The OT Lifestyle Movement

In this business-focussed episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Beki Eakins to talk about what building a thriving online OT business actually looks like – the numbers, the strategy and the mindset behind it all. We discuss: Connect with Beki Eakins: Website: www.bekieakins.com/ Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/bekieakins/Instagram: www.instagram.com/otyourselftofreedom/Beki Eakins i...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Dr. Wendy Stav to explore the heart of our profession – occupation. We discuss: Connect with Wendy Stav: Website The Dynamic Model of Occupation-Based Practice

In this episode Michelle Luken and I discuss: 1. Sticks – the personal and occupational factors that fuel or dampen your fire2. Rocks – boundaries; your foundations of safety, regulation and capacity3. Rain + Wind – physical and social environment4. Coal – burnout5. Smoke – signs and signals of burnout6. Ash – end of life … 131: Burn In Mini-Series | #3: The Flame + The 8 Ecosystem Elem...

In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Luken, Occupational Therapist and co-creator of The Burn In Model, about how it all began. We discuss: To join us for a 6 week guided journey – to burn in, not out, head to burninnotout.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Luken – Occupational Therapist, U.S. Army Veteran, and co-creator of The Burn In Model. We dive deep into the personal stories that sparked this model, including: This is where The Burn In Model begins… with story, reflection and the decision to burn in, not out. Learn more about … 129: Burn In Mini-Series | #1: Our Burnout Stories ft...

In this episode, I chat with Justine Jecker – an occupational therapist I instantly fell in love with for her grounded wisdom, her realness, her critical thinking and the way she speaks so deeply to the heart of our profession. This conversation is rich, reflective and full of insight into what it really means to … 128: Who Are We Really? A Critical Look at OT Identity ft Justine Jecke...

Have you ever fumbled to explain what you do as an OT?Questioned your place in the profession because the reality feels so far from what you were taught? Shrunk your words just to be understood – and still weren’t? Felt unseen, undervalued or like you care too much in systems that don’t? You’re not alone. Correcting someone … 127: The Identity We Weave: Professional Identity, Language...

In this episode we are talking all talking about a wide range of topics that surprisingly have a lot in common! We’re talking about emotional regulation, OT coaching and supervision strategies with the wonderful Dr. Áine O’Dea. We discuss: Connect with Dr. Áine O’Dea:Website LinkedIn Instagram

In this episode we’re exploring how to achieve both time and financial freedom. We dive deep into practical strategies and actionable tips with our guest, Doug Vestal, to empower you on your journey towards a more liberated and fulfilling OT life. We discuss: Doug Vestal is the author of the book: Financial Freedom for OTs: … 125: OTs on the Money: Pathways to Financial Freedom ft Doug...

In this episode, we discuss: Genevieve is a paediatric occupational therapist and founder of Umbrella OT. She works in a small rural community here in Australia. Genevieve brings a holistic, family-centered approach to her practice and thrives on conducting sessions outdoors, leveraging the calming effects of nature. Genevieve’s work is deeply informed by her interests in … 124: Navigat...

In this podcast episode, we delve into: Michelle has dedicated the last 20 years to empowering teams and leaders across Australia and New Zealand. Her mission is clear: to lead people with care, compassion, and a deep commitment to their well-being, ensuring that teams don’t just succeed, they thrive. Michelle has delivered programs to over 50,000 … 123: Making Mistakes, Moral Injury and Mov...

This episode we are talking all about Occupational Formulation with Lorrae Mynard. We discuss: Lorrae was named Occupational Therapist of the year in the 2023 Australian Allied Health Awards. She is passionate about keeping occupation at the heart of occupational therapy and has worked in a variety of adult mental health settings in Australia, Canada … 122: Occupational Formulation ft Lorrae...

In this episode, we dive deep with Karlye Williamson, an experienced occupational therapist who has seamlessly integrated stretch therapy and nervous system regulation into her practice. Join us as we explore how Karlye’s journey into OT led her to develop a unique approach that enhances both mental and physical well-being. We discuss: You can connect … 121: The Power of Stretch Therap...

In this episode we are talking all about integrating coaching, posiitve psychology and occupational therapy for enhanced mental health care. Padraig Danaher and I discuss:  Padraig is a senior occupational therapist and psychological coach specializing in trauma, sensory attachment, and positive psychology. Padraig has an extensive background in social care, with over 13 years of … 120: Revo...

In this episode we are talking all about supporting caregivers through the lens of occupational therapy. We discuss:  Ali Buchanan created The OT Carer Pathway. It is a specialised program designed specifically for caregivers, addressing the unique challenges they face in their roles. This initiative is crafted to provide targeted support to carers, who are … 119: The OT Carer Pathway:...

In this episode we are talking to Dave Jereb, occupational therapist, paediatric clinic owner, author and mentor. We talk all about burnout, the static NDIS price rate and finding meaning in OT. We discuss: Dave is a paediatric occupational therapist based here in Australia with over 20 years of experience. He is the co-founder of MoveAbout … 118 – Burnout, Static NDIS Price Rate and F...

In this special episode, I’m on the other side of the microphone! I’m taking the guest seat as I chat with a fellow OT, Jo, who reached out via Instagram. We realised our conversation could benefit a wider audience, tackling some of the most pressing questions in the world of occupational therapy and starting a … 117 – (ASK ME ANYTHING): From Doubt to Done: Starting a Busin...

In this episode we are talking all about the powerful impact of sensory healing after developmental trauma. We discuss:  Marti Smith is an esteemed occupational therapist based in Austin, Texas, where she works at a care farm dedicated to serving individuals who have experienced trauma and adversity. With a profound commitment to healing through sensory … 116 – Sensory Healing Aft...

The CanMOP is an evolution of the Canadian occupational model, previously known as the CMOP and the CMOP-E. This new iteration places a strong emphasis on occupational participation, encouraging therapists to extend their focus beyond just performance and engagement. Occupational participation is placed at the heart of this new model, emphasising access to, initiation and … 115 – The N...

In this episode we are talking all about Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy with Professor Gayle Restall. Gayle is co-editor of the new book; Promoting Occupational Participation: Collaborative Relationship-Focused Occupational Therapy.   Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy underscores the core purpose of occupational therapy—enabling access to, i...

In this episode we are lucky enough to be speaking with Dr Nick Pollard. We discuss: Nick is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Sheffield Hallam University. Nick’s teaching concerns social contexts for occupational therapy, community based interventions and underpinning concepts including occupational science and social occupational therapy. He  teaches research methods and interprofessi...

In this episode we are talking all about: Brad is a father of two and husband, occupational therapist, the host and creator of The Becoming Collective and founder of Naturally Gathered – an OT in nature practice.  He is a deep thinker and challenger of the status quo. Brad loves spending time in nature whether … 112 – From Stagnation to Inspiration: Reigniting Our OT Spark ft Bra...

In this episode we are talking all about serious mental illness and a path to resilience with Liz Grace. Liz is an occupational therapist in recovery from Schizoaffective Disorder who lives with the daily challenges of profound hearing loss.  We discuss:  Liz Grace is a first-time author of her book titled – Resilient.  At seventeen, … 111 – Inside the Mind: An Occ...

In this episode we are talking all about strengths based occupational therapy with Kavita Murthi. We discuss:  Kavitha Murthi is pursuing her doctoral studies at NYU Steinhardt in the Department of Occupational Therapy. She works with Counselor to the President, Dr. Kristie Patten, on a National Science Foundation (NSF) project titled “Developing Abilities and Knowledge … 110 – St...

In this episode we are talking all about sustainability, the environment and planetary health with Ka Yan Hess. We discuss:  – why we need to question the current underpinnings of the profession including person-centered practice (yes, you read right!)  – how we can broaden person-centred health care using bidirectional questioning  – what we can do in …...