Shows
Nurturing EducatorsAll things Maths with JessSend us a textIn this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jess, an experienced and passionate maths teacher, to unpack her 13-year journey in education. From helping out in her mum’s primary school classrooms to now leading the junior maths program at a large Auckland secondary school, Jess offers valuable insights into her evolution as an educator. She shares how her background in science eventually led her to teaching, and how an unexpected practicum experience accelerated her development. We delve into the challenges and rewards of curriculum leadership, her approach to supporting students wit...2025-07-2121 min
Nurturing EducatorsEmbracing te reo Māori in Schools with Mel and EmmaSend us a textIn this heartwarming and insightful episode, I am joined by two passionate champions of te reo Māori—Mel, a secondary school Te Reo teacher, and Emma, a Māori Media student at AUT and kapa haka tutor. Together, they share their personal journeys with the language, the cultural richness it brings to students’ lives, and the important role it plays in shaping our national identity. Mel and Emma discuss the challenges of fitting te reo Māori into busy school timetables and shifting perceptions around its value, especially among whānau and i...2025-07-0724 min
Nurturing EducatorsThe Spanish Kiwi with GloriaSend us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Gloria Vazquez – a vibrant, passionate, and much-loved figure in the Spanish teaching community here in Aotearoa. Originally from Asturias in the north of Spain, Gloria came to New Zealand in the late 1980s for love and adventure, and ended up building a life and legacy that has touched countless students and fellow educators over the years. Gloria shares the story of her early days in NZ, when there were hardly any Spanish speakers around and everything felt new and unfamiliar. She talks about the cha...2025-06-2330 min
Taboo Talk with SarahEpisode 22 Unmasking ADHD: Finding Strength, Struggles, and Support with Debbie Thompson🧠 Key Topics & Takeaways:The real-life challenges of diagnosing ADHD in children—especially girls How ADHD manifests differently in boys vs. girls (and why so many go undiagnosed) The power of routine, movement, and mindfulness in managing ADHD Why emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity are often overlooked The importance of seeing ADHD as a difference, not a disorder 💬 Memorable Quotes:“I thought ADHD was just boys bouncing off walls... I didn’t know emotional dysregulation was part of it.” — Debbie Thompson“We tell Jackson it's his superpo...2025-06-1759 min
Nurturing EducatorsEarly classroom journey with LucySend us a textToday we’re catching up with Lucy, a warm-hearted, down-to-earth teacher who brings both heart to everything she does. From the classroom to the hockey turf, Lucy is known for her strong relationships with colleagues and students, her fierce team spirit, and thoughtful approach to teaching. In this episode, she opens up about navigating the early years of teaching, finding her stride, and the value of connection and community in the school environment. Whether she’s learning on the go or rallying her team to a win, Lucy’s passion and purpose shine through...2025-06-0916 min
Rethinking Aging Club PodcastSocial Isolation and Connection with Friendi.fi, Vermut and Happy TalksThis episode focused on social isolation and connections. Victor Wang introduced Friendi.fi (pronounced “friendify”) a platform using AI to combat loneliness among older adults, highlighting its success in PACE programs and its mission to scale to millions. Friendi.fi was a spin-out from Care.Coach, Victor’s first startup. Fernando Dellepiane shared Vermut’s marketplace of activities for older adults, illustrating its success in Spain, partnerships with healthcare companies and plans for expansion into the US. Christian Ross discussed Happy Talks, a service offering social phone calls and more to older adults to combat loneliness...2025-06-0539 min
Get In with Debbie RosasCalling In the Human Spirit: Conflict, Courage, and the Power to Stay with Loretta J. RossWhat if the way we deal with conflict could become a path to connection, growth, and transformation? In this powerful episode of GET IN, I sit down with visionary activist, author, and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Loretta J. Ross—whose groundbreaking book Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel is more than a guide. It’s a lifeline. For over five decades, Loretta has been at the forefront of change—facing down injustice, challenging movements from the inside out, and now leading a revolution in how we communicate across differences. In a time wh...2025-05-2859 min
Nurturing EducatorsEducator Well-being with KathrynSend us a text Every teacher knows the weight of responsibility that comes with nurturing young minds—but who’s looking after the educators themselves? In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kathryn, an experienced teacher turned online educator and health coach, who’s passionate about supporting teacher and student well-being. With over two decades of teaching experience across New Zealand, Kathryn shares how her journey led from the classroom to several principal roles and, more recently, to working with students online. Kathryn offers practical well-being strategies that busy teachers can start using rig...2025-05-2623 min
Nurturing EducatorsChalkboard Change with EmilySend us a textWhat happens when a teacher steps outside her comfort zone to grow in a completely new environment? Emily, a third-year social sciences teacher, shares her journey transitioning from a Catholic school to a diverse, lower socioeconomic school. Unlike many who switch roles due to burnout, Emily made a deliberate choice to explore new approaches early in her career—a move that brought both challenge and growth. Her first week was filled with self-doubt—"Am I capable enough of doing this?"—but she quickly discovered that her own vulnerability helped her connect with st...2025-05-1220 min
Taboo Talk with SarahEpisode 15 We’re Not Broken, We’re Becoming: A Taboo Talk Recap & Realignment📌 Main Themes & Takeaways:✔️ Healing Doesn’t Have to Be Heavy – Joy belongs in the process, and vulnerability is a bridge to connection. ✔️ The Sacred Messy Middle – That space between breakdown and breakthrough is where the real becoming happens. ✔️ Motherhood & Identity – You can be both a present parent and a purpose-led woman—but not if you lose yourself. ✔️ Community is Everything – Safe spaces, not isolation, are where transformation and healing unfold. ✔️ Turning Pain Into Purpose – Trauma and grief don’t define us—but they can refine and empower us. 2025-04-2915 min
Nurturing EducatorsTeacher-Mum life with MelitaSend us a textWhat happens when a passionate primary teacher returns to the classroom after time off to raise her kids? Melita, a dedicated educator with 15 years' experience, shares how motherhood gave her a fresh, empathetic lens on teaching. She opens up about how parenting deepened her understanding of students and their families—how knowing what happens at home can shape more compassionate teaching. "I have a new perspective from the family side," she says, seeing students as whole individuals, not just learners. Melita also reflects on why she loves the variety in p...2025-04-2821 min
Enjoying Your Journey..How to listen/develop your intuition? 😊💖✨💫Treat your intuition like a relationship. 😊💖✨💫 Here’s the link.. linktr.ee/hiddenblessingsdeb Or get the MP3 at iTunes.. OxyFlex! Breathing by Debbie Ross2025-04-2229 min
Nurturing EducatorsThe Adaptable Educator with LauraSend us a textTeaching in a new country comes with its fair share of challenges—but also incredible rewards. In this episode, UK-born educator Laura shares her inspiring journey from the classrooms of East London to an all-girls college in New Zealand, revealing how adaptability and an open mind shaped her career. Laura's path to teaching wasn’t a straight line. A sharp-eyed English teacher first spotted her knack for engaging others, setting her on a journey from training as a primary teacher to working in London’s vastly different schools—from low-decile Tower Hamlets t...2025-04-0731 min
Nurturing EducatorsMakerspace Learning with WillSend us a textWill’s journey from professional designer to passionate educator provides the perfect foundation for his role in creating an innovative school makerspace. Inspired by his own art teachers, he pursued his long-held dream of teaching after a decade in the design industry, bringing valuable real-world creative experience into education. Described by Will as a “technology library,” the makerspace has transformed student learning. This dynamic environment features 3D printers, a laser cutter handling 3,000 jobs annually, VR headsets, specialised computers, and recording studios. Students don’t just use these tools—they master them, developing...2025-03-3123 min
Nurturing EducatorsLanguage journeys with ClaireSend us a textEver thought about how something as fun as the Spice Girls could kickstart a lifelong love for learning a language? Join me, Debbie Ross, as I chat with the amazing Claire. A passionate language teacher whose journey from learning Spanish in high school to fluency after living Argentina is anything but ordinary. We dive into how her love for Spanish not only changed her life but also helped her build real, meaningful connections in a completely new country. Claire shares some incredible stories from her time abroad and her experiences in the classroom...2025-03-2417 min
Nurturing EducatorsTeaching through the years with CarolSend us a textReady to be inspired by Carol, an extraordinary educator whose teaching journey began later in life but is rich with insights and passion? Carol, originally from Edinburgh but calls New Zealand home, shares her captivating story of transitioning from balancing role books by hand to navigating the digital transformation of classrooms. With a keen eye on the evolution of teaching, she offers a refreshing take on how old teaching methods often resurface with new names. Her candid advice for new educators is both practical and heartwarming: genuinely understanding young people, embracing mistakes as...2025-03-1724 min
Nurturing EducatorsOne school, many hats with SarahSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Sarah, an inspiring educator who has spent over 15 years balancing her passion for teaching with family life. Sarah’s journey took her from a sports-oriented education to various leadership roles, including acting deputy principal. She shares valuable insights into the significance of working with intermediate-aged students, the impact of extra-curricular activities on skill development, and the importance of embracing new roles to enhance both personal and professional growth.Sarah also discusses how she manages the delicate balance between her career and family, offering practical tips on...2025-03-1023 min
The Equestrian ExperienceAn Eventful Life: Behind the Lens with Debbie HiggsBefore founding An Eventful Life, Debbie Higgs had Already spent years immersed in the equestrian world, capturing the sport's most exhilarating moments and covering prestigious events worldwide. Now with a wealth of experience behind the lens and the mic, she continues to bring the action to life for eventing fans across the globe.With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for cross-country courses, Debbie has built a career showcasing the sports most thrilling moments while navigating the ever-evolving world of Equestrian media. Capturing the heart-stopping action of eventing from behind the lens, covering...2025-03-061h 06
Nurturing EducatorsReliever Reflections with SamSend us a textEver wonder what it takes to transition from a bustling career in publishing to the heartwarming yet challenging world of primary education? Meet Sam, my long-time friend and a dedicated primary school teacher & reliever who shares her transformative journey and the pivotal moments that guided her to teaching. Through her experiences, Sam reveals the joys and hurdles of nurturing young minds and the importance of creating an inclusive classroom environment. Together, we discuss the often-overlooked balance between professional dedication and personal well-being, sharing practical insights into self-care and managing the relentless demands of...2025-03-0321 min
Taboo Talk with SarahEpisode 06 Breaking Free & Trusting Yourself: A Conversation with Debbie Prediger📌 Key Takeaways:✔️ Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs – The #1 belief that holds people back and how to rewrite that story ✔️ Trusting Your Own Intuition – Why we ignore our inner voice and how to start listening again ✔️ Overcoming Fear & Resistance – The nervous system’s role in keeping us “safe” and how to move forward anyway ✔️ The Power of Community & Collaboration – Why who you surround yourself with matters ✔️ Embracing Visibility & Owning Your Story – Why we fear being seen and how to overcome it 💬 Standout Quotes:🗣️ “...2025-02-2538 min
Nurturing EducatorsThe Energy Reset with MarkSend us a textCricket aficionado turned educator, Mark Orchard, takes centre stage in our latest episode, sharing his remarkable transition from the pitch to the classroom. Discover how Mark channels the discipline and fervour of his sports career into teaching at a Boys College, while also prioritising self-care. Mark's refreshing perspective on economic living and the art of recharging during school holidays is both inspiring and practical. His passion for coaching football and tennis not only fuels his physical health but also invigorates his mental well-being, a testament to the power of sport in fostering a...2025-02-2418 min
Nurturing EducatorsTeaching Abroad with EllySend us a textImagine uprooting your life and moving across the globe to prioritize education and cultural experience. That's exactly what Ellie, our passionate languages teacher from Seoul, Korea, did when her family relocated to New Zealand. This episode of Nurturing Educators invites you to discover Ellie's journey of teaching Chinese and Japanese in a new cultural landscape for over a decade. She shares with us the bold decisions her family made for the sake of education, as well as the unique challenges and joys of adapting to life and teaching in New Zealand....2025-02-1715 min
Nurturing EducatorsWork-life balance with GordonSend us a textHow does an inspiring educator manage to find peace amidst the chaos of teaching? Join me, Debbie Ross, as I chat with Gordon, a seasoned teacher who opens up about his journey from enthusiastic novice to an advocate for self-care and balanced living. Gordon shares the pivotal moments that led him to prioritize his mental well-being, offering practical strategies like leaving work at school and seeking professional counseling. Discover how Gordon's story can help you navigate the demanding seasons of teaching, transforming stress into manageable parts and finding joy in your personal time.2025-02-1023 min
Nurturing EducatorsJourney to Head of Faculty with NicoleSend us a textNicole, a dedicated dance and drama teacher and head of faculty, shares her journey of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being. She emphasises the importance of self-care strategies like running and staying socially active to maintain energy and focus. Through teamwork and delegation, she not only lightens her workload but also fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment built on trust. Her experiences offer valuable insights into professional growth, mentorship, and the significance of learning from smaller departments while embracing new opportunities.Nicole also highlights the essential qualities for aspiring...2025-02-0124 min