What We Teach Our Children

Owning the Fall: Vulnerability, Failure & the Courage to Begin Again with Chris Valli We’ve all experienced a moment we’re not proud of, but what happens when that moment becomes public and your life is never the same. In this deeply honest and thought-provoking conversation, Kim speaks with Chris Valli, founder of the VOIC Movement … Read more "S2 EP28 Chris Valli – Accountability & Courage" The post S2 EP28 Chris Valli – Accountability & Courage first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Rewiring the Subconscious & Remembering Who You Are with Holly McNeill – The Mindfulness Architect. What if you’re not broken…you’re just running on autopilot? This week on What We Teach Our Children, I sit down with Holly McNeill: The Mindfulness Architect. She shares how 95% of our thoughts operate below awareness…and how the patterns we formed as children … Read more "S2 EP 27 Holly McNeill – Acceptance & Resistance" The post S2 EP 27 Holly McNeill – Acceptance & Resistance first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Living Through Our Turbulent History: Why Values Matter More Than Ever with Charles Fowler – Global Coordinator of World Values Day As ANZAC Day approaches, this memorable conversation with Charles invites us to reflect on history, humanity, and the values that shape our future. Born into a world recovering from World War II, Charles has … Read more "S2 EP26 Charles Fowler – Identifying Values" The post S2 EP26 Charles Fowler – Identifying Values first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Raising Earth Keepers: Nature, Agency, and the Future of Early Childhood with Gabby Millgate When children are connected to nature from the beginning, they don’t just learn about the world they learn how to care for it. In this week’s episode of What We Teach Our Children, I sit down with Gabby Millgate, former actor and … Read more "S2 EP25 Gabby Millgate – Ecological Literacy" The post S2 EP25 Gabby Millgate – Ecological Literacy first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Nurturing Babies, Supporting Parents, and Building Connection in the Early Years What does it truly mean to support a child in their earliest years of life? In this episode of What We Teach Our Children, I speak with Occupational Therapist, bestselling author, and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure – a global voice in infant care and … Read more "S2 EP24 Meg Faure – Sleep & Co-Regulating" The post S2 EP24 Meg Faure – Sleep & Co-Regulating first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

What if the most important lessons we can teach our children don’t come from textbooks – but from the land itself? In this powerful and reflective conversation, PhD researcher Monty Nixon shares how Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing can help reshape modern education systems. From his early experiences on Arrernte Country to his research in … Read more "S2 EP23 Monty Nixon – Listening & Caring" The post S2 EP23 Monty Nixon – Listening & Caring first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

What does it mean to truly belong and why do we try to fit in?  Some people grow up knowing exactly where they fit.Others… spend a lifetime navigating the spaces in between. As it is for Birgitta Car – an educator and writer, born in South Africa, raised in Australia, and working in Thailand, her life … Read more "S2 EP22 Birgitta Car – History & Colonialism" The post S2 EP22 Birgitta Car – History & Colonialism first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Podcasthon 2026 Special Episode Wildlife conservation in Australia is critical to protecting unique biodiversity, preventing extinction, and maintaining ecological resilience against climate change. With over 2,000 threatened species, conserving native flora and fauna sustains essential ecosystem services, including clean air, water purification, and pollination. It is also vital for managing threats like invasive species and habitat … Read more "S2 EP21 Shakira Todd – Co-Existing with Wildlife" The post S2 EP21 Shakira Todd – Co-Existing with Wildlife first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Australia has one of the highest rates of land clearing in the world and the fourth highest extinction rate on the planet. Instead of feeling hopeless, Anna Noon Co-founded The Groundswell Collective, inspired to restore biodiversity through the Miyawaki Tiny Forest method. A former social worker retrained in sustainable living; Anna was watching her hometown … Read more "S2 EP20 Anna Noon – Biodiversity & Habitat" The post S2 EP20 Anna Noon – Biodiversity & Habitat first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Love Is the Silent Lesson – Raising Independent, Compassionate Changemakers with belief and belonging. In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Gavin shares how growing up in poverty, bullied and raised without a father, his mother instilled the belief that he could do anything – shaping a lifelong mission to transform education globally. Gavin went … Read more "S2 EP19 Gavin McCormack – Education Matters" The post S2 EP19 Gavin McCormack – Education Matters first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

From Farm to Rooftop – Reimagining How Cities Nourish Communities Guest: Clint McCrae | Co-Founder, Urban Grounding Raised in the farming region of south-west Victoria’s Otways, Clint McCrae grew up immersed in a mixed farming enterprise producing beef, dairy, vegetables and seed potatoes for export. His connection with farming and food is so deep it … Read more "S2 EP18 Clint McCrae – Growing Food Connection" The post S2 EP18 Clint McCrae – Growing Food Connection first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Co-founder Orange Sky Australia Nicholas Marchesi is a builder, dreamer and doer. In 2014, alongside childhood friend Lucas Patchett, he co-founded Orange Sky Australia starting with a single van named “Sudsy” providing free mobile laundry services to people experiencing homelessness. What began as a practical solution quickly became something far more powerful: a platform for … Read more "S2 EP17 Nicholas Marchesi – Dignity & Care" The post S2 EP17 Nicholas Marchesi – Dignity & Care first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Founder of Raq Vision, Raq The Boat, and host of Rated Gen Z podcast Raquel Borras is a Gen X mum, youth advocate, and bridge-builder between generations who believes the fastest way to heal generational divides is to genuinely listen to young people. In this episode, Raquel returns to share what’s unfolded since Season 1 – including the … Read more "S2 EP16 Raquel Borras – Listen & Understand" The post S2 EP16 Raquel Borras – Listen & Understand first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“My scars are a roadmap to my past, not a highway to my future.” A favourite saying of Entrepreneur Justin Lippiatt, whose leadership experience across decades and industries, goes beyond performance and productivity – in this conversation we explore leadership as a human responsibility. We discuss:      •     Leadership as legacy – and what our … Read more "S2 EP15 Justin Lippiatt – Leading People" The post S2 EP15 Justin Lippiatt – Leading People first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Who influences us to become the people we are meant to be? It begins with 5 key people in childhood – our parents, grandparents, family friends or relatives, perhaps a teacher. In this deeply human conversation, ROCeteer’s Chief Collaboration Officer, Mark Rowland shares how childhood influences, family legacy, and a life partner’s unwavering support shaped … Read more "S2 EP14 Mark Rowland – Collaboration & Risk" The post S2 EP14 Mark Rowland – Collaboration & Risk first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

The very elements that support life on this planet are killing us – SLOWLY. Last year I came across a question that stopped me in my tracks… What happens when environmental toxins quietly alter biology across generations and why aren’t we talking about it more? This question was posed by Veterinarian & Director of Future … Read more "S2 EP13 Matt Landos – Water IS Life" The post S2 EP13 Matt Landos – Water IS Life first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Australia wastes an average of 7.6 million tonnes of food per year! Let that sink in… Individually it equates to 312kg per person and costs our economy more than 36.6 billion! 70% of this food is edible – that blows my mind! It’s not just the economy that’s being impacted either, food waste contributes to … Read more "S2 EP12 Brent Beauchamp – Waste & Value" The post S2 EP12 Brent Beauchamp – Waste & Value first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

What if educating our children wasn’t just about answers, but the questions? Recently I watched an inspirational documentary – “The Power of Small”. A story of one woman’s vision to create a Kindness Army and how empowering others to make a difference, ripples out through communities transforming lives long after the initial investment. That led … Read more "S2 EP11 TC Johnstone – Courage & Mortality" The post S2 EP11 TC Johnstone – Courage & Mortality first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

This episode contains conversations about mental health challenges in a child, including suicidal ideation, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. The World Health Organization calls loneliness a global health challenge, affecting one in six people, from adolescents to the elderly. Its impact on wellbeing and longevity is as serious … Read more "S2 EP 10 Lateefat Odunuga – Humanity in Stories" The post S2 EP 10 Lateefat Odunuga – Humanity in Stories first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Language Warning…This week’s story comes with a language warning for those of you who may be listening in the presence of children or anyone offended by the ‘F’ word in general conversation. In this deeply reflective episode, I’m joined by Ricky Longshaw, host of the podcast Humans Like Us, a mentor, a coach, and a … Read more "S2 EP 9 Ricky Longshaw – Lead by Example" The post S2 EP 9 Ricky Longshaw – Lead by Example first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Australia’s under-16 social media ban has arrived and many teenagers are struggling. In this timely episode of What We Teach Our Children, somatic psychotherapist Suzy (Suzanne) Butz explains what’s really happening beneath the surface for young people – and how parents can support them using neuroscience-backed, trauma-informed strategies. We discuss: 🎧 Virtual Disconnection is essential … Read more "S2 EP 8 Suzy Butz – Virtual Disconnection" The post S2 EP 8 Suzy Butz – Virtual Disconnection first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

How many friendships made in early childhood last a lifetime? In my own life the answer is none. But for others those early bonds create lasting connections. Today’s guest is someone whose life milestones span continents, cultures, and communities and whose mission is rooted in something beautifully simple: social impact as a force for good. … Read more "S2 EP 7 James Kellock – Friendship & Faith" The post S2 EP 7 James Kellock – Friendship & Faith first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

This week on What We Teach Our Children, we’re joined by Michael G. Neece, Author of In Kind, President of Our Future Is Kind, and co-founder of The Human Summit. In this uplifting and thought-provoking conversation, we explore: 🌟 Why kindness is a performance strategy, not a soft skill
 🌟 How psychological safety transforms team … Read more "S2 EP 6 Michael G Neece – Fascination & Consideration" The post S2 EP 6 Michael G Neece – Fascination & Consideration first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“My parents risked everything on a fishing boat, it wasn’t just reaching land that saved us it was finding community willing to see potential in strangers. I was ashamed of being a refugee. Now I know it’s my greatest strength.” Eric Em’s story is one of resilience, identity, and the power of community. Born in … Read more "S2 EP 5 Eric Em – Prejudice & Shame" The post S2 EP 5 Eric Em – Prejudice & Shame first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“When we take care of ourselves, we create the conditions to care for others.” For Jules, personal connection and love are everything – they’re the bonds that support her beyond life and loss. Jules grew up travelling across Australia from the top end of Western Australia, through South Australia and New South Wales before settling … Read more "S2 EP 4 Jules Sullivan – Loss & Gratitude" The post S2 EP 4 Jules Sullivan – Loss & Gratitude first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

From humble beginnings in western Queensland to building an orphanage in Kenya, Cathy Booth has lived a story defined by hope and compassion. As a young girl, Cathy often told her mother that one day she wanted to work in an orphanage. That dream took root and grew stronger with every life experience from living … Read more "S2 EP 3 Cathy Booth – Hope & Compassion" The post S2 EP 3 Cathy Booth – Hope & Compassion first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

From glossy 80s diet culture to the wellness trends of today, Fiona Tuck has seen and lived it all. The British-Australian nutritionist, author of The Forensic Nutritionist, and media myth-buster, Fiona shares her journey from eating disorders as a teen to becoming one of Australia’s most trusted voices on nutrition and skincare. We discuss the … Read more "S2 EP 2 Fiona Tuck – Nutrition & Health" The post S2 EP 2 Fiona Tuck – Nutrition & Health first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

As the Australian Government prepares to introduce an under-16 social-media ban on December 10, many parents are wondering what it really means for our digital natives. Will it stop bullying or inappropriate content? Or do we need something deeper a culture of kindness that begins long before children go online? Robyn Simpson believes kindness is … Read more "S2 EP 1 Robyn Simpson – Attitude & Kindness" The post S2 EP 1 Robyn Simpson – Attitude & Kindness first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“This conversation is so important – we are at an inflection point, and what we do matters.” Tim Men’s mental health is in crisis and it’s time we started talking about it differently. Tim Hewson, Founder of Mongrels Men and Manbassador for Men’s Mental Health shares his very personal story of how a corporate career and traditional … Read more "EP 52 Tim Hewson – Health & Wellbeing" The post EP 52 Tim Hewson – Health & Wellbeing first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“The world’s fractured, it’s tense and I feel the anxiety.” TP When we think about what drives human behaviour, Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds us that everything begins with the basics, food, water, and safety.Only when those are met can we move toward love, belonging, self-esteem, and ultimately, self-actualisation. Yet across the world today, … Read more "EP 51 Terry Paule – Safety and Security" The post EP 51 Terry Paule – Safety and Security first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Play is not just fun it’s a fundamental human right. I often hear adults and parents alike, lamenting the loss of the carefree childhood, when children had the freedom to explore, play in the street with their neighbours, and even walk to the corner store to buy an ice block in summer. What’s changed? Childhood … Read more "EP 50 Hyahno Moser – Adventure & Play" The post EP 50 Hyahno Moser – Adventure & Play first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

How do we prepare children to thrive in a world dominated by digital media? Returning to the podcast this week is Kari Sutton, Author of Raising a Mentally Fit Generation, speaker, and internationally recognised Early Childhood Consultant. With over 30 years of experience in education, much of it focused on early childhood and diverse needs, … Read more "EP 49 Kari Sutton – Digital Resilience" The post EP 49 Kari Sutton – Digital Resilience first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Gaming prevalence among young children in Australia, is growing with high usage rates, particularly for video games where 93% of 5-14-year-olds play regularly and nearly half of 8–17-year-olds play online multiplayer games.  Concerns around addiction, in-game bullying, predators, and excessive screen time exist, however there are benefits for our digital generations if we ensure protections and oversee … Read more "EP 48 Brett Azzopardi – Information & Technology" The post EP 48 Brett Azzopardi – Information & Technology first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

As a society, there is great weight in benchmarked developmental milestones, which are necessary to measure a child’s physical and cognitive abilities. Whilst we focus on raising disciplined humans with social graces and manners, spiritual guidance is often led by religious belief, which can stifle individual transformation (spiritual alchemy).    Sofia Geraghty grew up surrounded … Read more "EP 47 Sofia Geraghty – Alchemy & Intuition" The post EP 47 Sofia Geraghty – Alchemy & Intuition first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Rites of passage are universal — every culture on earth has a way of marking the transition from child to adult. The question is: how do we guide today’s teens with purpose?” In this episode of What We Teach Our Children, I speak with Angela White, Chief Operating Officer of The Rite Journey. With deep … Read more "EP 46 – Angela White – Rites of Passage" The post EP 46 – Angela White – Rites of Passage first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

What does it take to live a life of strength and independence? This week on What We Teach Our Children, meet Marja Jarvis — born in the Netherlands, adventurous from the start, she credits her mother for imprinting a wanderlust for life and travel. Leaving the motherland as a young graduate of physiotherapy, Marja lived … Read more "EP 45 Marja Jarvis – Strength & Independence" The post EP 45 Marja Jarvis – Strength & Independence first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

With bullying statistics reaching significant highs, our youth mental health has never been more important. A 2023 study revealed that victims of bullying are at an increased risk for developing eating disorders like binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia. These psychiatric conditions take a physical and mental toll on sufferers and their families. Approximately one third … Read more "EP 44 Megan Stray – Healthy Minds Matter" The post EP 44 Megan Stray – Healthy Minds Matter first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Bullying, it’s a scourge on our societies across the globe! Described as the repeated and intentional use of words or actions against others to cause distress and isolation. Teasing, abuse, intimidation, threats, violence, and exclusion all constitute bullying. In the 70’s and 80’s most bullying was experienced in person, however technology and devices now mean … Read more "EP 43 Maggie Ciobanu – Critical Thinking" The post EP 43 Maggie Ciobanu – Critical Thinking first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“We’re not in a mental health crisis at the moment – it’s an emotional health crisis…” This statement stopped me in my tracks. As I thought about what I was hearing it started to make sense – emotional dysregulation is a symptom of many mental health conditions, and whilst emotional and mental health are closely … Read more "EP 42 Bryn Edwards – Nature vs Nurture" The post EP 42 Bryn Edwards – Nature vs Nurture first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

We live in communities within a society, so why do we expect all our social issues should be addressed by governing bodies? Historically, humans have looked out for each other – the village mentality, but something has changed, and it seems we’re living in silos. Even families are disconnected, separated by distance and busyness. Generational … Read more "EP 41 Namarca Corowa – Respect & Accountability" The post EP 41 Namarca Corowa – Respect & Accountability first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Childhood trauma is more common than you think… Children who experience a distressing or harmful event can live with lasting negative effects on their emotional, mental, and physical health.  These events can include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, experiencing accidents or natural disasters. It’s crucial to recognise that a child’s response to trauma can vary, and even … Read more "EP 40 Barb Hill – Community & Belonging" The post EP 40 Barb Hill – Community & Belonging first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Have you ever thought about why we have an emotional reaction in certain situations? You might feel like you’re on autopilot when the stress builds and you explode over something that probably didn’t warrant an angry outburst. Emotional patterns are formed early in childhood and become deeply ingrained over our lifetime. They become habitual, shaped … Read more "EP 39 Geraldine Zadkiel – Emotional Patterns" The post EP 39 Geraldine Zadkiel – Emotional Patterns first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

What qualities do you look for in a great leader? Historically, great leaders have demonstrated the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others towards a shared vision or goal. This often involves strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the capacity to foster collaboration. Additionally, effective leaders frequently exhibit resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical conduct.  In … Read more "EP 38 Neil Milton – Leading with Empathy" The post EP 38 Neil Milton – Leading with Empathy first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Over the previous episodes there’s been a clear and repeated message about identity and how, what we do tends to define us at different points in our lives. The emotional and psychological toll varies, as do the treatment methods available. What works for you may not work for someone else and it’s modelling vulnerability for … Read more "EP 37 Andy Phanthapangna, Trent Merrin, & Jett Ferro – Vison & Values" The post EP 37 Andy Phanthapangna, Trent Merrin, & Jett Ferro – Vison & Values first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Trigger warning…. This episode contains conversations about mental health challenges in a child, including depression and self-harm, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening. In the 21st century I often find it difficult to understand why we continue to perpetuate traditional roles and expectations of men and women. For decades … Read more "EP 36 Alex Egeler – Identity vs Labels" The post EP 36 Alex Egeler – Identity vs Labels first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Modern life has created generations of digitally connected but socially isolated and often lonely people, putting pressure on health and education systems. It’s now more important than ever for us to reconnect and be present – especially for children. For humans feeling connected to others is crucial for well-being, impacting mental and physical health, social skills, … Read more "EP 35 Jayneen Sanders – Gender Bias" The post EP 35 Jayneen Sanders – Gender Bias first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

From the ‘LOST BOYS’ report in the UK to the Anxious Generation in the US – this week we’re analysing a global breakdown in community with two siblings who’ve decided to act, helping families create their own unique culture. Family culture encompasses core values, traditions, beliefs and behaviours that define and shape interactions with community … Read more "EP 34 Steven Shapiro & Nancy Shapiro Rapport – Family Culture" The post EP 34 Steven Shapiro & Nancy Shapiro Rapport – Family Culture first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

Young men and boys are struggling in the areas of education, employment and health – just three categories recently evaluated by researchers at the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in the UK. With mental health in decline and a rise in suicide statistics, the CSJ is calling on the government to urgently address these issues. … Read more "EP 33 Luke Taylor – Confidence Crisis" The post EP 33 Luke Taylor – Confidence Crisis first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“Our parenting was largely unconscious and maybe that’s a large part of the problem, for families these days – we’re not conscious until we need to be” Deborah Fay If parenting was easy and natural, our children would have their needs met. My guest today speaks about being intentional in parenting, and how having respect … Read more "EP 32 Deborah Fay – Respectful Communication" The post EP 32 Deborah Fay – Respectful Communication first appeared on Kim Kleidon.

“I’m not talking about wrapping kids in bubble wrap, I’m saying age-appropriate risk is important – allowing them to get online is important, but we have to teach them the skills in early childhood…” Kari Sutton A recent ‘Lost Boys’ report from The Centre for Social Justice in the UK has found that early online … Read more "EP 31 Kari Sutton – Setting Boundaries" The post EP 31 Kari Sutton – Setting Boundaries first appeared on Kim Kleidon.