Shows
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 51: Redefining Brave When Everything Changes With Trish WilliamsEver wonder what happened to some of our OT entrepreneur trail blazers who went quiet? If you've been around OT social media or podcasts, you probably know Trish Williams from her brand, OTs Get Paid. In this raw, honest conversation, Trish opens up about why you haven't heard from her in more than a year and it's not the story you might expect. This episode is about what happens when your capacity fundamentally shifts. When perimenopause rewires your brain. When family crisis demands everything you have. When the version of yourself you've been living and...
2025-11-011h 14
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 50: Sustainable Practice - Purpose + Profit with Jason SteinEp. 50: Sustainable Practice - Purpose + Profit with Jason Stein In this milestone 50th episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Jason Stein—acupuncturist, executive coach, and the cowboy-hat-wearing wellness practitioner who's mastered the art of building a sustainable occupational therapy practice that honors both purpose and profit. If you're an overwhelmed practice owner wondering how to create more vitality in your work and life, this conversation offers wisdom you can actually use. Jason shares his journey from hospital-based integrative medicine to building a wellness center in rural Oregon (population: one person per tw...
2025-10-091h 04
The Irish Occupational Therapy PodcastFrom Canada With Courage! Carlyn Neek's path to empowering othersIn today’s episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Carlyn Neek, an occupational therapist, coach, and host of The Brave OT Podcast. Carlyn is the founder of Balance Works, whereshe helps OTs and other helping professionals rediscover joy, purpose, and balance in their work and life. With over two decades of experience, she blends her clinical expertise with coaching strategies to support those who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burned out in their careers.In our conversation, Carlyn shares openly about her own brave step, thinking beyond the OT world and exploring how occupational therapy pers...
2025-09-2134 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 49: Neurodivergent OTs Discuss Creating a Practice That Actually Works for You With Guest, Breanna James_*]:min-w-0 !gap-3.5"> This week on The BRAVE OT Podcast: So many neurodivergent OTs like us have spent our careers trying to squeeze ourselves into systems that weren't designed for how our brains work, for our sensory needs, or for how our values need to align deeply with our work. It is a brave move to one day say "I'm going to create something that actually works for me." Join me as I talk with Breanna James, an OT from Alaska who's been part of my ACTivate Vitality program and community for almost a year. Breanna specializes in...
2025-09-171h 18
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 48: The Mindset Shifts That Move You Through Fear and Into Entrepreneurial Action With Guest, Dr. Lorne BrownWaiting until you feel ready to make your next move? Convinced you need more training before you can call yourself an expert? Think entrepreneurs are just naturally fearless? Join me as I talk with traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Dr. Lorne Brown, about the mindset shifts we need to make to move through fear and think like an entrepreneur. Lorne shares how he built a thriving practice by flipping conventional wisdom on its head, committing first to a meaningful challenge, then finding courage, building capability, and finally gaining confidence. You'll hear his adaptation of Dan Sullivan's "...
2025-08-2956 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp 47: The Messy Middle of Multiple Income Streams - My Behind-the-Scenes Business RealityHow do you define success in your business? Is offering a variety of services scattered and unfocused or a wise path to multiple income streams? Or maybe success isn't about money at all for you? I'm pulling back the curtain on my own current business reality, sharing the revenue proportions, time commitments, what energizes me versus what drains me, and the messy truth about having a podcast, online courses, a planner, private practice, and teaching gigs all under one roof. You'll hear about my ACTivate Vitality program that represents a third of my income but...
2025-08-0830 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 46: Multi-Passionate OTs Creating Work They Love, One Layer at a Time with Guests, Áine O'Dea & Jen TrzeciakEver feel like you're the only OT who doesn't have their career path mapped out? Like you should have it more figured out by now or you thought you were on the right path and something's not right? Meet Áine and Jen, two multi-passionate OTs who've built thriving practices by embracing the messy, non-linear path of figuring it out as they go. From car crashes that changed everything to setting up businesses because "I don't really know what else to do," these two prove that sustainable, fulfilling OT careers don't require having it all planned out.
2025-08-011h 07
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 45: Burnout and Attuning to Your Inner Wisdom to Transform Your Business With Guest, Dr. Jess ReynoldsWhat happens when your business feels out of alignment with who you are and you're brave enough to admit it? In this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jess Reynolds, a collaborator and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and educator, to talk about what it really looks like to reimagine your life and work from the inside out. In this discussion we explore some of our lived and learned experiences including: How inner work shapes outer success—and why it's often the part we skip The hidden sp...
2025-08-011h 16
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 42: Navigating Competition and Collaboration as OT Copywriters with Guests, Jenny Gill and Krista Frahm In this episode, we hear from Jenny Gill and Krista Frahm, both occupational therapists and copywriters, as they discuss the dynamics of their professional relationship and the balance between collaboration and competition. They explore their individual journeys in the field, the importance of finding one's niche, and the challenges they faced when their paths intersected. The conversation delves into dealing with professional insecurities, the role of AI in copywriting, and practical advice for marketing occupational therapy services. You'll will gain insights into the value of collaboration, the nuances of creating effective marketing strategies, and the necessity of being courageous...
2025-08-011h 10
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 41: The Making of an OT Entrepreneur with Guest Interviewer Jacqueline BuhlerOn this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I get to sit in the interviewee seat as OT student, Jacqueline Buhler, asks me questions about being an OT business owner! Jacqueline brings her entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity as we discuss my experiences and reflections on choices I made and ways I adapted at different phases of my OT career and business. We draw some parallels between the transition from OT student to emerging clinician and from OT to OT entrepreneurship, revealing how different traits and skills facilitate success. We explore how traits like adaptability, flexibiity, curiosity, se...
2025-08-0158 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 44: A Conversation with STEMinist Fiction Author and OT, Jaima FixsenA Lunchroom Conversation with STEMinist Fiction Author and OT, Jaima Fixsen In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jaima Fixsen, a Canadian occupational therapist and USA Today bestselling author who writes STEMinist fiction novels while balancing roles as a mom and OT. We dive deep into how she uses her OT skills to support her creative work and manage the unstructured nature of writing and the midlife desire to shift into new, more aligned occupations. Spoiler alert: tap dancing and sourdough didn't work out. Whether you're an OT interested in creative...
2025-07-071h 04
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 43: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Perfectionism with the Scientific MethodEpisode Summary: Is perfectionism keeping you stuck in "figure-it-all-out-first" mode? You're not alone and you're not broken. In this solo episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I explore a powerful reframe for occupational therapy entrepreneurs who stay in perfecting mode, immobilized by self-doubt and a need to get it right before they begin. Maybe you even use the term imposter syndrome. The antidote? The scientific method. Yes, the same framework we trust as clinicians. I walk through how we can approach entrepreneurship like the clinical scientists we already are. Instead of waiting until something is perfect, we...
2025-06-0124 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 40: Embracing Professional Curiosity Through Supervision in OT with Guest, Lynsay McFarlane-ShawThis podcast conversation explores supervision in occupational therapy with Lynsay McFarlane-Shaw. Lyndsay brings 30 years of pediatric OT experience and has evolved her career to focus on supervision and mentorship. We discuss the the concept of supervision in the UK as well as various other ways OTs support each other like coaching and mentorship. If you've ever wondered about ways to enhance your professional development or support others in theirs, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. To connect with Lynsay Five Tools You Need in Your Supervision Toolbox Lynsay's Facebook Group
2025-03-0152 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 39: Technology, Reflective Practice, and Business Transitions with Guest, Ruth DugganWhether you're just starting a new OT business, or considering developing a new product, technology, or moving in the direction of retirement, I think you'll find a lot of value in this episode. I am excited to be talking to my friend and colleague, Ruth Duggan. In this episode, we talk about a lot of parallels between the process of starting a business or a product and the familiar assessment and intervention process we use as OTs. We share about our experiences in the early days of starting our businesses and how we've developed new offers an...
2025-02-031h 00
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 38: Sisterhood in the Storm - Understanding Perimenopause with Guest, Dr. Fiona LovelyI am thrilled to share this authentic and vulnerable conversation with you. My guest is Dr. Fiona Lovely. You may know her from her mindblowing podcast, Not Your Mother's Menopause. With two decades of experience, Dr. Lovely is a trailblazer in women's health. Specifically focusing on the menopause transition, perimenopause and menopause. Stick with us on this vulnerable and passionate conversation because in it, we share stories of our own experiences and highlight how community and connection are the bedrock for growth and healing in a health system that has only begun to prioritize women's h...
2025-01-151h 05
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 37: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in OT, A Practical GuideWhen I learned ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), it changed my OT practice and it changed how I navigate my own life. This is why I have created so many things that include ACT concepts - the ACTivate Vitality coaching program for OT business owners who want to thrive without the hustle, the ACTivate Vitality Personal Development Planner, and the Practical ACT for OTs course... that last one has a Black Friday promo coming out later this week. This podcast is taken from a presentation I did recently in a Facebook group for mental health OTs called MHOT ~ A...
2024-11-2657 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 36: Erin Clarelli on Challenging Norms with Neurodiversity-Affirming OTThis discussion with our guest, BRAVE OT, Erin Clarelli, brings together heart and mind as we dive into conversations that challenge norms, embrace unique perspectives, and foster the growth and vitality we strive for every day in our professional and personal lives. I am beyond excited to welcome Erin Clarelli to the pod! Erin is a force in the world of OT, deeply committed to mental health, self-compassion, and creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. She is highly involved in the non-, minimally, and unreliably speaking autistic community in her own private practice, SUNRISE Therapies. She is a...
2024-11-1753 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 35: Mindfully Occupied, Out and About Mental Health OT With Guest Sarah GoodToday we're diving into all things mindfulness in occupational therapy. Our guest today is a fellow Canadian OT who works in mental health, Sarah Good. In this episode, we explore how mindfulness can be used as a powerful intervention to enhance occupational engagement and not just as an end in itself. Sarah shares her unique approach of seeing clients in their homes or outdoor settings, integrating nature into therapy to help clients reintegrate socially post-pandemic. We also discuss how our clients find us and are funded for occupational therapy with a mental health focus and the fle...
2024-11-0449 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 34: Beyond Business - Real Stories from ACTivate Vitality MembersI'm excited to share something really special—a compilation of clips from ACTivate Vitality members who've been navigating their own journeys toward values-driven, sustainable work. You'll hear honest reflections about what it's like to move from overfunctioning and burnout to building lives and businesses that feel aligned and fulfilling. These are the voices of occupational therapists who've joined our community, some initially skeptical about a group coaching format, yet they found that the magic lies in the support, accountability, and growth they share with each other. So if you've ever felt stuck in the cycle of overwork or...
2024-10-2919 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 33: Scarcity Mindset to Sustainable Growth - Jessica Earle's ACTivate Vitality StoryWelcome back BRAVE OTs! I'm really excited about this podcast conversation because it's going to hit home for so many of you who have been trying to balance personal growth with running a business. In this epsiode, I'm chatting with Jessica Earle, a participant in the ACTivate Vitality program and an incredible occupational therapist who's been on quite a journey of transformation, both personally and professionally. Jessica's story is about navigating survival mode, overcoming overfunctioning, and finally, finding a sustainable way to work that aligns with her values. She talks about how the stress of constant transitions...
2024-10-151h 27
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 32: Failing Upward - Embracing Personal Growth as a Trailblazing OT with Guest, Dana Solomon We're diving into what it really means to build something new from scratch—both personally and professionally. My guest, Dana Solomon, is an occupational therapist who has bravely stepped into the world of pelvic health and entrepreneurship by creating the Pelvic Health Clubhouse. In this episode, we talk about her journey, the vulnerability that comes with launching a project that isn't perfect, and how she's embraced the concept of 'failing upward'—learning and growing with every step. Dana's story will resonate with any OT who's ever felt the pull to create something new, whether it's a pr...
2024-10-0946 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 31: Find Your Flow - Explore Your OT Business Through the Kawa ModelSPECIAL WORKSHOP-STYLE EPISODE. Listen and use the companion workbook (linked below), to explore your occupational therapy business through the Kawa Model. WORKBOOK DOWNLOAD We are applying, the Kawa Model, an innovative occupational therapy model from Japan to assess and enhance the life flow of your OT business. By visualizing your professional journey as a river, I hope you'll build awareness of your values, workflows, log jams, and be able chart a course towards an expansive and fulfilling future. Listen to the podcast anytime and then download the PDF workbook to reflect on your...
2024-09-2323 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 30: From Being the Therapist to Coaching Therapists With Guest, Landy PeekIn this episode, I sit down with Landy Peek, a success coach for OT and PT entrepreneurs. We dive deep into the unique challenges therapists face personally and professionally. Landy and I work with similar clients in different ways and we share some of thedifferent ways that we use our backgrounds as therapists in working with the clinicians we coach. We talk about somatic practices, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other ways we help therapists get unstuck. We also discuss the importance of balancing our professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing, and the sometimes overlooked power of group...
2024-08-311h 01
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 29: Defining Entrepreneurial Success on Your Own Terms with Guest, Ashley BallouMy guest, Ashley Ballou, is someone that I really admire for her deep commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of clients, caregivers, and therapists. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the holistic approach of occupational therapy discussing the vital role it plays, not only in daily activities, but also in mental health and spiritual wellbeing. We explore the importance of servant leadership, the intersection of personal values and professional practice and the different challenges OTs face in Canada and the US, particularly in the area of mental health. Ashley opens up abo...
2024-07-151h 30
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 28: The Role of Occupational Therapists in the AI Revolution With Alyson Stover and Karen JacobsIn this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I'm thrilled to bring you a highly motivating conversation with two trailblazing occupational therapists, Alyson Stover and Karen Jacobs, and their courageous journey in reshaping the landscape of occupational therapy by putting a very important occupational therapy stamp on artificial intelligence. Alyson is the president of the American Occupational Therapy Association, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh in their Department of Occupational Therapy, and is an occupational therapist and clinic owner at Capable Kids in Pennsylvania. Karen's occupational therapy practice spans over four decades. She...
2024-06-031h 17
Lifability12 - ADHD and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - with Carlyn NeekCarlyn Neek is a mental health professional with nine years of university, 17 years in the field and continued training in neuroscience & mental health. She is passionate about helping clients resume meaningful activity, knowing that getting back to doing what is important is central to well being. Carlyn developed the ACTivate Vitality: Rise and Live Fully program to help the helpers, focusing mainly on other OTs.
When she's not working, Carlyn is most likely to be found on a pottery wheel, outdoors, or on an airplane with her husband and school aged children, heading off on another adventure. She is passionate about helping...
2024-05-0840 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 27: Giving Your Therapy Business A Life of Its Own With Guest, Gary Thorneing Your Therapy Business A Life of Its Own With Guest, Gary ThorneMy guest for this episode is a physiotherapist by training who went on to be a Vice President at a national health care company and has recently pivotted to share his knowledge and level the playing field, supporting smaller businesses in maximizing their potential. This conversation with Gary Thorne will get therapy business owners thinking about how they can create transferable value in their business, ultimately converting that business into something that can be sold instead of closed with retirement. This episode is for any therapy business owner, even if they're many years away from closing.
2024-05-0829 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 26: Burning Out in a High-Pressure World with Guest, Mel HomanIn this episode, we're joined by Mel Homan, a fellow OT who has turned her experiences with burnout into a transformative program for others. Whether you're an OT, a helping professional, or anyone navigating the challenges of a demanding career, this episode is packed with insights just for you. We share invaluable insights on overcoming hustle, nurturing our mental health, and the significance of building strong community ties. Mel is extending an invitation for you to join her Facebook group, Building Fulfillment and Transformation, which is a great place to continue these discussions on getting out of...
2024-04-2356 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 25: Simplify Your Business with ChatGPT, Guest Brettany SorokowskyIn this episode, down-to-earth business coach, Brettany Sorokowsky shares many tangible tips to help you simplify your business, including some golden instructions on using ChatGPT to streamline your business marketing. Brettany and I found each other because we share values around making your business work for you and not listening to the generic business coaching advice that is regularly thrown our way. What do you love to do? What is an indicator of success in your day? How can you do what you love to achieve success by this definition each...
2024-04-0838 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 24: From Overwhelmed to Thriving, JD the OT's Business EvolutionIn this relatable episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Jarrett Dottin, a trailblazing occupational therapist and business owner, who shares his inspiring transition from feeling overwhelmed to achieving a state of calm mastery in his professional and personal life. Discover how Jarrett embraced intentional choices, cultivated his own version of work-life balance, and harnessed his unique strengths to create a thriving practice that resonates with authenticity and purpose. You can find JD the OT online at jdtheot.com or check out his YouTube channel I am grateful to be one...
2024-03-2533 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 23: Sustainable Life - Living and Working as a Neruodivergent OT, with Guest, Rebecca Rae-HodgsonThis is part 2 of our discussion with Rebecca Rae-Hodgson, The Chronically Resilient OT. She shared a lot about her lived experience as am ADHD and Autistic OT who found her way to practicing OT in New Zealand while accommodating the energetic and nervous system regulation ups and downs of persistent mental and physical illnesses. In Part 2 we discuss how she's crafting and curating her work to fit her strengths and needs in creative and brave ways. Make sure you visit her resources shop here https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/resources-shop If you are enjoying The...
2024-03-1143 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 22: Destigmatizing and Advocating - OT, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson's Lived ExperienceIn this episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast our guest, Rebecca Rae-Hodgson bravely shares her real and raw lived experience as a ADHD and autistic OT who has crafted a business and life that is sustainable while living with chronic illness. With the energetic and nervous system regulation ebbs and flows of fibromyalgia, borderline personality disorder, chronic fatigue and other persistent medical conditions, working in a typical OT job would not work for her. Just as she has crafted a home life that fits, she has curated a way of working that works with her strengths and n...
2024-03-1146 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 21 Defining Success on Your Own Terms With Guest, Laura BremnerIn this quietly inspiring episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of what it truly means to define success on your own terms. Laura Bremner is my guest, and an exceptional occupational therapist and occupational performance coach from the UK. We explore the journey of stepping away from conventional measures of professional success to embrace a life full of occupations that create fulfillment, and true happiness. Laura shares her story of cutting through the noise of endless growth and productivity to find a peaceful flow of doing what she loves in her...
2024-02-261h 02
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 20: Post-traumatic Growth with Guest, Emma Shears Emma Shears' story of personal and professional resilience is deeply impactful. I've been grateful to be part of her transformation journey since 2022 when she joined the ACTivate Vitality Program. She has shown up FULLY and embraced the challenge of change and her presence in the program has impacted so many others. I hope you're inspired to make important changes in the way you live and work after hearing Emma's story. If you would like to learn more about the ACTivate Vitality Program and Mastermind that Emma is a part of, please visit the web...
2024-02-1349 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersSpecial Episode: Urgent Need for OT Voices to Maintain Our Presence in Mental HealthOTs around the world are asked to add their voices to support the OTs of British Columbia in maintaining their scope of practice in the face of proposed changes to the Health Professions ACT of BC by completing this form. This morning, Michelle Ferguson and I sat down to talk about the pressing issue and its impact on the profession, particularly in the area of mental health occupational therapy. She is the Chair of the Mental Health and Substance Use Practice Network for the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Governance matters. Policy matters.
2024-01-3030 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 18: Nourishing Your Nervous System - With Guest, Jessica Miller, Part 2In this second part of our engaging conversation with Jessica Miller on The Brave OT podcast, we go deeper into Jessica's transformative journey within the field of occupational therapy. This episode focuses on how Jessica overcame burnout and redefined her work as an OT and how she pays this growth forward by supporting other OTs in nourishing their nervous systems. We explore the integration of mindfulness, embodiment practices, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in fostering resilience and growth. Through this conversation, you'll gain insights into embracing change, nurturing one's mental health, and the power of community s...
2024-01-0730 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 17: Redefining OT - Jessica Miller's Path from Exhaustion to Empowered Mentor, Part 1In this enlightening episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast I have a deep conversation (not sure I know another kind) with Jessica Miller, a neuro-based occupational therapist and brain injury specialist who is also a member of my ACTivate Vitality community as a client and contributor. Discover how Jessica's journey intertwines personal growth, professional development, and innovative approaches in providing neuro OT services and education. We delve into topics like embracing non-traditional OT roles, overcoming burnout, and finding alignment between personal and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for OTs seeking to expand their horizons, understand...
2024-01-0653 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 16: Falling In and Out of Love with OT - Explore the Journey with Guest, Rhiannon CrispeIn Episode 16: Falling In and Out of Love with OT, we explore Rhiannon Crispe's journey. Together, Rhiannon and I peel back the layers of what it truly means to be an OT with a heart for change. She's a trailblazer who's not just living the OT life, but redefining it. Through her story, we explore what it was really like to create a documentary about OT, Finding Me in OT. And we explore resisting externally imposed urgency, and being brave enough to do things in your own time. I hope you're ready to embrace the twists and...
2023-12-0756 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 15 Leading with Compassion Through an Epidemic of Healthcare Burnout with Guest, Kathryn WiseIn this enlightening episode of The BRAVE OT Podcast, I sit down with Kathryn Wise, a trailblazer in the field of occupational therapy and health leadership. Kathryn, an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University and Program Director at University of California at San Francisco, shares her insights on the importance of interprofessional leadership development and the critical role of compassionate leadership. This episode delves into the essence of compassionate leadership, the interplay between emotional intelligence and leadership skills, and the unique challenges faced by OTs stepping into leadership roles. Kathryn's extensive experience in educating and...
2023-11-2344 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 14: The Intentional Rebel's Guide to OT: A Dialogue with My Trailblazing Companion, Lindsey VestalVenture with me into the heart of conscious rebellion with a very special guest, Lindsey Vestal. Long before training as an OT, Lindsey saw an opportunity for Occupational Therapy to be at the heart of pelvic health, and she has been paving the path for other OTs to become trained and established in this area of practice ever since. Even if pelvic health isn't your passion, you are going to get a lot out of this episode as we talk through Lindsey's story of standing up to claim OT's place as, not only a companion in...
2023-11-0344 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 13: Redefining Crisis - Your Path to Authenticity With Guest, Hal CurtiesThere are a number of people in my life with whom a simple, superficial conversation is not possible. This guest is one of those people and I think you'll enjoy the layers and gentle rhythm of our discussion on the unique development potential in the crises that highly creative, deep feeling, big thinking individuals encounter. In my work I often support occupational therapists through their own crisis points toward knowing themselves more deeply and thriving personally and professionally as levels that were not possible before things fell apart (or explode as the case may be). This can...
2023-10-1751 min
The Uncommon OT Series2 Year Anniversary (Bonus Medley)In this fun mini-episode, we will kick off my 2nd Year Podcast Anniversary celebration. Get to know me and some of my uncommon OT guests just a little bit more through a series of bonus questions. You will hear about some of our favorite occupations, our OT Elevator speeches, our favorite parts about being an Occupational Therapist, and the individuals who inspire us. Can you guess the names of these featured guests? To continue the celebration throughout the month of August I look forward to presenting you with 2 inspiring episodes, each episode with 2 rockstar occupational therapy practitioner guests who a...
2023-07-2420 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 12: When Your Business Doesn't Spark Joy - Recharge, Review, RevitalizeOn a number of occasions I have taken time away from the noise of routines and tasks to reflect on my business. How it feels, how it aligns with my values and life direction. I've been at this a long time so I've done it a few times. I essentially Marie Kondo my work. Which parts spark joy? Which ones do not? It's really a process of getting out of autopilot and taking a high level life review that has taken me down some pretty cool paths in search of doing the things that create ENERGY, JOY...
2023-07-1513 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEp. 11: Taking Care of Ourselves in Our Businesses With Guest, Bronwyn PaynterAre you an occupational therapy business owner, a nature OT, or an OT in midlife looking for more peace in your business? If so, you're in for a treat! In this episode of The Brave OT Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of nature-based therapy and its transformative impact on well-being. Our guest, Bronwyn Paynter, a seasoned occupational therapist in Australia, shares her personal journey of discovering the healing power of nature. She opens up about her own challenges, including overcoming breast cancer, and how it shaped her perspective on holistic approaches to health. ...
2023-06-1952 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 10: Finding Awe As You Start Your OT Business with Guest, Michele HamptonI loved sitting down with Michele Hampton, an inspiring mental health occupational therapist, who shares her journey in starting her own private practice and the lessons she learned along the way. With humour and heart, Michele shares her stories about calling into radio talk shows, how her husband wrote a banjo song for their pandemic puppy, and how she found the courage and support to launch her nature-based, adult mental health private practice. Being gritty Canadian gals, we couldn't help but throw in a couple gems about shiny tractors and monster trucks. I hope you enjoy it and laugh...
2023-06-0754 min
OTs In Pelvic HealthReframing Imposter Syndrome with Carlyn NeekGet Lindsey's 9 page OTs Map to the World of Pelvic Health.Join nearly 5,500 OTs on the OTs for Pelvic Health Facebook Group!Check Out More OT Pelvic Health Content here.Find Lindsey on IG! @functionalpelvisCarlyn Neek is a Canadian OT who owns Balance Works OT, a mental health private practice and the home of the ACTivate Vitality group coaching community that supports OT business owners in Thriving without the hustle.The Brave OT Podcast with Carlyn NeekHow to book a breakthrough session wi...
2023-06-0533 min
OTs Get Paid PodcastEp 95 - A conversation about burnout with Carlyn NeekAre you feeling burnt out? Well, you're not alone! In this episode, we tackle the topic of burnout with the amazing Carlyn Neek, a fellow OT and podcaster and only return guest to date! We've discussed burnout before in our Productivity Series, but this time we’re going even deeper. Burnout isn’t just an individual problem—it's a systemic issue and we're here to share practical insights and spark change as we… 👉 Explore the secrets of finding harmony, breaking free from the chains of overwork, and ditching that addictive social media cycle. 👉 Inspire you to ch...
2023-05-1652 min
The OT Lifestyle Movement96 – How To Be A Brave Occupational Therapist ft Carlyn NeekIn this episode we talk all about being a brave occupational therapist with Occupational Therapist, Certified Coach Practitioner and podcaster, Carlyn Neek. We discuss: We are speaking with Carlyn Neek for the second time on this podcast! The first chat with Carolyn was episode #78 talking all about imposter syndrome, burn out and self … 96 – How To Be A Brave Occupational Therapist ft Carlyn Neek Read More »
2023-05-0757 minThe OT Lifestyle Movement96 – How To Be A Brave Occupational Therapist ft Carlyn NeekIn this episode we talk all about being a brave occupational therapist with Occupational Therapist, Certified Coach Practitioner and podcaster, Carlyn Neek.
We discuss:
What ‘being brave’ looks like
How to cultivate more courage in our OT role
Embracing vulnerability
Goal setting for ourselves and our clients: reducing the pressure by not setting timelines
Feeling depleted and on the verge of burn out
When being brave means stepping into something, and when sometimes it means stepping back from something
We are speaking with Carlyn Neek for the second time on this podcast! The first chat with Carolyn wa...
2023-05-0757 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 9: Getting Loud about OT and Advocating for Marginalized Clients With Guest, Keir HardingGet to know trailblazer Keir Harding, an occupational therapist and mental health advocate from the UK who specializes in working with people living with suicidal tendencies and who engage in self-harm as a way of coping. He passionately advocates for individuals while working toward making system-level changes in the way individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are treated with the goal of reducing stigma and offering more respectful,safer, and more effective treatment in the community. Understanding why people choose the occupations they do is key for making these changes and OTs are well positioned to make...
2023-04-1752 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 8: Coaching as an OT in Corporate Settings - Functional to Optimal with Guest Jill Garaffa Join Jill Garaffa and I in an expansive discussion about how occupational therapists and coaching. Jill shares her vision for a professional disruption where finding OTs in on staff becomes the norm in corporate settings. We are well equipped to work with individuals and organizations, transforming functional to optimal. Jill is a licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey, USA and an ICF-credentialed professional certified coach. Jill and I discuss different perspectives on qualifications, certifications and differentiation when it comes to OTs engaging in coaching work. She shares her journey of stepping out of the more traditional medical m...
2023-03-2851 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 7: Reframing Uncertainty as a Superpower With Guest Brad WilliamsWe all know the uncertainty that surrounds our profession, how we communicate it to others, how we define our scope and impact, how others see our value. Yet I think we deeply know our value and purpose as OTs. In my role supporting OTs in their personal and professional development, I know that this uncertainty sometimes undermines the confidence of OTs, particularly when stepping out of traditional roles and into private practice or emerging roles. What if we reframe that uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a problem? What if we look at...
2023-03-151h 04
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 6: Jam With 2 Mental Health OTs on 2 ContinentsCome jam with 2 mental health OTs, on 2 continents who coach other therapists and have similar names. Karlien and Carlyn at your service! We talk about finding our way in business, applying what we know to impact other therapists in how they find values alignment personally and professionally. Karlien Terblanche joined my ACTivate Vitality program last year and was gracious enough to come on the podcast to talk about the experience of being a mental health OT who coaches other therapists and how we all need to navigate challenges as we move along in our businesses...
2023-03-0559 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 5: Unschooling to Unworking, One OT's Journey to Ultimate FlexibilityImagine going about your work as an OT in a completely open, curious, exploratory kind of way, letting go of the bounds of externally imposed timelines, locations, goals, expectations and pace. For some this might sound like occupational utopia. For others it may sound terrifyingly unclear and frustratingly aimless. Either way, you're going to want to crack your mind open and join Kary and I on a conversational journey as she describes how she has come to work in an entirely different way that follows the rhythms and seasons of her life, her evolving personal and professional v...
2023-02-2045 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 4: Balance is Elusive with Guest Ashley ReinaWork-life balance, occupational balance, balancing roles, finding balance. These are all terms that roll around in conversations among business owners. Well, occupational therapists are probably the only ones talking about occupational balance. What is it? Where do we find it? OTs often come to me searching for this elusive thing we call balance and in the next breath they tell me they want to be more productive. I think the thought process there is, "If I get more done in less time, I can have more time to do the things I want to do outside of...
2023-02-0750 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 3: Belonging-Centred Practice With Guest Alice HortopWell behaved women seldom make history. That is what Alice's shirt said when I met her in the UK in the fall of 2022. I knew we'd get along famously at that point. Alice Hortop has made conscious rebellion an art form. In this episode of The Brave OT Podcast, Alice shares how she sees human occupation as more belonging-centred than independence-focused and it makes a world of sense. She describes the process she took to deconstruct the common concept and explored it with curiosity and experience to come up with another way of seeing our focus as occupational therapists. ...
2022-12-161h 04
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 2: Quit Shaming Yourself About Self-Care, OTs!Ugh! Are you tired of hearing about how you should be doing more self-care, better self-care, and loving every minute of it? I bet you're even beating yourself up about not doing as much as you'd like. But you're busy. There's too much to do. There's nothing left for you at the end of the day after you've taken care of everybody else. Sound familiar? This is NOT another self-care guilt trip. This is taking self-care and dissecting it, turning it upsdide down and inside out and coming at it from a completely different perspective.
2022-12-1112 min
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersEpisode 1: Who am I and how the heck did I get here?In this episode my friend, Arno van Vuuren of The OT Minute, helps me introduce myself to you and why I started The Brave OT Podcast. We dig into my personal and professional mission and the values that underpin how I show up in everything I do whether I'm acting in my role as occupational therapist, business owner, personal development coach, mom, potter, traveller, or, now, podcaster. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review so you don't miss any new episodes. You can find more of Arno's work at his YouTube channel: The OT M...
2022-12-101h 04
The BRAVE OT Podcast | Real Conversations with Occupational Therapy TrailblazersHere's What We Are All AboutI am Carlyn Neek. I'm the host of the Brave OT Podcast and I'm thrilled to have you join me as I dive in and explore what being a brave occupational therapy practitioner is all about. I have a lineup of important topics, and juicy conversations to share with you and hopefully inspire you to be just a little more brave in all you do. Let's start with getting clear on what being brave is. Important note, Brave is not being fearless. It's quite the opposite actually. Brené Brown says "The key to whole-hearted living is vulnerability. Y...
2022-11-3001 min
The Uncommon OT SeriesCarlyn Neek, OT: OT in Group CoachingIn this episode, we will be learning about an occupational therapy practitioner in group coaching. Carlyn Neek, is an OT in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the owner of Balance Works OT. She is passionate about empowering other OTs to rise and live fully in all they do through her ACTivate Vitality online group coaching program for OTs. Carlyn loves to travel with her husband and two teen sons, muck about in the garden or at the pottery wheel and she is most at peace in the mountains.Show Key Points:· Carlyn gives us a glimpse of her...
2022-06-0653 min
OTs Get Paid PodcastEp 49 - When High Achievers Get Stuck with Carlyn NeekThis week I’m joined by Carlyn Neek, an OT and friend IRL. (That’s right, we’re friends offline as well as in the digital space!)Carlyn has a powerful message for OTs who are stuck, overthinking, and feeling inadequate.So if you’ve EVER encountered a challenge or felt inadequate, this episode is for you. (And if you’ve never struggled with this, I’d love to know your secrets!)“If we give ourselves permission to do the things we’re not good at we will grow tremen...
2022-05-031h 00The OT Lifestyle Movement78 – Imposter Syndrome, Burn Out & Self Compassion ft Carlyn NeekToday we are shifting the spotlight from a focus on client well-being, to our own well-being. We are exploring the inner work we can do as healthcare professionals to not only survive, but to thrive. In today’s fast-paced therapy world many of us are faced with what feels like endless responsibilities and a never-ending to-do … 78 – Imposter Syndrome, Burn Out & Self Compassion ft Carlyn Neek Read More »
2022-04-0359 min
Arthritis LifeHow to Cope with Uncertainty During a Pandemic?After living with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease characterized by at times unpredictable flare-ups and remissions) for nineteen years, host Cheryl Crow is no stranger to uncertainty.However, the pandemic has brought a whole new level of uncertainty to the lives of those who are vulnerable, including Cheryl.In this discussion, mental health occupational therapist Carlyn Neek and Cheryl focus discuss ways that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tools can help people cope with uncertainty and continue moving towards a full and meaningful life despite so many things being out of their control.Cheryl & Carlyn...
2022-02-011h 10
LIGHTING THE SHADOWSS:1 Ep:18 ACT Therapy with Carlyn Neek, OT and Personal Development CoachCarlyn Neek talks all about ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She does a fantastic job explaining what ACT is and how to effectively apply it. She explains the importance of tuning in to what is individually valued most and making conscious actions towards those values. She shares how to understand what those values are and become more aware of them.
2021-03-1758 min
Mind Your OT BusinessEpisode 45: Lessons I'm Learning from UpheavalTransparency as a leader and entrepreneur is something that’s very important to me. In this episode, I reveal some of the lessons I’ve learned this year as I’ve faced some personal upheaval in my business and personal life. As you know, I am a big believer in holistic entrepreneurship so I also share some of the wins I am proud to have accomplished within my business.
I discuss:
My take on holistic entrepreneurship
What I am learning from the upheaval happening in my life and business
Why I believ...
2021-03-0524 min
Mind Your OT BusinessEpisode 43: Accept Challenges & Commit to Action with Carlyn NeekDo you struggle with negative thoughts about yourself? With anxiety, fear or insecurity about your work as an OT entrepreneur? My guess is that you probably answered yes to those questions because the truth is: we all face this.
My guest on this episode, Carlyn Neek brought so many helpful tips. Carlyn is an OT and personal development coach who was trained in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
In this episode, we talk about the 6 principles of ACT to help you accept the challenging thoughts and emotions that come up as you're building your business a...
2021-02-121h 04