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Eat, Speak, & Think

I've been a medical speech-language pathologist since 2008, and I'm passionate about sharing useful tips and resources to help people living with swallowing, communication, or cognitive challenges.

Featured Post

💡 EST Updates: Executive function is the maintenance crew of the "cognitive building"

Hi Reader,Happy New Year! My new article digs into executive function skills, with key information to help SLPs assess, educate, and treat their patients. I'm loving the newest analogy for how EF skills relate to cognition. The free download is a 3-page clinician cheat sheet with all the important information from the post (including the new analogy). Talking about cheat sheets, I've updated the EST Resource Binder and emailed it to all current Supporters on Buy Me A Coffee as a "thank you"....

Hi Reader,I was excited to hear Sarah Baar and Lauren Schwabish talk about executive function (EF) in a way I'd never heard before. Often, we talk about EF skills like planning, organization, time management, etc... But Lauren shared a different way of thinking about EF. Not only is it easier to understand, but it sparks ideas for how to provide meaningful, personalized intervention. I made a short video to share the key points. You can find the link below. 🎬 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll...

Hi Reader,I just released a new video on YouTube! This one teaches the WRAP memory strategies with a couple of examples. As I get more proficient with making the videos, I should start releasing them more often. That's my intention, anyway! 🎉 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a fascinating discussion about how neurodiversity can be a win-win for employers.☕️Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun," you'll find: - Open-access therapy program for dysphagia in head & neck cancer. - How SLPs can...

Chest X-ray image on the left and text on a light background on the right that reads ‘The SLP’s quick guide to COPD.’

Hi Reader,We have a winner for the Medbridge giveaway! Thank you so much for those of you who participated! We had 27 entries this time around. No new subscribers, but I don't care about that. I just didn't want the free 12-month extension to go unused! Guys, making YouTube videos is not easy. At least, not when you're learning how to do it! I got all set up to record a new video yesterday, reviewing a dysphagia straw. But then I decided to really stress-test it, and I ran into some issues....

Hi Reader,I have a new blog post and handout to share. The blog post expands on my latest YouTube video, and the handout is a clinician cheat sheet. Today (November 3, 2025 before midnight Pacific time) is the last day to enter the Medbridge giveaway! Purchase is not necessary. See the Giveaway Rules for more details. Thank you if you choose to support EST with your participation! 💡 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a woman with ALS demonstrating the LifeVac (tool to help in choking...

Hi Reader,I recently ran a 1-week giveaway that no one entered! So the free 12-month extension for a new Medbridge subscription is still up for grabs. The new giveaway runs from today (10/20/2025) through 11/3/2025. The odds of winning depend on the number of people who enter. If you sign up for a new Medbridge subscription with code EATSPEAKTHINK during that timeframe, you will automatically be entered to win. You don't have to purchase a subscription to enter! See the Giveaway Rules for...

Hi Reader,I've been having fun learning how to make YouTube videos. I released a new video this week, giving a quick overview of one of my handouts and my tips for how to use it in therapy. Thank you so much to those of you who responded to my poll on what kind of videos to make. I really appreciate your supportive comments! 👓 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a really funny and insightful cartoon from a Black man who is living with ALS.🌟Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun," you'll find: A...

Hi Reader,I'm excited to share my new YouTube channel! I released my first short video on Saturday night, sharing 3 tips to remember why you walked into a room. My goal is to share practical tips and a down-to-earth persona, which is why I left the blooper in at the end. In this age of AI, I want to double down on being human (as Joanna Penn of The Creative Penn often says). Please complete this quick poll and help me decide what kind of videos to make!📺 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a...

Hi Reader,Today, I'm sharing 3 free assessment tools you may not have seen before. I apologize for forgetting to mention that I would be sending my emails on the 2nd and 4th Mondays this month in observance of Labor Day. I didn't get any frantic emails, so I don't think I upset anyone! The EST article and download are about the ways skilled clinicians can help beyond restorative therapy. 🧩 Under "Diverse Voices," you'll find a 1.5 minute video challenge.🧠 Under "Interesting, Useful, or Fun,"...

Hi Reader,I met Stephen Chase roughly one year ago. I walked into his home wearing my scrubs and carrying my home health bag, eager to see how I might be of help. Steve was sitting in the living room, eyes full of life, and a half-smile turning up the corner of his mouth. He struggled to greet me in an audible voice. By his side was his petite wife, Wendy, who I quickly learned had the courage and strength of a lion. Wendy and Steve were well-matched in every way that I could see. When I met...