Able to Care

In this second episode of the our third season, host Andy Baker is joined by Jill Quinn MBE, founder and CEO of Dementia Forward, a Yorkshire-based charity that has grown from a small, passionate team into a nationally recognised organisation supporting nearly 5,000 families affected by dementia. Together, Andy and Jill explore how grassroots action, community values, and wraparound support are sh...

In this powerful solo episode, host Andy Baker tackles an experience so many carers, parents, teachers and support workers know too well—but often don’t have a name for: compassion fatigue. You may have heard of burnout. But what happens when it’s not the workload, it’s the emotional toll? When your ability to care feels like it’s vanishing—even though you haven’t stopped caring? Andy breaks down:...

In this powerful season opener, Andy Baker speaks with Dr. Daniel Weisberg to uncover the value of cognitive assessments in understanding and supporting children. Daniel shares real-world insights from his work at CAYP Psychology , a national psychological service supporting children, young people, and families. This episode is a must-listen for parents, carers, and educators who want to better un...

🎙️ In this solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dives into the topic of negative thinking — why our brains are wired to focus on threats, criticism, and worst-case scenarios, and how we can train ourselves to see the positive. We all know the feeling: ten compliments in a day, and we still can't stop thinking about that one bit of criticism. But it's not a flaw — it's evolutio...

🎙️ In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with safeguarding and Prevent specialist Sabera to explore radicalisation, online extremism, and how we can better protect and empower young people. Together, they unpack what Prevent and Channel really are, how the safeguarding model works, and why early intervention is crucial. They dive deep into online grooming, far-right a...

🎙️ In this solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker unpacks the powerful – and sometimes harmful – role of risk aversion in caregiving, parenting, and education. From overprotective instincts to the long-term consequences of shielding people from life’s challenges, Andy explores why positive risk-taking is crucial for building confidence, self-esteem, and resilience – whether you’...

🎙️ In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Steve Baron – a social worker, practice educator, and founder of Reframe Wandsworth. Steve brings his powerful lived and professional experience into a conversation about the realities of growing up in care, being separated from siblings, and the emotional toll of the care system. Together, Andy and Steve unpack what it re...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores one of the most misunderstood tools in caregiving, parenting, and professional relationships: boundaries. Are boundaries about control? Far from it. Andy breaks down how healthy boundaries build trust, predictability, and safety, both at home and at work. From the challenges of setting boundaries with loved ones to the importanc...

🎙️ In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Jeremy Indika – a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and founder of Something to Say. Jeremy bravely shares his story of being groomed as a child, the confusion and silence that followed, and why so many survivors don’t come forward until much later in life. Together, Andy and Jeremy explore the myths around abuse, the cha...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores why we sometimes react in unhelpful ways when confronted with challenging behavior. From snapping and withdrawing to going into full lecture mode, Andy breaks down the five most common default reactions and shares practical strategies to shift our responses for better outcomes. Learn how self-awareness and small shifts in mindse...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker sits down with Julia Daunt and Ruth Fidler, co-authors of Being Julia. Together, they explore the realities of living with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), how it intersects with ADHD and psychotic episodes, and the challenges of navigating life with this often misunderstood condition. Julia shares her personal journey from childhood...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores the hidden complexities of praise. While we often use praise to encourage positive behavior—whether in children, adults, or those we support in care—it can sometimes have unintended consequences. Could the way we praise actually increase anxiety, foster dependency on external validation, or even reinforce behaviors we aim to red...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Dr. Karen Treisman, MBE, an award-winning clinical psychologist, author, and internationally recognized trauma specialist. Karen's work has revolutionized how trauma is understood and supported in caregiving, education, and organizational culture. From classrooms to care systems, trauma-informed practice is often discussed—b...

Think about the last time you saw a behavior that stood out to you. Maybe a child flapping their hands, someone repeating a phrase, or a person refusing to follow an instruction. Did you immediately see that behavior as a problem to be fixed? For years, behaviorist models have focused on modifying behaviors—rewarding the “good” and discouraging the “bad.” But what if some of the behaviors we try t...

How does childhood trauma shape our adult lives? How can therapy help us navigate past wounds and reclaim our future? In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Wendy Castellino, a psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness. Wendy has dedicated her career to he...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores the crucial role workplace culture plays in behavior management. Have you ever walked into a workplace and immediately felt the atmosphere shift? Whether warm and supportive or tense and chaotic, workplace culture shapes everything—including how we manage behavior, support staff, and create thriving environments for both caregiv...

🎙 A Neurodiversity Week Special Episode In this special episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores the fascinating world of the teenage brain with Dr. Bettina Hohnen, a clinical psychologist, educator, and author of The Incredible Teenage Brain. Have you ever wondered why teenagers seem to take more risks, struggle with emotions, or prioritize friendships over family? Bettina sh...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Alison McCormack, a leading advocate and expert in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Alison has spent years raising awareness, supporting families, and training professionals on the complexities of FASD and its impact on individuals and caregivers. Alison shares her personal journey into FASD advocacy, the challenges f...

In this episode of Able to Care, host Andy Baker is joined by Paula Cashmore, an independent Care Quality Consultant with over 40 years of experience in healthcare and social care. From nursing on a tropical disease ward to becoming a trusted expert in care quality improvement, Paula shares her insights into best practices in social care, supporting care managers, and promoting collaboration in th...

Ever found yourself in a conversation that escalated quickly, leaving you frustrated and unheard? Whether you're a carer, teacher, or parent, the way we communicate can either build connection or fuel conflict. In today’s episode of Able to Care, host Andy Baker shares the simple but powerful tool of ‘I’ Statements—a game-changing technique to express feelings, needs, and concerns without triggeri...

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Kaelynn Partlow, an autistic therapist, advocate, and author who has dedicated her life to supporting the neurodivergent community. Kaelynn gained international recognition through Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum US, where she shared her journey navigating relationships as an autistic woman. Kaelynn is a lead technician at Pr...

In this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker explores the transformative power of mood monitoring—a simple yet effective tool for improving emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience. Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, or professional supporting others, understanding mood patterns can help prevent emotional burnout, identify triggers, and support better behaviour management. Drawing fro...

In this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker is joined by Tim Farmer, a multi-award-winning mental capacity expert, author of Grandpa on a Skateboard, and co-founder of Comentis. With over 24 years of experience as a mental health nurse and more than 3,500 mental capacity assessments conducted, Tim brings deep insights into how we assess and understand decision-making abilities. This conversation e...

Have you ever felt truly seen? That moment when someone acknowledges your emotions without judgment? That’s the power of verbal attending – a simple yet transformative communication tool that can help us connect, de-escalate tense situations, and build trust. In this episode, Andy dives deep into I notice statements and how they can turn conflict into understanding, frustration into calm, and dise...

In this episode, host Andy Baker sits down with Emily Warren, founder of Little Fox Education, to discuss the transformative power of play in children’s development. With a background in teaching and behaviour support, Emily now works with children with additional needs through tutoring, family support, and attachment-based play. Andy and Emily explore: ✅ Why play is essential for children's emot...