Who loves a good podcast?! For the longest time, I wasn’t a huge reader. Even audiobooks were really hard for me. However, I LOVE learning, and really felt like I was missing out on so much cool stuff out there by not being a good reader. *Enter podcasts* Podcasts have become by “go to” when I’m cleaning the house, taking a shower, or driving for long distances. I love how podcast hosts are able to sift through all the information I often struggle to read. They present it in a conversational way that makes sense, answers my questions, and leaves me feeling so much more informed on any given topic! While I’ve expanded my podcast repertoire more recently, the original podcasts that got me into listening were those hosted by OTs! As a school-based occupational therapist (OT), there is so much new information out there, and it is important to stay on top of the latest research/evidence. Podcasts are a great way to do that! Here are some of my favorites:
The OT Schoolhouse Podcast with Jayson Davies
As a school-based OT, if I had to pick ONE favorite podcast, this one would have to be it! Jayson Davies does an incredible job covering all things school-based OT in this podcast! As a previous school-based OT himself, Jayson knows what questions to ask his expert guests! When I was just starting out in schools, and even now after 5 school years, this information is always invaluable! Jayson now offers CEUs for listening to his podcast which I think is a great way to kill two birds with one stone if you’re going to be listening anyway!
The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast with Laura Petix
I love Laura’s unique perspective on this podcast as a pediatric OT who gives real life examples and strategies to support neurodivergent children; especially those with sensory processing disorder! I 10/10 recommend this podcast if you are looking to better understand sensory processing skills. As an OT, I really appreciate how Laura helps OTs to break down complex neurology to easily explain to others how sensory processing differences impact daily life for our clients. These quick episodes are perfect to fill small pockets of time in our busy schedules! Check out the OT Butterfly website for all the other resources that Laura Petix offers!
Two Sides of the Spectrum with Meg Proctor
Meg Proctor is the founder of Learn Play Thrive. Taylor, another OT SSE Blogger, mentioned the Two Sides of the Spectrum podcast in her previous blog about the best special education podcasts! I just had to repeat it! This was the podcast that really got me into this method of learning/keeping up with all things OT. As an OT herself, Meg knows what it is like to be a new graduate trying to establish yourself as a therapist. She also knows what it is like to look back on your practice and see all the things you would have changed. The podcast, and all of Meg’s resources, are geared towards learning and growing together. She inspires me to think more deeply about interventions I use and the why behind them. If you are looking to reflect on your OT practice, especially when working with autistic clients, this podcast is for you!
OT Potential with Sarah Lyon
I wanted to include some podcasts that aren’t totally geared towards school-based practice or pediatrics specifically. I think it is important to remain a well-rounded practitioner. OTs are “generalists” after all! Like The OT Schoolhouse Podcast, Sarah’s podcast also offers CEUs for members! Although you don’t have to be a member to listen, this is a great way to meet your continuing education requirements! While not all the episodes are geared towards pediatrics, there are several episodes, like a recent one on Participation-focused Knowledge Translation in Pediatric OT, that do clearly relate! Sarah’s podcasts focus on research articles, and include interviews with expert guests! I love this podcast because it keeps me “in the know” regarding evidence-based practice and recent OT literature!
AOTA’s Occupational Therapy Channel
It took me quite a while to realize that the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) had their own podcast! I thought I’d share it here since I might not be the only one! Like the OT Potential podcast, the topics aren’t all about school-based practice or pediatrics. It was on this podcast that I learned about the Choosing Wisely Guidelines and other recent resources/initiatives. I think this is a good one to follow! They don’t post new episodes often, but they’re good to listen to when they do!
On a podcast kick now? Check out Taylor’s blog on her favorite special education podcasts! I listen to many of those as well! Thanks to everyone out there for working towards being lifetime learners to better the lives of your children/students!
