First Bite: Fed, Fun, Functional SLP Insights

Speech Therapy PD
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First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time. Hosted by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP–bestselling author of "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders," joyful boy mom, and early intervention specialist–First Bite explores the latest research, clinical strategies, and lived experiences shaping pediatric speech therapy today. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode. For select episodes, colleagues with their CLC can earn CERPs. Visit speechtherapypd.com to learn more. See Michelle's book at: amazon.com/Chasing-Swallow-Pediatric-Swallowing-Disorders/dp/B095WW2H5X

  1. Infant Feeding: All Things Bottles, GIGER, and Allergies with Britt Pados

    8 HR AGO

    Infant Feeding: All Things Bottles, GIGER, and Allergies with Britt Pados

    Practical insights into bottles, reflux, GI health, and the collaborative thinking needed to support safe, successful feeding. Guest: Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA, the expert behind Infant Feeding Care, to explore the complexities of feeding in both bottle- and chest-fed infants. They discuss Britt’s research on bottle flow rates and its ongoing clinical relevance, as well as the impact of gastrointestinal issues like reflux on feeding. The conversation highlights the use of the GIGER Scale to improve collaboration between SLPs and medical providers, and concludes with practical insights on conditions like FPIES and FPIAS, along with guidance for supporting lactating caregivers managing infant food allergies. About the Guest: Britt Pados, PhD, RN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, FAHA, and Trauma-Informed Professional at Infant Feeding Care in Massachusetts, where she provides clinical care to infants who are struggling with breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding. She is also the owner of Infant Feeding Labs, where she conducts flow rate testing of bottle nipples. Show Notes: Infant Feeding Labs Infant Feeding Care Related courses: The Power of PROM for PFDThe Medical Domain of PFD The Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale for Infants and Toddlers by Britt Pados, Christine Repsha, and Rebecca R. Hill Dr. Brown’s Bottles Dyphagia Outreach Project Bowel Sounds: The Pediatric GI Podcast Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders FindHelp.org Hospital-to-Home Systems Change Support Feeding Matters Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

    1hr 10min
  2. Embracing the Joy of Being a SLP "Jill of All Trades" with Emily Bromer

    31 MAR

    Embracing the Joy of Being a SLP "Jill of All Trades" with Emily Bromer

    A refreshing dose of encouragement and perspective for SLPs who wear many hats. Guest: Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, sits down with Emily Bromer, MS, CCC-SLP to celebrate the many roles SLPs take on throughout their careers. They reflect on what makes a supportive and successful clinical fellowship, what graduate students should look for in meaningful practicum placements, and how diverse clinical experiences and strong mentorship can shape a fulfilling career path. They also tackle the reality of imposter syndrome, and offer practical perspectives for protecting your mental health, staying grounded, and rediscovering the passion that drew you to this profession in the first place. If you’re feeling stuck, stretched thin, or simply need a reminder of why you chose this field, this episode is for you. About the Guest: Emily Bromer is a SLP based in Lynchburg, Virginia, who is passionate about increasing her community’s access to quality therapy services and strengthening the profession she loves. She has been practicing for six years and currently serves as the Lead SLP for Appomattox County Public Schools. In addition to her work in public education, Emily is the owner of Hill City Speech Services, PLLC. Show Notes: Contact Emily: @hillcityspeechva on Instagram Emily’s Private Practice: Hill City Speech Services Support Miriam’s House - Solutions to Homelessness

    1hr 5min
  3. Mind Maps and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)

    24 MAR

    Mind Maps and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD)

    How can a simple tool can strengthen complex clinical decision-making? Guests: Kelly Kleinhans, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Kelly and Courtney share how mind maps and case-based learning are used in graduate training to help learners organize complex information, recognize patterns, and connect assessment findings to meaningful intervention planning. Explore how these strategies can support diverse learning styles while also strengthening supervision and mentoring conversations. Use these tools to help students make sense of complex PFD cases and translate knowledge into confident, thoughtful clinical decisions. About the Guests: Dr. Kelly Kleinhans is a professor, program director, and clinical education enthusiast who is passionate about helping graduate students become confident, compassionate, and practice-ready SLPs. She leads the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at Austin Peay State University. Courtney Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, is the Lead Feeding Therapist at Advanced Therapy Solutions (ATS) in Clarksville, TN, where she oversees the feeding program across three clinics. Show Notes: Bridging Pedagogy and Practice: Case-Based Learning and Mind Maps by Kelly Kleinhans, Courtney Richards, and Alison Desomma Supplemental Material APSU Speech-Language & Swallowing Community Clinic Feeding Therapy Sweatshirt - Courtney’s Etsy Store Feeding Matters Power of Two Program Support Feeding Matters Related Course: Research to "Chew On" with Dr. Amy Delaney RAM Clinics Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ by Giulia Enders If Disney Ran Your Hospital: 9 1/2 Things You Would Do Differently by Fred Lee

    1hr 14min
  4. How to Mentor a Healthy Professional Identity in Future SLPs

    17 MAR

    How to Mentor a Healthy Professional Identity in Future SLPs

    How can we strengthen and mentor the next generation of clinicians? Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP welcomes Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE to this episode of First Bite for a powerful conversation on mentoring a healthy professional identity in future colleagues. Together, these SLPs and nurses demonstrate why interprofessional education across allied health professions is not optional, it is essential. The conversation unpacks what “professional identity” really means in clinical education, why it matters for long-term career resilience, and how intentional mentoring shapes confident, ethical SLPs. About the Guests: Belinda Daughrity, PhD, CCC-SLP, Anita Fitzgerald, PhD, RN, AGNP, and Sharon Konrad, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE are a powerhouse group from California State University Long Beach who bring research from the fields of nursing and social work and pour that wisdom directly into speech-language pathology to strengthen how we prepare and mentor the next generation of clinicians. Show Notes: Read the journal article, "Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students" Support The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Support your local Domestic Abuse Shelter Support Beach Food Pantry

    1hr 15min
  5. Trauma and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) with Lauren Thompson

    10 MAR

    Trauma and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) with Lauren Thompson

    Moving from understanding to healing in pediatric feeding care. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, is grateful to host Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, for a powerful conversation about trauma and Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD). Healing trauma takes time, compassion, and the willingness to move through fear in order to better understand what “trauma” is, especially as it relates to pediatric feeding. Together, Michelle and Lauren differentiate between “trauma-informed” and “trauma-sensitive” care, and Lauren offers thoughtful, practical strategies to help SLPs create trauma-sensitive feeding environments for those they are called to serve. This is part one of a two-part conversation. Part two will be released in April 2026. About the Guest(s): Lauren Thompson, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CLC, is the owner of Well Fed Feeding & Swallowing Therapy in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Since 2012, she has supported infants and children with PFD, dysphagia, lactation challenges, ARFID, and feeding-related trauma across inpatient rehabilitation, hospital-based outpatient care, Level II and III NICUs, and public schools. Lauren blends trauma-sensitive care, connection-focused interventions, and play-based approaches to help families build safe, joyful, and pressure-free mealtime experiences. Show Notes: Contact Lauren: @laurenteetheslp on Instagram Lauren’s Private Practice: Well Fed Feeding Therapy Love Money Cause: Feeding Matters Related Course: Allyship and Advocacy in Pediatric Feeding Disorder with Tracy Camille Johnson Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

    1hr 42min
  6. Celebrating World Hearing Day with Pediatric and Educational Audiologist Courtney Turner

    3 MAR

    Celebrating World Hearing Day with Pediatric and Educational Audiologist Courtney Turner

    Discover what happens when SLPs and Educational Audiologists team up. Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on Youtube In celebration of World Hearing Day, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, welcomes Courtney Turner, AuD, CCC-A, for an important conversation about collaboration in hearing care. Courtney breaks down what Educational Audiologists actually do, how they assess and support children with different types of hearing loss. From technology to teamwork, you will gain a clearer understanding of how partnering with an Educational Audiologist can strengthen outcomes for children with hearing differences. About the Guest: Dr. Courtney Turner is a board-certified pediatric audiologist based in Hattiesburg, MS. She has worked at The Children's Center for Communication and Development at the University of Southern Mississippi since 2015, providing clinical and educational audiology services to children from birth through age 5 across southern Mississippi. Show Notes: Contact Courtney Turner: @cg_turner on Instagram Padapillo by Valerie James Abbott Educational Audiology Association Children Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

    1hr 22min
  7. "Initiation" with Filmmaker and SLP Joshua Shah

    24 FEB

    "Initiation" with Filmmaker and SLP Joshua Shah

    Guest: Joshua A. Shah, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode: Complete the accompanying course online with Speech Therapy PD Watch this episode on Youtube: Initiation with Filmmaker and SLP Joshua Shah In a First Bite first, host Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, sits down with Joshua A. Shah, MS, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist, filmmaker, and the creative force behind the upcoming film Initiation, a fictional narrative inspired by lived experiences related to stuttering and communication differences. Joshua and Michelle explore the responsibilities that come with representing communication differences accurately and compassionately and how language, storytelling, and visibility shape public understanding. Together, they examine the connection between communication and power, including how representation can influence whose voices are valued, amplified, or marginalized. Tune in now for a thoughtful, timely conversation, and stay tuned for the film that sparked it. About the Guest(s): Joshua A. Shah is a filmmaker from Fremont, California. He currently serves as a home health speech-language pathologist, primarily working with individuals with neurological and communication impairments. He’s become inspired to bring the narratives of individuals with communication challenges to the silver screen and is dedicated to crafting these stories with both accuracy and creativity, challenging the current media landscape with empathetic storytelling. Show Notes: Contact Joshua: @shahjosh on Instagram Love Money Cause: @initiationshortfilm on Instagram “Initiation” Short Film: seedandspark.com/fund/initiation2026#story The Stuttering Foundation: www.stutteringhelp.org SPACE | Stuttering Organization: www.spacetostutter.org and @spacetostutter on Instagram The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: www.oliversacks.com/oliver-sacks-books/the-man-who-mistook-his-wife-for-a-hat/ My Stroke of Insight: mystrokeofinsight.com/index.html The Sound of Metal: www.imdb.com/title/tt5363618/ American Association for People with Disabilities: www.aapd.com Able South Carolina: www.able-sc.org First Bite Podcast: Subscribe and listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

    1hr 12min
  8. #BlackSLPMagic Part 2: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in SLP

    17 FEB

    #BlackSLPMagic Part 2: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in SLP

    Guests: Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/blackslpmagic-part-2 FREE Black History Month Conference: www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/culture-care-knowledge This course meets ASHA's Content Area 2 PD requirement for providing culturally responsive services and effective self-reflection, adaptability, and collaborative practice. In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, continues the conversation with Chelsie Esek-Onyeahialam, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jordyn R. Montique, MS, CCC-SLP, founders of #BlackSLPMagic. Part 2 shifts from awareness to action, focusing on practical ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of speech-language pathology. Together, Michelle, Chelsie, and Jordyn examine systemic barriers that continue to impact BIPOC professionals and discuss evidence-based strategies for creating more welcoming, supportive, and inclusive professional environments. The conversation centers on reducing obstacles to professional growth, increasing representation, and strengthening meaningful connections across the SLP community. Listeners will gain concrete tools for advocacy, professional networking, and allyship, along with actionable steps they can take within their own workplaces, organizations, and professional circles. Chelsie and Jordyn share grounded insights on how intentional actions, not just intentions, can help shift culture and create lasting change. Whether you identify as an ally, advocate, or leader in speech-language pathology, this session offers practical strategies to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful action, supporting a profession where all voices are valued and reflected in the communities we serve. Show Notes: Contact Chelsie: @esekhealth on Instagram Contact Jordyn: @jrc_theslp on Instagram Black SLP Magic: @blackslpmagic on Instagram, www.blackslpmagic.org Donate to Black SLP Magic: ko-fi.com/blackslpmagicslpsocialseen SLP Social Scene: @slpsocialseen on Instagram Professional Identity in Speech-Language Pathology Students: pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2024_PERSP-24-00043 Cultural Competence Check-ins: www.asha.org/practice/multicultural/self/ Cultural Responsiveness: www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/cultural-responsiveness/ Bias, Appraisal Tools, and Levels of Evidence: www.asha.org/research/ebp/bias-appraisal-tools-and-levels-of-evidence/ Related Courses: #BlackSLPMagic Paving the Way for the FutureCulture, Care, & Knowledge: Advancing Equity in Speech-Language Pathology: A Black History Month Conference Mentioned in this episode: Register for the 2026 Autism Conference

    1hr 11min
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First Bite is your go-to resource for all things pediatric speech therapy–covering pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, lactation, AAC, early language acquisition, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, the podcast brings functional, evidence-based insights straight to clinicians serving little ones and their caregivers. Whether you’re a student, seasoned practitioner, researcher, or interprofessional partner, First Bite invites you to listen, learn, and grow alongside a supportive community. Gain the confidence to take whatever “first bite” comes next in your clinical practice–one heartfelt and tea-fueled conversation at a time. Hosted by Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP–bestselling author of "Chasing the Swallow: Truth, Science, and Hope for Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders," joyful boy mom, and early intervention specialist–First Bite explores the latest research, clinical strategies, and lived experiences shaping pediatric speech therapy today. This is a Speech Therapy PD podcast, allowing you to earn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for each episode. For select episodes, colleagues with their CLC can earn CERPs. Visit speechtherapypd.com to learn more. See Michelle's book at: amazon.com/Chasing-Swallow-Pediatric-Swallowing-Disorders/dp/B095WW2H5X

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