The Growth Lab Podcast

In this episode, Luba sits down with Nicole Casey, speech language pathologist, clinic owner, and the creator of the Child Led SLP community, for a conversation that is equal parts clinical insight and personal honesty. Nicole unpacks what "child led" therapy actually means, clearing up the common misconception that it equals no structure or goals, and explaining how following a child's lead leads to deeper generalization outside of sessions. The two also get into what parents really need emotionally before strategies can even land, why finding the right therapist fit matters, and how Nicole accidentally went viral on Instagram, built a 100K following, and pulled off a 15,000-person summit while running a clinic and raising two kids. It's a refreshing reminder that you can grow a business and a platform without losing the heart of why you started.Nicole's links:https://childled.orghttps://alignedrubricframework.com(00:01:27) Child-Led Communication Development in Speech Therapy(00:07:49) Building a Supportive Therapy Team for Children(00:10:18) Empowering Parents through Non-Judgmental Support(00:24:02) Speech Therapy Community Thrives Online During Pandemic(00:29:15) From Clinic Owner to Movement Builder(00:35:34) Purposeful Connection Through Compassionate Entrepreneurship(00:38:52) Building Business Success Through Compassionate Growth

Somewhere along the way, parents were made to believe that advocating for their child means being difficult, confrontational, or “that parent.” In this solo episode of The Growth Lab, speech-language pathologist and child advocate Luba Patlakh challenges that narrative and explains why advocacy is not aggression, it’s clarity. Drawing from years of experience supporting families through IEP meetings and school systems, Luba shares the mindset shifts and practical language that can completely change how these conversations unfold. From asking the right questions to regulating emotions in high-stress meetings, this episode gives parents the tools to advocate with confidence, stay steady in difficult rooms, and ensure their child’s needs are truly heard.(00:00:46) Empowered Parental Advocacy for Child Services(00:10:41) Power of Clarity in Effective Advocacy

In this episode of The Growth Lab, Luba Patlakh sits down with speech-language pathologist, educator, and clinic owner Jessie Ginsburg—known online as the Sensory SLP—for a candid conversation about the evolving world of speech therapy and what it really takes to support children and families well. Together they explore Jessie’s journey from starting her own clinic to building widely used sensory-focused training programs for therapists, including the course she created to help SLPs better support autistic children in virtual therapy. They discuss the power of mentorship and specialization in clinical settings, the importance of finding the right therapist–family fit, and the realities of balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and leadership in a growing field. The conversation offers both practical insight for clinicians and reassurance for parents navigating developmental concerns.Check out Jessie:Jessie's Website: https://www.sensoryslp.comJessie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensory.slp/(00:02:07) Innovative Approach to Children's Speech Therapy(00:09:53) Virtual Sensory Course for Autism Therapy(00:15:05) Specialized Pediatric Speech Therapy Clinic's Approach(00:16:40) Specialized Muscle Function Correction Therapy Training(00:21:13) Therapeutic Success Through Strong Therapist-Client Bonds(00:27:07) Navigating Work-Life Boundaries for Well-being(00:44:04) Empowering Team Growth Through Delegation(00:51:34) Autism Support Through Sensory Speech Training

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion of suicide and loss. Please take care while listening. Crisis resources are included below.In this powerful Season 3 episode, Luba welcomes Mattie Murrey a former Speech-Language Pathologist and private practice owner of 30 years who traded speech drills for stages and story thrills. Now a keynote speaker, certified life coach, ghostwriter, and publisher, Mattie helps thought leaders turn their ideas into page-turning books.This conversation goes deep. Mattie shares her journey from running a private practice to stepping into values-driven work, manifestation, vision boarding, and helping others find their voices. She talks about losing her husband to suicide, being shunned from her religious community, and the affirmation that got her through: "I am strong. I am me. And I am okay."Today, her mantra is: "I am wild, beautiful, smart, and successful."In this episode, Mattie shares:The moment she merged all her passions into one career (values, not just skills)The power of manifestation (she took a $15K vision boarding course)How to shift from "I'm stuck" to "This is where I'm going"Why limiting beliefs are handed to us and how to break themThe 5-step process for writing a book (research, outline, write, edit, publish)Why everyone has a book inside them (writing is how your soul heals)The shift from client to author (your book isn't for you it's for the reader)Her affirmation practice: 30 seconds of mirror work every dayHow she talks to her 80-year-old self to get unstuckThe "hero story": When the calling awakens, the hero within you wakes tooWhy she uses ChatGPT as "Barbara Corcoran" for business coaching"If you're asking the question, you're ready right now. Don't wait."Key Insights:Limiting beliefs: Recognize them, shift them, break themVision boarding: Not a collage it's a "dare to declare"Manifestation works (wake up at 4am when there's more space)Transferable skills: Critical thinking, communication, resourcefulnessAffirmations change lives (say your mantra daily in the mirror)Plateaus = end of a chapter (close it and write your brave new one)Sensitive Content: Mattie shares her experience of losing her husband to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741This episode is for SLPs feeling stuck, entrepreneurs holding back, anyone who wants to write a book, and people navigating grief or major life transitions.📲 Connect with Mattie Murrey: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/myownghostwriter Instagram: @myownghostwriter | @freshslp Tagline: "Friends don't let friends write bad books."🎙️ Subscribe now!📲 Follow us: @thegrowthlabpodcast

If you're listening to this late at night your house is quiet, your child is finally asleep, but you're on your phone wondering, "Is this normal?" this episode is for you.Luba speaks directly to the parents Googling developmental milestones at 2AM, comparing their child to other kids, or feeling dismissed by "wait and see" advice. As a speech-language pathologist, myofunctional therapist, child developmental specialist, and mom of three, Luba knows what it's like to worry, advocate, and fight for your child when something feels off.This episode tackles 3 questions parents Google at night:1. Is my child behind?Development is patterns, not single skillsSpeech, feeding, sleep, breathing, behavior are all connectedWhy comparison steals your peaceWhy every child has a different childhood (even in the same home)2. Why does everyone say "wait and see"?Why physicians say it (overloaded systems, milestones are averages)When waiting is appropriate vs. when it feels like abandonmentWhy you should NEVER wait if you're feeling dismissedThe power of early intervention: "What's the worst that can happen? Your child gets ahead."3. Why do I feel like something is off, but no one is listening?Parents see their children in motion not in a 30-minute snapshotHow to advocate: Bring data, bring videos, bring your heartfelt explanationSubtle signs that matter: Mouth breathing, unclear speech, picky eating, poor sleepKey Insights:Speech is never just speech. Behavior is often a communication issue.Poor sleep affects everything: learning, articulation, focus, mood.Oral posture and breathing affect development. Mouth breathing is NOT normal.Your child is not broken. When you support the body, the brain follows."You are not dramatic. You are not anxious. You are not imagining things. I'm here to guide you."This episode is for parents feeling dismissed, noticing patterns, or wondering what to watch and when to act.📲 Free Resources: Visit lubapatlakh.com for developmental checklists, language to use with providers, and early intervention guidance.🎙️ Subscribe now!📲 Follow us: @thegrowthlabpodcast | @kidologyqueen