LeadSpeak: School-Based SLP Podcast

Hosted by Nathalie Lebrun & Judy Rich

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Dec 2025

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About the show

Welcome to Season 3 of LeadSpeak: The School-Based SLP Leadership Podcast! This season, we're diving into Culture by Design: The Leadership Actions That Define Your Team. Culture isn’t something that happens by accident — it’s something leaders create, refine, and reinforce every day. Whether you're a department head, clinical supervisor, or a passionate team member, you have the power to influence your work environment in meaningful ways. Join co-hosts Nathalie Lebrun and Judy Rich as they explore how intentional leadership practices can transform teams, strengthen trust, and build environments where speech-language pathologists feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Across each episode, you'll learn: ✅ How culture is built through everyday leadership actions — not left to chance ✅ Practical strategies to lead confidently, no matter your role ✅ Real-world examples from successful SLP teams and leaders ✅ How a thriving, people-centered culture fuels better student outcomes From creating people-centric systems, to embracing change, to elevating clinical excellence, Season 3 offers actionable insights to help you shape a stronger, healthier professional culture — starting today. Tune in and discover how leading with intention can change everything — for your team, for your students, and for yourself.

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21 recent

March 11, 2024Episode 138 min

Launching LeadSpeak: Meet Judy & Nathalie - LeadSpeak Podcast Ep. 1

In this inaugural episode, your co-hosts Judy Rich and Nathalie Lebrun take the stage to introduce themselves, sharing their passion for leadership in the field of Speech Language Pathology. Discover the unique journeys that brought them here and gain insights into what drives their commitment to developing the next generation of SLP leaders. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that sets the tone for the entire season. We'll discuss the vision behind LeadSpeak, the exciting lineup of guests, and the key themes we'll be exploring throughout 'Your Leadership Journey.' Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring leader, or simply curious about the world of school-based SLPs, this episode is your gateway to empowerment and community. LeadSpeak is here to ignite your passion for leadership in Speech Language Pathology. Note: Nathalie's audio isn't the clearest! We worked on that for episode 2, promise!

March 12, 2024Episode 233 min

Empowering Others: Don't Be Dead-Right in Leadership

We sit down with the dynamic Charlette McRay Green, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist turned educational leader. In this illuminating conversation, Charlette shares her transformative journey, navigating the intersection of SLP expertise and diverse leadership roles in public education. Discover the invaluable lessons Charlette learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of openness and adaptability in leadership. From her experiences, she highlights the significance of assembling a diverse team unafraid to speak up, even if it means pointing out metaphorical broccoli in your teeth. Tune in as Charlette delves into a poignant life lesson passed down by her mother — the concept of being 'dead-right.' How has this mantra shaped her leadership philosophy? How can embracing vulnerability and openness lead to growth? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that promises to inspire and resonate.

March 26, 2024Episode 341 min

Using Your Journey to Change Educational Outcomes for Students

This week, we sit down with the remarkable JoAnn Wiechmann, a champion for breaking down barriers to leadership opportunities in public education for speech language pathologists. JoAnn shares her insights on how our unique perspective can bring the voices of our students to decision-making tables in every school district, creating impactful change in educational settings. JoAnn opens up about how her Enneagram impacts her leadership approach and collaboration with others. Plus, she gives us an update on how she is "failing" at retirement, offering candid reflections on life beyond employment.

April 16, 2024Episode 443 min

Leading by Action: Growing as a Leader Through Mentorship & Accountability

Judy and Nathalie are joined by the remarkable Bethany Whidden, a true representation of action-based leadership. From her beginnings as a campus-based Speech-Language Pathologist, Bethany shares her remarkable journey of growth and advancement into district and regional leadership roles. Tune in as Bethany shares the pivotal role of volunteer opportunities in her leadership journey, showcasing how they led to mentorship connections and opened doors to new career adventures. Discover the core principles that drive her leadership approach – trust, accountability, proactive problem-solving – and gain valuable insights on the importance of avoiding the temptation to fix everything for everyone every day.

April 30, 2024Episode 731 min

Part 1: Leading Through Teamwork: Creating Lasting Change Through Expanding SLPs' Influence in Public Education

In this first part of our two-episode conversation with Speech Language Pathologist Cherry Wright, we embark on a retrospective journey through her diverse professional roles within public education. From department leader to district board member, Cherry's commitment to student success shines through. She shares invaluable advice for SLPs seeking to make a difference, emphasizing the importance of community-building, goal-setting, and celebrating successes together. Cherry also sheds light on the state of public education in Texas and the United States, emphasizing the vital role SLPs play in effecting positive change for students. Join us as we continue to be inspired by Cherry's journey and reflect on the importance of empowering the next generation of education leaders.

April 30, 2024Episode 628 min

Part 1: Leading Through Teamwork: Creating Lasting Change Through Expanding SLPs' Influence in Public Education

In this second part of our two-episode conversation with Speech Language Pathologist Cherry Wright, we embark on a retrospective journey through her diverse professional roles within public education. From department leader to district board member, Cherry's commitment to student success shines through. She shares invaluable advice for SLPs seeking to make a difference, emphasizing the importance of community-building, goal-setting, and celebrating successes together. Cherry also sheds light on the state of public education in Texas and the United States, emphasizing the vital role SLPs play in effecting positive change for students. Join us as we continue to be inspired by Cherry's journey and reflect on the importance of empowering the next generation of education leaders.

May 28, 2024Episode 746 min

Real Talk: Leadership in Public Schools is Illusive

Jessica Abel is an SLP from the state of New York with leadership experience as a speech-language pathologist , campus assistant principal, and a district-wide multidisciplinary leader. Jessica shares how SLPs are uniquely positioned to create meaningful change for all students. Nathalie, Judy, and Jessica share how innovation in public education must be based on "real talk" between clinicians, district decision-makers, and families while always keeping hope for improvement front-and-center in our minds. Jessica shares how using challenging situations (a.k.a. past examples of bad leadership) can mold you into the type of change-maker you want to be.

June 11, 2024Episode 857 min

Season 1 Rewind: Key Takeaways and Future Sneak Peeks

Join hosts Judy and Nathalie as they take you on a journey through the best moments of Season 1 in this special recap episode of LeadSpeak Podcast. Reflecting on the major themes and invaluable insights shared by our incredible guests, Judy and Nathalie discuss what they've learned and how these lessons have shaped their perspectives on leadership in Speech Language Pathology. Get ready for an engaging review of key takeaways, heartfelt reflections, and a sneak peek into the exciting plans for Season 2. Whether you're a seasoned listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with inspiration and motivation to empower your own leadership journey. Don't miss out on this enriching wrap-up of an amazing season!

October 22, 2024Episode 119 min

Lead Like You Mean It Preview with Judy Rich and Nathalie Lebrun

In the kickoff episode of LeadSpeak Season 2, titled "Lead Like You Mean It", Judy and Nathalie are back and ready to dive into a fresh season of inspiring conversations for SLP leaders. They start by previewing what’s to come, including introductions to the first three exciting guests who will bring their own unique insights into leadership in the field of speech-language pathology. Judy and Nathalie also take a moment to reflect on Season 1, sharing key takeaways and discussing how the theme of intentional leadership for Season 2 came about. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode sets the stage for another empowering season of actionable strategies and inspiring stories. Tune in for a sneak peek of the incredible guests and topics in store!

October 29, 2024Episode 21 hr 2 min

Unlearn, Rethink, & Lead: Neuro-Affirming Practices with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger

In this episode, we dive into fresh perspectives with the one and only Chris Wenger—aka Speech Dude! Known for his humor and dynamic approach to school-based SLP, Chris joins us to talk about why it’s time to *unlearn* outdated practices and *rethink* how we approach neuro-affirming care for our students. He shares his insights on SLP leadership, collaborating with educational advocates, and the power of integrating AI tools to streamline our work in schools. Chris even gives us a fun family tip: planning your own “yes day”! Get ready for laughs, deep insights, and practical takeaways that will inspire you to lead with impact and authenticity. Chris shares how his Dynamic Assessment of Social-Emotional Learning (DASEL) can be used to obtain neuro-affirming data on student performance to make student-centered educational plans.