UNLEARN pod

UNLEARN

Education EN ↓ 8 episodes

UNLEARN is a podcast for educators in Aotearoa New Zealand committed to creating gender-inclusive classrooms where students feel safe, respected, and empowered. Each episode offers practical strategies from experts, helping us examine our biases, challenge gender stereotypes, and celebrate diverse gender identities. Join us as we unpack the complexities of gender and explore how small actions can build a real sense of belonging for every student. Listen in on your commute or while doing the dishes—let’s unlearn together!unlearnpod.blogspot.com

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UNLEARN pod

Episodes

How can systems thinking help us stir the waters toward gender-inclusive futures? with Jade Tang-Taylor 22.07.2025 46:26

In this episode, I sit down with Jade Tang Taylor, systems thinker, creative strategist, and social impact leader, to explore how systems thinking can support educators in creating change toward gender inclusion. We unpack the Water of Systems Change model and reflect on the different levels where change can happen: structural, relational, and transformative. From school policies to power dynamics...

How can educators relearn gender together? with Dr Emma McGuirk - Episode 7 UNLEARN 07.05.2025 1:00:46

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla) am joined by Emma, a passionate rainbow educator, activist, and anthropologist. Together, we explore what it means to be part of social change in education, from standing in front of classrooms to standing beside students. Emma reflects on her journey of self-discovery, her work with Rainbow Hub Waikato, and the challenges students and teachers face while navi...

How can our lived experiences help us unpack gender diversity in education? with Slay Way - Episode 6 UNLEARN 28.02.2025 58:31

How do our own childhood experiences shape the way we think about gender? In this episode of UNLEARN, I sit down with Slay Way, team leader at Rainbow Hub Waikato, to explore how language, culture, and lived experiences influence how we understand gender—and what that means for educators. Together, we discuss: How childhood experiences shape our understanding of gender The power of language—when i...

What do we mean when we speak about creating safe(r) and brave(r) spaces - for everyone? with Chelsea Haughton - Episode 5 UNLEARN 03.02.2025 56:40

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla - she/her) dive into a conversation with Chelsea Horton (she/her), a fellow master's student on Change and Organisational Resilience and advocate for queer communities in Wellington. Together, we explore the complexities of creating spaces that are not only safer but also braver for LGBTQIA+ individuals and beyond. We discuss what it means to embrace inters...

Who are cis, and how can educators better embrace gender diversity? with Rachel Kuysten - Episode 4 UNLEARN 15.01.2025 1:08:26

In this episode of UNLEARN, we delve into the concept of cisgender with Rachel, an experienced educator and advocate for gender diversity. Together, we unpack what it means to be cis- or transgender, how language shapes our understanding of gender, and why awareness is only the first step toward allyship. Rachel shares insights on navigating cisnormativity in schools, recognising privilege, and ch...

How can gender statistics challenge and help us teachers to unlearn? with Sylvia Hach and Tara Pond - Episode 3 UNLEARN 25.11.2024 40:47

In this episode of UNLEARN, my research supervisors, Tara Pond and Sylvia Hach , join me in unpacking some of the latest gender statistics from Aotearoa New Zealand. We explore the 2023 Census data, perhaps surprising findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, and why these numbers matter to us educators. Statistics are powerful tools that can help us challenge our biases and expand...

How can our common values help us unlearn and embrace gender diversity? Episode 2 UNLEARN 05.11.2024 35:18

Kia ora, and welcome back to UNLEARN! I’m Milla, an educator and researcher, and in this second episode, I’m reflecting on the values that currently drive my commitment to gender inclusion in education. So far this journey has taught me that unlearning biases—especially around gender—is not just about understanding others but about questioning the privileges and assumptions I’ve held for so long. ...

Who am I, and why do I want to support educators in gender inclusion? Episode 1 - UNLEARN 30.10.2024 18:07

Kia ora, and welcome to the very first episode of UNLEARN! I’m Milla, an educator and researcher. In this first episode, I’m opening up about a journey that’s been challenging but necessary—unlearning my own biases, especially around gender. I want to do and be better, to truly see and understand the gender diversity that exists all around us. That which yet often remains invisible in traditional...