Shows / Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Welcome to the Learn Play Thrive Early Eduction podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education and Care. 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.
Learn Play Thrive – A podcast for early childhood educators & sector leaders.
Pedagogy insights, play-based learning ideas, quality practices…
Episodes
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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'…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E4 Little Library: 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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle 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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E3 Little Library: 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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastLittle 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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E2 Little Library: Ruby's Repair Cafe
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
Learn Play Thrive Early Education PodcastS1E1 Little Library: Goodnight Sheep
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
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…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Little Ears, Big Impact: Navigating Hearing Health in Children with Emma Moore
In this episode we’re joined by Emma Moore, founder and Senior Audiologist at Emma’s Ears on the NSW Central Coast. Emma and her team are dedicated to…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Shaping Positive Workplace Culture in ECEC: Leadership Strategies with Colin Slattery & Anthony Semann
In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes Colin Slattery and Anthony Semann, founders of Semann and Slattery consultancy, to discuss…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Speech Development and Beyond: Recognising Concerns and Collaborating for Success
In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand interviews Meg Tidyman, a speech pathologist and founder of Eat Talk Play. They discuss Meg's…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Enhancing Early Education Through Movement, Breath, and Mindfulness
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Beth Borowsky, founder of The Karma Class, an organisation dedicated to bringing the benefits of…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Embedding Authentic Aboriginal Culture in Early Education
In this enlightening episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are honored to welcome Sharon Buck, a proud Kamilaroi woman and Assistant Principal at Kooloora…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Creating inspiring play spaces to invite and ignite learning by Semann & Slattery
In this inspiring episode of Learn Play Thrive, we're joined by Anthony Semann, founder of Semann & Slattery and a trailblazer in advancing ethical, equitable…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Navigating the NDIS: Empowering Families and Educators with Laura Kiln
Through this conversation Simone and Laura Kiln, a Development and Behavioural Specialist with over 30 years’ experience supporting children and their families…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The Power of Play and Storytelling in Water Safety Education
In this episode, we are joined by Louise Lambeth, an experienced surf lifesaver, children's book author, and founder of Deep Water Publishing. Through her…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Supporting Child Development Through Sensory Strategies and OT Insights with Karina West
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Karina West, a dedicated paediatric Occupational Therapist from Eat Talk Play. Karina brings her…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Reframing Behaviour in Early Childhood Education with CPI’s Susan Driscoll
In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Driscoll, president of the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). CPI is a global leader in crisis prevention training to…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Building Little Leaders: Nurturing Growth Mindsets in Early Childhood
In this episode, Simone is joined by Matt and Bryce, the co-founders of Little Leaders Australia, a program designed to instill confidence, resilience, and a…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Quality Intergenerational Programs in Early Childhood Education and Care with Angela Butler and Michelle Jackson
In this episode, we’re joined by Angela Butler, an Educational Leader, and Michelle Jackson, an educator and former aged care worker, to explore the incredible…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
NQF Quality Area 4: Focusing on the organisation and professionalism of educators, staff and management
In this episode, Simone dives into Quality Area 4 of the National Quality Standard (NQS), a key component of ensuring high standards in early childhood…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Starting Solids: A Guide to Infant Nutrition with Dietitian for Educators by Lindsey Jude
EPS 19 In this episode, we are joined by Lindsey Jude, a senior Dietitian and author of the book Starting Solids. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Science…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
NQF Quality Area 3: Physical Enviroment holistic, responsive and diverse learning enviroments
In this episode of LearnPlay Thrive, podcast host Simone Brand explores the connection between the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) exceeding themes and…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Building Foundations: The Power of Early Literacy with Linda Harrison
In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, the podcast, host Simone Brand is joined by Linda Harrison from Play Pathways Australia to discuss the significance of…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
NQF Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety; how can The Child Safe Standards be reflected within your service
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, Simone Brand discusses the child safe standards and their application within organisations. The podcast outlines each…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Stepping up, inspiring others and becoming a mentor as an Educational Leader with Aimee Hansen
In this episode of the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand welcomes Amiee Hansen, an experienced educational leader with a master's degree in early…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
The wonderful world of sleep
In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone welcomes Kathryn Stoneman, a trained sleep practitioner, to discuss the importance of sleep for children in…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Part Two: Stepping into the world of big school
In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive,' host Simone and guest Lizzie Sargent delve into the intricacies of school readiness and transition for young…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
NQF Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice. Involving children in decision making.
In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive' hosted by Simone Brand, the focus is on Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Framework, specifically on embedding…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Part one: Journey towards school in early childhood education and care
In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, host Simone and guest Lizzie Sargeant discuss the differences between school readiness and school transition…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Mindful tips and tools for children in Early Years Settings
In this episode, we delve into the world of mindfulness for young children and explore how integrating mindful practices into early years settings can support…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Building your community at your Early Childhood Centre
In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive,' host Simone Brand discusses the importance and strategies of building a community within childcare services. Simone…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Sustainable Starts: Early Education and Regenerative Practices and how to bring them into your Early Childhood Setting
In this episode, host Simone welcomes Dorothee Seeto from Endless Play Studio, a sustainability expert, to discuss the importance of integrating sustainability…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Keeping your educator spark alive
There is a reason why you chose to become an educator, that beautiful spark that gets you out of bed in the morning ready and excited for the day ahead with…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Harmonising Early Learning: The Power of Music in Early Childhood Settings
EPS 5 - In this episode Simone interviews Vanessa Couper who is a music therapist and also in the children's band Tip Toe Giants. Together they share the…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Journey Through Early Childhood: What to Expect from 3 to 5 Years and strategies to support these precious years
In this episode of the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, host Simone Brand and special guest Lizzie Sargent explore the key developmental stages for children aged…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Journey Through Early Childhood: What to Expect from Birth to 3 Years and strategies to support these precious years
In this enlightening episode, Simone interviews Lizzie Sargeant an Early Childhood Teacher with a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education and Bachelor in…
- Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Embracing Nature Pedagogy with Rebecca Thompson
In this episode of 'Learn, Play, Thrive,' host Simone Brand chats with Rebecca Thompson, an experienced director and consultant in the early childhood sector…