Wheel Chat - Your Go-To Mobility Podcast

Wheel Chat
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness

The Wheel Chat Podcast hosted by Anthony Mitchell and Justin Boulos is your go-to podcast for all things mobility. Whether you’re a Clinician, wheelchair rep, end user or just curious, you’ll get the inside scoop on what really works gained from their twenty years of combined experience. Each week, Anthony and Justin share real life stories, practical advice, and their honest, unbiased opinions so that you feel empowered both professionally and within your daily life. Both actively working within the sector, they’re on a mission to positively impact the lives of others worldwide!

  1. 17h ago

    Reviewing the New Wheelchairs From REHACARE: Honest First Takes

    New wheelchairs are landing around REHACARE and your feed is full of launch posts. So which ones are actually new and which ones are just a new colour? Justin and Anton go through the latest releases with zero product training. Just brochures, websites and a lot of years in seating. They're upfront about that. It's first impressions only and they want the manufacturers to tell them where they got it wrong. You'll hear why Justin thinks compact bases are overdone unless your client is 16 inches or under. And why the armrests, not the base, usually decide whether a chair gets through a doorway. Justin breaks down shear in recline using two pivot points and his hands. They dig into a 39 cm seat-to-floor height on the new Permobil and the questions to ask before you get excited. Then there's the paediatric chair with flip-around casters that took Justin from a six to a ten. Plus the three questions to ask any rep about a folding rigid chair: weight, how it folds and durability. It wraps up with scores out of ten and one very honest disclaimer. Hosted by Justin Boulos (OT trained educator and Founder, Wheelieworx and Anton Mitchell [verify Anton's title and business]. Have a listen, then tell us where we're wrong. Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Reviewing the New Wheelchairs From REHACARE: Honest First Takes

  2. Sep 8

    Can Kids Stand Without Perfect Alignment?

    In this episode of WheelChat, Justin and Anton sit down with Ginny Paleg and Roslyn Livingstone to unpack a deceptively simple question: when, why and how should we be getting children and wheelchair users upright? The conversation moves from early standing and hip development through to powered standing, asymmetry, risk and the real-world decisions clinicians have to make. You will hear why upright positioning matters from early childhood, why powered standing may support function but does not always replace a separate standing frame, and why “not perfectly aligned” does not automatically mean “do not stand”. The episode also covers practical setup checks including colour, oxygen saturation, breathing, pelvis and trunk alignment, foot stability, knee support, AFOs, firm footwear, knee immobilizers and cervical collar use when clinically appropriate. Ginny and Roslyn are introduced in the episode as experienced PT and OT clinicians, researchers and lead authors in standing, stepping and power mobility. Listen for the practical clinical reasoning, the myth-busting, and Justin’s plain-language summary at the end. Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

  3. Jul 28

    Why Wheelchair Belts Should Not Be Mounted Like Car Seatbelts | S2 EP2 with Barend ter Haar

    Episode 2 of Season 2 is here!  This episode of Wheel Chat answers a deceptively simple clinical question: how do we use standards to make better wheelchair seating decisions, especially when the common default is not necessarily the best clinical option? Justin speaks with Barend about ISO standards, pelvic belt positioning, four-point belt use, wheelchair transport tie-downs, cushion testing and pressure injury prevention.  The practical takeaways are clear: wheelchair belts are positioning devices, not car seatbelts; cushion choice should consider tissue viability, positioning and function; and pressure injury prevention is far easier than treatment. Barend has decades of experience in wheelchair seating and standards development. Listen in for a practical, clinician-friendly conversation that turns standards into everyday prescription decisions. Subscribe, leave us a review and share this episode with every clinician and wheelchair rep you know! Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Why Wheelchair Belts Should Not Be Mounted Like Car Seatbelts | S2 EP2 with Barend ter Haar

  4. Jun 10

    Are Wheelchairs Hurting Children’s Hips? | S2 EP1 with Dr. Mathias Axt ( Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon)

    We are back for Season 2 — and we are kicking things off in a big way. I'll be honest with you. Hip abduction in non-ambulant children is one of those topics that every clinician I know has wrestled with at some point. How much abduction is enough? Are we helping or are we making things worse? Should every non-ambulant child be sitting in abduction? And what on earth do we do with a windswept deformity? I've been hearing Dr. Mathias Axt's name out in the traps for years whenever these questions come up — and now I finally got him on the pod. Dr. Axt is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in children's hospitals, specialising in hip development, surgical management, and long-term outcomes in non-ambulant children. The man knows his stuff, and he does not hold back. This episode is for you whether you're a clinician, a wheelchair rep, or a parent or end user trying to make sense of what you've been told about seating and hips. We cut through the confusion and get into the real clinical principles that should be driving these decisions. In this episode, we cover: Why hips migrate in children with cerebral palsy — and why they're normal at birthThe role of muscle imbalance, Coxa Valga, and antetorsion in hip displacementWhy abduction is a tool, not a rule — and what the 20-degree principle actually meansThe danger of forcefully abducting an already subluxed hipWindswept deformity — what it is, why it matters, and how to seat around itWhy frog leg positioning is something we want to avoid and what to do insteadThe problem with standard contoured cushions and why flat cushions with adjustable pommels may serve these kids betterWhy pelvis rotation is more important than leg symmetryThe call for better collaboration between clinicians, wheelchair reps, and manufacturersThis one genuinely changed the way I'm thinking about how we seat these kids. Subscribe, leave us a review, and share this with every clinician and wheelchair rep you know because this conversation needs to keep going. Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Are Wheelchairs Hurting Children’s Hips? | S2 EP1 with Dr. Mathias Axt ( Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon)

  5. 09/30/2025

    Wheel Chat: Episode 17 – Cerebral Palsy, Posture & Function: Rethinking Dynamic Splints with Second Skin’s Cathy Harries & Andrea Hinckley

    In this follow-up to their popular appearance on Episode 16, Cathy Harries and Andrea Hinckley from Second Skin return to Wheel Chat for a deep dive into cerebral palsy—covering early intervention, postural care across the lifespan, and how dynamic splinting can change the game for function, comfort, and quality of life. From toddlers learning to sit, to teenagers building independence, to adults managing pain and postural changes—this episode is packed with clinical insights, practical strategies, and honest conversations about what’s possible with the right goals, tools, and timing. What’s in this episode: When to consider dynamic splints for children with CP (and what to look for)Why “low function” never means “no function”The truth about splints: soft, dynamic, and made for real-life wearReal-world case stories: from walking trails in Cairns to managing pain at workManaging transitions to adulthood: posture, pain, and long-term planningSetting goals, managing expectations, and getting buy-in from teensHow to fund and fit Second Skin into a client’s broader care planWhether you're new to cerebral palsy care or supporting long-term clients, this episode offers a realistic, hopeful, and clinically grounded look at supporting posture and participation at every stage of life. Connect with Andrea: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hinckley-891677223/ Find out more about Second Skin: https://www.secondskin.com.au/ Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Wheel Chat: Episode 17 – Cerebral Palsy, Posture & Function: Rethinking Dynamic Splints with Second Skin’s Cathy Harries & Andrea Hinckley

  6. 09/23/2025

    Wheel Chat: Episode 16 – Post-Stroke Tone, Splinting & the Truth About Shoulder Slings with Second Skin’s Cathy Harries & Andrea Hinckley

    In this episode of Wheel Chat, Anton and Justin are joined by Cathy Harries and Andrea Hinckley from Second Skin, an Australian-based team of OTs specialising in custom dynamic splints and compression garments. Together, they dig deep into tone management after stroke, the clinical realities of spasticity, and why slings might be doing more harm than good. With decades of experience and a passion for client-centred innovation, Cathy and Andrea share expert insights on early intervention, splinting strategies, and the critical role of comfort, posture, and pain reduction in long-term outcomes. What’s in this episode: What tone really is—and why it's more complex than “high” or “low”Rethinking shoulder slings: when they help, when they harmPost-stroke splinting: timing, goals, and who it’s right forNeuroplasticity, function, and why “late” isn’t too lateSeating, transfers, and pain management as essential goalsPowerful real-world stories that show the impact of the right interventionHow to manage expectations without losing hopeThis conversation is full of practical takeaways for therapists, rehab teams, and anyone working with post-stroke clients—and we’re hoping to continue it in a future episode. Connect with Andrea: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hinckley-891677223/ Find out more about Second Skin: https://www.secondskin.com.au/ Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Wheel Chat: Episode 16 – Post-Stroke Tone, Splinting & the Truth About Shoulder Slings with Second Skin’s Cathy Harries & Andrea Hinckley

  7. 09/16/2025

    Wheel Chat: Episode 15 – Power Chair Design, Drive Performance & the Dream Wheelchair with Alex Chesney

    Back by popular demand, Alex Chesney returns to Wheel Chat! In this episode, Anton and Justin sit down once again with the brilliant neurological OT and clinical education lead from Quantum Rehab for a deep dive into power wheelchair technology, product design, and real-world performance. From the evolution of the Quantum Stretto and Edge 3 to navigating aesthetic vs. functional needs, crash testing realities, and what actually matters to users this conversation covers it all, with the usual mix of humour, insight, and honesty. What’s in this episode: Why aesthetics, performance, and power base layout all matterThe evolution of Quantum’s Stretto and how it compares to the Edge 3Front-wheel drive for bariatric clients and oedema: clinical benefits and limitationsCrash testing, transport tie-down myths, and international funding frustrationsGlobal wheelchair wish lists: what the “dream chair” really looks likeWhy innovation often stalls and how funding systems play a roleAlex’s inspiring work with RSVP Texas and what it takes to build grassroots accessThis one is packed with product insights, practical takeaways, and a few unexpected laughs. Whether you're a clinician, ATP, or just a power chair enthusiast, you won’t want to miss it. https://www.rsvptexas.org/ https://quantumrehab.co.uk/ Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Wheel Chat: Episode 15 – Power Chair Design, Drive Performance & the Dream Wheelchair with Alex Chesney

  8. 09/09/2025

    Wheel Chat: Episode 14 – First-Time Power Mobility, Growth Planning & Small Fixes with Big Impact

    In this episode of Wheel Chat, Anton Mitchell and Justin Boulos catch up to unpack a few standout cases from their week—including a powerful moment of first-time independent mobility for a young client with complex cerebral palsy needs. From clever adaptations and growth planning to the value of simplicity and knowing when not to start from scratch, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, clinical insights, and those feel-good moments that remind us why we do what we do. What’s in this episode: Power wheelchair trial success: driving down fear and up a steep Blue Mountains drivewaySmart scripting for abduction, post-op spinal supports, and custom footrestsSimple tips for supporting safe learning in first-time power mobility usersGrowth management in children’s wheelchairs: depth, width, and practical workaroundsKnowing when to refurbish vs. replace—and why a small fix can make a big differenceWhy reps (yes, reps!) need to write better notesThe importance of celebrating small wins in the assessment and delivery processWhether you're a therapist, rep, parent, or AT enthusiast, this episode is full of the real-world reflections and relatable wins that make Wheel Chat what it is. Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

    Wheel Chat: Episode 14 – First-Time Power Mobility, Growth Planning & Small Fixes with Big Impact
See All (21)

About

The Wheel Chat Podcast hosted by Anthony Mitchell and Justin Boulos is your go-to podcast for all things mobility. Whether you’re a Clinician, wheelchair rep, end user or just curious, you’ll get the inside scoop on what really works gained from their twenty years of combined experience. Each week, Anthony and Justin share real life stories, practical advice, and their honest, unbiased opinions so that you feel empowered both professionally and within your daily life. Both actively working within the sector, they’re on a mission to positively impact the lives of others worldwide!

Information

You Might Also Like