Podclass - Podcast for Teachers and Educators

Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes and Wil Massara
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Podclass exists to ignite inspiration and provide actionable strategies for educators, creating a space where teaching meets innovation and empowerment. By blending the insights of experienced teachers with a fresh perspective of a young person, we aim to foster a community that redefines educational excellence and nurtures our young people. Join Amanda, Skye and Wil every Wednesday at 5am AEST for a new episode - perfect for your trip to work. Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass IG: https://www.instagram.com/podclass.aus YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/ YLAA: www.ylaaus.com

  1. 12/16/2025

    #69 - The One About 2025

    Hosts: Amanda, Skye & Will Length: ~14 minutes Listen on: Podclass | Instagram 🌟 Episode Summary In this special year-end reflection, the Podclass crew – Amanda, Skye, and Will – sit down to unpack the big personal and professional lessons that shaped them in 2025. This episode offers a heartfelt invitation to reflect, reconnect, and honour the growth that’s often hard to measure. Whether you're an educator, student, or someone just trying to keep pace with life, this warm and vulnerable conversation will leave you inspired to embrace your own journey with greater compassion and clarity. 💬 Discussion Segments "Your Capacity ≠ Your Competence" “I’ve had to constantly remind myself that my capacity on any given day is not the same thing as what I’m actually capable of.” – Skye Becoming a mum and stepping away from work brought Skye face-to-face with one of her biggest learnings yet: that strength isn’t measured by output, and worth isn’t tied to productivity. This segment opens a vital conversation on self-compassion, boundaries, and identity in shifting seasons of life. Redefining Growth: From Chaos to Precision “What I had defined as growth was just survival – now, it’s building something sustainable.” – Will Will reflects on the transition from burnout-fuelled hustle to intentional leadership. Taking the helm of a major youth event, he speaks about embracing structure, redefining success, and finally becoming comfortable with certainty. Choosing Readiness & Letting Go “Ready isn’t a feeling. Ready is a decision.” – Amanda Amanda shares her experience leading their business solo and the emotional complexity of early pregnancy. Her biggest learning? Letting go of identity tied to achievement while choosing to believe in her own capability. 📚 Practical Strategies for Educators Make space for reflection: Build in time at the end of term or year to reflect on growth – personally and with students. Normalise life transitions: Talk about seasons of change and challenge. Create a classroom culture where students can voice what they’re moving through. Value empathy over output: Teach that competence doesn't always look like productivity. Model self-kindness when things feel hard. 💭 Final Thoughts This episode is a gentle but powerful nudge to pause and ask: What did I learn this year? You might be surprised by the wisdom hidden in your challenges. Grab a friend, a cup of tea, and a quiet hour – it’s time to reflect. 🔗 Connect with Us 🎧 Full episodes: ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow on IG: @podclass.aus 🌱 Partner orgs: YEP | YLAA

    17 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    #68 - The One About Equality with Gina Martin

    Hosts: Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, Will Masara Guest: Gina Martin, gender equality activist, writer, and changemaker 🔥 Episode Summary In Episode 68, the Podclass team is joined by the remarkable Gina Martin, whose activism changed UK law after a personal experience of gender-based violence. In this honest, empowering, and deeply practical conversation, Amanda, Skye and Will unpack what equality really means in 2025, and how educators and young people alike can drive everyday change. From calling out injustice in the classroom to nurturing courageous conversations with young people, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating education, leadership, and identity in today’s world. 🗣️ Key Discussion Segments “Activism isn’t a label, it’s how you live” Gina Martin shares how her personal journey from art director to activist began after experiencing upskirting at a festival. Her fight to change UK law highlighted the power of everyday people making systemic change through courage, research, and action. “Most activists wouldn’t even call themselves that. For many, using that word could get them in trouble with the state.” – Gina Culture vs System: Why we need both to change The group unpacks the dual need for cultural and systems change – from legislation to school norms – and how educators can lead both from the front. “If we change how someone feels or a choice they make, even in one moment, that’s culture change – and that’s powerful.” – Gina Equality, Language & Learning Spaces Gina reflects on how she adapts her activism when working with young people, helping them unpack gender stereotypes and inequality without jargon. The team explores how to turn triggering classroom moments into teachable opportunities. “Young people don’t need us to ‘give them’ a voice. They already have one. The job is to listen, and to meet them where they are.” – Gina 💡 Practical Strategies for Educators 1. Turn reaction into reflection Notice your physical responses to challenging comments. Before shutting things down, breathe, regulate, and get curious. 2. Embrace imperfection Don’t wait to be perfectly trained before acting. Start small, stay open, and learn in real time – clumsy action is better than no action. 3. Shift from “me” to “we” Team up with colleagues to ask questions about school culture, language, and practice. Collective curiosity fuels meaningful change. 4. Teach beyond the terms Ditch jargon and meet young people in their language. Start with stories, stereotypes, and lived experience – let the rest follow. 🎧 Listen & Learn More This episode reminds us that educators are cultural leaders – not just curriculum deliverers. Tune in to hear how hope, curiosity, and community can transform your classroom into a site of equality, empowerment, and action. 🌐 Podclass Website: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow on Instagram: @podclass.aus 🔗 Learn more about YEP & YLAA: YEP – Youth Engagement Project YLAA – Young Leaders Academy Australia

    31 min

  3. 12/08/2025

    #67 - The One About What We're Getting Wrong About Young People

    Hosts: Scott Huck, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara Run Time: ~18 minutes Summary: In this energising and insightful episode of Podclass, the trio tackles a big question: What are we getting wrong about young people? From generational assumptions to outdated stereotypes, this episode is a call to reframe how we view, support, and speak about Gen Z and Gen Alpha. With a mix of laughs, data, and raw truths, Scott, Amanda, and Will unpack the disconnect between generations and challenge educators, adults, and society to lead with empathy over judgement. Whether you're a teacher, parent, youth worker or just care about the next generation, this is a must-listen. 🔍 Episode Segments “We don’t say the K word!” – Respecting Language and Lifting Expectations “We call them young people because that’s really respectful. You have to do 10 push-ups if you say the K word!” The team opens by unpacking the language we use about young people, highlighting how even small shifts in terminology shape our attitudes. It sets the stage for a broader discussion on stereotypes and why the phrase “kids these days” misses the mark. Bridging the Generational Gap: Assumptions, Empathy and Real Talk “Imagine the difference in our schools if adults led with curiosity instead of judgement.” The hosts dive deep into the widening divide between generations. They reflect on how societal shifts, climate instability, economic uncertainty, and digital overload have made traditional pathways obsolete. Gen Z and Gen Beta are navigating complexity without a roadmap – and they’re doing it with courage. Redefining Resilience and Supporting Young People “This generation might need the most resilience we’ve ever seen – but they’re labelled as fragile.” The conversation challenges the myth that young people are ‘snowflakes’ or lack resilience. The team explores the neuroscience of stress, the impact of overstimulation, and why regulation, autonomy, and emotional literacy are the new frontier in education. It’s a rallying cry to stop managing behaviour and start building connection. 🧠 Practical Strategies for Educators Lead with Curiosity, Not Judgement: Ask “What might they be trying to tell us?” rather than “Why are they like this?” Model Emotional Regulation: Students are emotionally literate – they expect the same from adults. Prioritise Autonomy: Give students meaningful choice and voice in learning environments. Focus on Relational Safety over Control: Consistent boundaries build trust and connection. Reframe 'Attention-Seeking': It's connection-seeking – respond with compassion. 🎉 Conclusion Young people are not a problem to be fixed – they are a generation navigating chaos, climate, and change with extraordinary resilience. This episode calls on adults to drop the comparisons and meet them where they are, with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. 🔗 Explore more episodes of Podclass at www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow us on Instagram @podclass.aus 🌐 YEP: youthengagementproject.com | YLAA: ylaaus.com

    20 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    #66 - The One About Trauma Informed Practice

    Hosts: Wil Masara, Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes 🎧 A deep dive into what trauma-informed practice actually means, why it matters, and how educators can embody it every day. Episode Summary In Episode 66 of Podclass, Wil, Amanda and Skye return as a trio to tackle one of the most significant and misunderstood topics in education today – trauma-informed practice. They explore what trauma actually is (spoiler: it’s not just the event, it’s the body’s response), how it shows up in young people, and the subtle but powerful shifts educators can make to foster safer, more responsive learning environments. Whether you're new to the idea of trauma-informed work or have been trying to embed it into your teaching, this episode offers both grounding and growth. “Trauma-informed practice isn't reserved for those we ‘know’ have trauma – it's best practice for all young people.” – Amanda What We Talked About What Is Trauma, Really? The hosts unpack the real definition of trauma – not the event, but how the body responds – and explain the four key trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. “Fawn is often misunderstood – it’s people-pleasing as protection. That hit home for me.” – Skye They also break down types of trauma: simple, complex, generational, and developmental, and why these matter for educators to recognise. The Escalation Wave & Triggers Drawing on the escalation wave model, the team explains what happens in the nervous system during heightened states, and how a trauma-informed lens helps us notice, respond, and de-escalate rather than inflame. “The tone you use matters more than the words – it can either say ‘you’re safe’ or ‘you’re not safe’.” – Wil Real-World Strategies for Educators You’ll hear concrete, immediately actionable ideas – from predictable routines to tone awareness, to the power of relational safety and “letting them catch your calm.” “Behaviour isn’t personal, it’s communication. That mindset shift changes everything.” – Amanda Practical Strategies for Educators Tone Before Talk: Prioritise a calm, regulated tone before content – tone communicates safety more than words do. Predictability Over Perfection: Routines reduce stress and help young people stay in their window of tolerance. Co-Regulation Is Key: Your calm matters. Young people can’t regulate alone in moments of escalation – they need your presence. Avoid Power Struggles: Ultimatums or reactive language can escalate the moment. Instead, use simple, reassuring phrases like “You’re safe” or “I’m here.” Invest in Relationships: Time spent building trust with students is never wasted – it’s your strongest tool in prevention and support. Conclusion Trauma-informed practice is not about fixing or diagnosing. It’s about showing up for young people in ways that honour their stories, support their nervous systems, and create safer environments for all. Even the smallest shift – like tone – can be transformational. 🎧 Listen now at: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📱 Follow us on IG: @podclass.aus 🌟 Brought to you by: YEP and YLAA

    21 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    #65 - The One About Bullying with Lucy Thomas

    🎙 Hosts: Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall & Wil Masara 🎧 Guest: Lucy Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of Project Rockit In this powerful follow-up to Episode 64, the Podclass team reunites with long-time youth advocate Lucy Thomas to unpack the big, complex, and ever-relevant topic of bullying. From personal stories to systemic change, this episode challenges educators, families, and communities to see bullying differently – and respond with more empathy, insight, and action. Lucy shares the origin story of Project Rockit, which turns 20 next year, and reflects on what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the bullying landscape across two decades of student-led advocacy. Segment 1: From a Park Bench to a National Movement "Kindness should be the norm. You shouldn't have to be tough to gain acceptance." – Lucy Lucy shares how a conversation on a beachside bench with her sister Rosie sparked the launch of Project Rockit. Born from moments of witnessing harm and a drive to change the culture of silence in schools, the program began as a heartfelt "project" – and grew into one of Australia's most trusted youth-led movements tackling bullying, hate, and prejudice. Segment 2: The Changing Face of Bullying "We need to stop labelling students as 'bullies' or 'victims'. Bullying is a behaviour, not an identity." – Lucy From early Facebook days to today's hyper-connected world, bullying has changed shape. Lucy explores how technology has amplified both harm and healing, and why traditional definitions of bullying are failing young people. Students are calling for new language, earlier intervention, and deeper understanding. Segment 3: What Actually Works in Schools "Young people won’t forget what you said or did – they’ll remember how you made them feel." – Skye The hosts and Lucy explore how genuine connection, psychological safety, and youth voice are critical in anti-bullying programs. Project Rockit flips the script with strategies that centre students as experts, build trust before teaching content, and challenge harmful norms in safe, meaningful ways. Even small teacher actions – a lunch spot, a walk to the bus – can change a life. Practical Strategies for Educators Start Early, Before There’s a Problem – Build connection and values-based thinking in students from the outset. Avoid Labels – Focus on behaviour change, not identity-based language. Elevate Student Voice – Create space for young people to lead, reflect, and contribute. Respond With Empathy – Students need to be heard before action is taken. Use Peer Role Models – Peer-led delivery creates impact through relatability. Conclusion Bullying isn’t just a schoolyard issue – it’s a societal challenge that requires smart, sensitive, and student-centred solutions. Lucy Thomas reminds us that real change happens when we treat young people as powerful, capable, and worthy of respect. This episode is a tribute to the educators who quietly change lives – one act of kindness at a time. 🎧 Listen to Podclass on all major platforms 🔗 www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📲 Follow on Instagram: @podclass.aus 🌐 Learn more: Youth Engagement Project | YLAA

    22 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    #64 - The One About the Social Media Ban with Lucy Thomas

    Hosted by Amanda Marshall, Skye Hughes, and Will Masara Special guest: Lucy Thomas (CEO and Co-founder of PROJECT ROCKIT) In this unmissable episode, we sit down with long-time youth advocate Lucy Thomas to unpack one of the most pressing and controversial issues impacting young Australians today — the proposed ban on social media for under 16s. From the role of youth voice to the complexities of digital culture, Lucy brings both clarity and compassion to a conversation that demands nuance. If you're an educator, youth worker, policymaker or young person trying to navigate what this means for you, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Listen now: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 💬 “Nothing about us without us” – Youth voice, ignored again? Lucy reflects on PROJECT ROCKIT’s beginnings in 2006, sparked by the absence of student voice in anti-bullying initiatives. Fast forward nearly two decades, and the same problem persists — young people are being talked about, not with. “It’s kind of sad, but 20 years later, it’s a déjà vu experience... this time it's politicians and parental lobbying groups deciding what young people need.” The episode explores the dangers of bypassing youth participation, especially in policies that directly affect their lives. The social media ban is framed not just as a tech issue, but as a civic rights issue. 📱 What’s actually happening on December 10? Lucy outlines the rushed path the Albanese government took from inquiry to policy. Despite a Senate report not recommending a ban, the government fast-tracked a restriction on platforms for under-16s, citing public sentiment rather than youth insight. “89% of the Australian public supported the ban… but 80% admitted they didn’t understand what it involved.” The group explores how fear and nostalgia shape adult perceptions of social media, often overlooking the complexity and real value it holds for young people, especially those experiencing marginalisation. 🤝 “Safe adults, not surveillance” – What young people need from us now As the ban takes effect, Lucy urges adults not to moralise or panic, but instead to show up for young people with curiosity and care. “Whether it’s news, community, identity or mental health support, social media is more than just entertainment… and removing it will create grief.” Rather than viewing this as the end of a chapter, educators are encouraged to use this “delay” as a window to build digital literacy, resilience, and co-designed alternatives — not to retreat from the conversation. 🎓 Practical Strategies for Educators 1. Create Space for Grief and Dialogue Acknowledge that for many students, this change may feel like a loss. Validate their emotions and stay curious, not judgmental. 2. Teach Digital Citizenship, Not Just “Online Safety” Help students build critical thinking, ethical online behaviour, and self-regulation — even in the absence of platforms. 3. Strengthen Offline Connection and Identity Facilitate opportunities for identity-building and community offline, particularly for students who may lose vital online spaces. 4. Be a “Safe Adult”, Not a Surveillance System Reassure students that the burden of compliance is on platforms, not on them. Let them know you're a safe person to talk to about what they’re experiencing. 🎧 Listen + Connect Catch the episode here: www.ylaaus.com/podclass Follow @podclass.aus on Instagram for updates and highlights. Learn more about PROJECT ROCKIT: https://www.projectrockit.com.au/ #StudentVoice #DigitalWellbeing #YouthEmpowerment

    27 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    #63 - The One About Saying Yes and No

    Hosts: Skye Hughes and Amanda Marshall Special Guest: Bonnie Ryanro Length: Full episode Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 🧭 Intro Summary In this episode of Podclass, we welcome back Bonnie Ryanro to explore one of the most powerful tools for both young people and the adults who support them – the ability to say yes and no with clarity, confidence and care. From protecting your energy to stepping outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with personal stories, practical insights and grounded strategies for helping young people (and ourselves) make values-aligned decisions. The team unpacks how yes can stretch us into new growth, and how no can be an act of self-respect – and why both matter more than ever in youth work and education. ✨ Episode Breakdown 🧠 The Yes Society and the Pushback Generation “I love the power of no for protecting your energy and maintaining quality – and the power of yes for stretching, even if you don’t feel ready.” – Bonnie The team reflects on how young people today are reclaiming their right to say no – and why that matters. But they also highlight the risk of people-pleasing, especially in school cultures where saying yes is often praised. 🔐 Saying No with Confidence “It’s a no in service of showing up better for others.” Bonnie shares how learning to say no allowed her to maintain her wellbeing and show up more fully for her work with young people. The group unpacks how to recognise when a yes is coming at the cost of your energy or integrity. 🚪 The Room of Unlocked Doors “Every door in that room was unlocked – all I had to do was say yes.” Bonnie describes a moment that changed her career, where a single yes opened up opportunities she never expected. The hosts explore how mentors can help young people recognise and step into these moments. 🧭 Modelling Decision-Making for Young People “There’s so much power in not expecting an answer on the spot.” – Skye Educators and youth workers are encouraged to give young people space to reflect, make decisions, and even change their minds. The team explores how to model values-aligned decisions and support autonomy through language, timing and storytelling. 🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators Don’t Expect Instant Answers When offering opportunities, give students time to consider. Say, “Think it over and come back to me tomorrow,” to reduce pressure and model healthy boundaries. Model Your Own Process Share why you said yes or no to something. This builds transparency and normalises thoughtful decision-making. Encourage Values-Aligned Choices Help young people identify what matters most to them. Ask, “Does this choice align with your values?” to promote self-awareness and authenticity. Normalise Changing Your Mind Make it okay to shift from yes to no, or vice versa, without shame. Reassure young people that growing means learning from reflection. Unpack the Why Behind No When you have to say no to a student, explain your rationale. This supports autonomy and builds trust – especially in hierarchical spaces. 🎓 Final Thoughts Saying yes or no isn’t just about making a choice. It’s about who you are becoming. When we support young people to reflect on what they value, hold their boundaries, and take brave leaps when ready, we help them grow into empowered, self-aware humans. Whether you’re making your own tough decision or supporting someone else’s, remember: clarity and compassion can live side by side. 🔗 Links and More Listen to more episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass Follow us on Instagram: @podclass.aus Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com Learn more from YLAA: www.ylaaus.com

    20 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    #62 - The One About Connection Through Story

    Hosts: Amanda Marshall and Skye Hughes Special Guest: Bonnie Ryanro Length: Full episode Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 🌟 Intro Summary This week on Podclass, we’re joined by youth leadership powerhouse Bonnie Ryanro for a rich and energising conversation about storytelling and why it’s so much more than just entertainment. From memory to empathy, classroom culture to connection, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in youth work and education. With warmth, laughter and honest reflection, Amanda, Skye and Bonnie explore how educators and facilitators can integrate meaningful, authentic stories into everyday practice – and why doing so builds lasting relationships and opens powerful learning opportunities. 💬 Episode Breakdown 🎤 Storytelling Builds Connection “There’s no one you can’t love if you know their story.” – Amanda Bonnie shares how storytelling shifted for her when she moved from acting into facilitation. No longer playing a role, she now tells stories as her true self – and that authenticity builds instant connection and trust with young people. 🧠 Why Stories Stick “A person is 22 times more likely to remember information when it’s told as a story.” The hosts unpack how storytelling engages multiple parts of the brain, supporting deeper learning, emotional connection, and long-term memory. It’s not about information overload – it’s about inviting students to feel the learning. 🌍 Empathy Over Assumptions “We are wired to make assumptions – until we hear the story.” Amanda reflects on a powerful moment from a trip to Myanmar where knowing someone’s story instantly shattered a judgement she didn’t even realise she had made. The team discusses how stories can dismantle bias and build compassion. 🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators Create a Story Bank Like Bonnie, start a document of personal stories you can draw on. Funny, awkward or meaningful – anything that helps students feel seen and engaged. Play with Delivery Use sensory language, tone of voice, body movement and playfulness to bring your stories to life. It’s not about being a performer – it’s about making it real. Invite Stories from Students Ask questions that open space for young people to share their own stories. This builds classroom trust and gives every student a voice. Use Stories as Teaching Tools Instead of just data or slides, find a story – historical, cultural or personal – that brings your content to life. Then let students continue the story or reflect on their own connections. Notice and Practise Start paying attention to the stories that move you – whether from friends, books, or media – and practise retelling them in your own voice. 🎓 Final Thoughts Storytelling is not just a nice-to-have in education – it’s a tool for empathy, memory, connection and healing. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, facilitator or parent, learning to tell stories (and invite them from others) can transform the way you connect with young people. And remember: you don’t need to be a performer to be a storyteller. You just need to be human. 🔗 Links and More Listen to more episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass Follow us on Instagram: @podclass.aus Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com Learn more from YLAA: www.ylaaus.com

    19 min
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Podclass exists to ignite inspiration and provide actionable strategies for educators, creating a space where teaching meets innovation and empowerment. By blending the insights of experienced teachers with a fresh perspective of a young person, we aim to foster a community that redefines educational excellence and nurtures our young people. Join Amanda, Skye and Wil every Wednesday at 5am AEST for a new episode - perfect for your trip to work. Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclass IG: https://www.instagram.com/podclass.aus YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/ YLAA: www.ylaaus.com

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