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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
57 episodes
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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36:55
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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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33:56
Learn Play Thrive 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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11:15
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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13:27
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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28:27
Learn Play Thrive 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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11:48
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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18:29
Learn Play Thrive 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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11:54
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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30:39
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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14:29
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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26:23
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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27:29
Inventive Thinking in Young Children, Keynote speaker at Inspire 2025
Join us for an captivating conversation recorded live at the Inspire Conference 2025! We had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dr Ben Mardell PhD, a leading voice in innovative educational practices all the way from the USA. With over four...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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9:05
Inspire 2025 Conference Conversations: Educator Voices
Straight from the heart of the Semann & Slattery Inspire 2025 conference, this bonus episode ignites the raw passion of early childhood educators and sector leaders. Tune in to discover the moments that fuel their joy, and the powerful take...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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14:21
Generative AI: Should we worry or be excited?
In this episode, we welcome renowned ECEC expert Dr Kate Highfield from the University of Canberra. Join us as we unpack the buzz and address the real concerns surrounding use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in the Early Child...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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29:47
Media And Multimodal Play, ABC Kids Early Education
In this episode we welcome Laura Stone, Early Childhood Education Producer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Laura shares valuable insights into ways early childhood educators can intentionally and authentically integrate ...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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29:10
Learn Play Thrive Little Library #2: Ruby's Repair Cafe, Linda Harrison
Welcome to Learn, Play, Thrive, the podcast dedicated to early learning! In this episode, we explore the enchanting world of 'Ruby's Repair Cafe,' a picture book by Michelle Worthington and Zoe Bennett. Join me, Linda Harrison, as w...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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11:25
All Kids Can Be Readers!: Inspiring a Love of Reading with the Australian Children's Laureate
In this special episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Sally Rippin, Australian Children's Laureate for 2024-2025. Sally is Australia’s highest-selling female author with over 100 books for children and young adults, many of...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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34:08
Exploring the Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Early Childhood, Big World of Little Dude USA
This week host Simone Brand chats with guest Cara Zelas, an Early Childhood Educator, Montessori teacher, social emotional learning expert, and dog therapy advocate. Cara is the founder of Big World of Little Dude, an educational platform teach...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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24:05
Learn Play Thrive Little Library Goodnight Sheep, Linda Harrison
In this episode we welcome Linda Harrison, Early Education Content Producer at Learn Play Thrive. All of us here at Learn Play Thrive are passionate about the power of picture books to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong love of books, read...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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9:31
Educational Leadership: Planning a balanced curriculum, Aimee Hansen
In today’s episode of Learn Play Thrive, we’re thrilled to welcome back Aimee Hansen, an experienced Educational Leader with over 26 years in the early childhood education sector. Aimee holds a Masters degree in early childhood education and me...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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11:54
Nurturing Young Minds: Supporting Co-regulation in Early Childhood
In this episode, we welcome Racheal O’Brien, founder of Consciously Raising Kids. With a career as an early childhood educator and sleep and wellbeing coach, Rach brings a wealth of knowledge on supporting children’s emotional regulation, manag...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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29:16
Inclusion in Action: Making Equity & Diversity Everyday Practice
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Dr. Kathy Cologon, Principal Consultant and Founder of Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With a wealth of experience in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies, Dr. Cologon is a na...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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1:02:40
Beyond the Buzzword: Mastering and Expanding your Critical Reflection toolbox - Part 2
Join me, Simone Brand, on Learn, Play, Thrive, the ultimate early learning podcast for educators and leaders. In this episode, we dive deep into critical reflection with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos. We explore a ten-step critical reflec...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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24:20
Beyond the Buzzword: Mastering and Expanding your Critical Reflection toolbox - Part 1
Welcome to the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, the ultimate early learning platform for educators and leaders. In today's episode, we dive into part one of 'Expanding Your Critical Reflection Toolbox' with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos, an esteemed educ...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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37:15