FLOURISHING EDUCATION - SAFER AND BRAVER SPACE(S) TO BE AND BECOME WELL TOGETHER

Fabienne Vailes

Welcome to powerful, imperfectly perfect (and perfectly imperfect) conversations that shine a light on the richness of human BE-ings and their work. This podcast is a space to pause, listen, and explore what it really means to flourish in education and in life. Together, we take a mycelial approach to unlearning and reimagining education. Not through one-size-fits-all answers, but through connection, relationship, and the sharing of lived experience. Like mycelium beneath the surface, this is about building an interconnected, evolving network of ideas, voices, and ways of being. Let's go!

  1. 24. Juli

    Episode 286 - What if you could come, join a space and really be yourself? with Freedom to Learn

    Today I am deLIGHTed to share another imperfectly perfect conversation with 3 guests - Ratna, May Ling and Heidi who are all part of a group of people who hold Freedom to Learn and currently support and coordinate the network. I invited them to discuss the upcoming Freedom to Learn Forum which is happening between 13-17 August 2026, The Beeches, Sheffield, S33 0DA. This forum is a dynamic and fun space to imagine, create, play, and rest, woven together over four days through our relationships with each other and the land that hosts us. If like me, you have been 'unschooling' and 'deschooling' or if you are just starting and you are in search of a community you can meet in person and online, then I invite you to listen to this beautiful and rich conversation. Education can't happen with me, you, us alone. It's in relationship with our surroundings, with our environment, with people. What if you could join a space, a kind of place where you can be yourself? That's the invitation: What if you could come and really be yourself? What sort of magic could happen?Curious? Take a listen and find out more... Thank you Ratna, May Ling and Heidi for your time, energy and beautiful shares as part of this imperfectly perfect conversation.

  2. 17. Juli

    Episode 285 - Practical Activism with Dr Harriët Bergman

    Today I am deLIGHTed to share a new episode for the Flourishing Education podcast. In this new imperfectly perfect conversation with Dr Harriet Bergman, we discussed Harriët's journey from being active in climate and student movements in the Netherlands to becoming a philosopher, trainer, and activist based in Amsterdam. Harriët also explained how her work combines academia with training social movements, drawing from her experiences in competitive debating and climate activism. Together we explored further: key philosophical concepts including epistemology, white supremacy, and white ignorance, with Harriët sharing how these ideas help make visible the invisible systems that shape our understanding. The conversation touched on the importance of sitting with discomfort as part of growth, the distinction between individual and systemic responsibility, and the concept of "climate obstruction" in addressing environmental challenges. We also addressed how emotions like anger are perceived differently based on identity, particularly how women's anger is often dismissed or misinterpreted. The conversation concluded with reflections on activism, with Harriët defining it as "the rent you pay for living on this planet" and emphasising that activism can take many forms, from large-scale protests to smaller actions like hosting a podcast. If you are interested in all aspects of activism, this episode is most definitely for you.

  3. 3. Juli

    Episode 284 - Journaling as a positive powerful tool for our well-being with Dr Lucy Kelly

    Today, I am really excited to be sharing this new imperfectly perfect conversation for the Flourishing Education podcast. It's an extra special conversation as today I have the privilege of holding the space for one of my AWE-some PhD supervisors Dr Lucy Kelly Together we discussed: Lucy's research on educator well-being and perfectionism in education. Lucy shared her 13-year career at the University of Bristol, where she teaches PGCE English courses and leads research on reflective practice as a tool for educator well-being. We also explored: How reflective journaling can help educators manage the fast-paced demands of teaching by providing space for catharsis, celebrating achievements, and gaining perspective on challenging situations. Lucy explained that well-being is dynamic and holistic, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects, and emphasised that small daily practices can significantly impact overall well-being. We also addressed how perfectionism presents unique challenges in education, particularly given the endless to-do lists and multiple accountability systems, and Lucy shared her work on flipping the narrative around perfectionism to recognise both challenges and benefits. The conversation concluded with Lucy inviting you, the listener, to experiment with creative journaling practices to better understand your own well-being needs.MORE INFORMATION: Lucy's book "Re-imagining the Diary: Reflective practice as a positive tool for educators" Lucy's blog can be found here More information on the project Reimagining the Diary

  4. 19. Juni

    Episode 283 - Why connection and community are so powerful with Dr Jordan Maynard

    Today I am deLIGHTed to share this imperfectly perfect conversation with Dr Jordan Maynard, focusing on her research with Gypsy Roma Traveller communities in education. In this episode: Jordan described her decade-long journey working with these communities, explaining the problematic nature of the GRT umbrella term and the diverse groups it encompasses, including Roma who were forcibly nomadic and Irish Travellers who choose nomadism. She detailed how her research aimed to create "relational stopping places": safe spaces where young people could express their cultural identities and challenge deficit narratives about their communities. Jordan shared specific examples from her 7-month study where young people organised an art exhibition to raise money for homeless charities and hosted their own Christmas party, demonstrating how they grew in confidence when given agency to determine their own activities. The conversation explored themes of : Structural racism, Cultural humility, and The importance of questioning Western educational frameworks that often view these communities through a deficit lens. Jordan emphasised that the research created an ongoing legacy through Learning Partnership West, which continues to replicate the approach across multiple settings. Thank you so much, Jordan for your time and your insights. I enJOYed every minute of it. Unfortunately, her thesis is not available online yet but you can reach out to Jordan via LinkedIn if you would like to get access: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-maynard-3b7b20270

  5. 27. Mai

    Episode 282 - The importance of listening to teenagers' voices with Zifi Tung

    This podcast episode featured a conversation with Zifi Tung, a 26-year-old PhD student at the University of Bath researching teenage play and break/lunchtime activities in secondary schools. In this imperfectly perfect conversation, Zify shared her journey from growing up in international schools in Hong Kong and Beijing to her current research, which began as an exploration of play but evolved to examine how teenagers spend their free time in schools and how school policies impact their choices. The discussion revealed significant findings about gender differences in school spaces, with boys dominating sports areas while girls felt they had "nowhere to go and nothing to do," highlighting ongoing gender stereotypes and spatial barriers in educational environments. Together, we also discussed how the traditional Victorian-era schooling system needs reform to better address modern realities, including the impact of technology and changing societal needs, while emphasising the importance of listening to teenage voices and incorporating more hands-on, cooperative learning approaches to improve well-being and social skills.If you are interested in teenagers and well-being, this episode is for you! You can reach out Zifi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zifi-tung/

  6. 24. Apr.

    Episode 281 - Belonging in Schools with Dr Maddi Popoola

    Today I am deLIGHTed to share this episode with Dr Maddi Popoola, an Educational Psychologist, Author, podcaster, cofounder of NottAlone In this imperfectly perfect conversation with Maddi, we focus on reimagining education and the concept of belonging in schools. Maddi shared her educational journey from working in 'challenging' UK schools to teaching in Shanghai, where she experienced inquiry-based learning approaches that empowered students. Together we discussed - how current education systems often stifle student motivation and autonomy, particularly through outdated curricula and hyper-individualised approaches that lack community. - Maddi explained self-determination theory's three core constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how these are missing in many educational settings. We also explored: - how schools could become more inclusive communities where all students feel seen, heard, and valued, rather than just focusing on behavioural management. Our deep conversation highlighted the tension between systemic changes needed and practical local implementations, with Maddi planning a project to measure and enhance belonging in local schools. Thanks so much, Maddi for your time and insight. I loved every minute of our dialogue and really admire your work. Anybody interested in belonging in school - this conversation is definitely for you! Maddi's website can be found here: https://mp-psychology.co.uk/

  7. 17. Apr.

    Episode 280 - Education, Mental Health and Nurturing Young People with Dr

    In this episode, I speak with Dr Ifeoma Samuel, a Researcher in adolescent mental health, educational leadership, and training, as well as a Professional Tutor. During this imperfectly perfect conversation, we discussed education, mental health, and nurturing young people. Dr Samuel shared her journey from Veterinarian to Educator, emphasising her work with adolescent mental health and her approach to teaching as a form of service. We explored more specifically:🌱 nature as a metaphor for education, 💞 the importance of teachers as "gardeners" rather than just deliverers of content, and 💬 the need for qualitative approaches to understanding student well-being. The discussion highlighted challenges in modern education, including:- hyper-individualism, - a lack of strong role models, - and the importance of kindness and emotional connection in classrooms. We concluded by discussing the concepts of honouring our sacredness and self-worth in education, with Dr Samuel sharing the power of a single kind word to create positive change and encouraging both parents and teachers to see their work as sacred and life-affirming.Thank you, Dr Samuel for this BEAUTY-full dialogue. If you are passionate about education and young people, this episode is for you!

  8. 6. März

    Episode 279- Racism and the need for ongoing antiracist work with Dr Penny Rabiger

    In this episode, I have an imperfectly perfect conversation with Dr Penny Rabiger, a racial literacy educator and researcher, where we talk about her work in antiracism. Penny shared her background, including her experiences teaching in Israel and her PhD research on anti-racist efforts in schools. We also discussed the importance of understanding racism as a permanent system and the need for ongoing anti-racist work. The conversation explored concepts like white fragility, unlearning, and the role of theory in anti-racist practice. Penny emphasised the need for education and dialogue in addressing racism, while acknowledging the embodied and emotional challenges of this work. We also touched on the intersection of anti-Semitism and the culture created by white supremacy. The episode concluded with a discussion of the book "Solidarity with Children" by Madeleine Lane McKinley, which Penny recommended for further exploration.Specific momentsBeginning: Journey to racial literacy advocacy09'24: Career journey and racial awareness16'13: antiracism leadership in education 20'37: antiracism in education and support27'25: Understanding and combating racism32'21: Addressing racism and building alliances37'30: Unlearning racism and white supremacyYou can connect with Penny throughLinkedInHer website: tenpencemore

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Welcome to powerful, imperfectly perfect (and perfectly imperfect) conversations that shine a light on the richness of human BE-ings and their work. This podcast is a space to pause, listen, and explore what it really means to flourish in education and in life. Together, we take a mycelial approach to unlearning and reimagining education. Not through one-size-fits-all answers, but through connection, relationship, and the sharing of lived experience. Like mycelium beneath the surface, this is about building an interconnected, evolving network of ideas, voices, and ways of being. Let's go!

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