EMpowered

Emma Gentle
EMpowered

This podcast dives deep into emotional intelligence and non-punitive behaviour support for parents, teachers, leaders, and coaches. My passion is to empower you to take control of your life by understanding and mastering your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. We'll explore emotional intelligence, belief systems, childhood experiences and development, non-punitive behaviour support, and so much more. I'm excited to help you build your emotional intelligence to improve your relationships, enhance your parenting or teaching skills, and boost your overall life satisfaction and well-being. www.emmagentle.com.au @em_gentle

  1. 4 HRS AGO

    Becoming a Trauma-informed Restorative Educator with Marg Thorsborne & Joe Brummer

    In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, two incredible thought leaders in trauma-informed and restorative practices. Together, they’ve written two books, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative School - Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behaviour. It’s all about creating safer, more connected classrooms that focus on collaboration and wellbeing rather than compliance and punishment. We talk about the critical shift from punitive approaches to relational ones, how trauma-informed and restorative practices work together, and why this is essential for creating meaningful change in education. What you’ll learn in the episode: Why trauma-informed and restorative practices must go hand in hand Learn how these approaches are intertwined and why schools can’t truly adopt one without the other. The truth about punitive consequences and understanding the long-term costs of punishment on trust, mental health, and behaviour development. How co-regulation and relational neurobiology can transform classroom culture. Strategies and tools for educators for building trust, teaching skills, and holding boundaries without shame or compliance based tactics. How doing the work on ourselves as educators is the foundation for transforming our classrooms and communities. The Books Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative School: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and Behaviour Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and Behaviour Connect with Marg and Joe LinkedIn: Joe Brummer LinkedIn: Margaret Thorsborne Resources for you Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It’s packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $77 and full of actionable, real world strategies. Connect with Em Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn Em Gentle

    1 hr
  2. 20 NOV

    Beginning Teachers: Your Questions Answered!

    In this episode of The EMpowered Podcast, I’m diving into some of the most common questions I hear from beginning teachers, especially as they prepare for their first year. This one is for all my new and graduate teachers feeling the overwhelm of getting started, don’t worry, I’ve got you! We cover everything from setting up your classroom and planning lessons to prioritising your wellbeing and navigating behaviour support. It’s a jam-packed episode filled with practical tips and encouragement to help you thrive in your first year of teaching. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to approach the school holidays What you should and shouldn’t be doing to prepare, and what should be your top priority. Creating an intentional learning environment How to design a space that is functional, calming, and welcoming. Planning for success What to plan over the holidays and how far in advance Navigating behaviour management How to align with your school’s policies while adopting a compassionate, non-punitive approach to behaviour support. Setting boundaries and preventing burnout How to protect your energy, set non-negotiables, and learn to switch off from work and why it is critical in your first year. The growth mindset you need to succeed How to reflect on your teaching, embrace imperfection, and focus on resilience and self-compassion as you navigate the challenges of being a new teacher. I also share exciting updates about TGGM Grow, my Signature Program for Pre Service and Graduate Teachers, which is now available as a self-paced course to support you at any time. Plus, keep an eye out for our Black Friday offers, and don’t forget to grab the New Teacher Toolkit—your free guide to setting yourself up for success in 2025. Links and Resources: Learn about TGGM Grow- Our Signature Program for PST’s and Beginning Teachers HERE New Teacher Toolkit (FREE Guide) Follow me on Instagram @em_gentle If this episode has been helpful, I’d love for you to leave a review and share it with a friend or colleague who might need it.  Keep shining, and I’ll see you in the next episode.  Em x

    25 min
  3. 13 NOV

    Unpacking Consequences in the Classroom: Do Students Need Them?

    Consequences in the classroom - where do you even start? In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest questions I get from teachers: “How can I support student behaviour without falling back on punishments?” I go through what really works (and what really doesn’t) when it comes to behaviour, boundaries, and creating a connected classroom. I know that as educators who are committed to supporting children’s wellbeing, there can be a lot of confusion around how to handle consequences, boundaries, and behavioural support without leaning into punitive methods. Here’s what you’ll learn: How traditional punitive consequences (think: timeouts, detentions, and taking away recess) affect student teacher relationships Why traditional consequences rarely address the root causes of behaviour. What logical and natural consequences can look like in the classroom, how they differ from punishments, and why understanding a student’s unmet needs is key to effective behaviour support. Why boundaries help students feel secure and connected rather than ashamed or anxious. Strategies to set up a classroom that minimises the need for reactive measures by promoting positive behaviour proactively. When and how to use boundaries effectively to create a culture of respect without relying on shame or control. There are so many proactive behaviour strategies to support students to help make a classroom ‘management’ feel natural, and not forced Resources for you Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It’s packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies. Connect with Em Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

    30 min
  4. 1 NOV

    Embracing Neurodiversity with Chelsea Luker, Psychologist & Author

    In this episode, we welcome Chelsea Luker, an Autistic ADHD psychologist, author, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Chelsea dives deep into what it means to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach, her journey as a parent to neurodivergent children, and her impactful work at Connect Us Psychology. Chelsea also discusses her book, Square Me Round World, a collection of stories designed to reflect and validate the experiences of neurodivergent children. From addressing the challenges in mainstream education to advocating for more inclusive environments, Chelsea offers invaluable insights for educators, parents, and anyone interested in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Resources Mentioned: Chelsea’s Book: Square Me Round World - Fictional stories designed to resonate with neurodivergent children and their families. Connect Us Psychology Website: Connect Us Psychology Yellow Ladybugs: Resources supporting autistic women and gender-diverse individuals in Australia. Reframing Autism: Free courses and materials on neurodiversity and autism for educators and parents. Connect with Chelsea: Connect Us Psychology – Explore her services, book resources, and access the educator’s guide for neurodivergent support. If you’re a teacher, leader or work with children and you want to learn more about how to build your emotional intelligence, support your children or your students in the classroom with their emotions, and how to understand why you react the way you do to behaviours and emotions, then I have a course for you. You can find out more HERE ‘Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms Bundle’ FIND HERE Connect with Em Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

    34 min
  5. 16 OCT

    You're Not Supposed to Go it Alone

    This episode is a personal one about why we’re not meant to do it all, and what happens when we try to keep going without help. Parenting isn’t meant to be a solo act. Especially when life throws in a few curveballs or even just the regular chaos of life. If you’ve ever found yourself losing it with the kids or feeling like you’re juggling too many balls (and dropping a few), this episode is for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why knowing all the emotional intelligence tricks is one thing, but actually applying them is a different story. The importance of connection over correction when supporting your child’s behaviour (whether at home or in the classroom). How to use self-awareness to catch your own triggers before you react, and why this makes all the difference. Why it’s okay to drop some of the balls you’re juggling, and how to figure out what’s really important. Practical steps for making sure you’re filling up your own cup, because you can't pour from an empty one. Even though it can feel like you’re the only one who’s overwhelmed and barely holding it together, you’re not. We’re all in this together, and we need each other’s support. You might know all the techniques, but practicing them in the moment is the real challenge….and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself as you work through it. Resources Mentioned: If you missed the masterclass with Lael Stone and Dr. Billy Garvey, the replay is available. Find out more to see how we’re flipping behaviour support on its head – no more reactive strategies, no more bandaid solutions. Here’s the link! Learn more about my self paced course, The Emotionally Intelligent Educator, and how it can help you reduce stress, build confidence, and change the way you show up as a parent or teacher. Connect with Em Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

    13 min
  6. 10 OCT

    Supporting tweens and teens with Michelle Mitchell

    In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Michelle Mitchell, who’s spent years working with teens, tweens, and their families. Supporting kids at this stage can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like they’ve got that wall up and are shutting you out. There is so much more going on beneath the surface. Michelle Mitchell is a former teacher turned tween and teenage expert, with years of experience running youth programs, mentoring young people, and supporting families. She’s all about helping adults to see what’s really going on in the hearts and minds of tweens and teens and helping them build the kind of connections that truly make a difference. We talk about how we can really see and support teens and tweens in this phase of their development. It’s not about being cool or getting it right all the time. What you’ll learn from Michelle: Why what you see on the surface isn’t the full story when it comes to teenagers. The importance of connection and how teens are wired to crave it, even when they push you away. How play can help upper primary and secondary students regulate their emotions (and why we should never cut it out too soon) The differences between tweens and teens, and why treating them the same is a massive mistake. How to work with social media, not against it, and create a school environment where teens feel safe to unplug and actually be present. There are smart, compassionate ways to help teens balance their online and offline worlds, with boundaries that actually feel good to them. Why the shift from primary to secondary school is huge and why this transition needs more attention. Michelle’s no stranger to the challenges of this developmental phase and she’s here to help you navigate them with compassion and clarity. No matter how tough your teen or tween acts, what they need most is to feel connected to the adults around them. Resources for you: If you missed the masterclass with Lael Stone and Dr. Billy Garvey, the replay is available. Find out more to see how we’re flipping behaviour support on its head. Here’s the link! Learn more about my self paced course, The Emotionally Intelligent Educator, and how it can help you reduce stress, build confidence, and change the way you show up as a parent or teacher. Connect with Michelle Website: michellemitchell.org Instagram: @michellemitchell.author Connect with Em Website: emmagentle.com.au Instagram: @em_gentle LinkedIn

    37 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

This podcast dives deep into emotional intelligence and non-punitive behaviour support for parents, teachers, leaders, and coaches. My passion is to empower you to take control of your life by understanding and mastering your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. We'll explore emotional intelligence, belief systems, childhood experiences and development, non-punitive behaviour support, and so much more. I'm excited to help you build your emotional intelligence to improve your relationships, enhance your parenting or teaching skills, and boost your overall life satisfaction and well-being. www.emmagentle.com.au @em_gentle

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