Best Occupational Therapy Podcasts (2025)

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#357 - What It Really Takes to Be a Great OT Practitioner 17:53

1h ago17:53

17:53

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale What really makes a great occupational therapy practitioner? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the key qualities that set exceptional OTs apart—beyond just clinical skills. We’ll chat about: The importance of lifelong learning and continuing education Why collaboration with…

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#103 Pediatric Sleep and OT with Amy Gore Hartman 1:02:51

6d ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Between 20-30% of typically developing children experience sleep difficulty in childhood. The percentage of neurodiverse children with considerable sleep problems is even more staggering at 40-80%. On one hand, it is sobering to consider the impacts of sleep difficulties on children and adolescents. As you’ll hear in this week's article review: Sle…

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#356 - How Retained Primitive Reflexes Impact Daily Life for Autistic Children 23:08

7d ago23:08

23:08

Shop our Autism Acceptance Month Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/aam-sale What are Primitive Reflexes? https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/what-are-primitive-reflexes?_pos=1&_sid=91f65780c&_ss=r We’re diving deep into the connection between retained primitive reflexes and autism. You'll learn what these reflexes are, why they might stick around lon…

1
🚨⭐Why Did We Create IhomaWorld? ⭐🚨 2:20

11d ago2:20

2:20

🚨⭐Why Did We Create IhomaWorld? ⭐🚨 I want to talk to you about why we built IhomaWorld. When we started designing IhomaWorld, we didn’t begin with a product. We began with people. People who receive services through Medicaid waiver programs. People who live with disabilities. People who are often left out of the conversation when it comes to innova…

1
🚨⭐Why Did We Create IhomaWorld? ⭐🚨 2:20

11d ago2:20

2:20

🚨⭐Why Did We Create IhomaWorld? ⭐🚨 I want to talk to you about why we built IhomaWorld. When we started designing IhomaWorld, we didn’t begin with a product. We began with people. People who receive services through Medicaid waiver programs. People who live with disabilities. People who are often left out of the conversation when it comes to innova…

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#355 - OT Isn’t Just Arts and Crafts (and Other Myths We’re Busting!) 21:17

14d ago21:17

21:17

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale Sign up for our FREE live webinar on April 16th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/classroom-sensory-strategies-webinar-registration-2025 We’re setting the record straight on some of the most common myths about occupational therapy! From the idea that OTs just help peo…

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#102 Value-Based Care Contracts with Dana Strauss & Carlin Reaume 1:00:09

20d ago1:00:09

1:00:09

While many OTs work in a fee for service model, the reality is that we are undergoing a seismic shift towards value based care. In fact it's estimated that 238.8 million Americans receive healthcare in a value-based care model. These already large numbers are expected to grow significantly in the coming years. OTs has tremendous potential in value-…

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#354 - The Power of OT: Helping Autistic Children Navigate Life 27:05

21d ago27:05

27:05

Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-sale Happy OT Month and Autism Acceptance Month! In this episode of All Things Sensory, we’re diving into the incredible role Occupational Therapy (OT) plays in supporting autistic children. Whether you’re an OT, parent, educator, or just curious about how OT can make a…

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#353 - Building Sensory Success at Home: Our Favorite HEP Strategies 21:03

28d ago21:03

21:03

Home exercise programs (HEPs) are a game-changer for sensory regulation, emotional development, and reflex integration—but only if they’re done consistently! In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite HEP activities that are easy to implement and make a big impact. From sensory diet routines like jumping, crawling, and bubble mountain to oral moto…

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#101 Sleep, Mental Health, and OT with Amanda Carroll 1:06:02

1M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Nearly one third of people experience sleep disturbances. And, about 23% of adults experience mental health illness. These high percentages mean that both sleep and mental health are global, public health challenges in their own right. However, emerging research suggests we should not think of these challenges separately. They are more intertwined …

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#352 - Hidden Barriers to Learning: What Every Teacher Should Know 24:33

1M ago24:33

24:33

Register for our FREE Live Webinar on March 24, 2025 - https://harkla.co/pages/register-for-the-primitive-reflex-webinar-2025 Primitive reflexes play a crucial role in early development, but when they don’t integrate properly, they can create challenges in the classroom—impacting focus, learning, and behavior. In this episode, we’re breaking down w…

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#351 - The Power of Play: Primitive Reflex Integration with the Harkla Sensory Dice 17:59

1M ago17:59

17:59

We are beyond excited to introduce Harkla’s newest sensory tool—the Sensory Dice! These simple yet powerful dice are designed to make sensory and primitive reflex integration fun, engaging, and effective. In this episode, we dive into how sensory integration and primitive reflex integration are deeply connected—when you work on one, you naturally s…

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#100 Starting an OT Private Practice with Carlin Reaume 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Starting a side hustle private practice is one of the best ways to safeguard your career, pursue a niche interest, and meet some of the many unmet needs in your community. But, let’s be honest: the process of getting going can be daunting. In this Ask Me Anything (AMA), we are welcoming Carline Reaume, OTD, OTR/L, DipACLM, PMH-C, PCES back to the p…

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#350 - BCBAs Unfiltered: The Truth About Behavior Therapy & Juvenile Justice 1:06:05

2M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

Maranda Argiros, BCBA and Jenny Barcellona, BCBA provide Behavior Training and Support for Caregivers and Families which consists of Family Focused Treatments and Interventions that equip families with the tools they need to foster behavior change in their natural environment. In addition, they provide Behavior Consulting Services for schools, dayc…

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#349 - 5 Strategies to Support Sensory Avoiders in Everyday Life 20:50

2M ago20:50

20:50

Creating and Implementing Sensory Diet Routines to Improve Daily Activities - https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course In today’s episode, we dive into the world of sensory avoiders—children (and even adults) who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input and react with avoidance or distress. We'll explore key signs that your chil…

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#99 Carpal Tunnel and OT with Rachel Egan 55:07

2M ago55:07

55:07

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects quality of life in 1-5% of people. The first step in treatment of carpal tunnel should be non-surgical treatment, which includes education, often a steroid injection, and therapy. But what should that therapy look like? In this live webinar, we will discuss carpal tunnel education, assessment and treatment with Rachel…

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#348 - Supporting Sensory Seekers: Practical Tips for Every Day 20:27

2M ago20:27

20:27

Learn how to create personalized sensory diet routines that actually work! https://harkla.co/products/sensory-diet-course In today's episode we dive into strategies to support sensory seekers. If your child is constantly seeking movement, touch, or sounds that interfere with their daily activities—or if they never seem to get enough sensory input—t…

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Strategies for Coping with Stress & Burnout for OT Practitioners and Students (Episode 134) 1:04:00

2M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Jonathan Miller, OTD, OTR/L, holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies and Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Arkansas State University. Jonathan has practiced clinically for five years in a variety of setting to include outpatient hand therapy, long-term acute care, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab, and acute care. Jonathan began work…

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#347 - Helping Kids Love Mealtime: OT Tips for Feeding Success! 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

In today’s episode, we dive into some real-life feeding strategies that Jessica recently discussed with a fellow OT who’s working with a client struggling with picky eating and meal-time resistance. Feeling stuck in a rut? You're not alone! Sometimes it just takes a good brainstorming session to unlock fresh ideas. We cover practical tips and strat…

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#346 - Finding the Right Balance: Should We Accommodate or Desensitize? 23:58

3M ago23:58

23:58

In this episode, we dive deep into a critical question for therapists and caregivers: should we accommodate or desensitize? Sensory processing challenges can significantly impact a child’s daily life, and understanding when to offer accommodations and when to gently push for desensitization is key to promoting independence and improving quality of …

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#98 Pediatric Feeding Therapy with Suzie Driscoll 55:27

3M ago55:27

55:27

Childhood feeding problems are one of the most common complaints raised during primary care visits. Which is not surprising, given that the prevalence of pediatric feeding disorder is around 1 in 37 children under age 5. Feeding disorders overall are common in the pediatric population, with a prevalence of 25% of children in the general population …

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#345 - A Balanced Brain - New Multi-Sensory Program is LIVE! 17:24

3M ago17:24

17:24

Many many years ago, we created a 30 day challenge - it was our 30 Day Multi-Sensory Challenge - and it included 30 activities with the metronome. Our goal was to give parents and therapists a variety of multi-sensory activities to help with processing speed, auditory processing, motor coordination, ocular motor development, bilateral coordination,…

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#344 - The Connection Between Multi-Sensory Processing and Dyslexia 21:23

3M ago21:23

21:23

Check out our new program! https://harkla.co/products/balanced-brain In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between dyslexia and multi-sensory learning strategies. From understanding the neurological challenges dyslexia presents, to discovering how engaging multiple senses can significantly improve reading and writing skills, we dive d…

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#97 Grip Strength as a Vital Sign with Gabriella Francis 57:55

3M ago57:55

57:55

However you think about group strength it probably is not broadly enough. Grip strength is NOT just about hand strength. It is NOT just an indicator of upper body strength. It is NOT just about overall strength. Grip strength is associated with: mortality psychological health functional disabilities hospitalization morbidity The article we are revi…

1
#343 - How Sensory Processing Affects Executive Function 20:37

3M ago20:37

20:37

LIVE Free Webinar on Jan. 20! Sign up here: https://harkla.co/pages/balanced-brain-webinar-registration In this episode, we dive into the connection between sensory processing and executive function. We begin by defining sensory processing and its vital role in our daily lives. From the basic five senses of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell, to…

1
#342 - How to Use Movement and Sensory Activities to Promote Communication When You’re Not an OT 19:53

3M ago19:53

19:53

Should SLPs use sensory strategies during their sessions? That’s the question we’re discussing in this podcast episode! We dive into making sure we stay within our scope of practice when using different tools, how SLPs and other professionals can use movement and sensory activities with their clients, and some specific activity ideas that we know w…

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#96: OT and Value-Based Care with Dana Strauss 1:24:00

4M ago1:24:00

1:24:00

We’ve all known for a while that the current fee-for-service models that most occupational therapists operate under are bad for patients and bad for healthcare. Why? Because it incentives volume of services over quality of services. If you’re like me, you may feel like you’ve been waiting for years for value based care to really take hold in the Un…

1
#341 - Five OT Tips to Improve Handwriting! 15:20

4M ago15:20

15:20

In this episode, we’re not going to talk about how to improve letter formation, placement on the line, or size. Instead, we’re going to focus on how to improve the underlying skills required for handwriting, including postural control, strength, dexterity, visual tracking, and more! We also chat about primitive reflexes and give you some specific i…

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#340 - Visual Schedules Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Approach 22:00

4M ago22:00

22:00

We talk a lot about using visual schedules to help children with routines, sensory diets, transitions, and more. But if you’ve never created and used a visual schedule with a child, how do you get started? We break it down step-by-step, starting with identifying the specific routine or activities you want to add to a visual schedule. We dive into d…

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#95: What is OT in 2025? with Sarah Brzeszkiewicz 1:01:42

4M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Through OT Potential, we’ve released over 94 episodes all exploring new influential OT research. As we enter 2025, it’s time to reflect on the research and ask: What trends are we seeing in OT? How is new research enriching how we think about our practice? In this 1 hour-episode, we’ll talk about new trends, with a particular focus on what commonal…

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#339 - How Heavy Work Activities Can Help With Anxiety 20:16

4M ago20:16

20:16

Save 20% on our digital courses through December 23rd, 2024! https://harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale We are diving into the variety of benefits that can be gained from using proprioception - heavy work activities, specifically as it relates to anxiety and adults! Proprioception is typically calming to the nervous system and we dive int…

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#338 - Why is My Kid Bouncing Off the Walls Before They Go to Bed and What to do About it?! 22:19

4M ago22:19

22:19

Save 20% on our digital courses through December 23rd, 2024! https://harkla.co/pages/digital-courses-holiday-sale We get this question all the time! “Why is my child bouncing off the walls before bed?!” In this episode, we’re going to break down the WHY - why is your child bouncing off the walls before bed? Is it due to sensory seeking tendencies o…

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#94: OT and Clinical Decision Support with Brad Willingham 1:10:19

5M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Artificial intelligence is ushering a new era of healthcare tools. These range from ambient listening to streamlined practice management. But, the AI-supported that I believe will truly transform occupational therapy is: Clinical Decision Support. To be honest, it often feels like we have more clinical decision barriers than we have support. Our EM…

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#337 - 12 Things You Need to Know About Sensory Integration 21:51

5M ago21:51

21:51

Shop our Holiday Sale! https://harkla.co/pages/holiday-sale This episode is all about sensory processing, sensory integration, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). We dive into the 8 sensory systems, why SPD is not a recognized diagnosis, sensory meltdowns, and how SPD can affect daily life. Share this episode with a friend who is new to the ‘sen…

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#336 - Sensory Products for Sensory Seekers and Sensory Avoiders: Holiday Edition 25:31

5M ago25:31

25:31

Shop our BIGGEST sale of the year! https://harkla.co/pages/black-friday-cyber-monday In this episode, we are breaking down what it means for someone to be a “sensory seeker” and what it means for someone to be a “sensory avoider.” Then we talk about our favorite sensory products for both including the Harkla Compression Swing, lycra tunnels, weight…

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#93: OT and BPPV with Jeff Walter 1:01:56

5M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

The Epley maneuver is a 💎 rare gem 💎 in the OT toolkit. A patient can walk into our treatment room, and they can walk out cured. They can walk out with instant relief. (Yes, there is nuance to this. Sometimes the maneuver needs to be repeated. Sometimes it simply doesn’t work. There are important contraindications.) But, the other thing that makes …

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#335 - Listener Question: Tips for an Overstimulated Child and Parent! 23:08

5M ago23:08

23:08

Shop our BIGGEST sale of the year! Today we are answering a listener question: how to help a 5-year-old who becomes overstimulated and how to help the parent who becomes overstimulated. We discuss strategies to set the child up for success before the overstimulating situations, strategies for the car ride, and how to decompress. We also talk about …

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170 – Digital Identity Influencers and Mental Health ft Dr Jessica Levick 1:24:03

5M ago1:24:03

1:24:03

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Jessica Levick to explore the intersection of identity, social media, and the commercialisation of mental health. Together, we unpack the growing influence of social media personalities on mental health narratives, discussing both the opportunities and the challenges this creates for individuals seeking support. …

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#334 - Listener Question: Tips for Safety During Transitions 11:38

5M ago11:38

11:38

We are answering a listener question today: a 4-year-old child who is receiving speech and OT services and the family is struggling “to prevent eloping in parking lots and helping him understand the dangers of moving vehicles.” We talk about some different ideas including a sticker/reward chart, different ways to transition to the car, practicing “…

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#92: OT and Multiple Sclerosis with USA Paralympian Sarah Adam 59:17

6M ago59:17

59:17

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of non-traumatic disability in people aged 18-65 years. As rehab professionals, we know that exercise is one of the mainstays of treatment for these clients. Though not definitively established, exercise has the most potential promise to be disease modifying if started early in the course of disease.…

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#333 - The Difference Between Passive and Active Sensory Activities 23:54

6M ago23:54

23:54

Sign up for the Harkla Early Bird Holiday Sale - https://harkla.co/pages/early-sign-up What is the difference between a passive sensory activity and an active sensory activity? Is one type better than the other? How long does a passive sensory activity “last” in the body, compared to an activity sensory activity? We answer these questions and give …

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#332 - 10 Things We've Learned in 10 Years! 21:58

6M ago21:58

21:58

We’re sharing ten things that we’ve learned in the past 10 years! We’ve been certified occupational therapy assistants for just over 10 years and we’ve learned so many things, it was very difficult to pick just 10! We talk about mentoring, asking questions, referring out, and MORE! We’d love to hear from you - Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube …

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#91: Motor Learning in Neuro Rehab with Katie Riccio 1:02:48

6M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

As occupational therapists, many of us have witnessed the wonder of motor learning in neuro rehab. Yet despite years of research attempting to identify the most effective post-stroke interventions, the reality is that our understanding of how to improve recovery of function remains incomplete. The article we are reviewing today serves as an update …

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#331 - Listener Question: Tips for Understanding Sensory Challenges 14:48

6M ago14:48

14:48

We’re answering a listener question today - helping a parent understand how to help their child self-regulate, understand sensory challenges, how to find help, and how primitive reflexes might be connected to learning in school, specifically reading. This child was recently diagnosed with ADHD as well. We dive into using the Harkla Sensory Preferen…

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#330 - Crawling for Brain Development: An Interview with Rachel 20:13

6M ago20:13

20:13

Today we are chatting all about Rachel’s new curriculum: Crawling for Brain Development. Get the inside scoop on how Rachel created this book, why she is so passionate about crawling, and how you can get your hands on this amazing curriculum! Crawling for Brain Development© is a 5-week, guided program designed for children and adults ages 3-100+. I…

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#90: OT and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Emily Rich 1:13:43

6M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Unfortunately, research on the lived-experience for those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome shows us that we as a profession need to be doing a better job. People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome report: A lack of reliable information for themselves Social stigma from peers. Lack of awareness of EDS in the healthcare community As occupational therapy professi…

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#329 - The Connection Between Sensory Over-Responsiveness and Anxiety 30:55

7M ago30:55

30:55

Today we’re talking about sensory over-responsivity (what is it? What does it look like? Who can it impact?) and the connection to anxiety. We dive into 2 different research articles (linked below) as well as provide 3 tips: Develop individualized sensory diet routines and environmental modifications Look into retained primitive reflexes, specifica…

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#328 -Q&A: Picky Eating, Success with School Line-up, and Fatigue During Sports 25:19

7M ago25:19

25:19

We are answering your questions in today’s podcast episode! Question 1: How to help with picky eating, specifically with fruits and vegetables. Question 2: How to help a toddler with daycare/preschool line up when it’s time to come back inside after playing outside. Question 3: Understanding if soccer is the ‘just-right’ sport for a child with SPD,…

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#89: AI in Documentation with Dennis Morrison 1:16:22

7M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

In 50 years, you will look back on your occupational therapy practice and see a clear line in the sand between pre-AI augmented documentation and today. Ambient AI augmented documentation is going to: ✅Make documenting QUICKER ✅Make your notes HIGHER QUALITY ✅And, transform how you interact with clients And, if we harness this technology correctly,…

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#327 - Sensory Bins Aren't Just for Toddlers! Sharing A Variety of Ways to Use Sensory Bins Therapeutically 21:05

7M ago21:05

21:05

We are answering a listener question today! Is there an age limit when it comes to sensory bins? Are sensory bins beneficial for older children? How can we make sensory bins beneficial and fun for a variety of ages?We dive into the benefits of sensory bins, including tactile modulation and visual processing. Then we talk about our favorite ways to …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Occupational Therapy Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen