Speak Up
The Speak Up podcast by Speech Pathology Australia features short conversations with esteemed contributors in the speech pathology profession, exploring key issues in the field. Each episode is designed to be easy to listen to. Free access to audio transcripts and relevant resource lists is available through the Association's Learning Hub after signing in. Listeners are advised to check the currency of content, as episodes may become outdated and can be removed.
Episodes
Embedding Indigenous Ways In allied health curricula S8E28
In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with Morgan Carter, Troy Walker, and Alison Spence about a novel means of embedding Indigenous ways into a dietetics curriculum. They discuss what their curriculum entailed, and the many ways that it could be generalised into other allied health education curricula.
SPA Resources:
Lowitja Institute research guides and reading lists - https://learninghub.speechp
Navigating NDIS change: Challenges and opportunities S8E27
In this week’s episode we're joined by Kirsty McGovern-Hooley (RSM Australia), Dr Erin West (SPA), Georgia Cunningham (ORS Group) and Kate Pollard (Melaleuca Therapies) to discuss the latest NDIS reforms and what they mean for speech pathology practices, providers and participants. Together, they explore the proposed NDIS Bill 2026, pricing and compliance changes, business sustainability, advocacy
SPs & engineers using AI to support speech differences S8E26
In this week’s episode, we speak with Professor Kirrie Ballad and Associate Professor Beena Ahmed about the opportunities that exist for speech pathologists to collaborate with engineers and how technology, and especially AI can support us to support others.
Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect t
Building communication partner skills in dementia S8E25
In this week’s episode, Jess speaks with Dr Natalie Douglas who shares practical tips and advice for speech pathologists supporting communication partners caring for people with dementia.
Resources:
Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI)
https://www.preferencebasedliving.com/for-practitioners/practitioner/assessment/
Montessori for Dementia, Ageing & Adult Care | Montessori Austra
Virtual reality in voice therapy and beyond S8E24
In this week's episode, we speak with Jannis Hansa, speech pathologist, epidemiologist and researcher at the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück in Germany, about the use of virtual reality (VR) to support real-world generalisation in voice therapy. Jannis discusses the challenge of helping clients apply therapy skills in everyday situations, how immersive VR environments can simulate real-li
Culture, safety, & sovereignty: A conversation with Professor Chelsea Watego S8E23
In this week’s episode, we are celebrating NAIDOC Week. SPA’s First Nations Lead, Nikita Westbury, speaks with Professor Chelsea Watego, a Munanjali and South Sea Islander woman with a career spanning 20 years in Indigenous healthcare, research, advocacy, and innovation.
Nikita and Chelsea discuss what transformative change looks like when we talk about eliminating racism, facilitating self-dete
Rebroadcast: Autism diagnosis – the speech pathology role S8E22
In this week’s rebroadcast, Anneke Flinn and Robyn Stephen, Director and Principal Clinician at Melbourne Child Development, and Speech Pathology consultant at Melbourne Paediatric Specialists, discuss the speech pathologist’s role in Autism diagnosis.
SPA and the presenters of this podcast acknowledge that this episode was originally recorded in 2024. As terminology and perspectives evolve over
Rebroadcast: Self-care for health workers S8E21
In this rebroadcast episode from Season 6, members of SPA’s early career and podcast reference groups, Brittany Fong and Lauren Osborne, speak with mental health occupational therapist Michelle Bihary. They discuss the mental and emotional “wear and tear” of working in healthcare and practical self-care strategies. The episode opens with a reflection from SPA’s Immediate Past President, Kathryn Mc
Trans and gender diverse allied health education S8E20
In this week’s episode, we’re celebrating Pride Month. Jess is joined by Majella Jones, dietitian and PhD candidate, to discuss their research on improving education outcomes and student confidence when working with transgender and gender diverse people. They explore how embedding discipline specific content into core curricula can create more inclusive, competent future practitioners.
Speech Pat
Wellbeing for people with complex communication needs S8E19
In this week’s episode, we discuss the mental health needs of people with complex communication support needs (CCN). We speak with Nerida Kho, speech pathologist, and Connor Bryant, counsellor, both from CEQ about what they have learned while supporting the unmet mental health needs of people with CCN. They speak about the challenges of adapting complex concepts, like emotions into multimodal comm
Identifying and managing pseudoscientific practices S8E18
In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr Emma Kate Thome from Boys Town National Research Hospital in the USA about identifying and managing pseudoscientific practices in speech pathology. Dr Thome shares what pseudoscience is, why it can be appealing to both practitioners and service users, and the real-world risks it poses to evidence-based care.
For access to the STOP scale, contact Dr Thome
Preserving First Nations Languages S8E17
In this week’s episode, we celebrate National Reconciliation Week with a conversation led by SPA’s First Nations Lead, proud Wonnarua woman Nikita Austin. Joining Nikita are Bronte Ramm, a proud Murri woman, speech pathologist and counsellor, and Olivia Coe Fox, a proud Wiradjuri woman, aspiring teacher, and the first person to sing in an Aboriginal language on The Voice Australia. Olivia, Bronte
Delivering blocks of supports S8E16
In this week’s episode, Liz Bell and Dr Rosemary Hodges speak with guest host Olivia Parkinson, about delivering supports in therapeutic blocks. Rosie and Liz, discuss some of the enables and barriers to shifting to a model of therapy blocks, as well as some of the benefits they have encountered. Liz and Rosie also discuss how to select, or design PROMs to most accurately measure and report the pr
Relationship-centered practices S8E15
In this week’s episode, we speak with Professor Nerina Scarinci, who will be delivering the Elizabeth Usher memorial lecture at the SPA Conference in Yugembah, also known as the Gold Coast, in June this year. Nerina speaks about the way that centring relationships can result in improvement in the services we deliver. Nerina discusses how relationship centred care can support cultural safety from t
Palliative autonomous choice in eating and drinking S8E14
In this week’s episode we speak with the authors of “Navigating choice: eating, drinking, and decision-making at end of life for individuals with cognitive impairment” about the vital role speech pathologist play in end-of-life and palliative care. Dr Laura Chahda, Laura Knauer, Darcy Long, Druvni Perera, and Sanora Yonan discuss their recent publication, and how we as speech pathologists can feel
First Nations' perspectives on autism S8E13
In this week’s episode, Nikita Austin (Wanaruah Nation), SPA's First Nations Lead, speaks with Dr Grant Bruno (Samson Cree Nation) from the University of Alberta in Canada, and Dr Samarra Toby (Gangulu, Northern Cheyenne, Australian South Sea Islander, Darumbal, Iman Nations) a GP and founder of the Native Academy of Space, Science and Innovation. They discuss Indigenous ways of understanding and
Responsive and adaptive services S8E12
This week’s episode was recorded at the 2025 SPA conference in Adelaide or Tarntanya. This episode we speak with Professor Kirrie Ballard, and Dr Jacqui McKechnie about thinking flexibly when planning adaptable supports. Although this was recorded some time ago the conversation holds value for those who are considering how to adapt their services to a changing environment, like the introduction of
Re-broadcast: climate change- a core concern for SPs S8E11
To celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd 2026, we are rebroadcasting our earth day episode from last year, where we speak with Dr. Abby Foster, and Suzanne Mungall, speech pathologists, about Earth Day, coming up on April 22nd. Suzanne and Abby share their experiences about speech pathology and climate change, and why they feel the urgent need for health professionals to address the impacts of climate
Multilingual assessment & ethical global engagement S8E10
In this week’s episode we speak with Dr Josephine Bampoe about the Ghanaian English assessment tool she created, and learnings that speech pathologists can apply to practice and research. She discusses multilingual assessment, converging evidence, principles of co-design, and global engagement that is ethical, multi-directional, and sustainable. Resources: Application of a framework for culturall
Preparing to practise in the Thriving Kids program S8E09
In this week’s episode, Dr Elizabeth Murray (SPA Thriving Kids Reference Group) speaks with Denise Imms (Thriving Kids Advisory Group) and Dr Erin West (SPA Manager Policy and Advocacy) about the forthcoming Thriving Kids program. They discuss what is known and what has not yet been announced about universal and targeted supports, misconceptions, and steps practitioners can take now to prepare for
Systematic synthetic phonics S8E08
In this week’s episode, Professor Tanya Serry from La Trobe university and co-founder of the SOLAR lab, speaks about the systematic synthetic phonics approach to reading. Tanya speaks about the role speech pathologists can play in research, and trends or changes in reading instruction over the years. Tanya also worked on the upcoming revised guidance about literacy for members.
SPA resources:
Ch
Swallowing Awareness Day: Safe and enjoyable meals S8E07
In this week’s episode, we recognise Swallowing Awareness Day by speaking with Stacey Baldac, SPA's Chief Speech Pathology Advancement, about a research project co-designed with people living with dysphagia. Stacey shares the importance of person-centred meals, communication, and collaboration in making mealtimes safe and enjoyable.
Resources:
UTS What's got us talking podcast: https://open.spo
Rebroadcast: Flexible models of service supports S8E06
In this episode we are rebroadcasting an episode from 2024 and reflect on the how a flexible approach to service delivery can improve the accessibility, adaptability, and efficacy of our supports There are many unknowns in the lead up to changes such as the introduction of Thriving Kids, and flexibility may help us weather these changes. We speak with Tania Kelly, Yadanar Tut, and Gaenor Dixon fro
Rethinking AAC practice S8E05
In this week’s episode, we speak with Amanda Hartmann about her experience with developing skills and confidence when working with AAC users. Amanda reflects on the changes over the time she has been a speech pathologist and shares some of her learnings.
Speech Pathology Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and waters throughout Australia, and offers our respect to E
Whole class AAC: Engaging students with visuals S8E04
In this week’s episode, we speak with Philippa Edwards, head of special education, and Haley Moran-Green, speech pathologist, who have been collaborating on how to improve classroom engagement for students with complex communication needs (CCN), in a central Queensland school. Haley and Philippa discuss how they supported teachers to understand how to create an aided language display (ADL) specifi
Aligning skills assessment with Professional Standards S8E03
In this week’s episode we are joined by Mary and Nicole from SPAs Regulation team to discuss the updated processes for overseas qualified speech pathologists to work in Australia. Nicole and Mary discuss the updates to the process for a speech pathologist who has trained in a country other than Australia, and how they can apply to have their qualifications recognised to work in Australia.
Resour
Collaborative approach to school assessment & reports S8E02
In this week's episode, we explore how speech pathology reports can better support students when they’re written through a collaborative lens. SPA's Nathan Cornish-Raley is joined by Dr Sharon Klieve and Dr Hannah Stark from the University of Melbourne to unpack insights into teacher perspectives, accessible report writing, and practical recommendations that make a difference in classrooms. They h
Rural, interprofessional, and culturally responsive learning S8E01
In this week’s episode, we explore an innovative practice education model where students receive interprofessional supervision to provide supports to First Nations communities in a rural area. In the first half of the episode, we speak with Ngarrindjeri woman and Aboriginal health worker, Bethany Kropinyeri, and physiotherapist, Meekah Zangari, who support students at the Riverland Mallee Coorong
Rebroadcast: Transitioning into the workforce SLSS2E08
In this final episode of the summer listening series Nicole Hatch, Speak Up podcast reference group member reflects on the conversation about supporting new graduates in transitioning into the workforce originally from 2023. Practice owners Ishwari Samarakoon and Nicola Dann discuss the supports supervisors can offer, and then early career professional Steven Pitt and then new graduate speech path
Rebroadcast: Culturally safe practices SLSS2E07
In this week on the summer listening series, Speech Pathology Australia’s First Nations Lead, Nikita Austin, a proud Wanaruah woman, reflects on the necessity of culturally safe practices as discussed in an episode from season five. Speech Pathology Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee members from 2023, discuss cultural safety in speech pathology practice. The pane
Rebroadcast: Auctioneer's voice SLSS2E06
In this week’s summer listening series, SPA Early Career Reference Group member, Brit Fong, reflects on vocal health and how speech pathologists can support those who use their voice professionally. In the episode Anneke Flinn chats to Eliza Galvin and Louise Philpott, Senior Speech Pathologists, about their role supporting auctioneers attending the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Associa
Rebroadcast: Courageous conversations SLSS2E05
In this week’s episode, we rebroadcast a conversation between SPA Early Career Reference Group member, Holly McAlister, and mental health occupational therapist, Michelle Bihary, about developing skills and capabilities that support us to have courageous conversations. They discuss what early career and experienced professionals bring to the table, self-care, reasonable expectations, principles of
Rebroadcast: supporting twice-exceptional learners SLSS2E04
In this week’s summer listening series we are rebroadcasting an episode from 2023 about twice-exceptional learners. Rebecca McKeon speaks with Anneke Flinn about Twice-exceptional, or 2e children, and shares ideas and resources for identifying strengths and needs, and supporting children who experience both giftedness and a learning difference.
Resources:
Gagnés Model of Differentiating Gifted
Rebroadcast: Professional New Year’s resolutions SLSS2E3
This week on the Summer Listening Series Bea Staley from the Speak Up podcast reference group reflects on a 2023 episode about making professional new years resolutions. We hear from two speech pathologists who have had major changes in 2023. Kim took the leap and started her own business, and Jen is just finishing her first year as a graduate speech pathologist. Some of the themes that came up in
Rebroadcast: Rethinking FND SLSS2E02
In this second episode of the 2025-2026 Summer Listening Series, Alice Pumfrey from the SPA 2025 conference support fund has selected rethinking functional neurological disorders. We start the episode with a reflection from Alice and go on to hear Matthew Ernst, Speech Pathologist and Regional Manager at Better Rehab in Queensland, speak with Dr. Cath Gregory, Speech Pathologist and lecturer, from
Rebroadcast: Adverse childhood experiences SLSS2E01
Welcome back to the second season of the Summer Listening Series for 2025-2026! In this first episode Caitlyn Weber from the mental health and trauma working group reflects on a 2022 episode about adverse childhood experiences or ACEs.
In this episode, SPA’s Senior Advisor – Mental Health and Trauma, Laura Caire, speaks with Sarah Verdon, Associate Professor in Speech and Language at Charles Sturt
Communication access when critically unwell S7E44
In this week’s episode, we talk about communication access when someone is critically unwell. We are joined by speech pathologist Associate Professor Amy Freeman-Sanderson who is a project lead on priority setting for communication and swallowing difficulty in critical illness, and Adam Smith who is a patient and carer representative on this steering group. Adam speaks about his lived experience a
PFD and ARFID: a multidisciplinary approach S7E43
In this week’s episode, we discuss paediatric feeding and Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID. We are joined by a multi-disciplinary panel to discuss collaborative supports. Psychologist Dr Katherine Bartlett, dietitian Rachel Tutill, and speech pathologist Val Gent discuss recent research about paediatric feeding needs including ARFID, as well as supports, and resources for clin
Leading with purpose: Reflections on governance & service S7E42
With Board nominations opening on 28 November, in this week’s episode SPA President, Kathryn McKinley, is interviewed by Early Career Reference Group member, Sarah Cathro. They discuss governance, service, how the Board provides leadership, and how speech pathologists at every career stage can contribute to the profession.
SPA resources:
• Nominations for the SPA Board open 28 November. www.speec
Rebroadcast: Culturally safe telehealth for ABI support S7E41
This week we are rebroadcasting an episode on cultural safety with some suggested resources by way of introducing the episode. We speak with Mitch Walley from Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, and Dr Natalie Ciccone from ECU about a telehealth service for Aboriginal people living with acquired brain injury (ABI). They discuss steps for making the service culturally secure, and the important role of
Making job transitions that work for you S7E40
In this week’s episode, SPA Early Career Reference Group member, Georgia Poupoulis, and Nathan Cornish-Raley speak with Chris Antartis of Rebel Recruitment and Polly McCarthy from Village Therapy. They discuss how new grads and experienced speech pathologists can find the right job for their circumstances and career path, and how employers can sustainably offer the supports candidates are looking
Practical digital health tools S7E39
In this week’s episode, we speak with Jess Francis from the Training Club about digital health tools and resources to support speech pathologists in providing effective and efficient services. Jess speaks about the opportunities that digital health tools, including AI can provide allied health practitioners, acknowledges reservations that some people may hold, including when the TGA may become inv
Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Dynamic Systems Theory S7E38
In this week’s episode, Dr Jacqueline Lim discusses Dynamic Systems Theory as a way to understand Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and inform the supports we provide. She discusses the range of factors that influence motor learning, variability in speech sounds, and considerations for assessment and treatment.
Speech Pathology Australia acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas and
Values driven speech pathology S7E37
In this week’s episode, we discuss values in the context of leadership to celebrate global ethics day, 2025. We are joined by Associate Professor Belinda Kenny, Chair Ethics Board, as well as Kelly and Trish from SPA’s National Office who regularly engage with members about ethical conduct and practice. Belinda, Kelly and Trish discuss reflective practice and the benefits to your work that come fr
Rebroadcast: Mental health is all around us S7E36
From time to time Speak Up will rebroadcast previous episodes to offer timely insights. This week, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Friday 10 October 2025, we are re-broadcasting our conversation with Kerry Holland and Jessica Carpenter from Peninsula Speech Plus.
Laura Caire, SPA’s Senior Advisor Mental Health and Trauma, speaks with Jess and Kerry about recognising when someone we support mig
Foundational Supports S07E35
In this week’s episode, we start a conversation about Foundational Supports with Dr Erin West from SPA’s Policy and Advocacy team. Erin will discuss a conceptual model that SPA are using to advocate to ensure that Foundational Supports reflect the need of the children and families speech pathologists support, and that speech pathologists working across all contexts are reflected in the model.
As
Supporting children with co-occurring DLD and ADHD S7E34
In this week’s episode dual-qualified speech pathologist and clinical psychologist, Natalie Manley, speaks about supporting children with co-occurring Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She discusses cognitive and linguistic characteristics of these kids, and strengths-based approaches to motivation and engagement, and behavioural, emotional,
Allyship in Action S7E33
In this week’s episode, Cyndal Nelson (they/them) of the Queer Speech Collective speaks with Lauren Haskins (she/her) about her practice’s efforts to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals through the Pride in Health and Wellbeing program. Lauren then speaks with Tyler Chapman (he/him) about his perspectives on allyship as a final year student and member of the LGBTQIA+ communi
Chronic pain and speech pathology: what’s our role? S7E32
In this week’s episode, Asta Fung discusses her soon to be completed PhD research about applying our skills to breathing interventions to offer relief to people experiencing chronic pain. Asta discusses how she became interested in breathing interventions and recognised the skills speech pathologists can bring to this area of emerging speech pathology practices.
Resources:
Fung, Asta and Dunca
Functional Dysphagia S7E31
In this week’s episode, we speak with Associate Professor Anna Miles and Adjunct Associate Professor Jan Baker about functional dysphagia. Jan and Anna talk about the research from FND that they have drawn on to create a biopsychosocial framework for supporting people with functional dysphagia.
Resources:
Read Anna and Jan’s article here:
Miles, A., Baker, J., Barker-Collo, S., & Leadley, S.
Impact through communication about dysphagia S7E30
In this Speech Pathology Week episode, Dr Debbie Pu from Monash University discusses how we can have “Impact through communication” about dysphagia awareness. She discusses what different stakeholders understand about swallowing difficulties, how public awareness can support people living with dysphagia to enjoy safe meals, and how speech pathologists can communicate with impact about this issue.
Rebroadcast: Using minimal pairs S7E29
From time to time Speak Up will rebroadcast previous episodes and invite speech pathologists to offer their reflections on the episode. This week Rebecca O’Neill (she/her), a Conference Support Fund Awardee reflects on her learning from Rebecca Reinking (she/her), both in this episode and at her conference presentation.
Rebecca Reinking is a paediatric Speech Pathologist from ATUNE Health Centres
Cybersecurity for speech pathology practices S7E28
In this week’s episode we speak with Dr David Lacey, CEO of IDCARE about cybersecurity for practices offering speech pathology and other allied health services. We discuss how threat actors gain access to data, how to manage data breaches, and steps that workplaces can take to prevent them.
Resources:
IDCARE – Services for small businesses: https://www.idcare.org/smallbusiness
OAIC – Notifiabl
Culturally responsive speech pathology S7E27
This week’s episode is a panel from the SPA 2025 Conference about bias within the profession. Dr Vishnu Nair, Professor Betty Yu and Associate Professor Sarah Verdon discuss the history of our field’s alignment with medical approaches, and the subsequent bias particularly in relation to race, disability, and the intersection of disparities, with a particular focus on neurodiversity. This conversat
Building your voice banking toolkit S7E26
In this week’s episode, Dr Lillian Krikheli and Dr Sarah El Wahsh speak about all things voice banking. Sarah and Lillian discuss how to raise the topic of voice preservation, how to support your service user to select the best software for their needs, and what changes AI has facilitated in voice banking.
Much of the content discussed in this podcast is informed by both clinical practice and
Managing unexpected workplace risks S7E25
In this week’s episode, we speak with Anna Pannuzzo from WorkPlacePLUS about preparing for the unexpected, and using risk management to enable business continuity. Anna speaks about the process of making contingency plans for situations such as natural disasters, sudden illness, and data breaches.
Resources:
WorkPlacePLUS: https://www.workplaceplus.com.au/
Contact WorkPlacePLUS: https://www.w
Using AI to support communication and connection S7E24
In this week’s episode, we bring you a recording live from SPA’s 2025 conference, in Tarntanya | Adelaide. Dr Fiona Kerr, who was the plenary presenter the morning of this recording, and speech pathologist Ishwari Samarakoon, speak about using AI and technology to support connection and communication. They speak about resources, and ways to ensure when using AI to support speech pathology services
Navigating NDIS changes, and NAIDOC week reflections S07 E23
In this week’s episode we speak with Jane and Kelly from the Advisor team about the frequently asked questions that they are hearing from SPA members about the recent NDIS changes. Kelly and Jane speak about the resources that members have found helpful, including information about pricing, ceasing services, and the heavy toll that speech pathologists are feeling. The episode ends with some reflec
Oral histories: SPA Life member Helen Smith S7E22
In this live episode from the 2025 SPA Conference in Tarntanya | Adelaide, we speak with Helen Smith, who the day before became Speech Pathology Australia’s newest Life member.
Resources:
If you would like to hear Helen speak more about ethics, she contributed to the Code of Ethics: Support for everyday practice https://learninghub.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/topclass/topclass.do?expand-Of
S7E21: Supporting LGBTIQ+ individuals in Aged Care
In this week’s episode, we recognise Pride month as SPA’s Jess Kaplonyi (she/her), speaks with Chris Hunt (she/her) and Dr Louisa Smith (she/her) from LGBTIQ+ Health Australia’s Silver Rainbow program. They discuss the experiences and support needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals living with dementia and who engage with palliative care and Aged Care.
Resources:
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia – Silver Rainb
Rebroadcast: Ethical AI in Speech Pathology, part 1 S7E20
In this week’s episode, the Scientific Chair of the 2025 conference, Dr Jacqueline McKechnie offers her reflections on the episode ethical AI in speech pathology, a conversation with Professor Emma Power, from UTS. Emma speaks about the opportunities and considerations that using Generative AI can provide and the ethical considerations that we need to be thinking about.
Resources:
The Conversati
Rebroadcast: UN Sustainable Development Goals S7E19
In this week’s episode, Dr Debbie Pu from the 2025 Conference Planning Advisory Committee offers her reflections on the episode UN Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Sharynne McLeod and Professor Julie Marshall about a special issue of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals from 2023. They discuss insight from spee
Planning ahead: psychosocial safety in your practice S7E18
In this week's episode, we speak with Anna Pannuzzo, from WorkPlace PLUS, about creating policies to uphold everyone’s psychosocial safety at work. Anna speaks about how planning ahead can help to ensure that if something challenging and unexpected does happen, there is a prepared plan. Anna speaks about policies and processes for psychosocial hazards, raising concerns in your workplace and how to
Holding connections in speech pathology practice S7E17
In this week’s episode, we speak with Associate Professor Jade Cartwright. Jade is delivering the Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture at the 2025 SPA conference in Tarntanya | Adelaide on Sunday June 15th, 2025.
Jade discusses the inspiration behind her plenary address, and reflects on the learnings we can achieve when we work to co-design with the people we support.
Resources:
Register for the
Public funding models: Ethical challenges and practices S7E16
In this week’s episode, Dr Tristan Nickless explores ethical challenges and considerations that speech pathologists face when working with funding models like the NDIS and Medicare. He discusses ways practitioners can be ethical stewards of public funds in supporting equitable access, managing time requirements, aligning funded supports with evidence, developing public trust, and a range of other
Neurodiversity affirming practice and disability justice S7E15
In this week’s episode, Professor Betty Yu of San Francisco State University provides a brief overview of the workshop on conversational analysis that she will co-present with Dr Vishnu Nair at the SPA Conference 2025. In this unscripted conversation she reflects on the nature of neurodiversity-affirming practice, whose experiences and communication are centred in society, and the role that speech
People experiencing homelessness and speech pathology S7E14
In this week’s episode, Leigh Andrews from Change Communication in the UK and Lauren Gibbs from Launch Housing in Victoria, speak with Mary Woodward, SPA’s Senior Advisor, Justice. Leigh and Lauren tell Mary about the benefit speech pathologists can bring when supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, and some of the resources that support their work. Lauren and Leigh speak about differ
Celebrating one million listens! S7 bonus episode
In this bonus episode, we are celebrating the Speak Up podcast having been listened to one million times! Thank you to everyone who listens, every guest who has so generously shared learnings with us, guest interviewers who approach their role with curiosity and everyone else who supports the podcast in visible and invisible ways.
Nathan and Nadia, from the podcast team reflect on this milestone
Adopting a decolonial vision for the profession S7E13
In this week’s episode Dr Vishnu Nair lays groundwork for his keynote address at the SPA Conference on a Critical and Decolonial Vision for Speech and Language Therapy. He discusses communication as an embodied experience for - and the knowledge of - people who live with disability, critically examining historical and current power dynamics in the profession, essentialism and its impact on practic
Inside the Justice Reform Initiative S7E12
In this week’s episode, Dr Mindy Sotiri, who is the Executive Director of the Justice Reform Initiative speaks with Mary Woodward, SPA’s senior advisor for justice. Mindy and Mary discuss the work that the Justice Reform Initiative do, some of the changes they are advocating for, and what role speech pathologists play when working in this space.
Resources:
Justice Reform Initiative: https://ww
Climate change: core concern of speech pathology S7E11
In this week’s episode, we speak with Dr Abby Foster and Suzanne Mungall, speech pathologists, about Earth Day, coming up on 22 April. Suzanne and Abby share their experiences about speech pathology and climate change, and why they feel the urgent need for health professionals to address the impacts of climate change on health and service delivery. Claire Esterman, from the Speak Up Podcast Refere
Federal election: Standing up for speech pathology S7E10
In this week’s episode, we speak with SPA’s CEO, Lyn Brodie, and General Manager for Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations, Dr Jennifer O’Connor, about the upcoming federal election and speech pathology. They discuss “wins” from the federal budget, critical “asks” during the election and how these are determined, and ways that stakeholders can advocate during the campaign period.
Resources:
Primary progressive aphasia and speech pathology S7E09
In this week’s episode, we recognise the inaugural International Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Awareness Day 2025 coming up this Friday on 4 April 2025. Kym, Speech Pathology Australia’s Senior Advisor- Aged Care, speaks with Scott Cooper a dementia advocate living with PPA, and his speech pathologist Dr Penelope Monroe from FRONTIER's PPA Communication Project, at University of Sydney. Scott
Beyond clinical learning, developing as professionals S7E08
In this week’s episode, Ishwari Samarakoon and Nisrine El-Choueifati speak about the role that professional support can play in managing challenging interactions and the stress that this can cause us to feel. Nisrine and Ish discuss wellbeing, values-based decision making, and the things they have learned when providing supervision following a breach of the Code of Ethics.
Resources:
Contact Is
Neurodiverse safe work initiative S7E07
In this week’s episode to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we speak with Catherine Lee from the Neurodiverse Safe Work Initiative, an organisation with a focus on creating an environment for neurodivergent workers to thrive. Catherine speaks about the role speech pathologists can play in supporting someone to advocate for their needs at school and work, how and when to disclose and how employ
Rethinking thickened liquids S7E06
In this week’s episode SPA’s Jessica Kaplonyi speaks with Tracy Lazenby-Paterson from the National Health Service and Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists in the UK, and Dr Arlene McCurtin from the University of Limerick in Ireland, about research into thickened fluids and people living with dysphagia. They discuss misconceptions about thickened liquids as an intervention, unintended cons
Returning to practice: A new program S7E05
In this week’s episode we hear from Mary and Fiona from the Professional Recognition Team about the new program to enable speech pathologists to return to practice. Mary and Fiona speak about the new program having self-directed learning goals, and condensing the program to be completed in less time, so speech pathologists can safely and effectively return to practice.
Resources:
Re-entry member
AI and Language Sample Analysis S7E04
In this week’s episode Dr Darin Woolpert and Dr Michael Cannizzaro discuss what Generative AI is (and is not) effective at when analysing language samples, and the importance of practitioner knowledge and critical thinking when using AI.
Resources:
A full list of resources / references for this podcast is available via the SPA Learning Hub.
ChatGPT LSA Spanish poster: https://asha2024-asha.ipo
Advocacy updates and NDIS AT replacement supports S7E03
In this week’s episode, SPA’s Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations Team speak about the work they have been doing. Then we receive an update about changes in the NDIS that have occurred since 3 October 2024, including things to keep in mind when using the new AT pathway for replacement supports.
Resources:
Contact the Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations team: policy@speechpathology
Introducing CEO Lyn Brodie & looking forward to Season 7 S7E01
In this week’s episode the podcast production team, Nathan Cornish-Raley, Renae Hobson and Nadia Marussinszky, give a peek behind the curtain on the Speak Up podcast and what listeners can expect for Season 7. Nadia also chats to SPA’s new CEO, Lyn Brodie, about her vision for the Association and the profession.
Resources:
SPA Strategic Plan 2023-2025: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org
