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Learn Play Thrive The Podcast
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive: The Podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education. Whether you are an educator or leader in the sector, this podcast is your go-to resource to discover strategies to foster learning, promote play and empower young minds to thrive.
Episodes
70 episodes
Little Dreamers #3: Friendship
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness stories for preschoolers! Settle into a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little Dreamers offers a simple yet effective tool for promoting relaxation, body awareness,...
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Season 1
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Episode 70
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11:10
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The Digital Child: Nurturing Future-Ready Learners
Join us for an incredibly insightful conversation with Professor Lisa Kervin AM, Director of the Early Start Institute at the University of Wollongong (UOW), whose work highlights how positive digital literacy experiences in early childhood emp...
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Season 1
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Episode 69
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28:13
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Encountering the Mosaic of Marks, Words, and Material: An Interactive Atelier
Join us for an inspirational episode as we delve into the heart of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) Exhibition, the ‘Mosaic of Marks, Words and Material’!We were incredibly fortunate to catch up with Kirsty Lilje...
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Season 1
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Episode 68
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17:23
An Educator's Guide: Easing Separation Anxiety During Room Changes
Join us for an insightful episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, featuring educators Karin House and Emma Seyer! With decades of combined experience across all age groups, Karin and Emma bring practical wisdom and personal insights into unde...
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Season 1
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Episode 67
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45:32
Is It Just a Phase? Understanding Separation Anxiety in Childhood
Join us as we chat with Jen Gibbons, a clinical counsellor with 14 years of experience and a passion for working with trauma, attachment, and complex mental health. In this insightful episode, Jen defines separation anxiety in young children, e...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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32:13
Pedgagogy or Paparazzi
Join us for an illuminating episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we welcome Clare Comedoy, a passionate pedagogical leader for excellence in early education! In this episode, Clare tackles meaningful, authentic documentation...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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32:16
ECEC Pedagogy Matters with Dr Red Ruby Scarlet
Join us for an electrifying episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we welcome the incredible Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet! With over 30 years in early childhood, Red is an activist, teacher-researcher, consultant, artist, and academic. She's devot...
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Season 1
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Episode 64
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36:48
Feeding with Connection: What Really Matters for Kids?
Join us on the latest episode of Learn Play Thrive as we welcome Eliza Peacock from Milk & Munch, a certified speech pathologist with over 12 years of paediatric experience. Eliza is passionate about helping families overcome feeding challe...
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Season 1
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Episode 63
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34:55
Rethinking Disability Support: A Holistic Approach
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we welcome Jenny Nechvatal. Jenny is a passionate advocate from Innovative Disability Solutions with over 30 years' experience in the sector and lived experience parenting two children with disabilities. Au...
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Season 1
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Episode 62
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38:14
Little Library #4: Bev and Kev
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's Little Library! In this episode, our Early Education Content Producer, Linda Harrison, dives into the award-winning picture book, ‘Bev and Kev’ by Katrina Germein and illustrated by our special guest, Mandy Foot.<...
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Season 1
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Episode 61
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31:11
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Planning Thinking, Not Planning Activities Using a Slow Pedagogy Approach
In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, I sit down with Anthony Semann, co-director of Semann & Slattery, to explore how the concept of “slow pedagogy” is revolutionising the way we plan and engage in early childhood education.Togeth...
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Season 1
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Episode 60
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31:43
United Workers Union: Big Steps Campaign
In this conversation from an exhibitor at the Semann & Slattery Inspire Conference 2025, we sat down with Deidre Donnelly and Tamika Hicks from the United Workers Union's Big Steps Campaign. In this episode, we delve into the heart of their...
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Season 1
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Episode 59
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19:52
Building Services From The Ground Up: The Approved Provider Journey with Simone Brand
In this chat Simone shares her passion for working in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) industry, what its been like building two long day care centres from the ground up, and all that comes with being an Approved Provider. Simone c...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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22:54
Advocacy with Early Childhood Australia
This special episode features Samantha Page, the dynamic CEO of Early Childhood Australia (ECA). As the driving force behind advocacy for children under eight, their families, and the professionals who support them, Samantha brings over two dec...
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Season 1
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Episode 57
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38:31
Amplifying Cultural Allyship in the Early Years
Today on the podcast, we're joined by two influential figures in early childhood education: Laura Stone from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and Jenae Tien Jenkins, an award-winning producer, author, and social entrepreneur. Laur...
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Season 1
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Episode 55
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35:32
Little Dreamers #2: Clouds
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness journey stories for preschoolers! Settle into a peaceful moment with Clouds, a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little Dreamers offers a simple yet effective tool fo...
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Season 1
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Episode 56
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11:46
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Music for Inner Peace & Brain Power!
Tune in with Amelia Scarf from Rhymey, an expert in early childhood music! Discover how simple musical experiences can transform your classroom into a calm and focused space, boosting children's learning and emotional well-being. Amelia shares ...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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13:57
The Trauma Lens: Transforming Early Education
Welcome to this episode where we're joined by Kate Hodgekiss, owner and director of Engaging Curriculum Solutions, to explore the vital role of understanding trauma in early childhood education. Kate brings her expertise to discuss why this kno...
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Season 1
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Episode 53
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30:03
Little Library #3: The Truck Cat
In this special BONUS episode, Linda Harrison explores The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel & Danny Snell – the official picture book for ALIA's National Simultaneous Storytime 2025! This heartfelt story beautifully explores themes of belonging...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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12:18
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Weaving Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum
This episode of Learn Play Thrive features Jessica Staines, a leading early childhood educator, advocate, and professional speaker renowned for her work as founder of the Koori Curriculum. Jessica offers invaluable insights into developing cult...
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Season 1
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Episode 51
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18:59
Little Dreamers #1: Majestic Bugs
Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's brand new mindfulness journey for preschoolers! Settle into a peaceful moment with our very first episode, Majestic Bugs, a mini-meditation crafted for young listeners. Join Bella the butterfly on her gentle garde...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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12:24
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Bush Kinder with Purpose
Ready to unlock a world of learning right outside the door? Join us on Learn Play Thrive as we chat with early childhood guru Louise Dorrat! With 40 years of wisdom and a hand in launching Australia's first Bush Kinder program, Louise spills th...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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32:15
Reimagining Teaching & Learning Through the Arts
Ever wonder how to truly ignite creativity in young children? Ready to see their learning blossom in unexpected ways?Then get inspired with the latest episode of Learn Play Thrive! We're thrilled to bring you insights straight from the Insp...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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14:59
Building Healthy Habits: The Munch & Move Way
Want to inject more movement and wellbeing into your early childhood setting?This week on Learn Play Thrive, we're diving into the essential ingredients for a vibrant and healthy early childhood! Join us as we chat with Liesl Greenwood from...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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27:59
Inspire 2025 Conference Conversations: Exhibitor Insights
Welcome to a special behind-the-scenes episode! Today, we're taking you straight to the vibrant exhibitor floor of the Semann & Slattery Inspire 2025 conference, dedicated to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. Join us as we conn...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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29:05