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35. Tongue Tie Surgery: A Personal Journey

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Release Date: 01/19/2026

36. Keeping Kids Engaged Over Telehealth show art 36. Keeping Kids Engaged Over Telehealth

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Is teletherapy worth it for kids? Speech Pathologists Heidi and Lucy break down the frequently asked questions about speech therapy when it comes to keeping children engaged.  They explore the critical role of connection in speech therapy, emphasising the importance of collaboration between therapists and parents. This episode discusses how relationships and trust are foundational to successful therapy outcomes and keeping children engaged, the roles of both parents and children in the therapeutic process, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in online speech therapy for...

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35. Tongue Tie Surgery: A Personal Journey show art 35. Tongue Tie Surgery: A Personal Journey

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Thinking of getting the snip? Heidi dives into the world of tongue ties with Lyndal Thomas, Pop Family's Head of Speech Pathology. Together, they explore their personal and professional journey of understanding and treating tongue ties, highlighting the impact on speech, eating, and overall health.  Lyndal shares her own experiences and insights from tongue tie surgery as an adult (aka a lingual frenectomy or tongue-tie release), offering a no-nonsense look at the challenges and triumphs faced by those with orofacial myofunctional disorders. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that...

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34. How Much Does Speech Therapy Cost show art 34. How Much Does Speech Therapy Cost

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Heidi and Monique simplify the complexities of speech therapy costs in Australia, exploring various funding sources such as community health services, schools, NDIS, and private therapy options. The discussion emphasises the importance of understanding how therapy is billed, the expected costs, and the role of family support in achieving therapy goals. Heidi and Mon also touch on the significance of neuroplasticity in therapy outcomes and the need for realistic expectations regarding the duration and frequency of therapy sessions.   RESOURCES FROM TODAY’S SHOW Meet Monique Martino:...

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33. What is Neurodiversity? Clinician’s Edition show art 33. What is Neurodiversity? Clinician’s Edition

Beyond Words by Pop Family

In this extended cut of "What is Neurodiversity", Heidi interviews Tina Evans, a speech pathologist and clinical lead for neurodiversity at Pop Online Speech Therapy. They discuss Tina's journey into the field, the concept of neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding and advocating for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation covers the evolution of terminology, the significance of empathy in therapy, and the role of communication partners in supporting neurodivergent individuals. They also explore the need for safe spaces in therapy and provide resources for parents navigating...

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32. What is Neurodiversity? Parent's Edition show art 32. What is Neurodiversity? Parent's Edition

Beyond Words by Pop Family

In this conversation of “What is Neurodiversity”, Heidi interviews Tina Evans, a speech pathologist and clinical lead for neurodiversity at Pop Online Speech Therapy. Heidi asks questions as a mum and they explore the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for parents. They discuss the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and the need for empathy in therapy. The conversation emphasises the significance of building positive relationships with neurodivergent individuals, the role of communication partners, and the necessity of a strength-based approach in therapy. They also...

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31. Choking Dangers for Kids: A Rural Mum’s Tale show art 31. Choking Dangers for Kids: A Rural Mum’s Tale

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Rural stay-at-home mum of 4, Sarah Giltrow joins Heidi Trusler as she shares her harrowing experience of a choking incident involving her daughter and discusses the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in rural and remote areas.  She emphasises the need for first aid knowledge and advocates for the LifeVac device as a potential lifesaver. The discussion also touches on the importance of awareness and education regarding choking hazards and the role of devices, like LifeVac, in enhancing safety for children and adults alike. RESOURCES FROM TODAY’S SHOWLifeVac Statistics:...

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30. Is Speech Therapy Covered by Medicare? show art 30. Is Speech Therapy Covered by Medicare?

Beyond Words by Pop Family

In episode 30, Heidi has a conversation with Pop’s Clinical Lead for Language and Literacy, Monique, to explore the complexities of navigating speech therapy funding in Australia. Heidi quizzes Monique on what parents need to know about Medicare and NDIS options. Monique provides her top insights into Medicare’s Chronic Condition Management Plan, the importance of preparation for GP appointments, and the role of advocacy for parents. The discussion emphasises the need for parents to understand their options and prepare effectively to ensure their children receive the necessary support, and...

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29. Speech Therapy Reaches Far Beyond Words with Host Heidi Trusler show art 29. Speech Therapy Reaches Far Beyond Words with Host Heidi Trusler

Beyond Words by Pop Family

In Episode 29 of Beyond Words (our first episode of season 2!), Heidi Trusler shares her journey as a mum, a speech pathologist and as the founder of Pop Family, a telehealth speech therapy service. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the challenges she faced in her career, and her passion for empowering mothers with knowledge about child development and communication. The podcast aims to provide insights and support for mothers and caregivers navigating complex health and development decisions for their families.   KEY TAKEAWAYS 💡 • The podcast aims to empower individuals and...

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28. Bonnie's Trimester Four in Review show art 28. Bonnie's Trimester Four in Review

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Bonnie’s journey through Trimester Four is the focus of today’s episode and it is a true testament to her unending strength and resilience! During her pregnancy, Bonnie experienced complications in the form of severe preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and hip pain that prevented her from walking more than a few metres. But it was after her son Patrick was born (at 37 weeks and 2.5 kilograms) that the real challenge began. Jaundice, a tongue-tie, and power vomiting characterised the first 6 weeks of Bonnie’s fourth trimester. Listen to the episode to hear Bonnie candidly share stories...

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27. Heidi’s Trimester Four in Review show art 27. Heidi’s Trimester Four in Review

Beyond Words by Pop Family

Welcome back to the Pop Family Podcast! Today we’re covering Heidi’s fourth trimester (we’ll hear all about Bonnie’s fourth trimester in the next episode!). She walks us through her time at the hospital after giving birth and explains how she diagnosed her baby’s tongue tie, why the hospital was not helpful with the issue, and the frenectomy she decided on. We also discuss the expectations we have that our bodies will ‘bounce back’ after giving birth, the tricky balancing act that is newborn sleep, the highs and lows of breastfeeding, the bonding that contact naps bring, and...

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More Episodes

Thinking of getting the snip? Heidi dives into the world of tongue ties with Lyndal Thomas, Pop Family's Head of Speech Pathology. Together, they explore their personal and professional journey of understanding and treating tongue ties, highlighting the impact on speech, eating, and overall health. 

Lyndal shares her own experiences and insights from tongue tie surgery as an adult (aka a lingual frenectomy or tongue-tie release), offering a no-nonsense look at the challenges and triumphs faced by those with orofacial myofunctional disorders. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that blends personal stories with a peek behind the curtain of life as an orofacial myofunctional speech pathologist.

 

RESOURCES FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Meet Lyndal Thomas: https://popfamily.au/team/lyndal-thomas 

Download the free snapshot “How Tongue Ties Can Impact Everyday Life”👇

🔗  https://popfamily.au/podcasts/tongue-tie-surgery-journey/

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS💡

• Tongue ties can significantly impact speech and eating.
• Holistic treatment approaches are crucial for effective management.
• Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into treatment, but everybody's experience will not be the same.
• Speech pathologists play a key role in managing tongue ties.
• Orofacial myofunctional therapy can be an essential part of pre and post-surgery for a frenectomy.
• Understanding facial development is important in treatment.
• Early intervention can prevent long-term issues.
• Collaboration with body workers enhances treatment outcomes.
• Education empowers patients to make informed decisions.
• Each tongue tie journey and tongue tie release is unique and requires personalised care.

CONNECT WITH US 🤝

Listen to more episodes |  popfamily.au/podcasts/

Watch the Episodes On YouTube | @BeyondWordsbyPopFamily

Follow us on Instagram |  @beyondwordsbypopfamily @popfamily.au 

HOSTS | Heidi Trusler, Founder of Pop Online Speech Therapy and Speech Pathologist

MUSIC | Track: "Mountain Anthem" by Ryan Carlson

PRIVACY | Hosted on Libsyn. See libsyn.com/tos-policies/privacy-policy/ for more information.

DISCLAIMER 

General Information Only (Not Medical Advice)
The information provided in this podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised assessment, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified Speech Pathologist or other registered healthcare professional.
Nothing in this podcast should be interpreted as medical, therapeutic, or clinical advice. You should seek individualised medical professional advice if you have specific concerns.

Australian Context
This podcast is created within the Australian regulatory and professional context, including the Speech Pathology Australia standards. Listeners outside Australia should consider any local guidelines, regulations, or requirements.

Content Rights & Modifications
Pop Family reserves the right to edit, update, modify, replace, or remove any part of this podcast or its associated materials at any time, without prior notice. This includes audio episodes, transcripts, show notes, resources, or linked content. Information presented in earlier episodes may not remain current, complete, or accurate over time.

No Liability
Pop Family and any guests accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or injury that may arise from reliance on the information shared in this podcast.