Welcome to the Swalio Pride podcast. I'm your host, Teresa Richard. I'm a board certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders and founder of the MetaSLP Collective and MetaSLP Education.

This podcast is dedicated to delivering the latest evidence-based practice to medical

SLPs everywhere, while also recognizing that medical SLPs everywhere are doing the best with what they've got.

Whether you are a new clinician seeking tangible tools for therapy or a seasoned vet stuck in a rut, my goal is simple

to help you advance your practice without feeling overwhelmed or underappreciated. This means that together

we'll build confidence, broaden your knowledge, and reignite your passion for our fields.

So if you're listening, I encourage you to swallow your pride and be open to new ideas because at the end of the day,

you and your patients deserve that kind of support. Just a quick disclaimer that all statements

and opinions expressed in this episode do not reflect on the organizations associated with the

speakers and are their own opinions solely. With that, let's dive in. Welcome to the Swalier Pride podcast.

On today's episode, we have such a wonderful guest that I am so, so, so excited to have on.

We have Mr. Ali, and Ali, tell me how to say your last name.

Ali, Maricopa.

All right.

Thank you for that.

And Ali is a stroke survivor, motivational speaker, and author dedicated to empowering others to

overcome challenges.

He co-authored the book Stroke 101, a comprehensive guide to recovery and empowerment,

offering practical guidance drawn from his own personal experience.

His journey has been featured in Shoutout Atlanta and Bold Journey magazine, where he

shares insights on resilience, recovery, and determination. Through his presentations in public speaking,

he aims to inspire others to embrace their journeys and realize their full potential. And I'm so

...