Root Cause Conversations

Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Kids & Family

Root Cause Conversations is the podcast for curious people who want to look beyond the obvious, ask better questions, and better understand the many pieces that shape our health, families, and our lives.  I'm Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, myofunctional therapist, and owner of Salt & Light Speech-Language Resources. My professional background gives me one lens for looking at whole-person health, but I certainly don't have all the answers. And honestly, that's part of why this podcast exists.  Because when I talk about "root causes", I don't mean there's always one hidden thing responsible for every symptom or struggle. I think of our health more like a puzzle. There are so many pieces that can intersect in ways we may not immediately recognize. That's why you'll hear conversations with people from various backgrounds. We're gonna sit down with healthcare providers and therapist, but also educators, parents, faith voices, and other people who can help us look at these questions from a different perspective. The goal isn't to have one person with all the answers. It's to bring different voices to the table, learn from one another, and help you feel better equipped to ask questions, advocate for yourself and your family, and build a collaborative team when you need one. My Christian faith is an important part of who I am and how I view whole person wellness, so you'll hear conversations about faith, scripture, and spiritual health here too. But you don't have to share my faith to join us. I believe we all have something we can learn from one another. And I want this to be more than a podcast you simply listen to. I want us to build a community around these conversations. I want to hear from you what questions you're asking and what topics you want us to explore. That's an important part of this. We're not here to chase perfect health or pretend we have it all figured out. The heart behind this is to stay curious, ask better questions, and have deeper conversations around things that matter to us. So pull up a seat. The conversation starts here.

Episodes

  1. Sep 17

    Pelvic Floor Therapy Isn’t Just for Postpartum: Pain, Constipation, Leakage & More with Dr. Stephanie Perez

    Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for pregnancy or postpartum recovery and a tight pelvic floor doesn’t necessarily mean a strong one. In this episode of Root Cause Conversations, Amanda sits down with Dr. Stephanie Perez, physical therapist and owner of Empowered Wellness in Pelham, Alabama, to talk about what the pelvic floor actually does and the symptoms that may signal pelvic floor dysfunction. From urinary leakage and painful intercourse to constipation, bedwetting, hip pain, and low back pain, Stephanie explains why symptoms that seem unrelated may have a pelvic floor component, and why simply doing more Kegels isn’t always the answer. Amanda and Stephanie also discuss pelvic floor health during perimenopause, why young athletes can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, the connection between constipation and bedwetting in children, and why men may benefit from pelvic floor therapy before and after prostate procedures. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • What the pelvic floor is and how it functions as part of the core • Why a tight pelvic floor is not necessarily a strong pelvic floor • Signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction • Urinary leakage, constipation, and healthy bathroom habits • The connection between constipation and bedwetting in children • Painful intercourse and pelvic floor changes during perimenopause • Why pelvic floor therapy isn’t only for women who have given birth • Pelvic floor concerns in athletes and younger women • Pelvic floor therapy for men and prostate health • What happens during a pelvic floor therapy evaluation • Why individualized treatment and home programs matter One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? You don’t have to wait until symptoms become severe—or assume that pain, leakage, constipation, or discomfort is simply something you have to live with. Understanding your body and asking better questions can be the first step toward finding the right support. ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Stephanie Perez is a physical therapist and owner of Empowered Wellness in Pelham, Alabama. Her team provides pelvic floor physical therapy and whole-person care designed to help patients better understand their bodies, address the underlying contributors to their symptoms, and feel more confident in their health. RESOURCES Follow Dr. Stephanie Perez and Empowered Wellness: https://www.instagram.com/pelvicptmama/ Learn more about Empowered Wellness: https://empoweredwellnesspt.com/ Download Dr. Stephanie's Free C-Section Recovery Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16-gAmssdVGo6JSod5yo6yZVJ4GIUGtUC/view?usp=sharing ABOUT ROOT CAUSE CONVERSATIONS Root Cause Conversations explores the connections between the way our bodies function, the way we live, and our overall health and wellness. Host Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP, sits down with professionals across healthcare and wellness to ask better questions, connect the dots, and help listeners become more informed advocates for themselves and their families. Root Cause Conversations Whole Person Health, Grounded in Truth. Connect with Amanda Grab my Free Parent Guide: Could These Signs Be Connected? The Free Parent Guide to Mouth Breathing, Sleep, Speech, Feeding & Oral Habits : https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  2. Sep 3

    Beyond the Symptoms: PANS/PANDAS, Heavy Metals & Root-Cause Pediatric Health with Kristin from Bloom Pediatrics

    What if the symptoms we see in our children are only one piece of a much larger story? In this episode of Root Cause Conversations, Amanda sits down with Kristin from Bloom Pediatrics to explore a more comprehensive, root-cause approach to children’s health. Together, they discuss the value of looking beyond isolated symptoms and considering how the different systems of the body work together. Kristin shares how a functional and whole-child perspective can help families connect the dots between concerns that may initially seem unrelated. Their conversation highlights the importance of listening carefully to parents, asking deeper questions, and recognizing that common symptoms should not automatically be dismissed simply because many children experience them. This episode is an encouraging reminder that parents do not have to settle for continually managing symptoms without understanding why they may be occurring. Through education, collaboration, and individualized care, families can feel more confident advocating for their children and taking meaningful next steps. In this conversation, Amanda and Kristin dive into topics including: • PANS and PANDAS, including signs parents may notice and why sudden behavioral or neurological changes deserve a closer look • Heavy metal exposure and detoxification in children • Gut health and the connection between the gut, brain, immune system, and overall well-being • Inflammation and how underlying inflammation may present in children • Nutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and their potential impact on a child’s health • Environmental exposures and other factors that can contribute to chronic or unexplained symptoms • Functional medicine testing and what clinicians may look for when investigating underlying contributors • Why “common” doesn’t necessarily mean “optimal” when it comes to children’s health • The importance of listening to parents when they know something has changed in their child • How functional medicine, traditional medicine, and other healthcare disciplines can work together to support the whole child Connect with Kristin:  Website: https://www.bloom-pediatrics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloom.pediatrics/ Connect with Amanda Grab my Free Parent Guide: Could These Signs Be Connected? The Free Parent Guide to Mouth Breathing, Sleep, Speech, Feeding & Oral Habits : https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  3. Aug 20

    Why "Wait & See" Isn't Always the Right Answer (with Jill Moscicki from Leap Pediatric Therapy)

    Okay everyone at the table, if you've ever noticed your baby favoring one side, a flat spot forming on their head, or something that just felt a little "off" about how they move, we're unpacking all of this today. I'm sitting down with Jill Moscicki from Leap Pediatric Therapy, a pediatric PT who works with kids from birth all the way through age 22, to talk about what's really going on underneath things like torticollis and plagiocephaly, and why "wait and see" isn't always the safest approach. Jill walks us through how to spot early red flags, why catching these things sooner rather than later makes such a difference, and what the process actually looks like if your child needs equipment or extra support along the way. We also dig into the root cause behind these physical delays, not just the visible symptom, because understanding the why changes how you show up for your child. If you're a parent trusting your gut about something you've noticed, or you just want to understand what pediatric PT actually covers, pull up a seat, this one's for you. Connect with Jill at Leap Pediatric Therapy:  Website: https://admin273528.wixsite.com/leapbham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leapbham/ Connect with Amanda Grab my Free Parent Guide: Could These Signs Be Connected? The Free Parent Guide to Mouth Breathing, Sleep, Speech, Feeding & Oral Habits : https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  4. Aug 6

    What a Doula Actually Does (It's Not What You Think)- with Rachel Bailey

    What a Doula Really Does: Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Support (with Birmingham Doula Rachel Bailey) Okay, y'all — this episode is one every expecting parent needs to hear. I'm sitting down with Birmingham-area doula Rachel Bailey of Eleison Doula Services to talk about what a doula actually does, because I promise it's so much more than "just being there" during labor. Rachel walks us through what real support looks like from pregnancy through those early postpartum weeks, helping families write flexible birth plans, navigate hospital routines, and get hands-on comfort support during labor (without stepping on your partner's role!). We also get into postpartum priorities like newborn care, meals, and even overnight support so exhausted parents can actually sleep. Rachel shares how she makes space for faith and spirituality in the birth space, when to reach out if you're considering a doula, and the questions to ask to find the right fit for your family. If you're pregnant, hoping to be, or just want to understand what support during birth can really look like — pull up a seat, this one's for you. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:52 Meet the Doula 04:40 What Doulas Do Daily 07:35 Supporting Different Birth Paths 10:18 Birth Doula Support Breakdown 14:57 Postpartum and Overnight Care 18:46 When to Hire a Doula 20:41 Childbirth Class Options 23:52 Faith and Spiritual Support 31:59 Choosing the Right Doula 37:44 Root Desires and Birth Goals 39:50 Class Pitch and Wrap Up 43:00 Final Thanks and Subscribe Connect with Rachel:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleisondoula/ Website: https://eleisondoula.com/ Birth Classes: https://eleisondoula.com/childbirth-classes-birmingham-al/ Connect with Amanda Grab my Free Parent Guide: Could These Signs Be Connected? The Free Parent Guide to Mouth Breathing, Sleep, Speech, Feeding & Oral Habits : https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  5. Jul 23

    What Is Root Cause Thinking? Introducing Root Cause Conversations

    Have you ever felt like you've been told what is happening, but no one could explain why? Welcome to the very first episode of Root Cause Conversations! In this intro episode, I'm sharing why I created this podcast and what you can expect from the conversations ahead. I talk about how working with kids who weren't making the progress I expected in speech therapy led me to start asking better questions. That journey introduced me to myofunctional therapy, tethered oral tissues, and the incredible connections between breathing, swallowing, oral function, speech, and overall health. This podcast is all about connecting the dots. We'll explore speech therapy, tongue ties, oral health, airway and feeding challenges, and whole-person wellness—while also making space for conversations about faith, family, and personal growth. Season One features conversations with incredible clinicians and local experts, including a doula, pediatric physical therapist, occupational therapist, orthodontist, and more, all centered around the real questions I'm hearing from families and professionals every day. If you're ready to stop settling for quick answers and start understanding the why, you're in the right place. Be sure to check the show notes for my free Root Cause Starter Guide and my Root Cause Course if you'd like to keep learning beyond the podcast. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and I'll see you next time on Root Cause Conversations. Continue Your Root Cause Journey 📖 Free Download: Root Cause Parent Starter Guide A simple guide to help you better understand tongue ties, oral habits, airway health, and what to look for. Download here: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide 🎓 Want to dive deeper? Explore the Root Cause Course—a self-paced course designed to help parents confidently connect the dots. Learn more: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/rootcause-course 📖 Related Reading Continue learning with this week's featured blog post. https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/post/what-every-parent-should-know-about-airway-health-tongue-ties-and-speech-therapy-and-what-we-re-d Connect with Amanda Grab my Free Parent Guide: Could These Signs Be Connected? The Free Parent Guide to Mouth Breathing, Sleep, Speech, Feeding & Oral Habits : https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  6. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Root Cause Conversations

    Welcome to Root Cause Conversations! I'm Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP  speech-language pathologist, small business owner, and woman of faith. In this trailer I'm sharing who I am, why I created this podcast, and what you can expect from every episode. If you're a parent searching for answers, a provider who wants to think differently, or anyone who has ever felt alone in their health journey, there's a seat at this table for you.  Subscribe so you don't miss Episode 1 dropping soon! Connect with Amanda Grab my Free Parent Guide: Could These Signs Be Connected? The Free Parent Guide to Mouth Breathing, Sleep, Speech, Feeding & Oral Habits : https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/rootcauseguide Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://saltandlightspeech.myflodesk.com/tonguetieebook The Root Cause Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseco/ Salt & Light Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  • 1 Trailer
    5 Episodes

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Root Cause Conversations is the podcast for curious people who want to look beyond the obvious, ask better questions, and better understand the many pieces that shape our health, families, and our lives.  I'm Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, myofunctional therapist, and owner of Salt & Light Speech-Language Resources. My professional background gives me one lens for looking at whole-person health, but I certainly don't have all the answers. And honestly, that's part of why this podcast exists.  Because when I talk about "root causes", I don't mean there's always one hidden thing responsible for every symptom or struggle. I think of our health more like a puzzle. There are so many pieces that can intersect in ways we may not immediately recognize. That's why you'll hear conversations with people from various backgrounds. We're gonna sit down with healthcare providers and therapist, but also educators, parents, faith voices, and other people who can help us look at these questions from a different perspective. The goal isn't to have one person with all the answers. It's to bring different voices to the table, learn from one another, and help you feel better equipped to ask questions, advocate for yourself and your family, and build a collaborative team when you need one. My Christian faith is an important part of who I am and how I view whole person wellness, so you'll hear conversations about faith, scripture, and spiritual health here too. But you don't have to share my faith to join us. I believe we all have something we can learn from one another. And I want this to be more than a podcast you simply listen to. I want us to build a community around these conversations. I want to hear from you what questions you're asking and what topics you want us to explore. That's an important part of this. We're not here to chase perfect health or pretend we have it all figured out. The heart behind this is to stay curious, ask better questions, and have deeper conversations around things that matter to us. So pull up a seat. The conversation starts here.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root Cause Conversations
  • Show Website
    Root Cause Conversations