulated. Like most professions in the United States, SLP is regulated by the government, which creates rules and regulations to protect consumers. Governing bodies take recommendations from established institutions that position themselves as experts of the …

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Megan Berg discuss your questions, including how this conversation applies to CFs, what ASHA does for SLPs, how to get off of the teacher pay scale, how the ASHA ethics board works, what people who are pro-CCC are saying, and why the BCS-S requires the CCC. Follow us on Instagram. Find all of our information at fixslp.com a…

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas talk to Kristin, an SLP who runs a private practice in Pennsylvania. Kristin discusses her decision to drop the CCC and expresses frustration with the requirement of holding the CCC to be a member of ASHA. The episode also features Courtney, who works in the schools and has never paid for the CCC as an SLP. Court…

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the newly established Slack community to connect SLPs at the state level and to foster communication about making grassroots changes. Conflicting regulations in New Jersey and Delaware are highlighted, as well as the overall poorly organized and difficult-to-navigate landscape of SLP regulation at the sta…

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas question the value and necessity of ASHA certification, expressing frustration with its lack of competency guarantee and support for new clinicians. They also criticize the conflation of membership dues with CCC fees. They address pushback from academic SLPs. Additionally, they express frustration with the certif…

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas do a quick check-in from a coffee shop in Ohio. They express gratitude for the feedback received regarding ASHA’s live Q&A session and mention plans to review the recording and share thoughts. They discuss the need to engage with state associations to remove CCC language from state regulations. They also discuss …

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the challenges in the field of SLP and express gratitude for social media support. They encourage others to join their movement for improvement and request letters to be written to the ASHA board on the issue of the CCC. They discuss frustrations with academia and the limited influence of working SLPs in …

Megan Berg and Brooke Richardson share their perspectives on the perceived significance of certifications in the SLP profession. The importance of asking questions, critical thinking, and engaging in open dialogue is emphasized. The Fix SLP platform is highlighted as a space for discussion and challenging the current system. The episode also covers…

In this impromptu brief episode, Megan and Jeanette outline how SLPs can take action by writing a letter to the ASHA Board of Directors. Find all the information and links you need at fixslp.com. Follow us on Instagram. Find all of our information at fixslp.com and sign up for our email list to be alerted of new episodes and content. Email us at te…

Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the challenges and considerations of dropping the CCC in the field of SLP. Factors to consider include employer requirements, job security, state licensing board requirements, and the impact on supervising students. They also discuss the issue of certifications and the need for separate standards. They en…

In this episode, Megan Berg and Dr. Jeanette Benigas discuss the challenges in the field of speech-language pathology and the Fix SLP platform they started in order to address these issues. They share personal stories about the difficulties they faced with certification and licensing requirements. They express frustration with the cost and maintena…

Thanks for listening to season three of the soul care matters podcast. We hope you enjoyed it. We are already busy producing season 4. Listen in and get a quick sneak peak into what we have in store for you next season.By Jeff Ballard & Ryan Berg

In the final episode of season 3 Jeff & Ryan tackle one of the hardest topics they have discussed yet. Forgiveness. Listen in as they talk about what forgiveness is, what it isn't and the common misconceptions regarding this tough issue. Also, forgive us (pun intended) for only doing a brief flyover in this episode. We will revisit this in future e…

Today the guys are joined by Dwight and Kim Wharton. These two have been married for more than 34 years and provide some insight and funny stories that help illustrate the ways in which they have maintained and even thrived in marriage.By Jeff Ballard & Ryan Berg