When people acquire a brain injury, it can lead to difficulty with communication, including the language disorder aphasia.Hear SLPs share how they use podcasting as a tool to work with people with aphasia, helping them create, host, and produce their own ongoing shows.A panel of SLPs—including Tom Sather of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Melissa Richman of the Stroke Comeback Center in Virginia, and Bernadine Gagnon of Teachers College, Columbia University—describe the benefits they’ve seen from this approach. They also discuss the origins of the shows with which they’ve worked.Also hear from two additional guests. SLP Melissa Capo discusses project-based interventions. And Tim Carosi, a podcast host who has aphasia, discusses his show "Aphasia to Aphasia."Learn More:* ASHA Voices: Benefits of Conversation in the Lives of People With Aphasia (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0608-podcast-aphasia-conversation-groups/full/)* ASHA Practice Portal: Aphasia (https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/aphasia/?srsltid=AfmBOorYjwqPExZ-SucU91O2CxitMI8WHmnjt9EumnVvnLGSMLf4O-uK)* Using Project-Based Learning to Support a Middle Schooler’s Aphasia Recovery (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.MIW.30112025.slp-schools-aphasia-project-learning.28/full/)Transcript

Their voices may be familiar to you. Dakota Sharp and Carrie Spangler are both audiologists who host podcasts exploring audiology and hearing through conversation.Dakota Sharp hosts the “On the Ear” podcast (https://www.speechtherapypd.com/podcasts/ear), featuring conversations with audiologists and interprofessional guests, like SLPs. On ASHA’s podcast, Sharp describes the origin of the podcast and tells the story of how an episode inspired a parent to create a device for cochlear implant processor retention.On the “empowEAR Audiology” podcast (https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com/), Carrie Spangler talks with guests, such as audiologists and parents of children with hearing loss, about hearing loss and related topics. She brings a personal perspective, given her own journey with hearing loss and cochlear implantation. Hear Spangler share what she’s learned from podcasting and what’s next for her.Learn More:* Early Cochlear Implantation Linked to Improved Outcomes and Cost Savings (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.AEA.30072025.pediatric-ci-aud.12/full/)* ASHA Voices: Researchers Discuss Speech in Noisy Environments, Spatial Awareness, and Bilateral Cochlear Implants (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0826-podcast-aud-research-symposium-2025/full/)* CI Tech Guidance for SLPs: Troubleshooting Devices (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-1016-aud-slp-cochlearimplants-troubleshooting/full/)

Three SLPs share a vision for where stuttering therapy may be headed. It’s part of a larger collection of ASHA Leader content being published in recognition of the ASHA Centennial (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1a.30092025.CSD-future-intro.20/full/).As a group, the guests—Farzan Irani from Texas State University, Hope Gerlach-Houck from Western Michigan University, and Nan Bernstein Ratner from the University of Maryland—will be presenting on the past, present, and future of stuttering therapy at the 2025 ASHA Convention in Washington, D.C. (https://plan.core-apps.com/asha2025/event/61dd5880d03f4a67a046a75412bfc177)Learn More:•              ASHA Voices: Stuttering and Stigma With SLP Derek Daniels (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0509-podcast-SLP-stuttering-stigma-awareness/full/)•              ASHA Voices: SLPs on Benefits of Incorporating Mindfulness Into Service Delivery (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0926-podcast-slp-mindfulness-stuttering-aging/full/)•              ASHA Voices: How Do We Ensure Culturally Responsive Practice When Working With People Who Stutter? (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0720-podcast-cultural-responsiveness-stuttering/full/)Transcript

On this short episode, we talk ASHA Convention, our podcast archive, and how you can propose ideas for 2026. Thanks for listening, and I’m looking forward to sharing more conversations with you soon.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: Researchers Discuss Speech in Noisy Environments, Spatial Awareness, and Bilateral Cochlear Implants (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0826-podcast-aud-research-symposium-2025/full/)* ASHA Voices Podcast Proposal Guide (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/podcast-proposal-guide)Transcript

For critically ill patients, what are some practical ways speech-language pathologists can address barriers to communication?Today on the podcast, we talk effective communication between critically ill patients and providers in the ICU, emphasizing the role of augmentative and alternative communication.Guests include speech-language pathologist Tami Altschuler and nursing professor Mary Beth Happ, who describe practical ways SLPs and others working in the ICU can collaborate to create greater access to communication. Both share moving stories that bring this work to life.Plus, SLP Chris Ross shares her personal experience of being unable to communicate during a stay in the ICU.Learn More:* ASHA: Communication Access (https://www.asha.org/practice/communication-access/)* SPEACS-2 Communication Training Program (https://nursing.osu.edu/academics/continuing-education/speacs-2-communication-skills-training)* ASHA Voices: Creating ‘Ramps’ to Communication Access in Health Care (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-1121-podcast-slp-communication-access-stories/full/)* Communication Access in Health Services Special Collection (https://pubs.asha.org/special-collections/communication-access-in-health-services)* Augmentative and Alternative Communication (https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/)Transcript

As an audiologist, what do you say when a patient or client asks to receive gene therapy? The headlines are certainly grabbing public interest, but what does it mean for your practice?Clinical trials and media coverage are driving interest in this novel approach to hearing loss intervention. As our guests share, so far only one gene has received clinical trials. But patients and their families may seek this treatment or ask you questions about what it means for them.To provide background and perspective, we’ll hear from two people well versed in the world of gene therapy for hearing loss: Ryan McCreery of Boys Town National Research Hospital and Jenna Devare of University of Michigan Medical School.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: A Promising Outlook for Gene Therapy and Hearing Loss (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0829-podcast-aud-gene-therapy-hearing/full/)* First Deaf Gene Therapy Recipient in U.S. Gains Hearing (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0124-auds-gene-therapy/full/)* ASHA Voices: The Limits of Our Genes (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0324-podcast-gene-therapy-three/full/)* ASHA Voices: Audiologists Address Ototoxicity in Cancer Care (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0605-podcast-aud-ototoxic-oncology-audiology/full/)Transcript

When your career or your current role leaves you seeking a new challenge and something fresh, how do you make a change?Speech-language pathologist Rinki Varindani Desai joins the podcast for a conversation about nontraditional and nonclinical roles open to SLPs. And she shares how SLPs can use their skills and strengths to find new professional opportunities.Varindani Desai’s background is in medical speech-language pathology. She has expanded her work into nontraditional spaces, such as digital consulting. She shares her personal story and the steps other SLPs can consider if they want to make a transition.Also, hear from two other SLPs—Mai Ling Chan and Katie Seaver—who reimagined their careers. They share what they’ve learned through the process.Learn More:* ASHA Career Portal (https://careers.asha.org/)* Career Transitions Mentorship Program (CTMP) (https://www.asha.org/slp/career-transitions-mentorship-program/?srsltid=AfmBOoodsItjrynRidRZgQEcImLSMY2Zo_EH4RVV7DM3LfS2nh2nDSub)* AI, Digital Health, and the Future-Ready SLP (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1j.30092025.slp-digital-health-artificial-intelligence.38/full/)* ASHA Convention: Beyond the Bedside: Exploring Nonclinical Career Pathways for SLPs (https://plan.core-apps.com/asha2025/event/7215076cfa503a94b800becf2d85c866)Transcript

From patient decision-making to diet modification to interdisciplinary collaboration, guests share their experience and the trends they’re seeing shape and change dysphagia treatment.Featuring three SLPs from ASHA’s Online Conference, “Dysphagia Management: Strengthening Skills, Overcoming Obstacles,” this panel discussion addresses shifting practices related to SLPs’ role in making dietary recommendations.What do these changes mean for your service delivery? And most importantly, how do you communicate these changes to your patients and interdisciplinary collaborators?Learn More:* ASHA Online Conference: Dysphagia Management: Strengthening Skills, Overcoming Obstacles (https://www.asha.org/events/dysphagia-management-strengthening-skills-overcoming-obstacles/)* ASHA Voices: Avoiding Confusion in Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0216-podcast-pediatric-dysphagia-iddsi/full/)* ASHA Voices: SLPs Make the Case for a Fearless Approach to Dysphagia Treatment (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0609-podcast-rethinking-dysphagia-June/full/)* ASHA Voices: The Critical but Unseen Social Determinants of Health (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0217-podcast-social-determinants-pediatric-feeding/full/)

Patients receiving burn care have dynamic and complex needs, and SLPs can provide key communication and swallowing support during the recovery process.Speech-language pathologist Tiffany Mohr of Orlando Regional Medical Center joins the podcast to discuss SLPs' growing role in burn care and improved patient outcomes.Mohr is one of the first two SLPs to join the American Burn Association’s Rehabilitation Committee. She shares what she’s learned over nearly a decade of treating patients with burns.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: The Role of Two SLPs Following a Unique Face-Transplant Surgery (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0229-podcast-slp-face-transplant/full/)* ASHA Voices: Dysphagia, Communication, and the Challenges of Life in the ICU (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0327-podcast-slp-intensive-care-unit/full/)* ASHA Voices: Creating ‘Ramps’ to Communication Access in Health Care (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-1121-podcast-slp-communication-access-stories/full/)Transcript

What information do we receive from the sound around us? Hear thoughts from Matt Goupell (University of Maryland) and Brian Monson (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign), who join the podcast to discuss their research, along with findings on speech in noisy environments and spatial awareness.Goupell and Monson are presenting at the 2025 ASHA Research Symposium on Hearing at the ASHA Convention. As part of ASHA Voices’ annual coverage of that symposium, they join the podcast to discuss their presentations and research.First, Monson shares what we can learn from extended high frequencies—those frequencies higher than 8,000 Hz. He shares thoughts on why these quieter frequencies may be the first to go. Then, Goupell tells us what bilateral cochlear implants are doing well, and how he hopes to see them improve in the future.Learn More:* Research Symposium on Hearing (https://www.asha.org/research/research-symposium-on-hearing/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjS0JUbibF44KvfmMAH0w_tf-w9l6vu6ZHJdMfbeGfR7QgyD1r)* ASHA Voices: A Promising Outlook for Gene Therapy and Hearing Loss (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0829-podcast-aud-gene-therapy-hearing/full/)* ASHA Voices: The Community Link to Hearing Care Access (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0915-podcast-research-symposium-2022/full/)Transcript

Guests on this podcast episode characterize work with pediatric disorders of consciousness as a "marathon, not a sprint."Through long stretches of rehabilitation, speech-language pathologists work closely with these young patients’ families, who may be in a process of grieving.Two SLPs from a children’s hospital in Texas discuss counseling families in this second of two episodes exploring disorders of consciousness. They tell us about collaborating with families during assessment and treatment, and how they work with these families in emotionally difficult moments.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: Looking for Subtleties While Treating Disorders of Consciousness (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0814-podcast-slp-disorders-consciousness/full/)* ASHA Voices: The Difference Patient Counseling Makes (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0313-podcast-slp-counseling-trach-tbi/full/)* ASHA Practice Portal: Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury (https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/pediatric-traumatic-brain-injury/?srsltid=ARcRdnpnq9-N7UalAZ6-SqCkRQuAkWRpAZQ3IaiVfCmAOkTf-bTJgoNq)

Disorders of consciousness, often associated with brain injuries, vary in severity and can include patients who are unresponsive or experiencing confusion. What comes next for these patients and their families and care partners can be a long, emotionally difficult journey through uncertainty. SLP Emily Silverberg of Spaulding Rehabilitation shares her insights from treating patients all along the disorders of consciousness spectrum. She explains how SLPs look for subtle signs of responsiveness. And she shares one unusual story that demonstrates the role families and care partners can play in this treatment.Learn More:* ASHA Evidence Map: Disorders of Consciousness (https://apps.asha.org/EvidenceMaps/Maps/LandingPage/ce270906-0dbe-ef11-8155-005056834e2b)* ASHA Voices: Isolation, Frustration, and What Follows a Brain Injury (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0314-podcast-brain-injury-hoepner/full/)* How TBI Presents Differently in Children Under Age 4 (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0308-pediatric-tbi/full/)

Two SLPs share how they arrived where they are today and what they learned along the way.First, Kelly Peña (Rutgers University/former president of ASHA’s Hispanic Caucus) shares a story of the people who brought her into the profession and what she’s passing on to the next generation of multilingual practitioners.Later in the episode, hear from Anusha Sundarrajan (San Francisco State University/president of the South Asian Caucus of ASHA). When her colleague suggested Anusha open a gender-affirming voice clinic, it sparked a change that’s been a part of Anusha’s career for more than half a decade.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: Career Origin Stories – Multilingual Service Providers (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0718-podcast-slp-multilingual-origin-stories/full/)* ASHA Voices: What Role Can Supervisors Play in Addressing Microaggressions? (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-1207-podcast-slp-microaggression-supervision-2023/full/)* ASHA Voices: Three SLPs Step Off the Beaten Career Path into New Ventures (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0901-podcast-career-changes-slps/full/)

In our second episode recognizing Disability Pride Month and the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Eileen Nordmeyer shares a personal story about the influence of disability on her career.Nordmeyer has worked in many different settings and practiced as a speech-language pathologist for more than 30 years. When her son was born with a genetic disorder, it changed the way she viewed service delivery. She shares her insights.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: Recognizing ADA at 35 With Personal Stories of Disability Advocacy (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0703-podcast-slp-aud-disability-advocacy-ada/full/)* Speech-Language Pathology in Schools: Medical, Educational, or Both? (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.PA1.30032025.schools-funding-idea-medicaid/full/)* Establishing Rapport With Clients … With a Disability (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FPLP.30032025.Disabled-clinician.56/full/)

In recognition of Disability Pride Month and the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, two CSD professionals share personal stories of disability advocacy.Angela Evenich—who has previously written about the influence of cerebral palsy on her career as a speech-language pathologist—discusses the people and ideas that have changed her perspective on disability.Then, audiologist Jasmine Simmons tells us about her book series on Usher syndrome. Simmons herself has Usher syndrome. And like Simmons, the protagonist of her first book, “Extraordinary Jordyn and Her Bionic Ears,” has a cochlear implant.Learn More:* ASHA Voices: Creating ‘Ramps’ to Communication Access in Health Care (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-1121-podcast-slp-communication-access-stories/full/)* Imagine True Inclusion: Defining the Social Model of Disability (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1a.30012025.strengths-based-assess-slp.34/full/)* An SLP Starts a Nonprofit to Provide Disability Support Internationally (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.LML.29092024.Slp-global-training.24/full/)* From My Perspective/Opinion: SLP Views Ableism and Accessibility, Not Her Cerebral Palsy, as Real Career Barriers (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FMP.29012024.CP-student-slps.14/full/)Transcript

SLPs Meg Lico and Kaitlin Hanley from NYU Langone Health share their story of working with Aaron James, the recipient of what’s being called as the first ever full-eye and partial-face transplant. They describe how they worked with James to reach his goals, such as eating solid foods with his family.Central to the story is their collaboration and the interdepartmental communication that made success possible. The SLPs provide details about approaching this unique case, as well as their victories, memorable moments, and the emotions they had along the way.At the end of the conversation, hear from James and his wife Meagan.(This conversation was originally published in February 2024.)Learn More:* Swallowing Function After Pioneering Partial Face and Whole Eye Transplant: Clinical Insights (https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_AJSLP-24-00364)* Facing the Unknown: An SLP treated a patient before and after his facial transplant surgery. (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.lml.22112017.26)* Changes in Articulatory Control Pre– and Post–Facial Transplant: A Case Report (https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2018_JSLHR-S-18-0147)* The Effects of Lip-Closure Exercise on Lip Strength and Function Following Full Facial Transplantation: A Case Report (https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2017_AJSLP-16-0101)Transcript

When people with cancer are treated with ototoxic drugs and interventions, they may experience hearing loss and tinnitus. The audiologist's role in addressing the needs of cancer patients can be critical to fostering awareness and preventing hearing loss. On this podcast, a panel of three audiologists discuss the services they deliver, the interprofessional collaboration at the heart of their care, and what counseling can offer at a time of uncertainty for a patient. Plus, one of our guests shares a personal story of cancer survival and hearing loss. Learn more:* ASHA Voices: Audiologists Take on Ototoxicity   (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0414-podcast-ototoxic-management-group/full/)* A Communication Lifeline for Hospitalized Children (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FTR1.29112024.alp-aac-health-care.38/full/)* ASHA Voices: What to Know About Opioids and Hearing Loss (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0106-podcast-opioid-audiology-2022/full/)* What's New in Ototoxicity Management? (https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00153)

As we approach graduation season, we’re turning our attention to speech-language pathologists’ role in helping students move from high school to the next phase of their lives.Twyla Perryman-Brownlow (University of West Georgia) shares ways SLPs can equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate a meaningful transition to whatever comes next—such as employment, trade school, or college.Learn More:* Postsecondary Transition Planning (https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/resources/transitioning-youth/)* Charting Paths: Supporting the Journey Beyond High School (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0705-slp-schools-transitions/full/)* ASHA Voices: Embracing Your Students’ Strengths—and Your Own (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2025-0116-podcast-strengths-based-schools/full/)* School-based SLPs: Here’s a Virtual “Backpack” of School Resources (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0911-schools-resources-slps/full/)* The Road Ahead: Postsecondary Transition Planning for Adolescents - ASHA Stream (https://stream.asha.org/the-road-ahead-postsecondary-transition-planning-for-adolescents)Transcript

SLP Derek Daniels says stigmatizing actions, like imitating stuttering, can lead people who stutter to remove themselves from opportunities and create a diminished quality of life. Daniels unpacks an example from his own life to give a glimpse into three different ways people can experience stigma. He shares how SLPs can address stigma in their work, and later in the episode, discusses his research into the intersectional ways people experience stigma.(This conversation was originally published in May 2024.)Learn More:* Toward Stutter-Affirming Therapy (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.SCM.30012025.stutter-schools-slp.26/full/)* Raising Stuttering Awareness and Reducing Stigma: A Collection (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2024-0506-stuttering-week-collection-slp/full/)* ASHA Practice Portal: Fluency Disorders (https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/fluency-disorders/)* ASHA Special Interest Group 4: Fluency and Fluency Disorders (https://www.asha.org/sig/04/)* ASHA Condemns Public Mockery of Stuttering (https://www.asha.org/about/statements/asha-condemns-public-mockery-of-stuttering/)Transcript

As a podcast host, husband, and occasional stand-up comedian, Jules Rodriquez uses his voice in many ways. But as a person with ALS, Rodriquez knew intonation was going to be a challenge until he tapped into the use of artificial intelligence.On this episode of the podcast, a panel of guests—including Rodriquez—discusses how AI and voice-cloning technology are changing the way AAC users communicate. Hear how the technology replicates his voice and accounts for control over prosody and inflection, allowing him to demonstrate his individuality and personality.Guests share how this technology affects Rodriquez’s life and relationships. Plus, he shares what he wants speech-language pathologists to know about voice cloning.Learn More:•              ASHA Voices: What Message-Banking Offers People With ALS (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0929-podcast-team-gleason-aac/full/)•              ASHA Voices: Why Some Autistic People Choose AAC and Oral Speech (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2023-0119-podcast-autism-AAC-choice/full/)•              From My Perspective/Opinion: Beyond Words: How Code-Switching in AAC Reflects Social and Cultural Nuance (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/leader.FMP.30032025.codeswitching.6/full/)Support for this episode of ASHA Voices comes from Zanda.