The Morning Commute

A podcast for school-based SLPs, educators, and helping professionals who want to communicate more effectively, lead with confidence, and thrive without burning out — blending practical clinical wisdom with mindfulness and compassion-based leadership and nonviolent communication strategies. Each episode of The Morning Commute is worth 0.05 ASHA CEUs when you complete the accompanying course on www.speechtherapypd.com.

  1. 2d ago

    Your Thoughts Are Not the Boss: Staying Clear Under Stress

    Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube Being an SLP, SLPA, or helping professional can be mentally and emotionally demanding. Between constant planning, problem-solving, documentation, caseload demands, team communication, and personal responsibilities, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. In this episode of The Morning Commute, host Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, introduces Mindfulness of Thoughts as a practical strategy for recognizing thought patterns that may contribute to stress and emotional reactivity. Through relatable clinical examples, Stephanie examines the connection between thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and behavior. Rather than trying to stop thoughts or force positive thinking, she focuses on observing thoughts with curiosity and without judgment, creating space to respond more intentionally as stress builds. About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele founded Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned non-profit agency established in 2013. Show Notes: Free PDF: The Power of You eBook Guided Practice References: A Roadmap Series From Graduation to CF Handout 👉 Golden State of Mind 👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. 📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram Spotify Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute: 🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

  2. Sep 7

    Keep Calm and Speech On: How to Work With Emotions

    Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Watch on YouTube In this episode of The Morning Commute podcast, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, discusses the important role emotions play in clinical practice and why they should be viewed as valuable sources of information rather than problems to avoid or suppress. She examines how emotional awareness can strengthen communication, clinical decision-making, and relationships with clients and families. You'll learn how emotions are connected to unmet needs, practical strategies for responding to emotional challenges, and ways to approach difficult moments with greater intention and self-compassion. Stephanie also introduces the RAIN mindfulness practice—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture—as a simple framework clinicians can use to navigate emotions with greater awareness, resilience, and compassion. About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned non-profit agency established in 2013. Show Notes: Free PDF: The Power of You eBook Guided Practice References: A Roadmap Series From Graduation to CF Handout 👉 Golden State of Mind 👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. 📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram Spotify Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute: 🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

  3. Aug 3

    Coming Back to Your Body: Stress Relief for Helping Professionals

    Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes you to this episode of The Morning Commute, where she explores body mindfulness as a practical, accessible tool to help professionals in high-demand environments such as schools, clinics, and healthcare settings. Clinicians often spend their days managing paperwork, caseload demands, behavioral challenges, scheduling pressures, and emotional decision-making, all while becoming disconnected from their own physical and emotional needs. This episode emphasizes that mindfulness is not about eliminating stress or achieving perfect calm. Instead, it focuses on developing the ability to notice, pause, and return to the present moment with greater awareness and self-compassion. You'll leave with practical strategies to support your own well-being and, when appropriate, adapt these approaches for students and clients. About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned non-profit agency established in 2013. Show Notes: Free PDF: The Power of You eBook Guided Practice References: A Roadmap Series From Graduation to CF Handout 👉 Golden State of Mind 👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. 📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram Spotify Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute: 🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

  4. Jul 6

    Breathwork, Burnout & Staying Grounded in School-Based Work

    Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: Feeling the pressure as you step from graduation into your first professional role? Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, explores practical grounding, breathwork, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation strategies designed specifically for helping professionals working in school-based and clinical settings. You'll learn how stress, emotional overload, burnout, and chronic multitasking impact attention, emotional regulation, communication, and overall well-being both personally and professionally. This episode is designed to support clinicians in building greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, focus, and intentionality as they navigate the realities of the helping professions. You'll leave with immediately applicable tools and resources to support both personal well-being and professional sustainability. About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. Show Notes: The Power of You eBook References: A Roadmap Series From Graduation to CF Handout 👉 Golden State of Mind 👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. 📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram Spotify Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute: 🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

  5. Apr 6

    From Mistakes to Growth: 3 Shifts for School Professionals

    Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/mistakes-to-growth In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, discusses three common habits that quietly increase stress and burnout among school-based clinicians, and how small shifts in perspective can turn those moments into opportunities for growth. Stephanie walks through familiar scenarios that many SLPs experience during the school day. reacting too quickly in the moment, pushing past the body’s warning signs of stress, or assuming our perspective is the only one in the room. Through relatable stories and practical reflection, she shares how learning to pause can change how we respond to students, families, and colleagues. About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. Follow the Morning Commute: 👉 Golden State of Mind 👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. 📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram Spotify Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute: 🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

    From Mistakes to Growth: 3 Shifts for School Professionals
  6. Mar 2

    Caseload Overwhelm: Stop Surviving, Start Advocating

    Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/stop-caseload-overwhelm Feeling buried under your caseload? You are not alone. In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, takes an honest look at what caseload and workload overwhelm really feels like for school-based SLPs. From packed schedules and constant paperwork to the emotional toll and real impact on students, this conversation reflects the day-to-day reality many clinicians face. Stephanie shares a personal story of burnout, explores common conflict styles, and explains how principles of Nonviolent Communication can support clearer, more professional advocacy. You will walk away with practical, student-centered strategies to set boundaries, communicate your needs, and protect your well-being without burning out. About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education. Follow the Morning Commute: 👉 Golden State of Mind 👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc. 📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram Spotify Apple Podcasts 🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute: 🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

About

A podcast for school-based SLPs, educators, and helping professionals who want to communicate more effectively, lead with confidence, and thrive without burning out — blending practical clinical wisdom with mindfulness and compassion-based leadership and nonviolent communication strategies. Each episode of The Morning Commute is worth 0.05 ASHA CEUs when you complete the accompanying course on www.speechtherapypd.com.

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