*****Originally Aired: December 26, 2024*****

Guest: Sucheta Kamath, MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=From-Grassroots-to-Global-The-Power-of-Advocacy-at-Every-Lev

In this episode, Sucheta Kamath, MA, CCC-SLP, joins Renee to explore the advocacy journey from grassroots efforts to large-scale impact. Learn how to identify the power of local, community-based action and how it can spark change at the national and even global levels. We will discuss stories of advocates who started small and scaled their efforts, insights into building effective movements, and tips for anyone looking to make a difference in their community. This episode will empower you with the tools and motivation to drive meaningful change – wherever you are.

About the Guest:

*****Originally Aired: April 24, 2025*****

Guests: Petra Avramović, PhD, CPSP, MSPAA, and Sophie Brassel, PhD, MSPA-CPSP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Virtual-Reality-and-AI-in-Communication-Rehab-after-Brain-In

Join host Renee Garrett as she interviews Dr. Sophie Brassel and Dr. Petra Avramović, renowned lecturers and researchers in speech pathology from the University of Sydney. This episode examines the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in speech pathology. Dr. Brassel discusses her groundbreaking research on using VR to address cognitive communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. At the same time, Dr. Avramović explores the potential and current uses of AI in supporting communication rehabilitation. The episode also offers insights into the Australian clinical education structure for speech pathologists, comparing it with the U.S. system. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of speech and language therapy!

About the Guests:

Dr. Sophie Brassel is a lecturer and early-career researcher in the Discipline of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. She is a certified practicing speech pathologist with extensive experience in assessing and managing adults with communication difficulties. Before joining the University of Sydney, Sophie worked as a speech pathologist in the public health system and as a research assistant on projects relating to communication recovery following traumatic brain injury. Sophie completed her PhD at the University of Sydney within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab. Her thesis explored the use of immersive virtual reality in rehabilitation for cognitive-communication disorders following traumatic brain injury. Sophie’s research examines the use of digital health technologies to support communication after acquired brain injury, while her teaching focuses on practice education for speech pathology students.

Dr. Petra Avramović is a lecturer, clinical educator, early-career researcher, and certified practicing speech pathologist. Petra completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) with First Class Honours and completed her PhD within the Acquired Brain Injury Communication Lab at the University of Sydney. She has held several roles in clinical and research settings with a variety of populations, with a particular focus on working with people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her thesis, entitled “The development and evaluation of convers-ABI-lity: an online communication partner training platform for people with traumatic brain injury”, aimed to collaboratively develop a novel multimodal communication partner training program with people with TBI and others involved in their care, and to evaluate its effectiveness and efficacy for improving conversation skills following TBI. Petra is involved in academic, clinical education, and research supervision for speech pathology students within the university.

*****Originally Aired: July 10, 2025*****

TRIGGER WARNING: As a trauma-informed care provider, it’s essential to let you know that this episode may contain subject matter that is a trigger for some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed. Please listen with caution if these situations are a source of trauma or concern for your mental health. While our guest continues to recover from these events, please note that the content may be challenging to listen to.

Guest: Megan Daubert

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/faithbased-caregiver

In this heartfelt episode, Renee Garrett welcomes guest Megan Daubert. Megan shares her powerful journey as a full-time caregiver to her husband, Mike, after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that led to an anoxic brain injury. The conversation delves into the medical and emotional challenges faced, the importance of community support, and the transformative role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in rehabilitation. Megan offers valuable insights and words of encouragement for caregivers navigating similar struggles, emphasizing the significance of faith, resilience, and self-care.

About the Guest: Megan Daubert lives in Virginia Beach with her husband, Mike, and their three children. After nearly losing Mike in early 2024 to sudden cardiac arrest, Megan became a full-time caregiver to her husband as they work through living life with an anoxic brain injury. Megan began podcasting and sharing their journey of healing, caregiving, and dealing with life after a post-traumatic event. Megan openly aims to give a voice to the unseen struggles families face with brain injuries and encourages people to lean into their surrounding communities.