The Untethered Podcast™

Hallie Bulkin
  • 4.7 (128)
  • Kids & Family
  • Weekly

Hosted by Hallie Bulkin, a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®), Feeding Specialist and Speech Therapist, The Untethered Podcast™ focuses on the latest research and clinical evidence in Myofunctional Therapy, Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs, AKA Tongue Tie, etc), Airway and Pediatric Feeding. Produced with both providers and parents in mind, episodes include interviews with experts, personal stories from parents, and Q&A from our listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5d ago

    Scope of Practice vs. Clinical Competence: Are You Prepared to Treat?

    Just because a clinical intervention falls within your legal scope of practice does not automatically mean you possess the clinical competence to execute it safely and effectively. In a field as fast-evolving as pediatric feeding, airway health, and myofunctional therapy, confusing scope with competence can lead to stalled patient progress, burnout, and compromised care. In this solo masterclass, Hallie Bulkin dives into the critical distinction between legal scope of practice and true clinical competence. She addresses the harsh reality many clinicians face out of graduate school: managing increasingly complex caseloads without the specialized clinical reasoning or structured mentorship needed to drive outcomes. Hallie breaks down how to identify personal clinical gaps, why confidence must be backed by deep foundational knowledge, and how practice owners can foster an environment centered on quality care rather than raw volume. She offers a clear, reflective framework for knowing when to seek advanced continuing education, when to collaborate interdisciplinary teams, and when a referral is the most responsible clinical choice. Key Topics & Takeaways Scope vs. Competence: Understanding why legal licensure allows a wide range of practice, but true competence requires targeted post-graduate education and supervised experience.The Graduate Education Reality: Acknowledging the inherent limitations of university programs in preparing clinicians for complex pediatric feeding and airway cases.Confidence vs. Competence: Why feeling confident in a session is dangerous without the underlying clinical reasoning and evidence-based knowledge to support your choices. Soundbites "Having something within your scope of practice and being truly competent to treat it are two completely different things." "True clinical expertise develops through targeted education, supported clinical experience, and ongoing learning - not just years on the job." "Confidence and competence are not the same; confidence without deep foundational knowledge can lead to stalled patient care." Timestamps 00:00 – Scope of Practice vs. Clinical Readiness00:12 – Welcome to Untethered Podcast with Host Hallie Bulkin00:48 – The Hidden Challenge: Feeling Unprepared for Complex Referrals01:51 – Scope of Practice vs. Clinical Competency02:42 – The Limits of Graduate School Training05:01 – Workload vs. Caseload Volume: Why Complex Cases Burn Clinicians Out07:39 – Moving Beyond Protocols: Understanding "What" vs. "Why" in Therapy10:49 – Specialty Care vs. Integrated Clinical Care14:01 – Stop Confusing Confidence with Competence15:58 – The Role of Mentorship and Clinical Reasoning16:54 – Practical Guidance for Employers & Practice Owners19:03 – How Employees Can Advocate for Strategic Mentorship & Training19:47 – Actionable Steps to Address Gaps in Your Clinical Practice22:00 – How Mentorship Programs Support Expanding Access to Quality Care24:02 – Closing Thoughts & Outro Links & Resources Go beyond traditional continuing education with clinical mentorship, expert-led trainings, collaborative case discussions, and a community of SLPs, OTs, and PTs committed to treating the whole child. Explore https://theintegratedtherapist.com/ WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY Seeing It vs. Understanding It: The Gap in Myo Training Screening vs. Assessment vs. Treatment: Why Every Clinician Needs to Know the Difference STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Join the Conversation: Connect with Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and mentorship opportunities on s on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Hallie's insights on clinical competence, professional boundaries, and targeted growth helped clarify your path forward, please take a quick moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital professional conversations with clinicians everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Oct 18

    Connect Before You Correct: Rethinking Patient-Centered Care with Dr. Catherine Murphy

    Healthcare is undergoing a radical paradigm shift. For orthodontists, pediatric therapists, and airway specialists, delivering transformative patient care requires moving far beyond basic mechanical interventions to treat the whole patient - and their family’s underlying nervous system regulation. In this episode, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Dr. Catherine "Cathy" Murphy, DDS, MSD, a pioneer in holistic, patient-centered orthodontic consulting and collaborative care. Dr. Murphy reflects on her transition from traditional orthodontic practice to a holistic model rooted in connection, clinical intuition, and interdisciplinary partnership. About the Guest: Catherine Murphy, DDS, MSD Dr. Catherine (Cathy) Murphy, DDS, MSD, is an orthodontist, practice consultant, and advocate for holistic, patient-centered healthcare. She partners with orthodontic facilities across the country to establish and enhance collaborative care models and specialized patient-focused programs. Dr. Murphy is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, nervous system regulation, preventing clinician burnout, and empowering families through education. Key Topics & TakeawaysTransitioning to Holistic Care: Shifting from standard mechanics to a whole-body, patient-centered model that prioritizes root-cause health.Combating Clinician Burnout: Implementing practical self-care strategies, self-awareness, and clear clinical boundaries to sustain high-level practice.Harnessing Clinical Intuition: Understanding how subconscious pattern recognition allows experienced providers to process complex clinical data rapidly.Nervous System & Family Dynamics: Recognizing how parental stress and emotional regulation directly influence a child’s progress and appliance compliance.Timestamps 01:51 - Dr. Catherine Murphy’s Evolution from Traditional Orthodontics to Patient-Centered Care05:36 - The Reality of Clinician and Parent Burnout11:00 - Integrated Care vs. Simple Interdisciplinary Collaboration14:10 - Managing Patient Anxiety and Family Nervous System Dynamics17:48 - Why Dr. Catherine Murphy Reframes Standard "Airway" Terminology20:54 - The Role of Appliances in a Holistic Treatment Model28:26 - Setting Healthy Professional and Personal Boundaries to Prevent Compassion Fatigue39:22 - Patient-Centered Communication: Addressing the Child Directly in Care43:40 - Daily Self-Care Practices for Long-Term Practice SustainabilityLinks & Resources Connect with Dr. Cathy Murphy: Explore practice consulting, books, and resources at CatherineMurphy.com.Follow Dr. Cathy on Social Media: Connect on Instagram @drcatherinemurphy.Fast Myo Screening Tool: Identify functional, structural, and airway red flags during intake at FastMyoScreening.com.Go beyond traditional continuing education with clinical mentorship, expert-led trainings, collaborative case discussions, and a community of SLPs, OTs, and PTs committed to treating the whole child. Explore https://theintegratedtherapist.com/ WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY The Evidence Based Research Behind Tethered Oral Tissues with Richard Baxter, DMD, MS (Ep 137) Episode 137: The Evidence Based Research Behind Tethered Oral Tissues with Richard Baxter, DMD, MS Why Some Cases Stay Stuck: The Clinical Thinking That Changes Outcomes (Jul 20, 2026) Why Some Cases Stay Stuck: The Clinical Thinking That Changes Outcomes STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Dr. Cathy on https://www.instagram.com/drcatherinemurphy/ or visit https://drcatherinemurphy.com/ and Follow with Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Dr. Cathy's perspective on holistic orthodontics, clinician burnout, and nervous system regulation resonated with you, please take a quick moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital clinical conversations with therapists and providers everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Oct 11

    Tongue Ties Revisited: Why Not All Ties Need Release

    In a digital age where social media posts and quick photos often drive clinical discussions, it is easy to mistake an anatomic tether for a definitive diagnosis. However, looking at a static picture of a lingual frenulum tells you almost nothing about how that tongue functions in real time during feeding, speech, or sleep. In this solo masterclass, Hallie Bulkin revisits the nuanced and evolving landscape of pediatric tethered oral tissues (TOTS). She breaks down why clinical decision-making must always prioritize functional limitations over visual appearances. Hallie explores how children build compensation strategies, when those compensations become exhausting or harmful, and how restricted tongue mobility interacts with underlying airway and sleep architecture. She also outlines a child-centered framework for pre- and post-release therapy, informed consent, and knowing when a surgical referral is truly warranted. Key Topics & Takeaways Anatomy vs. Function: Why a photograph or visual inspection alone can never determine whether a tongue tie requires surgical release.Evaluating Compensations: Identifying when a child's compensatory movements are masking deeper motor fatigue, inefficient feeding, or speech breakdown.Airway & Sleep Interplay: Understanding how restricted lingual mobility coexists with mouth breathing, high-arched palates, and compromised sleep quality.The Clinical Reasoning Checklist: Asking what isn't functioning, what evidence exists, and whether targeted therapy alone can achieve functional goals. Soundbites "You haven't seen how the tongue moves if you're only looking at a picture - function always trumps anatomy." "True clinical confidence isn't knowing how to spot a tie; it's understanding what the patient actually needs to function efficiently." "Ask yourself: what isn't functioning, what evidence do you have, and how does this affect the child's whole system?" Timestamps 00:00 – Reflection on Episode 184 and Evolving Clinical Reasoning00:37 – Introduction to The Untethered Podcast01:14 – Shifting the Focus: Assessing Function over Anatomy01:46 – Moving Beyond the "Tongue Tie Debates" and Binary Mindsets02:23 – Defining Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) vs. Tissue Appearance03:41 – The "Function, Form, Impact, Decision" Framework04:00 – Evaluating Tongue Mobility and Function04:50 – Analyzing Compensatory Strategies in Patients05:33 – Assessing Functional Impact on Feeding and Speech07:18 – Airway Considerations and Coexisting Factors08:38 – The Connection Between Speech Sound Disorders and Tongue Ties09:30 – Recognizing When Therapy Progress Hits an Anatomical Ceiling10:35 – Effective Interprofessional Collaboration and Referral Workflows11:53 – Pre- and Post-Release Rehabilitation Care12:33 – Individualized Care vs. Standardized Protocols (Infant & Pediatric Considerations)14:34 – Putting the Patient (Not the Tissue) at the Center of Care14:51 – Practical Key Questions to Ask in Your Clinical Practice16:44 – The Ultimate Goal of Integrated Clinical Reasoning17:16 – Tongue Tie Boot Camp & Ep. 184 Listener Challenge18:12 – Outro & Legal Disclaimer Links & Resources Become the Pediatric Feeding Therapist Who Knows Exactly What to Do With Every Child https://www.feedthepeds.com/. WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY Episode 184: Not All Ties Need to be Released.Why Some Cases Stay Stuck: The Clinical Thinking That Changes Outcomes. STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Hallie's insights on functional assessment and clinical reasoning gave you a fresh perspective on tethered oral tissues, please take a quick moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital clinical frameworks with therapists everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Oct 4

    What I Was Missing in Feeding Therapy: ARFID, Airway, and Myo with Samy Hernandez

    When pediatric therapists treat feeding and speech in isolation, critical underlying root causes are easily overlooked. From jaw instability and retained primitive reflexes to phonological processes that are actually unaddressed motor speech deficits, true clinical progress requires an integrated, whole-system framework. In this episode, Hallie Bulkin welcomes back returning guest Samy Hernandez, M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ASDCS, CPFT™, a pediatric speech-language pathologist at B Well Tots. Samy reflects on her clinical evolution since becoming one of the very first Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapists™ and making the pivotal decision to integrate Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) directly into her practice. About the Guest: Samy Hernandez, CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CPFT™ Samy Hernandez is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), and Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist™ (CPFT™) at B Well Tots, where she provides neurodiversity-affirming, child-led therapy built through trust, play, and curiosity. Key Topics & Takeaways Two Sides of the Same Coin: Why pediatric feeding therapy and myofunctional therapy (OMT) cannot be separated when treating complex oral-motor and airway challenges.How OPT & OMT Enhance Practice: Integrating Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) and myofunctional tools to strengthen diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes.Rethinking Speech Sound Hierarchies: Questioning traditional phonological processes and exploring how motor speech hierarchies provide a clearer roadmap for children with PFD and OMD.Interdisciplinary Team Care: Structuring seamless collaboration between SLPs, OTs, ENTs, and bodyworkers working toward shared goals for the same child. Soundbites "Pediatric feeding therapy and myofunctional therapy were never two separate things - they are two sides of the same coin." "When you evaluate speech through a motor speech hierarchy, you realize how many 'phonological processes' are actually unaddressed jaw instability." Timestamps 01:25 – Guest Introduction: Hallie Bulkin introduces speech-language pathologist Samy Hernandez. 02:14 – Clinical Practice Updates: Samy Hernandez shares updates on moving to Philadelphia and incorporating myo therapy into her daily practice. 05:00 – Airway & ARFID: Samy Hernandez and Hallie Bulkin discuss addressing root airway issues before treating feeding disorders. 16:50 – Motor vs. Phonology: Hallie Bulkin and Samy Hernandez explore how speech errors often stem from motor constraints rather than phonological processes. 26:03 – Jaw Stability & Speech: Samy Hernandez and Hallie Bulkin detail how jaw grading directly impacts speech sounds like /r/. 34:47 – Neurodiversity-Affirming Myo: Samy Hernandez explains adapting myofunctional therapy for autistic children using sensory movement and play. Links & Resources Connect with Samy Hernandez on Instagram @happyhandsSLP : Book an appointment, explore clinical services, and view practice resources at B Well Tots.Become the Pediatric Feeding Therapist Who Knows Exactly What to Do With Every Child https://www.feedthepeds.com/. WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY Seeing It vs. Understanding It: The Gap in Myo Training.Why Some Cases Stay Stuck: The Clinical Thinking That Changes Outcomes. STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Samy on Instagram @happyhandsSLP or at B Well Tots and follow Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on s on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Samy's insights on jaw grading, motor speech hierarchies, primitive reflexes, and neurodiversity-affirming care broadened your clinical perspective, please take a quick moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital clinical conversations with therapists everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Sep 27

    92507 Is Ending: How to Bill Speech and Feeding Together with 92526 in 2027

    Navigating healthcare billing is about to undergo a massive structural shift. For speech-language pathologists, feeding therapists, and private practice owners, the sunsetting of long-standing core CPT codes requires proactive preparation, documentation adjustments, and clear system updates. In this episode, Hallie Bulkin unpacks the upcoming 2027 CPT code overhaul for speech and feeding therapy services. Most notably, standard CPT code 92507 will be replaced by five distinct, specialized codes covering fluency, speech sounds, language, combined speech and language, and voice upper airway dysfunction. Hallie breaks down how to report multiple services provided on the same day, navigate payer-specific policies, apply modifier 59 correctly, and utilize time-based add-on codes using midpoint timing rules. She also discusses the business and clinical importance of building internal feeding therapy expertise to optimize patient care and ensure long-term practice sustainability. Key Topics & Takeaways The Replacement of CPT 92507: Preparing for 2027, where 92507 will split into five targeted codes for fluency, speech sound disorders, language, combined speech-language, and voice/upper airway dysfunction.Same-Day Multiple Service Reporting: Understanding how to accurately report distinct clinical services on the same date of service without triggering claim denials or unbundling errors.Applying Modifiers & Timing Rules: Utilizing modifier 59 effectively and calculating session midpoints for time-based add-on codes to secure appropriate reimbursement.Navigating Payer Reductions: Managing payment adjustments, commercial insurance policies, and Medicare guidelines when billing multiple codes per session.Building Internal Feeding Skills: Expanding internal clinical skill sets to keep pediatric feeding care in-house, reducing unnecessary external referrals while growing practice offerings. Soundbites "CPT code 92507 will be replaced by five distinct, specialized codes in 2027—preparing your documentation systems now is essential for practice compliance." "Timing rules and session midpoints dictate when add-on codes can be reported to support accurate, defensible reimbursement." "Understanding payer-specific policies and modifier applications allows you to protect your practice against underbilling or accidental unbundling." Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Reporting Speech and Feeding Together00:26 — Welcome to The Untethered Podcast & Oral Rest Posture Reminder01:02 — Upcoming CPT Code Changes: Goodbye 92507, Hello 10 New Codes for 202702:21 — Code Bundling vs. Reporting Distinct Services on the Same Day03:06 — Current Billing Landscape: Speech (92507) and Swallowing/Feeding (92526)04:28 — 2027 Session Examples: Midpoint Timing Rules with Speech and Feeding07:06 — Comparing Combined Speech-Language Codes vs. Separate Treatment (Speech Sounds & Voice)11:56 — Expanding Pediatric Feeding Services in Your Practice & Team Mentorship14:27 — Free 3-Day Training Announcement: "Screen the Peds to Feed the Peds"15:43 — Episode Disclaimer, Review Call to Action, and Outro Links & Resources FREE TRAINING: Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds Training. WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY What Myofunctional and Feeding Therapists Need to Know About Scope, Coding, and Documentation (Ep 386).Screening vs. Assessment vs. Treatment: Why Every Clinician Needs to Know the Difference (Ep 380). STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on s on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If this episode helped clarify the upcoming CPT code changes and billing rules for your practice, please take a quick moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital business and clinical insights with therapists everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 20

    Oral Motor and Airway Red Flags in the First Two Years with Mackenzie Shiba

    When a baby struggles with infant feeding, weight gain, or subtle airway restrictions, parents are frequently told to "wait and see." Yet, waiting often turns minor early red flags into complex speech, feeding, and oral-motor challenges down the road. In this episode, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Mackenzie Shiba, M.S., CCC-SLP, CMT®, pediatric speech-language pathologist, certified myofunctional therapist, and founder of Communication Blooms Speech Therapy. Mackenzie shares her personal transition from clinician to a late-night searching parent when her own son faced unexpected feeding and growth struggles. That journey revealed a critical gap in early pediatric guidance and inspired her to build The Blooms Blueprint - a comprehensive roadmap for parents spanning six age windows from birth to age two. Together, Hallie and Mackenzie discuss why "the mouth that eats is the mouth that talks", how to differentiate between common infant behaviors and true structural airway red flags, and why a parent's gut instinct is valid clinical data. They unpack actionable strategies for empowering caregivers, facilitating early interdisciplinary care, and shifting from reactive diagnoses to proactive developmental support. Key Topics & Takeaways The 2 AM Googler Reality: How personal experience with infant feeding and growth struggles drives the need for clear, proactive parental guidance.Retiring "Wait and See": Shifting the clinical and pediatric culture from passive waiting to active, supportive observation and early action.The Interconnected Mouth: Understanding why feeding, oral-motor function, airway patency, and early speech are fundamentally linked ("the mouth that eats is the mouth that talks").The Blooms Blueprint Framework: Breaking down six key developmental windows from birth to age two to help families spot small red flags early. Soundbites "We need to retire 'wait and see' because it leaves worried parents sitting at home carrying that heavy burden alone." "The mouth that eats is the mouth that talks—feeding, airway, oral motor, and early speech development are completely interconnected." "Airway is the conversation nobody is having with new parents, but common isn't the same as fine." Timestamps 01:16 Guest Introduction: Mackenzie Shiba, M.S., CCC-SLP, CMT® 02:16 From Clinician to 2 AM Googler: Mackenzie's Personal Journey 05:44 Shared Experiences: Navigating Low Percentiles, Triple Feeding & System Gaps 12:44 Having Non-Alarmist Airway Conversations with Parents 25:00 Root Causes of Speech Patterns: Motor Patterns vs. Phonological Processes 27:00 Hidden Red Flags: Maternal Oversupply & Missed Airway Signals 38:08 Practical Action Steps: 1-Minute Daily Hacks for Caregivers  43:03 How Myofunctional Therapy Shifts Clinical Practice 47:40 Clinicians as Community Leaders: Disrupting the Status Quo 55:24 Where to Connect with Mackenzie Shiba & Access The Blooms Blueprint  Links & Resources Connect with Mackenzie Shiba: Explore resources and follow Mackenzie on Instagram @thebloomsblueprint and @communicationblooms.Access The Blooms Blueprint: Get the guide for infant and toddler developmental milestones at The Blooms Blueprint Guide.FREE TRAINING: Learn how structural airway limits directly affect feeding in our free Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds Training. WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY Why Some Cases Stay Stuck: The Clinical Thinking That Changes Outcomes.Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing: Changing Lives Through Early Airway Intervention. STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Mackenzie on Instagram @thebloomsblueprint and follow Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on s on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Mackenzie's proactive approach to infant feeding and airway health empowered your clinical practice or parenting journey, please take a moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital early intervention frameworks with families and providers everywhere.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Sep 13

    Kids Are Not Small Adults: Why Pediatric Feeding Isn't Adult Dysphagia Scaled Down

    One of the biggest hurdles clinicians face when transitioning into pediatric feeding therapy is realizing that traditional graduate coursework and isolated weekend seminars often leave massive gaps in clinical application. Too many training programs treat pediatric feeding as if it were simply adult dysphagia scaled down—focusing strictly on oral-motor mechanics while ignoring the child's entire developing system. In this episode, Hallie Bulkin dives into the structural gaps of traditional feeding education and explains why treating a child requires an integrated, whole-system lens. She breaks down real-world case examples to demonstrate how behaviors like extreme texture selectivity or mealtime refusal are frequently symptoms of underlying postural instability, airway restriction, or sensory overload. Hallie offers practical strategies to help clinicians move away from single-lens troubleshooting and develop the deep clinical reasoning required to connect isolated observations, uncover root causes, and create transformative intervention plans. Key Topics & Takeaways Pediatric vs. Adult Dysphagia: Why pediatric feeding cannot be treated as scaled-down adult management and requires a developmental, whole-body framework.The Training Gap: Unpacking why standard feeding courses teach disconnected techniques rather than showing clinicians how to synthesize complex data.Systemic Interconnectedness: Understanding how posture, airway, sensory processing, and nervous system regulation directly dictate oral-motor performance.Redefining Clinical Reasoning: Shifting from "What exercise fixes this behavior?" to "What is this behavior telling me about the child's underlying system?"Root-Cause Assessment: Transitioning away from symptom chasing to evaluate foundational barriers and build defensible, effective treatment plans. Soundbites "Pediatric feeding isn't adult dysphagia scaled down—it is a complex, dynamic, developmental system." "Traditional training teaches isolated pieces of the puzzle, but rarely shows clinicians how to connect them at the evaluation table." "Effective feeding therapy requires us to look at the child's whole system. Symptoms are just clues pointing us toward the underlying root cause." Timestamps 00:00 - Is What You See the Actual Problem?00:44 - Welcome to The Untethered Podcast01:20 - Why Grad School Didn't Prepare Us for Pediatric Feeding02:26 - When 12 Complex Feeding Cases Land on Your Case Load03:50 - Pediatric Feeding vs. Adult Dysphagia: A Different Operating System05:00 - The Gap in Training & Connecting the Dots06:41 - Case Example: Is It Sensory Refusal or Motor Difficulty?08:24 - Looking Beyond Behavior to Find the Underlying Cause09:03 - Avoiding "Hammer Lenses" (Airway, Sensory, & Motor Silos)10:13 - Being Licensed Doesn't Magically Create Competency11:27 - Why Continuing Education Alone Isn't Enough13:13 - Developing True Clinical Reasoning13:41 - Screen the Peds to Feed the Peds (Free 3-Day Training)15:10 - Actionable Challenge for Your Hardest Case16:16 - Episode Disclaimer & Outro Links & Resources FREE TRAINING: Learn how structural airway limits directly affect feeding in our free Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds Training. WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY Why Some Cases Stay Stuck: The Clinical Thinking That Changes Outcomes.Screening vs. Assessment vs. Treatment: Why Every Clinician Needs to Know the Difference.STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on s on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Hallie's perspective on pediatric feeding education and clinical reasoning gave you a fresh lens for your practice, please take a moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital clinical frameworks with therapists everywhere.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Sep 6

    What’s Really Driving the Feeding Challenge? Looking Beyond the Symptoms

    In this episode, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Shayla Bollman, MA, CCC-SLP, CPFT, CLC, to discuss her journey as a pediatric speech-language pathologist and how earning her Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist (CPFT) credential transformed her clinical evaluation process, treatment approach, and referral network. Shay shares practical strategies for responsive feeding, differentiating gagging from choking to ease caregiver anxiety, and managing pre- and post-operative care for tongue-tie releases. She also breaks down how blending lactation counseling with feeding therapy strengthens family advocacy, builds caregiver confidence, and creates sustainable, in-home support for complex infant feeding cases. About the Guest: Shayla Bollman, MA, CCC-SLP, CPFT, CLC Shayla (Shay) Bollman is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with seven years of clinical experience in outpatient pediatric settings. She is a Certified Pediatric Feeding Therapist™️ (CPFT™️), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), and holds an interdisciplinary autism certification. Shay specializes in pediatric and infant feeding, tethered oral tissues (TOTS), bottle refusal, and supporting families through complex feeding transitions. Her clinical approach is responsive, family-centered, and focused on the whole child. Key Topics & Takeaways The CPFT Certification Impact: How advanced clinical training shifts diagnostic reasoning, evaluation depth, and interdisciplinary referral strategies.Pre- & Post-Op TOTS Care: Why comprehensive pre-surgical preparation and targeted post-operative wound management are vital for successful release outcomes.In-Home Care & Parent Advocacy: Empowering families with practical, sustainable mealtime strategies and bridging communication between pediatricians, specialists, and caregivers. Soundbites "Holistic assessment is crucial for effective feeding therapy—we have to evaluate the entire developmental picture, not just the mouth." "Building a collaborative team and offering in-home family support makes a profound difference in a child's feeding progress." "Helping parents understand the clinical difference between a gag and a choke is essential for mealtime safety and peace of mind." Timestamps  01:04 - Guest Introduction: Shayla Bollman, MA, CCC-SLP, CPFT, CLC 02:00 - Impact of CPFT Certification on Diagnostic Reasoning & Practice Growth 07:06 - Empathy in Infant Feeding: Transitioning to Infant Clinical Care 12:16 - Understanding Feeding Refusal in Infants 15:15 - Blending Lactation Counseling (CLC) with Pediatric Feeding Therapy 19:08 - Assessing Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTS): Bodywork & Functional Milestones 22:08 - Pre- and Post-Op Care for Tongue-Tie Releases 46:20 - Raising Intuitive Eaters: Long-Term Impacts of Mealtime Support 49:38 - Interdisciplinary Advocacy: Partnering with Pediatricians & Specialists 53:42 - In-Home Care, Caregiver Classes & Launching Private Practice 58:02 - Connecting with Shayla Bollman Links & Resources Connect with Shayla Bollman: Follow Shay’s clinical tips, private practice updates, and caregiver resources on Instagram @shaybollman.FREE TRAINING: Learn how structural airway limits directly affect feeding in our free Screen The Peds to Feed The Peds Training. WORTH A LISTEN: CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEYEpisode 137: The Evidence Based Research Behind Tethered Oral Tissues with Richard Baxter, DMD, MS.Screening vs. Assessment vs. Treatment: Why Every Clinician Needs to Know the Difference.STAY CONNECTED 💬 Join the Conversation: Connect with Shay on Instagram @shaybollman and follow Hallie for weekly clinical takeaways, case study breakdowns, and program updates on  Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn. If Shay’s insights on responsive infant feeding and parent advocacy helped clarify your approach to complex cases, please take a moment to leave a review! Your support helps us share these vital clinical frameworks with therapists and families everywhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
128 Ratings

About

Hosted by Hallie Bulkin, a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®), Feeding Specialist and Speech Therapist, The Untethered Podcast™ focuses on the latest research and clinical evidence in Myofunctional Therapy, Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs, AKA Tongue Tie, etc), Airway and Pediatric Feeding. Produced with both providers and parents in mind, episodes include interviews with experts, personal stories from parents, and Q&A from our listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Hallie Bulkin
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    395
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hallie Bulkin
  • Show Website
    The Untethered Podcast™

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