Speech Talk

Epizódok

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  How Do We Even Treat Dysarthria? 28.07.2026 36p

  Do oral and pharyngeal exercises help post-stroke dysarthria? Emily and Eva examine a recent review (Yunusova et al.), unpack why swallowing outcomes often show benefit while speech outcomes do not, discuss goal-writing pitfalls, and get into practical treatment. Talking about their own practice and how they address dysarthria treatment- because if we don't talk we can't learn from each other. Citations: Marzouqah R, Huynh A, Chen JL, Boulos MI, Yunusova Y. The role of oral and pharyngeal motor exercises in post-stroke recovery: A scoping review. Clin Rehabil. 2023 May;37(5):620-635. doi: 10.1177/02692155221141395. Epub 2022 Nov 25. PMID: 36426582; PMCID: PMC10041576.  Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: www.SpeechTalkPod.com Instagram: @speechtalkpod Support: buymeacoffee.com/speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Art (and Science) of Clinical Supervision 14.07.2026 43p

  Supervision is so much more than signing off on competencies. It shapes clinician confidence, patient care, and the future of our profession. In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva welcome their very first guest, Olivia, to reflect on her completed externship and unpack what effective supervision really looks like. Together, they explore the research on clinical supervision, discuss different supervisory styles, and share honest stories about balancing mentorship with productivity demands in skilled nursing facilities. Whether you're supervising students, preparing for an externship, or reflecting on your own clinical training, this episode offers practical strategies grounded in research and real-world experience. Research discussed:Terry, D., Nguyen, H., Perkins, A. J., & Peck, B. "Supervision in Healthcare: A Critical Review of the Role, Function and Capacity for Training." Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Support: buymeacoffee.com/speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Finding the Right Dose for Dysphagia Treatment 30.06.2026 43p

  How many repetitions does it take to improve swallowing? How hard should dysphagia exercises be? And are we prescribing enough therapy to make a meaningful difference? In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva tackle a question many clinicians have asked but few were formally taught to answer: how do we dose dysphagia therapy? Using the article Exercise Prescription for Dysphagia: Intensity and Duration Manipulation by Sapienza and colleagues, they explore how principles of exercise science can help guide swallowing rehabilitation. The discussion breaks down the concepts of treatment intensity and duration, why different energy systems matter for swallowing function, and how direct and indirect dysphagia exercises may target different physiologic goals. The conversation also moves beyond the research and into real-world practice. Emily and Eva discuss the challenges of delivering adequate treatment intensity in skilled nursing facilities, strategies for increasing patient participation outside of therapy sessions, and practical ways to improve carryover without overwhelming patients or clinicians. Whether you're prescribing effortful swallows, EMST, Shaker exercises, lingual strengthening, or sensory-based swallowing tasks, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the question: not just what exercise should I use, but how much exercise is enough? Citations Exercise prescription for dysphagia: Intensity and duration. Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia), 17(2), 50–55.https://doi.org/10.1044/sasd17.2.50 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Support: buymeacoffee.com/speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The First 90 Days: Understanding Stroke Recurrence Risk 16.06.2026 42p

  A patient survives a stroke, starts rehab, and begins making progress. But what if their greatest risk isn't behind them? In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva dive into the often-overlooked topic of recurrent stroke. While many clinicians focus on recovery, research suggests the first 90 days after a stroke may carry a surprisingly high risk for another cerebrovascular event—and the way researchers define "stroke recurrence" dramatically changes the numbers. Join us as we unpack the article Underestimation of the Early Risk of Recurrent Stroke: Evidence of the Need for a Standard Definition and discuss what these findings mean for speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation professionals, and the patients we serve. Whether you work in a SNF, hospital, home health, or outpatient setting, this episode will leave you thinking differently about patient education and the critical role clinicians play during those first three months after stroke. Because sometimes the most important therapy conversation isn't about recovery—it's about preventing the next stroke. Citations https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11641623/ Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Support: buymeacoffee.com/speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Chronic Aspiration 02.06.2026 41p

  What happens when we can’t stop aspiration? In this episode, Eva and Emily talk about chronic aspiration and what happens when small, repeated events start to add up. From inflammation and airway damage to serious complications like pneumonitis and lung abscess, we break down what’s really happening in the lungs. We also connect the research to real clinical practice—what this means for your patients, how to approach treatment, and why oral care will forever be in the mix when talking about aspiration.  Citations Ficke B, Rajasurya V, Sanghavi DK, et al. Chronic Aspiration. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560734/ Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Support: buymeacoffee.com/speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The River and The Rock: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 19.05.2026 41p

  Ever feel like you’re fighting your patient just to get through a session? Explore Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a framework for speech therapy—not psychotherapy, but a way to rethink how we approach resistance, engagement, and progress. Using the metaphor of “the river and the rock,” Eva and Emily unpack how ACT shifts us away from power struggles and toward flexibility, values-based care, and meeting patients where they are. They break down the research on ACT in post-stroke depression and emerging work in aphasia, showing how emotional adjustment and communication recovery are deeply connected. Plus, we translate ACT concepts into real clinical scenarios—from dysphagia refusals to cognitive pushback to aphasia shutdowns—and walk through how to respond without arguing, forcing, or “fixing.” Because sometimes the most effective therapy isn’t pushing harder—it’s learning how to flow. Citations Niu, Y., Sheng, S., Chen, Y., Ding, J., Li, H., Shi, S., Wu, J., & Ye, D. (2022). The efficacy of group acceptance and commitment therapy for preventing post-stroke depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 31(2), 106225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106225 Evans, W. S. (Principal Investigator). (2021–2025). Adapting acceptance and commitment therapy for stroke survivors with aphasia (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04984239). University of Pittsburgh. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04984239 Evans, W. S. (n.d.).Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework [Continuing education course]. https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-introduction-10771 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Support: buymeacoffee.com/speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Choking Risk 05.05.2026 47p

  Choking is one of those moments where everything goes from normal to crisis in seconds—but how well are we actually measuring that risk? In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva break down the integrative review “Dying for a Meal” to explore what really contributes to choking across populations. From who is most at risk to the foods most commonly involved, the research reveals that choking isn’t always as straightforward as we think—and dysphagia isn’t always the main factor. We dive into five key prevention strategies, including mealtime modifications, oral health, medication management, interdisciplinary care, and system-level training. But beyond the strategies, we tackle the bigger question: how do we balance safety with autonomy? Because when it comes to choking risk, it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s everything around it Citations Hemsley, B., Steel, J., Sheppard, J. J., Malandraki, G. A., Bryant, L., & Balandin, S. (2019). Dying for a Meal: An Integrative Review of Characteristics of Choking Incidents and Recommendations to Prevent Fatal and Nonfatal Choking Across Populations. American journal of speech-language pathology, 28(3), 1283–1297. https://doi.org/10.1044/2018_AJSLP-18-0150 -This article link contains the choking risk scale for use in your practice! Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Reseach but Make it Accessible 21.04.2026 33p

  Research is supposed to guide our practice—but what happens when we can’t actually access it? In this episode of Speech Talk, Eva and Emily get into the reality of paywalled research and what it means for evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology. Breaking down the article “The Effect of Open Access on Scholarly and Societal Metrics of Impact in the ASHA Journals,” they explore how access (or lack of it) shapes who reads, shares, and applies research. From citation counts to social media reach, the data is clear: the more accessible the research, the greater its impact. But with thousands of articles still behind paywalls, clinicians are often left out of the conversation. This episode gets real about the barriers SLPs face—and why making research more accessible isn’t just convenient, it’s essential for better patient care. Citations Long, H. L., Drown, L., & El Amin, M. (2023). The effect of open access on scholarly and societal metrics of impact in the ASHA journals. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 66(5), 1784–1796. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-00315 ASHA website for free resource links! https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedfiles/asha/research/ebp/finding-free-access-research.pdf Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the⁠ Human Content⁠ Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Does “Wet Voice” Actually Mean Dysphagia? 07.04.2026 44p

  Does a “wet” voice really mean your patient is aspirating? In this episode, Eva and Emily unpack research that challenges one of the most common clinical signs used in dysphagia assessment, wet vocal quality. Turns out, what we’ve been trained to hear might not be as reliable as we think. The need for instrumentals hasn't gone away, but the biggest national providers of mobile FEEs has...So what happens when we know we can’t solely rely on bedside exams and access to gold standard tools is limited? Let's talk about it. Citations: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Skilled nursing facility consolidated billing. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/skilled-nursing-facility-snf-consolidated-billing American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2023). The case for FEES in skilled nursing facilities. https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.OTP.28072023.fees-snf-slp.36/full/ Weldon, K., Kelchner, L., Silbert, N., & Rule, D. W. (2023). Listening for dysphagia: Voice quality sequelae of material in the airway. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_JSLHR-22-0012 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Thickened Liquids...It’s Complicated 24.03.2026 43p

  Thickened liquids are one of the most common recommendations in dysphagia management—but are they always the safest option? In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva review The Adverse Effects and Events of Thickened Liquid Use in Adults: A Systematic Review and dig into the real evidence behind thickened liquids. We talk aspiration risk, dehydration, pneumonia, quality of life, and why dysphagia management is rarely as simple as “just thicken it.” From the proxy problem in aspiration research to free water protocols and real-world SNF decision-making, this conversation explores why thickened liquids can help some patients, harm others, and almost always require careful clinical judgment. Because when it comes to dysphagia management… thickened liquids are complicated. Citations Abrams, S. W., Gandhi, P., & Namasivayam-MacDonald, A. M. (2023). The adverse effects and events of thickened liquid use in adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00380 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Difficult Dance: The SLP’s Role in Huntington’s Disease 10.03.2026 37p

  What does evidence-based practice look like when the disease is progressive, fatal, and relentlessly complex? This week on Speech Talk, Emily and Eva discuss clinical management of Huntington’s disease in long-term and residential care settings. Using a comprehensive 2007 primer for speech-language pathologists, we explore dysphagia progression, dysarthria, AAC challenges, behavioral supports, staff training, and the importance of early education. We also reflect on real-world clinical decision making with a late-stage patient — including thickened liquids, unintelligible speech, low-tech and high tech AAC, impulsivity, weight loss, and the emotional weight of progressive decline. Because sometimes evidence-based practice isn’t about fixing — it’s about guiding, adapting, and supporting with intention. Note to our listeners: Your headphones are not broken, the audio on this episode is a little funky (all Emily's fault). It is still worth a listen and we promise it won't happen again :) Citations Klasner, E. R., & Yorkston, K. M. (2007). A primer for speech-language pathologists managing clients with Huntington’s disease in a residential care facility. Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders, 17(2), 59–64. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4958906/ George Huntington (1872). On chorea. The Medical and Surgical Reporter. Huntington’s Disease Society of America. History of Huntington’s Disease. https://hdsa.org/what-is-hd/history-and-genetics-of-huntingtons-disease/history-of-huntingtons-disease/ BBC News. (2024). Experimental gene therapy slows progression of Huntington’s disease. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cevz13xkxpro Mentioned websites: Dysphagiaoutreach.org Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Bone Spurs & Bolus Flow: Cervical Osteophytes and Dysphagia 24.02.2026 30p

  In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva dive into cervical osteophytes (aka bone spurs in the neck) and how they can mechanically impact swallowing. We break down what osteophytes are, why they form, and how they can present just like “typical” dysphagia — globus, coughing, choking, wet vocal quality — but may gradually worsen over time. We talk about imaging (Because how else would we even know it’s there!?), conservative management strategies like texture modification and suprasubglottic swallow, and when a surgical consult might be appropriate. Citations Bakshi, S. S., & Ramesh, S. (2021). Cervical osteophytes causing dysphagia: A case report. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 361(5), e43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjms.2020.10.014 Lyrtzis, C., Poutoglidis, A., Stamati, A., Lazaridis, N., & Paraskevas, G. (2024). A case of dysphagia due to large osteophytic lesions in the cervical spine: A conservative approach. Cureus, 16(4), e59011. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.59011 Egerter, A. C., Kim, E. S., Lee, D. J., Liu, J. J., Cadena, G., Panchal, R. R., & Kim, K. D. (2015). Dysphagia secondary to anterior osteophytes of the cervical spine: A retrospective case series and literature review. Global Spine Journal, 5(5), e78–e83. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1546954 Park, B. J., Gold, C. J., Piscopo, A., Schwickerath, L., Bathla, G., Chieng, L.-O., Yamaguchi, S., & Hitchon, P. W. (2021). Outcomes and complications of surgical treatment of anterior osteophytes causing dysphagia: A single center experience. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 207, 106814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106814 Melbourne Swallow Analysis Centre. (n.d.). Cervical osteophytes and dysphagia. Retrieved February 13, 2026, from https://www.melbswallow.com.au/resources/cervical-osteophytes-and-dysphagia/ HealthCentral. (n.d.). Osteophytes (bone spurs). Retrieved February 13, 2026, from https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/spondylosis/osteophytes-bone-spurs Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Setting the Stage for Dementia Care 10.02.2026 47p

  How do we decide what to treat—and how—as dementia progresses? In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva break down the article Staging and Treatment Frameworks for Dementia Management by Mason-Baughman, Raupp, and Corman. We review how dementia is staged clinically, how those stages show up in communication and daily function, and what evidence-based treatment actually looks like across early, middle, and late stages. We walk through practical interventions for each stage—from compensatory strategies and functional maintenance in early dementia, to environmental supports and caregiver collaboration in moderate stages, to sensory-based and Montessori-informed approaches in late-stage dementia. We also discuss testing frameworks, documentation strategies, and how staging can guide ethical, realistic goal setting in long-term care. If you work with patients with dementia (especially in LTC or SNFs), this episode offers a clear, stage-based roadmap for treatment that supports dignity, function, and quality of life. Citations:Mason-Baughman, M. B., Raupp, S., & Corman, K. (2016). Staging and treatment frameworks for dementia management. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 1(SIG 15), 53–62. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/persp1.SIG15.53 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Getting Ahead of Dysphagia: Prehab in Head & Neck Cancer 27.01.2026 31p

  Up to 80% of patients treated for oropharyngeal head and neck cancer experience swallowing dysfunction—but what if we intervened before impairment starts? In this episode of Speech Talk, Eva and Emily break down the evidence behind prehabilitation for head and neck cancer, drawing from the literature review by Loewen et al. We unpack what prehab actually is, how swallowing therapy before and during treatment can preserve function, and why prevention is becoming central to dysphagia care. We cover evidence-based swallowing exercises, dosing considerations, nutrition and psychosocial support, patient education, and real-world clinical takeaways—including why timing matters more than you think. If you work with HNC patients (or want to), this episode will shift how you think about dysphagia intervention timelines. Citations: Loewen, I., et al. (2020). Prehabilitation for head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review. Current Oncology, 27(4), e382–e395. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7789666/ Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  A Very Geri Problem: Traumatic Brain Injury in Aging 13.01.2026 40p

  Traumatic brain injury isn’t just a young‑guy‑playing‑sports problem. This week on Speech Talk, we’re diving into TBI in older adults—a population with the highest rates of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality related to brain injury. Using the ASHA review Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: Epidemiology, Etiology, Rehabilitation, and Outcomes, we break down why TBIs are so common (and so often missed) in geriatrics, especially in SNFs and hospital settings. From falls and car accidents without a concussion diagnosis, to chronic health conditions and polypharmacy, this episode connects the dots between normal aging and TBI‑related cognitive‑communication changes. We talk through what TBIs actually look like in older adults, how to tell aging apart from injury, what assessments clinicians are really using in rehab, and how functional, fall‑focused, real‑world therapy can make a difference. If you’ve ever felt underprepared when a “no concussion noted” patient suddenly isn’t making sense—this one’s for you. Citations:Most of today’s data comes from a 2022 ASHA review synthesizing multiple large epidemiologic studies on traumatic brain injury in older adults. Mattingly, E., & Roth, C. R. (2022). Traumatic brain injury in older adults: Epidemiology, etiology, rehabilitation, and outcomes. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 7(3), 648–662. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_PERSP-21-00129 Albrecht, J. S., McCunn, M., Stein, D. M., Simoni-Wastila, L., & Smith, G. S. (2016). Sex differences in mortality following isolated traumatic brain injury among older adults. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 81(3), 486–492. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000001104 Taylor, C. A., Bell, J. M., Breiding, M. J., & Xu, L. (2017). Traumatic brain injury–related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths—United States, 2007 and 2013. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 66(9), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss6609a1 Fu, W. W., Fu, T. S., Jing, R., McFaull, S. R., & Cusimano, M. D. (2017). Predictors of falls and mortality among elderly adults with traumatic brain injury: A nationwide, population-based study. PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0175868. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175868 Bhullar, I. S., Roberts, E. E., Brown, L., & Lipe, H. (2010). The effect of age on blunt traumatic brain-injured patients. The American Surgeon, 76(9), 966–968. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20836344/ Get in Touch:hello@speechtalkpod.comwww.SpeechTalkPod.com Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  How 'bout a Quickie: Dysphagia Screeners 30.12.2025 31p

  This week on Speech Talk, we’re breaking down two of our favorite fast and evidence-backed dysphagia screeners: the TOMASS and the Yale Swallow Protocol. If you’ve ever been buried in a busy SNF day and wished for a quick but reliable way to check someone’s swallow, this episode is your new best friend. We walk you through how each tool works, what the research says, and why a simple cracker and a cup of water can give you so much clinically relevant information. You’ll hear practical tips for saving time, collaborating with nursing and OT, knowing when NOT to use these screeners, and using the results to support stronger documentation and referrals. Grab a saltine, pull up your badge buddy, and let’s talk about dysphagia screening you can actually use in your practice. CitationsTodaro, F., Pizzorni, N., Scarponi, L., Ronzoni, C., Huckabee, M. L., & Schindler, A. (2021). The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS): Reliability and validity in patients with dysphagia. International journal of language & communication disorders, 56(3), 558–566. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12613 Suiter, D. M., Sloggy, J., & Leder, S. B. (2014). Validation of the Yale Swallow Protocol: a prospective double-blinded videofluoroscopic study. Dysphagia, 29(2), 199–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9488-3  Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: www.SpeechTalkPod.com Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Productivi-Tea: Sipping on SNF Reality 16.12.2025 37p

  Productivity: the push button topic in the SNF world. If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s ethical and what’s expected, this episode will hit home. Instead of a research article, we dive into Akyko S. West’s dissertation on productivity requirements and moral distress in SNF rehab therapists (SLPs, PTs, OTs, RTs, and their assistants). This paper READS like every conversation we’ve had in break rooms for yearsss. We get real about navigating profit-driven healthcare, maintaining integrity, advocating for yourself, and knowing when to walk away. Citation: https://www.proquest.com/openview/0bd846d6fcbbeac4fd83aceacabfb8a7/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale: DOSS It Matter? (Spoiler: Yes.) 02.12.2025 26p

  We break down the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS)—a 7-point scale created to bring consistency, clarity, and objective severity ratings to dysphagia evals. We dig into the original 1999 article, why the scale was developed, and how SLPs can use it to support documentation, payor justification, and person-centered goal writing. Citation: Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS)O’Neil, K. H., Purdy, M., Falk, J., & Gallo, L. (2014). The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale. The ASHA Leader. https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/full/10.1044/leader.FTR1.19062014.36 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  MCI...Now What? 18.11.2025 30p

  How likely is someone with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to develop dementia down the line? In this episode, we’re digging into two key studies that explore how different types of MCI—amnesic, non-amnesic, and multi-domain—relate to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Breaking down what the data says, what tests matter most, and what we can actually say when patients ask, “So… am I going to have dementia?” This one’s all about making sense of cognitive subtypes, connecting research to real-world evaluation and discharge planning, and keeping our patient education rooted in evidence (and compassion). Citations: Kosmidis, M. (2018). Visual memory tests enhance the identification of amnestic MCI cases at greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. International Psychogeriatrics. https://doi.org/10.1017/S104161021800145X Serrano, C. M., Dillon, C., Leis, A., Taragano, F. E., & Allegri, R. F. (2013). Mild cognitive impairment: risk of dementia according to subtypes. Actas espanolas de psiquiatria, 41(6), 330–339. Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Should Food be Pretty? 04.11.2025 28p

  How gross is puree? This week, we’re talking about dysphagia and food presentation. We looked at a study that compared how patients felt about molded versus un-molded purees (spoiler: looks matter, but taste still wins). We’ll talk about how this ties into patient intake, quality of life, and what we actually can do about it in real-world settings—especially when we're not running the kitchen. Grab your scoop molds and let's dig in. Articles Cited: Wright, L., Cotter, D., & Hickson, M. (2005). The effectiveness of food presentation on intake and nutritional status in elderly patients with dysphagia. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 18(6), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2005.00635.x  Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpodPart of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices