PiP Cast: Perspectives in Paeds

Episode 54: The Eighth Sense: Interoception in Paediatric Practice

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Danni and Dayna to explore interoception - the often-overlooked sense that tells us what's happening inside our own bodies. From hunger and thirst to heartbeat and emotional states, the team discuss how interoception underpins so much of how children regulate, connect, and navigate their day - and when it works differently, the ripple effects can show up across feeding, behaviour, emotional regulation, and learning. The conversation goes beyond an OT lens, exploring why interoception is relevant for all clinicians. The team bring their caseload experience to the table, sharing what interoceptive differences actually look like in practice, and how to support a child in building their interoceptive awareness. Relevant episode links:  https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ [https://www.kelly-mahler.com/] Reference discussed: Khalsa, S. S., Adolphs, R., Cameron, O. G., Critchley, H. D., Davenport, P. W., Feinstein, J. S., Feusner, J. D., Garfinkel, S. N., Lane, R. D.,Mehling,W. E., Meuret, A. E., Nemeroff, C. B., Oppenheimer, S., Petzschner, F. H., Pollatos, O., Rhudy, J. L., Schramm, L. P., Simmons, W. K., Stein,M.B., Stephan, K. E., Interoception Summit 2016 participants (2018). Interoception and Mental Health: A Roadmap. Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, 3(6), 501–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.12.004 Be sure to follow us on Instagram @pip.cast Link to Kid Link’s upcoming live webinar:  Kids, Teens, And Digital Tech: Essentials for Clinicians https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kids-teens-and-digital-tech-essentials-for-clinicians-tickets-1989626822385 For access to free tools, clinical resources, and early access to Kid Link OT courses, all in your inbox. Join the list at https://mailchi.mp/kidlink/mailing-list-sign-ups  This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognise their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations. Music by Daniel Pavey  ·  Produced by Michael Daniels

Episode 53: Rethinking Career Progression

In this episode, Jac sits down with Mik and Cowie to challenge the default "team leader is the only way up" pathway that is often promoted in allied health. They explore what career progression could look like if it was  less like a ladder and more like a rock wall? Sometimes up, sometimes sideways, sometimes back a step to leverage forward. They unpack why great clinicians don't always make great managers, how to design roles around your team's strengths, and why progression should be about about widening your impact, not how many people report to you. Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast  This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy.  We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations. Music by Daniel Pavey  Produced by Michael Daniels

Episode 52: Handwriting - When to Move On and What to Move On To

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Maddie and Emily to talk about one of those questions that many paediatric clinicians wrestle with but don't always say out loud: when do you stop chasing the handwriting goal, and what do you do instead? They dig into the clinical signals that it might be time to take a different approach, how to have that conversation with families, what alternatives like typing and voice-to-text actually look like in practice, and  how to help families imagine a positive future for their child that doesn't centre on neat handwriting. Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast  This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy.  We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations. Music by Daniel Pavey  Produced by Michael Daniels

Episode 51: Accidental Leader

In this episode, Jackie is joined by Caitlyn and Gabs to unpack what leadership really means, and why so many of us have worked under leaders who received the title without mastering the leading. They challenge "convenient leadership" and explore leadership as a behaviour, not a position. Anyone who takes responsibility for finding potential in people and processes is a leader and you don't need permission or a promotion to start leading. Whether or not you hold an official title, they share practical ways to grow your leadership skills. Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast  This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy.  We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations. Music by Daniel Pavey  Produced by Michael Daniels  Relevant Episode Links: Brené Brown – Strong Ground (her 2025 book on daring leadership): https://brenebrown.com/hubs/strong-ground/ [https://brenebrown.com/hubs/strong-ground/] Brené Brown – Dare to Lead: https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/ [https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/] Adam Grant – Think Again (the "rethinking" book): https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/ [https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/] Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion: https://selfcompassion.org [https://selfcompassion.org]

Episode 50: Is Allied Health Too Nice?

In this episode, Caitlin is joined by Gabs and Em to ask a question that doesn't get asked enough: is allied health too nice? Not too kind - too nice. Because there's a difference, and it might be quietly getting in the way of the work we're actually here to do. From softened reports and avoided conversations, to recommending what families want rather than what they need, this episode gets honest about the habits and pressures that push clinicians toward comfort over honesty - and what it's costing the kids and families on our caseloads. Be sure to follow us on instagram @pip.cast  This podcast is brought to you by Kid Link Occupational Therapy.  We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live here in Mitcham, Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and recognize their ongoing connection to the land, waterways, and culture. As we support children and families, we are inspired by the wisdom and care that First Nations peoples have shown for generations. Music by Daniel Pavey  Produced by Michael Daniels