Best Occupational Therapy Podcasts (2024)

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#332 - 10 Things We've Learned in 10 Years! 21:58

2h ago21:58

21:58

We’re sharing ten things that we’ve learned in the past 10 years! We’ve been certified occupational therapy assistants for just over 10 years and we’ve learned so many things, it was very difficult to pick just 10! We talk about mentoring, asking questions, referring out, and MORE! We’d love to hear from you - Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube …

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#91: Motor Learning in Neuro Rehab with Katie Riccio 1:02:48

6d ago1:02:48

1:02:48

As occupational therapists, many of us have witnessed the wonder of motor learning in neuro rehab. Yet despite years of research attempting to identify the most effective post-stroke interventions, the reality is that our understanding of how to improve recovery of function remains incomplete. The article we are reviewing today serves as an update …

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#331 - Listener Question: Tips for Understanding Sensory Challenges 14:48

7d ago14:48

14:48

We’re answering a listener question today - helping a parent understand how to help their child self-regulate, understand sensory challenges, how to find help, and how primitive reflexes might be connected to learning in school, specifically reading. This child was recently diagnosed with ADHD as well. We dive into using the Harkla Sensory Preferen…

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#330 - Crawling for Brain Development: An Interview with Rachel 20:13

14d ago20:13

20:13

Today we are chatting all about Rachel’s new curriculum: Crawling for Brain Development. Get the inside scoop on how Rachel created this book, why she is so passionate about crawling, and how you can get your hands on this amazing curriculum! Crawling for Brain Development© is a 5-week, guided program designed for children and adults ages 3-100+. I…

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#90: OT and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Emily Rich 1:13:43

20d ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Unfortunately, research on the lived-experience for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome shows us that we as a profession need to be doing a better job. People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome report: A lack of reliable information for themselves Social stigma from peers. Lack of awareness of EDS in the healthcare community As occupational therapy professi…

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#329 - The Connection Between Sensory Over-Responsiveness and Anxiety 30:55

21d ago30:55

30:55

Today we’re talking about sensory over-responsivity (what is it? What does it look like? Who can it impact?) and the connection to anxiety. We dive into 2 different research articles (linked below) as well as provide 3 tips: Develop individualized sensory diet routines and environmental modifications Look into retained primitive reflexes, specifica…

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#328 -Q&A: Picky Eating, Success with School Line-up, and Fatigue During Sports 25:19

28d ago25:19

25:19

We are answering your questions in today’s podcast episode! Question 1: How to help with picky eating, specifically with fruits and vegetables. Question 2: How to help a toddler with daycare/preschool line up when it’s time to come back inside after playing outside. Question 3: Understanding if soccer is the ‘just-right’ sport for a child with SPD,…

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#89: AI in Documentation with Dennis Morrison 1:16:22

1M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

In 50 years, you will look back on your occupational therapy practice and see a clear line in the sand between pre-AI augmented documentation and today. Ambient AI augmented documentation is going to: ✅Make documenting QUICKER ✅Make your notes HIGHER QUALITY ✅And, transform how you interact with clients And, if we harness this technology correctly,…

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#327 - Sensory Bins Aren't Just for Toddlers! Sharing A Variety of Ways to Use Sensory Bins Therapeutically 21:05

1M ago21:05

21:05

We are answering a listener question today! Is there an age limit when it comes to sensory bins? Are sensory bins beneficial for older children? How can we make sensory bins beneficial and fun for a variety of ages?We dive into the benefits of sensory bins, including tactile modulation and visual processing. Then we talk about our favorite ways to …

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#326 - Spelling to Communicate with Kinsey Showers 51:31

1M ago51:31

51:31

Kinsey Showers is an S2C practitioner based in Utah. She began her spelling journey in 2018 when she was working at Invictus Academy Tampa Bay, a school for students with sensory motor differences. She is also a cohort leader and mentor for the International Association for Spelling as Communication. Kinsey is very passionate about communication ri…

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#325 - The Connection Between SPD and Learning Challenges 19:31

2M ago19:31

19:31

Today’s episode we’re answering a listener's question about how sensory processing challenges affect learning and higher-level cognitive skills. We dive into the connection between vestibular processing and cross or mixed dominance. We talk about research that has been done in this area as well as what it all means. Then we jump into strategies tha…

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#88: OT and Driving with Ganesh M. Babulal 1:05:30

2M ago1:05:30

1:05:30

The population of the United States is older than it has ever been. And, by 2050 the older adult population (>65 years) is projected to increase another 47% (from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050). This will transform many aspects of our society—and one change we need to prepare for is: The safety of older drivers. Because by 2050 the older…

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#324 - 5 Tools to Improve Executive Function Skills in the School Setting 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

Shop the Harkla Back to School Sale - Save 15% on physical products and save 20% on digital products through September 8, 2024 https://harkla.co/pages/back-to-school Executive function skills are the higher level cognitive skills that are required for every day tasks. These skills begin to develop in toddlerhood and aren’t fully developed until a p…

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#323 - Reflex Integration Through Play with Kokeb McDonald 48:13

2M ago48:13

48:13

Special gift from Kokeb: “Harkla25” for 25% off of RITP at Home Family Bundle - https://www.integratingreflexes.com/family-bundle/ Kokeb Girma McDonald is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of the Reflex Integration Through Play™️ (RITP) program. She is the mother of two wonderful children, and has extensive professional experience …

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#87: Community-based OT with Ryan Lavalley 1:04:06

2M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In our OT work with individuals, there can be a feeling of futility. As there is a growing collective consciousness around what we, as OT professionals, experience day in and day out: The communities in which we live have such a profound impact on our health. And, we can fail individuals by focusing only on their individual choices—and not the larg…

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#322 - Using Play and Connection for Successful Sensory Diets 20:20

2M ago20:20

20:20

We received a question on Instagram: “Help! My child won't participate in their sensory diet!” And today’s episode is all about how you can help your child complete their sensory diet routine so they feel more cool, calm, and regulated! First we talk about play - this is a child’s main occupation - and how using play during the sensory diet is the …

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#321 - Brain Mapping with Dr. Laura from Connect My Brain 55:39

3M ago55:39

55:39

Dr. Laura Hanson, D.C., MS, QEEG-DL, D.I.C.C.P., NDT, BCN, CAS is a board-certified chiropractic pediatric diplomate, QEEG diplomate, and Neurofeedback specialist. In addition, she is a neuro-developmental therapist, holds a Master’s in Sports Health Science with a concentration in Nutrition, and is a Certified Autism Specialist. She has held facul…

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#86: Emotional Disability and OT with Michelle Flemen-Tung 1:07:02

3M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Children with emotional disability (also known as emotional disturbance) are significantly more likely than children with other disabilities to: NOT be integrated into regular classrooms Experience a disciplinary removal Drop out of school Over the years, multiple social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions have been developed to support children…

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#320 - Creating Effective and Fun OT Sessions in the School Setting 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course for Educators and TherapistsSchool is about to start for many families, so today’s podcast episode is all about how to create effective occupational therapy sessions in the school setting.If you’re a therapist working in the schools, this episode is full of tips and strategies for impleme…

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#319 - 5 Sensory Strategies for Teachers to Implement into the Classroom Immediately! 20:03

3M ago20:03

20:03

School is almost here and we’re diving into 5 things that teachers can do in the classroom to help their students!We talk about adaptive seating, using regular sensory breaks, finding different ways to establish natural consequences within the classroom, keeping recess, and more!Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course for Educa…

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#85: OT and Interoception with Kelly Mahler 1:04:56

3M ago1:04:56

1:04:56

Interoception is having a moment. The popularity of the 8th sense is likely due to the fact that it gives words to sensations that we all experience, like: hunger, fatigue, heart rate, and pain. But, even though these sensations seem universal the reality is that there are vast differences in how and to what degree we experience the components of i…

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#318 - What's Next? Maintenance Program After Integrating Primitive Reflexes 16:06

3M ago16:06

16:06

Today we’re answering a question that we received from Instagram: “Can you talk about the end point of reflex integration work. What does that look like?”We chat about what a reflex integration program looks like and how to create a “maintenance” program afterwards.Be sure to check out all of the links below!Free Primitive Reflex WebinarFull Primit…

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#317 - Equine-Assisted Therapy in OT and PT 54:29

4M ago54:29

54:29

Watch this video - https://youtu.be/PkylhDc0sOY?si=k7gjWbpOixhbWLYrRenee Anderson has been a physical therapist since 2017. She worked in an orthopedic outpatient setting until early 2021, and then started to work at HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy) as a therapist utilizing horse movement in her treatment. She loves to see the pr…

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#84: Swim Safety in Autistic Children with Erika Kemp 57:07

4M ago57:07

57:07

If you have not been paying attention to recent statistics on drowning, you need to be. After decades of decline, deaths by drowning are on the rise. Groups already at higher risk have seen the greatest increases in drowning deaths. This includes adults ages 65 years and older of all races and ethnicities, as well as Black people of all ages. But t…

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#316 - Supporting Mixed Sensory Needs in Children and Adults 25:30

4M ago25:30

25:30

We talk a lot about sensory seekers and sensory avoiders, but it’s very common - and to be expected - that a child will have mixed sensory needs.What does this mean exactly? And how can we help provide the just-right sensory input to help a child feel calm and regulated when they have mixed sensory needs?!In this episode, we talk about personalized…

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#315 - Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapy with Quiara Smith, OTR/L 46:35

4M ago46:35

46:35

Quiara Smith an Expert Pediatric Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist who is the CEO/Director of Aloha Integrative Therapy, the first boutique private OT practice exclusively created to treat children with toileting difficulties, pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, and bowel and bladder disorders. Quiara has been a practicing pediatric OT for over …

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#314 - Increasing Motivation to Complete Challenging Primitive Reflex Integration Activities 18:16

4M ago18:16

18:16

Free Primitive Reflex WebinarPrimitive Reflex Digital CourseOne of our favorite things about our digital courses is that you can ask questions and start conversations inside of the course! We have a comment forum within each module of each course, and we LOVE getting in there to answer questions, brainstorm, and chat about progress!Today’s episode …

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#83: OT and Functional Neurological Disorder with Naoya Ogura 1:01:20

4M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Functional neurological disorder (FND) has been called a “silent epidemic,” a “crisis” in neurology, and psychiatry’s “blind spot.” And, I have to admit it has been a huge personal blind spot for me. Luckily, others in the OT community have been hard at work standardizing care for these patients. Multidisciplinary treatment, including referral to O…

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#313 - Parenting at Your Child's Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to the First Three Years 47:26

4M ago47:26

47:26

Joel Warsh, MD, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician in Los Angeles, California, specializing in Parenting, Wellness, and Integrative Medicine. He grew up in Toronto, Canada, and completed degrees in Kinesiology, Psychology, Epidemiology, and Community Health before earning his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He completed his Ped…

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#312 - Supporting Gestalt Language Processors in Occupational Therapy Sessions 23:03

5M ago23:03

23:03

Today’s episode is an “interview” with Jessica! We’re chatting all about Gestalt Language Processing, using AAC in occupational therapy sessions, collaborating with speech therapists, transitions with non-speaking / pre-verbal clients, and more!Although Jessica is not an expert in language and communication, she works closely with an SLP who has ex…

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#82: OT and Leadership with Victoria Garcia Wilburn 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

The world desperately needs OT leaders. It needs leaders that can think holistically. It needs leaders that understand both individual level change and systems level change. It needs storytellers, collaborators, and compassionate thinkers. And, these are the qualities of an occupational therapy professional. Today, we’ll explore a paper on best pra…

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#311 - Teaching You How to Set Up Obstacle Courses that Target Multiple Goals 20:30

5M ago20:30

20:30

Have you ever wondered why we always recommend obstacle courses for kids during therapy and at home?It’s because they have so many benefits!Today’s episode is all about WHY obstacle courses are so beneficial and how to set up obstacle courses for all children!We talk about our favorite equipment pieces to use, how to identify the number of steps in…

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#310 - Answering Your Sensory and OT Questions 18:52

5M ago18:52

18:52

In this episode, we are answering your questions. We talk about strategies for helping an 8 year old with toileting skills, toddler sleep challenges, games that help with teaching the Zones of Regulation, how to help a 4 year old wake up easier, tips for parents who are ‘touched out’ with their sensory seeking child, and ideas for a toddler who see…

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The Role of Occupational Therapy in Working with People with ALS (Episode 133) 53:33

5M ago53:33

53:33

On this episode, occupational therapy practitioner Cindy Molnar, COTA/L, talks about the role of occupational therapy (OT) in working with people diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - also referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Cindy has been a second career OT assistant for over 10 years, primarily working in a sub-acute rehabilitatio…

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#309 - In-Home Neurofeedback Training with Vital Neuro Headphones ft. Co-founder Alex Doman 40:31

5M ago40:31

40:31

Alex Doman is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, psychoacoustic music producer, and TEDx speaker with more than thirty years of experience in neurotechnology. His mission is to help others achieve their optimal potential and become the best version of themselves. The third generation in a family of pioneers dedicated to improving people's brain p…

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#81: OT and CRPS with Megan Doyle 1:10:01

6M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

In a massive 53 page treatment guideline on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), the authors state: “Occupational therapists are the ideal therapeutic leaders in the functional restoration process…” And, go on to devote 2 pages to what this OT care can entail. In this one hour course, we’ll pull out important implications for OT practice from the…

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#308 - Simple, Effective Heavy Work Activities in the School Setting 33:45

6M ago33:45

33:45

We received a question from an OT practitioner working in the schools: What are some simple proprioceptive activities that I can do with my students that don’t require a lot of space or equipment?Tune in for a discussion all about proprioception and get some new ideas for using heavy work and deep pressure in the school setting.Make sure to check o…

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#307 - Social Emotional Learning, Sensory Corners, and Fidgets with Jewelisa Blanks, M.Ed, Founder of Gifts of Joy 41:01

6M ago41:01

41:01

Jewelisa Blanks, a respected public speaker and seasoned educator, has devoted her professional life to empowering teachers and students. A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Jewelisa spent over seven years serving in the public education sector, fostering a deep understanding of the field over her ten years of educational experience. Lev…

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#80: Advocacy in Pelvic Health with Lindsey Vestal, Carlin Reaume, and Alyson Stover 1:05:04

6M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

In a rapidly changing world, we as OT professionals need collective mobilization like never before. But, it feels like our systems of advocacy are all underfunded and difficult to navigate. Against this backdrop, which can feel discouraging, I think it is critical to shine the light on what I consider one of the greatest OT triumphs of the past dec…

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#306 - Curious About Primitive Reflexes? Answering Common Questions! 29:58

6M ago29:58

29:58

We are answering questions that we’ve received inside our primitive reflex digital course, Assessment And Integration Of Primitive Reflexes For Improved Independence In Daily Activities.One of our favorite things about our digital course is that you can ask questions inside the course, start discussions, and get feedback!In today’s episode, we talk…

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#79: OT Hopes and Fears for AI with Alyson Stover and Karen Jacobs 1:02:07

6M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

The idea of AI transforming occupational therapy stirs both hopes and fears. Will it help us revolutionize our broken systems? Will it augment the best of our care? Or will it bolster inequality and threaten our jobs? This is a story we are actively writing—and have the power to shape. In this one hour course, we’ll talk to two leading voices on th…

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#305 - The Future of Preventative Health Through Gene Snips with Dr. Jade Dandy, NMD, MSiMR 52:09

6M ago52:09

52:09

Dr. Jade Dandy is an Idaho native and fell in love with Naturopathic medicine at a young age. She graduated from National University of Natural Medicine (NUMN) in 2015. Focusing on chronic illness, she earned her Doctorates in Natural Medicine as well as Masters of Science in Integrative Medicine Research. Dr. Dandy is an advocate for her patients’…

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SnapType: How the Idea of One OT Student is Changing the World (Episode 132) 30:21

6M ago30:21

30:21

On this episode, occupational therapist Amberlynn Slavin and her husband Ben Slavin share information about SnapType, an app created based on an idea Amberlynn had on a Level I fieldwork clinical rotation while she was in occupational therapy school at Springfield College. The goal of SnapType is to help students complete their schoolwork even when…

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#78: OT and Habits with Zipporah Brown 1:05:34

6M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

There is a growing public consciousness around the power (and difficulty) of habit change, especially as the impact of chronic conditions soars. And, as we’ll see in the featured scoping review on OT and habit change/health promotion, we’ve been addressing habits since 1912, it is a core part of our 2020 practice framework, and is increasingly embe…

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#304 - Therapist Mentoring Session: Setting Up a Sensory Diet for Teletherapy Clients in Schools 47:23

7M ago47:23

47:23

Check out our Autism Acceptance Month Sale, now through April 30, 2024 https://harkla.co/pages/aam-saleSave 15% on all sensory productsSave 20% on all digital productsWe recently completed a 2-on-1 mentoring session with a fellow OT practitioner.We discussed some simple activities to do with her young child as well as brainstormed ideas for her tel…

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#303 - You Should Be Skeptical if Someone Says They Will "Cure" Your Child's Neurological Diagnosis 16:04

7M ago16:04

16:04

April is OT Month and we’re celebrating with a HUGE sale on our digital courses!If you’re an occupational therapy practitioner, you can earn your CE with our courses that are approved through AOTA!Check out the SALE here - https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleSale ends April 14, 2024 at midnight!We received a message in IG asking about Brain Balanc…

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#77: OT and Making the OTD Capstone Matter with Daniel Rortvedt & Alana Woolley 1:04:02

7M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

The number of OT entry-level doctoral (OTD) programs has been expanding rapidly. In 2017 there were 7 programs. As of 2023, there are 95, with an additional 76 in development. The article we'll cover in this course presents early stage research on the doctoral capstone experience and employment opportunities. It backs up what I have now personally …

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#302 - Therapy Regression: What is it and Why Does it Happen? 20:47

7M ago20:47

20:47

Check out our newly re-launched digital course: Early Intervention Blueprint: Sensory and Developmental Milestones for Infants and ToddlersDesigned for new and expecting parents, as well as therapists and professionals working with children ages birth - 4 years.OTs and OTAs - earn 11 CEU contact hours through AOTA with this digital course!What is r…

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