Martina Tierney Podcast

What happens when a young woman from Brooklyn challenges expectations, pursues her dream of becoming an Occupational Therapist, and spends a lifetime transforming the lives of older adults?In this inspiring episode, Martina speaks with Susanne Giannitti, Occupational Therapist, educator, mentor, advocate and lifelong learner from Connecticut, USA. Susanne shares her remarkable OT journey, from working in some of New York’s toughest neighbourhoods to becoming a respected clinician, educator and champion for older adults. Together, they explore:✨ The courage to pursue higher education when it was not expected of women in her generation✨ Why she fell in love with Occupational Therapy and never looked back✨ The lessons learned from decades of working with older adults in nursing homes, rehabilitation and home care✨ Memorable patient stories that demonstrate the life-changing impact of Occupational Therapy✨ The importance of mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals✨ Susanne’s passion for falls prevention, healthy ageing and lifelong learning✨ Why retirement does not mean the end of making a differenceNow at 71 years old, Susanne continues to educate, mentor and advocate for older adults, proving that purpose, curiosity and service have no age limit.If you are an OT, healthcare professional, student, caregiver, or someone passionate about ageing well, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement and practical insights.#MartinaTierneyPodcast #OccupationalTherapy #ThePowerOfOT #HealthyAgeing #FallsPrevention #OlderAdults #Mentorship #HealthcareLeadership #OTLife #RetiredNotExpired #LifelongLearning #CompassionateCare #SeatingMatters*** I’d love to hear what you think of this episode, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect.Drop me an email anytime at ⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!Martina

In this episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, Martina speaks with Eileen Burns, Professional Lead Occupational Therapist in Wheelchair Services for Northern Ireland and former Commonwealth Games cyclist.Eileen shares her remarkable journey from taking up cycling in her twenties to representing Northern Ireland on the international stage, all while building a career in Occupational Therapy.Together, Martina and Eileen explore the realities of wheelchair services, seating, rehabilitation and the importance of truly person-centred care. The conversation highlights how the right equipment, the right clinician and the right questions can profoundly change someone’s quality of life and independence.Eileen also shares powerful clinical stories, including how one simple decision to trial a powered wheelchair transformed the life of a gentleman who had spent almost two years confined to a hospital ward.This episode is an inspiring discussion about resilience, dignity, independence and the life-changing impact of Occupational Therapy.Topics include:• Wheelchair services and complex seating• Independence and powered mobility• Rehabilitation and neurological conditions• Commonwealth Games cycling• Occupational Therapy careers and advice for students• Person-centred care and clinical decision making🎧 Listen now and discover how seeing possibility in people can transform lives.*** I’d love to hear what you think of this episode, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me a email anytime at ⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!Martina

Dee Christie OBE has been an Occupational Therapist for over 51 years - a career defined by leadership, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of meaningful occupation.In this episode, Dee reflects on her extraordinary journey - from her early days in community OT in 1970s London, to chairing the Council of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, to leading the Elizabeth Casson Trust and shaping the future of the profession.She shares the story behind receiving her OBE at Windsor Castle, the colleagues who made it possible, and what true recognition means after a lifetime of service.Dee also opens up about her passion for mentorship, leadership, and lifelong learning - and why she believes retired OTs still have so much to give. Her reflections on the changing face of OT, the pressures of modern practice, and the enduring importance of human connection will resonate deeply with every listener.We discuss:✨ The evolution of OT across five decades✨ The inspiring legacy of Elizabeth Casson✨ Why brave, bold leadership is key to OT’s future✨ How mentoring can empower the next generationDee’s warmth, wisdom, and humility remind us why occupational therapy changes not only lives - but hearts and minds.I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future conversations.If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, please get in touch at martina.tierney@seatingmatters.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your colleagues and friends, and don’t forget to follow the show for more inspiring OT stories.Thanks so much for listening and supporting the podcast!

The latest episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast is live — and it’s a special one. I sat down with my son, Ryan Tierney, the driving force behind Lean at Seating Matters. From the chaos of our early factory days, to discovering Lean, to building a culture that improves outcomes for patients worldwide - Ryan shares how passion, purpose, and small daily improvements transformed not only our business, but the lives of those we serve.💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:Why Lean and occupational therapy are more alike than you thinkHow respect for people and resources drives real changeThe role of visualisation and purpose in creating a meaningful future 🎧 Also available on:🎙️Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4345sYc🎥Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4cgxB2B I’d love to hear what you think - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, please let me know, drop me an email or text anytime at martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com / +44 7918 905 297 Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!Martina

Charlie Chung presented this year's Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture in the UK "Do You Hold the Door Open for Others?" I loved the thinking behind it... Are we helping others to reach their potential? Am I aware when someone is holding a door open for me, presenting me with an opportunity to grow? Do I accept that opportunity? In this episode we discuss Charlie's storied career so far where he has combined in-depth academic research with very practical application by Occupational Therapists and Allied Health Professionals.He has great knowledge and experience in neurological conditions, particularly Stroke care, having helped create the Stroke Pathway in NHS Lothian. Charlie has been appointed as lead for Post-COVID syndrome in NHS Lothian where they are working to understand it better and finding which treatments might help those living with the condition.We also found out that he is a karaoke king and musician! Charlie tells us about his musical adventures and a Scottish connection to The Beatles.*** I could have recorded another full episode with Charlie, there is lots more still to talk about with him so I hope he'll come back to record another episode. I’d love to hear what you think of this episode - your feedback helps shape future episodes. If you know of a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠⁠.If you like what you've heard I'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media. Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠Martina

I was honoured to welcome Alex Fisher, an extraordinary Occupational Therapist and fierce advocate for those living with Huntington’s Disease, to the podcast this week. In this powerful episode, Alex shares deeply moving stories from her volunteer work in Venezuela - where she’s bringing education, dignity, and hope to families impacted by Huntington’s Disease.One story left us speechless: a man, abandoned and alone… but thanks to Alex, he didn’t die that way.💙 Her dedication is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s a privilege to help share her mission.At Seating Matters, one of our phrases that we live by is that we are here to "Give Caregivers the Means to Care." I feel like Alex, her caregiver programme and her whole mission in Venezuela is the perfect embodiment of giving caregivers the means to care and I'm in awe of her work.***Quote from Alex: "I saw that someone who had listened to one of Martina's previous podcasts had said it was like (& I'm paraphrasing) feeling refreshed after having a cuppa with a good friend. I'm seconding that! When I recorded this episode, the warmth & curiosity into the Power of Occupational Therapy from Martina and those at her company is what shines through. If you're not an #Occupationaltherapist, take 30 minutes to listen to the breadth of what OT can bring to your community."🎥Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oq3jnJF4rg8*** I’d love to hear what you think of my chat with Alex, your feedback helps shape future episodes. And, just like Alex, if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect. Drop me an email at ⁠⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠⁠.If you like what you've heard i'd be really grateful if you could share it with your friends and on social media. Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show!⁠⁠Martina ⁠

Some stories don’t just stay with you - they shift how you see the work we do.I sat down with two incredible Occupational Therapists and lecturers at Ulster University: Anna O’Loughlin and Clare McMonagle (also an Equine Specialist OT) for a conversation that was equal parts science, soul, and lived experience.We talked about real lives - about Ruby, whose journey with cerebral palsy took an unexpected turn the day she met a horse. About the moment when Anna’s Aunt Sarah was finally able to lift her head thanks to a gadget invented by the family. This episode is about the moments that matter. The kind that remind you why you do this work in the first place.🎧 Episode 7: A deep dive into purpose-driven practice - from early intervention to the power of movement, motivation, and meaningful connection.If you work in therapy, education, or just care deeply about dignity and possibility - this one’s for you.🎧 Watch / listen now:🎥Also on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/AV9n8my-gnY*** I’d love to hear what you think — your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect.Drop me a email anytime at ⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠.Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!⁠Martina

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: This is what happened when the cameras stopped rolling... or so they thought! This special conversation between Martina and guest Norma Findlay, was after they had finished recording their podcast episode in early 2025. They both thought the cameras and mics had stopped filming and had a really relaxed chat. They talked openly about their special connection, about vibrational energy and what they believe happens after a loved one passes from this life. There were goosebump moments and tears of joy! We felt the conversation was too insightful not to publish, so we're really grateful to both of them for agreeing to share this private chat.Look out for Episode 6, Part 2 which is the main podcast recorded in early 2025, where we learn about Norma Findlay's fascinating work in the medico-legal field and her passion for postural management. *** I’d love to hear what you think — your feedback helps shape future episodes. And if you know a healthcare professional with a powerful story to share, I’d love to connect.Drop me a email anytime at ⁠⁠martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com⁠⁠.Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show!⁠Martina