Best Iep Tips Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 133 Top 5 Consequences of Not Requesting College Accommodations 18:05

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3d ago18:05

18:05

In this week’s episode of the After the IEP podcast—part of our 12-week summer college transition series—we’re diving into a critical conversation: what really happens when students with disabilities choose not to request college accommodations? Whether your student is hesitant, unsure, or planning to "wait and see" how college goes before applying…

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CIRSx Recap 2025: Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) Insights and Clean Home Tips for CIRS 34:39

11d ago34:39

34:39

For more information and support, visit us over at https://www.thecirsgroup.com/ Today, we're concluding our CIRSx 2025 recap, this time focusing on environmental topics and practical advice for maintaining a healthy home as a CIRS patient. We'll cover remediation planning, small particle cleaning, affordable housing for CIRS patients, and new test…

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How to Make a Formal Special Education Request (Say This Exactly) 3:48

2d ago3:48

3:48

Parents: If you think you’ve made a request for special education testing, but it wasn’t written, clean, concise, and clear… you didn’t. In this short but powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, walks you through exactlywhat a formal request is — and what it isn’t. No more: 🚫 "Hey Bob, can you check on that for me?" 🚫…

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AI, Authenticity, and Saving 10 Hours a Week: A Conversation with Matt Fornito 43:37

3d ago43:37

43:37

Are you using AI... or is it using you? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with keynote speaker, organizational psychologist, and AI strategist Matt Fornito to unpack what’s really happening in the world of artificial intelligence—and why it matters for educators, advocates, and business owners ali…

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Hot Topics + Hot Deals: July Q&A with the Special Education Boss® 58:03

3d ago58:03

58:03

July is heating up—and so is the conversation! In this live Q&A episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest questions on IEPs, 504s, eligibility, state complaints, ABA therapy, inclusion, and more. Plus, she announces exciting news: 📕 Karen’s long-awaited special education book is finally done—and pre-orders w…

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Dispute Resolution in Special Education: What Are Your Rights 29:03

4d ago29:03

29:03

If you're facing a disagreement with your child’s school over special education services, this episode is for you. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the four state-level dispute resolution options every parent, guardian, and advocate must know: ✅ IEP Facilitation ✅ Mediation ✅ State Complaint ✅ Due Process Hearing Thi…

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Ep. 60: Is It Positive Reinforcement or Punishment? Let’s Settle the Debate 7:13

4d ago7:13

7:13

This episode started as a quick Misfit Minute—but it turned into a deep dive, so we made it a full one. Inspired by that iconic Big Bang Theory clip with Sheldon and the chocolates, we break down a question behavior folks love to debate: 👉 Is it positive reinforcement... or positive punishment? We walk through a simple way to understand the four te…

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Preparing Students for Life After High School: The Critical Role of SLPs in Transition Planning 40:26

6d ago40:26

40:26

Hallie and guest Nathalie Lebrun chat about preparing students for life after high school. In this honest and energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Nathalie Lebrun—SLP, speaker, co-host of LeadSpeak Podcast and the voice behind LifeSpeak—about working with transition-age students. Nathalie shares how she went from post-acute reha…

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What Is a Due Process Hearing—and What Does It Mean for Parents and Advocates? 31:51

8d ago31:51

31:51

f you’ve ever said, “I’ll sue the school district,” you may be thinking about a due process hearing—but do you actually know what that means? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the fourth and most formal dispute resolution option under IDEA: the Special Education Due Process Hearing. Whether you’re a pare…

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Ask the Advocate: Mid-Year Wake-Up Call + Your Top IEP Questions Answered 56:22

10d ago56:22

56:22

We’re back with a no-holds-barred Ask the Advocate episode—and this one is fire. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is answering your most-asked questions with the clarity, humor, and wisdom you’ve come to expect. Spoiler: It’s July. That means we’re in the second half of the year—and there’s still time to get in the game and figh…

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From Mom Guilt to Systemic Change: Angie Pannuti's Special Education Advocacy Journey 45:56

11d ago45:56

45:56

What happens when a fiercely intelligent parent is told her child just isn’t “a good fit” for school? In this raw and powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Kentucky-based mom, medical professional, and now advocate, Angie Pannuti. What began as a personal struggle with sleep-deprived nights, guilt-fil…

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Ep 132 How to Get Disability Accommodations in College 14:59

11d ago14:59

14:59

Is your student heading to college with an IEP or 504 Plan? Then this episode is a must-listen. While your student may have had supports all through K-12, college operates under a different set of laws—and that means disability accommodations aren't automatic. In this episode of After the IEP, we break down how to get disability accommodations in c…

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From Classroom to Advocacy: Why This Educator Walked Away to Stand Up for Kids 23:34

12d ago23:34

23:34

The system isn’t just broken—it’s breaking teachers. This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Linda Glazewski, a bold new voice in the advocacy world. After 30+ years in the classroom, Linda walked away from the job she once loved to start advocating full-time for families and students with disabilities. Why? Beca…

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Misfit Minute #6: How to Teach Replacement Behaviors That Actually Work 1:05

11d ago1:05

1:05

In this bite-sized episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift: don’t just teach the rule—teach the replacement behavior. Saying “don’t do that” isn’t enough. Real behavior change happens when we teach students exactly what to do instead. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🚫 Saying “don’t do that” doesn’t teach a skill—replacement behaviors do 🔁 Replacement behav…

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New SLP? Tips from a Grad Student Turned CF on Job Applications, Confidence, and What to Expect 25:54

13d ago25:54

25:54

Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta about her Clinical Fellowship journey. In this real and refreshing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta—a brand-new grad turned CF and the face behind @itsnotjustspeech. Anoli shares what it was like coming into the field from a non-CSD background, how she found a CF that blends early intervention …

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Ask the Advocate: Summer Services, Speech Support, and the 50% Off Sale! 59:37

17d ago59:37

59:37

We’re wrapping up June with Ask the Advocate—and it’s packed! Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your most-asked questions about IEPs, 504s, compensatory services, and more. From data myths and goal-setting to speech therapy, para support, and placement issues—this episode is full of clarity, education, and laughter (of co…

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Fort Bend ISD Whistleblower Reveals IEP Failures, FERPA Violations & Retaliation 11:29

18d ago11:29

11:29

What would you do if your child’s school ignored the law—and told teachers not to speak to you? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham shares a powerful whistleblower letter from a former general education teacher inside Fort Bend ISD. This teacher came forward to expose what was really happening behind closed doors: 🚫 I…

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The Legal and Psychological toll of CIRS and mold illness: CIRSx 2025 Recap! 25:14

18d ago25:14

25:14

For more information and support, visit our NEW WEBSITE! https://www.thecirsgroup.com Today we are continuing our recap of the talks we heard at CIRSx 2025, and specifically we will be covering the legal and psychological topics. Here are the talks we will be recapping: CIRS Research Committee Update: An Update on the CIRS Research with Glenn DiTul…

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Ep. 131 5 Steps to College Preparation. 17:55

17d ago17:55

17:55

Your 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning starts right here! In this kickoff episode, I’m breaking down five essential steps to prepare your student for college—especially if they have a disability, ADHD, or mental health condition. This sets the foundation for the next 11 weeks of transition support. Be sure to download the College …

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From Classroom to Advocacy: Why Alan Driggers Left Teaching to Fight for Families 35:00

19d ago35:00

35:00

What happens when a seasoned special education teacher realizes the system isn't built to support the very students it's supposed to serve? In this powerful conversation, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with former educator Alan Driggers, who recently left the classroom after 14 years to become a full-time special education advocate. Alan shares w…

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Ep. 59: Making Your BIP Work: Data Collection and Fidelity in FBAs - Part 13 of the FBA Mini-Series 17:47

18d ago17:47

17:47

Part 13 (the last step) of the FBA Mini-Series! You’ve got the plan… now let’s make sure it actually works. In this final episode of our FBA Mini-Series, Audra and Sami walk you through how to track behavior data, define roles, build fidelity, and make sure your BIP stays meaningful. This is the wrap-up you didn’t know you needed, filled with pract…

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You Are Not Alone SLPAs 24:10

20d ago24:10

24:10

Hallie chats with Alice Williams about SLPAs In this uplifting and insightful episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the inspiring Alice Williams—an SLPA, entrepreneur, and trailblazer for support personnel in the field of speech therapy. From discovering the profession while working retail to founding The SLPA Network, Alice shares her …

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Ask the Advocate: Summer School, Services Denied, and Screaming Goats 1:00:12

24d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Over 20 questions. One boss. No fluff. In this high-energy episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your biggest concerns in a LIVE Q&A format—covering everything from compensatory services and ESY confusion to ABA therapy myths, denied evaluations, and falsified IEP data. 📌 Topics include: What to do if your child missed …

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The latest innovations in CIRS and mold illness treatment: CIRSx 2025 Recap! 28:54

25d ago28:54

28:54

For more information and support, visit us at our NEW WEBSITE! https://www.thecirsgroup.com This week, we are continuing our recap of the CIRSx 2025 conference! Today, we are focusing on the treatment talks: Understanding the Pitfalls of Tick Borne Testing with Christian Navarro Torres, PhD, CIRS Lab Finding the Tick-Borne Needle in the Haystack: T…

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Ep 130 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning 7:14

25d ago7:14

7:14

As high school graduations are occurring, it’s time to get prepared to send your student off to college. Yes, there is still time before they go. But the day your student heads off to campus will be here before you know it. So, what do you need to do now to get yourself and your student prepared to transition to college? Here is my hand picked list…

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From Classroom to Advocacy: Cindy’s Journey from Teacher to Special Education Advocate 24:15

26d ago24:15

24:15

In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham welcomes Cindy—a former teacher of 27 years, literacy specialist, MTSS leader, and now a full-time special education advocate. What led her to pivot from teaching to advocacy? The answer may sound familiar: burnout, frustration, and an unshakable belief that kids deserve be…

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Misfit Minute #5: Best Clipboards for Data Collection and Token Boards in Special Education 3:08

25d ago3:08

3:08

💡 Key Takeaways: 🖊️ Use a dual-sided clipboard with a whiteboard front and chalkboard back for both data and student visuals 🎯 Turn the chalkboard side into a Velcro token board or quick-reinforcer tracker 🧵 Small quarter-sheet clipboards are perfect for mini data sheets and can be worn on lanyards or fit in your pocket 💼 Clipboards aren't just for…

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What New SLPs Should Do Before Their CF Year: Avoid My Biggest Mistake with Therapy Materials 18:49

27d ago18:49

18:49

Hallie chats about one of the BIG mistakes she made during her CF Year that cost her money and sanity. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s getting real about a common mistake she made during her CF year—one that cost her time, money, and way too much trunk space! If you’re heading into your CF, just landed your first job, or even changing …

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LRE & FAPE: Placement, Predetermination, and the Continuum of Services with Dr. Mitchell Yell 1:05:33

1M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

What’s the difference between FAPE and LRE—and why does it matter so much in IEP placement decisions? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with national expert Dr. Mitchell Yell to unpack two of the most misunderstood elements of the IEP process: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Free Appropriate Public…

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Behind the Scenes at CIRSx 2025: Our Experience 35:41

1M ago35:41

35:41

For more information and support, visit us at our NEW website! https://www.thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and Jacie reflect on their experience at the CIRSx 2025 conference in Tempe, AZ. They discuss highlights from the event, including impactful talks on tick-borne illnesses, brain health with Dr. Dale Bredesen…

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Ep 129 Planning a Productive Summer for Students with Disabilities 10:54

1M ago10:54

10:54

Helping students with disabilities plan for a productive summer may not be on your bucket list, but it can provide a lot of opportunity to your student. For college students with learning disabilities or ADHD, summer is an opportunity to reset, build new skills, and prepare for future academic success. But without structure, summer can quickly turn…

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Don’t Overcomplicate It: Testing Requests, Service Denials, and Straight Talk on Advocacy 40:45

1M ago40:45

40:45

Tired of being told “we don’t do that” or “your concern isn’t valid”? This episode of Special Education Boss® is your reminder: you don’t need permission to advocate for your child. Karen Mayer Cunningham returns with another fire Ask the Advocate Q&A—answering real questions from parents, teachers, and advocates nationwide. Whether you’re being to…

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Ep. 58: Bridging the Gap: Building Teacher-BCBA Collaboration for Student Success 15:12

1M ago15:12

15:12

🤝 Join Caitlin and Audra as they dive into the crucial topic of fostering strong working relationships between school-based BCBAs and teachers! Learn from their real-world experiences – both successes and challenges – in building mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of students. 💡 It's all about teamwork! Discover how to move beyond pot…

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Considering Teletherapy? How to Make Teletherapy Work 31:56

1M ago31:56

31:56

Hallie chats with Ellie Richter about teletherapy and how to make it work for you What do you get when you mix a surprise preemie, a fearless career pivot, and a whole lot of neon stickers? You get Ellie Richter, the powerhouse SLP behind The Essential Teletherapist—and she’s here to spill all the virtual tea. In this feel-good (and laugh-out-loud …

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FAPE for All: Real Talk on IEPs, Comp Ed, and What’s Actually Right 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

What’s right, what’s wrong, and what you absolutely need to know about your rights in special education. In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham is back—answering live questions about IEPs, 504s, placement, compensatory services, and so much more. If you’ve ever been told: “We don’t offer that here…” “We’re removing resou…

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Let's Revisit: What Does CIRS Look Like? Classic TCG Episode 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

For more info and support, visit us over at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of the CIRS Group podcast, Jacie and Barbara delve into what exactly Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome or CIRS looks like. CIRS manifests in various ways depending on the individual and it's important to recognize the symptoms. The episode covers the genetic a…

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Ep 128 Help Students Recover from a Tough Semester 9:36

1M ago9:36

9:36

Is your college student feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out after a tough semester? Whether they’re managing ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges, recovery is possible—with the right support. In this episode, we’ll explore how parents can help college students recover from a tough semester by recognizing academic bur…

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Understanding the Continuum of Special Education Services: Myth-Busting LRE, Resource, and More 41:19

1M ago41:19

41:19

Most parents—and far too many educators—don’t fully understand what the “Continuum of Special Education Services” actually means. And that’s a problem. In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down one of the most misunderstood components of IDEA: the continuum of placements and how it connects to your child’s right…

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Misfit Minute #4: Power of Praise: Encouraging Positive Actions in Students 1:14

1M ago1:14

1:14

🎙️ Misfit Minute #4: POWER Up Your Praise – Praising What You Want Repeated Tired of generic praise that doesn't seem to stick? Caitlin highlights the power of behavior-specific praise – telling students exactly what they did well. Learn why focusing your positive attention can cultivate the behaviors you want to see and shift the tone of your clas…

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Executive Function in Action: Coaching Teens Beyond the IEP 40:00

1M ago40:00

40:00

Hallie and Dr. Jessica Walker discuss executive function In this insightful and empowering episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jessica Walker—an SLP with a PhD, a brain injury researcher turned school-based clinician, and a fierce advocate for adolescent support. From her unique path through higher education to the h…

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How to Get Your Child Fully Tested for Special Education Services 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

Do you know your rights when it comes to getting your child tested for special education? In this training episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham, we walk step-by-step through the entire process of requesting special education testing—starting with how to recognize suspected areas of need, what to include in your written req…

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Is Chronic Lyme or Tick-Borne illness keeping you sick? Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment 29:35

2M ago29:35

29:35

For more information and support, visit us over at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Barbara and Jacie delve into the complexities of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, and how often these occur among CIRS patients. It also happens to be Lyme Disease Awareness Month! They'll cover important information ab…

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EP 127 Professional Habits For Every College Student 16:51

2M ago16:51

16:51

College isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s also about building habits that carry you into the workplace and beyond. While classes focus on academic knowledge, many students overlook the soft skills and professional behaviors that employers value just as much—if not more. The good news? You can start practicing these behaviors right now. In this…

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Ask the Advocate: Live Special Education Q&A — Your Most Pressing IEP, 504, and Transition Questions Answered 52:45

2M ago52:45

52:45

n this rapid-fire, real-talk episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham returns for another Ask the Advocate session, answering over 50 real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates across the country. From first IEP meetings to post-secondary transition plans, from AAC devices to due process complaints—you asked, and K…

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Ep. 57: Creating a Crisis Cycle Plan in Behavior Support - Part 12 of the FBA Mini-Series 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

Planning a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for high-intensity behaviors? This episode walks you through the 7 stages of the Crisis Cycle—and how to use it as a practical tool in your FBAs and behavior plans. We’re talking real-world escalation, de-escalation, and everything in between: what the student actually does, how staff should respond, and …

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Denied. Retaliated. Silenced. — A Certified Teacher of the Visually Impaired Speaks Out 35:45

2M ago35:45

35:45

WATCH HERE! https://youtu.be/OGw4WtH3KMM What happens when a certified teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) demands that blind students receive the services they're legally entitled to? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Angela Tucker, a veteran special educator and ACTVI in Texas, who share…

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Let's Talk About CF Experience 28:15

2M ago28:15

28:15

Hallie chats with MaKayla Elrod about her CF experience and answers questions every CF is asking! In this inspiring episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with MaKayla Elrod, a passionate pediatric SLP who shares her powerful journey from Tennessee to Miami—and from being told she'd never make it, to thriving in early intervention and private…

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Amazing Things for Individuals with Disabilities 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

Movement Is Medicine: How Fitness Builds Longevity, Choice, and Confidence for Individuals with Disabilities Part 2 with Mike Lutey, Special Strong Franchise Owner In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Special Education Boss® Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down again with Mike Lutey, franchise owner of Special Strong Houston, to go even deeper into…

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Mold Detection: Why Dust Testing is Crucial for Your Health 24:52

2M ago24:52

24:52

For more info and support, visit us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, Jacie and Barbara get into dust testing for mold, discussing personal experiences and sharing expert insights. They highlight different testing methods, including why MSQ-PCR testing is better than other methods, and when to use the ERMI vs th…

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Ep 126 5 Ways on How to Stand Out in College 17:25

2M ago17:25

17:25

Are you just going through the motions in college—or are you standing out? In this episode, I'm revealing 5 practical ways of how to stand out in college and set yourself apart on campus. Whether you want to build connections, boost your resume, or simply make the most of your college experience, these tips can change the game. We're covering what …