Shows
IASLT in ConversationIASLT In Conversation - New Graduate SLTIn this episode, we speak with Stephanie Okafor, a recently graduated Speech and Language Therapist. Stephanie speaks about her hopes and the challenges of being a new Speech and Language Therapist.
2025-12-2327 min
IASLT in ConversationShona McEachran: Experiences of Assistive Technology for Communication In this episode we talk to Shona McEachern who is living with a highly aggressive form of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and is using Assistive Technology to help her communicate and control her environment. She is joined by speech and language therapist Caroline McLoughlin and clinical engineering technician Alan Joyce from Enable Ireland.
2025-11-2810 min
IASLT in ConversationIASLT in Conversation: SLT studentsIn this episode we speak with two final year Speech and Language Therapy students Aine and Holly about the profession, the importance of student placements and the work of the Clinical Therapies Society in UCC.
2025-10-3117 min
IASLT in ConversationAnne Horgan and Anne Tangney: Retired SLT Managers In this episode we talk to Anne Horgan and Anne Tangney, both of whom retired from their role as SLT Manager of Cork North and South Primary Care SLT Services respectively in 2024. Both graduates of Trinity College Dublin, they reflect on their time as SLTs over the last 30+ years and discuss how they would like to see the profession to develop into the future.
2025-09-2920 min
IASLT in ConversationIASLT In Conversation: Irene WalshIn this episode we are speaking with Irene Walsh, recently retired Associate Professor of Speech and Language Therapy in Trinity College Dublin. Irene discusses her career as a Speech and Language Therapist from being in the first SLT class in Trinity College to the highs and lows of her career as a clinician, author and associate professor.
2025-08-3144 min
IASLT in ConversationIASLT In Conversation: Pauraic RyanToday we are speaking with Pauraic Ryan, a Senior SLT working on the Neurosurgical team in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Pauraic discusses his journey to his current role, his day to day work in the department and the fascinating role of SLT in awake craniotomies.
2025-07-3148 min
IASLT in ConversationIn Conversation with Gina O'DonohueIn this episode, we are speaking with Gina O'Donohue, retired Speech and Language Therapist who has spent 40 years working in the Irish Health Service. Gina reminisces on her career, covid, promoting the profession and the importance of connection in today's world.
2025-06-3028 min
IASLT in ConversationDeirdre Kidney - IASLT SLT Support and Mentor 2024In this episode we speak to the 2024 winner of the IASLT SLT Support and Mentor Award, Deirdre Kidney from St.Vincent's University Hospital. Deirdre was described as a trailblazer for SLT's in Ireland. She was nominated due to her excellent clinical skills as well as her incredible ability to provide guidance and mentorship to students, young therapists and senior SLT's - in addition to the wider MDT and medical teams.
2025-06-0322 min
IASLT in ConversationEquality Diversity and Inclusion Series: Tom CostelloeTom qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist from the University of Galway in 2012. His SLT journey has seen him venture from London to the English Lake District, to Edinburgh, and back to Ireland in 2020. He is currently a Little Voices Programme Coordinator with ABC Start Right in Limerick, supporting schools, crèches and community organisations to implement universal and targeted SLT strategies and interventions. He has an Msc in Digital Healthcare Transformation from the University of Limerick.
2025-04-3038 min
IASLT in ConversationEquality Diversity and Inclusion Series: Dr Seán Pert In this episode, Sean Pert shares his experiences of gendered expectations of how to interact with clients on placement, the benefits of being a male SLT where male clients and fathers find it easier to identify with a male SLT, having to invent your professional persona because of a lack of role models in the profession, and breaking down barriers for men to enter the profession by having conversations about men in SLT. Sean also talks about linguistic racism, the importance of supporting home languages for bilingual clients, and working to ensure equity in service provision for all clients.
2025-03-311h 13
IASLT in ConversationEquality Diversity and Inclusion Series: Abbie Alcorn In this podcast, we delve into Abbie's experience of cultural diversity in the HSE community and SLT in particular. She shares how this diversity shapes her daily work life, especially as she supports clients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Abbie hopes that this conversation shines a light on what is often a significant blind spot for those who don’t face these challenges daily. Her aim is to foster greater compassion, acceptance, and awareness, ultimately leading to better support for culturally diverse staff in the workplace.
2025-02-271h 11
IASLT in ConversationEquality Diversity and Inclusion Series: David O'Shea In this podcast we talk about David's experience as one of the few men in a career dominated by women. We discuss the management of clients with different cultural backgrounds and the importance of fostering an environment where everyone can feel welcome. David highlights that the job of a speech and language therapist is not to change a person's cultural identity or their accent but to help them celebrate them
2025-01-3135 min
IASLT in ConversationAideen Lawlor: IASLT Unsung Hero 2024In this episode we talk to the 2024 winner of the IASLT Unsung Hero Award, Aideen Lawlor, SLT Manager from St Mary's hospital in Dublin. Aideen was nominated by her colleagues who said that she has helped countless patients with communication and swallowing impairments in St Mary's Hospital in her role as the SLT manager. Under her guidance her team has expanded and the services provided have increased impressively.
2024-11-1315 min
IASLT in ConversationAine Kearns: The IASLT Service Excellence Award 2024In this episode we talk to Dr Áine Kearns, Associate Professor at the School of Allied Health at the University of Limerick, and the 2024 winner of the IASLT Service Excellence Award. Áine was nominated because she has demonstrated excellence in developing a postgraduate training for SLTs who wish to offer a specialist additional service to vulnerable witnesses in the Irish Criminal Justice System
2024-08-1614 min
IASLT in ConversationFEES Panel with Patricia Gillivan Murphy, Sheila Robinson, Ciara Landy and Monica ClancyIASLT in conversation chats with four SLTs working in the area of FEES: Patricia Gillivan Murphy, Clinical Specialist based in The Mater Hospital Dublin, Sheila Robinson, SSLT based in Cork University Hospital, Ciara Landy, SSLT based in Our Lady's Hospital Navan and Monica Clancy, SSLT working in community-based FEES service within Mid-West Community Healthcare.
2024-04-1654 min
IASLT in ConversationThe Mutual Recognition of Professional Association Credentials: The MRA AgreementIn this episode we talk to Anne Healy from the IASLT about the MRA process and what is involved.
2024-02-2212 min
IASLT in ConversationThe IASLT 2023 Conference In this episode we talk to Caroline O'Flynn SLT who is the social media co-ordinator for this year's IASLT conference. The conference will be held online on December 5th and 6th and will showcase the best of Irish SLT research and practice. Register today to secure your place! https://www.iaslt.ie/learning-centre/iaslt-biennial-conference-2023-registration-now-open/
2023-10-2206 min
IASLT in ConversationSLT Support and Mentor 2023! Siobhán Ward LynchOn this episode we talk to Siobhán ward Lynch, Senior Speech and Language Therapist and Practice Tutor based in Letterkenny Primary Care centre. Siobhán is the 2023 winner of the SLT Support and Mentor award from IASLT.
2023-08-1618 min
IASLT in ConversationAoife O'Shea IASLT 2023 Service Excellence Award Today we are talking to Aoife O’Shea, Senior Speech & Language Therapist working with Happy Talk in Cork, and the 2023 winner of the Speech and Language Therapy Service Excellence Award. Aoife was nominated as she has developed relationships, inspired confidence and skill and brought so much joy to the people that she works with, while managing to carry out research, present at conferences, deliver Happy talk training to SLTs across the country. Today we are going to talk about Aoife’s career to date and her involvement with Happy Talk and also to hear about the exciting future plans for...
2023-07-0615 min
IASLT in ConversationIASLT Unsung Hero Award 2023: Fiona Guihen In this podcast we are talking to Fiona Guihen, Senior Speech & Language Therapist based in Primary Care in Meath and the 2023 winner of the IASLT Unsung Hero Award. Fiona was nominated because of her unwavering enthusiasm, innovation and above all commitment to improving the lives of people with communication and/or swallowing difficulties with a passion that is hard to find. We talk about Fiona’s career to date and in particular her involvement with health promotion.
2023-06-2215 minIASLT in ConversationExpiratory Muscle Strength Training - EMST with Sandra Brandon SLTSandra Brandon, Senior Speech and Language Therapist in Galway University Hospital and PhD candidate at NUIG talks about her research and experience working with EMST
2023-03-2822 min
IASLT in ConversationSpeech and Language Therapists working in Mental Health In this episode, Grace Walsh and SLT working in the area of infant mental health talks to Anna McLeod, and SLT working in CAMHS. Both are part of the IASLT Mental Health SIG and talk about the current and emerging roles of SLTs in the area of mental health
2023-03-1427 minIASLT in ConversationIn conversation with Edel Dunphy, COO of the IASLTTo kick off season 2 of our IASLT in Conversation podcast, we talk to Edel Dunphy, COO of the IASLT to hear about the developments in the organisation and what members can look forward to in 2023
2023-02-1317 minIASLT in ConversationThe Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act: Implications for SLTsIn this episode, Bríd Spillane, SLT with St John of God Community Services talks to Dr Sinéad Kellaghan, acting SLT Manager from HSE South East Community Healthcare Carlow/Kilkenny and Caroline Howarth, SLT Manager/ Director of Adult Clinical Services at St Michael's House, Dublin about the ADMA and the implications for SLTs
2022-11-1522 min
IASLT in ConversationDLD: A Teacher PerspectiveIn order to celebrate this year's DLD Awareness Day: Growing with DLD, we asked Aisling O'Connor, a primary school teacher that is relatively new to DLD to talk to Orla Savage, a teacher with many years' experience in working with children with DLD and their families. Orla shares her advice and experience on including children with DLD in the classroom and how to work collaboratively with SLTs and others
2022-10-1113 minIASLT in ConversationSpecial Extended Podcast on Living with Aphasia A panel discussion exploring diverse perspectives on aphasia advocacy and raising awareness among health professionals, policy-makers and members of the public. Panel members included:Aoife Carolan, Senior Speech and Language TherapistHelen Kelly, Lecturer in Speech and Language TherapyLarry Masterson, Advocate and person living with aphasiaMeadhbh Larkin, Speech and Language TherapistMartin Quinn, Advocate and person living with aphasiaThe discussion was facilitated by Ruth Mc Menamin (NUI Galway) and Molly Manning (University of Limerick).
2022-09-191h 11IASLT in ConversationStudent SLT PlacementsHere we are in conversation with Practice Education Coordinator Kerrie O'Grady and Dr Fiona Ryan, an SLT clinical specialist to talk about the challenges and solutions to taking SLT students on placement. With back to University approaching, we are encouraging all SLTs to consider taking an SLT student this year. See more at https://www.iaslt.ie/a-career-in-speech-language-therapy/practice-education/ #supportastudent
2022-08-2222 minIASLT in ConversationInclusion Ireland CEO Derval McDonagh Here we are conversation with Inclusion Ireland CEO and former Speech and Language Therapist Derval McDonagh. Derval talks about her role, and how SLTs can help advocate for people with Intellectual Disabilities
2022-05-1918 minIASLT in ConversationInterview with Gary Boyle for Brain Awareness Week March is Brain Awareness Week. Claire Meskill joins Gary Boyle to talk about Parkinson's Disease and the role of the SLT
2022-03-2226 minIASLT in ConversationLaunch of the New IASLT Website for 2022: Conversation with Anne Barrett Here we talk to the IASLT Website Chairperson Anne Barrett about what we can expect from the new www.iaslt.ie website
2022-02-0914 minIASLT in ConversationToys for Christmas: Supporting Speech and Language with Emma O' Leary Listen to Dr. Ciara O' Toole interview Emma O' Leary from life with tiny humans about what toys are useful to support speech and language in the lead up to the busy Christmas period!
2021-11-1022 minIASLT in ConversationDLD Day 2021: Perspective from teacher Julie SweeneyIn anticipation of DLD day taking place on the 15th of October 2021, listen to Brenda Mockler, parent to a child with DLD discuss DLD from the perspective of teachers and parents of secondary school pupils with DLD with Julie Sweeney.
2021-10-0722 minIASLT in ConversationIASLT Conference 2021: What to expectListen to Dr. Ciara O' Toole, who is a member of the scientific committee on this years IASLT Biennial conference committee discuss what to expect from this years virtual conference in terms of the platform, keynote speakers, topics, presentations and more! Don't forget early bird tickets can be purchased until the 11th of August 2021!
2021-08-0710 minIASLT in ConversationCiara O'Toole DLD See Me: An interview with Sophie FranksAn interview with Sophie Franks about her experiences as an adult with DLD
2021-07-2911 minIASLT in ConversationDLD See Me: An interview with Damian QuinnDr. Ciara O' Toole interviews Damian Quinn ahead of DLD day 2020.
2021-07-2915 minIASLT in ConversationDLD See Me: The Needs of Children with DLD in SchoolDr Ciara O' Toole interviews Dr Aoife Gallagher on the needs of children with DLD in School
2021-07-2913 minIASLT in ConversationAphasia Awareness Month with Dr. Helen KellyListen to Dr. Helen Kelly share her wealth of knowledge about aphasia, with some hints and tips about how to communicate with and support people with aphasia. Dr. Kelly also discusses the Aphasia Café and the experiences of both patrons with aphasia and SLT students who have attended.
2021-06-1532 minIASLT in ConversationVerbal Dyspraxia Awareness Day with Professor Trish McCabe Verbal Dyspraxia Awareness Day took place on the 14th of May 2021. Listen to Dr. Ciara O' Toole interview Professor Trish McCabe on her experience of working in this area and use of the ReST intervention. Stay tuned for some exciting CPD opportunities coming up with Professor McCabe soon!
2021-05-2524 minIASLT in ConversationParkinson's Awareness Month with Veronica ClarkIn recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness month, Veronica Clark is featuring on the IASLT in conversation. Veronica is the current chair of the European Parkinson’s Disease Association and a practicing Speech and Language Therapist in the UK.
2021-04-2816 minIASLT in ConversationWorld Down Syndrome Day 2021World Down Syndrome Day 2021 is celebrated on the 21st of March. Listen to six young adults with Down Syndrome share with us their experience of Speech and Language Therapy and the benefits it has had on their lives
2021-03-2109 minIASLT in ConversationWorking in Children's and Adolescents Mental Health with Sarah Burns and Mary ScullionChildren's Mental Health Week took place from the 1st to 7th February 2021. Mental Health is a topic that is becoming more and more prevalent in recent times. Listen to Mary and Sarah, who share a joint SLT Manager position at Lucena Clinic share their experiences on what it's like to work in this area as a Speech and Language Therapist, including the highs and lows, as well as the impact Covid-19 has had recently on the area,
2021-03-0441 minIASLT in ConversationInternational Cochlear Implant Day with Clinical Specialist Jennifer Robertson To mark International Cochlear Implant day, which takes place on the 25th of February 2021, clinical specialist Speech and Language Therapist Jennifer Robertson, working as part of the National Cochlear Implant Programme in Beaumont Hospital joins us to share her vast amount of knowledge and experiences working in this ever-changing field. We speak about the impact of COVID-19 on the programme, the high's and lows, and everything else in-between.
2021-02-1823 minIASLT in ConversationA Parent's Experience of DLDListen to Dr. Ciara O' Toole invite a parent of a child with DLD to share their experiences of living with DLD from a parent perspective, recorded to raise awareness for Developmental Language Disorder Day (RADLD) 2020!
2020-12-0428 min