The Conscious Early Learning Podcast

In the first episode of season 2, I’m joined by naturopath and nutritionist Alena Winter, whose work centres on nervous system regulation and the holistic foundations of health. Together, we explore how the nervous system shapes the way we think, communicate, and connect, especially when life feels chaotic or overwhelming. We unpack what dysregulation really means, how it shows up in everyday reactions, and why awareness and co-regulation are so essential, particularly for parents, caregivers, and educators. We also talk about emotional safety, what to do when it wasn’t modelled growing up, and how small, realistic shifts can help your body move out of survival mode and back into connection. If you’ve ever felt constantly “on,” reactive, or exhausted from holding it together, this conversation offers grounded insights, gentle tools, and a reminder that calm is not a personality trait. It’s a skill your nervous system can relearn. This episode is especially supportive for parents, caregivers, and educators who hold space for others while learning to hold themselves. You can follow Alena on Instagram @alenawinternaturalhealth where you will find all of her links in her bio - https://www.instagram.com/alenawinternaturalhealth/ You can also connect with Sarah on Instagram @consciousearlylearning for nervous-system-safe support for parents and educators, especially after a long day of holding everyone else and trying to find your way back to yourself. https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

Season Two of the Conscious Early Learning Podcast is for parents and early childhood educators who are holding a lot, often without a place to put it down. For the parent standing in the kitchen at the end of the day, heart still racing long after the kids are asleep. For the teacher who freezes mid-centre meltdown, smiling on the outside while her nervous system is overwhelmed and making her stomach summersault. For the adults shaping young lives while quietly questioning who they are allowed to be inside those roles. This season goes beyond nervous system regulation as a set of tools. We explore how stress and safety live in the body and how they shape identity, boundaries, voice, and worth, especially for those who are expected to stay calm, attuned, and emotionally available no matter what’s happening inside. Through a blend of neuroscience, somatic awareness, and chakra-informed identity work, these conversations invite you to notice where stress lands, who you become under pressure, and how calm can be rebuilt from the inside out. Not by fixing yourself. Not by performing regulation. But by creating enough internal safety for your system to soften, reorganise, and return. Season Two brings together grounded experts and lived experience to support parents and educators in moving from survival to presence, from coping to connection, and from role-based identity to embodied self-trust. This is nervous system work that honours both science and soul, so calm doesn’t just become something you practice, but something you live, even in the middle of real life. You don’t need to become someone new. You need to come home to yourself.

Join me in this episode as I share some deep lessons I have had around how to trust and surrender when things do not go to plan. I let you in on some of the challenges I am facing lately and how I have been navigating them by leading from a place of embodying the work that I teach. I haven't shared much of this journey publicly but I do feel like this conversation could support those facing something similar so here we are. Follow @consciousearlylearning on Instagram for more BTS content. https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In this heart-expanding and hilariously honest episode of The Conscious Early Learning Podcast, I’m joined by Nina DeFrancisco, best known as @mindbodynina, a trauma-informed coach, content creator, and founder of the Humans Unplugged community. Nina shares her journey from psychology and social work into full-time coaching, offering nervous system regulation, holistic healing, inner child work, and honest-to-goodness humour as tools for self-leadership. We unpack how to return to your body, why ‘grandmother energy’ might just be your new favourite healing tool, and how internal family systems (IFS) / parts work can support deep transformation. Nina also shares her personal experience with thyroid cancer - and how it shifted the way she now shows up for herself and others with fierce compassion and truth. If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver who’s navigating your own healing while trying to show up for little ones, this conversation is a must. This episode will leave you feeling seen, grounded and gently reminded - healing doesn’t have to be so heavy, and you don’t have to do it alone. Connect with Nina & Explore Her Offerings: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbodynina Website: https://www.humansunplugged.com/ Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In this heart-opening episode, I’m joined by the incredible Gemma Rose — certified trauma-informed breathwork facilitator, coach, and founder of transformative programmes, retreats, and workshops for sensitive creatives and entrepreneurs. We dive deep into healing through Internal Family Systems (IFS), breathwork, nervous system regulation, co-regulation in parenting, and reconnecting with the inner child. Gemma shares powerful tools for those who feel too overwhelmed to meditate, practical nervous system support, and what it really means to say YES to your healing. This episode is full of compassionate wisdom, grounded tools, and gentle reminders that it’s safe to start where you are. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone on a healing journey, you’ll walk away feeling seen, empowered, and deeply supported. Connect with Gemma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_gemma_rose/ Explore her offerings: https://linktr.ee/the_gemma_rose Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In this energising episode of The Conscious Early Learning Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Rae Trigg: Clinical Exercise Physiologist, transformation expert, and host of the Elite Vitality Podcast. Together, we explore how to move from survival mode to a life bursting with energy, purpose, and joy. As parents and educators, we often find ourselves giving endlessly to others - but Rae shares why reclaiming our vitality is the most powerful thing we can do for ourselves, our families, and our ECE community. From practical mindset shifts to nervous system regulation, nutrition tips, and movement hacks, Rae brings the wisdom (and the fire!) to help you feel alive again. This episode is your permission slip to stop settling for burnout and start living boldly, intentionally, and outrageously. Tune in if you’re ready to become best friends with your body and fall in love with your life again. Connect with Rae: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raetrigg Podcast: Elite Vitality Podcast Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In this deeply enriching episode of Conscious Early Learning, I sit down with Alexa, a multi-award-winning birth photographer and doula based in Hawke’s Bay. Alexa’s passion for supporting families through one of life’s most transformative experiences shines through as she shares her journey into birth work, the sacred role of a doula, and the deep soul connection she feels with babies before they’re born. We explore the importance of informed choices in childbirth, how parents can advocate for their rights, and the power of trusting intuition during pregnancy and birth. Alexa also reveals how her role as a doula influences the way she captures the raw, emotional moments of birth - preserving the deep connection between parents and their babies through her lens. Join us as we dive into the magic, wisdom, and empowerment of birth with Alexa. Whether you're a parent, birth worker, or simply fascinated by the beauty of conscious birthing, this episode will leave you inspired. Connect with Alexa: Website: https://www.alexadoulaphotography.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexa.doula/ Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In this episode of the Conscious Early Learning Podcast, we sit down with Danica Joy, a mindfulness and emotional intelligence parenting coach. Danica shares her expertise on how parents and educators can nurture emotional intelligence in children while also developing their own self-regulation skills. We explore the role of energetics in adult-child dynamics, highlighting the importance of noticing and understanding your own emotions as the first step in emotional intelligence. Danica provides practical mindfulness tools to integrate into daily routines, helping both parents and children navigate big emotions with greater ease. We also discuss effective strategies for co-regulation and supporting children through challenging emotional experiences while maintaining a sense of calm and connection. Danica introduces her 6-week course, Tuning into Kids – Emotionally Intelligent Parenting, based on research from Melbourne University, which offers powerful tools for understanding and managing emotions. Connect with Danica: Website: www.joyfulcollective.co.nz Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyful.collective Tuning into Kids – Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Course: https://tinyurl.com/3nsdcpbr How Do I Feel? A Dictionary of Emotions for Children: https://tinyurl.com/42vws3ua Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

Join us in this powerful episode with registered psychologist Victoria Barendsen, a specialist in childhood trauma and sexual abuse prevention. Victoria shares her wealth of knowledge on teaching body safety to children, empowering parents, and protecting futures. Learn how to seamlessly integrate body safety practices into your daily routines, build open communication with your child, and navigate sensitive topics like consent, private parts, and safe spaces with confidence. This episode will leave you equipped with practical tools to foster trust, teach healthy boundaries, and empower the children in your care. Whether you’re a parent or an early childhood educator, this conversation will guide you in raising children who are self-aware, confident, and safe. Connect with Victoria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesafekidsproject/ Or visit her website to learn more about her services and her upcoming course “Body Safety Education for Parents”: https://thesafekidsproject.com Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

Learn how to create calm, connected relationships with children through mindful practices and self-awareness with insights from Morgan Glover - a birth worker, reiki practitioner, and breastfeeding expert. In this episode of Conscious Early Learning, Morgan shares unique strategies for fostering secure attachments starting before birth, the impact of empowering birth experiences, and how self-care supports both parents and educators. Whether you’re an ECE teacher or a parent, this episode offers actionable tools and transformative perspectives you can start using today. Connect with Morgan on her Instagram page: www.instagram.com/bewithbirth or her website: www.bewithbirth.ca Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In this wisdom-driven conversation, I’m joined by the incredible Avril, a Transformational Leadership Mentor helping soul-led mumpreneurs become unstoppable in both motherhood and business. We dive into the real work of juggling life’s many hats, exploring how nervous system regulation can be the anchor for success, calm, and connection. Avril shares her personal practices for staying grounded through the challenges of motherhood and leadership, as well as her go-to tools for navigating big emotions and reframing limiting beliefs that hold us back. The power of coregulation is also discussed - how being present and calm yourself can transform your relationships with the children in your life. Avril offers simple, actionable strategies to support yourself and others, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to create change from the inside out. Find Avril here Where she shares more wisdom, insights and practical tools: On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avril1brown Or join her free private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/tX4v4EbsXM7eVfFy/ Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In the final part of our series with Mel from Mahu Wellness, we explore how deeply ingrained limiting beliefs shape the way we parent or teach, often without us even realising it. Mel explains how these beliefs manifest in our caregiving styles, impacting both us and the children we guide. We also delve into the powerful practice of reparenting our inner child - a unique foundation of Mel’s work - unpacking what it means, how it supports healing, and why it’s essential for breaking generational patterns. Join us to discover tools that can empower you to become the most authentic, compassionate version of yourself. Connect with Mel on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mahuwithmel Or visit her Website at: https://www.honowithmel.com/

In part two of my conversation with Mel, we delve into the power of recognising our triggers and the transformative role of mindfulness in healing. Mel shares how identifying and managing emotional triggers can accelerate personal growth and positively impact our relationships - especially with children, whether as parents or educators. We also explore how unresolved childhood wounds shape our approach to caregiving and discover Mel's three levels of mindfulness, each offering a pathway to deepen self-awareness and resilience. Join us as we unpack these essential tools for fostering peace and presence in our lives. Connect with Mel on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mahuwithmel Or visit her Website at: https://www.honowithmel.com/ Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

In part one of our three-part interview, I sit down with Mel from Mahu Wellness to explore the transformative power of self-regulation and practical tools for managing our stress responses. As an Indigenous Māori woman and a trauma-informed therapist with a background in psychology, body-based therapy, and breathwork, Mel brings a unique and deeply compassionate approach to healing. In this episode, she shares insights on breaking old patterns and unlocking deeper layers of healing, guiding us toward true mind-body connection and resilience. Tune in to learn powerful, actionable techniques to help you move from survival to embodied healing. Find Mel on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mahuwithmel Or visit her Website at: https://www.honowithmel.com/ Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning

I had the pleasure of sitting down and having a deep and thought-provoking conversation with who I know to be one of the most embodied self-care queens out there. Milly Ross, founder of Mindbody Alchemy, is a Mindbody Coach with a passion for reconnecting women with their most authentic and empowered essence. She believes when we are deeply connected within ourselves we show up in the world with flow, purpose and joy which leads to an incredibly enriched quality of life. She explains how we all have this potential within but sometimes need guidance, tools and strategies to move through the process of unbecoming all the things society has conditioned us to believe we need to be. In this episode, we cover the importance of community and connection (to self first) to others when entering motherhood. We also speak about the "taboo" topic of postpartum depression and how Milly was able to overcome this naturally and how it drew her closer to the work she does with clients today. If you want to deepen your own self-care rhythms in relation to nutrition and digestion, sleep, stress, movement and your environments then tune in because it is a GOODIE! Thank you for your magic that you bring to the world Milly! Visit her website: https://www.mindbodyalchemy.co.nz Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbody.alchemy/ Follow Conscious Early Learning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousearlylearning