FLOURISHING EDUCATION - Space and time to BE and BECOME together so we RE-MEMBER who we truly are

Fabienne Vailes
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to powerful imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversations that shine the light on AMAZING human BE-ings and their work. Mycelium-inspired, each conversation is the fruit or emergence of the time and space spent together to explore and ask how we: 🌱 co-create space(s) and time to be and become together, unlearn and let go of the conditioning and beliefs that don't serve us anymore ✨re-MEMBER and embody who we were always born to BE and BE-COME: Curious and Flourishing Life-long, life-wide and life-deep learners. Are you ready? I know I am... Let's get started...

  1. 3D AGO

    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

    1h 8m

  2. FEB 26

    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!

    1h 13m

  3. FEB 8

    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/

    1h 6m

  4. JAN 29

    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

    1h 30m

  5. JAN 22

    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.

    1h 4m

  6. 12/16/2025

    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

    1h 7m

  7. 12/08/2025

    Episode 273 - Let's imagine and create a better world with Professor Foluke Adebisi

    I am delighted to share this new imperfectly perfect conversation with ⁠Professor Foluke Ifejola Adebisi⁠, who works at the Law School, University of Bristol. Her scholarship focuses on decolonial thought in legal education and its intersection with a history of changing ideas of the 'human.'In this episode, we explore: Foluke's academic journeyFoluke's book-writing journey and the initial challengesDecolonialisation in Higher EducationDecolonialisation in legal education and practiceThe complexities of historical memoryChallenging change and privilegeFoluke's latest work - Science Fiction and Law: the colonial ever-presentAnd so much more. Foluke's work has been a crucial part of my PhD journey and has significantly influenced my thinking and approach to research. It was a joy and a privilege to interview her. If you, too, are interested in decolonial thought in education, then I have no doubt that you will love this episode as much as I did. Foluke's blog she mentions in the conversation, can be found ⁠here⁠ The book Can Higher Education be decolonised can be accessed ⁠here

    1h 9m

  8. 11/05/2025

    Episode 272 - How do we create safe space(s) for discussions? with Pen

    In this new episode, I have an imperfectly perfect conversation with Pen Williams, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) and Doctoral Researcher in Education - Critical Citizenship and Sustainability at the University of Bristol. Pen won the Nature, Outdoor Learning and Play Special Interest Group (SIG) Best Presentation Award at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Annual Conference in 2024. You can find out more here In this conversation: Pen shares more about her educational journey and her role as an English Language Teacher. We then explore her PhD work in Education and Critical Citizenship and Sustainability. We also discuss the difference between Citizenship and Global Citizenship. Pen also presents some of the initial findings of her research with young people and emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions at a time when we are becoming more polarised and separated than ever.And so much more... I invite you to come and join us and to listen into this deLIGHTfull conversation with Pen. I thoroughly enJOYed discussing all the above with her and I have no doubt that you will too.

    1h 3m
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Welcome to powerful imperfectly perfect, perfectly imperfect conversations that shine the light on AMAZING human BE-ings and their work. Mycelium-inspired, each conversation is the fruit or emergence of the time and space spent together to explore and ask how we: 🌱 co-create space(s) and time to be and become together, unlearn and let go of the conditioning and beliefs that don't serve us anymore ✨re-MEMBER and embody who we were always born to BE and BE-COME: Curious and Flourishing Life-long, life-wide and life-deep learners. Are you ready? I know I am... Let's get started...

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