From living with orofacial pain to becoming a leading voice in TMJ and complex pain therapy, Vita Zhylyak’s journey is as inspiring as it is transformative. In this episode, we dive deep into: -Vita’s personal story and the spark behind her “Unlocking Jaw Secrets” course -Her clinical philosophy for navigating intricate diagnoses like TMJD, Eagle Syndrome, Trigeminal Neuralgia, POTS, and MCAS, -Key insights into assessing chronic facial pain—and spotting what others often miss -The vit...

In this episode, I’m joined by airway-centered dentist and Toothpillow co-founder Dr. Kalli Hale to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in pediatric airway care: ➡️ That a guidance appliance alone can "fix" the problem. We dive into the truth about the Toothpillow model—what it is, what it’s not, and why true, lasting growth requires more than just passive tools. Dr. Hale shares: -Why myofunctional therapy is an essential part of guided growth -The difference between muscle-based shapin...

From Burnout to Balance: Nervous System Tools Every Hygienist Needs Stress is more than just part of the job—it’s living in our bodies, shaping our breath, and impacting our well-being far beyond the operatory. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow dental hygienist, Heather DeJonge who’s turned her personal stress journey into a passion for nervous system regulation. We dive into what stress really looks like in clinical care, how to recognize the signs of dysregulation, and what tools yo...

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant and bold Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, to talk about the power of airway awareness from the hygiene chair—even when you’re not a myofunctional therapist. Katrina shares how hygienists can recognize early signs of airway dysfunction, confidently start the conversation with patients, and become a powerful part of the collaborative care team without stepping outside their scope. We explore: •What airway screening looks like in real-time clinic...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Stanley Liu, a dentist and a physician, trained as an oral & maxillofacial surgeon and ENT sleep surgeon to discuss a critical (yet often overlooked) part of airway surgery: the muscles that surround—and make up—the airway. We dive into why jaw surgery isn’t just about skeletal correction or airway volume. It’s about functional muscle rehabilitation. Dr. Liu shares why collaboration with myofunctional therapists before and after surgery is vi...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I’m joined by Tricia Rogers, CCC-SLP—founder of Miss Tongue & Friends—to explore how storytelling can transform therapy. We dive into how creative tools like character-based education, visuals, and playful narratives can help make complex myofunctional and speech concepts click for both kids and their families. Tricia shares: Why personifying the tongue and muscles makes therapy more relatableHow storytelling supports myo goalsWhat therapists c...

In this eye-opening episode with Elizabeth Dooher-Anthony, RDH, OMT, we dive deep into how undiagnosed airway issues can lead to difficult patient interactions—and what dental professionals can do about it. Our guest shares their journey into the world of airway-focused dentistry and why this knowledge is critical for anyone working chairside. You’ll learn how to spot both obvious and subtle red flags in patients, hear real-life case examples, and understand how airway dysfunction can manifes...

As Myofunctional therapists, we know that nasal breathing is essential for optimal health, sleep, and overall airway function. But what if a breakthrough technology could make it easier for patients to breathe through their nose? In this episode, we sit down with the CEO and Founder of SONU, an innovative device designed to enhance nasal airflow using acoustic resonance therapy. We dive deep into how SONU works, its potential benefits for those struggling with chronic congestion, mouth breath...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark Levi, a leading expert in Pediatric Craniofacial Sleep Medicine, to explore innovative approaches to improving children's sleep and overall well-being. With over 30 years of experience in dentistry and more than two decades in craniofacial dental sleep medicine, Dr. Levi brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Dr. Levi explains how conditions like mouth breathing, snoring, and bedwetting can be linked to SDB in children and the i...

The Voice, The Tongue & The Airway with Jessica Luffey In this fascinating episode, I sit down with Jessica Luffey (CSOM, MM)—a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology and professional operatic soprano—to explore the profound connection between vocal performance, orofacial myology, and airway health. Raised in a dental family and trained in elite vocal performance, Jessica has pioneered groundbreaking insights into how tongue ties, craniofacial function, and myofunctional therapy impact...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Piya Gandhi, DDS, a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of West U Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Gandhi is dedicated to helping children establish a strong foundation for oral and airway health, emphasizing early intervention and collaborative care. Join us as we explore the vital connection between pediatric dentistry, myofunctional therapy, and airway development. Dr. Gandhi shares her expertise on topics such as tongue ties, mouth breathing, and how earl...

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecka Clark, RDH, LMT, CSOM, CMLDT, CH-ONC, a leading expert in orofacial rehabilitation who is revolutionizing the way we approach muscle function, movement, and recovery. With a unique background in dental hygiene, massage therapy, myofunctional therapy, and intraoral massage, Rebecka emphasizes the critical role of muscle rehabilitation in optimizing oral and overall health. Join us as we explore her integrative approach, the importance of interdisciplina...

In this episode, I sit down with airway orthodontist, Dr. Michael K. DeLuke, DDS, to explore the crucial link between orthodontics and airway health. We dive into how orthodontic treatments can impact breathing, sleep quality, and overall well-being especially in children. Dr. DeLuke shares insights on recognizing early signs of airway issues, the importance of a collaborative approach with myofunctional therapy, and the latest advancements in airway-focused orthodontic care. Whether you're a...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with her colleague, Dave Henrichsen, an oral myofunctional therapist in the Seattle area who has built a successful practice focusing on mouth breathing, tongue thrust, sleep apnea, tongue tie, TMJ pain and other myofunctional concerns. Over the last several years his strong desire to provide quality care to his patients has built a fire in him to help grow other myofunctional therapists to help them to also become excellent in their field and grow thei...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with Dr. Neel Bulchandani, DC, a holistic chiropractor, bodyworker, movement teacher, podcaster, and philosopher. He utilizes systems thinking in a field he developed called Integrative Airway & Feeding Chiropractic. He launched an intuitive movement practice in 2017 called Movintuit. He began teaching other bodyworkers and birth workers his holistic approach to aiding in the freeing of tethered oral tissues in 2021, and in 2022, he launched a technique c...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with Dr. Claire Stagg, DDS, MS, FAACP. Dr. Stagg shares that the teeth and mouth are profoundly connected with the health of the whole body, and vice versa. She has a holistic, integrative, and comprehensive dental philosophy. Her practice, Smile Professionals, was the first on the Space Coast to provide safe mercury-free dentistry. She is the founder of Health Connections Dentistry and author of two books, “Captain IFBI” - a children’s book encou...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with Julie Flygare, JD. Julie serves as President & CEO of Project Sleep. Believing in the value of sleep, Project Sleep aims to improve public health by educating individuals about the importance of sleep health, sleep equity, and sleep disorders. Project Sleep educates and empowers individuals using events, campaigns, and programs to bring people together and talk about sleep as a pillar of health. Julie is also an internationally recognized patient-per...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with the fabulous Dr. Michelle Weddle, DDS, FAGD, D-ABDSM. Dr. Weddle is highly trained in Dental Sleep Medicine and Sleep Apnea Management, TMJ Treatment and Management, and focuses on the reconstruction of the worn bite and dental occlusion (jaw mechanics). Brittny and Dr. Weddle discuss topics like why SDB is more difficult to diagnose in children and TMD treatment and management, not only in the adult population, but in pediatrics as well. Listen to...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with Chad Wooters, MBA, Director of Operations and Coaching at Awaken2Sleep. Chad has coached hundreds of dentists and teams nationwide and is the architect behind the Sleep Hero Network online academy. Using his experience, Chad coaches dental practices to build successful Dental Sleep Medicine practices. As someone who struggles with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), he is deeply passionate about raising awareness of this health concern. As a national speaker ...

In today's episode, Brittny chats with practicing dental hygiene, Amber Auger, MPH, RDH. Amber has a mission to elevate the standard of care to determine the root cause of oral diseases, this includes screening every patient for airway disorders. With over 20 years of experience, Amber specializes in creating practical systems to implement the latest oral science. Amber is actively mentoring and educating fellow dental hygienists in their careers and in personal and career growth through her ...