The Untethered Podcast™

Latest Episodes:

Ep 336: Feeding Therapy in Schools: Safety, Culture, and Collaboration with Karen Howarth Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Ep 336: Feeding Therapy in Schools: Safety, Culture, and Collaboration with Karen Howarth

In this episode, Hallie Bulkin interviews Karen Howarth, a pediatric occupational therapist with 25 years of experience — and our new resident OT mentor inside Feed The Peds®.

They dive into Karen’s work in feeding therapy within school settings, including the development of the MEALS screening tool, the unique challenges of providing feeding therapy in schools, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

Karen also highlights the need for cultural sensitivity in feeding practices, shares strategies for supporting parents through feelings of guilt, and discusses how feeding challenges can impact a child’s educational experience. She explains how collaboration with school staff ensures children’s safety and access to nutrition during the school day.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️The MEALS screening tool addresses mealtime challenges in schools.

✔️Engagement in mealtime is as important as physical feeding skills.

✔️School-based feeding therapy requires a multidisciplinary approach.

✔️Cultural sensitivity is crucial in addressing feeding practices.

✔️Parents often experience guilt regarding their child's feeding difficulties.

✔️Educational impact is a key consideration in IEPs.

✔️Collaboration with school staff is essential for effective feeding interventions

RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVE

✨ 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 form
A chance to win a full scholarship to the 12-week Feed The Peds® course

Grab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/training

OTHER 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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 335: The #1 Way to Transform Your Pediatric Feeding Evaluations Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Ep 335: The #1 Way to Transform Your Pediatric Feeding Evaluations

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast, Hallie Bulkin reveals why a truly effective pediatric feeding evaluation starts long before the child walks into the room. She shares how well-designed intake forms with targeted, specific questions unlock critical insights into a child’s feeding behaviors and highlight red flags that might otherwise be missed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why the best feeding evaluations actually start before the child arrives, using detailed intake forms.

✔️ Three simple questions that uncover posture problems, long meal times, and noisy eating — all key red flags.

✔️ How hip alignment connects to oral motor function (“What we see on the hips, we see on the lips”).

✔️ Why feeding challenges rarely exist in isolation and are often tied to sensory and developmental factors.

✔️ How to spot red flags and conduct an effective screening even without watching a child eat.

✔️ How to join Hallie’s free 3-day live training for deeper, practical evaluation tools.

RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVE

✨ 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 form
A chance to win a full scholarship to the 12-week Feed The Peds® course

Grab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/training

OTHER 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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 334: Bye-Bye Thumb! Myo & Airway Strategies to Break the Habit - for Good Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Ep 334: Bye-Bye Thumb! Myo & Airway Strategies to Break the Habit - for Good

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast™, Hallie Bulkin explores the complexities of thumb sucking in children, emphasizing that it is often a symptom of deeper issues such as airway obstruction and oral dysfunction. She discusses the importance of understanding the underlying causes of thumb sucking, the role of airway health, and the need for holistic approaches to treatment.

Hallie provides insights into effective strategies for addressing thumb sucking, including the use of therapeutic tools and the significance of early intervention. The conversation highlights the necessity of treating the whole child rather than just the symptom, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of pediatric health.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Understanding Thumb Sucking: A Deeper Look

✔️ Addressing Airway Issues: The Root Cause

✔️ Strategies for Healthy Self-Regulation

RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVE

✨ 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 form
A chance to win one of FOUR full scholarships to the 12-week Feed The Peds® course

Grab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/training

OTHER 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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 333: Transforming airway health & smiles with MARPE featuring Dr. Svitlana Koval, DMD, MSc, BDS Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Ep 333: Transforming airway health & smiles with MARPE featuring Dr. Svitlana Koval, DMD, MSc, BDS

This week on The Untethered Podcast™, Hallie welcomes back Dr. Svitlana Koval, Florida’s leading provider of Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE).

Together, they explore the powerful connection between dental expansion, airway health, and facial balance covering MARPE and clear aligner mechanics, Hallie’s personal experience with her children’s treatment, timelines, post-care, and the transformative outcomes of a holistic approach.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin and @drsvitlanakoval to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Clear Aligner (e.g., Invisalign) Journey and Airway Health

✔️ Personal Experience with MARPE and Facial Asymmetry

✔️ Understanding MARPE: Procedures and Techniques

✔️ Comparing Traditional Expanders and MARPE

✔️ Timeline and Procedures for Adult Expansion

✔️ Understanding Bone Remodeling and Expansion Techniques

✔️ Aesthetic Considerations in Orthodontic Treatment

✔️ Timeline for Appliance Removal and Bone Fusion

✔️ Impact of Expansion on Facial Structure

✔️ Addressing Concerns with Mini Screws and TADs

✔️ In-Office Procedure Insights and Patient Care

✔️ Managing Asymmetries in Facial Structure

RELATED EPISODES YOU MIGHT LOVE

ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST

I am so excited for you to meet Dr. Svitlana Koval! You can hang out with her over on Instagram and check out her practice at drssk.com.

✨ 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 form
A chance to win one of FOUR full scholarships to the 12-week Feed The Peds® course

Grab your spot here → www.feedthepeds.com/training

OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT & LEARN

📅 Doors to Feed The Peds® open Sept 15–19 | join the waitlist

💬 Let’s hang out on social: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

⭐ Love the show? Leave a quick review — it means the world to me!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 332: The Interconnectedness of Oral and Systemic Health with Amber White RDH, HHP Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Ep 332: The Interconnectedness of Oral and Systemic Health with Amber White RDH, HHP

This week on The Untethered Podcast™, join Hallie Bulkin and Amber White for an eye-opening conversation that bridges biological dentistry, holistic health, and overall well-being. Amber shares her journey from traditional dentistry to a holistic approach, revealing how oral health deeply influences the entire body.

Together, they explore the powerful roles hormones, minerals, and detoxification play in maintaining health, as well as the impact of mouth breathing and the benefits of myofunctional therapy. You’ll come away inspired to advocate for your own health—and with a deeper appreciation for how interconnected your body’s systems truly are.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin and @naturallyamberwhite to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Amber White transitioned from traditional dentistry to a holistic approach.

✔️Oral health is a window into overall health.

✔️Hormones can significantly impact oral health, including gum tissue.

✔️Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining oral health.

✔️Detoxification must be approached by first opening detox pathways.

✔️Mouth breathing can lead to chronic inflammation and health issues.

✔️Integrating myofunctional therapy with holistic health can enhance patient outcomes.

✔️Advocating for one's health is essential in the healing process.

✔️Small lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements.

✔️Understanding the interconnectedness of bodily systems is vital for holistic health.

Related episodes to check out:

Episode 311: The Future of Dentistry and Rethinking Dental Health with Dr. Hilary Fritsch, DMD

Episode 265: Healing from the Inside Out with Katie Green, HHP, NMT

LINKS

Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®). Enroll here: www.themyomethod.com

Ready to turn your "myo eyes" on? Join our webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar

Download a Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet Here: FastMyoScreening.com

Find a myofunctional therapist: www.themyodirectory.com

Connect with Hallie on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIN

Haven’t left a review yet? Click here and thank you, as always, for being a listener!

Want to watch more of the episode? Click here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 331: Inside My MARPE Journey with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™ Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Ep 331: Inside My MARPE Journey with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™

In this solo episode of The Untethered Podcast™, Hallie Bulkin opens up about her decision to undergo Mini Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE). Despite previous expansion efforts, Hallie experienced persistent post-nasal drip, jaw pain, facial asymmetry, and disrupted sleep. All of which led her to explore MARPE as the next step toward improved airway and overall wellness.

She explains what MARPE is, how it works, and what the treatment entails, including the placement of mini implants and the use of a device to split the mid-palatal suture. Hallie also shares her personal motivations, what the treatment plan looks like under Dr. Koval's care, and what improvements she’s hoping to see in her breathing, sleep, and facial comfort.

Whether you're a patient considering MARPE, a professional in airway or myofunctional therapy, or simply curious about real-life expansion stories, this episode offers a grounded, firsthand look at this powerful treatment approach.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ What MARPE is and how it differs from other expansion techniques

✔️ Hallie’s personal reasons for choosing MARPE

✔️ The role of mini screws and suture expansion in the process

✔️ The connection between facial structure, jaw pain, and airway health

✔️ What to expect during treatment and recovery

✔️ How Hallie is preparing for the journey ahead

✔️ An invitation to submit questions for Dr. Koval’s upcoming appearance

LINKS

Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®). Enroll here: www.themyomethod.com

Ready to turn your "myo eyes" on? Join our webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar

Download a Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet Here: FastMyoScreening.com

Find a myofunctional therapist: www.themyodirectory.com

Connect with Hallie on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIN

Haven’t left a review yet? Click here and thank you, as always, for being a listener!

Want to watch more of the episode? Click here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 330: Empowering Children’s Oral Health featuring ‘Ms. Tongue and Friends’ with Tricia Rogers, MS, CCC-SLP Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Ep 330: Empowering Children’s Oral Health featuring ‘Ms. Tongue and Friends’ with Tricia Rogers, MS, CCC-SLP

This week on The Untethered Podcast™, Hallie is joined by Tricia Rogers, a speech-language pathologist specializing in orofacial myofunctional disorders. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Tricia brings passion and creativity to the forefront of children’s oral health education through her charming book series, Ms. Tongue and Friends.

In this episode, Tricia shares her journey into writing and self-publishing, the inspiration behind the characters, and how the books are helping children understand the importance of nasal breathing, proper oral posture, and healthy oral habits.

Hallie and Tricia also explore the behind-the-scenes challenges of authoring a children’s series, the power of visual learning and repetition, and Tricia’s broader vision for normalizing myofunctional concepts in early childhood settings.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin and @tricia.h.rogers.slp to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why myofunctional therapy is important for young children

✔️ How storytelling can engage and educate children on oral health

✔️ The inspiration and purpose behind Ms. Tongue and Friends

✔️ What professionals can gain from using these books in therapy

✔️ The impact of visuals and repetition in children’s learning

✔️ The process of self-publishing and book development

✔️ Tricia’s future plans for expanding the series

LINKS

Get to know on Tricia Rogers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia.h.rogers.slp/

Author of Miss Tongue and Friends Series @misstongueandfriends

Check out her website: https://www.misstongueandfriends.com/

Be part of our Myo Fam! Join us inside The Myo Membership: www.themyomembership.com

Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®). Enroll here: www.themyomethod.com

Ready to turn your "myo eyes" on? Join our webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar

Download a Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet Here: FastMyoScreening.com

Find a myofunctional therapist: www.themyodirectory.com

Connect with Hallie on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIN

Haven’t left a review yet? Click here and thank you, as always, for being a listener!

Want to watch more of the episode? Click here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 329: Identifying 'More Than Myo' Moments — Referral Strategies and Team Collaboration in Complex Cases with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™ Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Ep 329: Identifying 'More Than Myo' Moments — Referral Strategies and Team Collaboration in Complex Cases with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™

In this episode of The Untethered Podcast™, Hallie Bulkin takes a deep dive into one of the most critical aspects of patient care: knowing when it's time to go beyond myofunctional therapy. These “more than myo” moments require clinical insight, humility, and collaboration and Hallie shares practical tools to help therapists recognize and navigate them.

This episode empowers professionals to move from isolated intervention to integrated care because sometimes, success lies in knowing when not to go it alone.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ What “more than myo” moments look like in practice

✔️ Red flags that should trigger a referral

✔️ Who should be on your extended care team and why

✔️ How to present referrals to families with confidence and compassion

✔️ Why a referral tracker is essential for effective case management

✔️ The importance of collaborative care in complex cases

✔️ How to keep learning and improving your referral instincts

LINKS

Be part of our Myo Fam! Join us inside The Myo Membership®: www.themyomembership.com

Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®). Enroll here: www.themyomethod.com

Ready to turn your "myo eyes" on? Join our webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar

Download a Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet Here: FastMyoScreening.com

Find a myofunctional therapist: www.themyodirectory.com

Connect with Hallie on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIN

Haven’t left a review yet? Click here and thank you, as always, for being a listener!

Want to watch more of the episode? Click here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 328: Travel Tips for Parents with Picky Eaters with Hallie Bulkin, MA, CCC-SLP, CMT®, CPFT™ Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Travel tips for picky eaters take center stage in this episode of The Untethered Podcast™, where Hallie shares thoughtful, real-life advice for parents traveling with selective eaters. Drawing from her personal experience as both a feeding therapist and a mom, Hallie walks listeners through practical steps to ensure mealtime on vacation is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Hallie highlights strategies to help you prepare while staying flexible. This episode also tackles common travel stressors like dealing with public judgment, navigating food refusal in unfamiliar environments, and managing your own expectations.

Hallie reminds parents that travel is about more than what your child eats—it's about making memories, enjoying connection, and embracing the journey together.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to prepare for travel with a picky or selective eater

✔️ The value of familiar foods and how to pack smart

✔️ Why planning ahead (without over-controlling) is key

✔️ Tips for keeping mealtimes low-pressure and flexible

✔️ How to handle judgment or unsolicited advice from others

✔️ What to do when food refusal happens on vacation

✔️ Why connection and fun matter more than perfect nutrition

LINKS

Be part of our Myo Fam! Join us inside The Myo Membership: www.themyomembership.com

Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®). Enroll here: www.themyomethod.com

Ready to turn your "myo eyes" on? Join our webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar

Download your Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet Here: FastMyoScreening.com

Find a myofunctional therapist: www.themyodirectory.com

Connect with Hallie on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIN

Haven’t left a review yet? Click here and thank you, as always, for being a listener!

Want to watch more of the episode? Click here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 327: Understanding Holistic Dentistry & Myofunctional Therapy Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Untethered Podcast™, Hallie Bulkin sits down with Dr. Jennifer Tipograph, a holistic dentist and passionate advocate for whole-body wellness through oral health. From her beginnings as a dental assistant to her current role as a leading figure in integrative dental care, Dr. Tipograph shares her unique journey and powerful insights into the world of holistic dentistry.

You'll also hear about their co-created children’s book series, designed to normalize conversations around tongue ties and educate both kids and parents in a fun and approachable way. With a strong emphasis on the team-based care model, Dr. Tipograph offers invaluable tips for professionals and families alike.

If this episode resonates with you, snap a screenshot of you listening and share it on your Instagram Stories! Tag Hallie @halliebulkin and Dr. Tipograph @drjennifertipograph on IG and @naturaldentalassociates to spread the word.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

✔️ Dr. Tipograph’s journey into holistic dentistry

✔️ Why tongue ties need more than just a quick release

✔️ The role of myofunctional therapy in lifelong health

✔️ How to prepare kids (and parents!) for tongue-tie procedures

✔️ Empowering children through self-awareness and education

✔️ The magic of team collaboration in care

✔️ Behind the scenes of their educational book series

✔️ Practical advice for both providers and parents

Whether you're a parent, provider, or just curious about the intersection of oral and overall health, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical guidance!

LINKS

Get to know Dr. Jennifer Tipograph on Instagram

Check out her website: https://naturaldentistassociates.com/

Our books: Amazon link to all 3 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hallie+bulkin&crid=3D87DP06D122&sprefix=hallie+bulkin%2Caps%2C171&ref=nb_...

Be part of our Myo Fam! Join us inside The Myo Membership: www.themyomembership.com

Become a Certified Myofunctional Therapist™ (CMT®). Enroll here: www.themyomethod.com

Ready to turn your "myo eyes" on? Join our webinar: https://www.feedthepeds.com/myo-webinar

Download a Free F.A.S.T. Myo Screening Packet Here: FastMyoScreening.com

Find a myofunctional therapist: www.themyodirectory.com

Connect with Hallie on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIN

Haven’t left a review yet? Click here and thank you, as always, for being a listener!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.