The Airplane Spoon Podcast: Real questions and Real stories about Feeding Children

Your child won't eat fresh apples—but what about applesauce? Apple juice? Freeze-dried apple chips? In this episode, we explore food forms as legitimate variation: how the same ingredient (apples, carrots, chicken, rice) can show up in different sensory and behavioral ways, and why that matters for feeding.

This isn't about hiding food or tricking your child. It's about recognizing that feeding is more flexible and expansive than we often think. When your child eats applesauce, she's eating apples. When he drinks apple juice, he's eating apples. When she crunches freeze-dried apple, she's eating apples.

We...

If your child could live on crackers, pretzels, chips, and cookies — this episode is for you. I break down why so many kids are drawn to crunchy foods, and it goes deeper than just preference: crunch is actually a biological signal. Our brains evolved to find crunch appealing because it meant food was fresh, safe, and nutritious. A crisp apple, a snappy carrot, a fresh green bean — crunch is nature's freshness indicator. The chips and crackers are almost hijacking a system that was originally designed to love fruits and vegetables.

This episode covers the biology, the sensory scie...

Most parents spend a lot of time thinking about what to put on their child's plate. But what about what we say about the food once it gets there?

In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell breaks down how the language we use around food — the names we give it, the words we use to describe it, and the emotions we attach to it — shapes how children feel about eating in ways that go far deeper than we realize.

In this episode:

One of the most common — and most important — questions parents have about feeding their children is: is my child gagging or choking? In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell breaks down the difference between these two very different responses, what they look like, and what you should (and shouldn't) do in each moment.

In this episode you'll learn:

Bottle feeding looks simple — but there's a lot more to it than most parents are ever told.

In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell breaks down everything she wishes every family knew about bottle feeding from the start: why nipple flow matters more than most people realize, a technique called paced feeding that can make a real difference for fussy or reflux-y babies, and what to do when your baby starts refusing the bottle.

In this episode:

Walk into any baby store and the cup aisle alone can feel completely overwhelming. Sippy cups, straw cups, open cups, valved cups, 360 cups — how are parents supposed to know what's actually best?

In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell breaks down the most common cup types, explains what's actually happening inside your child's mouth with each one, and gives practical, age-by-age guidance to help you choose with confidence.

In this episode:

Every well-child visit starts the same way — your child gets measured, a dot gets plotted, and suddenly you're staring at a percentile number wondering if you should be worried.

In this episode, feeding therapist Sarina Murrell breaks down what growth charts actually measure, how they were built, and — just as importantly — what they can't tell us about how your child is really doing with food.

In this episode:

Getting your child to stay at the table can feel like one of the most exhausting parts of mealtimes. In this episode, I talk about why children struggle to sit still — and what you can actually do about it.

Spoiler: it's almost never just about behavior.

What You'll Learn

Many parents wonder if children should only eat bland foods, or if it’s okay to introduce stronger flavors like spicy or sour.

In this episode, Sarina shares real stories from feeding therapy to explain why strong flavors are not off-limits for children—and how curiosity, exposure, and supportive language can help children safely explore new tastes.

You’ll learn how to introduce bold flavors in a way that feels safe, playful, and pressure-free.

Many parents wonder why their child refuses foods like banana or avocado—even though they seem soft and easy.

In this episode, I explain why soft foods are not always easy foods and how foods like banana and avocado can actually be confusing for a child’s mouth. You’ll learn why gagging can happen, why these foods feel unpredictable, and simple ways to help your child feel more confident trying them.

Many parents feel confused when their child once ate a wide variety of foods and later begins refusing foods they previously enjoyed. This change can feel sudden and concerning, but in many cases, it reflects normal development rather than regression.

In this episode, we explore how children grow from reflexive eating to intentional eating, how changes in food predictability can affect acceptance, and how developing preferences and independence influence food choices.

In this episode, we discuss:

If your child refuses vegetables, you are not alone. In this episode, we talk about the real reasons vegetables can be challenging for children, including taste sensitivity, food predictability, pressure around “healthy eating,” and why exposure matters more than actually eating the food.

We also talk about:

This episode is all about reducing pressure, building trus...

Episode 2: How Does Playing with Food Toys Help My Child Learn to Eat?

Many parents don’t necessarily disagree with using food toys—but they often wonder:

“How could playing with toy food possibly help my child eat better?”

In this episode, we explore how pretend play with food can become a powerful first step in a child’s feeding journey—especially for children who feel avoidant, nervous, or upset around meals.

You’ll hear real-life therapy stories, including:

How do I help my child try new foods?

If this question has been on your mind—you are not alone.

In this episode of The Airplane Spoon Podcast, therapist Sarina Murrell explores one of the most common concerns parents have: what to do when a child refuses to try anything new.

Through a real story from feeding therapy, Sarina walks through why children often stick to the same foods—and what actually helps them begin to expand their diet over time.

If mealtimes feel repetitive, stressful, or discouraging, this episode will...

Welcome to The Airplane Spoon Podcast.

In this introduction episode, Sarina Murrell—feeding therapist and director of The Airplane Spoon—introduces the heart behind this podcast and why it was created.

If you’re a parent who feels like feeding your child has become overwhelming, stressful, or all-consuming… you are not alone.

In this episode, we talk about:

This is a space...

In this episode of P Soup, we’re cooking up a bowl of Gestalt Language Processing Soup.

Some children learn language in “chunks” — long phrases, scripts, or song lines — instead of single words first. This way of learning is called Gestalt Language Processing (GLP). It’s a natural, valid, and powerful path to communication.

Together, we’ll explore:

In this follow-up to our Tube-Feeding Soup episode, I sit down with Michelle, a mom who opens up about her family’s journey with her daughter’s feeding tube. Michelle shares what the process was really like—from the fears and tough decisions to the small victories and moments of resilience along the way.

Together, we talk about:

T...

Tube feeding can feel like a scary or unfamiliar topic—but for many families, it’s just another part of their child’s care and development. In this episode, we’re stirring through the world of feeding tubes: why kids need them, what daily life looks like, and how families navigate the emotional, practical, and social layers that come with it.

Whether you’re supporting a child with a feeding tube, considering this path, or just curious to understand more—you’re in the right place.

Next episode: We'll be talking with a parent of a child with a...

In this episode of P Soup, we stir through the idea of “Parenting Styles” — from the traditional authoritative vs. permissive categories to a more personal, flexible, and strengths-based approach. What if, instead of trying to fit into a style, we focused on what we value and where we naturally shine as parents? We explore a thoughtful model with four parenting strengths — Personal Guidance, Practicality and Results, Reason and Expectation, and Care and Nurturance — and invite you to reflect, connect, and embrace your own unique parenting recipe.

In this episode, we take a thoughtful and compassionate look at what "picky eating" really means — and why that label might not be as helpful as we think. We explore how picky eating often shows up as a natural part of child development, especially for kids who crave predictability in a world of ever-changing flavors and textures. You'll hear practical ideas for supporting children in mealtime routines, creating predictability, building food curiosity, and offering empowering choices.

We also talk about when picky eating might be something more — like a feeding or swallowing challenge — and how to know when i...

Screens are everywhere — in our homes, our schools, our pockets. But when it comes to kids, screen time can feel like one of the most overwhelming and guilt-inducing topics out there.

In this episode of P Soup, we're diving deep into Screen Time Soup — not to judge or scare, but to bring clarity, curiosity, and compassion to a topic many parents wrestle with daily.

We’ll explore:

🍲 How different types of screen use affect thinking, learning, and creativity

🍲 What the research says about behavior, emotional regulation, and parent-child connection

🍲 The broader imp...

In this episode, we are going to explore the idea that trust is everything—especially for children who are growing, learning, and navigating big emotions. But also for all of us, as people who interact with other people and build relationships.

We are going to talk about what trust is and what trust isn’t. 

Then, I’m going to share my Trust-Based model that I use when I support families and children.

And finally, I will paint a picture of trust by thinking about a bridge.

Next episode: Screen...

In this heartfelt episode of P Soup, I sit down with Angshuman, father of Sudipta, as he shares his personal journey through his son’s autism diagnosis. From early signs and challenges to unexpected joys and moments of connection, Angshu reflects on what it means to be a parent navigating the unknown and how important it is to find a support network of people who can guide you along the way.

We talk about support systems, school experiences, cultural perspectives, and how fatherhood itself can be reshaped by a child’s unique way of being in the worl...

In this episode of P Soup, we’re breaking down what is autism really, and what is it not? How has our understanding evolved over the years? I’ll share my personal journey from knowing nothing about autism to working extensively with autistic children and their families.

We’ll explore common misconceptions, the unique ways autistic individuals learn and communicate, and the invisible challenges many families face. Plus, we’ll talk about therapy options, representation, and why embracing neurodiversity matters.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to support an autistic child in a way that...

Episode 6: Mealtime Soup – The Magic of Reading Aloud

Reading aloud is like a superfood for the brain—boosting language skills, strengthening relationships, and even counteracting screen-time distractions! In this episode of P Soup, I dive into the science and magic behind reading aloud, sharing how it supports language development, emotional growth, and deepens the bond between you and your child.

You'll hear:

📚 The 5 key benefits of reading aloud (including brain science & empathy-building!)

📖 Tips for making reading a stress-free, joyful part of your daily routine

📕 My favorite book recommendatio...

Episode 5: Mealtime Soup 🍽️

Mealtime is about more than just food—it’s a powerful opportunity to build connection, strengthen family bonds, and support your child’s development. In this episode, we dive into the why behind shared mealtimes, exploring the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits backed by research. We also tackle real-life challenges like busy schedules, picky eating, and screen distractions, with practical tips to make mealtimes more meaningful and manageable for your family.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How family meals support social, emotional, and language development

✅ The surprising academ...

In this episode of P Soup, we sit down with Grace, a parent raising her child in a bilingual home. She shares her family’s journey, the joys and challenges of nurturing two languages, and the strategies that have worked for them. We discuss concerns about language delays, balancing exposure to both languages, and how to navigate family and school systems.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

In this episode of P Soup, we dive into the fascinating world of bilingualism and child development. How do children learn two or more languages? Does bilingualism cause speech delays? What if a child has a developmental challenge—should parents still introduce multiple languages? These are just some of the questions we tackle today.

As a multilingual professional working with diverse families in California’s Bay Area, I’ve seen firsthand the concerns, myths, and joys of raising bilingual children. In this episode, we’ll explore how language development works in bilingual kids, debunk common misconceptions, and share pr...

In this episode of P Soup, we dive into an important and sometimes challenging topic—understanding when a child's development isn't following the expected path. I break down the three "Ds"—Developmental Delays, Developmental Disorders, and Developmental Differences—to help parents better understand what these terms mean, how they’re identified, and what support might be available.

We’ll talk about the emotions that come with navigating these diagnoses, why labels can be both helpful and overwhelming, and how professionals can be more sensitive when sharing information with families. Whether you're seeking clarity about your child's development, wondering...

In this episode, I explore child development and the stress surrounding milestones. Development is a continuous process influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Milestones are key behaviors most children typically reach at certain ages, however, milestones can create unnecessary pressure.

The “milestone mentality” assumes a universal path of development, but factors like exposure to experiences or cultural differences can influence when skills emerge. A single "no" answer in screenings might raise concerns, but it doesn’t always signal a problem.

The key takeaway: Development is not a race. Celebrate progress, focus on the whole child...

Welcome to P Soup: Real Conversations – For Parents, With Parents, About Kids. In this introductory episode, I share the story behind the podcast and what inspired me to create it. You'll hear about the types of topics we'll explore—from milestones and tantrums to sensory needs and special education—and what you can expect from each episode. Whether you're celebrating the joys of early childhood or navigating developmental challenges, this podcast is here to support you. Join me as we build a warm and honest space for parents and caregivers just like you. Let's get started!