Speak Up
Education & Explainer
About
The Speak Up podcast by Speech Pathology Australia highlights conversations with esteemed contributors in the speech pathology space. We explore key issues in the profession, in a short and easy to listen to format. Free access to audio transcripts, and where relevant resource / reference lists, for all Speak Up Podcast episodes are available via the Association’s Learning Hub, you will need to sign in or create an account. 1. Go to: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/…e616542. 2. Filter – Format – Podcast – Search 3. Select the podcast of your choice 4. Enrol (you will need to sign in or create an account) 5. Add to cart – Pro...
Episodes
- Palliative autonomous choice in eating and drinking S8E14
This episode features authors discussing their publication on navigating choice in eating, drinking, and decision-making at end-of-life for individuals with cognitive impairment. They highlight the vital role of speech pathologists in end-…
- First Nations' perspectives on autism S8E13
This episode explores First Nations' perspectives on autism. Nikita Austin, Dr. Grant Bruno, and Dr. Samarra Toby discuss Indigenous ways of understanding and experiencing autism, and the importance of centring Indigenous knowledge in prac…
- Responsive and adaptive services S8E12
This episode of Speak Up features Professor Kirrie Ballard and Dr Jacqui McKechnie discussing responsive and adaptive services. The conversation centers on flexible planning for adaptable supports and how to adapt services to a changing en…
- Re-broadcast: climate change- a core concern for SPs S8E11
This episode, a re-broadcast for Earth Day, features speech pathologists Dr. Abby Foster and Suzanne Mungall discussing climate change and its impacts on health and service delivery. They emphasize the urgent need for health professionals…
- Multilingual assessment & ethical global engagement S8E10
This episode of Speak Up features Dr. Josephine Bampoe discussing multilingual assessment and ethical global engagement in speech pathology. She shares insights on her Ghanaian English assessment tool and principles of co-design.
- Preparing to practise in the Thriving Kids program S8E9
In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Murray, Denise Imms, and Dr. Erin West discuss the upcoming Thriving Kids program. They cover what is known, what has not yet been announced about universal and targeted supports, misconceptions, and steps pr…
- Systematic synthetic phonics S8E8
Professor Tanya Serry from La Trobe University and co-founder of the SOLAR lab, discusses the systematic synthetic phonics approach to reading and the role of speech pathologists in research. She also speaks about trends in reading instruc…
- Swallowing Awareness Day: Safe and enjoyable meals S8E7
This episode of Speak Up discusses Swallowing Awareness Day, featuring Stacey Baldac. The conversation highlights a research project on dysphagia and the importance of person-centred approaches for safe and enjoyable mealtimes.
- Rebroadcast: Flexible models of service supports S8E6
This rebroadcast episode features a discussion with Tania Kelly, Yadanar Tut, and Gaenor Dixon from the Department of Education in Queensland about flexible models of service delivery. They explore the benefits of flexibility in improving…
- Rethinking AAC practice S8E5
Amanda Hartmann discusses developing skills and confidence when working with AAC users and reflects on changes in speech pathology. The episode also acknowledges the role of yarning and oral storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isl…
- Whole class AAC: Engaging students with visuals S8E4
In this episode of Speak Up, Philippa Edwards and Haley Moran-Green discuss methods for improving classroom engagement for students with complex communication needs (CCN). They focus on using aided language display (ADL) and how to support…
- Aligning skills assessment with Professional Standards S8E3
This episode features Mary and Nicole from SPAs Regulation team, who discuss the updated processes for overseas qualified speech pathologists to work in Australia. They explain how speech pathologists trained outside Australia can apply to…
- Collaborative approach to school assessment & reports S8E2
This episode explores how speech pathology reports can better support students through a collaborative approach. It covers teacher perspectives, accessible report writing, and practical recommendations for classrooms, emphasizing collabora…
- Rural, interprofessional, and culturally responsive learning S8E1
This episode of Speak Up examines an interprofessional, culturally responsive practice education model for students working with First Nations communities in rural South Australia. Guests discuss program co-design, student supervision, and…
- Rebroadcast: Transitioning into the workforce SLSS2E08
In this rebroadcast, members of the speech pathology community discuss the transition into the workforce. Practice owners, early career professionals, and a new graduate speech pathologist share their perspectives on support and expectatio…
- Rebroadcast: Culturally safe practices SLSS2E07
In this episode of Speak Up, Nikita Austin reflects on the importance of culturally safe practices in speech pathology. A panel of members from Speech Pathology Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee discusses…
- Rebroadcast: Auctioneer's voice SLSS2E06
In this rebroadcast, members of the SPA Early Career Reference Group and senior speech pathologists discuss vocal health and supporting professional voice users like auctioneers. The episode explores the collaboration between speech pathol…
- Rebroadcast: Courageous conversations SLSS2E05
In this rebroadcast episode of Speak Up, Holly McAlister and Michelle Bihary discuss developing the skills necessary to conduct courageous conversations. They cover topics including emotional intelligence, self-care, and professional expec…
- Rebroadcast: supporting twice-exceptional learners SLSS2E04
In this episode of Speak Up, Rebecca McKeon speaks with Anneke Flinn about supporting twice-exceptional (2e) learners. The discussion explores identifying strengths and needs, as well as strategies for supporting children who are both gift…
- Rebroadcast: Professional New Year’s resolutions SLSS2E3
In this Summer Listening Series episode, Bea Staley reflects on professional New Year's resolutions with two speech pathologists discussing their 2023 milestones and Matthew Walter from Acacia EAP on setting professional boundaries.
- Rebroadcast: Rethinking FND SLSS2E02
In this Summer Listening Series episode of Speak Up, Alice Pumfrey introduces a discussion on Functional Neurological Disorders (FND). Speech Pathologist Matthew Ernst talks with Dr. Cath Gregory about the role of speech pathology in suppo…
- Rebroadcast: Adverse childhood experiences SLSS2E01
Caitlyn Weber discusses a previous episode on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their role in understanding children's communication development. The rebroadcast features Laura Caire and Sarah Verdon exploring this topic.
- Communication access when critically unwell S7E44
Associate Professor Amy Freeman-Sanderson and patient representative Adam Smith join Speak Up to discuss research into communication and swallowing support for critically unwell patients. They focus on identifying key research priorities t…
- PFD and ARFID: a multidisciplinary approach S7E43
In this episode of Speak Up, a multidisciplinary panel explores paediatric feeding and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Dr. Katherine Bartlett, Rachel Tutill, and Val Gent discuss recent research, collaborative supports,…
- Leading with purpose: Reflections on governance & service S7E42
SPA President Kathryn McKinley discusses governance, service, and how speech pathologists can contribute to their profession in this interview with Sarah Cathro of the Early Career Reference Group. The episode also highlights upcoming SPA…
- Rebroadcast: Culturally safe telehealth for ABI support S7E41
In this rebroadcast episode, guests Mitch Walley and Dr. Natalie Ciccone discuss a telehealth service for Aboriginal people living with acquired brain injury, focusing on the importance of cultural safety, yarning, and the role of Aborigin…
- Making job transitions that work for you S7E40
In this episode of Speak Up, guests discuss how speech pathologists at all career stages can navigate job transitions. The conversation also explores how employers can provide sustainable support to meet the needs of candidates.
- Practical digital health tools S7E39
Jess Francis from the Training Club joins the Speak Up podcast to discuss how speech pathologists can use digital health tools and AI to improve service delivery. The episode covers professional requirements, TGA regulations, and tips for…
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Dynamic Systems Theory S7E38
Dr. Jacqueline Lim joins the Speak Up podcast to examine how Dynamic Systems Theory can be used to understand Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). The episode covers factors affecting motor learning, speech sound variability, and assessment…
- Values driven speech pathology S7E37
In this episode, Associate Professor Belinda Kenny and members of the Speech Pathology Australia team explore the role of values in leadership and ethical practice for Global Ethics Day. The discussion covers reflective practice, the Code…
- Rebroadcast: Mental health is all around us S7E36
In this rebroadcast, Laura Caire discusses recognizing mental health needs and integrating trauma-informed practices with Kerry Holland and Jessica Carpenter from Peninsula Speech Plus. The conversation highlights the benefits of trauma-in…
- Foundational Supports S07E35
In this episode of Speak Up, Dr. Erin West from Speech Pathology Australia’s Policy and Advocacy team discusses a conceptual model for Foundational Supports. The conversation focuses on how the model is used to advocate for the needs of ch…
- Supporting children with co-occurring DLD and ADHD S7E34
Speech pathologist and clinical psychologist Natalie Manley discusses supporting children with co-occurring Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and ADHD. The episode covers cognitive and linguistic characteristics, as well as strengths-b…
- Allyship in Action S7E33
In this episode of Speak Up, host Cyndal Nelson discusses LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices in speech pathology with Lauren Haskins and explores perspectives on allyship with student Tyler Chapman. The conversation highlights the Pride in Healt…
- Chronic pain and speech pathology: what’s our role? S7E32
Asta Fung discusses her PhD research on how speech pathologists can use breathing interventions to help individuals manage chronic pain. She explores the skills speech pathologists bring to this emerging area of practice.
- Functional Dysphagia S7E31
In this episode of Speak Up, Associate Professor Anna Miles and Adjunct Associate Professor Jan Baker discuss a biopsychosocial framework for supporting individuals with functional dysphagia, drawing on research from FND.
- Impact through communication about dysphagia S7E30
Dr. Debbie Pu from Monash University joins Speak Up to discuss dysphagia awareness for Speech Pathology Week. The episode explores public understanding of swallowing difficulties and how speech pathologists can use effective communication…
- Rebroadcast: Using minimal pairs S7E29
In this rebroadcast, speech pathologist Rebecca Reinking shares her clinical expertise on the minimal pairs approach. Rebecca O’Neill provides reflections on her learning from Reinking's work and previous conference presentation.
- Cybersecurity for speech pathology practices S7E28
In this episode of Speak Up, Dr. David Lacey, CEO of IDCARE, discusses cybersecurity for speech pathology and allied health practices. The conversation covers how threat actors access data, strategies for managing data breaches, and preven…
- Culturally responsive speech pathology S7E27
Experts discuss biases within speech pathology, focusing on the profession's medical history, race, disability, and neurodiversity. The episode also introduces the new Speech Pathology Australia position statement on culturally responsive…
- Building your voice banking toolkit S7E26
Dr. Lillian Krikheli and Dr. Sarah El Wahsh discuss voice banking, including how to support service users with software selection and how AI has impacted the process. The conversation draws on their clinical practice and co-design research…
- Managing unexpected workplace risks S7E25
This episode of Speak Up features Anna Pannuzzo from WorkPlacePLUS discussing risk management and contingency planning. The conversation covers strategies for maintaining business continuity during events such as natural disasters, sudden…
- Using AI to support communication and connection S7E24
In this episode recorded at the 2025 SPA conference, Dr. Fiona Kerr and speech pathologist Ishwari Samarakoon discuss the use of AI in speech pathology. They explore how AI and technology can support communication while emphasizing the imp…
- Navigating NDIS changes, and NAIDOC week reflections S07 E23
In this episode of Speak Up, Jane and Kelly from the Advisor team discuss NDIS changes, frequently asked questions from Speech Pathology Australia members, and the impact on professionals. The episode concludes with reflections on NAIDOC w…
- Oral histories: SPA Life member Helen Smith S7E22
In this live episode from the 2025 SPA Conference in Adelaide, Helen Smith discusses becoming Speech Pathology Australia’s newest Life member. She also highlights resources regarding the Code of Ethics for speech pathologists.
- S7E21: Supporting LGBTIQ+ individuals in Aged Care
Jess Kaplonyi from SPA speaks with Chris Hunt and Dr Louisa Smith from the Silver Rainbow program about support for LGBTIQ+ individuals in aged care, specifically regarding dementia and palliative care.
- Rebroadcast: Ethical AI in Speech Pathology, part 1 S7E20
Dr. Jacqueline McKechnie reflects on an episode featuring Professor Emma Power discussing the opportunities and ethical considerations of using Generative AI in speech pathology.
- Rebroadcast: UN Sustainable Development Goals S7E19
Dr. Debbie Pu reflects on a previous episode about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Professors Sharynne McLeod and Julie Marshall discuss a special issue of the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology concernin…
- Planning ahead: psychosocial safety in your practice S7E18
Anna Pannuzzo from WorkPlace PLUS discusses the importance of planning ahead to ensure psychosocial safety in the workplace. The episode covers creating policies for psychosocial hazards, addressing concerns, and balancing staff wellbeing…
- Holding connections in speech pathology practice S7E17
Associate Professor Jade Cartwright discusses her upcoming Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture at the 2025 Speech Pathology Australia conference and shares insights on the importance of co-designing with the people supported in speech patholo…