Root Cause Conversations

Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP

Root Cause Conversations is the podcast for anyone who wants to stop treating symptoms and start asking better questions. Each episode brings together experts across health, faith, development, and everyday life to dig deeper into the why behind the things that matter most  and translate it into real, practical language you can actually use. Pull up a seat. The conversation starts here.

Episodes

  1. 17h ago

    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 🌿 Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ 📖 Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/product-page/navigating-tongue-ties Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  2. 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 🌿 Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ 📖 Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/product-page/navigating-tongue-ties Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

  3. 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 🌿 Website: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/ 📖 Navigating Tongue Ties e-book: https://www.saltandlight-slp.com/product-page/navigating-tongue-ties Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltandlightspeechtherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltandlight.slp

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Root Cause Conversations is the podcast for anyone who wants to stop treating symptoms and start asking better questions. Each episode brings together experts across health, faith, development, and everyday life to dig deeper into the why behind the things that matter most  and translate it into real, practical language you can actually use. Pull up a seat. The conversation starts here.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Mavrakos, MS, CCC-SLP
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Root Cause Conversations
  • Show Website
    Root Cause Conversations