Spirited Hearts: The Podcast with Steph Fleeton

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 moreWhere to Find Sarah:Website: Dr Sarah Pye - Author & SpeakerFacebook: Sarah Pye Author Speaker EnvironmentalistInstagram: @author_sarahrpyeResources Mentioned:Fourteen Wolves by Catherine BarrThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson BurnettThe Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonWombat Warriors by Samantha WheelABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find Danni:Website: https://www.thewayofthewoman.com.au/ Facebook: The Way of the WomanInstagram: Danni WillowResources 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:the differences in Western Culture and Traditional Cultures in supporting the MotherHow to go into the postpartum period feelings empoweredThe positive impact of intergenerational communities and supportHow the medicalisation of birth is detrimental to the Mother and BabyHow it's never too late to recover from the immediate postpartum periodSetting boundaries with healthcare providers and loved onesPlus so much moreWhere to Find Kirsty:Website: Honouring MamaInstagram: @kirstyfernandeshonouringmamaFacebook: Kirsty Fernandes - Honouring MamaResources Mentioned:Nurtured Postpartum Workshops with KirstyAware Parenting books by Dr Aletha SolterThe Willingness Practice by Marion Rose PhDThe Spirited Hearts Play FilesKinship Connection with Steph & NicEpisode 52: Introducing Kinship ConnectionParenting Journey Support PackagesEducator/Teacher Mentoring PackagesABOUT 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 moreResources 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 moreWhere to Find Patricia:Website: Patricia LohanInstagram: @powerhousefengshuiResources Mentioned:The Surrender Experiment by Michael SingerPatricia's Free ResourcesABOUT 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 PodcastFree to Learn by Dr Peter GrayDumbing Us Down by John Taylor GattoNASA Study from the 1960sRaising Wildlings episode with Woodline Primary PrincipalABOUT 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:The importance of connection and attachmentHow societal constructs impact parentingWhy it's crucial to repair any disconnections we have created with our children; both as parents and educators/teachersAccepting everyone for the unique individual that they arePlus so much moreWhere to Find Nic:Website: The Kidz CoachInstagram: @thekidzcoach_nichole_hamiltonFacebook: Nichole HamiltonResources Mentioned:Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon HillNichole's Free ProgramABOUT 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:The different types of homeschooling - including Distance Education, Structured Homeschooling, Unschooling & Natural Learning, and Eclectic HomeschoolingDeschooling - what it is, how to do it, and how it can help you heal your own school traumas and hurtsHow neither of us remember anything about what we were taught at schoolCreating meaningful learning experiences for our child/renPlus so much moreABOUT 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 ConnectionIn this episode we share and discuss:How Kinship Connection started and what it involvesMeaningful friendshipsListening partnerships for childrenHow to nurture empathy and compassionGoing beyond school labelsPreventing depression and anxiety through emotional and social wellbeing (the core of Kinship Connection)Our monthly Kinship CubbyPlus so much moreKinship 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 HeartsInstagram: @spirited_heartsFIND 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 moreResources Mentioned:Ep 27 The Power & Freedom of Expressing Our Authentic Self with Nic WilsonEp 33 Supporting & Advocating for Our Children at School with Nic WilsonEp 35 The Freedom to Learn & Play with Peter GrayBlog Post - My 10 year old's Traumatic Memory of When he was One Day OldHow Children Learn by John HoltNonviolent Communication by Marshall RosenbergIf 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 moreWhere to Find Me:Website: Spirited HeartsInstagram: @spirited_heartsResources:The Spirited Hearts Play Files1:1 SessionsAbout 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 moreWhere to Find Natalie:Website: Untamed MeInstagram: @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 44ABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find TamikaWebsite: www.tamikarose.loveInstagram: @tamikarose.loveFacebook: Tamika Rose - Emotional Healing, Inner Child & Soul Embodiment GuideResources:Books by Gabor MateABOUT TAMIKATamika 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 moreWHERE TO FIND BIANCA:Website: Bianca NelsonInstagram: @theaboriginalnaturopathWellness Centre: Meraki Wellness CentreRESOURCES:Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall KimmererThe Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan with Uncle Paul GordonABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find Lia:Website: Raising OrionInstagram: @raising.orionInstagram: @liajwongResources:The Aware Baby by Aletha SolterRaising Resilient and Compassionated Children by Lael Stone and Marion RoseHeart to Heart Parenting by Robin GrilleWaking the Tiger by Peter LevineHold on to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor MateMyth of Normal by Gabor MateWhen the Body Says No by Gabor MateEpisode 30 Exploring Food and Self-Regulated Eating with Danni Willow on Spirited Hearts PodcastABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find Emma:Website: Connected KidsInstagram: @_connectedkidsFacebook: Connected KidsResources:Hold On To Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor MateThe Power of Now by Eckhart TolleJoe DispenzaThe Untethered Soul by Michael SingerPeter Gray's episode on Spirited Hearts the podcastABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find Tiffany:Instagram: @sowandnurtured_Instagram: @woman_nurturedInstagram: @shegathered_Resources:Episode 7: Heart Listening and Connecting with Country with Tiffany GeslerThe Darkness Manifesto by Johan EklofPeter LevineKiss the Ground documentaryFire Country by Victor SteffensenGlucose Revolution by Jesse InchauspeJane Hardwicke CollingsABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find Emma:Website: Expanding Minds AustraliaFacebook: Emma Rogers DumasInstagram: @expandingmindsaustraliaResources: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 moreWhere to Find Sam:Website: The Paradigm RoomFacebook: The Paradigm RoomInstagram: @theparadigmroomResources:* From Brief to Build by Jennifer Hudson* A New Earth by Eckhart TolleABOUT 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 moreWhere to Find Megan:Instagram: @megankateclintonFacebook: Megan Kate ClintonResources:Hold on to Your Children by Dr Gordon Neufeld & Gabor MateABOUT 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

In this week's episode, the founder of The Aware Parenting Institute, developmental psychologist, Aletha Solter PhD provides answers to questions from the community. Aletha briefly shares how Aware Parenting came to be, before we dive into this episodes topic discussing insights, experience, research and our personal stories.In this episode you will discover:- can we differentiate between accumulated feelings/trauma and genetic factors- defining neurodiversity- why Aware Parenting can support all children- observing our children is a key component in Aware Parenting- tantrums and meltdowns- when children are "stuck" with their feelings - Aletha shares 4 reasons- the balance of attention and its role in healing- how a diagnosis can be helpful- plus so much moreWhere to Find Aletha:Website -  Aware Parenting InstituteFacebook - Aware Parenting InstituteBooks by Aletha Solter PhD:The Aware Baby Cooperative & Connected Tears & Tantrums Raising Drug Free Kids Attachment Play Healing Your Traumatized Child ABOUT ALETHA:Aletha Solter is a Swiss/American developmental psychologist who is recognized internationally as an expert on attachment, trauma, and non-punitive discipline. She studied with the Swiss psychologist, Jean Piaget, at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where she obtained a Master's degree in human biology. She then earned a PhD in psychology from the University of California . She has 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren.When her first child was born in 1977 (following a traumatic birth) she did not find any parenting books that advocated attachment-style parenting and non-punitive discipline while taking into account the impact of stress and trauma on children's development.  Her 6 books have been translated into many languages, and she has also written numerous articles for parents and professionals. In 1990 she founded The Aware Parenting Institute, which now has certified instructors in over 20 countries. Her goal is to help create a nonviolent world in which all children are allowed to attain their full potential. With the tools of Aware Parenting, she is confident that parents can raise their children to be competent, compassionate, nonviolent, and drug free. She also knows that parenting is a difficult job and that parents deserve recognition, information, and support.

After having a few months away from the podcast, I'm excited to be back with all new episodes. This week, as I celebrate my eldest son's 10th birthday, I reflect back on the last decade as a parent. You'll also be treated with my husband, Lukas' reflections on being a parent including his challenges and triumphs.I share and discuss:- the beginnings of my parenting journey- how Aware Parenting influenced me personally and professionally- stresses and traumas- a brief recount on my first birth- what I've learnt, the challenges I've moved through and the joys I've experienced- moving from expectations to acceptance- plus so much moreWhere to Find Me:Website: Spirited HeartsInstagram: @spirited_heartsAbout Steph:Steph Fleeton is the creator and founder of Spirited Hearts™ which is a multi-service community supporting children and families. 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. In 2023, Steph will be launching the very first live round for her Certification Program for the Spirited Hearts Approach to Early Learning. This is for teachers, educators and anyone wanting to create their own natural learning haven from home.Steph has two children; one with Autism and the other who suffered from an extremely rare and life-threatening medical condition for the first 5 years of his life. Steph is extremely passionate about assisting parents with children who have special needs and medical conditions. She provides 1:1 support for parents all over the world, providing a space filled with unconditional acceptance, compassion, empathy and deep listening.Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this episode, I invited Maru Rojas - an Aware Parenting Instructor and EC & Potty Learning Consultant - to share her experience and knowledge on something many parents find challenging: potty/toilet learning.Maru shares her journey into Elimination Communication (EC), potty learning and Aware Parenting.We then discuss:- what is EC and how it looks for different families- how to start EC with your baby- the difference between EC and potty learning- how older children can have more feelings around potty learning than younger children- cultural differences in potty learning- plus so much moreWhere to Find Maru:Website: Parenting TogetherInstagram: @_maru.rojas_Facebook: Maru Rojas - Parenting TogetherOnline Course: Potty MasteryResources Mentioned:The Darkness Manifesto by Johan EklofAttachment Play by Aletha Solter PhDABOUT MARU:Maru is an Aware Parenting instructor from Mexico and currently lives in London where she co-parent 2 young children. She has a keen interest in Elimination Communication and Potty learning as a way to help children be aware and learn about their bodies. Maru also loves looking at Aware parenting as a holistic philosophy for raising children and re-parenting ourselves and it is through AwP that she's come to understand that children are inherently good and whole and that our role as parents is to trust their own perfect wisdom. 

In this week's episode I sit down with the beautiful Sally Jane Douglas who has been supporting women for over 15 years to develop inner confidence, self trust and so much more.Sally shares her journey into women's empowerment, advocacy and rights through volunteering and the work she creates. In this episode we discuss:- feminine energy and what it is-integration of feminine and masculine-why self-care is so vital to everything-how to embody our true self and communicate our needs-people pleasing-living cyclically - plus much moreWhere to Find Sally:Website: Sally Jane DouglasInstagram: @sallyjanedouglasFacebook: Sally Jane DouglasResources Mentioned:SHE: The Embodied Feminine by SallyFemme Flo by SallyConversations with God by Neale Donald WalschABOUT SALLYI am a Women's Empowerment Mentor and for over 15 years I've been supporting women to develop inner confidence and self trust to overcome self doubt and second guessing that keeps them stuck and feeling disconnected from themselves.I guide women like you to live fearlessly and believe in yourself so you can stop holding yourself back from living the love-filled life you desire.I guide women like you to...Put yourself first, to prioritise your growth and pursue your every dream (they are all possible for you!)Embrace the beauty of life and relish in the every day pleasures and daily magic surround you each and every momentTrust yourself so deeply that all self doubt gets left behind and clarity and confidence captain your lifeConnect with, nourish, honour, listen to and love your body which is your one and only forever homeSupport you to deeply know what you want from your life and help remove anything that obstructs the path of your life visionPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Heather Shumaker, who is the author of 2 books I have recommended in my book reviews; It's OK NOT to Share and It's OK to GO UP the Slide.  Heather speaks at early childhood conferences in North America and is an advocate for supporting children at school and during early childhood. In this episode we discuss:- why children don't need to share and why forced sharing delays moral development- how to assist children through conflicts with each other- becoming more curious when we witness unenjoyable behaviour in children- genuine apologies over a forced "sorry"- supporting our children in school- how homework can be harmful, especially when it is not enjoyable for children- plus so much moreWhere to Find Heather:Website: Heather ShumakerRenegade Rules PodcastBookSmitten PodcastResources Mentioned:It's OK NOT to Share by Heather ShumakerIt's OK to GO UP the Slide by Heather ShumakerThe Griffins of Castle Cary by Heather ShuamkerAmericanah by Chimamanda Ndozi AdichieHalf a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ndozi AdichieRenegade Rules episode on how a parent extended recess at her child's schoolABOUT HEATHER:Heather Shumaker is the author of books for children and adults. Her newest book, The Griffins of Castle Cary, is a charming and slightly spooky read for middle grade readers, ages 8-12.  It was awarded Best Children's Fiction in 2020 by the Society of Midland Authors. Heather is also co-host of the podcast BookSmitten.In the parenting and education realm, Heather has two “renegade parenting” books that question conventional practices. With It's OK Not to Share, and It's OK to Go Up the Slide, Heather promotes play, conflict mediation skills and no homework for young children. Her books have won awards (Nautilus Silver Award, Books for a Better Life finalist). Heather is a nationally known speaker who frequently keynotes and teaches workshops. She speaks at early childhood conferences around the U.S. and Canada, as well as schools, libraries and writing conferences. She loves to share her joy of books and children with audiences everywhere. Heather holds a BA in sociology/ anthropology from Swarthmore College and an MS in land resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today Heather lives up in northern Michigan with her husband and two children. 

In this week's episode, I am beyond excited to sit down and have an inspiring conversation with psychologist, Peter Gray. He is the author of one of the most recommended books on this podcast, “Free to Learn.” He is a researcher and advocate for self-directed education, our natural need for play and trusting our children.This episode is so jam-packed with the most incredible insights, wisdom, knowledge, experience and studies on child development and learning. Peter shares his own journey that led him down this path.We also discuss:* The harm of standardised testing, and who is actually benefiting from it (note it is definitely not children or teachers)* How the current education system is destroying our creativity* The detrimental effect of reducing playtime for children at school* Why children are biological designed to play, and to learn through play* The harm of early academic on children and why we need to ditch “school readiness” and preschool “programs”* Plus so much moreWhere to Find Peter:Website: petergray.org The Alliance of Self-Directed Education Facebook: Peter Gray Freedom to Learn blog on Psychology Today Resources Mentioned:Free to Learn by Peter GrayFree Range Kids by Lenore SkenazyABOUT PETER:Peter Gray is an American psychology researcher and scholar. He is a research professor of psychology at Boston College, and the author of an introductory psychology textbook. He is known for his work on the interaction between education and play, and for his evolutionary perspective on psychology theory. He's most well known book “Free to Learn” has made a positive impact on self-directed education, and he has collections of essays available in four separate books. His recent research focuses on the roles of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves, through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He also authors a regular blog called Freedom to Learn, for Psychology Today magazine. His research findings have led him to become an advocate of Self-Directed Education. He is a founding member and president of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education.Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode, I am excited to introduce you to Alice Giltrow. A Mum of 3, Midwife, Birth Educator and founder of @theawakenedmidwife. Alice shares her story into midwidfery, her own birth trauma and the disconnections she has noticed in the medical system.We also discuss:* Building our own intuition and trusting our ourselves and our body* Navigating the medical system* Midwifery and birth through the ages* Birth trauma* Supporting our body* Plus so much moreWhere to Find Alice:Instagram: @theawakenedmidwifeFacebook: The Awakened MidwifeOfferings: https://linktr.ee/alicegiltrowGet the Ultimate Guide to Birthing in Power here: https://tr.ee/5Zhgadw25bResources Mentioned:* Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed* Gabor Mate booksABOUT ALICEAlice Giltrow is a mother of 3, midwife and birth educator. Her unique experiences of the midwifery health care system led her to stepping away from traditional practice in 2019, when she launched her business as The Awakened Midwife. Alice primarily focuses her work on birth and parenting preparation alongside birth trauma counselling. Being able to work online means Alice has had clients from all over the world. Her flagship course, The Ultimate Guide to Birthing in Power has helped hundreds of families realise their potential for birth & parenting.Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode, I am so excited to welcome back Nic Wilson. Nic is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Psychospiritual Parenting Mentor with the Marion Method (founded by Marion Rose), creator of Peaceful Parenting and Mum to a beautiful daughter.Nic and I had so much fun with this conversation. We both shared all the ways we support our children in before and after school.We also discuss:- how to advocate for our children at school- how to support our children during school, when we aren't there- how to communicate with your child's teacher- processing our own school traumas- how teachers can incorporate play and fun into their lessons- Plus so much more (we literally could have talked for hours)Where to Find Nic:Website: Peaceful Parenting Facebook: Peaceful Parenting Instagram: @peacefulparentingResources Mentioned:Inner Loving Presence Process, Willing Practice & Marion Method workPlayful Parenting by Lawrence CohenEpisode 27 The Power & Freedom of Expressing Our Authentic Self with Nic WilsonPlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Alena Turley, creator of the Soul Mama Hub and the Unboxable podcast.Alena shares her journey into how she came to supporting mothers to live holistically, and bring awareness to our day-to-day wellbeing.We also discuss:* Intergenerational trauma and generational conditioning* Searching for meaning, purpose and connection* Our place in our ancestral stories* Re-aligning with our purpose alongside the mother identity* Our need for authentic self-expression and creating villages of support* Plus so much moreWhere to Find Alena:Instagram: www.instagram.com/soulmamahubWebsite: www.alenaturley.comSoul Mama Membership: www.alenaturley.com/joinBlog: www.soulmamahub.comPodcast: www.alenaturley.com/podcasts/unboxableResources Mentioned:* Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline MyssABOUT ALENAHey

In this solo episode I discuss all what happened at the end of last year for Spirited Hearts™: the new logo, refreshed website and new content.I also share all the intentions I have for this year, including:- our continuation of the Natural Learning Haven, where we will be welcoming back my husband, Lukas (we both started our first Family Day Care in 2015 in Canberra together)- more support and resources for parents, including 1:1 sessions, online courses and workshops - including the upcoming for LIVE round of Month of Self Care - this is a collaboration with Vivian Viester who came on the podcast for Ep 20- the brand new Spirited Hearts™ Approach to Early Learning Certification Program - this is something I have been working towards for the better part of a decade, and I share more information on it in this episode.Enjoy, and I look forward to bringing you more beautiful, inspiring and meaningful conversations in 2023.Resources Mentioned:Logo unveiling and journeyKimberley George's episodes on Spirited Hearts: Ep 2 and Ep 28Vivan Viester's Ep 20Month of Self-Care programWhere to Find Steph:Website https://spiritedhearts.netInstagram https://www.instagram.com/spirited_hearts ABOUT STEPHSteph Fleeton is the creator and founder of Spirited Hearts™ which is a multi-service community supporting children and families. She is a Parenting Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Early Learning 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 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. In 2023, Steph will be launching the very first live round for her Certification Program for the Spirited Hearts Approach to Early Learning. This is for teachers, educators and anyone wanting to create their own natural learning haven from home.Steph has two children; one with Autism and the other who suffered from an extremely rare and life-threatening medical condition for the first 5 years of his life. Steph is extremely passionate about assisting parents with children who have special needs and medical conditions. She provides 1:1 support, providing a space filled with unconditional acceptance, compassion, empathy and deep listening.

In this week's episode I have the pleasure of welcoming back Danni Willow, a fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, parent educator, mother and women's circle facilitator, creator of The Way of the Woman and a Mum of 2.Danni and I share with you all about having a healthy connection with food, and how to implement self-regulated eating for the whole family.We also discuss:- what self-regulated eating is- exploring our own stories around food and eating- trusting our children- incorporating play into mealtimes- connecting with the process of where our food comes from, growing gardens with our children and meeting our own body's individual nutrition requirments- tips to overcome mealtime struggles- developmentally appropriate eating- plus so so much moreWhere to Find Danni:Website: https://www.thewayofthewoman.com.au/ Facebook: The Way of the WomanInstagram: Danni WillowResources Mentioned in this Episode:Raising Resilient & Compassionate Children by Lael Stone & Marion Rose PhDCooperative and Connected by Aletha Solter PhDEpisode 10: Creating Villages & Connections on Our Motherhood Journeys with Danni WillowABOUT 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 week's episode I chat with Simon Rinne, founder of Mindful Men, social worker, father and podcast host.Simon is passionate about normalising discussions about men's mental health and parenting, and he shares his own journey with mental illness.We also discuss:- the courage in seeking support- Breaking down social constrictions of what it is to be a boy and a man- The importance of crying and emotionally expressing ourselves- Gender stereotypes- Working together to change harmful cultural narratives- Supporting parents on maternity/paternity leave- Reflecting on and bringing awareness to our parenting- plus so so much moreWhere to find Simon:Website: https://www.mindful-men.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.men.aus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindful.men.aus/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-rinne/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindful.men.aus YoutTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbXBNQmbj4ZQj3rzFAZALTA Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LhecvPA5UUBAt7fS73Dto?si=440ee2fcb01d498a ORhttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-mindful-men-podcast/id1604992311Resources Mentioned:The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark MansonEverything is Fucked: A Book About Hope by Mark MansonThe Book of Mistakes by Corinna LuykenABOUT SIMONSimon is a husband and father of two based in Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Simon is also the Founder of Mindful Men, a therapy practice that is dedicated to supporting men with mental illness and disability. Simon's passion for mental health comes from living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Depression, Anxiety, Burnout throughout the last 30 years. 2022 marks 10 years since Simon finally opened up and got help for mental illness, and he shares his story to inspire other men to share theirs.Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming back Kimberley George, founder of The Creativity Room, Women's Circle Facilitator and Speaker, and Mum of 3.Kim shares her journey of homeschooling, deschooling, schooling and parental burnout.We also discuss:- how learning is so diverse, and learning happens more meaningfully when the child is interested- parental shame when it comes to homeschooling or sending your child back to school- deschooling ourselves and our child- children going into the education system with greater awareness- intergenerational cycles and a lack of meeting our own needs- listening to everyone's needs and willingness- plus so so much moreWhere to Find Kim:Instagram: @kimberley_charlotte__Instagram: @the_creativity_room__Facebook: Kimberley George - The Creativity RoomResources Mentioned:Kim's previous episode on Spirited HeartsTurning Down the Noise by Christine JackmanSteph's book review on Turning Down the Noise (see Februrary)ABOUT KIMBERLEY:Kimberley was born in VIC, Australia and spent most of her childhood  in America where she attended classes and groups relating to visual arts, choir and piano but her creativity spread into many areas of her childhood, and she spent many days working with ideas and creating what she envisioned. She now lives in QLD, Australia with her 3 children and husband. Kimberley George is an Artist, Writer, Creativity Coach and Holistic Mentor with a Bachelor of Creative Arts. Kimberley's qualifications go beyond the confines of her degree as she continues to explore what it means to embody a creative life for herself and in facilitating this for others. Kimberley lives a creative life engaging in song writing, visual arts, journaling, writing, cooking, and in play. Her life is her research, and her creativity isn't limited. Kimberley's work and research are based on nurturing the individual to gain confidence in accessing and embodying their unique creativity. She creates space and freedom with the tools she has for the activation of creativity and seeing that come alive in practice individuals as they accept the journey that asks for imagination, innovation, and experimentation to create what is deeply reflective of them. Her mission here is to see others burst open the creative spring inside them so they can move in it every day. Her belief is that we all have access to creativity, and we all are worthy of it.

I'm so excited to share this conversation Nic Wilson and I had a few weeks ago. Nic is an Aware Parenting Instructor, Psychospiritual Parenting Mentor with the Marion Method (founded by Marion Rose), creator of Peaceful Parenting and Mum to a beautiful daughter.Nic shares her journey and how she came to find Aware Parenting when her daughter was 3 years old, and how it saved her.We also discuss:- How blame and shame can show up one our parenting journey- Listening to, and expressing feelings- Sleep- Re-parenting ourselves- Unconditional acceptance, even through challenging behaviours- Tantrums when out in public- Attachment play games for all situations- Plus so much moreWhere to Find Nic:Website: Peaceful Parenting Facebook: Peaceful Parenting Instagram: @peacefulparentingResources Mentioned:Nic's course: The Parent Alchemy Journey - An Introduction to Aware ParentingNonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Ph.DSteph's Episode on The Aware Parenting Podcast: Each Child is UniquePlease leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode, I have a beautiful, inspiring and powerful conversation with Brooke Tumbers about an important rite of passage for girls. Brooke is a Clinical Psychologist, Holistic Therapist, First Moon Circle Facilitator and Mum of 2 girls.Brooke shares her journey as a Clinical Psychologist and how she came to incorporate Holistic Therapies in her offerings.In this episode we also discuss and explore:- the shame narratives surrounding the menstrual cycle- the first bleed being a celebratory life cycle rite of passage- supporting girls, mothers and other families members through each woman's cycle- the inner seasons of women's cycles and how to self-care and plan- how artificial fragrances negatively impact our hormones- how our body communicates- plus so much moreTOOWOOMBA FIRST MOON CIRCLE SPECIAL PROMOTION: Until 3 December 2022 Brooke is offering Spirited Hearts listeners a special offering. Buy TWO full priced tickets and you will be sent a code to receive another ticket for FREE - saving $280{One ticket admits child and mother/carer}Where to Find Brooke:Holistic therapies website: www.brooketumbers.comClinical practice website: www.btclinicalpsychology.comFacebook: Brooke TumbersInstagram: @brooke_tumbersResources:Lab to Table by Cyndi O'MearaWomancode by Alisa VittiABOUT BROOKE:Brooke Tumbers is a First Moon Circle Facilitator in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. She is the mother of two amazing girls, a Clinical Psychologist, holistic & body orientated therapist, Hypnotherapist, Trauma Informed clinician, and is a Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Energy, Frequency, Emotion Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Reiki practitioner. Brooke loves all things ‘low tox living' and nourishing the mind, body and spirit.

I absolutely loved this beautiful conversation with Angela Hanscom. Angela is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist and the founder of TimberNook a developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity including one here in Australia. Angela also has a highly viewed TEDx Talk and is the author of one of my all-time favourite books, Balanced and Barefoot.Angela shares her story as an Occupational Therapist and the creation of TimberNook.We then discuss:- The harm children are experiencing from reduced unstructured outdoor time- Adults as a barrier to children's neurological development and why adults need to step back when children play- Why staging children's learning is detrimental to their development- Nature being superior to man-made playgrounds and organised sports- Play is where children learn and work through traumas- How play can help children who experience sensory issues- Plus so much moreWhere to Find AngelaTimberNook WebsiteTimberNook on FacebookResourcesBalanced & Barefoot by Angela J. HanscomAngela's TEDx TalkFree to Learn by Peter GrayABOUT ANGELAAngela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook—an award-winning developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity. She is the author of Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children. Hanscom is also a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and in 2019 won a Small Business of the year award for the State of New Hampshire.Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode I welcome back fellow Aware Parenting Instructor, Joss Goulden. We have a beautiful conversation about natural learning, something we are both passionate about.Joss shares her journey into homeschooling her now 2 teenage children following a family-centered natural learning approach.We also discuss:- The history of the education system- How children can have more freedom to be themselves at home- School traumas and how that has impacted us as adults- Different types of learning- Natural learning when your child does go to school- Intrinsic motivation- Meeting the learning needs of each individual child- Plus so much more.Where to Find Joss:Website: Aware Parenting with JossInstagram: @awareparentingwithjossFacebook: Aware Parenting with JossPodcasts: Aware Parenting Stories Podcast and Aware Parenting and Natural Learning PodcastResources Mentioned:Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children by Lael Stone and Marion Rose Ph.DFree to Learn by Peter GrayHow Children Learn by John HoltABOUT JOSS:Joss is a parenting coach and mentor. She supports families to create more connection, awareness and joy in parenting. She is an Aware Parenting Instructor certified with the Aware Parenting Institute and has been practising Aware Parenting for 16 years. Joss is also a mother of 2 children, aged 18 and 16. Joss is passionate about sharing this beautiful approach with parents. “I love Aware Parenting because it creates strong, connected relationships in our families and gives parents the tools, based on scientific research, to support our children to be cooperative, connected to their authentic selves and loving. I believe that Aware Parenting is THE solution for so many of the challenges facing the world. I am also really passionate about Homeschooling and Natural Learning.”Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode I chat with Somatic Wellness Coach, Aware Parenting Coach and Mum of 2, Abbey Stanbrook.Abbey shares her journey, and experience co-parenting her two children. Including dealing with the separation from her children, as a mother, during shared custody; supporting herself through coparenting and how to support your children.We also discuss somatic experiencing and somatic wellness; nervous system regulation and why being calm all the time is not good for us; and play to counteract feelings of powerlessness.Plus so much more.Where to Find Abbey:Instagram: AbbeyLove Facebook: Abbey Stanbrook Resources:Existential Kink by Caroline ElliottABOUT ABBEYAbbey has been on a journey of over 20 years of delving into the Language of the Body and Somatics. In the more recent years- she has found her passion and compassion for Somatic Wellness, Aware Parenting, Nervous System Balance, and Integration. In 2017 Abbey experienced many Physical side-effects of Trauma, not just from the Births of her children, but from the Stored Survival energy within her body from her Life so far. She then found a Portal for healing via Aware Parenting and Reparenting herself, and receiving support and reciprocity through various Practices, Supports and Resourcing.These Somatic and Aware Portals weaved around her Soul's Through-Line and Values of Health and Healing. Abbey has been Coaching mostly Women via Aware Parenting and Somatic Wellness via Circle Facilitations, Individual Coaching sessions, Online and InPerson Courses, and Guest Speaking at Events/Presentations. For the past 2 years Abbey has experienced a Unique Home-Life of Co-Parenting her 2 children 50/50. Learning and Living a Feminine Style of Business Leadership is also a strong Core Value of hers. Abbey has made a Sacred Vow to Notice and Track her own Body and Somatic States – and request and receive support so that she has the Capacity and Bandwidth to Support and Guide Women in their own journey of Somatic Wellness and Aware Parenting.ABOUT STEPHSteph Fleeton is the creator and founder of Spirited Hearts™ Natural Learning & Healing Haven and Mamas Sacred Circle® She is also a Parenting Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Early Learning 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 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. In 2023, Steph will be launching the very first live round for her Certification Program for the Spirited Hearts Approach to Early Learning. This is for teachers, educators and anyone wanting to create their own natural learning haven from home.Steph has two children; one with Autism and the other who suffered from an extremely rare and life-threatening medical condition for the first 5 years of his life. Steph is extremely passionate about assisting parents with children who have special needs and medical conditions. She provides 1:1 support, providing a space filled with unconditional acceptance, compassion, empathy and deep listening.To find out more about Steph please visit her website https://spiritedhearts.net or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spirited_hearts 

In this week's episode, I chat with the lovely Tamika Rose, who support people in healing core wounds, trauma, and embodying the soul and returning to love.This episode is full of insight, wisdom and personal stories. Some of the many things we discuss is:- Tamika's own journey of numbing her feelings and coping mechanisms- The healing journey- Tamika recounts 2 healing journeys from 2 of her clients- Conception and the prenatal period and how it imprints on our lives- Our body as a barometer for what's going on within us, and how we can heal- Inner child healing- Repairing our relationship with our own children when there is a rupture- Plus so much moreWhere to Find TamikaWebsite: www.tamikarose.loveInstagram: @tamikarose.loveFacebook: Tamika Rose - Emotional Healing, Inner Child & Soul Embodiment GuideResources:Sacred Wounds by Padma AonThe Secret Language of Your Body by Inna LegalBooks by Gabor MateABOUT TAMIKATamika 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.

I had the absolute pleasure of having this beautiful, meaningful conversation with Sally Haughey. Sally is the founder of Fairy Dust Teaching also known as Wunderled, she is the creator and founder of the annual Play Summit, an author, speaker and Educator.We discuss so much in this episode, and it is jam-packed with passion, wisdom and knowledge:- Sally shares her own journey as a child in the education system and then a teacher- How the education system is failing us and our children- The #1 goal of the system is compliance, and not attending to each child's unique needs- The history of the education system, and how it is outdated- How beneficial changes come from families- A child's identity in the school system- Executive function development through play-based learning- Conflict resolution and negotiation in early childhood- Support children's natural desire to problem-solve- Plus so much moreWhere to Find SallyWebsite: Fairy Dust TeachingFacebook: Fairy Dust TeachingInstagram: @wunderledteachingTwitter: @WunderledEdResources Mentioned* Jane Austen novels* Alfie Kohn booksABOUT SALLYSally Haughey is the CEO and Founder of Fairy Dust Teaching, also known as Wunderled. Fairy Dust Teaching is built on the passion for the wonder and magic of early childhood, the idea that young children have the right to play, to be collaborators in learning, and to dream.Sally has spent over three decades in the classroom in various school settings. During time in the classroom, she was influenced by many different people and approaches, the two biggest being Waldorf education and the Reggio Emilia Approach.Her journey took an unexpected turn when she started a blog in 2010. She was in the middle of one of her toughest years yet, and sharing her story opened a whole new world of possibilities: empowering and inspiring educators, and so Fairy Dust Teaching was born.That blog transformed into our current community of over 220,000 educators from 114 countries. Her focus is to provide a deeper level of service and training that help educators own their true teaching self.Since founding Fairy Dust Teaching, she has authored 3 books, one being The Wonder Art Workshop and has spoken and interviewed with thought leaders from all over the world.Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, so these inspiring conversations can reach more people.

In this week's episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Vivian Viester, an Aware Parenting Instructor from Europe and a Mum to an 11 year old boy. Vivian shares her parenting journey, and how she discovered Aware Parenting.We then discuss:- Self-compassion- Attending to our own needs and parts of ourselves that need to be heard- Our journey together as parent and child- How our children help us heal from our own childhoods- Attachment play- Open and honest communication with your child- Meeting everyone's needs- What we both found most challenging about Aware Parenting- So much moreWhere to Find Vivian:Instagram: Vivian Viester Aware ParentingFacebook: Vivian Viester, Aware ParentingResources Mentioned:Aware Parenting books by Aletha Solter Ph.DABOUT VIVIAN:Vivian Viester was born in the Netherlands, and travels between several European countries. She is the mother of an eleven year old boy and has been an Aware Parenting Instructor since 2016. Vivian is passionate about self-compassion and meeting our own needs as parents, on our parenting journeys.

After hearing from parents over the last couple of months, about their child swearing, I felt called to record an episode on that very topic. To make the episode even more fun, playful and light-hearted I invited my dear colleague and friend, Devon Harris to share this beautiful conversation.We start the episode with Devon sharing her journey and story.We then delve into the juicy topic of swearing and chat about:- Swearing without punishments- Our responses, as parents, to swearing- How to share information with your child on swear words- Play ways to address swearing- Looking to the feelings behind the words- Reflecting back on our own childhood, reactions that occurred and patterns that arose to affect us today- Plus so much moreDisclaimer: this episode does contain swearing, please be mindful of this before listening if there are people in your vicinity that you do not want to hear these words. Where to Find Devon:Email: upsidedowndevi@gmail.com linkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-harris-65409869/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010436254368Resources Mentioned:Mindset by Carol DweckPlayful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen Ph.DABOUT DEVON:Devon Harris is a specialist in child and adolescent behaviour and an accredited Aware Parenting Instructor. She holds a Bachelors in Youth Studies and has over a decade of experience working directly with young people in a variety of settings from prisons to playgrounds. Since becoming a parent in 2013 she shifted her attention to supporting other parents to meet the developmental needs of their children as well as to capitalise on undesirable behaviour as an opportunity to deepen trust and connection. Devon is as passionate about Natural Learning and Aware Parenting as she is about yoga, meditation and travel. 

In this week's episode I go solo for the first time since episode 1 and share my journey of homeschooling and sending my own child to school.I discuss when and how I decided  to homeschool my children, some traumatic incidences we have experienced when sending my eldest child to school and the approach we use for homeschooling.I chat about how my eldest son has started back at school, after over 2 years of homeschooling, and how my youngest son is still homeschooled.I also share how we chose my eldest child's schools and what we were looking for in order for him to experience the best support to meet his needs.As parents, we really do need a village, of our own choosing, to truly thrive and ensure everyone's needs are met. No matter what we choose for each of our children, it is so important to remove the judgment we feel towards ourselves and others because it is a hard journey, and we are all doing the best we can in any given moment.Where You Can Find Me:Website: https://spiritedhearts.net/ Instagram: @spirited_heartsABOUT STEPH:Steph is the founder of Spirited Hearts™ with Steph Fleeton; Spirited Hearts™ Natural Learning Haven, Mamas Sacred Circle® and this beautiful podcast.She is a Holistic Childhood Mentor, Early Childhood Educator, Parent Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Circle Facilitator.Steph is a Mum to 2 boys; the eldest is in school and the younger is homeschooled.She has always had a passion for psychology and counselling. However, it wasn't until she had my first son in 2013 that she realised her niche passion was in assisting parents and children to live their best lives. She delved deeply into Aware Parenting, Unconditional Parenting, Conscious Parenting and Playful Parenting and the philosophies and practices resonated deeply. Steph first started her Family Day Care in Canberra at the beginning of 2015, alongside her husband. Now, based in QLD and an Independent Natural Learning Haven for children aged 1-8 years old. Providing community and a sense of belonging for homeschooled children over 5 years old, and a natural learning, play-based environment for younger children to learn about themselves and the world. With a strong focus on meeting each individual child's needs in an emotional supportive and caring environment, with many adventures and investigations into life along the way.

In this week's episode I have a beautiful conversation with Kate Dillon who is a Women's Circle Facilitator, and offers  Kahuna and Lomi Lomi massage and relaxation, Embodied dance circles and is training in Shakti Yoga.Kate shares her journey through early parenting and the need to turn inwards to support herself and her children. She discusses how the power of saying “yes” has really helped her to meet her needs and desires.We also explore bringing more dance into your life, having family dance parties and how Kate created her Embodied Dance Circles for women.And we chat about finding the sacred in the mundane and being in alignment with our own wisdom.Where to Find Kate:Website: www.katedillon.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingAnEmbodiedJourney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate_dillon_doula/ Resources Mentioned:Red Hot and Holy by Sera BeakABOUT KATE:Kate Dillon is a Women's Embodied Circle Facilitator and a massage therapist. Kate's deep belief in the wisdom of the body to hold story, create life, birth life and intrinsically reach for the nourishing is the foundation of her calling to deeply support women to come home to their body. Through Embodied Dance Circles, Kate facilitates the meeting of women's physiology with mystery in an artfully guided journey of reconnection to the body and its innate wisdom. Kate offers Ka Hana & Lomi Lomi Massage, which, with its long flowing rhythmic strokes, helps release tension from the muscles, soothes the body and assists the receiver to enter into a state of relaxation and peace. Kate is currently immersed in a 9 moth Shakti Yoga Teacher Training, diving into the feminine mystery of Body and is excited to see what will birth after its completion! Located in southern Canberra, Kate lives with her 2 children, dog, chickens & ducks, and loves offering people the opportunity to come home to their body through massage and the medicine of Circle.

I was so delighted to sit down with Aware Parenting Instructor, Hand-in-Hand Parenting Instructor and host of the Parenting with PLAY Podcast, Helena Mooney for this episode, and chat about a topic that many parents struggle with - BEDTIME!We discuss the importance of shifting the current bedtime paradigm of quiet and calmness, to instead meeting our child's needs and wherever they are at, whether that be holding space for upset feelings, or using play, wrestling and rowdiness at bedtime.Helena explains why we need to throw "bedtime routines" out the window and why these "routines" are setting us up for failure.Helena shares some playful games to help children with brushing their teeth, power-reversal games for bedtime and joining our children in being loud and noisy at bedtime, and why that will work in our favour as parents, while also having the added bonus of helping our child sleep better at night.We both also chat about how sleep in a form of separation, which can lead to feelings of anxiety in children, and why these feelings can still occur if we co-sleep with our child.There is so much wisdom, knowledge and fun in this episode. This episode is one that will benefit every parent, because we've all been there on the battleground that is bedtime.Where to Find Helena:Website - Parenting with PLAYFacebook - Parenting with PLAY with Helena MooneyInstagram - @helenamooney_parentingwithplayPodcast - Parenting with PLAY PodcastResources Mentioned:Hold on to Your Kids by Gorden Neufeld and Gabor MateParenting for a Peaceful World by Robin GrilleWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensABOUT HELENA:I'm a certified Parenting by Connection Instructor, an Aware Parenting Instructor, Doula, Maternity Services Advocate and Mum to 2 children. Which basically means, I love working with mums, just like you, to have the best experience possible - when pregnant, giving birth and being a parent. Because I too have struggled - to know what to do, to be the parent I want to be, to not shout so much(!) - and I have been so fortunate to receive incredible support and to discover an approach that has had a profound impact on mine & my family's lives. And I want to pass this on to you. We're not designed to do it all.  And we're not supposed to do it all on our own. So I'm really pleased you're here and I look forward to helping you: through my free blogs, videos & podcasts, my online courses and 1:1 consultations.  

This week's episode is a little different because I am the interviewee, and I have asked Marion Rose to be the interviewer.Why? Because a few years ago, Marion invited me on her podcast to discuss how Aware Parenting can help children heal from the stress and trauma associated with medical conditions and medical procedures. At the time I was 2 years in with my youngest son's severe, rare and life threatening medical condition.This episode is a continuation of that journey, and the process and healing my youngest son and I have made to this point in time.I share when and how we received my son's shocking diagnosis, the countless hospital and pathology visits.The fear, anxiety, stress and trauma we both experienced.The social isolation and withdrawal from the world we needed to take as a precaution.I then discuss our healing journey, the different things we have done  to release the stress and trauma so it does not become all consuming.You also get to find out my responses to my Spirited Heart Questions, as asked by Marion.This episode may detail my journey through parenting a child with a medical condition, at the same time, if you are a parent who has a child experiencing a medical condition or medical procedures, this episode is also dedicated to you: to your strength in the darkest of times even when you feel like to have nothing else to give, to the isolation and aloneness to might feel, to the overwhelm and all encompassing fear that is always lurking beneath the surface. I see, hear and honour all of what you and your child are going through. I hope this episode can offer you some comfort, and know you are not alone.Where You Can Find Me:Website: https://spiritedhearts.net/ Instagram: @spirited_heartsResources Mentioned:Connected and Cooperative by Aletha SolterAttachment Play by Aletha SolterPlayful Parenting by Lawrence CohenMarion Rose's websiteABOUT STEPH:Steph is the founder of Spirited Hearts™ with Steph Fleeton, Spirited Hearts™ Natural Learning Haven, Mamas Sacred Circle® and this beautiful podcast.She is a Holistic Childhood Mentor, Early Childhood Educator, Parent Support Counsellor, Aware Parenting Instructor and Circle Facilitator.Steph is a Mum to 2 boys; the eldest is in school and the younger is homeschooled.Steph first started her Family Day Care in Canberra at the beginning of 2015, alongside her husband. Now, based in QLD and an Independent Natural Learning Haven for children aged 1-10 years old. Providing community and a sense of belonging for homeschooled children over 5 years old, and a natural learning, play-based environment for younger children to learn about themselves and the world. With a strong focus on meeting each individual child's needs in an emotional supportive and caring environment. We offer something truly unique for each individual child and their family at our Natural Learning Haven. With a background in psychology, counselling and a passion for child development, we are trauma-informed, and have assisted families and children in working through past experiences that have caused stress, anxiety and overwhelming feeling.

In this week's episode I chat with Men's Mentor, Breathwork and Embodiment Coach and Father, Asher Andrews.Asher discusses his journey as a Chef, to where he is today, working with men and fathers to move through past woundings and embody healthy masculinity.We have powerful conversation about how parents need to do the inner work, so they don't pass down old patternings to their children, how children mirror back to us what we need to work on, and how we can help this generation of boys.Asher explains that we are at a magical time in history, where we have the capacity to create healthy change in parenting, our communities and the world.Asher also shares his passion for Breathwork, and how he integrates it in the work he does with men.Where to Find Asher:Website: asherandrews.comInstagram: Ash Andrews HealthFacebook: Ash AndrewsResources Mentioned:The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint ExuperyThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoABOUT ASHER:Asher Andrews is a Men's Mentor & Breathwork and Embodiment Coach, facilitating workshops, group programs, one on one coaching and wilderness immersion experiences. Asher believes that the more men out their 'doing the work', asking for support, laying down their egos, and embodying their 'healthy masculinity' there are, that the more beautiful this world will be, the more joy we can all experience, the more aligned lives we can all lead and the more abundant future there is for our children. As a Men's Coach, Asher, is here to support and meet you (your husbands, brothers, sons, fathers, lovers) where you're at and walk with you as you explore where you desire to go and what you desire to experience. It's not very 'manly' to ask for help, there is fear in appearing vulnerable or weak. However, speaking from his own experience, and in witnessing other men in their journey's, in doing this you will experience the most power and strength possible and begin to see your connected sense of purpose and leadership radiating out, into your family, your relationships and your community. Some of the greatest transformation Asher has had in his life has come when he has chosen to step out and into the uncomfortable.

In this week's episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Tosha Schore - author, Hand in Hand Parenting trainer, guest expert and speaker.We delve into boys, aggression and how we as parents, can foster connection in our relationships with our children.Tosha offer valuable wisdom, insight and tools on how to approach aggression, how to re-frame aggression and how to dissolve the tension when things get chaotic in your household. We also discuss how to check in with boys when it seems like their play is aggressive, how to support ourselves as parents and how to see the beauty in each of our boys.Where to Find Tosha:Website: Parenting Boys PeacefullyFacebook: Tosha Schore, Your Partner in Parenting Boys PeacefullyResources Mentioned:Tosha's FREE 10 day Reconnect CourseOut with Aggression by Tosha - next Live round starts September 2022The Tattoist of Auschwitz by Heather MorrisThe Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie JakuABOUT TOSHA:Tosha Schore is on a mission to create a more peaceful world, one sweet boy at a time by supporting you to care for yourself, connect with your boy deeply, set limits lovingly, and play wildly! She brings a burst of energy and optimism to parenting, and is an expert at simple solutions to what feel like overwhelmingly complicated problems.Through her online community and courses, Tosha helps break the isolation of modern parenting and lifts your confidence so you're better equipped to face the challenges of raising young boys.Tosha is the creator of all things Parenting Boys Peacefully, including her 10-Day Reconnect, an online group experience shared by over 16,000 parents worldwide. She is also co-author of Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Challenges, a trainer of Hand in Hand Parenting, and a frequent guest expert on podcasts and at online and in-person conferences.

Are you a parent, teacher and/or educator seeking to create more connection and harmony in your home or school?In this week's episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Lael Stone.Lael is an author, speaker (she has an amazing TEDx talk that recently hit over 1 million views), educator, she is also the co-founder/co-creator of Woodline Primary in Victoria, Australia, and she is the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast.In this beautiful, empowering and inspiring conversation we discuss how as parents and educators there are times we can rupture the relationship between us and our children and students. Lael beautifully shares her knowledge and experience on how we can repair these ruptures with connection, honesty, authenticity and responsibility. Which also models to our children and the children in our care, how to repair any ruptures in their own relationships in a healthy, supportive and truthful way.As with all of the precious episodes, we also have a meaningful conversation about the need for us as parents and educators to turn inward, do the inner work, take responsibility for our own feelings, as well as getting curious about our own behaviours with self-compassion.I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you get what you need to out of all the wisdom and knowledge shared.Where to Find Lael:Website: Lael Stone and About BirthFacebook: Lael StoneInstagram: Lael StoneWoodline Primary: https://www.woodlineprimary.com.au/ Podcast: The Aware Parenting Podcast TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fL09e8Tm9c Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Vagina by Naomi Wolf Aletha Solter's books on Aware Parenting ABOUT LAEL:As a champion of connection and creating harmony in families, Lael Stone is an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother, and parenting counselor who has been working with families for over 18 years. As a Parenting Educator, she facilitates workshops and support groups that empower parents to create connections and stronger relationships with their children. Lael spent 15 years working in childbirth education and postnatal care, working with couples through pregnancy, birth, and the first few years of parenting as a Doula, Calmbirth Practitioner, and Postnatal trauma Counsellor.She is the Creator and Director of the About Birth Online Education Program, a pioneering way to learn about birth and early parenting. Lael also created The Connection Program that she implemented in secondary schools all over Victoria, which focused on pleasure-based sex education along with relationship and self-awareness initiatives. She is also the co-creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative new school based on emotional wellbeing and connection. Lael is the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast and a sought-after public speaker who talks candidly about her experiences and her great passion; creating wellness in families through connection and communication. As well as sitting on a few advisory boards and consulting with organisations around emotional awareness and trauma-informed practices, she has teamed up with The Resilience Project to deliver presentations around raising resilient children all over Australia in 2021/2022. Lael's first book is due for release in September 2022 She is the mother of three big kids -

In this new episode, I had an empowering, inspiring and insightful conversation with Marion Rose PhD. Marion is a Level 2 Aware Parenting Instructor and the Regional Coordinator for Aust/NZ, the Founder of The Marion Method, the creator of many amazing courses, has a PhD in the mother-infant relationship and the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast.Our conversation took us on a journey with the many aspects of parenting, why shame and guilt come from the Disconnect Domination Culture. We explored The Marion Method and the 3 aspects of Love, Will and Conversations with Life.Marion shared her knowledge and wisdom on re-parenting ourselves, and re-culturing, so that we can living in our true power of Will and Love.Where to find Marion:Website: www.marionrose.netFacebook: Marion Rose Ph.DInstagram: Marion Rose;  Aware Parenting;  The Aware Parenting PodcastResources:The Patterning Instinct by Jeremy LentABOUT MARION:Marion has been passionate about understanding babies since she first realised that her own premature birth had influenced her so much. That led her to a degree in psychology and a Ph.D. on the mother-infant relationship in the context of PND at Cambridge University. Marion spent her twenties immersed in this world, both working in academia as a post doctoral research Fellow in infant cognition, and then as a university lecturer on The Therapeutic Relationship for MA students. Alongside this, she trained as a psychospiritual psychotherapist and had her own private practice. In her thirties she put all this into practice, becoming a mother. Marion trained in Private Subconscious Mind Healing and Hypnobirthing and Calm Birth and used these whilst freebirthing. She found out about Aware Parenting whilst she was pregnant with her daughter in 2000, and was passionate about it from then on. She became an Aware Parenting Instructor 3 years later. Marion also immersed myself in Nonviolent Communication. She started creating online courses in 2014 both in Aware Parenting and in her own emerging work - The Marion Method, which is a form of psychospiritual reparenting and reculturing. In 2019, she started The Aware Parenting Podcast with her colleague and friend, Lael Stone. Marion is the Aware Parenting Regional Coordinator for Australia and New Zealand. She is passionate about supporting parents of babies who want to practice Aware Parenting and also people who want to become Aware Parenting Instructors.

Are you struggling on your own as a Mother?In this new episode, I have a beautiful and powerful conversation with Danni Willow. She 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.We share our personal stories about the times we have been left alone to parent our children, whether that be for long periods of time, or during “working hours.” We discuss how nuclear families have made it so challenging to parent, and there is no wisdom flowing from previous generations.We answer the questions “Where is the village?” And then chat about ways we can create villages within our own communities, which can help us flourish and thrive and Mothers and parents.There is so much inspiration and authenticity, and to all the Mamas reading this and listening to this episode “You are not alone, and you are always enough.”Where to Find Danni:Website: https://www.thewayofthewoman.com.au/ Facebook: The Way of the WomanInstagram: Danni WillowResources Mentioned in this Episode:Hold on to Your Kids by Gabor Mate and Gordon NeufeldABOUT 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.