Swallow Your Pride Podcast
by Theresa Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
The Swallow Your Pride Podcast was created with the purpose of diving deeper into the issues that speech-language pathologists face when working with patients with swallowing disorders. We’ll discuss many controversial topics in order to provide the LATEST evidence-based treatment strategies, and create a community of dysphagia clinicians who want to consume incredibly valuable insight and information. Our goal is to allow you to #swallowyourpride, and be open and willing to try the latest in evidence based treatment approaches by learning from experts and researchers in our field in order to create the best outcomes for our patients who need it most. The Swallow Your Pride Podcast is hosted by Theresa Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.
Episodes
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410 – Pick the Method, Then Find the Proof: What a Scoping Review Says About How We Teach Evidence-Based Practice
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa Richard sits down with Aleah S. Brock, PhD, CCC-SLP, associate professor and speech-language pathology program director at Jacksonville State University, to talk about her new scoping review in the American Journal of Speech-Language...
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409 – FEES in the CICU: What 58% of Cardiac Centers Are Doing Without Any Guidelines
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Karli Negrin, MA, CCC-SLP, joins the show to talk about what happens when the clinical guidelines say one thing and the babies in front of you need another. Karli has spent nearly two decades in the cardiac intensive care unit at Nemours…
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408 – Building Mobile FEES From the Inside: How One Company Trained Its Own Endoscopists
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa Richard sits down with Lindsay Iser, M.S., CCC-SLP, Director of Clinical Specialty for Powerback Swallow Solutions, who leads one of the largest in-house mobile FEES programs in the country. Lindsay walks through how the program started...
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407 – Cognitive Rehab Belongs in Acute Care: How One Hospital Built the Case Over 12 Years
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa sits down with Nicole Langton-Frost, CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Carey DeWalt, CCC-SLP from The Johns Hopkins Hospital to talk about something a lot of acute care SLPs have been told to skip: cognitive evaluation and treatment in the ICU. This...
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406 – From Rat Lab to Real Patients: Building a Career in Dysphagia Research
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, I sit down with Nicole Schaen-Heacock, PhD, CCC-SLP, a postdoctoral fellow in the Advanced Fellowship in Geriatrics at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, working in Dr. Nicole Rogus-Pulia's swallowing and salivary...
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405 – A New Tool for the Hardest Patients: Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation After Stroke | Phagenesis
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa sits down with Cari Manypenny, MS, CCC-SLP, Associate Director of Medical Affairs at Phagenesis, and Alyssa Cook, MA, CCC-SLP, Therapy Development Manager at Phagenesis, to talk about pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) and what it...
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404 – The Weekend Effect: What ICU Exam Delays Are Actually Telling Us About Dysphagia Care
Paige DiStefano walks through her research on FEES implementation in an acute care hospital that already had regular access to video fluoroscopy, and what the data showed when FEES came back online after the equipment was down for over a year.
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403 – 3 Doctors walk into a bar: How the Most Unexpected Album in Medicine was made
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa sits down with Kate Hutcheson, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Peter Belafsky, MD, M.P.H., PhD, and Andrew Tritter, MD, for a listening party unlike anything the dysphagia world has ever seen. What started as a dinner conversation at the Dysphagia...
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402 – Bigger Fish to Fry: Why Our Field’s Fixation on Aspiration Is Costing Patients More Than We Realize with Dr. Debra Suiter
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa sits down with Debra Suiter, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, F-ASHA — Director of the Voice and Swallow Clinic and Professor at the University of Kentucky — for a conversation that started as a personal text and turned into something the entire…
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401 – Stop Overcomplicating It: The Research Proving Cough Suppression Therapy Is Simpler Than You Think
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, we sit down with Marie Jetté PhD, CCC-SLP, a clinician-scientist who has spent over 20 years studying voice and upper airway disorders and ended up at the forefront of behavioral cough suppression research. We cover what refractory chronic cough...
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The 400th Episode: Swallowing my own pride and sharing the full story
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, it's episode 400 and Theresa Richard is giving you the full picture. How the podcast started because blogging got too hard. How the Collective was basically her paying all her smart friends until someone told her to run it like an actual…
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Fewer Resources, Higher Stakes: What It Actually Takes to Be a Post-Acute SLP | Ep 399
On this episode of Swallow Your Pride Podcast, Theresa sits down with Dr. Sonal Pathak to talk about something that's been simmering in the field for a long time: the perception gap between acute care and post-acute SLPs. Dr. Pathak brings 16+ years of clinical experience across both settings and...
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398 – From Glasgow Coma Score of 2 to Certified Brain Injury Specialist: An SLPs Journey from Patient to Clinician
On this episode of The Swallow Your Pride Podcast, I sit down with Laura Morgan was halfway through her clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology when a motor vehicle accident left her with a moderate-severe traumatic brain injury, a fractured jaw, and broken C1 and C2 vertebrae. She spent...
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397 – SLP to SLPD: What the Clinical Doctorate Actually Looks Like from the Inside
On this episode of Swallow Your Pride, we are talking about what SLPD is the SLPD, and who is it actually for? Theresa sits down with four speech-language pathologists who pursued the clinical doctorate while working full time, raising families, and staying deeply rooted in patient care. Dr. Erin...
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396 – From NPO to Full Diet: Why Patients Are Dilating Their Own Esophagus
On this episode, we're joined by a head and neck surgeon and a speech-language pathologist from the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital who have built a self-dilation program that is changing lives for head and neck cancer patients with recurrent esophageal strictures. Their...
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395 – When Pureed Food Tastes Better Than Your Dinner: Inside Mama Gourmet’s Mission to Change the Game
On this episode of the Swallow Your Pride podcast, Theresa sits down with Kelly Kalseth, founder and CEO of Momma Gourmet, a company that is changing what pureed meals look and taste like for people with swallowing disorders. Kelly's journey started in 2015 when her son Caleb was born premature…
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394 – Pressure, Pumps, and the UES:The Case for Pharyngeal Manometry in Clinical Practice
On this episode, Theresa sits down with Dr. Diane Longnecker, Assistant Professor at Baylor University and clinical researcher at Baylor Scott and White, and Jamie Anderson, medical SLP and clinical instructor at the University of South Florida, to talk about something a lot of clinicians have...
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393 – Clinks, Clunks, and Clinical Confidence: Rethinking Cervical Auscultation – Julie Cichero BA, BSpThy(Hons), PhD
On this episode, Theresa sits down with Dr. Julie Cichero, a clinician, researcher, and one of the foremost experts in dysphagia with over 30 years of experience, to talk about something that has had a complicated reputation in our field: cervical auscultation. If you trained in the 90s, you...
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392 – The Surprising Truth About Thickened Liquids: What Patients Really Want with Naturally Nectar
On this episode of Swallow Your Pride, Theresa sits down with Ally Roberts, M.S., CCC-SLP, to talk about dysphagia management, patient-centered care, and the story behind Naturally Nectar. Ally shares what years in acute care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient swallow studies taught her about...
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391 – From Exercise Science to Swallowing Success: A New Approach to Dysphagia Rehabilitation
In this episode, Theresa interviews Dr. Yvette McCoy, Assistant Professor at Moravian University, about her research on the connection between physical performance and swallowing function in older adults. Dr. McCoy discusses her dissertation, which found that upper body power strongly predicts...
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390 – SLP Billing Changes: Breaking Down the 92507 Proposal
The proposed changes to CPT code 92507 have sparked a lot of discussion across the SLP community. Many clinicians are seeing numbers circulating online and understandably feeling worried about what this might mean for reimbursement and clinical practice. In this episode, Theresa sits down with…
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389 – Respiratory–Swallow Coordination in Parkinson’s: What the Research Actually Shows
In this episode of Swallow Your Pride, Theresa sits down with Dr. Rabab Rangwala, PhD, CCC-SLP, to explore the science behind respiratory–swallow coordination in Parkinson’s disease and what it means for clinical practice. They dive into how breathing patterns can influence swallowing safety, why...
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388 – Parkinson’s, Swallowing, and Deep Brain Stimulation: What Clinicians Need to Know
Dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease is not one-size-fits-all, and treatment decisions shouldn’t be either.In this episode of Swallow Your Pride, Theresa is joined by PD Dr. Bendix Labeit, MBA, neurologist and clinician-scientist, and Jule Hofacker, MSc, speech-language pathologist and PhD student in...
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387 – From Picky Eaters to Happy Eaters: Strategies for Pediatric Feeding Success
In this episode of the "Swallow Your Pride" podcast, bilingual SLP Margaryta Kuzman shares her expertise on pediatric feeding disorders in early intervention. She discusses the vital role of SLPs, the importance of early identification, and practical steps—ensuring safety, functional feeding...
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386 – Empowering Caregivers: Practical Solutions for Managing Dysphagia at Home
In this powerful episode of Swallow Your Pride, caregiver and author Diane Wolff shares the real-life journey that transformed her mother’s dysphagia diagnosis into a mission to empower millions of families. Diane reveals the practical, step-by-step systems she created to help caregivers feel...
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385 – Navigating the Complexities of Speech Disorders After Stroke: A Deep Dive into Current Research and Practices
In this episode of "Swallow Your Pride," host Theresa Richard brings together a panel of NIH-funded researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to unpack the complexity of diagnosing and treating motor speech disorders after left-hemisphere stroke. Theresa Richard guides a...
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384 – The Ultimate Guide to Reflux Relief: Combining Lifestyle Changes with Innovative Products
In this “Swallow Your Pride” episode, host Theresa Richard and Shayne Reid from Reflux Gourmet discuss innovative, all-natural solutions for managing acid reflux, including their alginate therapy and new functional chewing gum. They explore the science, safety, and practical use of these products...
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383 – From Research to Reality: The Innovative Devices Revolutionizing Swallowing Therapy
In this episode of “Swallow Your Pride,” host Theresa Richard speaks with George Barnes MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Ross Dunbar from Progia Medical about innovative technologies for dysphagia care. They discuss the Swallow Therapy System (STS) and Insta device, which provide objective, quantifiable…
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382 – Bridging the Communication Gap: Effective Strategies for Early AAC Use in Adult Care Settings
In this episode of “Swallow Your Pride,” host Theresa Richard interviews Beth McHose, a seasoned speech-language pathologist and AAC specialist. They discuss the importance of early AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) introduction for adults in acute and inpatient care, addressing...
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381 – The Game-Changer for Speech Therapy: How IndiAide is Redefining Patient Engagement
In this episode of "Swallow Your Pride," host Theresa Richard interviews Alyssa Antcliff, SLP and CEO of IndiAide. Alyssa shares her journey from clinician to tech entrepreneur, introducing IndiAide’s evidence-based remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) platform for speech-language pathologists....
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380 – From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Dr. Sandiford Built a Time-Saving Tool for SLPs
In this episode of the Swallow Your Pride podcast, Theresa sits down with the founder of Melospeech (yes, that Melospeech!) to talk about her journey from overwhelmed CF to innovative entrepreneur building tech that finally makes documentation easier. If you’re an SLP who’s done being bogged down...
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379 – From Adult Rehab to Neonatal Care: One SLP’s Journey to the NICU
In this episode of "Swallow Your Pride," Nicole Scafura, a speech-language pathologist and certified neonatal therapist in a New York City Level IV NICU shares her unique career journey from adult care to pediatric feeding and swallowing. She discusses the complexities of NICU decision-making…
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378 – More Than a Voice: How One SLP Built a Movement of Access & Advocacy
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Samantha Elandary, MA, CCC-SLP, founder and CEO of the Parkinson Voice Project—and the powerhouse behind the SPEAK OUT!® therapy program. From her early days as an SLP navigating hospital systems to launching a nonprofit that’s helped thousands access...
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377 – From Blended to Beautiful: Elevating Texture-Modified Meals with Andy Cullum
Dysphagia—difficulty swallowing—affects millions worldwide, especially older adults and those in care settings. For these individuals, mealtime can become a source of anxiety, frustration, and even malnutrition. But what if texture-modified diets could be transformed from a clinical necessity…
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376 – Tackling the Challenges of Pediatric Feeding: What Every Clinician Should Know
In this episode of Swallow Your Pride, Dr. Amy Delaney—assistant professor at Marquette University and director of the Neurodevelopmental Feeding and Swallowing Lab—shares groundbreaking insights into pediatric feeding development. She discusses her recent scoping review on oral feeding skills,...
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375 – Beyond the Lecture: The Future of Med SLP Learning
Ever leave a CEU course thinking… “Okay, but how do I actually do this with a patient tomorrow?” In this episode, Theresa Richard sits down with Dr. Kristen West to talk all things active learning—including how we’ve evolved from death-by-PowerPoint to interactive clinical simulations (yep, even...
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374 – Building Confidence in FEES: The Key to Successful Swallowing Assessments
What happens when a passionate SLP flies to Hawaii to train a hospital team in FEES—and ends up learning just as much as she teaches? In this episode, Theresa shares the powerful, behind-the-scenes story of a multi-day FEES training in a hospital system. From the logistics (yes, including rolled…
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373 – From Board-Certified in Swallowing… to Getting a Feeding Tube for My Son
After an unexpected summer hiatus, we’re back with a solo episode that’s part update, part confession, and 100% from the heart. In this deeply personal kickoff to the new season, Theresa opens up about a professional ego check she didn’t see coming—one that hit close to home.As a board-certified...
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372 – What If Reflux Isn’t Just an Acid Problem? A New Way to Think About It with RefluxRaft
What do you get when you mix a surgeon, a scientist, and a self-proclaimed “tinkerer” who also happens to struggle with reflux? You get Dr. James Daniero—and you get this conversation about RefluxRaft. In this episode, Theresa Richard chats with Dr. Daniero, an ENT who’s not just treating voice,...
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371 – When Care Misses the Mark: How Health Literacy Impacts Our Patients
“They just told me I had a stroke—but no one ever explained what that means.” In this eye-opening episode, Theresa chats with with bilingual SLP and educator Jackie Rodriguez to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of poor outcomes: health literacy. Episode Page: https://syppodcast.com/371…
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370 – Improving NG Tube Placement: What Every Med SLP Should Know About the PatCom Introducer
If you’ve ever wondered, “Wait… are we as SLPs really allowed to be in the esophagus?” — this episode is for you. Theresa brings on two MedSLP Collective favorites, Christoph Schmitz, CEO of PatCom Medical, Inc, and Laura McWilliams, med SLP + board-certified swallowing specialist + all-around...
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369 – When the Research Meets Real Life: Pediatric Feeding, Family, and Feeding Tubes
Feeling all the feels around pediatric feeding disorders? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode of Swallow Your Pride, Theresa Richard sits down with Dr. Jeanne Marshall—a clinician-researcher and passionate advocate for early intervention in pediatric feeding—to talk about the real stories...
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368 – Exploring the Vital Role of Breathwork and Airway Health in Speech and Swallowing Challenges.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt like airway and breathwork live in some mysterious corner of our field that only a handful of people truly understand ♀️ Well… this episode might just be your flashlight. ✨ Theresa chats with with the incredibly knowledgeable—and wonderfully...
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367 – Beyond the Workbook: Engaging Patients with Meaningful, Tailored Therapy
When it comes to true community reentry after brain injury or stroke, real magic happens through teamwork—and Alexandra Arvidson, M.S., CCC-SLP, is here to show us how. In this episode, Alexandra shares her journey from feeling stuck on “SLP Island” to thriving as part of an interdisciplinary…
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366 – From Stroke to Strength: How One Survivor is Rewriting the Recovery Story
In this episode of the Swallow Your Pride podcast, Theresa Richard sits down with Ali Mehreganfar—a stroke survivor, motivational speaker, and author who is redefining what recovery can look like. Ali shares his incredible journey from coma to comeback, offering a heartfelt look into his hospital...
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365 – The Diez Technique: Revolutionizing Dysphagia Care Through Breathing Coordination
In this episode of the “Swallow Your Pride” podcast, host Theresa Richard speaks with Roxann Diez Gross, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow, an expert in dysphagia with over 38 years of experience. Dr. Gross discusses her innovative Diez technique, which focuses on the interplay between breathing and...
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364 – Navigating the Complexities of ALS: A Deep Dive into Dysphagia and Airway Management with Dr. Lauren Tabor Gray
In this episode of the “Swallow Your Pride” podcast, host Theresa Richard speaks with Dr. Lauren Tabor Gray, a clinician scientist and assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Gray, who directs the Gray Research Lab, discusses her work on respiratory exercise interventions for ALS...
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363 – From Research to Reality: How REST is Changing the Game for Swallowing Specialists
In this episode of the "Swallow Your Pride" podcast, host Theresa Richard engages with Dr. Stephanie Watts and Jessica Gregor, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S to discuss advancements in dysphagia care. They introduce the Esophageal CoLab and the Robust Esophageal Screening Test (REST), aiming to improve...
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362 – From Parched to Perfect: The Game-Changer for Dry Mouth Relief with Aquoral
In this episode of the "Swallow Your Pride" podcast, host Theresa Richard interviews Bennett Blakeman, co-founder of K Pharmaceuticals, about Aquoral, a product designed to alleviate dry mouth (xerostomia). Bennett explains how Aquoral differs from typical water-based products by creating a...
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361 – Beyond the Clinic: How animal models are changing dysphagia research with Dr. Michelle Ciucci
What do rats have to do with swallowing disorders? More than you think! In this episode, we talk with Michelle Ciucci, PhD, CCC-SLP, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to explore the important role of animal research in understanding swallowing disorders in neurogenic diseases…
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About this show
The Swallow Your Pride Podcast was created with the purpose of diving deeper into the issues that speech-language pathologists face when working with patients with swallowing disorders. We’ll discuss many controversial topics in order to provide the LATEST evidence-based treatment strategies, and create a community of dysphagia clinicians who want to consume incredibly valuable insight and information. Our goal is to allow you to #swallowyourpride, and be open and willing to try the latest in evidence based treatment approaches by learning from experts and researchers in our field in order to create the best outcomes for our patients who need it most. The Swallow Your Pride Podcast is hosted by Theresa Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.
Hosted by
Theresa Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S