Spirited Hearts the podcast

The final episode of 2023 is here, and what a wonderful, insightful and fun conversation this is with author, speaker and teacher, Dr Sarah Pye. In this episode, Sarah shares her fascinating childhood of being boat-schooled across the waters of Europe and across the Atlantic Ocean, and how these experiences shaped who she is and what she does. We also discuss: - Experiential learning - The importance of nature in childhood learning and development - Connecting children to nature - How Sarah got her Doctorate, even though she did not go to school - How the Wildlife Wong book series came about - Why Universities love homeschoolers - The importance of libraries and librarian teachers - Plus so much more Where to Find Sarah: Website: Dr Sarah Pye - Author & Speaker Facebook: Sarah Pye Author Speaker Environmentalist Instagram: @author_sarahrpye Resources Mentioned: Fourteen Wolves by Catherine Barr The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton Wombat Warriors by Samantha Wheel ABOUT SARAH: Sarah may be a writer, speaker and teacher, but that hasn’t always been the case. Sarah was born on a tiny British outpost jutting into the Mediterranean called Gibraltar and spent the summers of her first decade plying the waters of the Norfolk broads aboard a classic clinker-built wooden boat. When she was 13, Sarah’s teacher parents moved their family onto a 30ft ketch. Sarah was boat-schooled by the world around her — holding night watches, grocery shopping in foreign ports, and hunkering down in ranging storms. At 17, Sarah left her floating home for college in the United States. Then, with a hospitality management degree under her arm, continued her westward migration to Hawaii, and on to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands. Sarah’s business, Ocean Rafting was awarded the Queensland Tourism Award for Best Adventure Product in 2001.As a single parent, Sarah completed her Master of Communication degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast and published a guidebook called Kids Welcome to Queensland in 2009. The resulting travel business led to Sarah being named Sunshine Coast Small Business Woman of the Year in 2010. A trip to Borneo with her daughter changed the trajectory of Sarah’s life when she met Wong Siew Te. She commenced her Doctor of Creative Arts Degree in 2016, exploring how narratives can be used to engage non-scientists in conservation. In 2018, She took a break from the books to walk 800km across Spain, and in 2020, Wong’s biography, Saving Sun Bears was published. Sarah hopes there are many more adventures to come. Next, she plans to kayak down the Murray River, following in the wake of her inspirational parents who completed something similar a quarter of a century ago.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming back fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, Danni Willow. We are both passionate about supporting people through grief and loss, and we share so much in just one episode, that there will probably be a part 2 coming out next year. If you listen to only one episode, let this be the because it is so vital to our own wellbeing and our child/ren's development. We discuss: * The smaller everyday losses, as well as the big losses * Outdated traditional models of grief vs modern models which are more realistic and supportive * Rituals to support the grieving process * How our culture has medicalised death * How to support ourselves and our loved ones through the grieving process * Subtle and disenfranchised grief * The downfall of having "backup toys" if your child loses a loved toy, and the consequential message that sends about loss and grief * Allowing children to see our grief, as an importance part of their development * Intergenerational grief * Plus so much more Where to Find Danni: Website: https://www.thewayofthewoman.com.au/ Facebook: The Way of the Woman Instagram: Danni Willow Resources Mentioned: Ep 30. Exploring Food & Self-Regulated Eating with Danni Willow Ep 10. Creating Villages and Connections on Our Motherhood Journeys with Danni Willow Ep 39. Reflecting on 10 Years as a Parent (how Expectations are a Loss that lead to Grief) ABOUT DANNI: Danni is a Parent educator, Aware Parenting instructor, Early Childhood Educator, Primary school teacher, holder of sacred space for Mother and women circles and mumma to two beautiful souls. She is the founder of The Way of the Woman supporting mothers to reclaim the empowered mother within themselves. Danni is a woman of the earth who connects deeply with cycles of the seasons. She is passionate about story sharing in motherhood and supporting mothers to build ritual and connection into their everyday lives. Before having children, she trained as an Early Childhood Educator and worked in a range of early years settings. Once she was qualified, she worked in a primary school setting teaching foundation and grade 5/6. During her third year of teaching, she completed a Master of Education in Student Wellbeing. Although Danni felt she could make a difference by becoming a teacher and supporting children, she realised after having her two girls, that the greatest place for supporting others to make changes is with their own mothering. Danni offers mothers support through 1-1 sessions, circles, workshops and containers. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this episode I invite fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, Kirsty Fernandes on the podcast to share her passion for postpartum support during motherhood. Over the course of the episode we share our own postpartum experiences. Kirsty shares her own journey into what led her to working with mothers, and that the postpartum period extends for our entire lives once we have children. We also discuss: Where to Find Kirsty: Website: Honouring Mama Instagram: @kirstyfernandeshonouringmama Facebook: Kirsty Fernandes - Honouring Mama Resources Mentioned: Nurtured Postpartum WorkshopsAware Parenting booksThe Willingness PracticeThe Spirited Hearts Play FilesKinship Connection with Steph & Nicpisode 52: Introducing Kinship ConnectionParenting Journey Support PackagesEducator/Teacher Mentoring Packages ABOUT KIRSTY: Kirsty is wife to Duane and Mama to a beautiful 6 year old daughter and gorgeous 4 year old son, Aware Parenting Coach, postpartum care provider, and passionate advocate for Mama and families getting the support they need and deserve throughout their fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting journey.

In Part 3 of our Homeschooling Series, we bust open one of the biggest myths surrounding homeschooling: how will my child be socialised? We both share our personal experiences on this, as well as share the evidence and research surrounding how children socialise, and how Western culture has created an artificial 'socialisation' that was not evident in hunter-gatherer societies. We are discuss: - how schools and preschools can be detrimental to a child's social development - the freedom and choice that comes from homeschooling - the harm of segregated education for children - as seen in the schooling system - how mixed-aged education promotes better social development, higher literacy and numeracy skills, and more compassionate and kind children - plus so much more Resources Mentioned: Episode 35 with Peter GrayEpisode 52 with Steph & Nic on Kinship ConnectionArticle - The Special Value of Age-Mixed Play I: How Age Mixing Promotes Learning by Dr Peter GrayArticle - Age-Mixed Play II: Its Benefits for Social Development by Dr Peter GrayArticle - Age-Mixed Play III: Play is More Playful When it is Age-Mixed by Dr Peter GrayABOUT STEPH: Steph is a Level 2 Aware Parenting Instructor, Early Childhood Educator, Play Therapist and Parenting Support Counsellor. She has worked with parents and children for over a decade. With degrees and qualifications in psychology, counselling and early childhood education, Steph is extremely passionate about child development, trauma, attachment and neuroscience. She works with parents and educators from around the world, supporting them through 1:1 mentoring sessions and online courses. As well as co-operating a Family Day Care alongside her husband. ABOUT NIC: Nic is a Level 1 Aware Parenting Instructor and Marion Method Mentor. Nic is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with parents from around the world. She loves supporting children and parents navigate challenges at school. KINSHIP CONNECTION with Steph & Nic: Steph and Nic are incredibly excited to introduce you to something that we are so passionate about; Kinship Connection. This is a safe, supportive and accepting space for children aged 6-12 years old and their families. To find out more click here. If you would like us to respond to any of your reflections, queries or questions during an episode in this homeschooling series, please feel free to contact Steph or Nic on Instagram @spirited_hearts or @peacefulparenting and Steph's website or Nic's website.

In this week's episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Patricia Lohan. She is a Feng Shui Expert, Coach, Healer and Passionate Entrepreneur who helps thousands of women all across the world design the lives they want to live. Patricia shares her own journey, before we discuss: - What is Feng Shui and where did it originate - How Feng Shui can support our relationships - Creating supportive and restful bedrooms for our children and ourselves - The detrimental effect of certain colours on our health, in particular areas of our homes - Curating books, toys and clothes to create more harmony - Plus so much more Where to Find Patricia: Website: Patricia Lohan Instagram: @powerhousefengshui Resources Mentioned: The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer Patricia's Free Resources ABOUT PATRICIA: Born and bred in Western Ireland, Patricia has always felt the deep dichotomy of life. On the one hand, she set out on the spiritual path quite young, at 15. But at the same time, she had a burning passion for business, progress, and the financial rewards that come with it. But because she didn’t know how to reconcile those two aspects of herself, her energy was unbalanced, and she was stuck in a life she felt wasn’t hers. Then, suddenly, she decided to finally step into her destiny and start creating the life she wanted for herself. She moved to India to study as a yoga teacher. But what REALLY moved the needle was deciding to delve deep into the ancient practice of Feng Shui. Applying these timeless tips, techniques, and tools was a total game-changer. Patricia wants to bring her knowledge, expertise and positive power to women just like you. Yes, you can achieve anything you want with the right mental attitude and these 5,000-year-old tried and tested techniques. Patricia has worked with women from all walks of life: successful and aspiring entrepreneurs, homemakers, women in corporate, artists, writers, athletes, heart-centred coaches, healers, designers…One thing they all have in common? They decided to level up. Invest in themselves. Stop asking for approval. She has appeared in various media outlets, and she has been sharing her insights and knowledge with over 40,000 people in her online community.

This episode is dedicated to all the educators and teachers around the world who are burnout and drowning in a system that is unsupportive and harmful to both them, and the children in their schools and daycares. As an Educator myself, I have had enough of the lack of accountability and responsibility the education system/department of education has assumed in its failings for teachers and children, so I'm call them out. I'm bringing to light all the things that aren't seen by society. All the paperwork, documenting, high turnover rates and low emotional health that teachers are subjected to day in, and day out. I share numerous scientific research studies that reveal eye-opening and heartbreaking experiences that many educators deal with. This topic is so big, yet I have managed to condense it down to a regular length episode. I also share some extremely exciting news, so you'll need to listen to find out what's coming up soon for myself and Spirited Hearts. Resources Mentioned: Dr Peter Gray on the Spirited Hearts Podcast Free to Learn by Dr Peter Gray Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto NASA Study from the 1960s Raising Wildlings episode with Woodline Primary Principal ABOUT STEPH: Stephanie Heartfield is the creator and founder of Spirited Hearts® which is a multi-service community supporting children, families and educators. She is a Parenting Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Early Childhood Educator. Steph has spent almost 20 years dedicated to child development, trauma and providing support to children, their families and early childhood educators. She created her Natural Learning Haven (registered Family Day Care) alongside her husband, Lukas to provide the strongest emotionally supportive environment in the industry, which is trauma-informed, and where children have the space and freedom to be their beautiful, unique selves. Steph will be soon be launching the very first live round for her Mentor Program for the Spirited Hearts Approach to Early Learning & Childhood. This is for teachers, educators, parents and anyone wanting to create their own trauma-informed natural learning haven from home and in their community. Steph provides 1:1 support for parents all over the world, providing a space filled with unconditional acceptance, compassion, empathy and deep listening. Assisting parents with their own childhood traumas, as well as offering healing solutions for many parenting challenges from tantrums and crying to sleep and separation anxiety. Steph has two children (aged 10 and almost 7), who she has raised with Aware Parenting since the moment they were born. They are both homeschooled following a life (natural) learning approach. To find out more about Steph please visit her website https://spiritedhearts.net or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirited_hearts

In this episode, I'm joined by Nichole Hamilton, founder of The Kidz Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Holistic Healer. Nic's passion is to create safe havens for children, whether that be at home or at school. Nic vulnerably shares her journey, including her personal healing journey that led her to doing this incredible work in the world. We also discuss: Where to Find Nic: Website: The Kidz Coach Instagram: @thekidzcoach_nichole_hamilton Facebook: Nichole Hamilton Resources Mentioned: Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill Nichole's Free Program ABOUT NIC: With over 8 years of experience working with children, Nichole possesses a deep understanding of their emotional well-being and behavioral challenges. Her passion lies in creating a safe and nurturing space for children to express themselves fully, helping them navigate through difficult times and empowering them to reach their full potential. Nichole’s expertise extends beyond traditional therapy methods. She is a certified play therapist, master hypnotherapist, NLP practitioner, and Reiki energy healer. Through her comprehensive skill set, she merges therapeutic modalities with play, connection, and empowerment to support children in healing and transforming their lives.What sets Nichole apart is her genuine love and dedication to helping children thrive. She believes in the power of unconditional love, providing children with a safe haven where they can feel seen, heard, and valued. By incorporating play and engaging activities, Nichole creates an environment that fosters emotional growth, resilience, and improved communication.

After receiving so much positive feedback about Part One of the Homeschooling Series, we are excited to share with you Part Two. We both enjoyed this conversation so much. Nic had many of her questions answered, and Steph loved reflecting on her own journey as a homeschooling parents. In this episode we discuss: ABOUT STEPH: Steph is a Level 2 Aware Parenting Instructor, Early Childhood Educator and Parenting Support Counsellor. She has worked with parents and children for over a decade. With degrees and qualifications in psychology, counselling and early childhood education, Steph is extremely passionate about child development, trauma, attachment and neuroscience. She works with parents and educators from around the world, supporting them through 1:1 mentoring sessions and online courses. As well as co-operating a Family Day Care alongside her husband. ABOUT NIC: Nic is a Level 1 Aware Parenting Instructor and Marion Method Mentor. Nic is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with parents from around the world. She loves supporting children and parents navigate challenges at school. KINSHIP CONNECTION with Steph & Nic: Steph and Nic are incredibly excited to introduce you to something that we are so passionate about; Kinship Connection. This is a safe, supportive and accepting space for children aged 6-12 years old and their families. To find out more click here. If you would like us to respond to any of your reflections, queries or questions during an episode in this homeschooling series, please feel free to contact Steph or Nic on Instagram @spirited_hearts or @peacefulparenting and Steph's website or Nic's website.

We are so incredibly excited to FINALLY share with you something we have been working on together for the past year. Introducing: Kinship Connection In this episode we share and discuss: Kinship Connection is for families with children aged 6-12 years old. We are here to support parents and children with unconditional acceptance, compassion, understanding and joy. We only have space for 30 families in Kinship Connection, so if you would like to join please click here to join today. FIND STEPH AT: Website: Spirited Hearts Instagram: @spirited_hearts FIND NIC AT: Website: Peaceful Parenting Facebook: Peaceful Parenting Instagram: @peacefulparenting

In the Steph & Nic's Homeschooling Series, we are so excited to share with you our journeys, fears, apprehensions and knowledge. This series will comprise of several parts and will be released over the coming months. In part one we took a deep dive into how each of us came to the decision to homeschool our children, including Nic's desire to homeschool, yet still having her daughter at school. We also discuss: - some of the fears we have with homeschooling - i.e. how will I teach my child to read? - how schooling affected Steph's eldest child, and why her younger child has more freedom in himself - why meaningful learning elevates instrinsic motivation - school trauma and bullying - how to support your child if you cannot homeschool, including helpful questions you can ask your child at the end of every school day - the importance of mixed-age schooling and socialisation - plus so much more Resources Mentioned: Ep 27 The Power & Freedom of Expressing Our Authentic Self with Nic Wilson Ep 33 Supporting & Advocating for Our Children at School with Nic Wilson Ep 35 The Freedom to Learn & Play with Peter Gray Blog Post - My 10 year old's Traumatic Memory of When he was One Day Old How Children Learn by John Holt Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg If you would like us to respond to any of your reflections, queries or questions during an episode in this homeschooling series, please feel free to contact Steph or Nic on Instagram @spirited_hearts or @peacefulparenting and Steph's website spiritedhearts.net

Welcome to Episode 50! In this week's episode, I felt called to speak about raising a connected family, something I am very intentional with in my own family. I reflect back on my own childhood, and all the areas where connection was present, including how my grandparents and parents shaped my core value of 'family.' I also share with you all the ways that I bring connection to my own family: - Presence time - Family Collaborations - The importance of honest, open communication - How to repair the connect with our child/ren after a rupture - Accountability and reflections - Re-parenting ourselves - Listening partnerships - Plus so much more Where to Find Me: Website: Spirited Hearts Instagram: @spirited_hearts Resources: The Spirited Hearts Play Files 1:1 Sessions About Me: Stephanie Heartfield is the creator and founder of Spirited Hearts® which is a multi-service community supporting children, families and educators. She is a Parenting Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Early Childhood Educator. Steph has spent the better part of two decades, dedicated to child development, trauma and providing support to children, their families and early childhood educators. She created her Natural Learning & Healing Haven (registered Family Day Care) alongside her husband, Lukas to provide the strongest emotionally supportive environment in the industry, which is trauma-informed, and where children have the space and freedom to be their beautiful, unique selves. Steph will be soon be launching the very first live round for her Certification Program for the Spirited Hearts Approach to Early Childhood & Learning. This is for teachers, educators, parents and anyone wanting to create their own trauma-informed natural learning haven from home and in their community. Steph provides 1:1 support for parents all over the world, providing a space filled with unconditional acceptance, compassion, empathy and deep listening. Assisting parents with their own childhood traumas, as well as offering healing solutions for many parenting challenges from tantrums and crying to sleep and separation anxiety. Steph has two children of her own who are homeschooled, as well as a chocolate lab, ragdoll cat and five chickens.

In this week's episode, you will hear the insightful wisdom of Natalie Cook from Untamed Me and SheGathered. Natalie supports women to connect with the unique energies of their cycle, and to plan life around your unique rhythms. Natalie shares her story and journey that led her to doing this amazing work in the world. We also discuss: - reconnecting to our cycle - the energy of the inner seasons - living in alignment with your unique energy - planning your life and family around you cycle - setting boundaries to honour your cycle - how to bring your family onboard - plus so much more Where to Find Natalie: Website: Untamed Me Instagram: @untamedme_ and @shegathered_ Resources: - Robbie Arnott books - Women Who Run with The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes - Brooke Tumber episode 26 - Tiffany Gesler episodes: Episode 7 and Episode 44 ABOUT NATALIE: Natalie is a woman who believes in the power of the foundational connection to the cycle within her and to the cycles of the earth surrounding her. She dreams of opening up this connection for other women to give them what it has given her - connection to her truth as a woman. Untamed Me was created as a resource to support busy women in building this deep connection to the truths in their bodies through connection to their inner cycles.

In this week’s episode, I welcome back Tamika Rose to discuss the importance of having trauma-informed support on our healing journey. Tamika shares her own trauma and healing journey, what she found helpful and what she didn't over the past 17 years. We also discuss: - why all feelings are valid - toxic positivity - when coaches/mentors/therapists inadvertently contribute to trauma on the healing journey - what happens when we suppress our feelings - how the nervous system is formed in the womb - creating safety to authentically express ourselves - relational trauma - Plus so much more Where to Find Tamika Website: www.tamikarose.love Instagram: @tamikarose.love Facebook: Tamika Rose - Emotional Healing, Inner Child & Soul Embodiment Guide Resources: Books by Gabor Mate ABOUT TAMIKA Tamika Rose has been supporting others in transformational emotional healing since 2007 and sacred feminine soul embodiment work since 2016. During this time, she has impacted over 7,000 people in her 1 on 1 sessions, seminars, retreats, webinars and online courses. Tamika's healing journey has been one of very deep emotional healing and the reclamation and embodiment of her soul. Her journey has shown her that it is possible to completely heal, find wholeness and step into your true self no matter what you have endured in your past. After coming home and connecting with her own soul and the Divine, she now supports others on this Sacred Journey Home.

In this week's episode I have the absolute pleasure introducing you to Bianca Nelson, aka The Aboriginal Naturopath. Bianca is a degree qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, Iridologist, proud Yuin woman and mother who is passionate about supporting individuals to deeply understand their body’s unique wisdom so they can thrive and feel their best. Bianca shares her journey into the work she does, and how it began for her, as a child with her Mother in their backyard garden. Bianca also tells of her background in refuges, care and leaving care, and how trauma background inform her work. We also discuss: * how women can support themselves through the conception journey * conscious conception * environmental toxins and their detrimental effect to fertility and hormones * supporting ourselves with nourishing food, living a nurturing lifestyle and creating the best support team * plant medicine * the trauma/stress response * plus so much more WHERE TO FIND BIANCA: Website: Bianca Nelson Instagram: @theaboriginalnaturopath Wellness Centre: Meraki Wellness Centre RESOURCES: Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer The Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan with Uncle Paul Gordon ABOUT BIANCA: I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the beautiful Darkinjung land on which I live and work. My business is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated. I am a degree qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, Iridologist, proud Yuin woman and mother who is passionate about supporting individuals to deeply understand their body’s unique wisdom so they can thrive and feel their best. I feel strongly about holding a safe space for patients to feel heard, supported and empowered. I concurrently work in the community welfare field where I have gained valuable insights into healing trauma and cultivating emotional resilience. I incorporate this knowledge and empathetic approach into my practice. I offer a gentle treatment approach which weaves clinical insights with the ancient wisdom of plant medicines, food as medicine, lifestyle modifications and client education to deliver a deep healing experience which will bring the body back into balance and uncover the root cause of health concerns. My special interests include women’s health, mental health/emotional wellbeing, hormonal imbalances, preconception, postpartum support, stress, exhaustion and sleep difficulties. As a busy mother to a young child I am especially passionate about supporting mothers to feel their best.

I'd love to introduce you to this week's wonderful guest, Lia Wong from Raising Orion. Lia is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Neuro-Energetic Kinesiologist and she is trained as a Birth Doula. In this episode, Lia shares her journey into Aware Parenting, and how she went from sleepless nights with her son, to supporting her son to feel truly relaxed to sleep soundly all night. We also discuss: * looking outside of physical needs, as to why our child is crying * understanding the needs and feelings of babies * the biological function of tears (crying) * benefits of play and laughter, for both children and parents * why Aware Parenting also supports and heals parents * why listening partnerships are crucial in our parenting journey * plus so much more Where to Find Lia: Website: Raising Orion Instagram: @raising.orion Instagram: @liajwong Resources: The Aware Baby by Aletha Solter Raising Resilient and Compassionated Children by Lael Stone and Marion Rose Heart to Heart Parenting by Robin Grille Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine Hold on to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate Episode 30 Exploring Food and Self-Regulated Eating with Danni Willow on Spirited Hearts Podcast ABOUT LIA: Lia’s belief that kinesiology can help people live their best life is rooted in her own experiences as a former professional ballroom dancer, and entrepreneur. After ten years of competitive dancing and sustaining several injuries, she jumped right into launching a boutique digital agency. She soon found herself suffering from chronic pain, a weakened immune system, anxiety and a broken heart. Kinesiology helped her uncover the stressors that impacted her ability to heal. Inspired and grateful for this revelation, Lia dedicated herself to studying this healing modality and is a certified Neuro-Energetic kinesiologist as well as an Aware Parenting instructor. Passionate about gentle birth, parenting for a new paradigm and trauma-informed care, she is also trained as a birth doula having studied with Ibu Robin Lim and childbirth educator Debra Pascali-Bonaro. In Lia’s practice, she is dedicated to helping clients reconnect to their bodies, and supporting families in flourishing.

In this week's episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Emma Rae from Connected Kids. Emma is a teacher and mother who believes in the power of education to shape the future. Emma shares her journey in teaching, and the observations she has made along the way. We also discuss: - discrepancies between learning at university and teaching in schools - parents being involved in their child's education - preventing burnout as a teacher/educator - school trauma and educational inertia - doing your own research as a teacher - real world learning - plus so much more Where to Find Emma: Website: Connected Kids Instagram: @_connectedkids Facebook: Connected Kids Resources: Hold On To Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Joe Dispenza The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer Peter Gray's episode on Spirited Hearts the podcast ABOUT EMMA: Emma is a passionate woman, devoted mother, and dedicated teacher who believes in the power of education to shape the future. With a backyard garden as her sanctuary and a fierce commitment to advocating for future generations, Emma is the driving force behind Connected Kids and the innovative Connected Approach to education. To embody the Connected Approach, Emma equips educators with the tools to cultivate awareness of their teaching practices, habits, and beliefs. By encouraging reflection and inviting new possibilities, she helps educators create a more intentional and aligned pedagogy. This approach places the child at the centre of the learning experience. Emma's mission is to support educators in consistently showing up for learners and becoming the educators they have always dreamt of being. Through Connected Kids, she offers guidance, resources, and inspiration, enabling educators to bring joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment back into the teaching profession and learning space. By embracing the Connected Approach, educators can make a lasting impact, empower learners, and shape a brighter future for education.

In this week's episode I am delighted to sit down, once again with the beautiful and insightful Tiffany Gesler, who shared so much wisdom in episode 7. Tiffany is a proud Aboriginal Gunggari woman who has many roles and experience in early childhood education, outdoor education, Aboriginal health, midwifery, doula work and women’s business, and launched Tooowoomba's first private Bush School in 2022. In this episode, Tiffany shares updates on what she has been working on over the last year. We also discuss: - the importance of slowing down - our awareness and connection to nature - getting children outdoors - cycles and seasons - supporting women through the inner seasons - damage of artificial light - understanding trees and plants - plus so much more Where to Find Tiffany: Instagram: @sowandnurtured_ Instagram: @woman_nurtured Instagram: @shegathered_ Resources: Episode 7: Heart Listening and Connecting with Country with Tiffany Gesler The Darkness Manifesto by Johan Eklof Peter Levine Kiss the Ground documentary Fire Country by Victor Steffensen Glucose Revolution by Jesse Inchauspe Jane Hardwicke Collings ABOUT TIFFANY: Tiffany is a proud Aboriginal Gunggari woman who is a space holder for women, children and mothers. With many roles and experience in early childhood education, outdoor education, Aboriginal health, midwifery, doula work and women’s business. In this fast paced world, Tiffany strives to connect women and children to their own nature through honouring the seasons and cycles of the land and connection to Country. Be it exploring the bush with a group of children or supporting a woman in birth, Tiffanys work all comes down to a love of holding space for families. Tiffany wishes for all women to re-member the knowledge and wisdom that has been lost and disconnected from us, for women to have autonomy of their bodies and for women to feel empowered to be their authentic selves so that it ripples into our homes, our children and our community. Last year Tiffany launched the first private Bush School of Toowoomba with a strong vision to bring the community together to support wellbeing, getting children outdoors, to slow down, truth telling and support learning through the land.

In this week's episode, I chat with Emma Rogers Dumas. She is an Aware Parenting Instructor of almost 10 years, the founder of Expanding Minds and a Mum of 2. Emma shares how she discovered Aware Parenting and how it transformed her daughter's sleep. We also discuss: - control patterns and what they are - releasing our own feelings, crying, raging and laughing - supporting our children at school drop off - becoming aware of our own feelings and how they can impact others - meeting our own needs so we can show up better for our children - challenges in motherhood and re-parenting ourselves - plus so much more Where to Find Emma: Website: Expanding Minds Australia Facebook: Emma Rogers Dumas Instagram: @expandingmindsaustralia Resources: The Aware Baby by Aletha Solter

I am incredibly excited to bring you this episode with the lovely Interior Designer, Sam Webb founder of The Paradigm Room. Sam has so much wisdom, knowledge and experience in providing sustainable and healthy homes to the community, and she is also my sister. Sam shares her journey into interior design, as well as the health challenges and environmental illnesses she has faced, which led her to where she is today. We also discuss: * common toxins found in our homes * bringing awareness of what has happened in the past, so it can inform the present * differences between building standards around the world * the nuances of scientific research in all industries * creating energy efficient and sustainable homes * plus so much more Where to Find Sam: Website: The Paradigm Room Facebook: The Paradigm Room Instagram: @theparadigmroom Resources: * From Brief to Build by Jennifer Hudson * A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle ABOUT SAM: Sam is a qualified interior designer with 15 years industry experience, locally, domestically, and internationally. Despite the utmost privilege to work on such a vast array of projects with amazing clients, she had the increasing desire (a higher calling perhaps) to delve into the physical and environmental health perspective of design. Sam has also since spent the past 8+ years researching the health implications of the built environment, through a post-graduate research-based degree and an upcoming book collaboration, to truly bring her clients interior architecture and design services that support the wellness. She is now the founder of The Paradigm Room, a Toowoomba-based interior design studio that specialises in sustainable design that prioritises health & wellbeing, through every step of the design process.

I am so delighted to introduce you to the lovely, Megan Kate Clinton in this week's episode. Megan is extensively trained as a Relational Gestalt Psychotherapist, Energy Psychologist, Gestalt Play Therapist and is an Aware Parenting Instructor. In this episode Megan generously shares her wisdom and knowledge of trauma, and the journey that led her to this point. We also discuss: - trauma, which is broken down into individual, collective and generational/lineage traumas - how our trauma is activated by our children - how working with another person is important to heal our trauma - trauma in the therapy world, and the struggle many therapists/coaches/mentors experience in holding the tears/crying of clients - confusing calming down versus listening to heal - our children come here to voice what we could not - the inner wisdom of children - plus so much more Where to Find Megan: Instagram: @megankateclinton Facebook: Megan Kate Clinton Resources: Hold on to Your Children by Dr Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Mate ABOUT MEGAN: Megan Kate Clinton offers healing, integration and transformation to women seeking to change the world, be that through parenting, business practice, or relationships of any nature. She is extensively trained as a Relational Gestalt Psychotherapist, Energy Psychologist, Gestalt Play Therapist and is an Aware Parenting Instructor and has been practicing for nearly two decades. This training and experience includes a particular focus and understanding of trauma. She brings all her training, learnings and understandings into all aspects of her work