Podcast
OTs Gone Rogue
Hosted by Melissa LaPointe · EN
OTs Gone Rogue is a podcast for occupational therapists who are ready to think differently, lead boldly, and create meaningful work beyond traditional practice.
Hosted by Melissa LaPointe, this show features honest, unfiltered conversations with clinicians, thought leaders, and innovators who are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship, leadership, women’s health, and professional identity.
From real-life case studies to stories of courage, reinvention, and doing business differently, OTs Gone Rogue offers both inspiration and grounded strategy — whether you’re blazing your own trail or just beginning to imagine what’s possible.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EPISODE 072 | Designing a Learning Pathway: The Behind-the-Scenes Process
Dec 2400:11:42Tap to summarizeLearning doesn’t happen in isolation - it happens inside full lives. In a year that holds leadership responsibilities, business growth, graduate studies, travel, family life, and personal capacity, often the roadblock isn’t “What should I learn next?”, but rather, “How does continued learning fit into the life I’m actually living?”In the final episode of the Continuing Professional Education mini-series, Melissa shares how she designed a learning pathway that fits inside an already-full year - not as a theoretical exercise, but as a lived practice.You’ll hear how annual and quarterly planning become containers for learning, how seasonality and personal capacity shape what’s possible, and how her four learning priorities landed once they were placed alongside the realities of the year ahead.We explore:▶️ Integrating leadership, facilitation, financial empowerment, and systems work into a single year▶️ Designing around real capacity, seasonality, and life rhythms▶️ Why Continuing Professional Education is something we live, not check off our listThis episode marks the end of the six-part Continuing Professional Education mini-series. Did something spark reflection or resonate with you along the way? We’d love to hear from you.Connect with us on Instagram @otsgonerogue or share this episode with someone who is making space for continued learning in an already full year.There’s more to come ⏩This also marks the beginning of a new season of OTs Gone Rogue - one grounded in identity, sustainability, and leadership learning that fits real life. As always, thank you for tuning in and for being on this journey with us. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead! — Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 071 | Learning as Identity Work: Values, Capacity, and Seasonality
Dec 1700:18:50Tap to summarizePause and consider your own learning and professional growth. What’s shaping it right now? What’s shifting? What is this season of life asking of you? If traditional professional development no longer fits, you’re not alone.In this reflective episode, Melissa shares her learning plan for the year ahead - not as a checklist of goals, but as an expression of her identity.Rather than presenting a polished plan, she invites you into the thinking beneath it: the values guiding her leadership, her learning priorities in this season of life, and the move away from compliance-based professional development toward meaning-making.You’ll hear reflections on:✨ Learning as Identity WorkWhy meaningful learning (and leadership) starts with values, not goals✨Sustainable Capacity in MidlifeHow you can honour the season of your life when making learning decisions✨ Emerging Learning PrioritiesLearn the four focus areas Melissa is leaning into to deepen her leadership✨ Designing Learning that Fits Real LifeWhy learning doesn’t need to be rushed, and why alignment matters more than accumulationWhat’s Coming Next ⏩This episode sets the stage for the final chapter of this mini-series.In Episode 72, Melissa shares the second part of her learning plan: exploring how a learning pathway actually takes shape when your work is multidimensional, your capacity is finite, and your identity continues to evolve.Thanks for coming along on this ride, and being a part of our learning journey. — Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 070 | Sustainable Capacity: Rethinking Leadership & Performance
Dec 1200:25:34Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever felt the tension between big ideas and limited capacity - or wondered how to build a business that supports your wellbeing rather than consumes it - this episode is for you.In this episode, Melissa shares how understanding her internal patterns has reshaped her leadership. Through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, she has been able to honour the rhythms of her life through a framework she calls the Sustainable Capacity Operating System. This isn’t about productivity hacks or scaling for the sake of growth. It’s about operating in ways that honour your physiology, your season of life, and the real human conditions that make meaningful work possible.In this episode, you’ll hear about:✨ The IFS Work That Changed EverythingWhy the goal isn’t to eliminate your fast-moving, high-capacity parts - but to give them a defined place inside a grounded system.✨ Physiology, Performance, and Midlife Rhythms What Melissa has learned from integrating health data, hormone insights, and nervous-system awareness into capacity planning.✨ Sustainability as a Personal Practice - Not a Business StrategyHow this perspective has reshaped her pace, boundaries, and the way she stewards her team and programs.There’s more to come ⏩In Episode 71, Melissa walks you through the next layer of this work — her Continuing Professional Education Plan and how she’s mapping her own learning trajectory for the years ahead.Then, in Episode 72, she takes you behind the scenes of how that plan was actually designed: the pacing, decision points, and real-life constraints that shaped it.💬 Join the ConversationDon’t miss what’s coming next - subscribe to the newsletter and explore programs at otsgonerogue.comWe’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Connect with us on Instagram @otsgonerogueThank you for being here - and for being part of this season of learning, grounding, and sustainable growth.— Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 069 | Learning in Context: Two-Eyed Seeing & Perinatal Health
Dec 1000:20:29Tap to summarizeYou don’t need to know everything in order to begin. Today’s episode offers a window into the inner shifts that happen when practitioners stop leading with expertise alone and start leading with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn.Drawing from several years of working alongside Indigenous organizations, Melissa reflects on how Indigenous teachings, community partnerships, and her graduate studies in adult education have threaded together to reshape her approach to learning and program design. She explores the transformative impact of Two-Eyed Seeing, a Mi’kmaq guiding principle that invites us to hold Indigenous and Western ways of knowing together, for the benefit of all. Key Topics:✨ Why Land Acknowledgments MatterNot as scripted statements, but as invitations to recognize place, history, responsibility, and relational learning.✨ Cultural Humility as a Practice - Not a DestinationMelissa shares moments of discomfort, vulnerability, and the learning that unfolded when she stepped into Indigenous programming not as an expert, but as a guest.✨ Facilitating based on Community, not ContentHow the programs you’ve created in the past can continue to evolve toward a more culturally responsive, community-led approach.✨ Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk)How this Indigenous teaching has become a central lens in Melissa’s practice, shaping how she blends Western research, community voice, and Indigenous knowledge into her work.Join the Conversation 💬Learn more about OTs Gone Rogue, explore programs, or subscribe to the newsletter at otsgonerogue.comShare your reflections and connect with us on Instagram @otsgonerogue⏩ Up NextMelissa introduces the Sustainable Capacity Operating System, a framework of learning and leadership shaping her next chapter.Thank you for listening - and for being part of this conversation about learning, community-rooted practice, and doing this work with integrity - especially in cross-cultural contexts. — Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 068 | The Ongoing Journey of a Rogue Scholar
Dec 500:21:53Tap to summarizeThis is the beginning of an introspective mini-series of episodes – combining theory and lived experience together in conversation. Join Melissa as she reflects on her journey as an occupational therapist, educator, entrepreneur, and now, graduate student. Pursuing a master's degree means facing logistical and emotional challenges. Melissa opens up about what pushed her to apply years later, and shares how adult education theory has reshaped her professional life and identity, especially as she navigates new territories in midlife, business, and learning.Key Takeaways in today's episode:Nonlinear Paths are Powerful: You don’t need a traditional journey to be an effective scholar or practitioner.Reflection is Action: Taking time to reflect—privately or publicly—can offer clarity, direction, and meaningful professional growth.Learning Should Fit Who You Are Now: Adult education is about learning in ways that align with your current life, skills, and brain—not forcing old habits that no longer suit you.Embrace Identity Shifts: Disruptions in identity can lead to innovative paths, deeper self-awareness, and expansive professional possibilities.Integrate Theory and Experience: The most powerful learning comes from integrating theoretical frameworks with lived, practical experience.Build and Find Your Community: Seek out mentors, peers, and communities that support your curiosity, growth, and integrity.Up Next: We’ll take a deeper dive into the influential Mi’kmaq guiding principle of Two Eyed Seeing and its impact on Melissa’s work in prenatal, postnatal health, and community partnership.Tune in, stay connected, and keep learning in the ways that feel true to you.For more stories and reflections, subscribe to the OTGR Podcast and join Melissa on this continuing journey of growth, learning, and leadership.
Transcribe →EPISODE 067 | From Pause to Purpose: Reconnecting with the Podcast
Dec 300:14:40Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the OTs Gone Rogue Podcast!We’re kicking off a brand-new chapter with a heartfelt re-entry after an intentional break behind the scenes. If you’ve been wondering where we’ve been (and what’s been unfolding), this episode brings you right into the story.In this conversation, host Melissa LaPointe (she/her) pulls back the curtain on the last 18 months — a period marked by growth, identity shifts, deeper learning, and an evolution in how she leads and shows up in her work. What began as a simple pause became a transformational chapter that now shapes the direction of the OTGR platform.This episode is grounded, reflective, and deeply personal — and it sets the stage for what’s coming next for OTs Gone Rogue.Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in this episode:How Melissa navigated a behind-the-scenes evolution across her roles as practitioner, educator, program designer, and leaderThe story behind her East Coast content retreat — and why it marked a turning point in her identity as a CEOWhat inspired her to apply to the Master of Adult Education program, and how this experience has expanded her thinking and practiceReal-world examples of the programs she’s been building, including physician recruitment work and prenatal programming with Indigenous organizationsWhy she’s been investing deeply in her health, human performance, and inner workWhat brought her back to the podcast — and why storytelling continues to be such an important part of her workThis episode marks a meaningful re-entry point into the OTGR community, offering inspiration and encouragement for anyone navigating their own season of change, expansion, or reinvention.Resources & HighlightsTo learn more about OTs Gone Rogue, explore programs, or stay updated with new episodes, visit: https://www.otsgonerogue.com/💬 Join the ConversationWe’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your reflections and connect with our community on Instagram: @otsgonerogue📬 Stay ConnectedDon’t miss out on future episodes and updates. Subscribe to the newsletter at: https://www.otsgonerogue.com/Thank you for being part of this community. Here’s to a new season of learning, growth, and meaningful conversations together.— Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 066 | Building Together: Collaborative Power in Program Development with Lindsey Vestal & Lara Desrosiers
Feb 20, 202500:54:14Tap to summarizeHow do you feel about collaboration? Working alongside someone in your field of expertise can be challenging. It requires trust, open communication, and a willingness to adapt. But when done right, collaboration allows you to leverage each other’s strengths, balance out weaknesses, and create something truly greater than the sum of its parts.In this episode, host Melissa LaPointe (she/her) welcomes two exceptional guests:Lindsey Vestal (she/her), founder of "The Functional Pelvis", the first OT-run pelvic health practice in New York City.Lara Desrosiers (she/her), founder/owner of the "Pelvic Resilience" private practice in Ontario and specializes in mental health, pelvic health, and pain science. Together, Lindsey and Lara share their journey of collaboration over the past 18 months, resulting in a groundbreaking project: a trauma-informed pelvic health certification program tailored for OTs.This engaging conversation is filled with humour, impactful stories, and actionable insights. Lindsey and Lara open up about their process, from crafting a comprehensive curriculum to engaging participants meaningfully and balancing virtual and in-person training. They’re candid about the triumphs and challenges they faced, offering listeners an authentic look into their collaborative experience.Whether you’re an OT, an educator, or simply someone who’s passionate about meaningful collaboration, this episode is a must-listen!What You'll Learn: Collaboration is Key: Learn how to trust your collaborators, leverage your expertise, and balance each other's weaknesses.📢 Innovative Tech Talk: Could an emoji-based system of communication increase your efficiency? The Best of Both Worlds: Get tips on integrating the benefits of face-to-face interactions into virtual settings.Transparency Builds Trust: Understand how being transparent about your offerings can increase both your reach and participant commitment.The Power of Feedback: Learn to use feedback as a tool for refinement. Focus on delivering quality content that meets participants’ needs, keeping them engaged and confident.Join Melissa, Lindsey, and Lara for a heartfelt discussion that will leave you motivated to embrace collaboration and innovation in your own work. You won’t want to miss it!OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Lindsey Vestal (she/her) is the founder of "The Functional Pelvis", the first OT-run pelvic health practice in New York City, which not only provides pelvic health services, but has also been offering accessible training online since 2018. Learn more at functionalpelvis.comLara Desrosiers (she/her) is a specialist in mental health and pain science, and runs Ontario's "Pelvic Resilience" private practice. Lara integrates trauma-informed care and evidence-based techniques to address the complexities surrounding pelvic health issues. Learn more at pelvicresilience.ca💬 Join the Conversation We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your reflections and connect with our community on Instagram @otsgonerogue📬 Stay Connected Don't miss out on future episodes and updates. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter.otsgonerogue.comThank you for being a part of the OTGR community. Let’s continue to inspire, innovate, and advocate for inclusive, transformative healthcare so that we not only know better, we do better.Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 065 | Navigating Perfectionism and Professional Growth with Lara Desrosiers
Feb 13, 202500:52:54Tap to summarizeIs it perfect enough? That nagging doubt can paralyze us. Perfectionism doesn’t just demand our best—it demands more than our best, often at a cost.In this episode, host Melissa LaPointe (she/her) has a compelling conversation with Lara Desrosiers (she/her), a trailblazing occupational therapist who has carved a unique path in women's health, pelvic health, and mental health integration. For Lara, this battle with perfectionism isn’t theoretical. Her story is one of constant evolution, from renting space in wellness clinics to becoming a key part of the Guelph Women's Health Associates, all while grappling with perfectionism and embracing the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Amid the challenges of surgery, motherhood, and career goals, she has managed to carve a path that honors both her professional aspirations and personal well-being.What You'll Learn: Finding Balance: How to identify essential commitments ("glass balls") versus those that can be deprioritized ("plastic balls").Embracing Imperfection: How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has helped Lara battle perfectionism and foster adaptability.Staying True to You: The importance of maintaining authenticity in a rapidly evolving field, and ensuring that your personal values guide your professional decisions.Seeking Community: Why you should be actively building support networks to improve resilience.Navigating Social Media: How effective marketing is essential for independent practitioners, and why adaptability is key to maintaining a strong online presence.Managing Expectations: How Lara’s daughter taught her a powerful lesson about healing and self-compassion. Prepare to be inspired by Lara Desrosiers’ reflections on perfectionism, balance, community, and the candid ups and downs of her journey. Let’s dive in!OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Lara Desrosiers (she/her) is a specialist in mental health and pain science, and runs Ontario's "Pelvic Resilience" private practice. Lara integrates trauma-informed care and evidence-based techniques to address the complexities surrounding pelvic health issues. Learn more at pelvicresilience.ca or on Instagram at @pelvicresilience.ca💬 Join the Conversation We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your reflections and connect with our community on Instagram @otsgonerogue📬 Stay Connected Don't miss out on future episodes and updates. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter: otsgonerogue.comThank you for being a part of the OTGR community. Let’s continue to inspire, innovate, and advocate for inclusive, transformative healthcare so that we not only know better, we do better.Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 064 | Creating Safer Spaces Through Inclusive Healthcare with Mara Levy
Nov 14, 202400:56:39Tap to summarizeJoin us as Mara Levy shares their unique perspective, combining occupational therapy and somatic experiencing, to tackle body image issues and promote greater inclusivity within healthcare. We're thrilled to bring you the latest episode of the OTGR Podcast, featuring an inspiring conversation between our host Melissa LaPointe and the phenomenal Mara Levy 🌈.In this episode, we xplore Mara’s groundbreaking coaching program, which helps individuals overcome body shame and societal beliefs, melding cognitive and somatic approaches for transformative results. We also touch on the importance of inclusive language, addressing implicit biases, and creating safer spaces for marginalized communities.Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect in this episode:How to find joy and sustainability in creating content for your audience.A sneak peek at a unique coaching program, which combines cognitive and somatic approaches to help clients overcome body shame and reach their goals.A discussion on the challenges of entrepreneurship, where Mara shares their personal story of battling burnout in a high-pressure job, shifting towards a more inclusive and affirming private practice. The importance of advocating for a holistic approach to health that challenges traditional notions linking body size to health status, promoting the Healthy Body At Every Size philosophy.Practicing inclusive language and the correct use of pronouns to foster a welcoming environment for all clients.This episode is not just about professional growth; it’s a heartfelt discussion about inclusive and affirming healthcare that aligns with wider societal needs and individual identities. Thank you again, Mara, for the important work you're doing! Resources and Highlights:To learn more about Mara’s approach to body positivity and self-acceptance, or to dive deeper into their work, go to Rainbow Spring Wellness https://www.rainbowspringwellness.com/💬 Join the Conversation We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your reflections and connect with our community on Instagram at @otsgonerogue📬 Stay Connected Don't miss out on future episodes and updates. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter. https://www.otsgonerogue.com/Thank you for being a part of the OTGR community. Let’s continue to inspire, innovate, and advocate for inclusive, transformative healthcare so that we not only know better, we do better.Melissa & the OTGR Podcast Team
Transcribe →EPISODE 063 | Designing Your Signature Coaching Program for Maximum Impact
Aug 1, 202400:29:52Tap to summarizeWelcome to the final episode of our six-part Clinician to Coach Series! In this podcast series, I'm sharing resources and strategies to help you start and grow your coaching business to consistent $5K and even $10K months without overwhelm or burnout.On today's episode, we're focusing on creating a transformative signature coaching program designed to solve your clients' specific problems and deliver tangible results. We'll break down the essential components such as motivating clients, accountability strategies, and fostering a supportive community. We'll also guide you through the four critical stages of program development, from identifying your clients' needs to crafting a compelling title. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, this episode has all the insights, tips, and strategies to help you create a powerful and scalable coaching program. And remember, it's my mission to get this series into the ears of as many OTs as possible! Meaning if you enjoyed today's episode, please tell a therapy friend and help me to spread the word.If you want to connect with me directly, you can reach out via DM on Instagram @otsgonerogue or by email at otsgonerogue.com/contact.For the latest show notes and full episodes, make sure you head over to otsgonerogue.com/podcast. If you don't want to miss any future episodes including the upcoming episodes in the series, make sure you're subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever else you listen to podcasts.
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