The OT Unleashed Podcast

In this final episode, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson reflect on the journey of this capstone project and the development of the Student Takeover podcast series. From identifying gaps in knowledge and clinical implementation to creating accessible, evidence-based content, this series aimed to bridge research and practice in a meaningful way. This episode highlights key insights gained, the impact of podcast-based learning, and the importance of continuing to promote innovative, client-centered interventions in occupational therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson sit down with Laura Wiess, an occupational therapy student from the University of Pittsburgh, to explore an innovative and emerging intervention: the use of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in occupational therapy practice.

Laura shares her journey into OT and what inspired her to pursue a capstone focused on TTRPGs as a therapeutic tool. She breaks down what tabletop role-playing games are in a way that is accessible for all listeners, while highlighting how these games can be used to support meaningful engagement and participation in therapy. The conversation dives into how TTRPGs align with core occupational therapy principles.

Listeners will also get an inside look at Laura’s capstone project, including the development of her TTRPG generator, a customizable tool designed to help practitioners easily implement game-based interventions across a variety of client populations and settings. She shares examples, discusses the adaptability of the tool, and reflects on the feedback and outcomes she observed throughout her project.

Is gaming really therapeutic? Or is it just play? In this evidence-based episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson take a deep dive into the research behind adaptive and therapeutic gaming in occupational therapy.

Katie breaks down current literature on gamification, virtual reality, and digital gaming, exploring how these interventions support motor recovery, cognitive function, motivation, and psychosocial well-being. From stroke rehabilitation outcomes to the role of gaming in fostering identity, inclusion, and community, this episode highlights the growing body of evidence validating gaming as a meaningful and skilled occupational therapy intervention.

The discussion also addresses common challenges, including accessibility barriers, cost, and lack of clinician training while emphasizing the critical role occupational therapists play in bridging the gap between technology and function.

What happens when evaluation, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic gaming all come together in one place? In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie Peterson sits down with Dr. Erik Johnson to explore the world of adaptive gaming clinics.

They break down what adaptive gaming clinics are, who they serve, and how occupational therapy practitioners play a central role in creating accessible, meaningful gaming experiences for individuals with physical, cognitive, and neurological challenges. From hands-on evaluations and customized equipment setups to the powerful social and community aspects of gaming, this episode highlights how clinics are transforming participation and inclusion.

Whether you're an OT practitioner, student, or simply interested in adaptive technology, this episode offers practical insight into how gaming can be used as a therapeutic and empowering tool.

In this follow-up episode of OT Unleashed, Erik Johnson sits down with Dr. Shannon Levandowski, OT program director and ACOTE reviewer, to dig deeper into the real story behind OT education. Building on the previous conversation with @the.ortho.ot, they go head-to-head on the big questions clinicians and students are asking: Are we striking the right balance between theory and hands-on skill? Why does anatomy feel different than it used to? And what is actually shaping today’s curricula?

In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie and Dr. Erik Johnson break down how occupational therapists can effectively document adaptive and therapeutic gaming in clinical practice. They explore how to connect gaming interventions to occupational goals, demonstrate clinical reasoning, and justify the use of adaptive tech equipment.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for writing treatment notes, measuring progress, and avoiding common documentation mistakes. This episode highlights how, when documented correctly, gaming becomes more than just play, it becomes a meaningful, goal-driven therapeutic intervention.

In this episode of OT Unleashed, Erik Johnson and @the.ortho.ot (aka. Todd Webb) dive headfirst into a conversation many in the profession are thinking but few are saying out loud: are we truly preparing occupational therapists for real-world practice, or are we overloading them with theory at the expense of hands-on skill? This episode dives into how change happens and how you can position yourself to make the biggest impact (spoiler alert: it starts with membership!).

In this episode of The OT Unleashed Student Takeover series, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson explore new and exciting gaming tools that are expanding accessibility, including innovations like the GLYDR foot controller and the Audeze Mobius spatial headphones. They discuss how these technologies are making gaming more inclusive and how they can be used in occupational therapy to support engagement and participation. Tune in for a quick look at how emerging tools are shaping the future of adaptive gaming.

Order GLYDR Here: Glydr - The Innovative Foot Controller for Games & VR

More information about Audeze Mobius Spatial Headphones: Audeze Mobius Spatial Audio Headset, Best for Immersive Gaming

In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie and Erik explore how video games can be used as intentional therapeutic tools in occupational therapy. They discuss how gaming supports motor skills, cognition, emotional well-being, and social participation through engaging, motivating, and goal-driven activities. Learn how therapists select, adapt, and measure gaming interventions to enhance meaningful outcomes for clients.

Listeners will also learn how therapists can select and adapt games based on client goals, abilities, and interests, as well as how to grade activities and measure progress in meaningful ways. The discussion introduces tools like the Therapeutic Game Generator from The Rehab Arcade, which helps clinicians connect treatment goals with appropriate game mechanics.

Check out the Therapeutic Game Generator here: Therapeutic Game Generator

In this episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Katie Peterson and Dr. Erik Johnson dive into the critical role of mounts, splinting, and positioning in adaptive gaming. While switches and controllers provide access, this episode highlights how proper setup and body alignment are essential for maximizing performance, reducing fatigue, and promoting long-term participation.

Listeners will learn how occupational therapists trial mount placements, integrating positioning systems with wheelchairs, and using splinting to support efficient movement. The conversation also explores why client-centered positioning is key to building independence, confidence, and identity as a gamer.