Evolved Living Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This month, I’m inviting occupational therapists, assistants, students, and allies to join a special conversation and art-making circle:

🌿 “Reclaiming the Roots of Care: Witches, Midwives, and Nurses—Reviving the Feminine Lineage of Healing through Occupation.”

Together we’ll trace the story of how our field—and the U.S. medical system itself—was built on both the wisdom and the erasure of women, craftspeople, and community healers.

🔥 A Forgotten Lineage of Occupation

Before “occupational therapy” was a profession, it was a practice of communal survival.

Herbalists, weavers, potters, midwives, and caregivers used occupation—the everyday work of hands, heart, and imagination—to restore rhythm and balance in their communities. These were the first practitioners of holistic health. Their medicine was relational, cyclical, and often communal.

But as Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English so sharply remind us in Witches, Midwives, and Nurses, the rise of industrialized medicine and patriarchal institutions criminalized and professionalized care—pushing women, poor people, and folk practitioners out of authority.That legacy persists today in how our systems undervalue both the crafts of care and those who carry them.

🩺 The Occupational Therapy Connection

Occupational therapy was born from the same soil as these folk practices:the moral treatment movement, the arts and crafts movement, and the belief that doing—making, creating, and belonging—heals.

Yet, in today’s medical hierarchies, OT remains one of the most undervalued disciplines—our relational, craft-based, and psychosocial roots often sidelined in favor of “productivity metrics” and “efficiency scores.”We see it in the divestment from community programs, the burnout of first responders, and the shrinking access to care.

Just as women healers were once pushed out of medicine, today OTs, PTs, and nurses face systemic devaluation.It’s the same story—different century.

🌾 Why This Matters Now

We’re living through an era of healthcare collapse and collective burnout.Medicare cuts, staffing shortages, and inaccessible insurance structures are leaving entire communities without care.

When institutional medicine retracts, folk medicine revives.We’re already seeing this—through herbalism, creative arts, community mutual aid, and occupation-based micro-healing collectives.

Occupational therapists have the power to become the bridge between regulated healthcare and ancestral care:to hold dignity, skill, and accessibility where the system no longer reaches.

🌙 What We’ll Explore in This Gathering

In this 90-minute virtual reflection and collective art-making session, we’ll:

🕯️ Read and reflect on excerpts from Witches, Midwives, and Nurses (Ehrenreich & English, 1973).🎨 Create simple symbolic art—our “Window Between Worlds”—to honor the silenced healers in our lineages.🪶 Explore how OT’s founders carried forward folk-craft medicine under the language of “occupation.”💬 Share reflections on how today’s clinicians can reclaim and protect those roots amid healthcare divestment.🌱 Discuss how reviving folk practices—community weaving, kitchen herbalism, neighborhood arts—can complement and extend our scope of meaningful care.

💌 An Invitation to Remember

If you’ve ever felt the ache of doing too much in systems that care too little,or if you’re yearning to reconnect your professional role with your deeper lineage as a healer, maker, and witness—this space is for you.

Join us as we remember that the future of care may not lie in the systems we built, but in the occupations that built us.

On Sunday, November 2 (2:30–4:00 PM PT), I’m hosting a free virtual book circle exploring these roots through the lens of Witches, Midwives & Nurses — a short, powerful feminist classic that uncovers the haunting origins of U.S. healthcare and what they reveal about our present.

You can join live via Skool:

👉 Event link: https://www.skool.com/live/dJLMncrh6hX

🕯️ When: Sunday, Nov 2 | 2:30–4:00 PM PT

🇦🇺 Monday, Nov 3 | 9:30–11:00 AM AEDT

💻 Virtual on Skool

📖 Access the book (quick + free):

• Free PDF

* Text Without Pictures:

• Independent Publisher → https://www.feministpress.org/books-n-z/witches-midwives-nurses-second-edition

• Kindle/Audiobook → https://a.co/d/1oZu9zO

Come as you are — even if you haven’t read it all. Presence matters more than perfection.

Want to learn more about weaving intergenerational occupational histories! Make sure to check out this podcast episode!

Weaving the Threads of Our Occupational Histories: An Intergenerational Conversation with the Jarvis Family by Dr. Josie Jarvis OT

References & Further Reading

* Ehrenreich, B., & English, D. (1973). Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers. Feminist Press.

✨ Closing Reflection

When systems collapse, it’s not the sterile rooms that survive—it’s the kitchens, the gardens, the song circles, and the hands that remember how to make.Occupational therapy has always been a revival movement disguised as a profession.Now is our time to remember.

Last week I reacted live to a powerful post shared by Bill Wong in our community. The article in question — “Occupational Therapy and the ‘Seat at the Table’ Fallacy” by ABC Therapeutics — suggests that the push for higher credentials in OT (e.g., mandatory OTD) has been mis-directed:

“A degree doesn’t grant influence. Credentials open doors, but they don’t dictate what happens once you step through them … A ‘seat at the table’ means very little if the table itself was built by someone else.” ABC Therapeutics

It’s a critique worth hearing. But it’s also an invitation—not to retreat—but to re-vision how we approach our profession.

The core tension

The article argues:

* Many OTD programs replicate existing content under new credentials, without generating genuine contribution. ABC Therapeutics

* Visibility campaigns (hashtags, social media posts) risk being “toothless” when they lack scalable frameworks or evidence. ABC Therapeutics

* We have long sought a seat at others’ tables rather than designing our own tables.

You’ll hear echoes of that critique in my video: I reflected on how OT education, biomechanics-dominated models, and reimbursement systems have siloed us—and how that matters for people with disabilities, for social justice, and for innovation.

My take: Let’s build AND sit

1. Building our own tables

Yes—the article is right: credentials alone don’t guarantee influence. But I take that as a call to action. We need to:

* Design models where OT is not just invited, but indispensable (policy, systems, community, creative arts)

* Co-create the future with interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and justice-oriented partners

* Use our degrees (OTD or otherwise) to contribute—not just credential-inflate

2. Recognizing the invisible tables people actually built

OT’s lineage includes folks who built their own tables: moral treatment movement, arts & crafts interventions, community-based rehabilitation, disability justice activism. In my video I referenced how we’re responding to human rights crises, climate, trans / disability access barriers—these aren’t “outside” OT—they’re core.

3. Expanding practice beyond the “biomechanical king of the castle”

The article critiques that OTD programs default to clever “hobbie” capstones (“OT in football”, hashtag activism) without rigor or depth. My sympathy to the students who poured their hearts and best work in to their first major OT project. Perhaps some encouragement and support for the potential of their future work is also in order. I can’t tell how much more difficult contributing to the advancement of one’s field without the support or encouragement or belief in possibilities from one’s elders also want to offer what depth and rigor can also look like:

* Confronting systems of oppression (transphobia in toileting access, disability justice, policy literacy)

* Measuring participation, identity, belonging—not just ROM, strength, task time

* Using community arts, folk craft, cross-generation dialogue as legitimate knowledge translation pathways

Why this matters—especially now

* People with disabilities face occupational deprivation, systemic barriers, and need OT thinking that goes beyond physical rehab.

* The U.S. health-human services system is stressed; OT’s value-add includes bridging discipline silos, addressing context, and enabling participation.

* New generations (Gen Z, Gen Alpha) bring fresh epistemologies. If we insist on “sit at the table”, we risk boxing their potential. My mantra: “Make room for the next table-builders.”

An invitation to you

If you resonate with any of these questions:

* How might OT design a new table rather than merely trying to sit at one?

* What kind of praxis (not just theory) can we commit to that spans social justice, policy literacy, community arts, and cross-cultural collaboration?

* Can we mentor and co-create with newer cohorts, rather than gate-keep?

Then join me. Let’s build Evolved Living OT/OS Collaborative as a space for these conversations and creations.

Reference

ABC Therapeutics. (2025, October 17). Occupational Therapy and the ‘Seat at the Table’ Fallacy. Retrieved from https://abctherapeutics.blogspot.com/2025/10/occupational-therapy-and-seat-and-table.html

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Just in time to decolonize Thanksgiving, even in "progressive" Pacific Northwest Seattle Suburbs where exclusive and protective...does not always mean...safe...for everyone...

Check our Hawaiian Artist and Indigenous Human Rights Activist Malialani Dullanty!
Please consider following her work on instragram: https://www.instagram.com/malialani/
And supporting her Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/malialanimade

The podcast primarily involves Josephine Jarvis and Malialani Dullanty discussing their experiences in relation to cultural assimilation, systemic racism and the importance of decolonizing their mindsets and practices.

-Both discuss their school experiences, highlighting the lack of accurate and comprehensive historical education regarding marginalized populations.

-They delve into the topic of indigenous science, emphasizing its validity and the need to view it through a non-colonial lens.

-A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the systemic abuse and sexualization of women, particularly women of mixed-race and native heritage.

-The two express their shared experiences of growing up in white supremacist structures and discuss the need for systemic change and healing, rather than solely focusing on healing the victims.

-Josephine Jarvis acknowledges the trauma and harm caused by her ancestors and commits to not letting that be her legacy.

-The conversation touches upon the importance of acknowledging and understanding the harm caused by their ancestors, and the importance of healing together.

-The participants discuss the need for critical thinking and challenging the established norms and systems.

-The conversation ends with Josephine expressing her admiration for Malialani's authenticity and bravery.

Disorienting Deliemma Toolkit to Help Navigate Challenging Emotions Available in the Onboarding Module of Foundations of Occupational Science 101 Course (free)

Supplementary Learning:
Occupational Consciousness [Free open access article] (helpful decolonizing lens contributed to OT and OS literature by 2023 Ruth Zemke Lecturship Recipient Dr. Elelwani L. Ramugondo, PhD, MSc, BSc(OT), Associate Professor)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606822/
The Devastating Effects of Colonization on Hawai'i
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/83474c5d6077492d990b961bab0bcd74
What is indigenous science?
https://wisn.org/about/what-is-indigenous-science/
Resources to help with Decolonizing Whiteness for Settler Descendents:
https://www.marybethbonfiglio.com/blood-and-belonging
Context on Decolo

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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This is a very meaningful podcast discussion for me as I not only get to catch up with a dear college friend I also get to deeply explore the occupational impact of how one's life path can evolve after acquiring a profound neuro divergence early in life. Ashley and I's paths in our early twenties crossed quite a bit however I never would have guessed I would ever become a therapy colleague with her over a decade after moving away from Olympia, WA. When I last was actively connected to Ashley's life she was the most prolific fiction and play writer I had ever met. She was destined to become a professional editor and facilitator of creative wonder. Her momentum as a writer was however stunted as it is for many of us with the sudden acquisition of a disabling experience.
 
At age 25 Ashley acquired a cerebral vascular accident impacting her left side. This occupational disruption ended up fueling Ashley's passion to go back to school.  She not only regained her motor function, but she also regained her voice, and new gifts, however, she could not develop these ambitions on her own, it took a village including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, brain injury support groups, vocational rehab, and the fight to self advocate for her educational accommodations. Connecting with Ashley I couldn't avoid the correlations between her life path and the challenges my friend Paul Johnson a leader in the WA disability rights movement in how hard he had to fight to access the ability to write in general and to access formal publishing in particular.  His life story took over a decade to write and I was his support volunteer intern where it took over 2.5 years of active letter by letter word by word typing a revising. Because of Paul, I have learned to never take my voice and mobility for granted. I am so glad I was able to share Paul's work with Ashley with a new foundation of shared meaning as we all interconnected in our experiences of rare young adult neurodivergence and how that impacts and changes access to writing and our relationship to our own voice when you depend on supported communication to express yourself. Paul's family offered consent to continue sharing his story and our time together publically with the goal of inspiring others to tell their stories. 

Ashley's Request for community support for survivors of acquired brain injury!

Please help save this wonderful organization through donations and volunteering. Sarah Bellum's Bakery launched in 2017 and officially opened its doors in Multnomah Village in SW Portland in 2018. They provide job training support for adults with acquired brain injuries. They also have volunteer opportunities in speech, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation psychology for students here at Pacific University. Check out the links below. Together we can save Sarah Bellum's!
acquired brain injury workshop/community and nonprofit at risk of closing.


Paul's Publically Published Writing in

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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Announcements
The first 3 modules of my Online Doctoral Capstone Course Foundations of Occupational Science is available now for free for a limited time: https://engage.evolvedlivingnetwork.com/

If you are in the Tacoma Area or are a fan of the Social Justice Sewing Academy and would like to be involved in supporting the adaptation of their workshops to focus on disability justice and to be accessible to people with disabilities in more heavily institutionalized spaces consider joining in our community event virtually or in person with AOTA President Alyson Stover on Monday, October 16 [6-8pm]

Get details on how to register here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/706895548119940/?ref=newsfeed
In-person capacity: 60, Live virtual: 150, Recording: Unlimited

Episode Show Notes
In part two twe explore the costs of mental health neglect in and under investment in mental health infastructure in the United States and systemic patterns that contributed to adverse occupational outcomes and how all occupational beings access to proactive investment in mental health care for all.  We also explore the benefits of building your own care village for lifespan occupational wellbeing.

Jennifer Pearlstein, PhD, is a post-doctoral fellow in rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington and completed her graduate work in clinical science at the University of California, Berkeley. Jen strives to improve the well-being of people with disabilities across her research, clinical work, and advocacy. She has received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and National Science Foundation (NSF), published work related to disability and mental health and training, and has gained specialized clinical training in evidence-based practices for diverse psychological presentations, including how to support populations experiencing illness or disability.

She also writes about her personal experiences navigating academia with a disability and strives to increase the representation, equity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in academia and in medicine.

Connect with UW's Behavioral Health ECHO Project: (How Josie met Jennifer without expense of a fancy conference)
https://bhinstitute.uw.edu/events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D163336444

Accessible Mental Health Support Resources:
https://openpathcollective.org/
As long as there is a financial need, our lifetime membership will allow you to see anyone in our network for the rates listed above. This is our guarantee. A lifetime membership to our nonprofit only costs $65.

Employee Assitance Programs:
https://www.insperity.com/blog/employee-assistance-programs/

Holistic Wellness for BIPOC OTs/Communities
https://otbayarea.com/resources

Support Group for Disabled OTP

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

Send us a text

Announcements
The first 3 modules of my Online Doctoral Capstone Course Foundations of Occupational Science is available now for free for a limited time: https://engage.evolvedlivingnetwork.com/

If you are in the Tacoma Area or are a fan of the Social Justice Sewing Academy and would like to be involved in supporting the adaptation of their workshops to focus on disability justice and to be accessible to people with disabilities in more heavily institutionalized spaces consider joining in our community event virtually or in person with AOTA President Alyson Stover on Monday, October 16 [6-8pm]
 
Get details on how to register here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/706895548119940/?ref=newsfeed
In-person capacity: 60, Live virtual: 150, Recording: Unlimited

Episode Show Notes
This important conversation explores the complexity of making our work as health and human services providers accessible across various contexts including both collaborative clinical work and in academic scholarship. We also explore some of the complexities and nuances around accessing mental health providers and the costs of lack of mental health care literacy and systemic patterns of misdiagnosis and how that intersects with disability and structural sexism etc. Be sure to check out Part 2 as well!

Jennifer Pearlstein, PhD, is a post-doctoral fellow in rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington and completed her graduate work in clinical science at the University of California, Berkeley. Jen strives to improve the well-being of people with disabilities across her research, clinical work, and advocacy. She has received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and National Science Foundation (NSF), published work related to disability and mental health and training, and has gained specialized clinical training in evidence-based practices for diverse psychological presentations, including how to support populations experiencing illness or disability.

She also writes about her personal experiences navigating academia with a disability and strives to increase the representation, equity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in academia and in medicine.

Connect with UW's Behavioral Health ECHO Project: (How Josie met Jennifer without expense of a fancy conference)
https://bhinstitute.uw.edu/events/?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D163336444

Accessible Mental Health Support Resources:
https://openpathcollective.org/
As long as there is a financial need, our lifetime membership will allow you to see anyone in our network for the rates listed above. This is our guarantee. A lifetime membership to our nonprofit only costs $65.

Employee Assitance Programs:
https://www.insperity.com/blog/employee-assistance-programs/

Holistic Wellness fo

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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***Trigger Warning: Discussion of Suicidal Ideation, Gender-Based Violence and Harassment, and explicit language***

Continuing our exploration of the evolution of the Contemporary Arts and Crafts Movement we are joined today by Matthew Boudreaux the creator of Mx. Domestic where we explore navigating experiences of Gender-Based Occupational Deprivation and how creative expression and community building can be a way to engage in healing towards occupational wellbeing, participation, inclusion, empowerment, liberation, and ultimately systemic change. 

Mx. Domestic is a multitalented non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent sewist who is a leader in increasing diversity in representation and inclusion of communities that tend to be underserved by the conventional crafting communities that tend to prioritize and center the needs and experiences of a narrow demographic of well resourced, heterosexual, cis-gendered, and often Christian white females. While Matthew wanted to learn how to sew from his Mother as a young child, this ambition was not supported because of Matthew's perceived gender identity and restrictive Western gender role expectations.  Luckily Matthew did not let his mother's discouragement hold him back.  Matthew credits crafting and fiber arts and his soul pull toward using fiber arts as a symbolic occupation to engage in honoring the development of his daughter.  Matthew overcoming his own experience of occupational deprivation ultimately helped to build an inclusive community that has fundamentally changed the culture of how crafting is now being marketed nationally and he has partnered with others to create safe spaces for a wider diversity of communities to gain the healing benefits of crafting and creative expression. Please consider supporting Mx. Domestic's ongoing work and I hope you enjoy this meaty conversation!  

https://mxdomestic.com/

What is Occupational Deprivation: 

 “A reduction in the amount and diversity of opportunities for occupational performance and occupational engagement for an extended period of time. It impacts negatively on health and well-being and may have serious consequences if prolonged. It is generally seen as caused by factors outside the control of the individual such as social structures or stigma, religious practices, political differences, poverty, or geography. There is debate as to whether factors such as illness and injury can cause occupational deprivation given that they are internal to the individual. Nonetheless, they are beyond the control of the individual and can have similar consequences, namely, reduced opportunities for diverse occupational performance and occupational engagement” 
(Molineux, 2017) 

Molineux, M. (2017). A dictionary of occupational science and occupational therapy (Oxford Quick Reference). OUP Oxford. 

WOTA is currently giving away 7 free Epic online CEUs and 10 special offers from small OT businesses through August 31st! (Including my training on orientation to OS and the OTPF4) Annual Membership for Students is only $35!

 Access Here: https://wota.org/virtual-summer-con-2023/?fbclid=IwAR24DNUeI

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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Trailblazing OTs: Neurodivergence, Mentorship, and Building Inclusive Communities

Description: In this thought-provoking and insightful podcast episode, Dr. Bill Wong, a trailblazing occupational therapist (OT), and the host Josie Jarvis engage in a candid conversation about the intersection of neurodivergence and OT. They dive into the importance of mentorship and the role it plays in supporting and empowering neurodivergent OTs and students. Dr. Wong shares his personal journey and experiences with Autism while engaged in OT leadership, shedding light on the need for representation and diverse perspectives within the OT field.

Key Points:

• Neurodivergence and OT: Dr. Bill Wong discusses his experiences as an OT with Autism highlighting the importance of representation and diverse perspectives within the profession. Josie explores how these intersections connect with her experiences of neurodivergence with ADHD and NVLD as well. 

• The Power of Mentorship: Both guests emphasize the significance of seeking mentorship as a sign of strength rather than weakness. They explore how mentors can empower neurodivergent OTs and help them navigate challenges in their careers

• Breaking Traditional Boundaries: The discussion explores the need for strategic disruption in the OT profession to foster growth and inclusivity. Both guests challenge the status quo and advocate for a more diverse and open-minded approach to OT practice and leadership.

• Embracing Passion Projects: Dr. Wong shares his experience with organizing TEDx events and how passion projects can provide a creative outlet for OTs to explore and utilize their talents and skills beyond traditional practice.

• Low-Cost Alternatives for Conferences: The conversation delves into the high costs of attending conferences and explores the potential for low-cost alternatives and inclusive approaches to knowledge sharing and professional development.

• Building Inclusive Communities: Both guests stress the importance of building communities that welcome and support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including ethnicity, disability, and socioeconomic status.

• Amplifying Voices: The podcast advocates for partnering with other disability communities to amplify their voices and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in various spaces, including OT practice and academia.

Join this inspiring conversation as they challenge the norms, celebrate diversity, and encourage the next generation of OTs to embrace their unique strengths and talents. Whether you're an OT, a student, or simply interested in promoting inclusivity and mentorship in healthcare professions, this podcast episode is a must-listen!

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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Shifting Perspectives and Supporting Neurodivergent OTs

Description: In this episode of the Engaging Occupational Science Podcast, the conversation delves into the importance of shifting perspectives within the occupational therapy (OT) community. The discussion focuses on partnering with the disability community, building relationships, and considering the well-being of individuals across the lifespan. The lack of infrastructure and support for young adults with disabilities after leaving the K-12 school system is highlighted, particularly in the United States.

The guest, Dr. Bill Wong, a publicly known autistic OT, shares insights into his journey and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in OT education. The conversation touches on the need for representation, diversity, and support within the OT community. The host and guest discuss the significance of learning from mistakes and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of creating a more accessible and inclusive field of occupational therapy, where the voices and perspectives of individuals with disabilities are valued and integrated into the curriculum, practice, and leadership. Join the conversation to gain valuable insights into supporting neurodivergent OTs and evolving the profession for the better.

Links to Samples of Dr. Bill Wong's Scholarship: https://cris.brighton.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/32107109/Twinley_Neurodivergent_occupational_therapists_original_text.pdf

Medbridge Course Coming Soon: https://www.medbridge.com/instructors/bill-wong-occupational-therapy/?utm_source=Google+Ad&utm_campaign=ind_rmk_dynamic_all-pages&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&mbt_adcid=ga-20250817580&gad=1

Bill Wong TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaOADcEH_00

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit

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Taylor Wilmot, AMFT brings in to this dialog a lens developed as an active student in non-traditional learning environments cultivated since 2007. She offers a lens as emerging practice mental health counselor with an educational background that focused on developing skills to support multicultural approaches to counseling.

It's normal to feel emotions like grief, anger, and confusion when our worldview is challenged by something new. In order to support ourselves and others through this process, we should allow space for feeling without judgment, try to recognize and validate our emotions, and seek towards expression and exploration.

1. Josie and Taylor both went to an interdisciplinary college and are now working as therapists in different fields.

2. They discuss the challenges and benefits of learning in an educational community that is intentionally non-hierarchical.

3. They are exploring how different modes of learning can be used to benefit the inclusion, well-being, and empowerment of diverse humans.

Josie and Taylor discuss the challenges of creating a safe space for emotional expression in an online learning environment. They note that it is important to be aware of the difference between emotions and information and that emotional reactions are not necessarily acts of violence. They also suggest that it is important to be prepared for the possibility that people may show up in a state of hyperarousal and that it is important to have grace for those who are in that state.

The scapegoating dynamic can lead to a blind spot in terms of understanding the full problem and potential solutions. It can also create a sense of division within a group.

It can be helpful to think about your own culture and how it might be different from the dominant culture when you are trying to learn about and be sensitive to other cultures. It is also important to be curious and humble when asking questions about other cultures.

This conversation between Josie and Taylor is about the importance of approaching education with an openness to all different types of perspectives, and the role that educators can play in de-institutionalizing some of the harmful beliefs that are perpetuated in society. They discuss how everyone has a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world, and how we can all learn from each other by engaging in dialogue and critical inquiry.

Supplementary Learning Referenced in Guest Interview (20EP)
Supplementary Learning Referenced in Guest Interview (20EP)

Information on Hyperarousal and Zone of Tolerance 

https://www.nicabm.com/trauma-how-to-help-your-clients-understand-their-window-of-tolerance/

Information on Victim-Rescuer-Perpetrator Triangle 

https://www.heatherhayes.com/overcoming-the-drama-triangle/

Information on Scapegoating

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/07/19/scapegoating-causes-reasons/

Self-Reflection Excercise: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZIhR1t8qlkfEXn077fSJ8qSeeNGPgu3RxvfhSaqPIOo/copy

Evolved Living Network Instragram @EvolvedLivingNetwork
Free Occupational Science 101 Guidebook
https://swiy.co/OS101GuidePodcast
OS Empowered OT Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1569824073462362/
Link to Full Podcast Disclaimer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13DI0RVawzWrsY-Gmj7qOLk5A6tH-V9150xETzAdd6MQ/edit