The Untethered Podcast™

The foundation of health isn't just how we move or eat—it’s how we breathe.In this milestone episode, Hallie Bulkin is joined by certified practitioner Kaitlyn Shrum to pull back the curtain on the Buteyko Method. While many view breathing as a passive act, this deep dive reveals how functional breathing is the literal bedrock of speech, feeding, and cognitive development.From addressing the root causes of sleep apnea to navigating the "Physiological Pyramid," Hallie and Kaitlyn discuss why speech pathologists and myofunctional therapists must look beyond the mouth and into the airway to achieve lasting clinical results.Key TakeawaysThe Buteyko Blueprint: Understanding the science behind Dr. Konstantin Buteyko’s method and how it recalibrates the body’s breathing patterns.The Physiological Pyramid: Why airway and breathing form the base of the pyramid, supporting sleep, feeding, and—finally—speech at the very top.Beyond the Mask: How breathwork addresses physiological triggers like pharyngeal critical closing and arousal thresholds that CPAPs or surgery alone might miss.The "Stalled" Patient: Why children often plateau in traditional speech therapy when an underlying airway or tongue-tie issue remains unaddressed.A Holistic Shift: Moving from treating symptoms to managing the "Root Cause" of speech and developmental disorders.Key Soundbites"Breathing is the foundation. If the base of the pyramid is crumbling, everything above it—sleep, feeding, speech—is at risk.""We have to stop treating the mouth in isolation and start treating the human being as a respiratory system.""Proper airway management is the difference between a child struggling for years and a child finally finding their voice."WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYWhy We Can’t Ignore the Airway in Pediatric Feeding TherapyAirway First: The Pediatric Dentist's Essential Role in Treating Tongue Ties and Growth IssuesSTAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE💬 Join the Conversation: Catch behind-the-scenes insights and daily clinical tips onInstagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Help us celebrate 365 episodes!!! If this show has impacted your clinical practice, please leave a review. Your support helps us reach the therapists and families who need these answers most!Want to learn more about the Myo Method? Check it out here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hallie Bulkin dives deep into one of the most misunderstood areas of airway health: the intricate relationship between sleep, airway dysfunction, and ADHD-like behaviors.Hallie shares her personal journey with ADHD, revealing how unrecognized sleep disorders can severely impact neurocognitive function in both children and adults. This episode highlights why "quiet breathing" is the gold standard for health, why we must stop normalizing snoring, and how proper evaluation of breathing patterns can lead to life-changing results that move beyond simply treating behavioral symptoms.Key TakeawaysThe Silent Standard: Breathing should be quiet; if you can hear it, there is likely an underlying dysfunction.Mouth Breathing vs. Airway Health: Recognizing mouth breathing as a primary red flag for systemic airway issues.The ADHD Mimic: How sleep deprivation and disordered breathing can produce symptoms that are nearly identical to ADHD.The Research Link: A look at how sleep disorders are scientifically linked to lower executive function and memory in developing minds.A Holistic Path Forward: The importance of comprehensive evaluations and interdisciplinary treatment options for patients of all ages.Key Soundbites"Breathing should be quiet.""Don't ignore the snore!""Snoring is not normal—it is a cry for help from the airway."WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEP 348: Tongue Ties, Sleep Apnea & More: The Patient-Centered Approach to Airway DentistryEp 363: Tongue Ties, Oral Habits & the Future of Airway Health (with Dr. Casey Jones)STAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE💬 Join the Conversation: Catch behind-the-scenes insights and daily clinical tips on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ If this episode shifted your perspective, please Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Your feedback helps us reach more therapists and families who need these answers!Want to learn more about the Myo Method? Check it out here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the world of airway-focused dentistry with Dr. Casey Jones. Moving beyond the traditional dental drill, Dr. Jones shares her transformative journey into sleep disorders and the "wellness collaborative" model. We explore why breath is the ultimate foundation for health, the critical role of myofunctional therapy in addressing tongue ties, and why the future of healthcare relies on interdisciplinary collaboration rather than individual silos.Key TakeawaysThe Foundation of Breath: Why breath is the most fundamental element of systemic health and how it starts in the mouth.The Screening Shift: Why dental practices are the frontline for screening sleep disorders and oral cancer.Function Over Form: Understanding the impact of tongue ties and oral habits on long-term wellness.Coaching vs. Instruction: Why "Oral Hygiene Coaching" creates lasting patient results compared to traditional dental advice.The Power of Community: How establishing a wellness collaborative removes professional egos and prioritizes the patient’s journey.Key Soundbites"Breath is at the heart of it all.""We need to talk about this earlier—prevention starts with screening.""It's about collaboration, not ego; the patient should define what success looks like."WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEP 348: Tongue Ties, Sleep Apnea & More: The Patient-Centered Approach to Airway DentistryEp 347: Airway First: The Pediatric Dentist's Essential Role in Treating Tongue Ties and Growth IssuesSTAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE💬 Join the Conversation: Catch behind-the-scenes insights and daily clinical tips on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ If this episode shifted your perspective, please Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Your feedback helps us reach more therapists and families who need these answers!Want to learn more about the Myo Method? Check it out here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin tackles a question many feeding specialists quietly wrestle with:Why can two therapists treat the same child — and achieve completely different outcomes?The answer isn’t more techniques. It’s clinical reasoning.Hallie dives into the complexity of pediatric feeding therapy, unpacking why progress often stalls when clinicians focus on surface-level feeding skills instead of identifying the primary systems driving a child’s feeding patterns. She challenges therapists to move beyond siloed thinking and into an integrated, systems-based approach that transforms therapy outcomes.This conversation marks a powerful shift — from simply treating feeding challenges to stepping into clinical leadership.If you’ve ever wondered why some cases feel stuck… or why therapy timelines stretch longer than expected… this episode will sharpen your lens and elevate your practice. WHAT YOU’LL UNCOVER🧠 Why two therapists can produce completely different results with the same child 🔍 How a lack of structured clinical reasoning impacts therapy outcomes 🧩 Why identifying primary systems matters more than targeting isolated skills 🚫 The danger of siloed treatment approaches in pediatric feeding programs 📈 How mentorship accelerates clinical growth 🎓 Why leadership — not just intervention — defines advanced feeding specialistsKEY SOUND BITES“Find your feeding people.”“Trust your gut.”“Growth isn’t about more techniques — it’s about refining how you think.”“Applications are currently open.”KEY TAKEAWAYS• Variability in outcomes often reflects clinician reasoning — not child ability • Complex feeding cases require structured clinical frameworks • Extended treatment timelines may indicate a systems issue • True growth comes from refining decision-making, not stacking certifications • Mentorship and community are critical for effective pediatric feeding therapy • The Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist pathway supports clinicians in leading integrated feeding programsWORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEp 338: The Missing Link in Pediatric Feeding: Critical Skills Grad Programs SkipWhat Helps Pediatric Feeding Therapists Gain Confidence in PracticeIf you’re a practicing SLP, OT, or PT looking to strengthen your assessment skills, clinical reasoning, and treatment approach in pediatric feeding, check out CPFT™.The Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist™ program was built to help clinicians deepen their expertise and feel more confident navigating the complexity of feeding cases.Learn more and see whether CPFT™ is the right next step for you.STAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE💬 Join the Conversation: Catch behind-the-scenes insights and daily clinical tips on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ If this episode shifted your perspective, please Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Your feedback helps us reach more therapists and families who need these answers!Ready to advance your clinical skills?  Learn more here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Beth R Poe, MA, CCC-SLP , a certified pediatric feeding therapist and the founder of Way to Grow Therapy. Beth shares her inspiring transition from clinical certification to the launch of her own private practice, proving that with the right foundation, you can turn a clinical passion into a thriving business.The conversation goes beyond just "starting a business." Beth and Hallie pull back the curtain on the realities of working with medically complex infants, specifically those navigating Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). They discuss why feeding therapy for these "heart warriors" requires a specialized lens, the vital role of natural environments in therapy, and why your network of fellow therapists is your greatest clinical asset. Whether you are dreaming of opening your own doors or looking to sharpen your skills with complex cases, this episode is your roadmap for growth.UNPACKING THE EPISODE: WHAT YOU’LL UNCOVER🚀 The "Leap" to Private Practice: Beth’s journey of launching Way to Grow Therapy and the mindset shift required to move from therapist to owner.❤️ The CHD Connection: Why Congenital Heart Disease is a game-changer in pediatric feeding and how to adapt your approach for medically complex infants.🤝 Power of the Pivot: The role of networking and mentorship in avoiding burnout and solving "impossible" cases.🏡 The Natural Setting Advantage: Why the most effective feeding breakthroughs often happen at the family kitchen table rather than a sterile clinic.📣 Advocacy in Action: Challenging the status quo to ensure medically complex children receive accurate diagnoses and timely intervention.📈 Growth & Marketing: Practical insights on how to market a specialized practice while maintaining a focus on high-quality, evidence-based care.KEY TAKEAWAYS & SOUND BITES"I launched Way to Grow Therapy because I knew these families needed a different kind of support—and if you dream it, you can do it!""Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In the world of medical complexity, your curiosity is a clinical tool.""Networking isn’t just about business; it’s about building a safety net for your patients and your own professional growth."WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEP 343: Inside a Mission-Driven Pediatric Feeding PracticeWhy We Can’t Ignore the AirwaWhy We Can’t Ignore the Airway in Pediatric Feeding TherapySTAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE💬 Join the Conversation: Catch behind-the-scenes insights and daily clinical tips on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ If this episode shifted your perspective, please Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Your feedback helps us reach more therapists and families who need these answers!Ready to advance your clinical skills?  Learn more here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin exposes the "hidden" red flag that most people dismiss as just a bad habit: mouth breathing. Far from being just a look, it’s a functional crisis that can silently derail a toddler’s feeding development, destroy sleep quality, and even physically reshape their face.Hallie challenges the status quo, urging us to stop relying on standard "testing" and start mastering the art of observation. She introduces her game-changing "Statue and Sniff" test - the essential tool for catching airway issues before they become permanent developmental roadblocks. If your therapy has hit a plateau or a child is struggling to progress at the table, the answer isn’t in their bite - it’s in their breath. This is the deep dive into functional foundations that every therapist and parent needs to hear to secure a child's long-term success.UNPACKING THE EPISODE: WHAT YOU’LL UNCOVER🚩 Decoding the "Functional Cry": Why an open mouth is never "just a phase" but a loud signal that your toddler is struggling to reach their functional baseline.🦴 Architectural Impact: A look at how mouth breathing acts as a "silent sculptor," physically altering craniofacial growth and narrowing the airway over time.👃 The Art of Observation: Master Hallie’s "Statue and Sniff" technique—a precision assessment tool that tells you more than a standardized test ever could.💃 The Neuromuscular "Dance": Why feeding is a high-stakes coordination of nerves and muscles that falls apart when mouth breathing takes over.🛠️ The Restoration Blueprint: Practical, high-impact strategies to pivot a child toward healthy nasal breathing and optimal oral rest posture.🎓 The Clinical Missing Link: Why adding airway expertise to your toolkit is the "secret sauce" for solving your most complex pediatric feeding cases. KEY TAKEAWAYS & SOUND BITES"You don't test, you observe. The 'Statue and the Sniff' test will tell you more than a standardized assessment ever could.""Oral rest posture matters in everybody. If the mouth is open, the foundation for feeding is already crumbling.""Mouth breathing isn't just a habit; it's a signal that the body is struggling to find its functional baseline."WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEP 349: Myofunctional Therapy Explained: Root Causes, Airway Health & Collaborative CareWhy We Can’t Ignore the AirwaWhy We Can’t Ignore the Airway in Pediatric Feeding TherapySTAY CONNECTED & GROW YOUR PRACTICE💬 Join the Conversation: Catch behind-the-scenes insights and daily clinical tips on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ If this episode shifted your perspective, please Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Your feedback helps us reach more therapists and families who need these answers!Ready to advance your clinical skills?  Learn more here  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin is joined by Melanie Peacock Shell to explore the deep shift from being a “therapist” to becoming a Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist (CPFT). Melanie pulls back the curtain on the "hidden gem" of the Pediatric Feeding Hub, sharing how advanced mentorship and a community of experts can turn clinical overwhelm into streamlined, interdisciplinary success.They dive into the "gut-brain-plate" connection, discussing how gut health, sensory processing, and even sleep are the quiet drivers behind feeding challenges. If you’ve ever felt humbled by a complex case, this episode will show you how to lean into your community and use a holistic lens to finally see the results your families deserve.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:✔️ The CPFT Edge: How advanced certification shifts your clinical perspective and improves patient outcomes.✔️ The Gut-Brain Connection: Why understanding a child’s gut health is non-negotiable for solving "sensory" feeding issues.✔️ Power in Numbers: The role of the Pediatric Feeding Hub in providing the mentorship and collaboration needed to survive private practice.✔️ The Holistic Evaluation: Integrating nutrition, sleep, and family dynamics into your therapy plan rather than just focusing on the "bite."✔️ Navigating Referrals: How to build an interdisciplinary "dream team" to support a child’s developmental needs simultaneously.✔️ Overcoming the "Humble" Phase: Dealing with the realization that there is always more to learn—and why that makes you a better therapist.KEY TAKEAWAYS & SOUND BITES"This thing humbled me big time. Pursuing advanced certification isn't about knowing it all; it's about having the tools to figure out the 'why' behind the 'what'.""It all starts with nutrition. If the gut isn't happy and the child isn't sleeping, we are just spinning our wheels at the table."RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 251: You’re Worth The Time and Investment with Melanie Peacock Shell, MEd, CCC-SLPWhy Feeding Therapy Needs a Whole-Body LensOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Ready to step into certification? Learn more here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin dives deep into the non-negotiable link between how a child breathes and how they eat. This conversation provides the essential clinical "missing link" for pediatric therapy: The Airway.Hallie challenges the idea that mouth breathing is "just a habit," reframing it as a structural adaptation that can stall even the best feeding therapy plans. If you’ve ever had a patient hit a plateau or show signs of "feeding fatigue," this episode will show you why you must look at the nose and the airway before you can fix the plate.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:✔️ The Adaptation Myth: Why mouth breathing is a physiological survival mechanism, not a behavioral choice.✔️ Structural Consequences: How chronic open-mouth posture alters dentofacial development and maxillofacial growth over time.✔️ The "Airway Trumps Everything" Rule: Why the body will always prioritize breathing over eating, and how this creates "feeding fatigue."✔️ The Airway Lens: How to integrate airway and sleep screenings into your standard feeding evaluations.✔️ Beyond the Plate: Recognizing when feeding therapy alone isn't enough and when to refer out for airway obstruction.✔️ Efficiency vs. Effort: How open mouth posture impacts a child's ability to coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe sequence.KEY TAKEAWAYS & SOUND BITES"Mouth breathing is not just a habit. It is an adaptation. We have to ask: What is blocking nasal breathing?""Airway trumps everything. If the body is fighting for air, it will never prioritize the complex mechanics of feeding."RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™How Pediatric Feeding Changed in 2025—and What It Means for CliniciansOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Kelly Wenger to explore the evolution of a pediatric feeding clinician. Kelly shares her raw and relatable journey—from the initial overwhelm of entering private practice as a new mother to finding her voice as a confident feeding specialist.The conversation dives deep into the "confidence gap" many clinicians face when dealing with complex feeding cases. Kelly discusses how shifting to an integrative approach and moving therapy into the home environment has not only improved patient outcomes but has also allowed for a more profound connection with parents. Whether you are a clinician looking to level up your skills or a business owner wanting to build a stronger referral network, this episode offers a roadmap for professional and personal growth.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:✔️ The Confidence Catalyst: How specialized training like Feed the Peds transforms clinical uncertainty into expert action. ✔️ The In-Home Advantage: Why the home environment is the "secret sauce" for the generalization of feeding skills. ✔️ Integrative Thinking: How to look at a child holistically to address multiple developmental needs simultaneously. ✔️ Building Your Network: Strategies for creating a robust referral circle that supports your practice growth. ✔️ Empowering Parents: Navigating the shift in parental awareness and how to effectively educate caregivers on their child’s needs. ✔️ The Ripple Effect: Understanding how one clinician’s education creates a wave of positive impact across an entire community.Join me for this free 3-day training, where I’ll show you how to screen feeding cases clearly, confidently, and with intention — so you know exactly what to do next.👉 Join the free 3-day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds trainingRELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 314: Navigating Motherhood and Feeding Challenges with Aerica Walsh M.S, CCC-SLPWhen Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Pediatric Feeding Therapy (and What to Do Next)OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin dives into the intricate world of pediatric eating behaviors, pulling back the curtain on why "picky eating" is often a symptom of a much deeper developmental gap.Many caregivers and clinicians feel stuck when a child refuses certain foods, often labeling it as a behavioral "no." Hallie challenges this perspective, urging us to look at the infrastructure of the mouth. She explores how the transition from a simple vertical munch to a mature circular rotary chew isn't just a milestone—it's the foundation of safe and varied nutrition.This episode dives deep into the reality that clinical excellence requires a keen eye for motor mechanics and sensory processing. From identifying the three distinct chewing patterns to creating supportive environments that reduce mealtime stress, Hallie provides a roadmap for anyone looking to transform a child’s relationship with food.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why "surface behaviors" are red flags: How to stop chasing symptoms and start addressing causes.✔️ The 3 Stages of Chewing: Understanding vertical, diagonal, and circular rotary patterns.✔️ Sensory vs. Motor: How to distinguish between a child who won’t eat and a child who can’t eat.✔️ The Role of Textures: Why certain food groups are "safe" and others are "scary" based on mechanical demand.✔️ Observation Skills: How to spot "pocketing" or ineffective grinding during mealtime.✔️ Strengths-Based Intervention: Why building on a child’s current motor abilities is more effective than forcing progress.✔️ Success Redefined: How improving chewing mechanics directly improves the quality of life for the whole family.If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start leading with confidence, Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds is your next step.Join me for this free 3-day training, where I’ll show you how to screen feeding cases clearly, confidently, and with intention — so you know exactly what to do next.👉 Join the free 3-day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds trainingRELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 276: TOTs, Food Aversions & The Nervous System with Hallie BulkinEp 338: The Missing Link in Pediatric Feeding: Critical Skills Grad Programs SkipOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Cheryl Pelletier ,M.S., CCC-SLP to discuss the essential infrastructure of a successful career in feeding therapy: mentorship, community, and the courage to evolve.Many clinicians feel like they are on an island when navigating complex pediatric swallowing and feeding cases. Hallie and Cheryl pull back the curtain on why "gatekeeping" in the profession hinders patient care and how transitioning from a solo mindset to a collaborative one transforms clinical outcomes. They explore how the right tools—combined with structured mentorship—can turn clinical anxiety into confident, life-changing intervention.This episode dives deep into the reality that clinical excellence isn't just about what you know; it’s about who you learn with. From navigating the "imposter" feelings of a new specialty to leveraging innovative tools for safer feeding, Hallie and Cheryl provide a roadmap for clinicians ready to elevate their professional standing and improve their patients' quality of life.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why mentorship is a constant necessity, not just a "beginner phase" ✔️ How to overcome the obstacles and "gatekeeping" that stall professional growth ✔️ The role of specialized certification in building clinical reasoning and authority ✔️ Why sharing knowledge across disciplines (SLPs and OTs) is the key to reducing waitlists ✔️ How innovative feeding tools can facilitate safer, more effective therapy sessions ✔️ Why building on a child’s strengths is more effective than focusing on deficits ✔️ How to measure success through improved quality of life for the whole familyIf you’re ready to stop second-guessing your clinical decisions and start leading with confidence, Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds is your next step.Join me for this free 3-day training, where I’ll show you how to screen feeding cases clearly, confidently, and with intention — so you know exactly what to do next.👉 Join the free 3-day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds trainingRELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™Ep 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!🥄 Connect with Cheryl Pelletier HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin addresses one of the most common challenges clinicians face when entering pediatric feeding therapy: imposter syndrome.Many speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists feel unqualified or “not ready” to begin working with pediatric feeding cases. Hallie explains why this feeling is normal, why it doesn’t mean you lack competence, and why waiting for confidence before taking action can keep clinicians stuck for years.This episode explores why confidence in pediatric feeding therapy is not built through endless studying or certifications alone. Instead, confidence is cumulative and develops through real clinical experience, repetition, mentorship, and supported decision-making. Hallie reframes imposter syndrome as a sign of professional growth and stretching into new clinical skills, not a signal to stop.If you’re interested in pediatric feeding therapy but feel unsure where to start, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a realistic path forward grounded in action and support.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why nearly every pediatric feeding therapist starts out feeling unqualified ✔️ How imposter syndrome shows up in feeding therapy and what it really means ✔️ Why studying alone doesn’t build clinical confidence ✔️ How hands-on clinical reps accelerate learning in pediatric feeding ✔️ The role mentorship plays in developing feeding therapy competence ✔️ Why confidence grows through experience, not readinessIf you’re feeling unsure where to start in pediatric feeding, Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds is the perfect next step. Join me for this free 3-day training, where I’ll show you how to screen feeding cases clearly, confidently, and with intention — so you know what to do next.👉 Join the free 3-day Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds trainingRELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 336:  Feeding Therapy in Schools: Safety, Culture, and Collaboration with Karen HowarthEp 335: The #1 Way to Transform Your Pediatric Feeding Evaluations with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin breaks down one of the biggest shifts in pediatric feeding therapy over the past year: the growing recognition that feeding and airway are inseparable.In 2025, feeding therapy evolved beyond skills at the table. Clinicians are now expected to screen breathing patterns, observe resting mouth posture, and consider sleep symptoms as part of a comprehensive feeding evaluation. These changes reflect a deeper understanding of how airway, function, and feeding intersect and why early identification matters more than ever.Hallie unpacks what changed, why it matters for your clinical decision-making, and how this evolution positions feeding therapists as key collaborators in early airway intervention as we move into 2026.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why airway can no longer be separated from feeding assessment ✔️ What’s newly expected in modern feeding evaluations ✔️ How breathing, posture, and sleep inform feeding outcomes ✔️ Where feeding therapists fit in early airway identification ✔️ Why collaboration across disciplines is now essentialRelated Episodes You Might LoveEpisode 311: The Future of Dentistry and Rethinking Dental Health with Dr. Hilary Fritsch, DMDEpisode 319: Elevate Your Practice with the Pediatric Feeding Hub, Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leaving a quick review helps more clinicians find the podcast. 📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open soon | join the waitlist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin speaks with Dr. Alyssa Welch, PT, DPT about the vital role of interprofessional collaboration in achieving optimal patient outcomes, particularly for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Dr. Alyssa Welch, PT, DPT emphasizes that working alongside occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), dentists, and other specialists is not just beneficial—it is now a core competency in modern healthcare.Dr. Alyssa Welch, PT, DPT and Hallie discuss the necessity of recognizing the limits of your own expertise and knowing when to make a referral. Collaboration ensures a whole-person therapeutic approach and prevents the professional burnout that comes from trying to "fix everything" in isolation. They cover key areas where SLPs and other therapists must coordinate care, such as feeding mechanics, positioning for speech, and addressing core stability and motor skills.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ ️ Interprofessional collaboration is essential for SLPs, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced medical errors.✔️ Collaboration often involves partnering with Occupational Therapists (OTs) for fine motor skills, positioning, and feeding mechanics, and Physical Therapists (PTs) for gross motor skills, body positioning, and trunk control.✔️ Collaboration shifts the focus from checking off individual treatment boxes to a patient-centered approach that meets the family's actual needs.✔️ Poor communication is responsible for an estimated 70-80% of serious medical errors; collaboration significantly reduces this risk.✔️ Recognizing the limits of your own scope and knowing when to refer is crucial for long-term career sustainability and preventing professional burnout.✔️ Clinical collaboration can take many forms, including email consultations, case conferences, co-treatment sessions, and shared documentation.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 234: The Role of Occupational Therapists in TOTs Care with Anna Dearman MBA, MOT, LOTR, CLCEp 332: The Interconnectedness of Oral and Systemic Health with Amber White RDH, HHPOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open soon | join the waitlist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin addresses what she calls "one of the most misunderstood topics in our field" : tongue tie diagnosis. She challenges the common clinical practice of relying on visual assessment—hearing clinicians say, "it looks tied" or "it's a mild tie"—and emphatically states that function is what determines a diagnosis, not appearance.Hallie introduces a 4-step framework for making confident, clinically sound decisions : Function, Form, Impact, Decision. She emphasizes that the appearance-based mindset often leads to both over- and under-diagnosis of ties, and that true diagnosis requires observing the tongue's mobility, coordination, and control within the entire system.Hallie also stresses the importance of addressing compensatory movements, which she believes mask true movement and should not be taught as a form of "survival mode". For optimal outcomes, treatment must focus on function and consider the whole connected system—airway, jaw, spine, and nervous system.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️Function is the key determinant of a tongue tie diagnosis, not the visual appearance of the tissue✔️ The risk of the "appearance-based mindset" leading to over- and under-diagnosis✔️ A four-step clinical reasoning framework for assessment: Function to Form to Impact to Decision✔️ Why a short or tight-looking frenulum may not restrict movement, while a hidden posterior tie can create major functional restriction✔️ Compensatory strategies often mask the need for a release and take more energy, leading to a "survival mode"✔️ Diagnosis requires a functional limitation PLUS a meaningful impact on the person's life (e.g., feeding, speech, sleep quality)✔️ Why functional readiness must be assessed to determine if and when the body is ready for a lingual release.✔️ The release is not a "magical instant fix"; therapy before and after is crucial for neuromuscular reeducation and success.✔️ Treatment must consider the whole connected system (airway, jaw, cervical spine, nervous system), not just the tongue in isolation.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 347: Airway First: The Pediatric Dentist's Essential Role in Treating Tongue Ties and Growth IssuesEP 348: Tongue Ties, Sleep Apnea & More: The Patient-Centered Approach to Airway DentistryOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin discusses the complexities surrounding tethered oral tissues, specifically tongue ties, lip ties, and buckle ties. She emphasizes that not all ties require surgical release and that the decision should be based on functional impacts such as speech, feeding, and sleep. Hallie highlights the importance of thorough evaluations and the role of therapy in determining the necessity of a release. She advocates for a patient-centered approach, considering individual goals and the overall impact on health and function.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️Not all ties need to be released; it depends on function.✔️Function is the key driver in determining the need for release.✔️Research is often behind clinical practice by about 17 years.✔️Therapy can sometimes eliminate the need for a release.✔️Evaluations should focus on how tethered tissues impact daily life.✔️Compensatory strategies can mask the need for a release.✔️Patient goals should guide treatment decisions.✔️Open mouth posture is a significant indicator for evaluation.✔️Therapy before and after release is crucial for success.✔️Individualized treatment plans are essential for optimal outcomes.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 200: Functional Impact: When A Tongue Tie Is ACTUALLY A Tongue TieEp 348: Airway Dentistry Demystified: Kassi Klein on Tongue Ties, Sleep Apnea & Childhood DevelopmentOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this empowering episode, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Angela Richwine, RDH, BASc, QOM, COM®, to dive deep into the world of myofunctional therapy and collaboration in healthcare. Angela opens up about her personal journey into the field, the pivotal moments that shaped her practice, and how her passion for helping others led her to uncover the root causes behind oral and airway issues.Together, Hallie and Angela explore the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, patient education, and parent advocacy in achieving better outcomes. They shed light on the growing awareness of myofunctional therapy, the challenges professionals face in bridging knowledge gaps, and the need for continuing education to deliver truly holistic care.This conversation is a powerful reminder that myofunctional therapy is not just about correcting habits - it’s about understanding the “why” behind them, empowering patients, and transforming lives through collaboration and education.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ How Angela’s personal journey led her to specialize in myofunctional therapy.✔️ Why collaboration among healthcare professionals enhances patient care.✔️ The critical role of patient education in lasting health outcomes.✔️ How parents can advocate for their children’s oral and airway health.✔️ The importance of addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms.✔️ Why continuing education is essential for myofunctional therapists.✔️ How understanding the mouth as a “gateway to health” changes everything.✔️ The power of listening to patients and setting clear therapy goals.✔️ How to navigate misconceptions and raise awareness about myofunctional therapy.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEvidence vs. Pseudoscience in Myofunctional Therapy with Hallie Bulkin & Robyn Merkel-WalshEP 341: From Dental Hygiene to Myofunctional Therapy with Hallie Bulkin & Ashley DoradoOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®): https://www.themyomethod.com• “Turn on your Myo Eyes” free webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Hallie Bulkin and Kassi Klein explore the intricate world of airway dentistry, discussing Kassi's personal journey into the field, the importance of understanding craniofacial development, and the need for a patient-centered approach that focuses on the underlying reasons for patients' concerns. They emphasize the significance of collaboration among various healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care, the balance between functional and structural treatment approaches, and the critical role of assessing tongue ties and other oral tissues. The discussion also touches on common myths surrounding airway health, the impact of sleep apnea on children, and Kassi's vision for the future of airway dentistry.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️Kassi's journey into airway dentistry began with her mother's health issues.✔️Understanding craniofacial development is crucial for effective treatment.✔️Finding the 'why' behind patients' concerns enhances care.✔️Collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential.✔️Functional treatment approaches must complement structural changes.✔️Assessing tongue ties is vital for proper oral development.✔️Symptoms like ear infections can indicate underlying airway issues.✔️Common myths about airway health can mislead parents and providers.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 200: Functional Impact: When A Tongue Tie Is ACTUALLY A Tongue TieEp 347: Airway First: The Pediatric Dentist's Essential Role in Treating Tongue Ties and Growth Issues (with Dr. Anita Gouri)OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.comFind a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.comConnect with Kassi Klein, DDS, D.ABDSM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassi-klein/overlay/about-this-profile/?trk=people-guest_people_search-cardhttps://www.instagram.com/breathesleepandairway/?hl=enhttps://www.zocdoc.com/dentist/kassi-klein-dds-610392 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin welcomes special guest Dr. Anita Gouri, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to dive deep into the critical, often-missed connection between pediatric dentistry and a child's overall airway health and development.Dr. Gouri shares her personal journey into airway and tissue-focused dentistry, motivated by her own daughter's and nephew's feeding and developmental challenges due to undiagnosed tongue ties.They emphasize the absolute necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, stressing that therapy (SLP, OT, IBCLC, etc.) is optimal before and after a tongue tie release for the best outcomes and to avoid reattachment or unresolved symptoms. The conversation extends to older children, discussing the importance of an airway evaluation before prescribing ADHD medications and the dramatic life-changing results of early palatal expansion to open the airway.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Dr. Gouri’s personal experience discovering her daughter's tongue tie at age 7, long after dealing with feeding issues, colic, and difficulty eating non-pureed foods. ✔️ Why pre- and post-operative therapy (like with an SLP, OT, or IBCLC) is 100% crucial for optimal outcomes following a tongue tie release. ✔️ The importance of getting an airway evaluation before putting children on ADHD medication. ✔️ Key signs of pediatric airway issues during sleep, including mouth breathing , tossing/turning/restless sleep , and the often-missed red flag of hyperextension of the neck. ✔️ The dramatic benefits of early palatal expansion (as early as 3 or 4 years old) to open the airway, often resolving issues like chronic infections (like croup) and snoring , even if the child does not have a crossbite. ✔️ How simple strategies like sleep hygiene (removing dust mite harbingers like stuffed animals and blankets) and dietary changes (like kicking gluten) can reduce inflammation and improve breathing. ✔️ Why a "quick snip" of a tongue tie may not address the entire posterior tie, which can lead to later issues like speech problems.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 204: Progressing Through Play and TOTs with Dr. Brita DestefanoEpisode 293: Finding a TOTs Release Provider with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.comFind a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.comConnect with Dr. Anita Gouri: https://nocavitykids.com/meet-dr-gouri/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin dives into a topic we all need to hear as we navigate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the rest of the holiday season: how our festive food and drink habits directly impact our sleep and breathing.It's about more than just your waistline, what you eat and drink this time of year directly affects your airway health and daily function. Hallie connects the dots between common holiday culprits like sugar and alcohol, and poor sleep quality, snoring, and overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of moderation, modeling good habits for your kids, and creating simple strategies to thrive through the season.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️Why sugar contributes to inflammation throughout the body, which can cause swelling and restrict an already tight airway. ✔️How consuming too much sugar can lead to sleep-disordered breathing, disrupted sleep, and snoring. ✔️The signs of sugar impact in children (hyperness followed by a hard crash, restless sleep) and adults (frequent nighttime waking, morning exhaustion, or a "low-level cloud" feeling). ✔️Why alcohol acts as a muscle relaxer, which can cause airway muscles to be more easily collapsible, leading to more snoring and potentially more apnic events. ✔️The benefit of balancing carbohydrates (sugar) with protein, fiber, and fat to help your body process food with greater ease. ✔️Simple strategies for both adults and families to focus on airway health during the holidays.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 332: The Interconnectedness of Oral and Systemic Health with Amber White RDH, HHPEp 333: Transforming airway health & smiles with MARPE featuring Dr. Svitlana Koval, DMD, MSc, BDSOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.