The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast

In this solo episode, Emily dives into a topic close to every early-career clinician’s heart; what true support really means in your first year as an allied health professional. Drawing from over 16 years of experience as a speech pathologist and business owner, she unpacks the difference between “having someone around to ask questions” and building a structured, values-driven support system that helps new grads thrive, not just survive.

From supervision and systems to workplace culture and red flags to watch out for, Emily offers a grounded, practical roadmap for both new graduates entering the field and leaders wanting to create safer, more nurturing workplaces.

Key Takeaways

• True support is structured, not spontaneous: Weekly (or daily) supervision beats an “open-door policy” every time.

• Observation without judgment: Safe feedback and the chance to watch others in action accelerate growth.

• Build gradually: Avoid overwhelming case loads—progressive onboarding prevents burnout.

• Systems and resources matter: Consistent frameworks and materials support clinical confidence.

• Culture counts: Growth happens where mistakes are seen as learning, not failure.

• Red flags to note: No induction process, overwork normalization, or “checklist-only” supervision.

• Leaders set the tone: Empathy, transparency, and clear expectations create thriving teams.

• Align your values: Choose (or build) workplaces that reflect who you want to become—not just who will hire you first.

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode helped you reflect on what support really means, share it with a fellow clinician, supervisor, or friend who’s navigating their first year in allied health.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

In this episode, Lizzy and Emily break down interviews from both sides of the table; what employers are really looking for, how new grads can prepare, and why interviews should be seen as a two-way process. They share practical tips on preparation, values-based hiring, and the power of vulnerability, plus insights on building strong teams and choosing the right workplace.

Key Takeaways

• Interviews are a two-way process.

• Preparation and thoughtful questions go a long way.

• Values and attitude often matter more than clinical knowledge.

• Tools like DISC profiling and team observations improve hiring matches.

• Vulnerability shows honesty and self-awareness.

• The best hires complement team strengths, not duplicate them.

• Support and professional development are non-negotiables for new grads.

• Every interview is a chance for employers to refine their process.

• Shared vision unites diverse personalities in the workplace.

• The right workplace sets the stage for long-term career satisfaction.

Resources & Links:

• From Aspiring Student to Successful Speechie by Emily Mackie

• Lizzy’s online clinical courses

• Preschool Language Accelerator with Emily

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

• Instagram: @movetalkthrive

• YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

• Lizzy Dawson – Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au | Instagram: @lizzydawson_

• Emily Mackie – Website: www.emilymackie.com.au | Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this candid episode, Lizzy and Emily unpack the uncertainty allied health businesses face with looming NDIS changes and the proposed Thriving Kids program. They share how they’re preparing their own practices; balancing personal life, clinical work, and business strategy, while encouraging listeners to think ahead too.

From funding shifts to new service models, they explore what it takes to stay resilient and pivot-ready in a changing landscape. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a team, this conversation offers practical strategies to strengthen systems, diversify services, and adapt with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Be pivot-ready: build resilience through varied services, funding, and partnerships.

• NDIS vs. Thriving Kids: prepare for funding and service delivery changes.

• Plan ahead: align business strategy with personal timelines and growth goals.

• Diversify: don’t rely on one income stream; build your private client base.

• Partnerships: connect with schools, councils, and early learning centres.

• Pricing: re-evaluate fees as funding structures shift.

• Caseload mix: anticipate changes in client severity and complexity.

• Stay proactive, not panicked: flexibility and strong systems are key.

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode helped you see play-based therapy in a new light, share it with a colleague, parent, or fellow clinician who wants therapy to feel both fun and effective.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this fun and practical episode, Lizzy and Emily dive into the heart of play-based therapy—what it looks like, why it works, and how clinicians can still achieve structured pediatric goals while keeping sessions child-led and engaging.

They also share their own clinical journeys, from refining therapy through years of experience (and even through pregnancies, broken arms, and no voice!) to mentoring new grads who are just building their “toolkit” of strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• ​Play-based therapy and structured goals don’t have to compete, they work best together.
• ​Following a child’s lead increases engagement, buy-in, and therapeutic outcomes.
• ​Everyday tools obstacle courses, toys, household items, or even music can become therapy resources.
• ​Repetition is key, but it should feel fun and natural, not forced.
• ​Confidence comes with time, experience, and a willingness to be flexible and intuitive.

Resources & Links:

How to Modify Exercise for Kids

Preschool Language Accelerator Library

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode helped you see play-based therapy in a new light, share it with a colleague, parent, or fellow clinician who wants therapy to feel both fun and effective.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this practical and eye-opening episode, Lizzy and Emily dive into a topic that might not sound glamorous but can transform both your work and your wellbeing: systems, policies, and procedures. Far from being “dry admin,” the way you streamline your workflow is the key to protecting your energy, leaving work at work, and avoiding burnout.

They unpack how systems help you and your team stay productive, why documenting procedures matters for both business owners and employees, and how strong processes actually create space for creativity, flexibility, and balance. From handling sick days and family leave to onboarding, clinical tasks, and even buying toilet paper, Lizzy and Emily show how clear systems reduce stress and set everyone up for success.

Key Takeaways:

• Systems protect your time and energy so you can leave work at work.

• Clear policies reduce friction, questions, and confusion across teams.

• Strong systems help business owners stay “in the cockpit” and focused on vision.

• Procedures reduce anxiety for employees and empower independence.

• Systems should be tailored to your team’s needs—too much detail overwhelms, too little creates gaps.

• Delegation becomes more effective when expectations are clearly documented.

• Updating and reviewing systems regularly ensures they stay relevant and useful.

• Systems aren’t about control—they’re about reducing stress and setting everyone up for success.

  
  

Resources & Links:

• Scribe (for creating simple process documentation)

• Asana (for project and systems management)

• Clockwork and Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode helped you see systems in a new light, share it with a colleague, business owner, or fellow clinician who could use more balance and structure in their workday.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this refreshingly honest episode, Lizzy and Emily open up about the realities of starting your own business—especially as allied health professionals. Far from the highlight reels, they share the personal challenges, the heavy responsibility, and the unexpected growth that comes with stepping into business ownership.

They unpack why your “why” matters more than anything else, how business exposes your strengths and weaknesses, and why resilience is the number one requirement for anyone considering the leap. From finances, admin, and compliance to seasons of growth, burnout, and flexibility, Lizzy and Emily share what they’ve learned (often the hard way) so you can prepare with eyes wide open.

Key Takeaways:

• Business is as much a personal growth journey as a professional one.
• Your motivation has to be stronger than the hard days.
• Running a business is all-consuming—you’ll wear all the hats.
• Strong systems and support networks are essential to survive and thrive.
• Financial literacy and accountability are non-negotiable.

Resources & Links:

#58 Purpose, Burnout & Boundaries: What Every Helping Professional Should Know with Kara Walsh

#18 Are you an Entrepreneur or an Intrapreneur? 7 Ways You Can Know

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode gave you a more realistic perspective on business (and maybe the motivation to keep going), share it with a fellow clinician or business owner who needs it.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

This episode is all about what to do when a therapy session doesn’t go to plan—something that happens often in paediatrics (and parenting too!). Lizzy and Emily get real about the unpredictability of working with children, why flexibility and co-regulation matter, and how therapists and parents can reframe “off-script” moments as opportunities for learning.

From sharing personal stories (like sick days, swimming lessons gone wrong, and kids coming into sessions tired or overstimulated) to unpacking strategies around motivation, regulation, and role modeling, they break down how to navigate the unexpected with confidence and calm. You’ll walk away with both mindset shifts and practical tools to help children (and yourself) thrive even when things don’t go to plan.

What You'll Learn

• Why children’s sessions often don’t go to plan (and why that’s completely normal)

• The power of flexibility, curiosity, and co-regulation in therapy and parenting

• Practical strategies to adjust goals, activities, and expectations in real time

• How to observe behavior as valuable “clues” rather than disruptions

• Ways to collaborate with parents to prepare children for more effective sessions

• Simple regulation tools that support both children and parents

• Why reflecting and building your therapist “toolkit” is key to long-term success

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode encourages you to embrace flexibility in your sessions (and in parenting), share it with a fellow therapist or parent who needs it.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

This episode is all about navigating the mid-year slump—how to recognise it, what to do when energy is waning, and practical ways to reset so you can finish the year strong (without burning out).

Lizzy and Emily get real about what this season feels like for them, from juggling business, family, and health, to finding strategies that keep them energised. Emily also shares some exciting personal news that adds another layer to the conversation about balance, priorities, and listening to your body.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the mid-year slump happens and how to recognize it

• Practical ways to prevent burnout (even when life feels full)

• The power of short, intentional breaks vs. long holidays

• How to conserve energy by prioritising what matters most

• Daily and weekly habits to keep your mental and physical health in check

• The importance of flexibility, realistic planning, and letting go of unnecessary pressure

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode helped you feel more confident about those tough convos, subscribe and share it with someone who needs it.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy DawsonWebsite: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily MackieWebsite: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

In this practical and refreshingly honest episode, Lizzy and Emily tackle a listener’s question about one of the most time-consuming—and sometimes stress-inducing—parts of an allied health professional’s week: report writing.

They unpack why reports matter, how they differ depending on your workplace, funding source, and audience, and why systematising your process can save hours of time (and a whole lot of mental load). From templates to time-blocking, they share how their own clinics have streamlined reporting to make it efficient, effective, and burnout-proof.

Key Takeaways:

• Reports vary by context—but the basics should always be there.
• Know your audience: professional collaboration reports will differ from parent-friendly versions.
• Templates, processes, and examples save time and improve consistency.
• Allocate dedicated admin time in your diary—don’t take paperwork home.

Resources:

Lizzy's Paediatric Assessment Protocol

Emily’s upcoming Assessment Masterclass for speechies (Part 1), with a Report Writing Masterclass to follow—stay tuned via Instagram and email.

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

If this episode helped you shift your mindset, subscribe and share it with someone else who needs that same reminder.

Follow us on Instagram: @movetalkthrive

Watch on YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

This episode continues our deep dive into executive function—what it looks like in children, why it matters, and how we can support it through speech pathology and exercise physiology. Lizzy and Emily explore how executive function underpins behaviour, learning, and regulation, and unpack how to differentiate between executive function challenges and language difficulties in therapy.

You'll hear real-life clinical reasoning, case examples (including Lizzy’s own kids!), and evidence-backed strategies to help identify and support executive function skills like working memory, impulse control, cognitive flexibility, and planning. Whether you're a parent, educator, or allied health professional, this episode is packed with practical ways to build executive function into therapy and everyday life.

What You’ll Learn:

• What executive function really is and why it’s central to child development
• The link between executive function and behaviour, attention, and communication
• How to differentiate language delays from executive function challenges
• Why movement-based interventions (like Pilates and tennis) can boost brain development
• Practical ways to embed executive function strategies into therapy sessions
• How to model problem solving and planning at home or in therapy
• Simple assessment tools to identify working memory and impulse control differences
• Why executive function development looks different in every child (and isn’t always disruptive!)

Tools & Resources Mentioned:

2025 Research Study on Executive Function and Receptive Language

Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

Connect With Us

Lizzy Dawson

Website: www.lizziedawson.com.au

Instagram: @lizzydawson_

Emily Mackie

Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie