Show Notes
In Episode 29 of Beyond Words (our first episode of season 2!), Heidi Trusler shares her journey as a mum, a speech pathologist and as the founder of Pop Family, a telehealth speech therapy service. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the challenges she faced in her career, and her passion for empowering mothers with knowledge about child development and communication. The podcast aims to provide insights and support for mothers and caregivers navigating complex health and development decisions for their families.
KEY TAKEAWAYS 💡 • The podcast aims to empower individuals and families to live better lives. • Heidi's journey into speech pathology was influenced by her childhood experiences. • The name 'Beyond Words' reflects the holistic approach to speech pathology. • Heidi emphasises the importance of communication in child development. • Telehealth services can bridge the gap for families in remote areas. • Advocacy for children with disabilities is a key theme in Heidi's story. • Heidi's transition from hospital work to private practice was driven by her passion for children. • The growth of Pop Family highlights the demand for accessible speech pathology services. • Heidi's experiences as a mother inform her professional insights. • The podcast will explore various topics related to child development and motherhood.
CONNECT WITH US 🤝 Listen to more episodes | popfamily.au/podcasts/ Watch the Episodes On YouTube | @BeyondWordsbyPopFamily Follow us on Instagram | @beyondwordsbypopfamily @popfamily.au HOSTS | Heidi Trusler, Founder of Pop Online Speech Therapy and Speech Pathologist MUSIC | Track: "Mountain Anthem" by Ryan Carlson PRIVACY | Hosted on Libsyn. See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy/ for more information. DISCLAIMER General Information Only (Not Medical Advice) The information provided in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised assessment, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified Speech Pathologist or other registered healthcare professional. Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as medical, therapeutic, or clinical advice. You should seek individualised medical professional advice if you have specific concerns. Australian Context This podcast is created within the Australian regulatory and professional context, including the Speech Pathology Australia standards. Listeners outside Australia should consider any local guidelines, regulations, or requirements. Content Rights & Modifications Pop Family reserves the right to edit, update, modify, replace, or remove any part of this podcast or its associated materials at any time, without prior notice. This includes audio episodes, transcripts, show notes, resources, or linked content. Information presented in earlier episodes may not remain current, complete, or accurate over time. No Liability Pop Family and any guests accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or injury that may arise from reliance on the information shared in this podcast.
More from Beyond Words by Pop Family
Building from last episode "Keeping Kids Engaged Over Telehealth", this episode is an essential guide for parents, caregivers, and health professionals who are looking for tools to choose the right speech therapist, ask the right questions, and build a partnership that accelerates progress. Whether you're navigating speech therapy remotely or in person, discover how strengthening relationships, advocating confidently, and tailoring every step to your child's unique needs can transform therapy from a chore into a joyful journey. You'll learn the essential questions to ask your therapist before and during treatment - like how they build trust, adapt to your family's routines, and respond to your child's cues. Heidi reveals why the initial match between family and provider is crucial for outcomes and shares practical strategies to make home practice engaging and achievable. Get insights into creating speech therapy experiences that feel safe, playful, and aligned with your child's interests, even through telehealth. We break down the core elements of successful therapy - consistent routines, shared decision-making, and a strong emotional connection that fosters progress. Heidi emphasises how your involvement can turn therapy into a meaningful, family-strengthening activity. Plus, find out how to give constructive feedback and keep the collaboration thriving - because a strong partnership is the real magic behind rapid, lasting improvements. RESOURCES FROM TODAY'S SHOW Download the free playbook "How to Choose the Right Therapist"👇 🔗 https://popfamily.au/podcasts/keeping-kids-engaged-telehealth/
Is teletherapy worth it for kids? Speech Pathologists Heidi and Lucy break down the frequently asked questions about speech therapy when it comes to keeping children engaged. They explore the critical role of connection in speech therapy, emphasising the importance of collaboration between therapists and parents. This episode discusses how relationships and trust are foundational to successful therapy outcomes and keeping children engaged, the roles of both parents and children in the therapeutic process, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in online speech therapy for kids. RESOURCES FROM TODAY'S SHOW Meet Lucy Griffin: https://popfamily.au/team/lucy-g/ Download the free playbook "How to Choose the Right Therapist"👇 🔗 https://popfamily.au/podcasts/keeping-kids-engaged-telehealth/
Thinking of getting the snip? Heidi dives into the world of tongue ties with Lyndal Thomas, Pop Family's Head of Speech Pathology. Together, they explore their personal and professional journey of understanding and treating tongue ties, highlighting the impact on speech, eating, and overall health. Lyndal shares her own experiences and insights from tongue tie surgery as an adult (aka a lingual frenectomy or tongue-tie release), offering a no-nonsense look at the challenges and triumphs faced by those with orofacial myofunctional disorders. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that blends personal stories with a peek behind the curtain of life as an orofacial myofunctional speech pathologist.
Heidi and Monique simplify the complexities of speech therapy costs in Australia, exploring various funding sources such as community health services, schools, NDIS, and private therapy options. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding how therapy is billed, the expected costs, and the role of family support in achieving therapy goals. Heidi and Mon also touch on the significance of neuroplasticity in therapy outcomes and the need for realistic expectations regarding the duration and frequency of therapy sessions.
In this extended cut of "What is Neurodiversity", Heidi interviews Tina Evans, a speech pathologist and clinical lead for neurodiversity at Pop Online Speech Therapy. They discuss Tina's journey into the field, the concept of neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding and advocating for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation covers the evolution of terminology, the significance of empathy in therapy, and the role of communication partners in supporting neurodivergent individuals. They also explore the need for safe spaces in therapy and provide resources for parents navigating this journey. RESOURCES FROM TODAY'S SHOW Meet Tina Evans: https://popfamily.au/team/tina-evans/ The Brain Forest by Sandhya Menon: https://www.onwardsandupwardspsychology.com.au/product-page/book-the-brain-forest Yellow Lady Bugs Podcast: https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/news/view?newsId=6 Emily Hammond - NeuroWild Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurowild_/ Doc Amen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_amen/ Download the free 'What is Neurodiversity and Neuroaffirming Practice' mini guide👇 🔗https://popfamily.au/podcasts/33-what-is-neurodiversity-clinicians-edition/ KEY TAKEAWAYS 💡 • Neurodiversity encompasses both neurotypical and neurodivergent brains. • Empathy is crucial in understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. • Neurodiversity affirming therapy values individuals for who they are, rather than trying to 'fix' them. • Building positive relationships with clients enhances therapeutic outcomes. • Communication partners play a vital role in supporting neurodivergent individuals. • Creating safe spaces in therapy can improve engagement and learning. • Therapists should adapt their approaches based on individual needs and preferences. • Understanding the family's values is essential in therapy. • The evolution of neurodiversity terminology reflects a growing understanding of diverse brains. • Resources and education are key for parents and professionals in supporting neurodivergent individuals. CONNECT WITH US 🤝 Listen to more episodes | popfamily.au/podcasts/ Watch the Episodes On YouTube | @BeyondWordsbyPopFamily Follow us on Instagram | @beyondwordsbypopfamily @popfamily.au Follow us on Facebook | @beyondwordsbypopfamily @popfamily.au HOSTS | Heidi Trusler, Founder of Pop Online Speech Therapy and Speech Pathologist MUSIC | Track: "Mountain Anthem" by Ryan Carlson PRIVACY | Hosted on Libsyn. See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy/ for more information.