Explore every episode of the podcast Feeding Does Matter

Join hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem as they reflect on the 20th anniversary celebration week for Feeding Matters, and look forward to the next 20 years.

Celebrating 20 Years of Feeding Matters and upcoming events.

Learn more and Register

ICYMI: In this episode, we explore the Physician Outreach Project with co-Chair Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L. The project focuses on improving physician understanding of Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) through short, impactful videos and grassroots recruitment strategies.

Education for Primary Care Providers - Feeding Matters

ICYMI: In this episode, Emory Center for Ethics Director, John Lysaker brings an ethical lens to feeding care. From navigating autonomy to embracing the iterative nature of treatment, this conversation challenges us to think more deeply about how care is experienced, not just delivered.

The discussion also highlights the Center for Feeding Ethics, a new initiative from Feeding Matters created in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to advance ethical standards in feeding care.

The Center for Feeding Ethics will engage clinicians, researchers, individuals with lived experience, and advocates in shaping the future of ethical feeding care.

If you are interested in contributing to this work, we invite you to complete the Interest Form.

Learn more about the Center for Feeding Ethics.

ICYMI: In this episode Jinhee Park, Ph.D., RN, shares how research, clinical expertise, and compassionate care come together to improve feeding outcomes for our most vulnerable infants. From early questions in the NICU to innovative tools and approaches.

In this episode, Jaclyn and Hayley discuss the recent Feeding Matters Feeding + Eating Psychology Summit, highlighting insights, key themes like connection, relationship, and cultural responsiveness, and the importance of community and shared values in feeding and healthcare.

2026 Feeding + Eating Psychology Summit: On-Demand Registration September 7-October 30, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Nikhila Raol, Feeding Matters’ advocacy pillar chair, discusses the importance of advocacy in improving care for children with pediatric feeding disorder. She shares insights on how different advocacy efforts, from policy to community outreach, can make a significant impact.

Learn more and join the Feeding Alliance  

In this episode, Kelsey Thompson and Cuyler Romeo discuss their recent publication on multidisciplinary approaches to pediatric feeding disorder, highlighting key themes like academic preparation, workplace infrastructure, and family-centered care. They explore practical opportunities for improving provider training and family engagement across diverse settings.

Read the Published Article 

In this episode, Yomi Ogedegbe shares her journey with her child’s pediatric feeding disorder, the work of the Feeding Alliance's Family Support pillar, and how families can find resources, community, and support through Feeding Matters.

Family Assistance Program: Applications for support are now open! Submissions are due by 11:59pm ET on Sunday, October 11, 2026. https://itsnotpickyeating.org/family-assistance/

In this episode, Dr. Hana Zickgraf discusses the recent consensus publication on psychological interventions for pediatric feeding disorder and ARFID, highlighting the importance of collaboration across disciplines, treatment individualization, and future research directions.

International Journal of Eating Disorders: Psychological Treatment for Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

In this episode, our guests Dr. Krisi Brackett, Dr. Donna Scarborough, and Jess Owens discuss the complex issue of gagging in children, exploring its medical, neurological, and behavioral aspects. They share recent research findings, clinical insights, and future directions to improve assessment and treatment.

In this episode, we take an inside look at the Feeding Alliance. Jen Lambert, Sr. Director of Community Engagement for Feeding Matters, joins us to share information about the Alliance pillars, initiatives, and upcoming events shaping the future of feeding disorder support.

Get Involved:

• Feeding Alliance Membership 
• International Feeding Development Conference 
• Feeding and Eating Psychology Summit 

Join us as we explore the upcoming Feeding and Eating Psychology Summit, featuring expert insights on multidisciplinary approaches, real-life case studies, cultural considerations, and ethical discussions in pediatric feeding. This episode provides a comprehensive preview of the event and highlights key themes to enhance clinical practice.

2026 Feeding + Eating Psychology Summit

In this episode, we explore the Physician Outreach Project with co-Chair Lily Glasgo, PhD, OTR/L. The project focuses on improving physician understanding of Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) through short, impactful videos and grassroots recruitment strategies.

Education for Primary Care Providers - Feeding Matters

In this episode, attorney and healthcare lobbyist, Liz Goodman shares her personal journey navigating feeding issues, healthcare systems, and advocacy for her daughter Ellie.

In this episode, Dr. Kelsey Thompson shares her journey from clinical practice to research in feeding, the importance of specialized training, and how to improve preparedness among professionals. Discover practical strategies for integrating lived experience, enhancing education, and fostering interprofessional collaboration in feeding therapy.

Join us in this episode as we go behind the scenes of  the recent Feeding Matters Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change event. Our guests, Daria Gledhill and Ruth Bourque, share their experiences co-chairing this impactful event, emphasizing parent-professional collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and system-level change strategies.

Hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem, welcome guest Rokki Garcia, SLP.D., CCC-SLP,  a feeding therapist, and chair of the Feeding Matters’ Feeding Alliance Education Pillar to explore the evolution of education and interprofessional collaboration in feeding care.

In this episode, Dr. Olaf Kraus De Camargo, a developmental pediatrician and researcher, discusses the application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to pediatric feeding disorders. The conversation explores how this framework enhances multidisciplinary collaboration, improves communication, and shifts focus towards functional outcomes in pediatric care.

In this episode, Dr. Emily Lively shares her journey into the field of pediatric feeding, the challenges faced in diagnosis and treatment, and the development of a new Feeding Matters ARFID Guide to support families, individuals, and professionals worldwide.

In this special episode, Feeding Matters founder Shannon Goldwater and early advisor Dr. Colin Rudolph as they reflect on the “Popsicle days” of Feeding Matters, sharing stories, challenges, and the moments that shaped our mission from the very beginning.

In this episode, Emory Center for Ethics Director, John Lysaker brings an ethical lens to feeding care. From navigating autonomy to embracing the iterative nature of treatment, this conversation challenges us to think more deeply about how care is experienced, not just delivered.

The discussion also highlights the Center for Feeding Ethics, a new initiative from Feeding Matters created in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to advance ethical standards in feeding care.

The Center for Feeding Ethics will engage clinicians, researchers, individuals with lived experience, and advocates in shaping the future of ethical feeding care.

If you are interested in contributing to this work, we invite you to complete the Interest Form.

Learn more about the Center for Feeding Ethics.

In this episode, Dr. Jaime Phelan, MD shares his journey with Feeding Matters and explores how feeding disorder terminology, the recognition of PFD as a diagnosis, and collaborative, family-centered care are shaping support for families

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, this episode explores what it means to embrace neurodiversity at home and in the community. We discuss supporting families, balancing therapy and daily life, choosing the right school environment, and offering practical, compassionate guidance for caregivers and professionals alike.

Jaclyn Pederson and Cuyler Romeo, Feeding Matters' Director of Strategic Initiatives, discuss the importance of consensus building, focusing on their recent work and the development of inclusive, effective principles and practices.

In this episode Jinhee Park, Ph.D., RN, shares how research, clinical expertise, and compassionate care come together to improve feeding outcomes for our most vulnerable infants. From early questions in the NICU to innovative tools and approaches.

Yev Veverka, PhD, BCBA-D shares her journey into pediatric feeding support, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, family-centered care, and capacity building in the field. She discusses how behavioral science can be integrated compassionately and responsibly to improve feeding outcomes for children.

Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, shares updates on the organization's recent activities, upcoming events, and strategic initiatives, emphasizing community involvement and progress in feeding disorder research and advocacy.

This episode features the co-chairs of the International PFD Conference, Kristen M. West Ed.D. CCC-SLP and Pamela Knight, Parent Advocate, MPH, EMT, discussing their journeys, the importance of family voices in pediatric feeding, and the evolution of the field. They share insights on conference planning, balancing professional and human perspectives, and the future of pediatric feeding.

In this episode of the Feeding Does Matter, pediatric dietitian and @thefamilynutritionist Alexandra Turnbull shares insights from her work in pediatric and school nutrition, as well as her experience engaging an online community of parents. She discusses how language, mindset, and expectations shape the feeding experience, offering practical ways to reframe feeding challenges and navigate parental guilt. The conversation highlights the importance of individualized care and taking a compassionate, long-term approach to building sustainable feeding practices.

Celebrating 20 years of Feeding Matters with Carol Elliot, BS, OTR/L and Elizabeth (Betsy) Clawson, MS, PhD, LCP, HSPP 

Celebrating 20 years of Feeding Matters with Erin Ross, PhD, CCC-SLP, CLC. Dr. Ross shares her stories behind the movement.

Celebrating 20 years of Feeding Matters with Matthew Abrams, MD. Dr. Abrams shares his stories behind the movement.

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem discuss the challenges faced by families and professionals in the feeding field during high anxiety times. They are joined by Dr. Anka Roberto, who shares practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and mental health. The conversation covers topics such as parenting, mindfulness, self-care techniques, the importance of sleep hygiene, and setting boundaries. Dr. Roberto also introduces a mindfulness exercise called the 'Container Exercise' to help listeners manage their thoughts and emotions effectively.

Host Jaclyn Pederson sits down with Jen Lambert, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Feeding Matters, to talk about the power of local community councils and what’s ahead for the Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change watch parties.

Join or Start a Feeding Matters Community Council

Learn more about the local Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change watch parties.

Celebrating 20 years of Feeding Matters with Mary Beth Feuling, MS, RD, CD. Mary Beth shares her stories behind the movement.

Celebrating 20 years of Feeding Matters with Kay Toomey, PhD. Dr. Toomey shares her stories behind the movement.

In this episode of Feeding Does Matters, co-host Dr. Hayley Estrum walks down memory lane, reflecting on her earliest involvement with Feeding Matters when it was still known as Popsicle.

In this episode host and CEO of Feeding Matters, Jaclyn Pederson, shares an inside look at what’s ahead in 2026 - a milestone year marking the organization’s 20th anniversary. She shares how Feeding Matters is building momentum through expanded programs, new educational resources, and meaningful opportunities for families, professionals, and advocates.

As Feeding Matters builds toward a celebration week in October, this episode underscores how Feeding Matters is honoring two decades of impact while looking ahead to the future of feeding development.

ICYMI: Jaclyn and Hayley welcome ARFID to PFD awareness month with an engaging conversation with Dr. Jenny Thomas, a leading expert in ARFID, discussing its definition, impact, and the evolution of understanding around it. They address common myths and the differences between picky eating and ARFID. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between feeding and eating disorder fields and highlights future research directions to better support affected individuals and families.

ICYMI: In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, four of the authors (including our hosts) of the consensus paper on the diagnostic overlap and distinction for pediatric feeding disorder and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder discuss their thoughts on the 10 consensus statements, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the need for collaboration and a common language in the field. 

Guests: Cuyler Romeo and William Sharp

This consensus paper is published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders and is available via open access, made possible by the generous donors of Feeding Matters.

View Consensus Paper

ICYMI: In this conversation, guest Heather Goettsch shares her personal journey, detailing the challenges she faced in advocating for her child's needs. She emphasizes the importance of small victories in the journey of feeding therapy and the value of community support through organizations like Feeding Matters. Heather discusses her involvement in the family-centered pediatric feeding disorder research consortium and concludes with reflections on the human aspect of research and the dedication required to drive change in the field.

In this year-end episode of Feeding Does Matter, hosts Hayley Estrem and Jaclyn Pederson delve into the challenges and triumphs of the past year for Feeding Matters. They discuss the importance of community support, the impact of their initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and resources for feeding differences and disorders.

In this episode, you’ll sit in on a meeting of the Feeding Matters Research Initiatives Task Force (including Feeding Does Matter hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem) as William Sharp, PhD, reflects on his recent presentation on feeding challenges in children with autism for TEACCH. The group also dives into the current realities of school cafeterias and explores why anorexia-based treatment frameworks have historically been applied to ARFID.

Guests on this episode:

• Cuyler Romeo, MOT, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC
• Meg Simione, PhD, CCC-SLP
• Rachel Conrad, MA, CCC-SLP

ICYMI: In this episode, Darlena Birch from the National WIC Association discusses the WIC program, the importance of nutrition education, and the various components of WIC services. She highlights the challenges families face in accessing resources, particularly those with pediatric feeding disorders and food allergies.

(This episode originally posted January 14, 2025)

Host Jaclyn Pederson interviews co-host, Hayley Estrem and Feeding Matters’ Person and Family-Centered Feeding Research Consortium Chair, Rachel Conrad. Hayley and Rachel share their experiences from the PCORI Annual Meeting, insights gained from their poster session, and the importance of creating a safe space for patient partners in research.

The Feeding Matters Family-Centered PFD Research Consortium launch was partially funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI®) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EACB-31710).

Guests Dr. Pamela Dodrill and Dr. Memorie Gosa discuss the Functional Oral Intake Scale Pediatric (FOIS-P) tool for assessment and tracking of feeding progress in children, the role of telehealth in bridging the gap between hospital and home care, and the importance of mentorship in developing skilled clinicians.

More information on FOIS-P.

Host Jaclyn Pederson and Feeding Matters Senior Program Manager, Heidi Van der Molen discuss the challenges families face when food access is uncertain, especially for those navigating feeding disorders and differences.

They share how the community has come together to help launch a new Food Access Resources page with national, state, and local links to help families find the support they need.

Visit: itsnotpickyeating.org/food-access-resources

This episode features the recent Feeding Alliance Learning Lounge on the PFD & ARFID School Toolkit. Jennifer Eggert, M.S., CCC-SLP, C/NDT, and Dr. Nikhila Raol, MD, MPH, discuss the often-overlooked challenges children with feeding differences face in school settings. They share insights into how the toolkit was developed to empower families, educators, and healthcare professionals with practical strategies and resources; and emphasize the key rights families should understand when advocating for their child’s needs.

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, host Jaclyn Pederson and guest Courtney Bliss, a Pediatric Registered Dietitian, discuss the challenges families with children who have feeding differences face during holiday gatherings. Courtney shares practical strategies for managing food anxiety, communicating needs with family members, and creating a supportive environment for children during these events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, reflection on past experiences, and the need for open communication with loved ones to ensure a positive mealtime experience.