The Untethered Podcast

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin dives into a topic we all need to hear as we navigate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the rest of the holiday season: how our festive food and drink habits directly impact our sleep and breathing.It's about more than just your waistline, what you eat and drink this time of year directly affects your airway health and daily function. Hallie connects the dots between common holiday culprits like sugar and alcohol, and poor sleep quality, snoring, and overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of moderation, modeling good habits for your kids, and creating simple strategies to thrive through the season.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️Why sugar contributes to inflammation throughout the body, which can cause swelling and restrict an already tight airway. ✔️How consuming too much sugar can lead to sleep-disordered breathing, disrupted sleep, and snoring. ✔️The signs of sugar impact in children (hyperness followed by a hard crash, restless sleep) and adults (frequent nighttime waking, morning exhaustion, or a "low-level cloud" feeling). ✔️Why alcohol acts as a muscle relaxer, which can cause airway muscles to be more easily collapsible, leading to more snoring and potentially more apnic events. ✔️The benefit of balancing carbohydrates (sugar) with protein, fiber, and fat to help your body process food with greater ease. ✔️Simple strategies for both adults and families to focus on airway health during the holidays.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 332: The Interconnectedness of Oral and Systemic Health with Amber White RDH, HHPEp 333: Transforming airway health & smiles with MARPE featuring Dr. Svitlana Koval, DMD, MSc, BDSOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin interviews Meaghan Beames, a craniosacral therapist, discussing the profound impact of craniosacral therapy on infant feeding and development. They explore Meaghan's journey into this field, the connection between craniosacral therapy and oral development, and the importance of addressing tension patterns in infants. The conversation emphasizes the need for more qualified providers in this area and the significance of nervous system regulation for both babies and parents. Meaghan shares insights on the number of therapy sessions needed, the challenges faced by families, and the importance of meeting them where they are. The episode concludes with advice for those looking to build a business in infant therapy, highlighting the ongoing demand for these services.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️Craniosacral therapy can significantly improve infant feeding issues. ✔️Tension patterns in the body can affect a baby's ability to feed. ✔️It's essential to meet families where they are in their journey. ✔️Nervous system regulation is crucial for both infants and parents. ✔️Craniosacral therapy helps babies feel safe and calm. ✔️The number of therapy sessions needed varies by individual case. ✔️Craniosacral therapy can aid in the recovery post-tongue tie release. ✔️There is a growing need for qualified providers in infant therapy. ✔️Parents often feel overwhelmed and need support in their journey. ✔️Building a business in infant therapy can be rewarding and necessary.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 154: Fascia and Function Throughout The Body with Daniel Lopez, D.O.Episode 231: Gentle Healing with Craniosacral Therapy with Courtney Whitaker LMT, CSTOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!🥄 Download your Free Pediatric Feeding Screening Packet

In this episode of the Untethered podcast, Hallie Bulkin and her daughters, Lily and Mia, share their experiences with dental expanders and clear aligners. They discuss the feelings associated with getting and removing expanders, the transition to Invisalign, and the daily challenges and funny moments that arise during their orthodontic journeys. Hallie also provides an update on her own dental treatment, emphasizing the importance of airway health and the overall benefits of these dental appliances for both children and adults.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️The experience of getting an expander can be uncomfortable but is manageable.✔️Removing the expander can feel liberating and improve speech.✔️Clear aligners offer more flexibility compared to fixed expanders.✔️Daily life with Invisalign includes challenges like remembering to wear them.✔️Kids can adapt well to orthodontic treatments with the right support.✔️Funny stories often arise from the challenges of wearing dental appliances.✔️Maintaining good hygiene and care for aligners is crucial.✔️Airway health is an important aspect of orthodontic treatment.✔️Parents should encourage kids to share their experiences with peers.✔️Open communication about dental treatments can help alleviate fears. RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 331: Inside My MARPE Journey with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™Episode 322: Child Expansion Journey: Real Talks with Lily and MiaOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com

In this insightful conversation, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Emily Hussey, M.S., CCC-SLP/L, CLC, founder of Eats and Speaks, to explore the dynamic world of pediatric feeding therapy. Emily shares her journey from speech-language pathology to pediatric feeding, highlighting the importance of early oral health, parent education, and individualized care for every child.They unpack the realities of working with families, the need for collaboration among professionals, and how early intervention can shape lifelong health outcomes. Emily also discusses the challenges of running a private practice, from navigating insurance complexities to building a supportive, mission-driven team.Throughout the episode, Hallie and Emily emphasize that feeding therapy is about more than just food - it’s about connection, confidence, and care.In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Why Emily pivoted from speech therapy to pediatric feeding therapy. ✔️ The role of early intervention in preventing long-term feeding issues. ✔️ How parent education supports children’s feeding and oral development. ✔️ Why every child requires an individualized, flexible care approach. ✔️ The impact of “all-or-nothing” thinking on therapeutic outcomes. ✔️ How teamwork enhances care in feeding and myofunctional therapy. ✔️ What it takes to build and sustain a successful private practice. ✔️ How insurance challenges affect accessibility to therapy services. ✔️ Why community and peer support are vital for therapists and families alike.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 299: Breathing, Bites, and Breakthroughs with Dr. Nora Ghodousi-Zaghi DDSEp 335: The #1 Way to Transform Your Pediatric Feeding EvaluationsOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Learn more about Emily’s work: https://www.eatsandspeaks.com/🍼 Ready to deep-dive into tethered oral tissues? Check out Tongue Tie Bootcamp

EP 342: The MARPE Experience – Bodywork, Diet, and the Mind-Body Connection in OrthodonticsIn this engaging conversation, Hallie Bulkin and Jeannie Nelson discuss their upcoming Marpe procedures, sharing their personal experiences, expectations, and the challenges they anticipate. They delve into the intricacies of the Marpe process, the importance of bodywork and therapy, dietary considerations post-procedure, and the psychological aspects of pain management. The discussion also touches on the impact of hormonal changes on pain perception, the significance of airway health, and the aesthetic changes they hope to achieve. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the journey of orthodontics as a holistic process that goes beyond just physical changes, highlighting the interconnectedness of body, mind, and health.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️Both hosts are undergoing Marpe procedures within 24 hours of each other.✔️The Marpe procedure involves local anesthesia and is not a surgical procedure.✔️Personal goals for the procedure include improved airway health and aesthetics.✔️Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth; it involves overall health.✔️Bodywork and therapy play a crucial role in the orthodontic journey.✔️Dietary changes will be necessary post-procedure to accommodate healing.✔️Pain management strategies are important for both hosts as they prepare for their procedures.✔️The journey of orthodontics is a holistic process that requires patience and understanding. RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 331: Inside My MARPE Journey with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™Ep 333: Transforming airway health & smiles with MARPE featuring Dr. Svitlana Koval, DMD, MSc, BDSOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARNVisit : https://www.breatheeatsleeptalk.com/💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®): https://www.themyomethod.com• “Turn on your myo eyes” free webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com

In this engaging conversation, Hallie Bulkin and Ashley Dorado explore Ashley's journey from dental hygiene to becoming a myofunctional therapy advocate. They discuss the importance of nutrition, the challenges of private practice, and the significance of building a collaborative care team. Ashley shares her personal experiences and insights on addressing oral habits, the role of family in therapy, and the necessity of listening to patients. The conversation highlights the ongoing need for education and collaboration in the field of myofunctional therapy.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️Myofunctional therapy provides a bridge between dental hygiene, airway health, and overall well-being.✔️Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting successful myofunctional outcomes.✔️Private practice offers unique challenges but also opportunities for growth and independence.✔️Collaboration across disciplines—dentists, SLPs, ENTs, and nutritionists—creates stronger patient results.✔️Oral habits must be addressed at their root cause, not just treated symptomatically.✔️Family involvement is essential, especially when working with children in therapy.✔️Patient-centered care requires active listening and adapting therapy to individual needs.✔️Professional development and continuing education are vital to staying effective in the field.✔️Advocacy for myofunctional therapy can expand awareness and accessibility to more families.✔️A holistic approach—combining airway, nutrition, oral function, and emotional support—leads to lasting change.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 327: Understanding Holistic Dentistry & Myofunctional TherapyEp 330: Empowering Children’s Oral Health featuring ‘Ms. Tongue and Friends’ with Tricia Rogers, MS, CCC-SLPOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!• Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®): https://www.themyomethod.com• “Turn on your myo eyes”  free webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar• Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.com• Find a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.com

In this conversation, Hallie Bulkin and Robyn Merkel Walsh discuss the resurgence of evidence-based practice (EBP) in myofunctional therapy, addressing the challenges faced in research acceptance and the misconceptions surrounding pseudoscience. They emphasize the importance of clinical insight, the role of therapy tools, and the need to address compensations in therapy. The discussion highlights the art and science of myofunctional therapy and concludes with a call to action for clinicians to focus on functional outcomes for their patients.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️There is a resurgence in evidence-based practice discussions in myofunctional therapy.✔️Misunderstandings about evidence-based practice can lead to misinformation.✔️Research acceptance in the field is often slow and complicated.✔️Pseudoscience is frequently misapplied to myofunctional therapy.✔️Clinical experience and patient outcomes are crucial components of evidence-based practice.✔️Tools in therapy can enhance learning and understanding for patients.✔️Compensations in therapy can lead to long-term issues if not addressed.✔️The conversation around myofunctional therapy is evolving, influenced by social media.✔️Understanding the nuances of therapy practices is essential for effective treatment.✔️The ultimate goal is to restore function for patients, not just treat symptoms.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVERELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEp 327: Understanding Holistic Dentistry & Myofunctional TherapyEp 334: Bye-Bye Thumb! Myo & Airway Strategies to Break the Habit - for GoodOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARNConnect with Robyn on her website: https://www.robynmerkelwalsh.com/ 💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!

In this episode of the Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin discusses the complexities of pediatric feeding, focusing on lip ties, latch issues, and the misconceptions surrounding 'lazy bottles.' She emphasizes the importance of functional assessments over labels, advocating for a comprehensive approach to feeding therapy. Hallie provides practical takeaways for clinicians and introduces the Pediatric Feeding Hub as a resource for support and mentorship in the field.In this episode, you’ll learn”✔️Babies inherently need to feed to survive.✔️Labels like 'lazy' are dismissive and unhelpful.✔️Functional assessment is crucial in feeding therapy.✔️Not all lip ties require surgical intervention.✔️Therapy should be prioritized before referrals.✔️Latch issues involve more than just the mouth.✔️Collaboration with other professionals is essential.✔️Assess the whole baby, including posture and tone.✔️Feeding is a complex skill that requires support.✔️The Pediatric Feeding Hub offers valuable resources for therapists.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™Ep 337: Unlocking Pediatric Feeding: Expert Strategies with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™✨DOORS ARE OPEN to PEDIATRIC FEEDING HUB™A mentorship-driven membership for pediatric SLPs, OTs & PTs who want to grow,clinically & confidently. Get weekly office hours, on-demand replays, a private members-only Facebook community, and Ask HallieAI your on-demand clinical guide. 👉 Join Now: http://www.pediatricfeedinghub.com/Mentor team highlights: Cheryl Pelletier, Melanie Peacock Shell, Christina Wetzler, Courtney Lewis, and Sadera Braid—experienced clinicians supporting you each week.OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!

Ep 338: The Missing Link in Pediatric Feeding: Critical Skills Grad Programs SkipIn this episode, Hallie Bulkin discusses the critical gaps in pediatric feeding education that graduate programs often overlook. She emphasizes the importance of understanding messy eating behaviors and tethered oral tissues, and how these insights can enhance therapy outcomes. Hallie introduces her course, Feed the Peds, which aims to equip therapists with the necessary skills and confidence to address these challenges effectively. The episode serves as a call to action for professionals in the field to enroll before the course closes, highlighting the unique structure and benefits of the program.In this episode, you’ll learn✔️Grad school did not prepare us for pediatric feeding.✔️Many programs focus on broader pediatric topics, neglecting feeding.✔️Therapists often feel unprepared and seek more information.✔️Feed the Peds offers unique insights not found elsewhere.✔️Understanding messy eating can lead to faster therapy outcomes.✔️Competence in therapy builds confidence for clinicians.✔️The course includes mentorship and a comprehensive roadmap.✔️Participants report feeling more equipped after the course.✔️The course is structured to foster critical thinking in therapy.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 316: Navigating The World of Pediatric Feeding Therapy with Brittnee Tollison, M.Ed, CCC-SLP, CBC, CPFT™Episode 318: Feed The Peds®: The Mission with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™✨ FREE TRAINING ALERT – HAPPENING SEPTEMBER 8–10!If you’re an SLP, OT, or student… you need to join me for the FREE 3-Day Pediatric Feeding Screening Training. Over 34,000 of your colleagues have done it — now it’s your turn!Here’s what you’ll get when you sign up:4 hours on a certificate of completion (perfect for your renewal hours)My complete pediatric feeding screening packet — development chart, 50-symptom checklist, findings chart & referral formA chance to win a full scholarship to the 12-week Feed The Peds® courseGrab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/trainingOTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open Sept 15–19 | join the waitlist🍼 Ready to deep-dive into tethered oral tissues? Check out Tongue Tie Bootcamp💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!