Episodes

When we think of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), we usually think of snoring, disrupted sleep, and daytime fatigue. But there is a critical link between OSA and dysphagia. In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Ankita Bhutada from Northwestern University to explore how upper airway collapse and chronic respiratory disruption can profoundly impact swallowing […]

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What do you do when patients report severe swallowing difficulties, but all structural and neurological exams come back normal? In this episode, we talk to Prof. Anna Miles about her paper “Functional dysphagia: Developing a framework for assessment and treatment”. We explore why terms like “psychogenic dysphagia” or “phagophobia” are outdated, look into the neurobiological

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What if a microphone and a few sensors placed on the neck could detect dysphagia; without access to FEES  or videofluoroscopy, maybe even without a dysphagia specialist in the room? In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Ervin Sejdic, a biomedical engineer at the university of Toronto, whose research is changing the way we

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Dysphagia is an under-recognised but clinically important complication following cardiac surgery. In this episode, Prof. Cara Donohue discusses why dysphagia can occur despite surgery being anatomically distant from the swallowing mechanism. We explore the complexities of dysphagia in patients post cardiac surgery, highlighting risk factors, prevalence, assessment methods, and potential interventions. Cara shares her research

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Preparing safe, enjoyable meals for people with dysphagia can be challenging but it does not have to mean sacrificing enjoyment of food, variety, and social connection. How can clinicians and caregivers help ensure meals remain safe and enjoyable? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Simone Howells from Griffith University, Australia, about the second edition

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Meta-analyses are powerful tools, but they can be challenging to interpret. In this episode, we explore how dysphagia clinicians can better understand and critically evaluate meta-analyses to support evidence-informed practice. We are joined by Prof. Kendrea Garand to talk about the article “How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech and

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In this episode, we talk to Dr. Raele Loy, a Speech and Language Therapist and research scientist at the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We discuss a critical but often overlooked aspect of dysphagia care: health equity, or the lack thereof. Raele discusses what sparked her interest in health equity,

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Behind the tremor in Parkinson’s disease lies a complex neurodegenerative process that affects far more than movement. In this conversation, we are joined by Prof. emer. Werner Poewe, neurologist and one of the world’s leading experts in Parkinson’s disease. He unpacks the evolving understanding of Parkinson’s disease, from James Parkinson’s first observations to today’s insights

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Button batteries may be small, but their impact can be devastating. In this episode, we speak with Prof. Kris Jatana about the serious and often hidden dangers of button battery ingestion in children. Found in everyday household items, these small batteries can cause severe injuries to the esophagus and surrounding structures within hours of ingestion.

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​​What is it like to live with dysphagia due to ineffective esophageal motility (IEM)? In this episode, Adrienne shares her personal journey: from first noticing symptoms, through the path to diagnosis, and how the condition has evolved over time. We explore the deep impact of IEM on eating, drinking, social life, and quality of life.

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