The OT Lifestyle Movement
Episodes
132: Occupation-Based Practice – Reclaiming The Soul of Occupational Therapy ft Wendy Stav
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of The OT Lifestyle Movement, I sit down with Dr. Wendy Stav to explore the heart of our profession ...
131: Burn In Mini-Series | #3: The Flame + The 8 Ecosystem Elements Explained
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michelle Luken and I discuss: 1. Sticks – the personal and occupational factors that fuel or dampen your fire2. Rocks – boundaries...
130: Burn In Mini-Series | #2: The Origins of The Burn In Model
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m chatting with Michelle Luken, Occupational Therapist and co-creator of The Burn In Model, about how it all began. We discuss: T...
129: Burn In Mini-Series | #1: Our Burnout Stories ft Michelle Luken
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Luken – Occupational Therapist, U.S. Army Veteran, and co-creator of The Burn In Model. We dive deep i...
128: Who Are We Really? A Critical Look at OT Identity ft Justine Jecker
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Justine Jecker – an occupational therapist I instantly fell in love with for her grounded wisdom, her realness, her...
127: The Identity We Weave: Professional Identity, Language & the Future of OT
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever fumbled to explain what you do as an OT?Questioned your place in the profession because the reality feels so far from what you were taug...
126: The Neuroscience of Emotional Regulation, OT Coaching & Supervision Strategies ft Dr. Áine O’Dea
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all talking about a wide range of topics that surprisingly have a lot in common! We’re talking about emotional re...
125: OTs on the Money: Pathways to Financial Freedom ft Doug Vestal
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we’re exploring how to achieve both time and financial freedom. We dive deep into practical strategies and actionable tips with ...
124: Navigating New Normals: Life and OT After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis ft Genevieve Grainger
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss: Genevieve is a paediatric occupational therapist and founder of Umbrella OT. She works in a small rural community here in...
123: Making Mistakes, Moral Injury and Moving Forward in Occupational Therapy ft Michelle Bihary
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, we delve into: Michelle has dedicated the last 20 years to empowering teams and leaders across Australia and New Zealand. Her...
122: Occupational Formulation ft Lorrae Mynard
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we are talking all about Occupational Formulation with Lorrae Mynard. We discuss: Lorrae was named Occupational Therapist of the year in ...
121: The Power of Stretch Therapy & Nervous System Regulation in Occupational Therapy Practice ft Karlye Williamson
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deep with Karlye Williamson, an experienced occupational therapist who has seamlessly integrated stretch therapy and nervous ...
120: Revolutionizing Mental Health: Blending Coaching, Positive Psychology and Occupational Therapy ft Padraig Danaher
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about integrating coaching, posiitve psychology and occupational therapy for enhanced mental health care. Padraig D...
119: The OT Carer Pathway: Empowering Caregivers through Holistic Occupational Science-Informed Support with Cat and Ali
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about supporting caregivers through the lens of occupational therapy. We discuss:  Ali Buchanan created The OT...
118 – Burnout, Static NDIS Price Rate and Finding Meaning in OT ft Dave Jereb
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking to Dave Jereb, occupational therapist, paediatric clinic owner, author and mentor. We talk all about burnout, the stati...
117 – (ASK ME ANYTHING): From Doubt to Done: Starting a Business, Imposter Syndrome & Building Confidence
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, I’m on the other side of the microphone! I’m taking the guest seat as I chat with a fellow OT, Jo, who reached ou...
116 – Sensory Healing After Developmental Trauma ft Marti Smith
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about the powerful impact of sensory healing after developmental trauma. We discuss:  Marti Smith is an esteem...
115 – The New Canadian Model of Occupational Participation (CanMOP) ft Mary Egan
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The CanMOP is an evolution of the Canadian occupational model, previously known as the CMOP and the CMOP-E. This new iteration places a strong emphasi...
114 – Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy ft Professor Gayle Restall
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about Collaborative Relationship Focused Occupational Therapy with Professor Gayle Restall. Gayle is co-editor of t...
113 – Social Justice and Narrative-Driven Practice ft Dr Nick Pollard
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are lucky enough to be speaking with Dr Nick Pollard. We discuss: Nick is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Sheffield Ha...
112 – From Stagnation to Inspiration: Reigniting Our OT Spark ft Brad Williams
28 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about: Brad is a father of two and husband, occupational therapist, the host and creator of The Becoming Collective...
111 – Inside the Mind: An Occupational Therapist’s Journey with Serious Mental Illness and the Path to Resilience
17 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about serious mental illness and a path to resilience with Liz Grace. Liz is an occupational therapist in recovery ...
110 – Strengths-Based Practice in Occupational Therapy ft Kavita Murthi
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about strengths based occupational therapy with Kavita Murthi. We discuss:  Kavitha Murthi is pursuing her doc...
109 – Planetary Health and Occupational Therapy: Bridging Theory and Practice ft Ka Yan Hess
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about sustainability, the environment and planetary health with Ka Yan Hess. We discuss:  – why we need ...
108 – Human Rights, Social Inclusion & Population Health ft Clare Hocking
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about human rights, social inclusion and population health with Clare Hocking. We discuss: Clare Hocking is a New...
107 – Therapeutic Use of Self: Personal & Professional Self Intertwined ft Linda Finlay
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about therapeutic use of self with psychotherapist, academic, author, researcher and former occupational therapist,...
106 – Sexuality, Sexual Identity, Gender, Pronouns & Intimacy ft Dr. Sakshi Tickoo
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about sexuality, an often overlooked aspect of the human experience in our OT field. So we’re lifting the veil to...
105 – Navigating the NDIS: Assessments, Reports & Everything You Need To Know ft Sarah Collison
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about the NDIS: The National Disability Insurance Scheme here in Australia. We are talking with Sarah Collison...
104 -Occupational Science & Literacy, Awakening To Justice and Re-Imagining the Possibilities of Occupational Therapy ft Professor Elizabeth Townsend
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, it is an absolute privilege and pleasure to be speaking with Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Townsend. Liz is a remarkable occupational ...
103 – Shifting The Goal Posts & Reaching Occupational Potential
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Goal setting is part of the therapeutic process, and I must say that how I go about setting goals with the people I work with has shifted and evolved ...
102 – Raising the Collective Consciousness: “Occupation” Explored
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When we step fully into our role as an occupational therapist and own the title, when we educate the community on our understanding of ‘occupati...
101 – Person-Centered Care & Surviving a Stroke ft Emma Gee
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore person-entered care with occupational therapist and stroke survivor, Emma Gee. We discuss: Emma is an occupational therapis...
100 – Co-Regulation with Parents and Parent Coaching ft Maggie Viers
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about co-regulating the parents, reparenting and parent coaching with occupational therapist and parent coach, Magg...
99 – Street Art, Graffiti and Occupational Therapy ft Gavin Symes
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk all about street art and graffiti as a meaningful therapeutic occupation with occupational therapist and not-afraid-to-questio...
98 – Rhythm, Movement and Technology to Support Children’s Learning ft Bridgette Nicholson
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about rhythmic movement and technology to support children’s learning with occupational therapist, Bridgette Nich...
97 – Occupational Therapy History: The Evolution of the Profession ft Josie Jarvis
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the history of occupational therapy with occupational therapist, Josie Jarvis. We take a deep dive into:  This was an ...
96 – How To Be A Brave Occupational Therapist ft Carlyn Neek
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk all about being a brave occupational therapist with Occupational Therapist, Certified Coach Practitioner and podcaster, Carlyn...
95 – Boredom and Why People Need Something To DO Every Day ft Jen Gash
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk all about boredom and how it relates to our work as occupational therapists. We talk with OT, author and artist Jen Gash about...
94 – Unmasking The Authentic Neurodivergent Self & A Spiritual Path to Healing ft Stephanie Robertson
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about neurodivergence, unmasking and spirituality with occupational therapist, Stephanie Robertson.   We discu...
93 – Puberty & The Occupational Therapist’s Role; Education & Group Work ft Sarah Hausler
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are talking all about Puberty with occupational therapist, Sarah Hausler. We discuss:  Sarah Hausler is the principal Occupati...
92 – Mindbody Medicine, Tensegrity & Lifestyle Approaches to Occupational Therapy ft Kelly Clancy
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode with occupational therapist, Kelly Clancy, we talk all about:  Kelly is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, holi...
91 – Humanizing Healthcare: Beyond The Metrics and Back To Care ft Rafi Salazar
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Healthcare has become more about efficiency, productivity and profit and less about client satisfaction and individualized care. Many of us feel stuck...
90 – Innovation, Non-Traditional OT Roles & Driving Simulation ft Bridget Mathis
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode I speak with Bridget Mathis, Occupational Therapist from STISIM Drive; a driving simulation technology for clinical therapy, ...
89 – Occupational Justice, Narratives & Beyond The Biomedical Model ft Gail Whiteford
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When we have the humility to pay attention to the injustices occurring in the world around us, we recognise that we can become part of the solution. S...
88 – Neurodiversity–Affirming Therapy & Strengths Based Practice for Autistic People ft Meg Proctor
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk with the wonderfully insightful Meg Proctor – occupational therapist and founder of Learn Play Thrive, and explore; neur...
87 – Transpersonal Occupational Therapy, Soul Awakenings & Therapeutic Use of Self ft Mick Collins
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk with Mick Collins, occupational therapist, author and incredible human being. We talk all about spirituality and how it pl...
86 – The Essence of Occupational Therapy & The KAWA Model ft Professor Michael Iwama
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are speaking with one of my biggest OT inspirations – thought leader, deep thinker and not-afraid-to challenge the status quo, Professo...
85 – Polyvagal Theory, Co-Regulation & An OT Approach ft Kelly Beins
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to learn how the Polyvagal Theory relates to our work as occupational therapists? Today we are taking a deep dive into it! The Polyvagal T...
84 -Aged Care & Dementia: Changing The Way OT Is Perceived ft Brooke Moore
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ageing populations are on the rise around the globe. And I’m so excited by the potential of our profession in this space and how we can really make ...
83 – 6 Practical Strategies for Co-Regulation
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Co-regulation is the dynamic and continuous process whereby one person’s nervous system calms another. It is a hugely important skill as a thera...
82 – OT Student Life: Placements, Managing Stress & Preparing for the ‘Real World’ ft Alaskah Hindry
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have a little sneak peek in to the life of an OT student. We are speaking with Alaskah Hindry, a final year occupational therapy student fro...
81 – Lifestyle, Occupation & OT: What It Means To Me
05 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s talk all about lifestyle optimisation and what this movement is all about. Brock Cook, fellow OT Aussie podcaster interviewed me for his p...
80 – Trauma & Unleashing The Wild Wisdom of Your Heart ft. Aubri Hathaway
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all experience trauma. The question is, how do we get through the tough times? How do we navigate our way back home to ourselves? How do we listen ...
79 – My Biggest OT Stuff Up
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Let me get really vulnerable with you for a minute as I share my biggest OT stuff up. Let me take you back to when I was a new grad working at a city ...
78 – Imposter Syndrome, Burn Out & Self Compassion ft Carlyn Neek
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today 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 ...
77 – Occupation as Medicine, Mind-Body Connection & Unlocking Inner Essence ft Jess Leggatt
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There is so much more that we can do as occupational therapy practitioners if we simply give ourselves permission. Permission to think big and permiss...
76 – {Not So} SMART Goals?
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do we know it’s ‘acheiable’, if its never been done before? If there’s no evidence of it being ‘attainable’? L...
75 – Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC): Evidence Based Intervention ft Dr Fiona Graham
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am taking you back to an interview I recorded 2 years ago, before The OT Lifestyle Movement even existed! I was so thrilled and honoured to sp...
74 – Breathing Retraining and Education For Clients ft Kate Broderick
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are talking all about the breath – something that every single one of our clients does as an involuntary automatic function of the body. Bu...
73 – Rhiannon Interviewed: Being An Uncommon OT
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I am interviewed by Patricia Motus, OT and the voice behind The Uncommon OT Series podcast. I am thrilled to be sharing this here with...
72 – Bodywork and Energy Principles in OT Practice ft Deanna Waggy
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
People can experience profound transformation through the way in which we touch them. Not just physically, energetically. The energy we bring to a ses...
71 – Turn Your OT Expertise Into An Online Course: Free Masterclass Replay
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about leveraging the skills, knowledge and expertise you already have as an OT or OTA and turning it into an online course? Ther...
70 – OT Pelvic Health: Breaking The Taboo And Blazing A Trail ft Lindsey Vestal
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For some it’s taboo, for Lindsey Vestal it’s a typical Tuesday. Pelvic health, incontinence, sex and pelvic pain are topics all too familiar. The ...
69 – Deep Listening: Not A Soft Skill
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While listening is recognised as a ‘soft skill’, I think it is anything but that. It’s hard. To deeply listen to our clients and the...
68 – Soft Tissue Therapy, Injury and Pain ft Jordan van der Westhuizen
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what exactly occupational therapy can bring to the soft tissue arena? Well strap in, because in this episode we cover it all! T...
67 – Energetic Calibration: How to Collapse Time to Reach Your Goals Faster
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At the start of a new year most of us take the time to think about our direction, our dreams, desires and goals over the next 365 days. I want to help...
66 – Breaking OT Stereotypes in Schools: From Fine Motor OT to Holistic Well-Being OT ft Dr. Deirdre Azzopardi
26 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Deirdre Azzopardi is an occupational therapist who refuses to be put in the fine motor box. She doesn’t want to be known as the handwriting teac...
65 – Why I Created Multiple Income Streams (and why you should consider it)
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of having a job for life seems long gone. I felt the pinch when I was made redundant from my occupational therapy job 10 years ago. In hindsi...
64 – Mindfulness, Meditation and Grounding Exercises ft Sarah Good
12 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mindfulness and meditation are occupations that we can weave into our sessions with clients to help them achieve their participation or engagement bas...
63 – Therapy vs Therapeutic: You Need to Know This!
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An occupation can be therapy, or simply therapeutic. It’s crucial to know the difference.
62 – Spirituality and Meaning In Our Own Lives ft Debra Battistella
28 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There’s no beating around the bush with this episode. Today we dive straight to the heart of meaning and purpose in life with Debra Battis...
61 – When I’m Not Scared, Then I’ll Do It!
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“When I know everything there is to know, then I’ll do it. When it’s perfect, then I’ll do it. When I’m not scared, then I’ll ...
60 – Farm Based Practices and Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy ft Sarah Munn
14 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Farm based practice and equine-assisted occupational therapy services are quietly emerging around the globe. More and mo...
59 – Entrepreneurship and Creating Change
07 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let me share my journey to entrepreneurship, how I initially harnessed the belief that creating my own business was possible and how I didn’t let th...
58 – Compassionate Boundaries, Self-Regulation and Conscious Parenting ft Tia Gamelin
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode will be of interest to you if you have an interest in children of the world today, and the leaders of our tomorrow. I...
57 – Merging Passion & Profession: How You Can Do What You Love
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to know the possibilities within the OT scope of practice? Do you want to be re-inspired to do meaningful occupation-focused work? Do you ...
56 – Occupation as Means vs End
17 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Occupation can be the ‘means’ or the ‘end’. That is, occupation can be the intervention or the over-arching therapy goal. Or b...
55 – Navigating Life with Cancer: A Lifestyle Reset ft The Lymph Therapist, Emilia Dewi
10 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Emilia Dewi also known as the Lymph Therapist, has been supporting cancer patients on their journey for many years ...
54 – Create Your Life By Design
03 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As we grow older and we have more and more responsibilities and demands placed on us, we sometimes push possibility aside and lose our ability to drea...
53 – Beyond Diagnosis and Disease To Live a Meaningful Life ft Cheryl Crow
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If there’s anything I’ve learnt over the course of my career it’s that people can live a meaningful and satisfying life living WITH...
52 – The One Thing To Drive Your Personal and Professional Success
19 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It doesn’t matter if your goal is to get fit, enhance your relationship with your partner or kids, or build the business of your dreams – ther...
51 – Doing Work That Matters ft Jen Gash
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I just have to give you the history of this episode! This was recorded one year before the birth of The OT Lifestyle Movement. It&...
50 – Supporting Clients Through The Vortex of Comparisonitis
05 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let me share the 3 ways we can support our clients through the vortex of Comparisonitis. It’s so common for parents to compare their child to other ...
49 – Nurturing The Innate Brilliance of Our Children with Homeschooling ft Sarah Collins
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our children have an innate brilliance that needs to be nurtured. We need to be looking at how a child learns best and in wha...
48 – Building A Successful OT Business
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A little chat with you about how I built my businesses and what it takes to build a successful thriving business where you get paid your worth and you...
47 – Interoception: Our Internal Body Sense ft Kelly Mahler
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Interoception is the self awareness of our internal sensation. The simple question “how do you feel?”, turns out not to b...
46 – The KAWA Model
15 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As OTs we have the privilege to zoom out from the injury or illness to give us a much more holistic view of a person’s life. We’re not focused...
45 – How To Create And Market A Wildly Successful Online OT Course ft Melissa La Pointe
01 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own online course? Do you want to grow multiple and sustainable sources of online income th...
44 – The Impermanence Of Life
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A reminder that nothing stays the same, and that everything changes. When we cultivate the awareness of the impermanence of life, we start paying atte...
43 – Autism and OT: The Lived Experience ft Bill Wong
18 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we look through the lens an autistic OT; Bill Wong. Bill is a role model to the autistic community, he’s an OT inspiration and a hug...
42 – Pivoting in Life, Career and Business
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve pivoted many times in my life, career and business when I haven’t been in a place of alignment. I’ve often overthought my next-...
41 – Make A Difference and A Dollar In Your OT Business: Marketing, Systems & Attracting Ideal Clients ft Ana Hernando
04 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As OT’s we have it in our heart to create a positive difference to the lives of people we work with, however we have often shied away from busi...
40 – When Life Takes You On A Different Course: You’re Exactly Where You’re Meant To Be
27 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m always planning and thinking ahead. I like to map out the direction of my life instead of being a passenger and letting life happen to me. B...
39 – From Vision to Reality: Building Your Own Holistic OT Practice ft Emmy Vadnais
20 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Just imagine for a moment creating the holistic OT practice of your dreams. What would it look like? What would it feel like? What kind of integrative...
38 – Goal Setter, Go Getter: Achieving Your Goals (And Your Clients)
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m a dreamer and doer. A goal setter and a go-getter. I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone and doing hard things. It’s...
37 – Become an OT Coach ft Bronwyn Drysdale
06 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When I started thinking about using a coaching approach in my occupational therapy practice I had a million questions. What exactly is OT coaching? Wh...
36 – Mastering Your Morning
30 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I’m obsessed with learning about other people’s rituals and routines and how I can optimise my morning to show up and be my best self. They...
35 – Meditating and Surfing Her Way to Wellness and Sharing Her Light with Others ft Tiff Snyder
23 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tiff Snyder is an occupational therapist, health coach and the founder of The Wellbeing Movement. She is also a yogi, a lover of plant based foods and...
34 – What It Takes To Build A Business
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shout out to all the inspired dreamers and doers in the OT world! This episode is for you. Whether you have a traditional OT brick and mortar business...
33 – Autism: Through the Holistic Lens of a Mother and OT ft Candice Curtis
09 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s take a privileged peep into the thoughts and life of an OT and mumma of a boy with special needs, Candice Curtis. Candice is the founde...