SLP Coffee Talk - podcast cover

SLP Coffee Talk

A speech and language podcast to motivate and inspire school-based SLPs. Get the tips, strategies, and low-prep therapy ideas you need to confidently walk into your therapy room and plan with ease. Learn and hear stories from an SLP in the trenches just like you!

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Why Bilingual SLPs Need Specialized Support (And How to Find It)

What happens when one bilingual SLP decides she’s tired of feeling alone? She builds a whole movement! In this feel-good episode, Hallie sits down with Sara Gonzalez—a certified Spanish-English SLP in New York and the powerhouse behind the B.E.A.M. SLP Program aka Bilingual Empowerment through Allied Mentorship 💥 Sara shares her journey from grad school confusion to co-founding a nationwide mentorship community for bilingual SLPs. If you've ever thought, “Am I bilingual enough?” or felt like th...

Jul 14, 202526 minEp. 286

Preparing Students for Life After High School: The Critical Role of SLPs in Transition Planning

Hallie and guest Nathalie Lebrun chat about preparing students for life after high school. In this honest and energizing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Nathalie Lebrun—SLP, speaker, co-host of LeadSpeak Podcast and the voice behind LifeSpeak—about working with transition-age students. Nathalie shares how she went from post-acute rehab dreams to leading a massive school-based SLP team, and how she discovered the often-overlooked role SLPs can play in helping students ages 18–22 bui...

Jul 07, 202540 minEp. 284

New SLP? Tips from a Grad Student Turned CF on Job Applications, Confidence, and What to Expect

Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta about her Clinical Fellowship journey. In this real and refreshing episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Anoli Mehta—a brand-new grad turned CF and the face behind @itsnotjustspeech. Anoli shares what it was like coming into the field from a non-CSD background, how she found a CF that blends early intervention and private practice, and why she didn’t rush into work right after graduation. From job interviews to imposter syndrome to figuring out what question...

Jun 30, 202526 minEp. 283

You Are Not Alone SLPAs

Hallie chats with Alice Williams about SLPAs In this uplifting and insightful episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the inspiring Alice Williams—an SLPA, entrepreneur, and trailblazer for support personnel in the field of speech therapy. From discovering the profession while working retail to founding The SLPA Network, Alice shares her incredible journey of resilience, growth, and leadership. She opens up about working across multiple settings, mentoring fellow SLPAs, and the power o...

Jun 23, 202524 minEp. 282

What New SLPs Should Do Before Their CF Year: Avoid My Biggest Mistake with Therapy Materials

Hallie chats about one of the BIG mistakes she made during her CF Year that cost her money and sanity. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s getting real about a common mistake she made during her CF year—one that cost her time, money, and way too much trunk space! If you’re heading into your CF, just landed your first job, or even changing settings, this one’s for you. Hallie shares what she wishes she did instead of stress-shopping every toy and game in sight—and how you can better prep...

Jun 16, 202519 minEp. 281

Considering Teletherapy? How to Make Teletherapy Work

Hallie chats with Ellie Richter about teletherapy and how to make it work for you What do you get when you mix a surprise preemie, a fearless career pivot, and a whole lot of neon stickers? You get Ellie Richter, the powerhouse SLP behind The Essential Teletherapist—and she’s here to spill all the virtual tea. In this feel-good (and laugh-out-loud honest) convo, Hallie Sherman chats with Ellie about ditching the traditional grind, setting boundaries like a pro, and building a thriving teletherap...

Jun 09, 202532 minEp. 280

Executive Function in Action: Coaching Teens Beyond the IEP

Hallie and Dr. Jessica Walker discuss executive function In this insightful and empowering episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jessica Walker—an SLP with a PhD, a brain injury researcher turned school-based clinician, and a fierce advocate for adolescent support. From her unique path through higher education to the hallways of middle and high schools, Dr. Walker brings a fresh and essential perspective on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and the critic...

Jun 02, 202540 minEp. 279

Let's Talk About CF Experience

Hallie chats with MaKayla Elrod about her CF experience and answers questions every CF is asking! In this inspiring episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with MaKayla Elrod, a passionate pediatric SLP who shares her powerful journey from Tennessee to Miami—and from being told she'd never make it, to thriving in early intervention and private practice. From tackling imposter syndrome to navigating a cross-country move after marriage, MaKayla opens up about her CF year in PreK, her love for...

May 26, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 278

Top 10 Questions CFs Ask (Answered!) – Your First Year in the Schools Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

Hallie answers the biggest questions CFs have about the first year. Hey hey, SLP fam! Whether you're stepping into your CF year or just landed your first gig in the schools, this episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your new best friend. Hallie’s got your back with the top 10 questions every new SLP secretly wants to ask—from “What should I even do on my first week?” to “Am I totally faking it?” Spoiler: You're not. Tune in for tips, laughs, and the kind of real talk you wish grad school gave you. No f...

May 19, 202527 minEp. 277

End of Year Ideas For Older Speech Students

Hallie shares ideas or end of the year activities for older speech students. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie’s dishing out easy, breezy end-of-year activities that are big on fun and light on prep! If you’re counting down the days to summer (but still want to sneak in some speech and language goals), you’re in the right place. From reflection games to summer-themed silliness, Hallie shares creative ways to keep your students engaged, talking, and making progress—even when everyone’s b...

May 12, 202517 minEp. 276

Children’s Language & Literacy Using Children’s Books

Hallie chats with Julie Barber-Bristol about using children's books to target language and literacy. In this fun and heartwarming episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re hanging out with the fabulous Julie L. Barber-Bristol, M.S., CCC-SLP—a children’s literature-loving SLP with 20+ years of experience and a passion for making speech therapy magical. From New York to Pennsylvania to Texas, Julie’s done it all—private practice, schools, hospitals, even nursing homes. Now rocking it in Cypress-Fairbanks ...

May 05, 202537 minEp. 275

Making Word Segmentation Work for Older Students

Hallie discusses teaching vocabulary and how to make word segmentation work for older students. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles the often-overlooked skill of word segmentation. She discusses the challenges of teaching segmentation to older students and provides five no-prep, age-appropriate activities that connect to their interests. Whether you're an SLP looking to enhance your therapy sessions or seeking fresh ideas to motivate your students, this episode is packed with prac...

Apr 28, 202514 minEp. 274

Redefining Social Skills

Hallie and Gabby Pyzza of Pyzza Speech Therapy chat about Social skills instruction focusing on connection, not correction. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie welcomes Gabby Pyzza, a passionate SLP specializing in social skills for older students. Gabby shares her inspiring journey from feeling overwhelmed in her first job to developing a comprehensive blueprint for teaching conversation skills. She offers practical strategies for engaging students, including the use of conversation star...

Apr 21, 202535 minEp. 273

SLP's Role With Selective Mutism

Got a student who clams up the second they walk into school—but you know they’ve got a ton to say? This episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your go-to guide for helping students with selective mutism find their voice (and maybe even belt out some Taylor Swift at lunch 🎤) We’re hanging out with Emily Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, school-based SLP, SM expert, board member of the Selective Mutism Association, and total rockstar when it comes to helping our quietest kids shine. She’s sharing her tried-and...

Apr 14, 202526 minEp. 272

Content vs. Skills in Speech Therapy: Striking the Perfect Balance for Secondary Students

Listen as Hallie talks about striking a balance between content and skills in speech therapy. This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling the age-old debate—should we focus on teaching classroom content or the underlying skills our students need? Hallie dives into the sweet spot of blending content learning with skill building, ensuring your students not only grasp their classroom material but also develop the skills to tackle new challenges. With strategies and relatable examples, you’ll l...

Apr 07, 202519 minEp. 271

Harnessing YouTube for Social Language Success: Strategies, Clips, and Questions for Your Therapy Toolbox

Hallie discusses strategies for utilizing YouTube for social language skills. Are you tired of students shrugging and asking, "Why am I here?" Let’s change that! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we dive into the magic of YouTube and how it can transform social skills therapy. From Big Bang Theory clips to Pixar shorts, discover how to make sessions more engaging, relatable, and effective—without spending hours planning. Get ready for a curated list of must-watch videos, practical tips, and a ...

Mar 31, 202520 minEp. 270

Diagnosing Failed Speech Sessions

So, your session was a flop. That's ok. Hallie discusses how to diagnose a failed speech session and next steps. This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is diving into a crucial topic—why some speech sessions just don’t click and what you can do about it! If you’ve ever planned what seemed like the perfect activity, only to have your students disengaged, frustrated, or just not making progress, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the key reasons why lessons might fall flat and gives you str...

Mar 24, 202521 minEp. 269

From ‘Speech’ to ‘Safe Zone’: Building Confidence, Comfort, and Growth in Therapy Sessions

Hallie talks about how to create a "safe zone" in speech therapy. Create a safe zone not just in your space, but by building confidence through comfort and growth. This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie is tackling how to make your speech therapy space a safe and inviting environment where students feel comfortable, supported, and ready to participate. If you've ever had students walk into your room with crossed arms, eye rolls, or just plain resistance, this episode is for you. Hallie shares simp...

Mar 17, 202521 minEp. 268

Using Standardized Tests as a Starting Point for Functional and Impactful SLP Goals

Hallie discusses using standardized tests as a starting point to create functional and impactful speech and language goals for your students. Grab your coffee and settle in, SLPs! In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, we’re diving into why standardized tests are just the starting point—not the whole solution—for crafting meaningful, functional, and academically relevant goals for your older speech students. We’ll talk about avoiding common pitfalls, incorporating informal assessments, and getting ...

Mar 10, 202522 minEp. 267

Keeping Students Engaged Via Teletherapy

Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl about teletherapy and keeping students engaged. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie chats with Tara Rhoehl, an SLP and telepractice expert with over 14 years of experience working with international clients. Tara shares her journey from practicing teletherapy long before it became mainstream, specializing in executive functioning and social cognition. She dives into creative ways to keep students engaged online, from virtual game tables to mentoring programs,...

Mar 03, 202536 minEp. 266

Note-Taking Interventions That Exist For Adolescents

Hallie chats with Amy Peterson about note-taking interventions with older students. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Dr. Amy Peterson, an SLP, researcher, and advocate for adolescent language intervention. With a master's degree from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate from Utah State University, Amy has extensive experience working in schools and now leads the ALIAS Lab at the University of Wyoming, focusing on adolescent language, interventions, and implementatio...

Feb 24, 202528 minEp. 265

Teaching Chunking for Note-Taking

Hallie discusses how to teach chunking for note-taking. This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie dives into a game-changing strategy for improving note-taking and comprehension—chunking! If your students struggle to retain information, feel overwhelmed by long passages, or have trouble organizing their thoughts, this episode is for you. Hallie breaks down the science behind chunking, explains why it works, and shares simple, practical ways to teach it in speech therapy. From modeling and guided prac...

Feb 17, 202520 min

Literacy and Neurodivergent Children

In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Kim Jenkins, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and the owner of Empowering Speech Services. Kim specializes in supporting Autistic and neurodivergent children through neurodiversity-affirming practices, helping them develop meaningful communication skills. With a passion for literacy, grammar, and vocabulary, she shares her approach to building strengths-based learning experiences that empower children to thrive. Bullet Points to Di...

Feb 10, 202531 minEp. 263

Older Students Via Teletherapy or In Person

Hallie chats with Jennifer Tillock about speech therapy with older students in teletherapy and in-person settings Ready to kickstart your school year with enthusiasm and insight? Join Hallie Sherman on this episode of SLP Coffee Talk as she sits down with Jennifer Tillock, a dedicated teletherapist with a wealth of experience working with older students. In this conversation, Jennifer shares her journey from traditional therapy to teletherapy, offering valuable insights on how to keep literacy-b...

Feb 03, 202529 min

Motivating the Unmotivated: Tips for Engaging Reluctant Teens

Hallie chats about motivating the unmotivated student. She shares tips for engaging reluctant teens. This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie tackles a common challenge for SLPs working with older students—engaging reluctant teens in speech therapy. Drawing from her experience, she breaks down practical, compassionate strategies to turn crossed arms and silence into connection and growth. From building rapport and respecting boundaries to incorporating students’ interests and empowering them with ch...

Jan 27, 202519 min

DLD vs Dyslexia or Both?!

Hallie chats with guest Britney Morrish about the intersection of DLD and Dyslexia, and the Quadrant Model for differential diagnosis. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Britney Morrish, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and founder of the Language and Literacy Clinic of Manitoba. Britney is passionate about using evidence-based practices to promote effective communication and literacy skills while advocating for equitable educational practices. Together, they explor...

Jan 20, 202543 min

Empowering Your Middle School Students

Hallie talks with SLP Elevate member Bridget Karp about empowering middle school students and using SLP Elevate resources. This week on SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Bridget Karp, a passionate and experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in middle school therapy. Bridget has six years of expertise across various settings, including public and private schools and early intervention. She combines her knowledge with dedication in helping her students develop confidence and auto...

Jan 13, 202532 min

Start 2025 Strong With New Year's Themed Activities

Hallie discusses New Year's themed activities for therapy. Happy New Year, SLPs! 🥳 It's time to shake off the holiday haze and dive into a brand-new year with fresh ideas and big dreams for your therapy sessions. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie brings the ultimate guide to planning engaging, New Year's-themed activities that will have your students saying, "This is why I come to speech!" Discover quick, no-prep exercises, free resources like a fun YouTube video (hint: think New Year’...

Jan 06, 202516 min

Reflecting on 2024

Hallie reflects on 2024. SLPs, can you believe it? 2024 is in the rearview, and Hallie is kicking off the new year with an episode full of reflection, celebration, and a glimpse into what’s next for Speech Time Fun! She highlights the triumphs of 2024, shares favorite moments, and showcases how her resources continue to inspire creativity in therapy. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025—new resources, fresh therapy ideas, and more ways to save time while delivering impactful sessions....

Dec 30, 202426 min

Reigniting the Spark as an SLP

After Speech Retreat, Hallie chats with SLP Elevate member and Speech Retreat attendee Elsha Young about reigniting the spark as an SLP. In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, Hallie sits down with Elsha Young, a Speech-Language Pathologist SLP Elevate member and Speech Retreat attendee to chat about reigniting that spark as an SLP. With 25 years of experience supporting communication across all stages of life, Elsha specializes in language, literacy, and assisting individuals with complex neuro-re...

Dec 23, 202427 min
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android