Only Learning In The Building

Recorded live at the ReimaginED Festival on the lands of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, this episode features a rich and expansive conversation with regenerative leader and wellbeing strategist Jessica Taylor.

Jessica is the founder of Thrive Well Co and creator of The Wellbeing Farmer. Her work spans schools, global institutions, and professional sport: from the UAE Prime Minister’s Office and the Singapore Ministry of Education to the Geelong Cats AFL Club. Currently a sessional lecturer and doctoral candidate at the University of Melbourne, Jessica’s research explores how reframing responsibility for wellbeing can cultivate the conditions for all to flourish.

In this conversation, Jessica invites us to rethink wellbeing, not as an individual program to implement, but as a living system to tend.

What We Explore in This Episode

• What it means to lead regeneratively in education
• Moving from mechanical systems to living systems
• Why wellbeing cannot be reduced to programs or individual responsibility
• The power of deep listening as a starting point for cultural change
• How Lego Serious Play unlocks authentic dialogue in schools
• The systems thinking “iceberg” and why the aspirational version matters
• Structural narratives in education: competition, control and separation
• Shifting the focus from flowers to soil, cultivating the conditions for flourishing
• Authentic leadership in complex global contexts
• The role of language in shaping wellbeing

Jessica shares a powerful story from her work in the UAE, reflects on the tension between curriculum linearity and human complexity, and challenges educators to examine the narratives quietly shaping our systems.

Jessica’s New Book: Jessica is a contributing author to The Wellbeing Literacy Handbook, edited by Professor Lindsay Oades, Professor Narelle Lemon, Dr Jackie Francis and Dr Tim Lomas.

Her chapter, Cultivating Regenerative Systems of Wellbeing, explores how schools can intentionally develop regenerative conditions and capabilities that move beyond individualistic models toward relational, systemic flourishing.

Find the book here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-48049-0

Connect with Jessica: Jessica is always open to meaningful conversation (and stories about her beloved sheep, Sir Winston).

🌐 Website: https://www.thrivewellco.com.au

📧 Email: [email protected]

You can learn more about her work through Thrive Well Co and her writing and reflections as The Wellbeing Farmer.

A Question to Reflect On

Jessica leaves us with this invitation:

• What does responsibility mean to you?
• What has shaped your understanding of it?
• And what implications does that have for how you approach wellbeing, for yourself and for others?

Hosts:

• Kaz (Host)
• Andy (Director & Producer)

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe to Only Learning in the Building wherever you get your podcasts. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember: you’re only learning when you end with more questions than you do answers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, Kaz and Andy sit down with Jessamy Gee: artist, graphic recorder, and founder of Think in Colour. Jessamy takes us inside the fascinating world of visual thinking and real-time synthesis, where listening deeply and drawing boldly collide. From baseball analogies to the eloquence of children, Jessamy shares how she captures the essence of complex conversations and makes people look smarter than they are! This is a conversation about clarity, creativity, and why shared language matters more than ever.

Key Topics Covered:

• Jessamy’s unconventional journey from music management to graphic recording.
• The baseball analogy: how preparation sets the lens for listening.
• Why kids are more eloquent than politicians, and easier to capture!
• The art of making people ‘look smarter than they are’ through visual synthesis.
• How audience reactions (the gasp, giggle, hush moments) guide what gets drawn.
• The importance of shared understanding and unpacking language visually.
• Visual thinking as a tool for learning, memory, and even conflict resolution.
• Building a personal ‘visual vocabulary’ and becoming fluent in a new language.
• Tips for starting your own graphic recording journey (hint: start with TED Talks!).

Memorable Quotes:

• “You’re listening for the gasp, the giggle, the hush - that’s when you know it matters.”
• “Kids are great. Politicians? Not so much.”
• “Graphic recording is as much process as it is product, it’s a facilitation tool.”
• “You made me look smarter than I am!”
• “Shared language matters. Drawing it out reveals what words can hide.”

Takeaways for Educators & Leaders:

• Visual thinking isn’t just art - it’s a powerful way to deepen understanding.
• Use colour, shapes, and icons to make learning stick and uncover hidden meanings.
• Build a shared vocabulary - both verbal and visual, to avoid misinterpretation.
• Start small: practice with everyday meetings or TED Talks to grow confidence.
• Graphic recording can transform workshops, community engagement, and even school visioning.

Special Thanks: To Jessamy Gee for sharing her insights, energy, and passion for making ideas visible.

Resources Mentioned:

•Jessamy’s online courses and workshops: https://www.think-in-colour.com.au/

•Graphic Recorders Australia & New Zealand: https://www.graphicrecorders.org.au/

Subscribe & Follow:

Don’t forget to subscribe to Only Learning in the Building wherever you get your podcasts. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember: you’re only learning when you end with more questions than answers.

Connect with Jessamy:

Website: https://www.think-in-colour.com.au/people/about-the-team-jessamy-gee/

Instagram: @thinkincolour

LinkedIn: Jessamy Gee

Hosts:

• Kaz (Host)
• Andy (Director & Producer)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inquiry as a Way of Being: A Conversation with Kath Murdoch

In this deeply reflective and energising episode, Kaz and Andy sit down with internationally renowned inquiry educator Kath Murdoch to explore the heart of authentic learning. From her early days as a “baby teacher” to becoming a global thought leader in inquiry-based education, Kath shares stories, wisdom, and provocations that challenge us to rethink what it means to teach and learn.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kath’s early teaching influences and education heroes, including Donald Graves and Jo Parry.
• Her journey from classroom teacher to university academic and consultant.
• The power of singing and animals in her first classroom.
• Reflections on her blog post, The Balance Trap and the tension between inquiry and direct instruction.
• The importance of trust in educators, students, and relationships.
• The difference between explicit teaching and direct instruction.
• Teaching as a creative act of service, not just a job.
• How curriculum can be a friend, not a foe, in inquiry-based learning.
• Stories of inspiring educators who integrate curriculum and student agency.
• The image of the teacher and the child in inquiry learning.
• Kath’s personal reflections on curiosity and the enduring child within.

Memorable Quotes:

• “True teaching isn’t telling. True teaching is listening.”
• “Teaching is not just a job—it’s a vocation and an act of service.”
• “We are like Russian dolls—all the ages we’ve ever been are still inside us.”
• “Close your laptop. Get off your throne. Sit in a circle. Go off script.”

Takeaways for Educators:

• Inquiry is not a method—it’s a mindset.
• Authentic learning begins with curiosity, agency, and relationships.
• Curriculum should be deeply understood and used as a conceptual framework.
• Teachers are designers of learning, not deliverers of content.
• Students are not just learners—they are teachers too.

Special Thanks: To Kath Murdoch for her generosity, insight, and continued advocacy for authentic, inquiry-driven education.

Resources Mentioned:

• Kath Murdoch’s blog: https://www.kathmurdoch.com.au
• Books: Getting Personal with Inquiry, The Power of Inquiry
• Donald Graves – Writing: Teachers and Children at Work
• Jo Parry – Adventures in Thinking

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe to Only Learning in the Building wherever you get your podcasts. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember: you’re only learning when you end with more questions than you do answers.

Connect with Kath:

Website: https://www.kathmurdoch.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kath-murdoch-3714b23a/?originalSubdomain=au

Instagram: Kath Murdoch (@kjinquiry)

Hosts:

• Kaz (Host)
• Andy (Director & Producer)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comparative Education & Conceptual Learning

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of Only Learning in the Building, Kaz and Andy sit down with Dr. Xiaofang (Sarah) Wang IB Mentorship Coordinator and researcher at Murdoch University. Sarah shares insights from her comparative research across 40+ countries, exploring what makes education systems effective and equitable. From academic performance to student well-being, Sarah discusses the complex factors that shape learning outcomes and how educators can apply global lessons locally.

Recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk People of the greater Fremantle and Walyalup area, this episode dives into the nuances of comparative education, the role of critical thinking and well-being, and the surprising findings about student-centred instruction in mathematics.

What You’ll Learn:

·      What comparative education research reveals about global education systems

·      Why Australia may have more in common with Canada and Korea than Finland

·      The 13 key factors that influence student performance in mathematics

·      How student-centred instruction may not always benefit maths learning

·      The importance of conceptual teaching and Sarah’s transformative experience with Lynn Erickson

·      How educators can assess for understanding and support deeper learning

Notable Quotes:

“We cannot just borrow from successful systems without understanding the context—what works in Finland may not work in Australia.”

“Student-centred instruction in mathematics was found to have a negative impact—because students need foundational knowledge before inquiry.”

“Math is already organised by concepts. The key is helping students apply those concepts in new situations.”

Guest Bio:

Dr Xiaofang (Sarah) Wang is the IB Mentorship Coordinator at Murdoch University and a leading researcher in comparative education. With experience teaching in both China and Australia, Sarah brings a unique perspective to global education systems. Her work spans over 40 countries, focusing on academic performance, well-being, and critical thinking. She is also a certified concept-based learning trainer and passionate advocate for meaningful, contextualised education.

Connect with Sarah:

https://www.murdoch.edu.au

https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/profile/sarah_wang/overview

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaofangsarahwang

Hosts:

·      Kaz (Host) 

·      Andy (Director & Producer)

Subscribe, Follow & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with fellow educators and lifelong learners. Stay curious, and remember - you’re only learning when you end with more questions than you do answers!

Don’t miss future episodes of Only Learning in the Building. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us for more conversations with educational innovators.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking the Classroom into Community

Recorded on: Whadjuk Country, Noongar Nation – Fremantle, WA

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Kaz and Andy sit down with Dr. Kirsten Hudson and Luke Webster to explore their collaborative project, Taking the Classroom into Community, presented at the ReimaginED conference in Fremantle. This initiative, based in Denmark, WA, reimagines education by integrating classroom learning with community engagement, fostering deeper connections between students and their local environment.

What You'll Learn:

• The educational journeys of Kirsten and Luke, and how they came to collaborate 
• The inspiration and objectives behind Taking the Classroom into Community
• How creative experimentation, feminist inquiry, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems shape Dr. Hudson’s teaching 
• Real-world examples of community-integrated education in Denmark, WA 
• Challenges and successes encountered during the project 
• Measuring impact on students and the broader community 
• Future directions for the initiative 
• Practical advice for educators interested in transdisciplinary and community-focused teaching

Guest Bios:

Dr Kirsten Hudson is a senior academic in the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University, known for her innovative work in community-engaged education and creative practice.  She leads immersive student programs in Denmark, WA, where Curtin students collaborate with local residents to develop sustainable tourism initiatives that address the environmental and social impacts of high-volume tourism.  Dr Hudson also integrates creative archival exploration into her teaching, fostering student engagement through projects that reimagine historical materials.

Luke Webster PhD is a community engagement specialist and transmedia storytelling researcher at Curtin University.  His work focuses on empowering underrepresented communities through narrative and higher education equity initiatives. In Denmark, WA, Dr Webster helps facilitate programs that connect local voices with university resources, promoting inclusive pathways into tertiary education.  His award-winning projects, such as the "Humans of Curtin" campaign, showcase his commitment to storytelling as a tool for social change and community building.

Connect:

Dr Kirsten Hudson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-hudson-01722728/

Luke Webster PhD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-webster-transmedia/?originalSubdomain=au

Curtin students tackle Denmark sustainable tourism

Hosts:

•Kaz (Host)

•Andy (Director & Producer)

Subscribe & Follow

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with fellow educators and lifelong learners.  Stay curious, and remember - you’re only learning when you end with more questions than you do answers!

Don’t miss future episodes of Only Learning in the Building. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us for more conversations with educational innovators.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI, Education & the Future with Matt Esterman

Episode Summary: In this special episode recorded live at the ReimaginED Fremantle conference, Kaz and Andy sit down with Matt Esterman, award-winning educator, AI researcher, and co-author of The Next Word: AI & Teachers.  Matt shares his journey from history teacher to tech visionary and how he’s helping schools and educators embrace the future of learning.

Recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk People of the Noongar nation, this conversation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, pedagogy, and purpose-driven education.

What You’ll Learn:

• Practical advice for educators hesitant about integrating technology
• The mission behind The Next Word and how it’s helping educators navigate AI
• Insights into USchool and its vision for global learning hubs
• The biggest challenges and opportunities in adopting AI in schools
• Why AI is not about replacing teachers but empowering them

Notable Quotes:

“AI is not the future of education, it’s the present. The question is how we use it to enhance, not replace, the human connection.”

“We need to reimagine what learning looks like, not just for students, but for the entire ecosystem of education.”

Bio: Matt Esterman is a leading voice in educational innovation, with a career spanning teaching, leadership, and research.  He is the founder of The Next Word, co-leads USchool, and has been recognised as a Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellow. His work focuses on empowering educators and institutions to use AI and emerging technologies to create more meaningful, equitable, and future-ready learning experiences.

Connect with Matt: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesterman
• https://nextwordnow.com/
• Book: The Next Word: AI & Teachers (2024)
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKolAUf9XQ

Hosts:

• Kaz (Host)
• Andy (Director & Producer)

Subscribe & Share:

If this episode sparked your curiosity, subscribe to Only Learning in the Building and share it with fellow educators and innovators. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember, you’re only learning when you end with more questions than answers!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thriving Learners & Flourishing Futures with Louka Parry

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Only Learning in the Building, Kaz and Andy sit down with Louka Parry, global education leader, TED speaker, and CEO of The Learning Future. Louka shares his journey from being one of Australia's youngest school principals to becoming a transformative voice in global education. With experience across 80+ countries and collaborations with organisations like Microsoft, Apple, and TED, Louka brings a wealth of insight into how we can reimagine learning for a thriving future.

Recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk People of the greater Fremantle and Walyalup area, this episode dives deep into the future of education, the power of social emotional learning, and how to lead with purpose and innovation.

What You’ll Learn:

• The mission and impact of The Learning Future and its global initiatives
• Why social emotional learning and life skills are essential for 21st-century education
• How to balance technology with human connection in learning environments
• Key takeaways from Louka’s presentation “Foundations for Flourishing”
• Advice for aspiring educational leaders and innovators
• Louka’s vision for the future of education and how we can prepare young learners for what lies ahead

Notable Quotes:

“We need to design learning systems that help humans flourish—not just succeed.”

“Innovation in education isn’t just about tech—it’s about empathy, connection, and purpose.”

Bio: Louka Parry is the CEO of The Learning Future and a globally recognised expert in education, innovation, and change. He serves on the executive of Karanga: The Global Alliance for Social Emotional Learning and Life Skills, and has worked with education departments across Australia and global organisations including PWC, the AFL, Microsoft, and Apple.

Connect with Louka: 

• https://www.loukaparry.com
• The Learning Future: https://www.thelearningfuture.com/who-we-are
• TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/louka_parry_words_can_change_the_world_how_language_learning_deepens_connection
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loukaparry

Hosts:

• Kaz (Host)
• Andy (Director & Producer)

Subscribe & Share:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with fellow educators and lifelong learners. Stay curious, and remember—you’re only learning when you end with more questions than you do answers!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk People from the Noongar nation, the traditional owners of the greater Fremantle and Walyalup area.

We were fortunate to sit down again with Michael Bunce following his ReimaginED Fremantle 2025 workshop at Notre Dame University. During our conversation, we dive deeper into his work with Learning Impact Mapping and discuss the upcoming symposium in Adelaide.

“Learning Impact Mapping is a dynamic learning design framework and evaluation methodology that enables learners, teachers and leaders to profile the multidimensional impact of learning.” (https://learningmap.education)

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of assessment, self-reflection and learner agency.

For more information, visit:

https://learningmap.education

https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/michael.bunce

http://www.notredame.edu.au

Follow us on Instagram:

@woodleighschool

@thestudioschoolfreo

A summary of the conference will soon be found here: 

https://www.woodleighinstitute.com/reimagined-about

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk People from the Noongar nation, the traditional owners of the greater Fremantle and Walyalup area.

On the eve of the ReimaginED Conference in Fremantle, we were fortunate enough to interview the Mayor, Hannah Fitzhardinge, the Head of The Studio School, Nina, and one of the Year 12 students, Grace. 

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge shares her beliefs about education and her hopes for the city of Fremantle. We thank Hannah for her relaxed and candid conversation, during which she talked with pride about this beautiful city.

Head of the Studio School Nina and Year 12 student Grace talk with us about the importance of community, relationship building, and authentic learning opportunities that make The Studio School students future-ready.

For more information visit:

https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/mayor-hannah-fitzhardinge

https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/

https://www.thestudioschool.wa.edu.au/

Follow us on Instagram:

@woodleighschool

@thestudioschoolfreo

A summary of the conference will soon be found here: 

https://www.woodleighinstitute.com/reimagined-about

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on Bunurong Land at Woodleigh School’s Senior Campus. 

Join us in conversation with eco-warrior and legend Joost Bakker and his colleague and chosen architect Frank Burridge.

In this episode, we explore the sustainable and regenerative choices made when designing and building the Year 10 Futures Studio. Learn about the design process, the material choices, and the life experiences that led these two incredible thinkers to collaborate on this groundbreaking build.

For images and more information visit:

https://www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au/learn/why-woodleigh/for-a-regenerative-future

https://www.woodleigh.vic.edu.au/news-editorial/its-almost-ready

Follow us on Instagram:

@woodleighschool

@joostbakker

@frankburridge

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