Show Description: Amy and Angelyn explore the concept of What if building your private practice didn’t have to feel like a sprint?
In this honest conversation, Amy and Angelyn unpack the early days of starting a business—the pressure to say yes to everyone, the fear of slowing down, and what it actually looks like to build something sustainable. Amy shares the lessons she learned from doing “too much” and how she eventually rebuilt her practice around freedom, values, and ease.
You’ll walk away with practical ways to pause, realign, and start shaping a business that feels like you—not the version everyone else says you should build.contributing to burnout and stress.
Key Topics Covered
How Amy’s private practice began without a clear plan and what she learned from doing it the “fast” way.
The hidden cost of saying yes to every client (and how it quietly leads to burnout).
Why boundaries with your schedule are important and how Amy reclaimed hers.
The difference between building a business that looks successful and one that feels sustainable.
How to use your core values as a filter for decisions, opportunities, and daily tasks.
The “parking lot” strategy Angelyn uses to manage ideas without adding overwhelm.
Why comparison on social media can distort your view of success and what to focus on instead.
How slowing down and trusting your timeline can actually help your business grow.
The mindset shift that helps you build around ease, not exhaustion.
A reminder that you’re human and your business should honor that.
Notable Quotes:
"I don’t want a business that just looks successful. I want one that actually feels good to live inside of.” — Amy
“You can’t build something sustainable if you’re constantly saying yes out of fear.” — Angelyn
“At some point, you’ve planted the seeds. You’ve done the work. The next step isn’t doing more, it’s trusting what you’ve already built.” — Amy
Connect With Us
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn tackle the well-intentioned but problematic advice to "just make time" for everything. They explore why this common phrase creates unnecessary pressure and ignores the reality that while we all have the same 24 hours, we don't all have the same capacity, resources, or circumstances.
Key Topics Covered
Notable Quotes
"We all have the same 24 hours, but we don't all have the same opportunities to do certain things every day. We all just don't have the same capacity to do everything the same way every day." - Amy
"None of this is about making your time. It's not about you being really poor with your time management. It's really just about honoring your needs and your capacity." - Amy
"The phrase that drives me crazy is when people tell me that I have the same amount of time or when people tell themselves, like they have the same amount of hours in the day as Beyoncé. Like, okay, but Beyoncé has a whole lot more resources than I do." - Angelyn
Key Takeaways
Connect With Us
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn explore the concept of intentionally making life easier, challenging the notion that doing things the hard way earns extra points. They discuss how perfectionism, societal expectations, and internalized "shoulds" often lead us to overcomplicate our lives, contributing to burnout and stress.
Key Topics Covered
Notable Quotes:
"Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you need to or that you should. And doing things the hard way doesn't earn you any extra points." - Amy
"I think having a mom that is modeling not doing things just because they feel like they have to is such an important thing for our kids to see. And I think also having a mom who is happy and grounded and not burnt out can also be so good for our kids to see." - Angelyn
"Being aware of what feels draining and then telling yourself it's okay for it to be easier is so freeing." - Angelyn
"When we have our grip on something so tightly, we're just not inviting ease. And it's just so hard to try to do all of these things because you've always been doing it this way and you think you should be able to do it. But does it mean that you have to keep doing that?" - Amy
Key Takeaways
Connect With Us
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn return from their intentional summer break to tackle an important topic: why vacations alone can't fix burnout. They explore how many SLPs count down to their next vacation only to feel the same dread upon return, creating a cycle that never addresses the root causes of burnout.
Key Topics Covered
Notable Quotes:
Key Takeaways:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn celebrate reaching their 13th episode milestone and reflect on the key lessons they've learned during their first six months of podcasting. They share insights about alignment, boundaries, and embracing imperfection that apply not just to podcasting but to professional and personal life as well.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes: "Leaning into alignment, whether that's with coworkers or batching tasks... that little bit of happiness when you realize you're doing something that feels aligned is what makes it worth it." - Angelyn
"You can always try something and then decide what works for you and what doesn't. You're not confined to doing things you should do because other people are doing it." - Amy
"Choose something that seems like it would work for your students or patients and then just take imperfect, messy action. You don't have to wait until you know everything about everything." - Angelyn
Key Takeaways:
Practical Applications:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn reconnect with their words of the year—commitment and intentionality—discussing how these guiding principles have shaped their decisions and actions halfway through the year. They explore the powerful practice of aligning tasks with core values and the freedom to adjust goals as needed.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes: "Being intentional doesn't mean always making the right decision. It's about making the next intentional decision." - Angelyn
"When you have clarity, it honestly feels easier. Even if the things themselves are not easy, I feel more empowered just knowing what that feeling is behind it." - Amy
"Being intentional and aware and mindful about what's on our list and how we're spending our time and our energy is so important." - Angelyn
Key Takeaways:
Practical Tips:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn have an open conversation about their experiences with ADHD and motherhood, exploring how late diagnoses have shaped their understanding of themselves and their approaches to parenting. They discuss the challenges of the "invisible load" of motherhood when combined with ADHD and the journey toward self-acceptance.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes:
"When you don't have a name for it, you kind of just think it's something that's your fault or something that you're doing wrong." - Angelyn
"Learning more about how my brain works, especially as it relates to being a mom and how I show up in other parts of my life, has been really empowering." - Amy
"Having that acceptance of the diagnosis for me made a huge difference in how I was showing up in the world." - Angelyn
Key Takeaways:
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn tackle the "grass is greener" mindset, exploring how comparison and fear of the unknown can keep SLPs stuck in unfulfilling situations. They discuss the freedom to make intentional changes, the importance of self-care, and how to water your own grass regardless of where you choose to be.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes: "I'm the boss of my grass. If I go somewhere and it's not great, I can either water it or I can go somewhere else to some other grass." - Angelyn
"We are not responsible for how people want to react to the boundaries or the decisions that we make that we know are best for us." - Amy
"Knowing that we deserve to take care of ourselves just as much as we're taking care of other people is so important." - Angelyn
Key Takeaways:
Practical Tips:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn explore the concept of dream jobs and how core values can serve as a compass for finding fulfillment in your current work situation. Rather than waiting for the perfect job or winning the lottery, they discuss how to identify elements of your ideal career that can be incorporated into your present reality.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes:
"We are not responsible for how people want to react to the boundaries or the decisions that we make that we know are best for us." - Amy
"Knowing what your values are and identifying those things that trigger you as misalignments, there's so much power in that." - Angelyn
"I don't want people to listen to this and feel like, 'Well, I don't want to start my own private practice, so how am I going to have my dream job?' Because you don't need to do those things to have a dream job." - Amy
Key Takeaways:
Practical Tips:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn explore a unique approach to discovering core values through planning an imaginary dream dinner party. Based on an exercise from Dr. Pooja Lakshmin's book "Real Self Care," they walk through creating their ideal gatherings and uncover how each choice—from location to guest list to menu—reveals what truly matters to them.'
Key Topics Covered
Dream Party Elements Revealed
Notable Quotes
"Finding your core values isn't just about what you think you should care about, it's about what actually lights you up in real life." - Angelyn (referencing Dr. Pooja Lakshmin)
"I think it really just brings or sheds light on the fact that when you plan something, it really brings that attention to what makes you feel happy, what lights you up." - Amy
Key Takeaways:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Free resources: https://angelynfranks.myflodesk.com/chillslp
Show Description: Amy and Angelyn challenge the popular "I get to" vs. "I have to" reframe, discussing why this mindset hack can sometimes feel inauthentic and even harmful. They explore how forced positivity can minimize real feelings and prevent us from honoring our true capacity.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes: "It feels like toxic positivity, but packaged in a costume almost. Like it's not supposed to sound like toxic positivity, but it really feels like toxic positivity to me." - Angelyn
"I don't feel like I should have to feel like I get to do something when I'm feeling really overwhelmed maybe by something or feeling like it's really challenging." - Amy
"Self-compassion says, I'm not okay, you're not okay, and it's okay to not be okay." - Angelyn (quoting Kristin Neff)
Key Takeaways:
Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn dive deep into the concept of core values, exploring how identifying your authentic values (versus "shouldy" values) can be transformative in preventing burnout and creating alignment in your life and career as an SLP.
Key Topics Covered:
Notable Quotes:
"When life feels really good and meaningful, you probably are acting in alignment with your core values." - Angelyn
"Knowing and being able to identify what my core values are has truly been life-changing. It's almost like I can't not think about them when I'm making a decision." - Amy
"When I'm setting a boundary and I know I'm doing it because of my values, it makes it so much easier." - Angelyn
Key Takeaways:
Resource:
Connect With Us!
Angelyn Franks - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@slpselfcaresociety.com
Amy Zembriski - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn explore the concept of identity beyond work through the lens of a hypothetical lottery win, discussing how to pursue dreams and find purpose without waiting for financial freedom.
Key Topics Covered:
- Challenging the notion that work defines identity
- The difference between purpose and profession
- Permission to dream big without winning the lottery
- The 10-10-10 rule for decision making
- Three life-design questions for reflection
- Making small changes toward bigger dreams
Notable Quotes:
"When you start to live for yourself and not for other people, that's when you've truly woken up in your life." - Amy's Yoga Teacher
"We are SLP second and we need to remember that we are human first over everything." - Amy
"Pull your own happy wagon." - Angelyn (via her friend Christy)
Key Takeaways:
- Identity shouldn't be solely tied to profession
- Small changes can lead to significant life shifts
- The importance of questioning societal expectations
- Finding purpose beyond professional identity
- Permission to dream without guilt
Reflection Questions Shared:
1. What would life look like in 5 years on your current path?
2. What if you pursued joy and purpose instead?
3. What if there were no limits - financial or societal?
10-10-10 Rule
1. Will this matter in 10 minutes?
2. Will this matter in 10 weeks?
3. Will this matter in 10 years?
Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn dive deep into perfectionism in the SLP field, discussing how it manifests from graduate school applications through clinical practice, and its connection to burnout and imposter syndrome.
Key Points Discussed:
- The roots of perfectionism in SLP education and career paths
- Connection between perfectionism and imposter syndrome
- Impact of perfectionism on physical and mental health
- Setting realistic boundaries without becoming perfectionistic about them
- The importance of self-compassion and embracing humanity in practice
Notable Quotes:
"Our worth isn't measured by our perfection, but by our humanity. Sometimes the most professional thing we can do is acknowledge that we're human first and SLP second." - Amy
"Being perfectionistic about our boundaries can be just as problematic as being perfectionistic about our work. The antidote is finding a middle ground and checking in with yourself realistically." - Angelyn
"Perfectionism doesn't make you a better SLP. It doesn't serve your clients and it doesn't serve your career." - Amy
Key Takeaways:
- Perfectionism often starts before graduate school and can follow throughout one's career
- The importance of recognizing physical signs of burnout
- Finding balance between maintaining boundaries and allowing flexibility
- The value of self-compassion in professional practice
Angelyn - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@theslpselfcaresociety.comAmy - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
Show Description:
Amy and Angelyn discuss the importance of having hobbies outside of the SLP profession, challenging the notion that every activity needs to have a purpose or be monetized. They share their experience creating the podcast as a "low-stakes" hobby and discuss giving themselves permission to pursue activities purely for enjoyment.
Key Topics Covered:
- Creating space for hobbies without pressure to monetize
- The importance of "low-stakes" activities
- Challenging guilt around taking time for yourself
- Setting boundaries to protect hobby time
- The difference between productive activities and joy-bringing hobbies
- Being intentional about imperfection
Notable Quotes:
"Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself as a professional is to forget about your career for a while." - Amy
"Just existing and enjoying what you're doing in your unicorn space is enough." - Angelyn
"You don't have to have a purpose for everything that you do." - Amy
Key Takeaways:
- Hobbies don't need to be perfect or productive
- It's okay to be unavailable for hobby time
- The importance of not apologizing for taking time for yourself
- Creating space for activities without expectations
- The value of doing something purely for enjoyment
Connect with Us:
Angelyn - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@theslpselfcaresociety.com
Amy - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
In this episode, Amy and Angelyn dive into their intentions for 2025, discussing what they plan to do more of and less of in the coming year. They explore the importance of making values-aligned decisions and share personal stories about setting boundaries and honoring capacity.
Key Topics Discussed
Notable Quotes
"I know for so long I was setting my goals based on what I felt like I should do and what other people expected of me." - Angelyn
"When you really are aligned with your values, you can not only make better decisions for yourself as an SLP, but just as a human. And we are just so much more than our work. We're so much more than being an SLP." - Amy
Connect with Us:
Angelyn - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@theslpselfcaresociety.com
Amy - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com
In this debut episode, co-hosts Amy and Angelyn introduce themselves and share their vision for the Chill, SLP podcast. They discuss their experiences with burnout as speech-language pathologists and their journeys to finding better work-life balance.
Key Topics Discussed
Notable Quotes:
"Being chill isn't about being perfectly zen all the time... it's about recognizing the patterns and intentionally creating space to reset." - Amy
"Burnout is multifactorial... it impacts so many things and it's impacted by so many things." - Angelyn
"When you start to really think about what you value and what makes you feel aligned, it's such a nice feeling. Things just don't feel off." - Angelyn
Connect with Us:
Angelyn - @dr.angelynfranks on instagram || e-mail: hello@theslpselfcaresociety.com
Amy - @amyz.theslp on instagram || e-mail: info@speechtherapyconnectionsllc.com