Able to Care

Have you ever caught yourself thinking “What is wrong with them?” when you see challenging behaviour? Whether it’s a teenager shouting in public, a colleague snapping, or a parent glued to their phone while their child cries — we all judge. But what does this habit cost us, and what could happen if we replaced judgment with genuine curiosity? In this solo episode, Andy Baker explores how a trauma-informed, curiosity-driven approach can transform our practice as parents, teachers, and carers.

👉 Learn how stereotypes, confirmation bias, and fundamental attribution errors get in the way of understanding.

We’re proud to have this episode sponsored by  Order your card today

Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

1️⃣ Judgment is a human survival mechanism — but in caregiving, it can become harmful if left unchecked.

00:00 – Introduction: Why this episode might feel uncomfortable

If you are a carer, teacher, parent, or anyone supporting others, this episode will help you challenge automatic judgments and rethink your approach to behaviour. You’ll gain practical, real-world strategies to build empathy, encourage growth, and connect with others on a deeper level.

👉 Instagram: @AbleTraining

How can schools go beyond buzzwords and box-ticking exercises to truly support mental health, inclusion, and safeguarding? In this insightful episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker talks with Dr. Adam McCartney — educational psychologist and national training lead — about how to build school systems that don’t just function, but truly care.

From shifting away from outcome-obsessed models to embedding psychologically informed, trauma-responsive practices, Adam shares his expertise on transforming education into a genuinely nurturing environment. This is a must-listen for parents, teachers, carers, and education leaders seeking meaningful change in how we support children and young people.

The Able to Care podcast is proudly sponsored by Order your card today

Dr. Adam McCartney’s website: rmcpsychologicalservices.com

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: Dr. Adam McCartney on LinkedIn (search his name directly)

1️⃣ Schools need to shift from a focus on outcomes to a focus on wellbeing, belonging, and psychological safety.

00:00 — Introduction: Moving beyond box-ticking

✅ Gain actionable insights on transforming schools beyond buzzwords

If you’re a teacher, parent, carer, or education leader, this episode will challenge you to think bigger — and act braver — about supporting our young people.

📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining

Welcome to another solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, hosted by Andy Baker. In this episode, we challenge the traditional mindset of “consequences” — a word that’s too often just punishment dressed up. Instead, Andy invites parents, carers, and teachers to explore purpose-driven, compassionate approaches to managing behaviour. Backed by restorative practices and neuroscience, this episode breaks down why connection, understanding, and growth matter far more than simply controlling behaviour.

Whether you’re working with children in a school, supporting adults in care, or raising your own family, this episode will give you practical, thought-provoking strategies to replace punishment with positive change.

This episode is proudly sponsored by  Order your card today

Andy’s book Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

Carers Card UK — official site

More tools, resources and podcast links: abletocarepodcast.co.uk

1️⃣ Consequences are not learning tools — punishment might stop behaviour short-term, but it rarely helps people grow.

00:00 — The myth of consequences

If you’re a parent, teacher, or carer who wants to move away from outdated, controlling approaches to behaviour, this episode will empower you with research-backed strategies to create positive change. Andy’s insights will challenge how you think about “discipline” and offer a framework to support healthier, happier, and more resilient relationships.

👉 Instagram: @AbleTraining

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, Andy Baker is joined by experienced foster carer Kaye Beatty, who has dedicated over 14 years to fostering, including seven transformative parent and child placements. Together, they unpack the unique challenges and rewards of supporting not only children, but parents learning to care for their babies — a fostering path that helps keep families together whenever possible.

From the emotional highs of seeing parents thrive, to the difficult decisions when placements break down, this conversation gives a raw, honest, and deeply human insight into one of the most impactful forms of foster care.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Order your card today

Carers Card UK:  🎟️ Order your card today

Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

1️⃣ Parent and child placements give families a vital chance to stay together, but require patience, empathy, and consistent boundaries.

2️⃣ Foster carers in these roles are not just providing a safe home, but also coaching, mentoring, and supporting parents to build confidence and skills.

3️⃣ With the right training, supervision, and agency support, more foster carers could help meet the urgent need for parent and child placements.

00:00 — Introduction to Carers Card UK and their mission

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of parent and child foster care, this conversation will open your eyes. Hear real-life stories of resilience, challenge, and transformation, and learn how foster carers can empower parents to give their children the best start in life. Whether you’re a social worker, carer, educator, or simply curious about fostering, this episode is a must-listen.

📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining

👉 If you found this episode valuable, please like, comment, and share to help us reach more carers and families who might benefit.

What if the praise we give children—meant to build them up—is quietly boxing them in? In this thought-provoking short episode, Andy Baker explores The Jessica Effect, inspired by a story in his book Targeting the Positive. We delve into the hidden impact of praise tied to identity, the psychological roots of fixed vs. growth mindset, and how we can better support resilience in children and adults alike.

If you’ve ever told a child “you’re so clever” or “you’re such a good boy/girl,” this episode will offer powerful insights into why that might be doing more harm than good—and how we can reframe praise to empower rather than limit.

Thousands of discounts, a wellbeing hub, emergency ID card features, and a growing community of carers—all for less than a box of chocolates a year.

Carol Dweck’s Work on Growth Mindset

Andy’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

1️⃣ Praise Shapes Identity

2️⃣ Process Over Person

3️⃣ Mindset Matters

00:00 – Opening: The power (and pitfalls) of praise

00:55 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK

02:00 – Introducing “The Jessica Effect”

02:48 – Why being called “smart” backfires

03:57 – The danger of identity-based praise

04:53 – Independence, strength & burnout: Adult examples

06:07 – What to do instead: Practical praise swaps

07:12 – The science: Dweck’s research & mindset theory

08:08 – Specific praise that builds behaviour, not ego

09:04 – Why generic praise can be harmful in care settings

11:06 – Final thoughts and call to action

If you support children—or anyone, really—this episode offers an essential mindset shift. You'll learn:

Why praise can unintentionally create pressure and fear of failure

How to make your words more meaningful and supportive

The science behind mindset, motivation, and self-worth

📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Ousha Demello—a bestselling author, international speaker, and experienced foster carer. Together, they explore how fostering, trauma, and mindset intersect to shape the future of young people. Ousha shares her personal story of overcoming domestic abuse, the transformative impact of mindset, and practical strategies she uses daily to support self-worth, self-esteem, and growth in the children she fosters.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, teacher, or someone passionate about resilience and transformation—this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and actionable ideas.

If you've ever wondered how to build resilience in children, support healing after trauma, or shift your own mindset during tough times, Ousha's journey offers hope and clarity. You’ll discover how connection before correction, nurturing over control, and modelling the right mindset can make all the difference.

Are you caring for someone, paid or unpaid? You could be missing out on thousands of pounds in discounts.

🎟️ Order your card today

📖 Left in Peace Not Pieces by Ousha Demello – Amazon UK

📘 Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge by Andy Baker – Order here

🧠 Influence by Robert Cialdini – @AbleTraining

💼 LinkedIn: Able Training

📺 YouTube: Able to Care

🌍Website: AbleHub.uk

📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes in the power of care, connection, and growth.

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker reframes a common concern faced by parents, teachers, and carers: regression. Whether you’re supporting a child, an adult with learning disabilities, or someone living with dementia, it can be heartbreaking and frustrating to watch progress unravel.

But what if that step back is actually a call for connection—not control? Andy explains the psychology behind regression and why understanding it as a signal of distress can lead to more compassionate, effective support.

💡 Sponsor Message: Carers Card UK

This episode is proudly sponsored by Order your card today

📚 Resources & Mentions

🧠 Targeting the Positive by Andy Baker – Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

🎓 Over 45 certified courses & exclusive content – Join AbleHub.uk

🛠️ Want behaviour support training for your team? –  Visit Able Training 

💬 3 Key Messages:

Regression is not rebellion. It's a safety signal, often triggered by overwhelm, trauma, or change.

All behaviour is communication. Ask what’s changed, rather than punish what you see.

Connection is the cure. A trusting relationship rebuilds confidence, regulation, and growth.

⏳ Timestamps – Episode Chapters:

🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?

📲 Connect with Us!

Instagram: @AbleTraining

🎙️ Subscribe, Share & Review!

In this powerful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by care professional Nadine Sutton to explore one of the most personal, sensitive, and often overlooked areas of support: personal care and dignity. Together, they reflect on real-life experiences, the emotional weight of providing personal care, and what true dignity looks like in practice.

From missed moments of empathy to heartwarming stories of connection, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting others—whether you’re a parent, teacher, paid or unpaid carer.

Are you caring for someone, paid or unpaid? You could be missing out on thousands of pounds in discounts.

🎟️ Order your card today

💬 Key Messages:

⏳ Timestamps / Episode Chapters:

🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?

📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining

Have you ever overreacted to someone’s behaviour—and later realised it wasn’t really about them at all? In this powerful solo episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker introduces The 90% Rule: the idea that most of our emotional reactions are shaped by our own wiring, history, and unmet needs. Drawing from psychology, trauma theory, and real-life care scenarios, Andy explores how self-awareness is the key to better relationships, improved emotional regulation, and compassionate caregiving.

Whether you're supporting children, older adults, or navigating life as a parent, teacher, or carer—this episode gives you the tools to pause, reflect, and respond with insight instead of instinct.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Claim your Carers Card today

Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

CBT ABC Model by Albert Ellis

Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges

Andy’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

Carers Card UK: https://carerscarduk.co.uk/promo-code/abletocare

90% of our emotional reactions are internal. Understanding our own history and beliefs helps reduce conflict and escalation in caregiving.

Emotional regulation is teachable. Techniques like pausing, breathing, and trigger journaling can help shift from reaction to reflection.

It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom. Recognising your own triggers allows you to model emotional intelligence for those you care for.

00:00 – What is the 90% Rule?

02:00 – The science behind unconscious reactions

04:00 – CBT’s ABC Model explained

05:00 – Polyvagal theory & stress responses

06:00 – Real-life examples from care, teaching, and parenting

08:00 – Why pausing beats reacting

10:00 – Practical tools for reflection and self-regulation

12:00 – Modelling emotional intelligence & setting boundaries

13:00 – Reflective prompts for your own 90%

If you’ve ever snapped, felt ashamed of your reactions, or wished you could better manage your emotions around those you support—this episode is for you. Andy offers down-to-earth guidance rooted in lived experience, behaviour theory, and practical psychology. Ideal for carers, educators, parents, and frontline workers who want to care with more awareness and less burnout.

Instagram: @AbleTraining

TikTok: @AbleToCare

LinkedIn: Andy Baker

Website: Able-Training

In this powerful episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by childhood trauma expert Shahana Knight, founder of TPC Therapy and the visionary behind the Therapeutic Schools approach. Together, they unpack how childhood trauma affects learning, behaviour, and wellbeing—and why traditional classroom models often fall short.

Shahana shares her deeply personal story, how her father’s struggles with trauma inspired her work, and the evidence-backed changes schools can make to create therapeutic environments. From the power of play to the impact of overstimulation and digital overload, this episode is full of insights for educators, parents, and caregivers.

Are you caring for someone, paid or unpaid? You could be missing out on thousands of pounds in discounts.

00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Carers Card UK

Whether you’re a teacher, caregiver, parent, or school leader, this conversation is a masterclass in trauma-informed practice. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a child’s behaviour and didn’t know where to start—this episode is for you. Learn how to see beyond the behaviour and create environments that heal, not harm.