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

Fabienne Vailes
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 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we discussed - how current education systems often stifle student motivation and autonomy, particularly through outdated curricula and hyper-individualised approaches that lack community.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/

    53 min

  2. 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!

    1hr 8min

  3. 6 MAR

    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

    1hr 8min

  4. 26 FEB

    Episode 278 - Self-compassion is the missing link with Kathryn Lovewell

    Today, I am deLIGHTed to share this new imperfectly perfect episode of the Flourishing Education podcast. I interviewed Kathryn Lovewell, a mindful self-compassion teacher and author, about her journey with self-compassion and how it has transformed her life. Kathryn shared her background as a former secondary school educator and her transition to teaching self-compassion, which she describes as the missing link to well-being. Together, we discussed the three key elements of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness, as well as the importance of recognising both the tender and fierce aspects of self-compassion. Kathryn emphasised the need to teach children self-compassion early in life to prevent suffering later in life. The conversation explored how self-compassion can help individuals navigate challenges, including personal struggles and caring for loved ones. We also truly connected on the topic of Euro-patriarchy, Catholic Guilt and their impact on self-perception. The episode concluded with Kathryn encouraging listeners to seek out resources and practitioners to learn self-compassion, and she offered her contact information for further connection, which can be found here: Website LinkedIn: Detail of topics: 04:16 - Mindful self compassion overview 14:23 - Journey to self-appreciation 26:36 - Overcoming catholic guilt through meditation 42:22 - Embracing self-compassion and balance 50:08 - Self compassion and authenticity journey 58:59 - Booster and Crusher and their voices 01:06 - Self compassion and personal growth I hope you enJOY it as much as I did. Thank YOU, Kathryn for your generous sharing and your bright light!

    1hr 13min

  5. 8 FEB

    Episode 277 - Why we have forgotten our true nature and potential with Dr Salil Gupta

    In this new episode, I am delighted to shine a light on and to invite once more Dr Salil Gupta, a retired paediatrician, who shared his journey from practising OBGYN in India to focusing on maternal and infant health in the US, and discussed the importance of including spirituality in mental health education. Together, we explored: the relationship between spirituality and mental health, particularly among young people. Our personal spiritual journeys and perspectives on religion. how ancient spiritual concepts align with modern scientific theories, emphasising the need to integrate spiritual and mental health education into traditional educational systems.You can check out the sites he mentions: https://mightychampions.org/ https://mymhe.org/

    1hr 6min

  6. 29 JAN

    Episode 276 - Space and BE to Flourish together with Dr Zachery Spire

    In this meeting, I have the utter privilege of holding the space to shine a light on Dr. Zachery Spire and his AWE-some work. ⁠ Dr Zachery Spire⁠ is Research Specialist focusing on Community Engagement at Origon State University (OSU). His background and research are mixed-methods research into student and staff engagement. He is a specialist in the study of social determinants of university access, participation, recruitment and retention. His cross-national studies focus on housing for young people in city contexts. Together, we explored the relational aspects of education and the university's role as a social institution, discussing concepts like liminal spaces and the importance of dialogue in learning environments. We also examined how technology and the Socratic method are transforming educational spaces, while emphasising the value of being present and creating safe spaces for learning and personal growth. This imperfectly perfect conversation concluded with discussions about social inequalities in education and the importance of fostering community and collaboration rather than competition in academic settings. If you are passionate about social change, liminal spaces, flourishing and spaces for curiosity, and being, then this episode is for you! Thank you, Zach! I loved every second of this BEAUTY-full encounter with you. Thanks for all the meandering! You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vczachs/ And through his page at Oregon State University (OSU): https://extension.oregonstate.edu/people/zachery-spire You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iUjBWfwamFQ

    1hr 30min

  7. 22 JAN

    Episode 275 - Teacher Autonomy:Where Has It Gone And Why We Need It Back with Sophie Smith-Tong

    Today I am deLIGHTed to share my latest imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Sophie Smith-Tong who is Founder of Mindfulness for learning. Primary Teacher. EYFS specialist. Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead. We had a FABulous discussion about her journey into education, why she set up Mindfulness for learning after becoming a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead. We also talk about her new book which is about to come out entitled Teacher Autonomy:Where Has It Gone And Why We Need It Back which you can order here. And so much more! If you are extremely interested in these themes, I invite you to grab a cuppa and to take a listen. I am sure you will enJOY it. I know I did! And don't hesitate to leave us a comment to tell us what resonated with you the most and why.

    1hr 2min

  8. 16/12/2025

    Episode 274 - Why are we here and what are we here for in Academia? With Lara Dzabolova

    I am delighted to share this imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversation with Lara Dzabolova Lara is a second-year PhD student at the University ofBristol. Together, we discussed her research on climate change, politics, and universities, emphasising the value of intentional slowness in academic research. We also explored the unique challenges and opportunities of pursuing a PhD, including the balance between productivity and deep reflection, as well as the concept of being a "pracademic" and the importance of connecting theory with practice. The conversation concluded with discussions about the purpose and value of education, highlighting the role of universities in addressing systemic issues and the importance of self-exploration through academic research and activism. Our key themes were: Climate Activism in Academic ResearchPhD Balance: Practice and ResearchBalancing Theory and Academic PracticeEducation's Purpose Beyond Academia.Education as Lifelong Learning ExperienceExploring Agency and Colonial ConstructsAnd so much more! Thank you so much for this amazing conversation, Lara. I enJOYed every minute of it and I have no doubt that you will too! The link to Gesturing Towards Decolonial Futures mentioned by Lara can be found here

    1hr 7min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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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