Tune in to hear our hosts Alli and Melissa explain what you need to know before your child’s surgery. These 5 tips will set you up to successfully navigate, advocate, and support your child through the unique multifaceted medical experience of

Episode 16: The Inside Scoop with Melissa and Alli

Dec 5th, 2022 13m 8s

On this episode, tune in to learn what is child life? How Melissa and Alli discovered the field of child life? And what are their goals for the Medical Mamas podcast. Join us as we reflect on where we started, lay the foundation for our podcast

Preparing for the Unknown: Helping Children Through Medical Procedures

Nov 21st, 2022 26m 24s

Have you ever been listening to someone talk and realized you have no idea what they are saying?! The same thing happened to Alli when her husband was attending law school and would come home and share all the things he had learned. Alli knew Z

Audrey Hunter on How to Use Books to Enhance Child Development

Nov 7th, 2022 20m 34s

Sharing her expertise with us is Audrey Hunter, founder of Litby, a supplemental reading resource for schools and libraries aimed to help students read, comprehend, and engage with rigorous novels through book clubs."The things we want our ch

Science Behind the Why

Nov 15th, 2021 53m 8s

If you have kids under the age of 5 this episode is for you! Learn the science behind why kids act the way they do. Join us as we chat with Megan Sheldon, MS, IMH-E, CIMI, an infant and toddler mental health consultant who specializes in helpin

Gymnastics & Self-Esteem

Oct 25th, 2021 33m 26s

Self-esteem, teens, and gymnastics. Join us as we talk with Sarah Carlson a competitive gymnastics coach at All Star Gymnastics. We discuss the benefits athletics can have on child development and self-esteem, particularly in the teen years.Th

Back to School

Aug 3rd, 2021 23m 28s

Back to school can be a tough transition for kiddos, and parents! Due to the global pandemic and changes in the education system over the past 18 months, the beginning of this school year may bring extra stressors to many children, teachers, an

Trailer

Preview: Medical Mamas

Aug 3rd, 2021 43s

Medical Mamas strives to promote pediatric growth and coping by providing parents resources to aid in navigating acute medical experiences, general wellness, child development, and life transitions from birth through young adulthood. Join Certi

The 360-degrees on Burns

Jul 19th, 2021 26m 31s

Sunburns, scalds, and contact burns. Join us as we talk with Amy Ballin, a Certified Child Life Specialist, and learn more about the gamut of pediatric burns. Amy describes the most common burns in children and why infants and toddlers are mor

We're Back, With a Twist!

Jul 5th, 2021 35m 54s

Learn more about who we are and our vision for where our new season of this podcast will take the listeners. From the average family’s encounter with going to the hospital, Patch Adams, medical bills and the recognition of early civilization, l

ACLP Insights: Featuring Bailey Kasten, COO and interim CEO

Apr 12th, 2021 42m 39s

During this episode of Beyond the Bag: Conversations with Child Life Specialists, hosts Al and Mel sat down with Bailey Kasten the COO and interim CEO at the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). During their conversation, Bailey shar

Getting To The HEART Of It

Feb 19th, 2021 45m 12s

Today we have with us Nicole, a Certified Child Life Specialist who works with kiddos diagnosed with a full spectrum of cardiac conditions. We look forward to chatting with her about her experiences with these kiddos, their families, and learni

4 Pillars: Our Cornerstones for a New Year

Feb 18th, 2021 17m 41s

Happy New Year! How is it already February? Catch up with Mel & Al during episode 6. It’s a new year and new outlook. Learn about the four words we will be focusing on in 2021 to shape our conversations and engagement. We look forward to you jo

Child Life Coffee

Dec 9th, 2020 42m 36s

Today on Beyond the Bag: Conversations with Child Life Specialists we want to shed light on a great organization that is giving back, not only during the holiday season, but all throughout the year! Mel and I were touched by this family’s story

Diabetes with Dani and Lauren - Part Two

Nov 23rd, 2020 33m 3s

PART TWO - November is Diabetes Awareness Month. On this episode of Beyond the Bag: Conversations with Child Life Specialists we are discussing Type 1 Diabetes, most commonly diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. “According to the Ame

Diabetes with Dani & Lauren

Nov 10th, 2020 42m 25s

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. On this episode of Beyond the Bag: Conversations with Child Life Specialists we are discussing Type 1 Diabetes, most commonly diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. “According to the American Diabe

Episode 2: Holidazz with Special Guest Jamie Gentille

Oct 27th, 2020 40m 5s

With the holiday season right around the corner, on this episode of Beyond The Bag we'll be diving into the role of child life specialists and their efforts to create a festive holiday season beginning in October and spanning through the end of

Two Brains Are Better Than One

Oct 12th, 2020 39m 39s

Get to know hosts Al & Mel and dive into the background of how "Beyond the Bag" came to be."Beyond the Bag: Conversations with Child Life Specialists" is a podcast designed with caregivers in mind. Whether the professional or family member our