OT For Two

OT For Two

By Trish Lerk and Jayne NeilsonHealth & FitnessMental HealthKids & Family
Download on the App Store

OT For Two episodes

  • OT for Two Season 2 Episode 5: When to ask for help

    Understanding your child's neurotype isn't about fitting them into a label — it's about seeing how they experience and process the world.

    In this episode, we explore why taking the time to understand your child's strengths, challenges, and unique ways of learning is so important. Knowing this helps you advocate for them, access the right support, and find strategies that actually work.

    We talk about how early support can make a huge difference, why no one is meant to do it alone, and how asking for help is a strength — not a failure. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand their child better and help them thrive.

    24 min
  • OT for Two Season 2 Episode 4: Square Peg, Round Hole - Supporting Kids Who Think Differently

    In this episode of OT for Two, we explore what it feels like to be a square peg in a round hole.

    Many of the systems around us — school, routines, expectations, even the way we define "success" — were designed with neurotypical brains in mind. For neurodivergent kids (and adults), that can mean constantly feeling like they're the wrong shape for the spaces they're expected to fit into.

    In this conversation, Trish and Jayne share insights from their professional and personal lives about what happens when we stop trying to force children to fit the mould, and instead start creating environments that work for the way their brains naturally think, learn and move through the world.

    28 min
  • OT for Two Season 2 Episode 3: In Your Own Way

    Not all brains learn the same way — so why do we expect them to?

    In this episode, Trish and Jayne unpack the quiet pressure many children feel to learn in one "acceptable" way: sitting still, making eye contact, hands in lap, whole body listening. But what if that model simply doesn't fit the brain in front of us?

    This episode is a gentle (but honest) nudge to move away from prescriptive learning expectations and toward something far more powerful: meeting each child in the way their brain works best.

    27 min
  • OT for Two Season 2 Episode 2: In Your Own Time - Why Development Isn't a Race

    No two brains are wired the same — so why do we expect children to develop at the same speed? If you've ever found yourself worrying because another child "got there first," this episode is for you. We unpack why development isn't linear, why comparison steals perspective, and how to support your child, whether they need more time — or more challenge. With the right support, your child can keep moving forward in a way that works for their brain.

    32 min
  • Real Zeal Season 2 Podcast Ep10: Friendships, ADHD & Finding the Middle Ground

    In this final episode of Season 2, Trish and Burkie get real about ADHD and friendships — from "out of sight, out of mind" struggles, to love-bombing new friends, to the grief of friendships that quietly fade.

    We talk intention, awareness, and what it actually looks like to keep good friendships without burning yourself out or losing yourself along the way.

    Because there is a middle ground — and it's worth finding. 🎧 Season 2 finale. Real conversations, no shame.

    🎵 Positive Vibes by Positive Kay 🎥 Enzo Maisano @TellTheStory 🎬 Trish Burke & James Burke: ADHD gurus of Hyperfocus @Real_Zeal_Trish

    44 min
  • OT for Two Season 2 Episode 1: Comparison is the thief of joy

    Comparison has a way of sneaking into parenting and stealing the joy — especially in mothers' groups, school yards, and scroll-heavy moments. In this episode of OT for Two, we unpack why "my way, my time" matters. Because children aren't spreadsheets, siblings aren't carbon copies, and development doesn't run on a group timeline. We talk confidence in your parenting choices, the spiral that comes from constant questioning, and why seeing your child as an individual (not a comparison point) changes everything. No race. No rankings. Just your child, in their own time and space.

    22 min
  • Episode #10 - The Best Bits - Season One Wrap-Up!

    From sleep to sensory meltdowns, teenage eye-rolls to parenting "aha!" moments – we've crammed all our favourite golden nuggets from Season One into one fun, bite-sized episode. Think of it as the highlight reel you can listen to in the car, on a walk, or hiding in the pantry with chocolate. Whether you're here for the laughs, the learning, or just the solidarity of knowing you're not alone in the chaos, this mash-up has you covered. Let's celebrate the wins, share the laughs, and wrap this season up with a pretty little bow.

    1 hr 32 min
  • Episode #9: Sleep Like a Pro – Why Sleep Matters & How to Make It Happen

    Why is sleep such a big deal for kids (and adults!)? In this episode, we dive into what actually happens in our bodies while we snooze, why sleep is essential for growing brains and bodies, and the sneaky ways poor sleep can show up in behaviour.

    We also share our favourite OT-approved tips and tricks to build a better bedtime routine—because sleep success doesn't start at bedtime, it starts before it. Whether your child fights sleep like it's their job or just struggles to stay settled, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help the whole household catch more ZZZs.

    39 min
  • Episode #8: Feel the Beat - How Music Helps Kids Regulate

    From boppy beats to calming tunes, Trish and Jayne dive into the magical ways music can help kids (and adults!) shift gears, settle down, or get moving. Whether it's hype-up songs before school or a soothing instrumental wind-down, this episode is packed with fun, real-life tips on using music to support regulation at home and in the classroom. Press play and feel the rhythm!

    HELPFUL LINKS:

    • OT For Two Spotify (Pink Noise Playlist) -https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2e3XrrSgM94VAHcQ1KpZMH
    • OT For Two Spotify (Instrumental Covers Playlist) - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4cs8IcpK5OFGR6DiYSqqCQ?si=o2HdSStoTqGKGZbiWt1E_w&pi=9Af-DUzKThueE
    • Endel App for Pink Noise - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/endel-focus-sleep-relax/id1346247457
    • Anita Collins: Music Educator Website - https://www.anitacollinsmusic.com.au/
    • Anita Collins IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelullabyeffect?igsh=MTFqN2kzNHU0MWJpOA==

    46 min
  • Episode #7: Surviving Task Transitions with Kids

    Getting your kid to stop one thing and start another? Easier said than done.

    In this episode, your two favourite OT For Two hosts chat about the daily drama of task transitions - why they're so tough, and how to make them (slightly) less painful. Trish and Jayne share practical tips that they use in their own homes, like countdown timers, pack-up songs, body doubling and more. No magic wand required, just a few tools and a bit of patience.

    HELPFUL LINKS:

    Squiddy Hoodie - https://squiddy.store/ Use code TRISH10 for 10% off

    Trish's Rainbow Countdown timer - https://amzn.asia/d/6gDNI7M

    Skylight Calendar - https://au.skylightframe.com/

    Pack up songs Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60blHdoFksF3dU2NfwXyTc

    YouTube pack up song for the visual peeps - https://youtu.be/Xfy34fFqD5Y?si=db1oLwsU6NU62BbW

    35 min

About OT For Two

From the publisher's feed

Podcast-affiliated platform around parenting from an Occupational Therapy perspective, tightly woven with the importance of music's role in supporting emotional and self-regulation. Brought to you by the delightful Trish, Principal OT & Director of Planted Parenting, and cohost Music & Primary Teacher Jayne Nelson, Founder and Director of Fiddlesticks Performing Arts. Their warmth, melodic voices, longstanding friendship, and original music will bring you into the current day of being inclusive of all neurotypes you live with, and encounter, in our ever-diverse world.