Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

In this special BONUS episode, Linda Harrison explores The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel & Danny Snell – the official picture book for ALIA's National Simultaneous Storytime 2025! This heartfelt story beautifully explores themes of belonging, friendship, immigration, and finding home, inspiring kindness and compassion in young children. Join us as we delve into the journey of Tinka, a truc...

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's brand new mindfulness journey for preschoolers! Settle into a peaceful moment with our very first episode, Majestic Bugs, a mini-meditation crafted for young listeners. Join Bella the butterfly on her gentle garden adventure, a soothing story perfect for quiet time and relaxation in early childhood settings. Gentle classical music weaves through the story, encou...

Ready to unlock a world of learning right outside the door? Join us on Learn Play Thrive as we chat with early childhood guru Louise Dorrat! With 40 years of wisdom and a hand in launching Australia's first Bush Kinder program, Louise spills the beans on the magic of nature-based early education. Discover the roots of Bush Kinder, its incredible benefits, and how to make outdoor adventures sa...

Want to inject more movement and wellbeing into your early childhood setting? This week on Learn Play Thrive, we're diving into the essential ingredients for a vibrant and healthy early childhood! Join us as we chat with Liesl Greenwood from the NSW Health Munch and Move program.  In this action-packed episode, you'll discover: How the Munch and Move program can become a simple yet power...

Ever wonder how to truly ignite creativity in young children? Ready to see their learning blossom in unexpected ways? Then get inspired with the latest episode of Learn Play Thrive! We're thrilled to bring you insights straight from the Inspire conference with the passionate Kirsty Liljegren from The Creative Collection. Kirsty is an early childhood  consultant,  researcher and fierce advocat...

Join us for an captivating conversation recorded live at the Inspire Conference 2025! We had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dr Ben Mardell PhD, a leading voice in innovative educational practices all the way from the USA. With over four decades dedicated to understanding how children learn and develop, Dr Mardell shares his invaluable insights on fostering inventive thinking in young child...

Welcome to a special behind-the-scenes episode! Today, we're taking you straight to the vibrant exhibitor floor of the Semann & Slattery Inspire 2025 conference, dedicated to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. Join us as we connect with the passionate professionals who are actively shaping the future of early learning. In this episode, we chat with just a few of the many innov...

In this episode, we welcome renowned ECEC expert Dr Kate Highfield from the University of Canberra.  Join us as we unpack the buzz and address the real concerns surrounding use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. We dive into the exciting possibilities and the crucial ethical considerations of using GAI in our profession. In this must-liste...

Straight from the heart of the Semann & Slattery Inspire 2025 conference, this bonus episode ignites the raw passion of early childhood educators and sector leaders. Tune in to discover the moments that fuel their joy, and the powerful takeaway messages that sparked their inspiration. Get ready to be moved and motivated by the sheer magic they bring to young children's lives, as they shar...

Welcome to Learn, Play, Thrive, the podcast dedicated to early learning! In this episode, we explore the enchanting world of 'Ruby's Repair Cafe,' a picture book by Michelle Worthington and Zoe Bennett.  Join me, Linda Harrison, as we delve into themes of sustainability, resourcefulness, community, friendship, and problem-solving, all while celebrating the diverse characters in the...

In this episode we welcome Laura Stone, Early Childhood Education Producer at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Laura shares valuable insights into ways early childhood educators can intentionally and authentically  integrate quality digital media and pop-culture into play-based learning.  Discussion highlights: Planning for multimodal play using ABC Kids programs and podcasts. Harnes...

In this special episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Sally Rippin, Australian Children's Laureate for 2024-2025.  Sally is Australia’s highest-selling female author with over 100 books for children and young adults, many of which have received prestigious awards. She has sold more than ten million copies worldwide, and her books are loved across the globe.  In this episode, Sally sh...

This week host Simone Brand chats with guest Cara Zelas, an Early Childhood Educator, Montessori teacher, social emotional learning expert, and dog therapy advocate. Cara is the founder of Big World of Little Dude, an educational platform teaching children social and emotional skills by providing books for parents and the HumanKIND Curriculum for teachers. Join us as Cara discusses the powerful im...

In today’s episode of Learn Play Thrive, we’re thrilled to welcome back Aimee Hansen, an experienced Educational Leader with over 26 years in the early childhood education sector. Aimee holds a Masters degree in early childhood education and mentors a team of 40 educators. If you missed our first conversation with Aimee, make sure to check it out—it’s one of our most downloaded episodes! Today, Ai...

In this episode we welcome Linda Harrison, Early Education Content Producer at Learn Play Thrive. All of us here at Learn Play Thrive are passionate about the power of picture books to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong love of books, reading and learning in young children. As Central Coast Regional Director of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Linda is a strong advocate for quality c...

In this episode, we welcome Racheal O’Brien, founder of Consciously Raising Kids. With a career as an early childhood educator and sleep and wellbeing coach, Rach brings a wealth of knowledge on supporting children’s emotional regulation, managing sleep, and guiding educators through challenges related to behavior. She shares her insights on temperament, emotional development, and strategies for n...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Dr. Kathy Cologon, Principal Consultant and Founder of Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With a wealth of experience in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies, Dr. Cologon is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field. She has published extensively and spent 15 years as a researcher and university teacher at Macq...

Join me, Simone Brand, on Learn, Play, Thrive, the ultimate early learning podcast for educators and leaders. In this episode, we dive deep into critical reflection with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos.  We explore a ten-step critical reflection framework designed to help educators analyse and respond to complex situations effectively. Learn how to develop a reflective culture, interpret situations, explo...

Welcome to the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, the ultimate early learning platform for educators and leaders. In today's episode, we dive into part one of 'Expanding Your Critical Reflection Toolbox' with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos, an esteemed educational consultant, researcher, and founder of Reflective Educators HQ.  Angela discusses the importance of critical reflection in early chil...

In this episode we’re joined by Emma Moore, founder and Senior Audiologist at Emma’s Ears on the NSW Central Coast. Emma and her team are dedicated to providing families with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their child's hearing and developmental health. We delve into crucial topics around children's hearing health, from screening recommendations to und...

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes Colin Slattery and Anthony Semann, founders of Semann and Slattery consultancy, to discuss the impact of leadership on workplace culture in early childhood education. They explore the significance of aligning professional values with organisational philosophies, strategies for building trust and collaboration among team members, an...

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand interviews Meg Tidyman, a speech pathologist and founder of Eat Talk Play. They discuss Meg's extensive background in early childhood development, the importance of early intervention in speech and language pathology, and practical strategies for educators and parents. Key topics include foundational communication skills, distinguishin...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Beth Borowsky, founder of The Karma Class, an organisation dedicated to bringing the benefits of movement, breath, and mindfulness into early learning centers and primary schools. Beth, a former Montessori preschool teacher and one of Sydney’s most respected yoga teachers and trainers, has made it her mission to provide educators with practica...

In this enlightening episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are honored to welcome Sharon Buck, a proud Kamilaroi woman and Assistant Principal at Kooloora Preschool, a designated Aboriginal preschool located on Darkinjung Country in NSW’s Central Coast. Sharon leads a team committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in every aspect of their curriculum, creating an environment w...

In this inspiring episode of Learn Play Thrive, we're joined by Anthony Semann, founder of Semann & Slattery and a trailblazer in advancing ethical, equitable, innovative and transformative teaching practices. We discuss the critical role of intentionality in designing early learning environments that inspire children’s curiosity and creativity. Anthony shares practical strategies for int...