Ed Talks WA

Australia’s favourite scientist, Dr Karl, chats about the wild world of AI, how it’s grown and how diabolical it can become if left without limitations. He also shares details of how he’s fighting misinformation with TikTok videos and Digital Dr Karl.

Inclusion isn’t a program at Bob Hawke College, it’s a core belief among everywhere there. It ensures that all students get the support they need and can learn alongside their peers. Kate Reid is the college’s Inclusion Coordinator and joins the podcast to discuss their win at the 2025 WA Education Awards and describe their inclusion journey.

Resilience is a crucial life skill that young people need to thrive and grow as they get older. Professor Matt Sanders is the founder of Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and joins the podcast to chat about resilience, what it is, how it develops and how parents can support their children. He also shares helpful parent strategies and other supports Triple P offers to parents and carers.

The nominations are open for the 2025 WA Education Awards and to celebrate we spoke to the most recent recipients of these honours. Staff from the 6 winning schools shared the school’s education journey, the dedication of their staff, and what winning means to them and the whole school community. We also take a closer look at the 2 new categories for 2025, which includes the return of an individual staff award.

The incredible Professor Fiona Wood AO is a world leading specialist and national icon for her innovative and pioneering work in the development of burns medicine and care. She joins our podcast to share insights into the life-changing impact that Telethon WA funding provides medical research. She also discusses the Premier's Telethon Challenge and how it empowers kids to help kids, inspiring community action and fundraising for a brighter future.

National Science Week is dedicated to celebrating all things science and technology and encourages people to engage with the industry. This year, Scitech is running free online excursions and Inette Henn, manager of Learning Futures at Scitech, explains what’s involved and why promoting STEM at school is so important for students. Inette also provides some handy tips for teachers, as well as details of professional learning that’s available.

Digital accessibility is about ensuring digital content, technology and services are accessible for people with disabilities. Dr Scott Hollier, from the Centre for Accessibility Australia, uses his experience of being vision impaired to help educate others. He explains how technology has improved and provides some tips of what simple things teachers can do in the classroom when it comes to accessibility.

During a student forum, Neale Daniher, using AI voice technology, was able to use his own voice to share the inspirational story about his battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Neale’s daughter Bec, and his wife Jan, continue to fight on his behalf, and share with us how great change can be made from the smallest steps.

Turia Pitt made international news in 2011 when she suffered burns to 65% of her body when caught in a grassfire while running an ultramarathon. She’s not only survived, but is now a sought-after motivation speaker, whose courageous story can’t help but inspire.

Dr. Antoinette Morris, winner of the 2024 Director General’s Women of Achievement Award, shares her story about Fremantle Fast Track, an important alternative learning option that creates safe, supportive spaces to help students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

We were thrilled to be joined by Joe Brumm after he was keynote speaker at the WA Education Awards 2024. Through his lovable animated blue heeler, Bluey, and her friends, Joe tackles issues facing families every day. He is an educator as well as a creative.

On Your Own Two Feet's Helen Baker is helping so many women plan for financial stability. Listen as she defines what financial literacy means and explains how you start your journey to take control of an important part of your life.   This episode was sponsored by Teachers Mutual Bank.

Buying a home is often your biggest life investment. With so much commentary about home lending at the moment, we look at some factual information and help you sift through the myths. This episode was sponsored by Teachers Mutual Bank.

Options for students beyond secondary school have changed over the years. The Department’s Shirley Parer looks at some of the options that are now available.

In celebration of World teachers’ Day 2025, Jim Bell shares his journey from classroom teacher to interim Director General.

Professors Richard Scolyer AO and Georgina Long AO share details of their ground-breaking melanoma research that is saving lives and discuss the importance of remaining safe when in the sun.

After 6 years leading education in WA, Lisa Rodgers is moving on to the next stage of her career. Listen as she looks back at some of the challenges and triumphs of her time as the director general.

School psychologist consultants, Sarah Papaelias and Brendan Everett, provide tips to families with students who are moving into secondary school, including managing nerves during the big change and how to access support.

Amy Lawton dropped in on her way to the airport en route to the Paris Olympic Games. At 22, she’s competing in her second games. Bailey, 11, a star from School Sports WA and an Education Minister’s Running Challenge ambassador, helped with a few tough questions.

With nominations open for the 2024 WA Education Awards, we talk to the most recent recipients of these honours. They explain why they nominated and what winning means to them, their staff, students and the whole school community. We also take a closer look at a new category for 2024, Excellence in wellbeing and learning.  

In Jelena Dokic's own words, "the least interesting thing about me is tennis". The former tennis prodigy was forced to deal with more as a young person than any one person should endure during a lifetime. And now she has found her voice through words.

Lead autism researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, explains 'Inklings', a life-changing program for babies aged 6-18 months who are showing early differences in social interaction and communication development. He explains that if we change the way we connect with babies, we can change their whole lives.

Kevin O'Keefe, Principal Advisor of Student Achievement, is preparing for his third and final attempt at retirement. He has spent 53 years in public education, as a teacher, principal, executive director and, more recently, as a member of the Department's corporate executive, advising on ways to improve education outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Derry Simpson, CEO of Youth Focus, explains how they support WA's young people, with more than 40% of those aged 12 to 25 being diagnosed with mental health illnesses - but only half those receiving help. Find out too how you can help by supporting the annual Ride for Youth.

School psychologist consultants, Sarah Papaelias and Brendan Everett, provide tips to families with younger students who are starting school for the first time, including managing nerves and accessing support.

It's a shocking truth that 70 percent of school children say their body image is their top concern, with kids experiencing rates of suicide, depression and anxiety far greater than ever before. Enter Dr Zali Yager, a former teacher and international body image expert who reveals her own body battle and the new resources she's created so that WA teachers can help students embrace their bodies.