Best Sensory Integration Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 34 Sensory Integration in Schools 35:41

Play Pause

13d ago35:41

35:41

Can sensory integration really work in schools, or are we just wasting instructional time? This week we're reviewing a study that finally gives us answers. Three students, 17.5 hours of intervention, and results that impressed both teachers and researchers. Michele and Lacy break down this single-subject design study using Ayres SI and weekly teach…

1
#380 - 7 Everyday Signs Your Child’s Primitive Reflexes Aren’t Integrated 23:50

20d ago23:50

23:50

In this episode, we explore how to track progress beyond reflex testing by looking at functional, everyday signs of improvement. Reflex tests are important, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes a child may have several retained reflexes, but those reflexes don’t significantly interfere with their day-to-day life! If you’ve ever won…

1
#383 - Low Muscle Tone or Retained Reflex? How to Decode the Signs 23:16

2h ago23:16

23:16

Primitive Reflex Digital Course https://harkla.co/products/primitive-reflexes-course NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course In this episode, we break down the difference between low core strength and a retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), a primitive reflex that plays a huge role in posture, coo…

1
Ep. 36 Home Programs That Actually Work 38:00

7h ago38:00

38:00

An occupational therapist came into Michele's office complaining that parents weren't following through with home programs—sound familiar? The problem isn't the parents; it's how we're setting them up from day one. This episode flips that script with evidence from a 2024 scoping review on what actually drives caregiver home program adherence. You'l…

1
#92: Inside the Future of Sport, Neuroscience, & Concussion Education w/ Dr. Mario Bizzini #sportsphysio 31:18

22h ago31:18

31:18

🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare professionals about concussion, examination, intervention, collaboration, & advocacy. 🎙️Concussion Corner Podcast® is our Free Open Access Medical Education #FOAMed portion of our 24 w…

1
#91 FIFA 11+ and the Global Science of Injury Prevention w/ Dr. Mario Bizzini PhD, MSc, PT #SportFisio 31:48

6d ago31:48

31:48

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#382 - 5 Ways to Practice Co-Regulation (Without Saying a Word) 26:24

6d ago26:24

26:24

In this episode, we explore what co-regulation really is, why it’s a critical foundation for emotional development, and how occupational therapists, parents, and educators can use it to support kids and adults alike. You’ll learn why co-regulation is more than just a buzzword, and how to intentionally use it in your daily life and practice. What co…

1
Ep. 35 CO-OP for Improving Motor Skills 36:39

6d ago36:39

36:39

What if you could peek inside a child's brain and actually SEE therapy working? That's exactly what researchers did with CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance)—and the results are amazing! Join Lacy and Michele as they break down the 12-week protocol and the 7 surprisingly simple cognitive strategies (you're probably already usin…

1
#381 - The Truth About the Moro & Fear Paralysis Reflexes: Why Progress Feels Stuck 18:45

14d ago18:45

18:45

“I’ve been doing the Moro and FPR exercises for three months but haven’t seen any positive results. Why?” This is a common question we hear from parents, therapists, and caregivers working on primitive reflex integration—especially with the Moro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR). In this episode, we break down what these two powerful reflexes …

1
#90 Adapting Concussion Tools for Real Life Patients w/ Dr. Steven Broglio, PhD 20:34

21d ago20:34

20:34

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
Ep. 33 Play as Occupation with guest Dr. Anita Bundy 48:17

20d ago48:17

48:17

What if the biggest barrier to children's play isn't the kids—it's us? We are thrilled to chat with our special guest, Dr. Anita Bundy—the world-renowned OT behind some of the most transformative play research out there. She explains why kids actually need to take risks in play, how she facilitates risk-reframing conversations, and why American kid…

1
#89 Concussion Care: Data-Driven Insights from Dr. Steven Broglio PhD 28:13

22d ago28:13

28:13

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
Ep 88 Clarity and Connection via Massive Imperfect Action w/ Dr. Lily Jimenez PT, DPT, NCS 37:31

26d ago37:31

37:31

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#379 - There’s No Right Way to Play: Supporting Autistic & Sensory-Seeking Kids 15:37

28d ago15:37

15:37

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course Play is a child’s main occupation — it’s how they learn, grow, and develop critical skills like sequencing, executive functioning, and social interaction. But what happens when a child doesn’t engage with the types of play activities we expect them to enjoy? In …

1
Ep. 32 Sydney Playground Project 34:22

27d ago34:22

34:22

What do old tires, crates, pool noodles, and hay bales have in common? They're the secret ingredients that revolutionized recess for hundreds of kids in Dr. Anita Bundy's groundbreaking Sydney Playground Project. In this episode, we get into the occupational therapy research that proved when you add "junk" to a playground and let kids take risks, m…

1
#378 - Before and After School Routines That Reduce Meltdowns 23:55

1M ago23:55

23:55

NEW Motor Skills Digital Course is LIVE! https://harkla.co/products/motor-skills-course In this episode of the All Things Sensory Podcast, we’re sharing our favorite regulation activities and tools to support your child / clients before and after school — plus tips for YOU as an adult. We’ll walk you through simple, practical strategies that start …

1
Ep. 31 Zones of Regulation: the Good, the Bad, and the OT Way 40:45

1M ago40:45

40:45

What happens when one of occupational therapy's most beloved programs gets put under the research microscope? Turns out Zones of Regulation—despite being wildly popular—has a shaky evidence base. BUT don’t panic and throw out all your materials, we've got some promising news. A new study shows what happens when you take Zones and actually do it the…

1
Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Promise vs. Proof 20:12

1M ago20:12

20:12

Send us questions here! Are psychedelics the future of psychiatry—or just another wave of hype? In this episode, Maria and Tabitha sit down with John Greeley to break down what the research really says about psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine. We cover safety, harm reduction, cultural concerns, and what clinicians and patients alike n…

1
#377 - The Hidden Link Between Sensory Needs, Regulation & Pooping with Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L 54:11

1M ago54:11

54:11

Sarah Selznick, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, author, and the founder of Sensory Explorers, a private practice supporting children, caregivers, and adults through sensory wellness, pelvic health, and developmental care. She’s the creator of the online Super Poopers course, helping families navigate pediatric bowel and bladder challenges w…

1
Ep. 30 Making Hospitals Sensory-Friendly 35:59

1M ago35:59

35:59

70% of autistic individuals have at least one mental health condition, but here's the kicker—the very hospitals meant to help them might be making everything worse. Picture this: you're already in crisis, then you're hit with buzzing fluorescent lights, scratchy bedsheets, and the smell of industrial cleaning solutions. For autistic teens, it's a r…

1
The Wild West of Ketamine: Ethics, Insights, and Integration 41:54

1M ago41:54

41:54

Send us questions here! Ketamine has been called a breakthrough treatment for depression, PTSD, and anxiety. But behind the hype lies a complex reality. In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria Ingalla, Tabitha Arey, and John Greeley take on the promises and pitfalls of ketamine therapy—exploring its science, ethical dilemmas, and why integration is e…

1
#376 - Oral Sensory Seeking in Kids: What You Need to Know & How to Help 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Have you ever wondered why some children constantly chew on clothing, pencils, or even their hair? In this episode of All Things Sensory, we’re diving into oral sensory seeking—what it is, why it happens, and how to support children who experience it. Children who are sensory seekers often crave oral input to regulate their nervous system. Chewing,…

1
Ep. 29 A Sleep Intervention with Dreamy Outcomes 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

95% of kids with neurodevelopmental disorders struggle with sleep—but there's an OT intervention that gives families an extra hour of sleep per night! In this episode, we discuss an occupational therapy study from Argentina that used telehealth and coaching to transform bedtime battles. This isn't the typical "try melatonin" approach—it's a compreh…

1
Dispensary Roulette: Why Cannabis Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All 43:05

2M ago43:05

43:05

Send us questions here! Buying cannabis shouldn’t feel like gambling with your mental health—but often it does. From high-THC strains that increase risk of negative outcomes to poorly regulated CBD products for kids, cannabis is far from simple. In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria and Tabitha talk with John Greeley about cannabis, psychiatry, and…

1
#375 - Anxiety in the Classroom: The Hidden Link to the Moro Reflex 23:20

2M ago23:20

23:20

In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between childhood anxiety and the retained Moro Reflex — and how both can impact children in the classroom. From understanding what anxiety looks like in a school setting, to uncovering the role of primitive reflexes, we’ll explore how to support children who struggle with heightened worry, reactivi…

1
Ep. 28 Responsive Feeding (and how OTPs are using this approach) 35:05

2M ago35:05

35:05

Many of our families know that sinking feeling when mealtime becomes a battlefield—tears, tantrums, and the stress of watching a child refuse meal after meal. But what is the best way to help? This week, we dive into a brand-new scoping review on responsive feeding for pediatric feeding disorders—an approach that's finally putting words to what man…

1
#87 FND & Concussion Rehab: Autonomic & Sensory Clues w/ Dr. Julie Hershberg PT, DPT, NCS 25:44

2M ago25:44

25:44

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#374 - How to Create a Motor Lab for Your Classroom That Boosts Focus & Learning 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

This week, we’re diving into one of our favorite topics - Motor Labs! These movement-based, circuit-style spaces are game-changers for students of all ages, especially those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, or retained primitive reflexes. We’ll break down: What a Motor Lab is and who benefits most The science-backed benefits like i…

1
Ep. 27 Group vs. Individual OT for Autistic Toddlers 34:07

2M ago34:07

34:07

Drowning in long therapy wait lists? Researchers found that group DIR Floortime (4 kids, 2 therapists) produced the same outcomes as individual occupational therapy sessions for autistic toddlers—AND slashed wait times from 108 to 52 days! We break down what worked, the challenges (parent participation was tricky), and what the therapists thought a…

1
#86 Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Meets Concussion Care w/ Dr. Julie Hershberg PT, DPT, NCS 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#85 Top-of-Scope PT, Clinical Integrity & Inclusive Practice Models w/ Dr. Jeff Moore PT, DPT, OCS 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#373 - Sensory Seekers in the Classroom: How to Help Kids Who Can’t Sit Still 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

Do you have a student who’s always moving, touching everything, or humming non-stop? They might be a sensory seeker—a child with a high sensory threshold who craves extra input to feel regulated. In this episode of All Things Sensory, we break down what sensory seeking really means, why it can look different for every child, and how to proactively …

1
#84 Fitness-Forward Physical Therapy and Why Environment Matters in Rehab w/ Dr. Jeff Moore PT, DPT 28:36

2M ago28:36

28:36

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
Ep. 26 Have Impostor Syndrome? (Here’s what to do) 31:58

2M ago31:58

31:58

Ever feel like you are in over your head? You're not alone—new research shows 84% of occupational therapy practitioners and students secretly battle impostor syndrome. From OT students to seasoned therapists, despite being well qualified, we're all wondering if we actually know what we're doing! In this episode, we break down the study that puts nu…

1
#83 The Vagus Nerve, Trauma, & Intimacy After Concussion w/ Dr. Anne Duch PT, DPT, WCS 28:36

2M ago28:36

28:36

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#82 Pelvic Health Meets Concussion Care: Vagus Nerve, Trauma & Recovery w/ Dr. Anne Duch PT, DPT, WCS 28:18

3M ago28:18

28:18

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#372 - Crawling & Ocular Motor Skills: What’s the Connection? 17:48

3M ago17:48

17:48

Crawling is a foundational developmental milestone that does more than just strengthen muscles — it plays a critical role in developing the visual system, especially ocular motor skills such as tracking, convergence, and coordinated eye movements. We’re diving into why crawling is essential and how to help children of ALL ages crawl! LINKS We’d lov…

1
Ep. 25 Hand Strengthening for Handwriting 24:41

3M ago24:41

24:41

Michele presents research that offers a completely different perspective on OT handwriting intervention. While previous episodes emphasized task-specific training (doing writing to improve writing), this study suggests that students receiving specialized resistance exercises—putty, rubber bands, clips—significantly outperformed control groups on ha…

1
#371 - Are Your Child’s ADHD Symptoms Really a Vision Problem? | Ocular Motor Skills & Daily Life 26:13

3M ago26:13

26:13

Is your child/client constantly skipping words while reading, losing their place on the page, or avoiding reading altogether? These might not be “reading problems”—they could be visual problems. In this episode, we break down how ocular motor skills—specifically saccades, pursuits, and convergence—are essential for reading success. You’ll learn how…

1
#81 Return to Intimacy: Navigating Sex, Symptoms, & Dysautonomia After Concussion w/Dr. José Posas, MD 13:56

3M ago13:56

13:56

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
Summer of Play Series: Play Personalities 28:18

3M ago28:18

28:18

Ep 24 - In our final Summer of Play episode, we're uncovering the rich history and complex science that makes play genuinely unique in pediatric OT practice. Journey from Piaget and Vygotsky's foundational theories to Mary Reilly's revolutionary work for occupational therapy. We'll break down the National Institute of Play's eight distinct categori…

1
“I Want to Rip My Skin Off”: Sensory Hell and Sex 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

Send us questions here! "I Want To Rip My Skin Off": Sensory Hell and Sex What does sex feel like when sensory input is overwhelming or painful? In this episode of Brain Trash, we explore the intense (and often unspoken) connection between sensory processing and intimacy for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. We talk about touch aversion, mas…

1
#370 - Improve Your Child’s Ocular Motor Skills With These Fun At-Home Visual Activities 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

In this episode, we break down what ocular motor skills really are, how they affect your child’s behavior and development, and most importantly simple at-home activities you can start using right away to help. They also share how retained primitive reflexes, screen time, and missed developmental milestones can all impact how your child’s eyes work …

1
#80 Sports Neurology and Equity in Concussion Recovery w/ Dr. José Posas, MD, FAAN 24:28

3M ago24:28

24:28

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
Summer of Play Series: Interventions for Play 31:28

3M ago31:28

31:28

Ep 23 - Ready to turn your occupational therapy sessions into playgrounds of learning? In this episode of our Summer of Play Series, we explore using play as both the vehicle AND the destination in pediatric OT. We'll discuss 5 manualized occupational therapy interventions that facilitate play for kids (and OTPs!) and 6 other evidence-based strateg…

1
The Safe Word is "Consent": The Psychology of Autism and Sex 28:45

3M ago28:45

28:45

Send us questions here! The Safe Word is “Consent”: The Psychology of Autism and Sex What do kink, structure, and sensory regulation have in common? For many autistic individuals, BDSM isn’t just about pleasure—it’s about safety, identity, and healing. In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria and Tabitha explore: Why autistic folks are often drawn to …

1
#79 What Clinicians Miss in Concussion Recovery: Neck Dysfunction & Fear Avoidance w/ Dr. Treleaven 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

🧠 Welcome to the Concussion Corner Podcast®, your trusted resource for interdisciplinary conversations related to all things concussion-related in healthcare, advocacy, and sport. 🥼 Hosted by Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS, a doctor of Physical Therapy and brain injury survivor, who is unapologetically passionate about educating healthcare prof…

1
#369 - Unlocking Classroom Success with Reflex Integration with Dr. Tessa Grigg 43:15

3M ago43:15

43:15

In episode of All Things Sensory, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Tessa Grigg - PhD, Dip Tch (Primary) Dip Tch (ECE). She has a wide range of experience within the Early Childhood Education field. She has taught in a Primary School, supervised a preschool with specialist work in the sensory-motor area, worked as a Child and Family Therapist, ta…

1
Summer of Play Series: Assessing Play 28:44

3M ago28:44

28:44

Ep 22 - Think you know how to assess play? We break down the surprising gap between how important play is for EVERY PART of child development and how this occupation is often overlooked in OT/OTA education programs and practice. You'll discover the 4-part definition of play, the top 3 play assessments every pediatric occupational therapy practition…

1
Autism and Sex: Myths, Consent and Neurodivergent Intimacy 21:58

3M ago21:58

21:58

Send us questions here! WELCOME TO THE SECOND SEASON OF BRAIN TRASH! Autism and Sex: Myths, Consent, and Neurodivergent Intimacy This episode of Brain Trash takes a bold step into a rarely discussed space: the intersection of autism and sex. Hosts Maria Ingalla and Tabitha explore the myths, misunderstandings, and unique challenges autistic people …