#398 - 2026 Update: What's Next for the Podcast

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC February 04, 2026

#398 - 2026 Update: What's Next for the Podcast

Listen & Subscribe on Your Platform of Choice:

2026 Update: What's Next for the Podcast

Today’s episode is a little different. We’re sharing an important update about the podcast, our team, and what’s coming next as we move into a new season of All Things Sensory. 

We talk about Jessica’s decision to step away from her role as co-host and return to the clinic full-time, why this transition feels meaningful for her, and what this change means for the future of the podcast. While this marks the end of an era, the podcast's mission remains the same.

Rachel also shares a personal reflection on working alongside Jessica over the years, how the podcast has grown since it launched in 2018, and why this transition is both bittersweet and exciting. Plus, we tease what’s coming next, including solo episodes, and a new OT co-host you may already know!

Thanks for listening 🩷

We’d love to hear your favorite Jessica moments, what topics you want covered next, or your guesses about our new co-host.

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 

Links

History of the Podcast - Joining Harkla 

Jessica’s Instagram

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 

Harkla Website 

Harkla YouTube

Harkla Instagram

Harkla Digital Courses

 

2026 Update: What's Next For The Podcast

Change can feel bittersweet—especially when it involves something you’ve poured your heart into for years. In this episode ofAll Things Sensory by Harkla, Rachel shares an important update about the future of the podcast, reflects on how it all began back in 2018, and honors the incredible impact Jessica has had on the sensory and occupational therapy community.

Whether you’ve been listening since the early days or this is your very first episode, this post will walk you through what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why this next chapter is filled with hope, growth, and continued support for parents and professionals alike.

Why Jessica Is Stepping Away From The Podcast

After years of balancing clinic work with content creation at Harkla, Jessica has made the decision to return to full-time pediatric occupational therapy in an outpatient clinic. This transition isn’t about burnout or conflict—it’s about alignment.

Occupational therapy is a profession with endless possibilities. Clinic-based therapy, early intervention, school settings, education, content creation—each path serves children and families in meaningful ways. 

Jessica’s passion has always been hands-on, one-on-one patient care, and she’s thriving in that role. While her voice will be deeply missed on the podcast, her impact on the profession and the families she serves continues every single day in the clinic.

Celebrating 8 Years Of All Things Sensory

WhenAll Things Sensory launched in 2018, there were very few occupational therapy podcasts—especially ones focused on sensory integration and real-life application for families.

The original goal was simple but powerful:

  • Help families understandwhy certain strategies were used in therapy.

  • Provide education beyond short clinic sessions.

  • Create a resource parents could return to again and again.

Nearly 400 episodes later, the podcast has grown into a trusted resource for parents, therapists, and educators around the world. Jessica played a huge role in shaping that legacy—through her clinical insight, warmth, and ability to translate complex sensory concepts into everyday language.

If you’ve ever learned something from her, felt encouraged by her words, or smiled during an episode, this is your invitation to reach out and let her know.

How Harkla Became Part Of The Journey

In 2020, shortly after Rachel welcomed her son, Harkla approached Rachel and Jessica with an opportunity to expand their educational work.

By early 2021,All Things Sensory officially became part of the Harkla family—allowing the podcast and its educational content to reach a wider audience while staying grounded in evidence-based practice and real-life application.

Since then, the podcast has been one piece of Harkla’s larger mission: to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives through education, high-quality sensory products, and community support.

What’s Next For The Podcast?

While this season feels like the end of an era, it’s also the beginning of something new.

Solo Episodes (For Now)

Rachel will be hosting several solo episodes, diving deeper into sensory processing, child development, and real-life strategies for families and professionals.

A New Therapist Is Joining Soon

A new occupational therapist will be joining the podcast in the near future. Her areas of expertise include:

  • Early intervention.

  • School-based occupational therapy.

  • Pelvic floor health.

This collaboration will bring fresh perspectives, new learning opportunities, and expanded support for listeners.

What’s Staying The Same

Even with these changes, the foundation ofAll Things Sensory remains unchanged:

  • Evidence-informed, OT-led education.

  • Practical strategies you can use at home or in therapy.

  • Compassionate, parent-friendly explanations.

  • A supportive community that reminds you—you’re not alone.

A Final Encouraging Note

Change can bring up a lot of emotions—and that’s okay. What matters is honoring what’s been built while making space for growth.

Thank you for being part ofAll Things Sensory. Your support, messages, and continued listening mean everything. This next chapter is just beginning, and we’re so grateful you’re here with us.

 

BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science & art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views & opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties & what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links & make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews & comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair & balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.


This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.

Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC
Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC

Rachel Harrington, COTA/l, AC, CPRCS, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS are Harkla's in-house Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists. They have been working with children for over 6 years in outpatient settings. They specialize in creating easy-to-digest, actionable content that families can use to help their child's progress at home. Jessica and Rachel are the in-house experts, content creators, and podcast hosts at Harkla! To learn more about Jessica and Rachel, visit the Harkla About Us Page. Make sure to listen to their weekly podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla for actionable, fun advice on child development.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in All Things Sensory by Harkla

#397 - The Best Nutrients to Support Sensory Processing in Kids
#397 - The Best Nutrients to Support Sensory Processing in Kids

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC January 28, 2026

Read More
#396 - Top Three Primitive Reflex Exercises for Emotional Regulation in the Classroom
#396 - Top Three Primitive Reflex Exercises for Emotional Regulation in the Classroom

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC January 21, 2026

Read More
#395 - Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends – OT Social Skills Tips
#395 - Helping Neurodivergent Kids Make Friends – OT Social Skills Tips

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC January 14, 2026

Read More