SLP Talk Show
Real talk with Cari about stuff that really matters. Each bite-sized episode will be filled with happy stuff, heavy stuff, light stuff, and of course some speech therapy stuff as well. Our time together will be fun and informative...and while you might gain a few speech therapy-related nuggets along the way, my primary goal is for you to walk away feeling rejuvenated, motivated, and excited to go to work tomorrow. If you’re a parent, please come along for the ride. There is a place for you in this space as well. But listener BEWARE: All episodes will be delivered with joyful passion! If you’re looking for a traditional interview format, this ain’t the podcast for you (I love using the word ”ain’t” in a written sentence...it feels so wrong!). So buckle up and let’s get this podcast party started!
Listen on:
Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP
Cari Ebert is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She specializes in autism, apraxia, and early intervention. Cari’s son has dual diagnoses of autism and apraxia, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a child with additional needs. In 2018, Cari co-authored a book with Dave Hammer titled, The SLP’s Guide to Treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech. In 2020, she released a book on autism titled, The Learning to Learn Program. Visit www.cariebertseminars.com to browse Cari’s wide variety of speech therapy and early intervention products.
Episodes
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Thursday Feb 19, 2026
Join Cari and Jim for an in-depth discussion about affirming speech therapy strategies to support children when autism and apraxia co-occur.
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
How we understand disability influences every decision we make as providers. In this episode, Cari and Jim unpack four models of disability and discuss how they show up in practice. You’ll walk away with a clearer lens for reflecting on your values and how they align with your work. If you're a parent or caregiver, this conversation is for you too. Understanding these models can help you make sense of the advice you're given and advocate more confidently for your child.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
For many Autistic children, big family gatherings can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and absolutely exhausting. But with the right supports, these gatherings can feel more like a celebration and less like a survival mission.
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
In Episode 84, Cari and Jim unpack how to support AAC in daily routines, how to build a strong team around the communicator, and why communication is everyone's job—not just the speech therapist's.
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
In this episode, Cari and Jim explore what makes an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) system robust. They discuss how robust AAC goes far beyond requesting, giving users the ability to connect, share emotions, and express their full personalities.
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
In this episode, Cari and Jim break down the basics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)—what it is, who uses it, and why early access matters. They unpack common myths, discuss practical strategies for modeling AAC in daily life, and remind us that every mode of communication deserves equal respect and celebration. Whether you're a seasoned SLP, an educator, a parent, or just AAC-curious, this episode is for you.
Show Notes:
Click here to start your ableEXPERIENCE through AbleNet
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Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
In this episode, Cari and Jim explore what it means to build a true culture of communication—one that values connection over compliance.
Show Notes:
Communication Bill of Rights
QuickTalker Freestyle Speech Device from AbleNet
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Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Join Cari and Jim for a lively discussion on the difference between declarative and imperative language in supporting children's communication. They show how constant quizzing with imperatives can feel stressful, while declarative comments create shared attention, spark curiosity, and foster authentic connection.
Click here for "The Declarative Language Handbook" that is reference in this episode.
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
In this episode, Cari and Jim explore the concept of play schemas...repeated patterns of behavior that reveal how young children learn and make sense of the world.
Defender of Play T-Shirt
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
In this episode, Cari and Jim bust nine common myths about learning and play. Together, they reframe play as the foundation for growth, creativity, and deeper learning.