New Episodes Every Wednesday

Medical Insights Episodes

Gain valuable knowledge from pediatric healthcare professionals who offer insights into various medical conditions, treatments, and the patient experience.
Play-Based Physical Therapy at Home: How to Help Your Child Build Strength
Sept. 9, 2025

Play-Based Physical Therapy at Home: How to Help Your Child Build Str…

In this episode, Dr. Allison Mell—pediatric PT and founder of Tots on Target—breaks down how therapy for kids doesn't have to feel overwhelming. She shares real talk about what progress actually looks like, why play is so pow...

Listen to the Episode
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Disorder): When Anxiety is Actually PANDAS
Sept. 2, 2025

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Disorder): When Anxiety is Actually PAND…

When Camryn's fearless 4-year-old suddenly became anxious, her gut said something deeper was wrong. Multiple "all clear" evaluations followed—until a post-virus crash at age 6 that led to a diagnosis under the PANS/PANDAS umb...

Listen to the Episode
Down Syndrome with Heart Defects (AVSD): Managing Pulmonary Hypertension [Encore]
Aug. 26, 2025

Down Syndrome with Heart Defects (AVSD): Managing Pulmonary Hypertens…

In this reposted episode, Courtney shares her journey of receiving her daughter Annie's Trisomy 21 diagnosis, navigating the NICU, and walking through open-heart surgery complicated by pulmonary hypertension. She talks about ...

Listen to the Episode
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): Finding Strength Through Vulnerability
Aug. 19, 2025

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): Finding Strength Through Vulnerabil…

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, epilepsy in children, and autism parenting—in this powerful episode, women's health coach and mom of four, Erin Trier, shares her family's eight-year journey to finally receiving a TSC diagnosis fo...

Listen to the Episode
Prenatal Diagnosis of Achondroplasia (Dwarfism): A Nurse's Perspective
Aug. 12, 2025

Prenatal Diagnosis of Achondroplasia (Dwarfism): A Nurse's Perspective

Victoria Garcia—lovingly known as "Nurse Vic"—shares her powerful journey as a nurse and mom of two, including her daughter Julia, who was diagnosed with achondroplasia during pregnancy. In this heartfelt episode, Victoria op...

Listen to the Episode
Reducing Pediatric Medical Trauma Through Play: The Butterfly Pig Mission
July 22, 2025

Reducing Pediatric Medical Trauma Through Play: The Butterfly Pig Mis…

"The tears legitimately just turned to curiosity—and she wanted to play." – Mary Jenner, BSN and Founder of the Butterfly Pig Meet Mary, a former pediatric oncology nurse turned full-time entrepreneur and founder of The Butte...

Listen to the Episode
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): A Nurse Practitioner's Journey Through Her Daughter's CHD
June 10, 2025

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): A Nurse Practitioner's Journey Through Her…

We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to our episode sponsor, reStickity® . Their innovative, mess-free reusable sticker sets allow families to personalize hospital spaces with familiar photos and comforting images, helping ...

Listen to the Episode
Teaching Kids to Swallow Pills: Child Life Tips and Tricks
May 27, 2025

Teaching Kids to Swallow Pills: Child Life Tips and Tricks

Learning to swallow pills can be a major milestone—and a big challenge—for many kids. In this episode, certified child life specialist Adina Levitan joins host Katie Taylor to break down the myths, fears, and best practices b...

Listen to the Episode
Blended Tube Feeding for G-tube fed Kids & Adults: How a dietician empowers families through food - Hilarie's Story (254)
May 13, 2025

Blended Tube Feeding for G-tube fed Kids & Adults: How a dietician em…

What if blending real food could transform your child's tube feeding experience—and your entire family's daily routine? In this inspiring episode, registered dietitian and new mom Hilarie shares how her career in pediatric nu...

Listen to the Episode
A Rare Diagnosis Journey: Collagenous Gastritis and IGG deficiency (250)- Alexis' Story
April 15, 2025

A Rare Diagnosis Journey: Collagenous Gastritis and IGG deficiency (2…

What if every milestone your child was supposed to reach came with countless curve balls? For Alexis Kaplan, motherhood quickly turned into a journey of advocacy, strength, and unwavering love as she navigated her daughter Ga...

Listen to the Episode
How to Talk With Children About Child Abuse [REPOST] (249)- Jane's Story
April 8, 2025

How to Talk With Children About Child Abuse [REPOST] (249)- Jane's St…

Knowing how to talk to kids about child abuse can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this impactful episode of Child Life On Call , host Katie Taylor interviews child abuse prevention advocate Jane Donovan —who a...

Listen to the Episode
A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis: Traumatic Birth, Micropreemie Twins & the Power of Hope {REPOST}- Savannah's Story (247)
March 25, 2025

A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis: Traumatic Birth, Micropreemie Twins & the…

"It wasn't any kind of strength within myself that helped me get through the NICU. It was the strength they had—they gave it to me."- Savannah O'Malley We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer ...

Listen to the Episode
Pyroxd1 and the Path Forward: A Rare Disease, a Life-Saving Lesson & a Mission to Help Others- Maria + Matt's Story (246)
March 18, 2025

Pyroxd1 and the Path Forward: A Rare Disease, a Life-Saving Lesson & …

"What we realized was that rare isn't as rare as we think—there are so many of us out here searching for answers, fighting for our kids, and trying to make a difference."- Maria Granados We extend our sincere gratitude to our...

Listen to the Episode
A Mother and a Physician: Navigating Her Daughter's NMOSD Diagnosis – Maggie's Story (244)
March 4, 2025

A Mother and a Physician: Navigating Her Daughter's NMOSD Diagnosis –…

"I thought my job was to save my daughter, but I realized my job was to show her how to live with strength and resilience." – Dr. Maggie Kang We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®....

Listen to the Episode
A Child Life Specialist's Search for Answers: A Long COVID Diagnosis (243)
Feb. 18, 2025

A Child Life Specialist's Search for Answers: A Long COVID Diagnosis …

"If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Keep asking questions. You know your child better than anyone."-Jessica Baird, CCLS We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are...

Listen to the Episode
Pediatric Kidney Transplant and a Mission to Help Others (241)
Jan. 21, 2025

Pediatric Kidney Transplant and a Mission to Help Others (241)

"Our goal wasn't to build something huge overnight – it was to listen to families, fill the gaps, and take that first step." – Cheryl Whitty We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. ...

Listen to the Episode
How Parents Can Stay Calm During Medical Procedures
Jan. 12, 2025

How Parents Can Stay Calm During Medical Procedures

In this episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor, a certified child life specialist, shares personal experiences and practical advice on maintaining calm during your child's medical procedures. Katie recounts a trauma...

Listen to the Episode
How Parents Can Collaborate in Rounds in the Hospital
Jan. 5, 2025

How Parents Can Collaborate in Rounds in the Hospital

Navigating Medical Rounds: Tips for Parents from a Child Life Specialist In this episode, Katie Taylor, a certified child life specialist, offers critical insights and tips for parents navigating medical rounds with their hos...

Listen to the Episode
234: Expert Child Life Tips for Supporting Children Through an Upper GI Procedure
Nov. 12, 2024

234: Expert Child Life Tips for Supporting Children Through an Upper …

Today's episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Dr. Meredith Hitch, a cherished pediatric gastroenterologist at Ochsner Baton Rouge. "You want to make sure that you are ready to be able to prepare not only yourself but y...

Listen to the Episode
232: Preparing and Supporting your child: A son with Breath Holding Spells-Alessandra's Story
Oct. 15, 2024

232: Preparing and Supporting your child: A son with Breath Holding S…

A huge thank you to our sponsor of today's podcast, Begin Health. - Use code CHILDLIFEONCALL for 25% off 30% of children struggle with constipation and it can feel impossible trying to find a solution for your child. Especia...

Listen to the Episode
231: Child Life Specialist Secrets: Flu Shot Prep Strategies Every Parent Should Know
Oct. 6, 2024

231: Child Life Specialist Secrets: Flu Shot Prep Strategies Every Pa…

Child Life Specialist Secrets: Flu Shot Prep Strategies Every Parent Should Know Thank you to the sponsor of today's podcast: Begin Health In this episode of the Child Life On Call Podcast, hosts Katie Taylor and Emily Martin...

Listen to the Episode
226. Moms on a Mission: Raising Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness with Jaclyn & Athena from Feeding Matters
Aug. 6, 2024

226. Moms on a Mission: Raising Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness …

"Combining my personal experiences as a mom with my professional role has given me a unique perspective on the challenges families face and the solutions they need." - Jaclyn Pederson In this insightful episode, host Katie Ta...

Listen to the Episode
223: [6 minutes] Big News: The Child Life On Call App is Now SupportSpot!
June 30, 2024

223: [6 minutes] Big News: The Child Life On Call App is Now SupportS…

Episode Description: In this special impromptu episode, Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist and CEO of Child Life On Call, shares some exciting news! We're rebranding our beloved Child Life On Call app to SupportSpo...

Listen to the Episode
221:Collaborative care between a Child Life Specialist and Social Worker with Annie Gunning and Haley Thomas at Hope for HIE
June 11, 2024

221:Collaborative care between a Child Life Specialist and Social Wor…

On today's episode, Katie had the privilege of speaking with Annie Gunning , a Certified Child Life Specialist and Grief Counselor, and Haley Thomas , a Licensed Master Social Worker, on their collaborative efforts to support...

Listen to the Episode