Skip to main content
Airway First

Airway First

By Children's Airway First foundation

This is the podcast channel for the Children’s Airway First Foundation. This is our main channel and is focused on raising awareness and educating parents and medical professionals.

Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

S3: E22 - Dr. Michael Gelb - Airway Trumps Everything Else in Dentistry

Airway FirstDec 13, 2022

00:00
01:04:28
S4:E33 - Dr. Tina Rokadia: An International View on Poor Sleep and Mouth Breathing
Apr 27, 202329:27
S4:E32 - Dr. Darius Loghmanee and Dr. Kevin Boyd: A Call for Medical Collaboration in Children's Health

S4:E32 - Dr. Darius Loghmanee and Dr. Kevin Boyd: A Call for Medical Collaboration in Children's Health

My guests today are Dr. Darius Langmahnee and Dr. Kevin Boyd. Please join us as we discuss the critical importance of dental and medical collaboration in the future of children's health.


Darius A Loghmanee MD FAAP FAASM D.ABIM

Dr. Loghmanee is the Director of the Advocate Children’s Sleep Network at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Dr. Loghmanee received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine. He did his postgraduate training at Rush University Medical Center where he completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and trained as a fellow in the Sleep Disorders Center.

After his training, he spent seven years at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago where he evaluated and treated children with control of breathing and sleep disorders and served as the Associate Director of the Sleep Medicine Center. Recruited to the Advocate Medical Group to build the first population sleep health service line, Dr. Loghmanee has established pediatric sleep labs, developed novel population-based approaches to assess sleep and breathing, and has systematized collaborations with primary care providers, pulmonologists, ear, nose, and throat surgeons, dentists, occupational therapists, myofunctional therapists, psychologists, faith-based organizations, schools, community groups, and families in efforts to optimize sleep health in children and adolescents.

You can find out more about Dr. Loghmanee at care.advocatehealth.com/doctors/darius-a-loghmanee-park-ridge-pediatric-sleep-medicine.


Dr. Kevin Boyd, DDS, MSc


Dr. Boyd is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Chicago, IL. He is also an attending instructor in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency-Training Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital where he additionally serves as a dental consultant to the Sleep Medicine service. He also serves as a dental consultant at Lutheran General Hospital. He is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Anthropology conducting research in anthropology and orthodontics.

Prior to completing his DDS degree from Loyola University’s Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1986, he obtained an advanced degree (MSc) in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Michigan State University. He completed his post-graduate residency training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa due to its reputation for providing intensive clinical and didactic learning opportunities in the areas of early childhood orthodontics/dentofacial orthopedics, and also early childhood behavior guidance management and child psychological/emotional development.

You can find out more about Dr. Boyd at dentistry4children.net.


Show Notes:



Apr 27, 202353:09
S4:E31 - Brittny Murphy: Parent's Guide to Myofunctional Therapy

S4:E31 - Brittny Murphy: Parent's Guide to Myofunctional Therapy

My guest today is Brittny Murphy, the owner of CT Orofacial Myology. She is a Certified Orofacial Myologist and Buteyko Breathing Educator. Brittny received her degree from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS in 2011 and post-graduate training in Myofunctional Therapy through the AOMT and IAOM in 2016 and 2017.

Brittny is an educator and mentor for Dental Sleep Toolbox and Airway Health Solutions, training other registered dental hygienists who share the same passion for becoming myofunctional therapists. Brittny is also the face behind the podcast, “I Spy with My Myo Eye”.

As an orofacial myologist and healthcare professional, Brittny is always looking for ways to improve her patient’s quality of life. She believes myofunctional therapy is a huge aid in attaining those goals. Brittny advocates for her patients every step of the way and will make sure her patients are heard. Brittny is always looking to expand her knowledge and skills by taking courses and keeping up to date on current literature and best industry practices. She works collaboratively with and is well respected by dentists, orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS), otolaryngologists (ENTs), speech-language pathologists, and other local healthcare professionals.

You can find out more about Brittny at ctorofacialmyology.com.


Show Notes:


Mar 07, 202334:04
S4:E30 - Dr. Jerald Simmons and Dr. Kevin Boyd: SEC Sleep Conference
Feb 17, 202338:36
S4:E29 - Patrick McKeown: The Critical Importance of Proper Breathing

S4:E29 - Patrick McKeown: The Critical Importance of Proper Breathing

My guest today is Patrick McKeown --- creator, CEO, and Director of Education and Training at Oxygen Advantage®, Director of Education and Training at Buteyko Clinic International, and President of Buteyko Professionals International. He is a leading international expert on breathing and sleep, and the author of bestselling books including The Oxygen Advantage. His focus is to empower more people every day to breathe better, feel better and achieve their potential.

Patrick was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and later studied in the Moscow clinic of the founder of the Buteyko Breathing Method; the late Professor Konstantin Buteyko. He was honored to be awarded a Diploma in the Buteyko Method by Professor Buteyko.

Patrick’s current professional affiliations include being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (UK), a Member of the Physiological Society (UK), a Member of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, a Fellow of Buteyko Professionals International, and a Fellow of the International Academy of Breathing & Health.

From a very young age, Patrick suffered from asthma and relied on an array of medicines and inhalers until he discovered the Buteyko Method at the age of 26. This life-changing discovery motivated him to change his career in order to help children and adults who suffered from similar breathing problems. Following his time in Russia in 2002, Patrick has been teaching the Buteyko Method in Australia, USA, and throughout Europe.

He has penned seven books, including three Amazon.com best sellers, and has been invited to speak at dental and respiratory conferences throughout the world. In collaboration with the University of Limerick & Limerick University Hospital in Ireland, Patrick was the Buteyko method instructor in a clinical study investigating the Buteyko Method as a treatment for individuals who had a diagnosis of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.

You can find out more about Patrick at oxygenadvantage.com and buteykoclinic.com.

Show Notes:


Feb 10, 202349:28
S4:E28 - Dr. William Harrell: Achieving Anatomical Truth in Airway Diagnosis and Treatment

S4:E28 - Dr. William Harrell: Achieving Anatomical Truth in Airway Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Harrell began his orthodontic practice in Alexander City, AL in 1977 and has devoted most of his career to educating his peers, the public, and other healthcare professionals on the importance of discovering and treating airway obstructions leading to altered growth issues in children that can cause serious health conditions later in life. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside pioneers such as Dr. William Farrar, the pioneer of TMJ Therapy, and Dr. Christian Guilleminalt, MD, one of the “Fathers of Sleep Medicine.”

Dr. Harrell lectures to residents, medical doctors, and dentists worldwide. Dr. Harrell also is a professor at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry Orthodontic Department.

Dr. Harrell is the Chairperson of Radsite’s Standards Committee on ConeBeam CT (CBCT) for both medicine and dentistry. Dr. Harrell is also on the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Children’s Airway Screener Taskforce (CAST) tasked with developing a children’s screening questionnaire, called C-GASP, for uncovering early airway issues in children.

Dr. Harrell has served as President, Vice-President, Secretary & Treasurer of the 9th District Dental Society of the Alabama Dental Association, The President and Vice-President of the Alabama Orthodontic Association, Twice President of the Alexander City Lake Martin Rotary Club, Served on the Board of Trustees and in the House of Delegates of the Alabama Dental Association, is Board Certified in Orthodontics, and presently working on Board Certification in Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Harrell is the lead EDITOR of a Medical/Dental textbook called “Growing into Breathing Problems: The Quest for Collaborative Lifetime Solutions” which is scheduled to be published by Springer Publishing in early 2023.

You can find out more about Dr. Harrell at drharrell.com.


Show Notes:

Feb 03, 202301:06:43
S4: E27 - Dr. Funke Alfolabi-Brown: The Epidemic of Teens and Sleep Deprivation

S4: E27 - Dr. Funke Alfolabi-Brown: The Epidemic of Teens and Sleep Deprivation

My guest today is Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown. Dr. Brown is board-certified in pediatric pulmonary medicine and pediatric sleep disorders. As a double board-certified pediatric respiratory sleep medicine physician, Dr. Brown helps her patients breathe better and sleep better. By extension, she helps improve the sleep of their parents.

Dr. Brown is a speaker, an educator, a writer, and the founder of Restful Sleep MD where she helps busy professional women and their children prioritize sleep to not only achieve their optimal health but also thrive and live to their fullest potential. She does this through courses and programs focused on educating and empowering busy professional women to make sleep a priority as a critical pillar of their health.

Dr. Brown is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). She has served on several committees locally, regionally, and nationally. Brown is passionate about mentoring the next generation of physician scholars and is particularly vested in the training and development of minority scholars.

She also works with organizations and small businesses, to improve employee health by incorporating healthy sleep as part of their wellness journey. She does this through seminars, workshops, and round table sessions.

You can find out more about Dr. Afolabi-Brown on her website at restfulsleepmd.com.


Show Notes:
  • Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders are on the rise among teenagers
  • Teens getting less than 8 hours of sleep at night are at risk of feeling depressed and anxious
  • Up to 53% of middle and 73% of high schoolers get less than the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep
  • Teen Sleeping Courses with Dr. Funke Alfolabi-Brown: Access Course
  • CDC Sleep and Sleep Disorders
  • CDC Sleep Statistics
Jan 20, 202337:17
S4: E26 - Dr. Shereen Lim: Teaching Your Child to Breathe, Sleep, and Thrive

S4: E26 - Dr. Shereen Lim: Teaching Your Child to Breathe, Sleep, and Thrive

My guest today is Dr. Shereen Lim, a Perth-based dentist with a postgraduate diploma in dental sleep medicine from the University of Western Australia. As one of Australia’s first handful of dentists to obtain a qualification in dental sleep medicine, she has spent more than a decade working with patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Rather than managing dysfunctional breathing and its consequences, Dr. Lim is focused on promoting airway health. This means reinforcing nasal breathing and promoting good airway development from infancy as keys to sleeping well, thriving, and greater future health. Dr. Lim regularly sees infants to adults and has been able to pinpoint the issues in infancy that lead to bigger problems down the track.

She is passionate about educating child health professionals from a variety of fields to recognize the earliest warning signs of poor airway health including poor oral function and poor jaw development and promoting collaborative care to address these as early as possible. Her vision is to help more children receive timely care to breathe, sleep and thrive to their full potential, and avoid growing into more serious problems later in life.

Dr. Lim is a renowned speaker and the author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive which is available on Amazon.

You can find out more about Dr. Lim at drshereenlim.com.au.


Show Notes:
Jan 06, 202338:43
S3: E25 - 2022 Year in Review (Part 2)
Jan 01, 202344:16
S3: E24 - 2022 Year in Review (Part 1)

S3: E24 - 2022 Year in Review (Part 1)

As we say goodbye to 2022 and look forward to the year ahead, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the amazing guests we’ve had on the program this past year. In this episode, part one of our year in review, you’ll hear excerpts from various podcast episodes, based on topics such as airway health education, personal stories, healing, airway and the face, and speech/myofunctional therapy.

I personally had a hard time pulling this episode together as it was hard for me to narrow down the perfect excerpt from each episode as every guest has brought so much amazing information and insight to each episode. I’ll include the links to every episode in the show notes so that, if something in an excerpt resonates with you, you’ll be able to easily access the full episode.


Show Notes:
Jan 01, 202301:00:35
S3: E23 - Dr. Felix Liao: Mind, Body, Mouth, Airway for Whole Health

S3: E23 - Dr. Felix Liao: Mind, Body, Mouth, Airway for Whole Health

My guest today is Dr. Felix Liao. Dr. Liao is a thought leader and healthcare innovator who has restored the mouth back to the body as a vital organ for many patients’ natural health and wellness. His WholeHealth philosophy integrates mind-body-mouth to produce breakthrough outcomes.

Among dentists, Dr. Liao is a leading airway-centered mouth doctor with recognized expertise in Impaired Mouth Syndrome and Holistic Mouth Solutions. He is also the inventor of Start Thriving Appliance® for test-driving and adopting Holistic Mouth Solutions as the answer to Impaired Mouth Syndrome. In 2020, Dr. Liao expanded Holistic Mouth Solutions to include both a sleep-friendly mouth structure and a sensible eating mouth Style to build vibrant health and innate immunity.

Clinically, Dr. Liao helps patients suffering from Impaired Mouth Syndrome with treatment plans to redevelop them into a sound infrastructure using epigenetic oral appliances, and WholeHealth integration as needed to restore sleep, fix pain and recharge energy. Professionally, Dr. Liao is the Director of AMD Training Seminars® to help traditional drill & fill dentists become AMDs to deliver Holistic Mouth Solutions to patients. He is also the Founder of WholeHealth Integration Summits®.

Dr. Liao holds an engineering degree from Brown University, a DDS from Case School of Dental Medicine, Board Certification by the American Board of General Dentistry, a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mastership in the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM). He is a past president of IABDM.

Dr. Liao is the author of three best-selling books: Six Foot Tiger Three Foot Cage, Early Sirens, and Licensed to Thrive.

You can find out more about Dr. Liao at holisticmouthsolutions.com.


SHOW NOTES:


Dec 20, 202201:21:00
S3: E22 - Dr. Michael Gelb - Airway Trumps Everything Else in Dentistry

S3: E22 - Dr. Michael Gelb - Airway Trumps Everything Else in Dentistry

My guest today is Dr. Michael Gelb --- Dr. Michael Gelb is a world-renowned inventor, lecturer, NYU professor, and author of the best-selling book GASP: Airway Health - The Hidden Path to Wellness. Known for his breakthrough work in TMJ, airway-centered disorders, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, and chronic headache treatments, Dr. Gelb has pioneered and coined Airway Centric® dentistry and is transforming lives at scale by helping people feel and breathe better.

Dr. Gelb is featured in The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Fox News, CBS, CNN, Women’s Day, The Globe & Mail, and ABC News, to name a few. A board member and chair of the Development Committee for the Airway Revolution Foundation and A co-founder of The Foundation for Airway Health, The American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, and The Gelb Institute, Dr. Gelb is an entrepreneur, a mentor to many, and inspiration to all, with a mission to transform and save millions of lives through Airway Centric® dentistry.

Dr. Gelb is a graduate of Tufts University and Columbia University and is the son of Dr. Harold Gelb, who pioneered TMJ treatments --- linking it to the rest of the body.

You can find out more about Dr. Gelb at gelbcenter.com.


Show Notes:






Dec 13, 202201:04:28
S3: E21 - James Nestor: Breath - The New Science of a Lost Art

S3: E21 - James Nestor: Breath - The New Science of a Lost Art

My guest today is award-winning author, James Nestor. He is an author and journalist who has written for Scientific American, Outside Magazine, BBC, The New York Times, The Atlantic, NPR, and many more. His latest book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, explores how the human species has lost the ability to breathe properly and more importantly, how we can get it back.

Breath spent 18 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list in its first year of release, sold more than one million copies, and was awarded the Best General Nonfiction book of 2020 by the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

James has spoken around the world including at Stanford Medical School, Harvard Medical School, The United Nations, and more than 60 radio and television shows.

We are proud also to have James as a member of the Children’s Airway First Advisory Board.

You can find out more about James at mrjamesnestor.com.


Show Notes:
Dec 07, 202234:49
S3: E20 - Daniel Drew: Speech Therapy, Breathing, and Exercise with Mr. Myo

S3: E20 - Daniel Drew: Speech Therapy, Breathing, and Exercise with Mr. Myo

Daniel was raised in Dover, Delaware. He returned to the area to practice speech therapy after obtaining his Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from MGH Institute of Health Profession. With 10 years of experience, Daniel is versed in a variety of settings including school-based speech therapy, outpatient pediatrics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and acute care settings. Daniel treats patients at the Center for Airway and Facial Development and Pain and Sleep Therapy Center in Newark, Delaware. He is also a Speech-Language Pathologist at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Delaware.

Daniel evaluates and treats myofunctional disorders, sleep-disordered breathing, swallowing deficits, receptive and expressive language delays/disorders, and articulation/phonological disorders. Daniel works in conjunction with a triple board-certified dentist and TMJ specialist, Dr. Ryan Robinson, in preparing clients for functional frenuloplasty procedures. During the initial Covid-19 pandemic, Daniel saw many of his clients in the hospital setting were having difficulty meeting their speech and swallowing goals due to high anxiety, pain, and stress. He implemented various breathing exercises in his speech therapy sessions in order to help his clients better participate in their inpatient rehab programs. This led to him becoming certified in the Buteyko Breathing Method. Daniel’s strong desire to learn and broaden his knowledge has brought him back to the pediatric setting after years of work in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in order to pursue Myofunctional Therapy with adults and children at the Center for Airway and Facial Development in Newark, Delaware. His foundation as a medical speech-language pathologist makes him uniquely suited to address common problems that are associated with Myofunctional Disorders. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys reading new research in sleep/breathing science, long-distance running, and weightlifting.

You can find out more about Daniel at www.afdortho.com and follow him on Instagram at mr_myo302.


Show Notes:

- The Center for Airway and Facial Development: https://airwayandfacialdevelopment.com/ 

- The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown: Link to Book

- Breath by James Nestor: Link to Book

- Breathing is My Super Power by Alicia Ortego: Link to Book

- Sniff by Matthew Van Fleet: Link to Book

- Airway First Podcast with Dr. Steven Hall: Link to Episode

- Airway First Podcast with Dr. Tasha Turzo: Link to Episode

Nov 17, 202247:42
S3: E19 - Kelley Richardson: A Mom's Journey to Find Answers for Her Son

S3: E19 - Kelley Richardson: A Mom's Journey to Find Answers for Her Son

My guest today is Kelly Richardson. Kelley is a mom, wife, author, and clinical education specialist working to equip anyone wanting to know how to improve their breathing and sleep quality.

She has spent the majority of the past 25 years in the dental industry training dentists on expansion orthodontics at Align Technology and Straumann, TMD solutions, and dental airway education at the Dawson Academy.  She has trained in Myofunctional Therapy at the AOMT and Breathing Coaching at the Buteyko Clinic International with Patrick McKeown.

Her focus at Super Breathers is to provide awareness to parents, caregivers, teachers, and medical professionals who can help identify and screen children who present with the signs and symptoms of disordered breathing and restless sleep. Her book, The Very Stuffy Nose, is available on Amazon.

You can find out more about Kelley on her website at superbreathers.com.

Show Notes:


Nov 09, 202201:08:47
S3: E18 - Brittany Bailey: The Emotional and Mental Elements of Proper Breathing
Nov 02, 202247:11
Episode 17: Ben Miraglia, DDS - Parent's Guide to Airway Dentistry
Oct 05, 202201:04:13
Episode 16: Meghna Dassani, DMD - Whole-body Approach to Dentistry, Airway, and Sleep Medicine

Episode 16: Meghna Dassani, DMD - Whole-body Approach to Dentistry, Airway, and Sleep Medicine

Dr. Dassani has practiced dentistry for over two decades. She is passionate about the role of the dentist in whole body health. She frequently sees patients for whom the dentist is the only consistent medical provider. By screening patients, connecting them with appropriate specialists, and devising treatment plans, Dr. Dassani can change lives.

For the last 11 years, she has begun to identify and treat adult and pediatric sleep apnea in her practice. Her in-depth knowledge of orofacial anatomy allows her to help patients with underlying defects of the tongue, jaw, and palate. Some have reached adulthood without ever being educated about how the shape of their skull affects their breathing and sleep. Dr. Dassani works to educate fellow dental professionals about sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) so that these treatments can become more easily available to patients throughout North America.

A writer as well as a clinician, Dr. Dassani has published four books on sleep apnea and the dental practice: Airway Is Life, The Dentists Guide To Sleep Apnea Implementation, Healthy Sleep, Happy Kids, and Sleep. Breathe. Dream. All books are available through Amazon.com.

You can find out more about Dr. Dassani at meghnadassani.com.


Show Notes:



Sep 28, 202254:46
Episode 15: Catherine Anderson - Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis

Episode 15: Catherine Anderson - Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis

This week we welcome Catherine Anderson to the show. Catherine is a researcher and airway stenosis advocate specializing in using the power of communities to drive insights. For the past 18 years, Catherine has also lived with an incredibly rare airway disease, Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

In 2009, Catherine set up Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis --- which has become the world’s largest support group for this condition. She speaks at conferences around the world, has written numerous articles and papers for international peer-reviewed laryngology journals, and is involved in helping doctors with medical studies aimed at helping patients with this disease.

You can discover more about Catherine and her story at whenthecastsaway.net and more about the condition of airway stenosis via the Facebook Group Living with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.


Show Notes:
Sep 21, 202244:28
Episode 14: Dr. David McIntosh - Airway, Sleep, and the Brain (Part 2)

Episode 14: Dr. David McIntosh - Airway, Sleep, and the Brain (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with my guest, Dr. David McIntosh, a Pediatric ENT Specialist with a particular interest in airway obstruction, facial and dental development, and its relationship to ENT airway problems, and middle ear disease. He is also passionate about Indigenous Health. He has undertaken advanced surgical training in ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, and Pediatric training at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

Dr. McIntosh has been published in peer-reviewed ENT Journals throughout the world, has presented on ENT topics throughout Australia and overseas, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. During his career, Dr. McIntosh has held memberships with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Australasian Rhinological Society, and the Australasian Sleep Association.

He is also the author of “Snored to Death: Are You Dying in Your Sleep?” You can find out more about Dr. McIntosh at https://entspecialists.com.au/.

SHOW NOTES:

Sep 08, 202248:22
Episode 13: Dr. David McIntosh - Airway, Sleep and the Brain (Part 1)

Episode 13: Dr. David McIntosh - Airway, Sleep and the Brain (Part 1)

My guest today is Dr. David McIntosh, a Pediatric ENT Specialist with a particular interest in airway obstruction, facial and dental development, and its relationship to ENT airway problems, and middle ear disease. He is also passionate about Indigenous Health. He has undertaken advanced surgical training in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery and Pediatric training at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

Dr. McIntosh has been published in peer-reviewed ENT Journals throughout the world, has
presented on ENT topics throughout Australia and overseas, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. During his career, Dr. McIntosh has held memberships with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Australasian Rhinological Society, and the Australasian Sleep Association.

He is also the author of “Snored to Death: Are You Dying in Your Sleep?” You can find out more about Dr. McIntosh at https://entspecialists.com.au/.

Join us next week in episode 14 for part two of our continued conversation with Dr. McIntosh.


SHOW NOTES:

Aug 24, 202242:26
Episode 12: Dr. Kevin Boyd - Anthropological Impacts on the Modern Child's Airway

Episode 12: Dr. Kevin Boyd - Anthropological Impacts on the Modern Child's Airway

My guest today is Dr. Kevin Boyd, DDS, MSc, a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Chicago, IL. He is also an attending instructor in the Pediatric Dentistry Residency-Training Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital where he additionally serves as a dental consultant to the Sleep Medicine service. He also serves as a dental consultant to Lutheran General Hospital. He is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Anthropology conducting research in anthropology and orthodontics.

Prior to completing his DDS degree from Loyola University’s Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1986, he obtained an advanced degree (MSc) in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Michigan State University. He completed his post-graduate residency training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa due to its reputation for providing intensive clinical and didactic learning opportunities in the areas of early childhood orthodontics/dentofacial orthopedics, and also early childhood behavior guidance management and child psychological/emotional development.

You can find out more about Dr. Boyd at dentistry4children.net.


Show Notes:

Aug 17, 202255:18
Episode 11: Dr. Becky Andrews, ND LAc - Food, Environment and Health
Aug 10, 202201:03:15
Episode 10: Cris Duval, RDH - Who Are You Going to be For Your Patients?

Episode 10: Cris Duval, RDH - Who Are You Going to be For Your Patients?

My guest today is patient-health advocate and wellness coach, Cris Duval, RDH. Over the course of her four-decade career as a hygienist, she has been recognized for her contributions to patient-centered dental hygiene with honors from the International Association of Ozone in Healthcare and Dentistry and the Oral Cancer Foundation.

A sought-after speaker, Cris has taught master classes and presented in locations from Las Vegas to Chicago to Cuba on topics including patient communication, ozone therapy, and advocating for patient health.

You can find out more about Cris and her mission to change the mindset of dental professionals when it comes to patient health on crisduval.com or thelifeguardinitiative.com.

We are proud and honored to have Cris Duval as one of the members of the Children’s Airway First Foundation Advisory Board.


Show Notes:

· The LifeGuard Initiative - https://www.thelifeguardinitiative.com/

· Biofilmis a layer of bacteria that can accumulate inside or on your body. The sticky white plaque that forms on your teeth and around your gums is a type of dental biofilm. Plaque needs to be removed because it can harden to tartar, also known as dental calculus

· Who Are You Going to Be? article by Cris Duval published on AOSH.org

· Relationships rule the quality of care

· Lifeline screenings for hygienists to focus on at every visit with their patients:

         o Oral cancer screening

         o Blood pressure

         o pH of Biofilm

         o Test Menu (Oral bacterial DNA testing)

Aug 02, 202245:11
Episode 9: Tasha Turzo, DO - Airway is a Consequence of the Functioning of the Face

Episode 9: Tasha Turzo, DO - Airway is a Consequence of the Functioning of the Face

Jul 27, 202247:27
Episode 8: Autumn Henning - Orofacial Development Throughout the Lifespan

Episode 8: Autumn Henning - Orofacial Development Throughout the Lifespan

My guest today is Autumn Henning, Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Autumn graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders and is an Assistant Professor within the voluntary faculty series in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of Kentucky College of Health Science. She was a Founding Board Member of the International Consortium for Oral Ankylofrenual Professionals (ICAP).

Autumn specializes in orofacial function and development throughout the lifespan. She has spoken at a variety of prestigious conferences and organizations, written articles, appeared as a guest on several podcasts, and trained thousands of professionals.

You can find out more about Autumn on her website at www.chrysalisorofacial.com.


Show Notes:


Jul 19, 202241:31
Episode 7: Kajsa Bradley - Journey Through Sleep Apnea and Mental Health
Jul 14, 202250:17
Episode 6: Karese Laguerre - Parent's Guide to Myofunctional Therapy
Jun 17, 202244:27
Episode 5: Lauren Ruffrage, SLP - Myofunctional Disorders and Therapy

Episode 5: Lauren Ruffrage, SLP - Myofunctional Disorders and Therapy

My guest today is Lauren Ruffrage. Lauren is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master of Science from Ithaca College.

While she has experience treating clients from infancy through adulthood, she has found that her passion lies in pediatrics, with whom she has worked exclusively for the past 10 years. In 2020, after moving to Manlius, New York, Lauren discovered a lack of availability of experienced feeding therapists for in-home therapy. She founded Thrive SPOT to fill this need.

Lauren is committed to life-long learning and advocacy.  She is focused on offering the best, evidence-based practice methods for her clients and believes in creating treatment strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of each family while empowering the caregiver to be their child’s best advocate.


Show Notes and Additional Links:


If you would like to be a guest on our podcast, please let us know! The Children's Airway First Foundation welcomes parents and medical professionals who want to share their stories, journey, or professional insight. We are all in this together and we truly believe education and knowledge sharing is critical to saving the lives of millions of children around the world. Become a guest on Airway First!

May 23, 202246:19
Episode 4: Steve Carstensen, DDC - Airways and Dental Sleep Medicine
May 09, 202252:04
Episode 3: Dr. Steven Hall - What Is Healing?

Episode 3: Dr. Steven Hall - What Is Healing?

Steven M. Hall, MD is an integrative physician, teacher, speaker, and author of The Seven Tools of Healing: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom and Live the Life Your Soul Desires. His message is about finding and changing the patterns that are creating your painful feelings, harmful behaviors, dysfunctional relationships, and physical diseases.

He began his medical career in 1985 as a residency trained and board-certified Family Practitioner. His practice has been shaped by his journey to answer two questions: “What is ‘healing’?” and “How can I best help you with yours?”

Special note: We are proud and honored to have Dr. Hall as one of the members of the CAFF Advisory Board.

"Modern medicine still does not understand the truth about the human mind and body." ~ Dr. Steven Hall


Show Notes:

  • Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
  • Dr. Hall practices craniosacral therapy which is defined as being a system of alternative medicine intended to relieve pain and tension by gentle manipulations of the skull regarded as harmonizing with a natural rhythm in the central nervous system.
May 04, 202250:49
Episode 2: Emma Cooksey - Sleep Apnea and Growing Up Mouth Breathing

Episode 2: Emma Cooksey - Sleep Apnea and Growing Up Mouth Breathing

My guest today is Emma Cooksey, podcast host, writer, speaker, and one of the estimated 22-million diagnosed American adults suffering with obstructive sleep apnea. Through her weekly podcast “Sleep Apnea Stories,” she not only shares her journey, but she has become a champion for others suffering from obstructive sleep apnea by breaking down sleep apnea stereotypes and raising awareness of both symptoms and treatments.

Emma grew up in Scotland, where she graduated with a degree in Law and Economics from Aberdeen University. After a decade of working in higher education administration, she moved to the United States with her husband, Jason. She now resides in Florida with her husband and their two children.

And as a side note, I have to say that over the course of the past year, through Zoom conversations, social media, emails, and virtual support with the Children’s Airway Foundation and the launching of our podcast, Emma has become one of my most favorite people. If you listen to her podcast, and I encourage each of you to do so, I am sure you will fall immediately in love with her and will quickly discover what it is that makes her such a special person.

Links Mentioned in Episode:

1) Sleep Apnea Stories: https://www.sleepapneastories.com/

2) Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735213615/?coliid=I2NB5E1892L1NT&colid=2DBULVHC7TAJF&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

3) Signs of Airway Disorders: https://www.childrensairwayfirst.org/childrens-airway-disorders

4) The Breathe Institute: https://www.thebreatheinstitute.com/

5) Project Sleep: https://project-sleep.com/

6) Sleep 2022 in Charlotte in June: https://www.charlottemeetings.com/events/expo/sleep-2022

7) Sleep Apnea Stories Interview with Candy Sparks: https://anchor.fm/emma-cooksey/episodes/47---Candy-Sparks---Compromised-Airways-in-Children-e1b5ieu/a-a4nt4t1

Disclaimer: This podcast episode includes guest(s) with airway issues and sleep apnea. The guest(s) are discussing their own experiences and are not paid to participate in the podcast. Any links or information shared are not paid endorsements. This is for information purposes only and you should consult with your own medical professionals before you start or stop any medication or treatment.

Apr 17, 202249:20
Episode 1: Parent to Parent - Tips for Parents of Children with Airway Disorders
Apr 07, 202259:40