The Morning Commute

Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

Watch on YouTube

In this episode of The Morning Commute podcast, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, discusses the important role emotions play in clinical practice and why they should be viewed as valuable sources of information rather than problems to avoid or suppress. She examines how emotional awareness can strengthen communication, clinical decision-making, and relationships with clients and families.

You'll learn how emotions are connected to unmet needs, practical strategies for responding to emotional challenges, and ways to approach difficult moments with greater intention and self-compassion. Stephanie also introduces the RAIN mindfulness practice—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture—as a simple framework clinicians can use to navigate emotions with greater awareness, resilience, and compassion.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned non-profit agency established in 2013.

Show Notes:

Free PDF: The Power of You eBook

Guided Practice

References:

A Roadmap Series

From Graduation to CF Handout

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD

Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, welcomes you to this episode of The Morning Commute, where she explores body mindfulness as a practical, accessible tool to help professionals in high-demand environments such as schools, clinics, and healthcare settings. Clinicians often spend their days managing paperwork, caseload demands, behavioral challenges, scheduling pressures, and emotional decision-making, all while becoming disconnected from their own physical and emotional needs.

This episode emphasizes that mindfulness is not about eliminating stress or achieving perfect calm. Instead, it focuses on developing the ability to notice, pause, and return to the present moment with greater awareness and self-compassion. You'll leave with practical strategies to support your own well-being and, when appropriate, adapt these approaches for students and clients.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned non-profit agency established in 2013.

Show Notes:

Free PDF: The Power of You eBook

Guided Practice

References:

A Roadmap Series

From Graduation to CF Handout

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:

Feeling the pressure as you step from graduation into your first professional role?

Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, explores practical grounding, breathwork, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation strategies designed specifically for helping professionals working in school-based and clinical settings. You'll learn how stress, emotional overload, burnout, and chronic multitasking impact attention, emotional regulation, communication, and overall well-being both personally and professionally.

This episode is designed to support clinicians in building greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, focus, and intentionality as they navigate the realities of the helping professions. You'll leave with immediately applicable tools and resources to support both personal well-being and professional sustainability.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013.

Show Notes:

The Power of You eBook

References:

A Roadmap Series

From Graduation to CF Handout

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD:

Feeling the pressure as you step from graduation into your first professional role?

Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, shares a mindful roadmap for navigating the transition from graduation to your first day on the job. This episode breaks down each step along the way, including resumes, job searching, company culture, interviews, contract negotiation, and showing up with confidence.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013.

Show Notes:

Which Conflict Style are You?

References:

A Roadmap Series

From Graduation to CF Handout

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/graduation-roadmap

Feeling the pressure as you step from graduation into your first professional role?

Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, shares a mindful roadmap for navigating the transition from graduation to your first day on the job. This episode breaks down each step along the way, including resumes, job searching, company culture, interviews, contract negotiation, and showing up with confidence.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013.

References:

A Roadmap Series

From Graduation to CF Handout

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Hosted by: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/mistakes-to-growth

In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, discusses three common habits that quietly increase stress and burnout among school-based clinicians, and how small shifts in perspective can turn those moments into opportunities for growth. Stephanie walks through familiar scenarios that many SLPs experience during the school day. reacting too quickly in the moment, pushing past the body’s warning signs of stress, or assuming our perspective is the only one in the room. Through relatable stories and practical reflection, she shares how learning to pause can change how we respond to students, families, and colleagues.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/stop-caseload-overwhelm

Feeling buried under your caseload? You are not alone. In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, takes an honest look at what caseload and workload overwhelm really feels like for school-based SLPs. From packed schedules and constant paperwork to the emotional toll and real impact on students, this conversation reflects the day-to-day reality many clinicians face. Stephanie shares a personal story of burnout, explores common conflict styles, and explains how principles of Nonviolent Communication can support clearer, more professional advocacy. You will walk away with practical, student-centered strategies to set boundaries, communicate your needs, and protect your well-being without burning out.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/difficult-conversations

In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, reflects on how school-based clinicians and educators can stay present, compassionate, and grounded during times of fear, uncertainty, and heightened emotion.

Rather than jumping to solutions, the focus is on noticing what we observe, feel, and need in high-stakes moments, both in our professional roles and in our own lived experience. Through a Nonviolent Communication lens and mindfulness-based practices, Stephanie shares practical ways to hold space for students and families with care and clarity, without overstepping boundaries or carrying more than is ours to hold.

This conversation is not about politics or fixing broken systems. It is about presence, ethical care, and protecting our humanity while working inside challenging ones.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/difficult-conversations

In this episode of The Morning Commute, host Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, walks through practical, school-realistic strategies for navigating difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and professionalism. Drawing on principles of nonviolent communication, she outlines how to reduce “us vs. them” dynamics, communicate needs clearly, and stay grounded while advocating for student-first decisions.

Using real-life school scenarios, including scheduling conflicts, AAC carryover concerns, IEP misunderstandings, and parent pressure, this episode offers concrete language, mindset shifts, and a brief guided visualization to help you set boundaries, stay centered, and approach tough conversations with confidence instead of emotional fallout.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode🔗 Take the Free Conflict Response Style Quiz

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook

Earn 0.05 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/run-effective-iep

In this episode of The Morning Commute, Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, shares a structured, realistic approach to running IEP meetings that stay collaborative and productive without carrying the emotional weight afterward. She walks you through a simple three-phase framework (Before, During, After) to help you prepare intentionally, stay grounded during the meeting, and reset afterward.

Stephanie breaks down practical strategies to contain emotions, reduce defensiveness, and keep conversations focused on student needs. You’ll also hear clear, usable scripts for navigating challenging moments with confidence and professionalism, without shutting down or over-explaining.

By the end, you’ll leave with actionable tools to facilitate IEP meetings that feel calmer, clearer, and more effective while protecting your energy and well-being as a school-based clinician.

About the Host: Stephanie Michele Sweigart, MS, CCC-SLP, is a leading expert in mindfulness and compassion-based practices in special education. Certified as both a Speech-Language Pathologist and a Teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, she integrates holistic approaches into clinical and educational settings to empower professionals and students alike. Stephanie Michele is the founder of Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc., a woman-owned Non-Public Agency established in 2013. She is the author and creator of the acclaimed courses ShiftMakers: 1.0 and The Framework to Becoming a Mindful Speech Clinician. A frequent presenter at national and state conventions—including ASHA 2023 and 2024, and CSHA Convergence 2025—she also served as a YouTube host for SpeechTherapyPD.com. Her insights have been featured on podcasts such as Speechie Side Up, SLP Coffee Talk, and Speech Science Podcast, where she shares her passion for professional mindfulness and holistic practice. Stephanie Michele is a proud supporter of The Center for Non-Violent Communication, and her mission is to help individuals communicate with clarity and compassion to create lasting impact in special education.

Follow the Morning Commute:

👉 Golden State of Mind

👉Golden State Speech Pathology Services, Inc.

📩 Contact Me:📸 Instagram

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

🟢 Spotify Playlist for the Morning Commute:

🎁 Freebies & Extras🎉 Free download: Compassionate Communication in the Workplace Workbook