This week, D is joined by medical speech-language pathologist Lauren Sharpe-Payne. She dives into why she became an SLP, the schooling required, and her favorite and least favorite parts of the job. Lauren and D discuss the white and female-dominated history of the field, but how that is beginning to change with the help of people like Lauren. With her Instagram, YouTube, and mentorship program, Lauren raises awareness for healthcare disparities and acts as the mentor she needed as a student. She also speaks on gender-affirming voice therapy, a new practice helping people feel like their most authentic selves. 

To connect with Lauren, check out her Instagram @speak.fromtheheart and her YouTube channel, Speak from the Heart. 

To join my Patreon community, head to patreon.com/thewomed & to check out The WoMed necklaces head to https://becomeunlocked.com/collections/unlocked-x-danielle-maltby 

Plus, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @TheWoMed. Remember to submit your weekly Nurse D Energy moments to D on Instagram — we love reading and sharing them! 

Thank you to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals for our listeners: 

BEST FIENDS – Download Best Fiends FREE today on the Apple App Store or Google Play 

BETTERHELP – Go to BetterHelp.com/womed to get 10% off your first month 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices