The Untethered Podcast

In this empowering episode, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Angela Richwine, RDH, BASc, QOM, COM®, to dive deep into the world of myofunctional therapy and collaboration in healthcare. Angela opens up about her personal journey into the field, the pivotal moments that shaped her practice, and how her passion for helping others led her to uncover the root causes behind oral and airway issues.Together, Hallie and Angela explore the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, patient education, and parent advocacy in achieving better outcomes. They shed light on the growing awareness of myofunctional therapy, the challenges professionals face in bridging knowledge gaps, and the need for continuing education to deliver truly holistic care.This conversation is a powerful reminder that myofunctional therapy is not just about correcting habits - it’s about understanding the “why” behind them, empowering patients, and transforming lives through collaboration and education.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ How Angela’s personal journey led her to specialize in myofunctional therapy.✔️ Why collaboration among healthcare professionals enhances patient care.✔️ The critical role of patient education in lasting health outcomes.✔️ How parents can advocate for their children’s oral and airway health.✔️ The importance of addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms.✔️ Why continuing education is essential for myofunctional therapists.✔️ How understanding the mouth as a “gateway to health” changes everything.✔️ The power of listening to patients and setting clear therapy goals.✔️ How to navigate misconceptions and raise awareness about myofunctional therapy.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEvidence vs. Pseudoscience in Myofunctional Therapy with Hallie Bulkin & Robyn Merkel-WalshEP 341: From Dental Hygiene to Myofunctional Therapy with Hallie Bulkin & Ashley DoradoOTHER 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 engaging conversation, Hallie Bulkin and Kassi Klein explore the intricate world of airway dentistry, discussing Kassi's personal journey into the field, the importance of understanding craniofacial development, and the need for a patient-centered approach that focuses on the underlying reasons for patients' concerns. They emphasize the significance of collaboration among various healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care, the balance between functional and structural treatment approaches, and the critical role of assessing tongue ties and other oral tissues. The discussion also touches on common myths surrounding airway health, the impact of sleep apnea on children, and Kassi's vision for the future of airway dentistry.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️Kassi's journey into airway dentistry began with her mother's health issues.✔️Understanding craniofacial development is crucial for effective treatment.✔️Finding the 'why' behind patients' concerns enhances care.✔️Collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential.✔️Functional treatment approaches must complement structural changes.✔️Assessing tongue ties is vital for proper oral development.✔️Symptoms like ear infections can indicate underlying airway issues.✔️Common myths about airway health can mislead parents and providers.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 200: Functional Impact: When A Tongue Tie Is ACTUALLY A Tongue TieEp 347: Airway First: The Pediatric Dentist's Essential Role in Treating Tongue Ties and Growth Issues (with Dr. Anita Gouri)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!Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.comFind a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.comConnect with Kassi Klein, DDS, D.ABDSM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassi-klein/overlay/about-this-profile/?trk=people-guest_people_search-cardhttps://www.instagram.com/breathesleepandairway/?hl=enhttps://www.zocdoc.com/dentist/kassi-klein-dds-610392

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin welcomes special guest Dr. Anita Gouri, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to dive deep into the critical, often-missed connection between pediatric dentistry and a child's overall airway health and development.Dr. Gouri shares her personal journey into airway and tissue-focused dentistry, motivated by her own daughter's and nephew's feeding and developmental challenges due to undiagnosed tongue ties.They emphasize the absolute necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, stressing that therapy (SLP, OT, IBCLC, etc.) is optimal before and after a tongue tie release for the best outcomes and to avoid reattachment or unresolved symptoms. The conversation extends to older children, discussing the importance of an airway evaluation before prescribing ADHD medications and the dramatic life-changing results of early palatal expansion to open the airway.In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Dr. Gouri’s personal experience discovering her daughter's tongue tie at age 7, long after dealing with feeding issues, colic, and difficulty eating non-pureed foods. ✔️ Why pre- and post-operative therapy (like with an SLP, OT, or IBCLC) is 100% crucial for optimal outcomes following a tongue tie release. ✔️ The importance of getting an airway evaluation before putting children on ADHD medication. ✔️ Key signs of pediatric airway issues during sleep, including mouth breathing , tossing/turning/restless sleep , and the often-missed red flag of hyperextension of the neck. ✔️ The dramatic benefits of early palatal expansion (as early as 3 or 4 years old) to open the airway, often resolving issues like chronic infections (like croup) and snoring , even if the child does not have a crossbite. ✔️ How simple strategies like sleep hygiene (removing dust mite harbingers like stuffed animals and blankets) and dietary changes (like kicking gluten) can reduce inflammation and improve breathing. ✔️ Why a "quick snip" of a tongue tie may not address the entire posterior tie, which can lead to later issues like speech problems.RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVEEpisode 204: Progressing Through Play and TOTs with Dr. Brita DestefanoEpisode 293: Finding a TOTs Release Provider with Hallie Bulkin, MA CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™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!Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet: https://FastMyoScreening.comFind a myofunctional therapist: https://www.themyodirectory.comConnect with Dr. Anita Gouri: https://nocavitykids.com/meet-dr-gouri/

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