Today’s guest is someone your kids will absolutely know… and chances are, you do too.

Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (and of course, the first female Yellow Wiggle) joins Sally Stanton for a fun, insightful and surprisingly moving chat about life on the road as a performer, her favourite childhood holidays, and what really connects with children all over the world.

From performing in over 40 cities with over 150 shows, to travelling with a small team, Emma shares what it actually takes to bring a children’s production to life on tour and how she (and her sister Hayley) keep things running smoothly along the way.

We talk packing hacks, colour-coded suitcases, life on tour buses, and the reality of travelling internationally with a full production. Plus, Emma opens up about her time on The Amazing Race, her tour life in the Wiggles,  and how her journey from ballet dancer to children’s entertainer (and now Doctor!) shaped everything she does today.

But what makes Emma Memma truly special is what’s happening beneath the surface.

Her shows beautifully integrate music, movement and sign language, creating a space where all children, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, can connect, learn and feel included. It’s thoughtful, intentional and incredibly powerful.

You’ll also hear how much she LOVES chocolate!

Plus, an extra fun Kids’ Corner featuring questions from mini travellers and a few very sweet moments along the way.

🎧 Don’t miss Thursday’s bonus episode, where Emma dives deeper into sign language, working with deaf performers, and how her shows create meaningful connections for children all over the world

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Emma Watkins

04:21 Life on Tour with Emma Memma

08:00 Experiences on The Amazing Race

12:21 Cultural Experiences in India

15:40 Life on a Tour Bus

19:01 Connecting with Local Communities

20:39 Life in the Southern Highlands

22:41 The Joy of Touring

24:10 Managing a Touring Team

25:33 The Essence of Emma Memma

27:50 The Roots of Sign Language Passion

29:30 Universal Language in Performance

31:35 Engaging Children Through Performance

34:09 The Evolution of Emma Memma

36:18 What Lights Up Children?

38:32 Supporting Parents and Educators

39:10 Collaborations with Iconic Brands

42:12 Kids Corner: Childhood Memories

47:36 Future Adventures and Travel Dreams

49:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

Resources

Emma Memma

Emma Memma Jungle Picnic Tour

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions via

If you're enjoying the show, make sure you’re following so you never miss an episode especially if you’ve got a family trip or road trip coming up.

And if this episode made you smile, share it with another parent who’s travelling with kids (or whose kids are obsessed with Emma Memma!).

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

This week’s episode is a quick one… but there’s a lot coming.

Host Sally Stanton is heading off grid and into the wild, all in the name of “research”. Which sounds dreamy… until you realise there’s no phone, no reception… and no WiFi 😳

But here’s the exciting part…

Sally will be reporting back with a full episode sharing exactly where she went, what it was like and how her city loving fam survived nature's wonderland. 

BUT next Tuesday there is a very special guest coming on Snacks and Suitcases.

Let’s just say, she’s one of the biggest children’s entertainers in the world. You probably know her by her first name.

So don’t go anywhere.

Make sure you’re following the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next and if you’ve got a road trip or holiday coming up, now’s the perfect time to catch up on past episodes.

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

Subscribe, review and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of travelling the world!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

We head to the stunning mountain town of Livigno in Italy, a true hidden gem in the European Alps and one of the host locations for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Sally is joined by Aussie ski industry powerhouse and mum of two, Caroline Brauer, who shares why this incredible destination completely won her over. And why she, along with her husband, former Olympic skier Jono Brauer, base their Arc Skier Development Program there. 

They chat about what makes Livigno so special for families and young developing skiers. Think “hero” snow, wide open slopes, runs that literally take you to Switzerland! Short lift lines and that relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes travelling with kids so much easier.

Caroline also explains how the Arc Skier Development program gives Aussie kids the chance to build their skills in a world class alpine environment, while parents enjoy a European ski holiday filled with amazing food, scenery and a little bit of indulgence.

From duty free shopping to delicious Italian and Swiss inspired cuisine, Livigno offers so much more than just skiing. It is one of those places that surprises you in the best possible way.

If you have some budding ski superstars or are just dreaming of a family snow trip that feels a little different, this one is definitely worth adding to your list.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Livigno: A Hidden Gem for Families

02:14 Olympic Spirit: Caroline's Experience at the Winter Olympics

05:29 The Arc Skier Development Program: Nurturing Young Talent

13:04 Family-Friendly Lavinio: A Perfect Destination

18:36 The Unique Offerings of the Arc Program

27:33 Off-Slope Activities: Fun Beyond Skiing

31:54 The Essence of Bombardino

32:44 Navigating Livigno: Language and Accommodation

36:07 Culinary Delights: The Restaurant Scene in Livigno

40:46 Off-Snow Activities: Ice Rally Driving and More

43:10 Shopping in a Duty-Free Paradise

45:12 Affordable Skiing: Lift Prices and Packages

46:31 A Perfect Day in Livigno with Kids

49:59 Packing Essentials for a Ski Trip

51:56 Exploring the ARC Ski Development Program

52:35 Kids Corner: Questions from Mini Travelers

54:23 Fast Five: Quickfire Questions with Caroline

Resources

Connect

Thank you so much for listening.

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who's dreaming of an alpine adventure

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Bite Sized Bonus Episode

Kurashiki with Kids: Japan Off the Beaten Track

Join Sally and Jo Macgregor from the Tokyo Chapter for this bonus Bite Sized episode, as they explore the charming Japanese town of Kurashiki. Covering its history, attractions, and travel tips for families. Discover why Kurashiki is a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for a cultural and scenic experience with kids.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Kurashiki: A Hidden Gem in Japan

01:37 Personal Connection to Kurashiki

04:11 Cultural Highlights and Unique Experiences

07:34 Travel Tips and Accessibility

09:32 Conclusion and Future Adventures

Contact

Follow Jo on Instagram: instagram.com/thetokyochapter

Visit thetokyochapter.com

Resources

Kurashiki Tourism Official Site - https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/en/

Ohara Museum of Art - https://www.ohara.or.jp/en/

Japanese Denim - https://en.japantravel.com/okayama/denim-in-kurashiki/12345

Connect

Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of Japan

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Planning a trip to Japan with kids? Discover how to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima in a meaningful, family-friendly way.

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Jo from The Tokyo Chapter to explore, two family friendly cities beyond the bright lights of Tokyo... Hiroshima and Miyajima. 

We cover how to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial with kids in a gentle, age-appropriate way, plus everything you need to know about Miyajima, from the famous floating torii gates to deer encounters and the best time to visit.

You’ll also get practical tips on transport, where to stay, what to eat (hello okonomiyaki), and how to make it all feel easy with kids in tow.

Plus, what’s trending in Japan travel right now and a fun Kids’ Corner segment.

Contact Jo

Resources

Connect

Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of Japan

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

Snacks and Suitcases season 3 is here!

We’re kicking things off with a road trip around New Zealand’s North Island.

Sally is joined by Renata Wiles, a New Zealand mum and creator of Roam with Kids. An app designed to help you find the best kid (and parent) friendly playgrounds, cafes, restaurants and activities (many FREE) around New Zealand and quite possibly soon…. the world.

Renata is an adventure and wildlife lover who has travelled extensively with her young family and has all the tips for a fun family holiday. She critiques Sally’s recent North Island adventure. From Auckland to Wellington.... ticking off Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay and the windy city! Plus Renata shares her must visit sights and road trips around NZ with kids.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Snacks and Suitcases

Contact

Follow Renata on Instagram: instagram.com/renataroaming/

Follow Renata on TikTok: tiktok.com/@renataroaming/

Get the Roam with Kids app

https://roamwithkids.app

Resources

Safe Swim NZ - Check water quality and safety warnings

Hobbiton Tours - Book ahead to secure your spot

 Hear more of Renata's adventure's here

Connect

Instagram.com/snacksandsuitcasespodcast/com/sallynanamis/

Snacks and Suitcases Facebook Page

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow parent who is dreaming of New Zealand

AND... Don't forget your snacks! 

This is the final Ski Japan episode and final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the season.  Find out how a Club Med all inclusive ski trip in Hokkaido can be the easiest and best way to experience a ski trip with the family!

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is truly something special and Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world for families. In this final episode of the year, Sally chats with Michelle Davies from Club Med Pacific about what makes Club Med Hokkaido such an easy and memorable ski holiday with kids.

We look at the different Club Med resorts including Kiroro Grand for little ones, Kiroro Peak for teens, and Tomamu for first time skiers with the bonus of the amazing Mina Mina Waterpark. Michelle also shares how much snow Hokkaido gets each season (and it's a whopping amount!) and why the long ski season makes planning around school holidays so simple.

There is also time for a little Christmas spirit as Sally remembers her own white Christmas in Canada and we hear favourite festive memories from all our Ski Japan guests.

It is the final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the year and the perfect way to finish the Ski Japan series.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ski Japan Series

01:53 Exploring Club Med Resorts in Hokkaido

10:33 Choosing the Right Resort for Families

12:23 Celebrating Christmas in Japanese Ski Resorts

14:49 Booking Tips for Ski Holidays

17:09 Reflections on a White Christmas

Topics We Mentioned

Club Med Snow

Niseko United

Whistler Blackomb

 Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your snacks! Merry Christmas!

This is the 2nd episode in the Ski Japan Series and it’s all about the snowiest and fluffiest, ski destination in Japan… Niseko!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with long-time Niseko devotee Christie Hampton, who has spent more than 20 winters in Japan’s most famous ski town. If you’re dreaming of that light, dry, ridiculously fluffy Hokkaido powder (that you simply cannot get in Australia), this is your ultimate family guide to skiing Niseko. Plus Christie also shares why the ski resorts in Rusutsu and Furano are also fantastic options.

Christie first visited Niseko decades ago, long before it blew up into the global ski phenomenon it is today. Now, she returns every single Japanese winter with her family. Her kids have been skiing that powder since they were two years old, so she is a bona fide expert!

Sally and Christie cover:

Christie gives a refreshingly honest, super helpful breakdown of what makes Niseko special and why so many families return year after year. If you’re tossing up whether to make Japan your next snow holiday… this episode will absolutely seal the deal.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Niseko: A Family Ski Paradise

03:01 The Allure of Niseko's Powder Snow

06:01 Skiing in Hokkaido: Comparing Resorts

10:37 Christie's Journey: From Visitor to Local

11:44 Exploring Other Hokkaido Resorts

15:33 Why Niseko is the Best Ski Area in Japan

22:01 The Changing Face of Niseko

25:19 Budget-Friendly Tips for Families

26:05 Getting Around Niseko: Transportation Tips

27:57 Activities for Non-Skiers: Food and Onsens

30:52 Exploring Onsen Culture in Japan

32:45 Family-Friendly Activities in Niseko

34:59 Day Trips and Local Attractions

37:44 Ski School Insights for Kids

42:02 Winter Weather and Clothing Essentials

48:04 Packing Tips for a Niseko Trip

49:42 Shopping and Supermarket Experiences

52:10 Quickfire Questions about Niseko

Topics  we mentioned

Furano Ski Resort

Rusutsu

Rhythm Japan

Niseko United

Grand Hotel Onsen

Rhythm Rides

Moiwa Lodge

Ren Izakaya

Gyu Bar

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

 @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your snacks or your skis! 

This is the first of three snowy episodes all about skiing in Japan.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable family ski trip to Japan, this episode is your go to guide to exploring Honshu with kids.

Niseko might get all the powder hype, but Honshu has its own incredible magic. Culture filled villages, family friendly resorts and that perfect amount of adventure and charm that families love. 

Sally is joined by BBC Travel Reporter Carmen Roberts who spent eight years living, working and skiing in Japan. Carmen’s insider knowledge of family travel, easy day trip resorts, and hidden gem ski areas is very impressive.

In this episode Carmen shares her top family friendly ski resorts in Honshu including:

• Gala Yuzawa. The famous Shinkansen to Ski resort you can reach directly from Tokyo.

They also chat about the best off-snow activities for the whole family including onsens (and onsen family etiquette) the adorable Snow Monkeys, what to pack for your family ski trip and when to travel for the best snow and the least crowds.

If you are planning a family ski holiday to Japan this episode is packed with practical travel tips, resort advice, and expert insights to make your next snowy adventure unforgettable.

Follow

@carmenroberts_travels

Ski Resorts  We Mentioned:

Gala Yuzawa

https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/

Hakuba

https://hakuba.com/

Nozawa Onsen

https://en.nozawaski.com/

Myoko Kogen

https://myokoskiresort.com/

Ishiuchi

https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/

Kagura/Naeba and Prince Hotel

https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/

Lotte Arai 

https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/en

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

 @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your onsen etiquette!  

My Big Adventure: The Travel Diaries Making Screen-Free Fun Easy with Kirstin Edwards

Looking for a screen-free activity your kids will actually get excited about on the plane, in the car or at the airport? Want something educational, fun and destination specific to build anticipation before a big trip?

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, Sally chats with Kirstin Edwards, the Melbourne mum and creator behind My Big Adventure Travel Diaries, the beautifully designed, activity packed journals helping kids learn about the world before they even take off.

These aren’t your average travel journals. Each diary is tailored to a specific country, filled with fun facts, cultural insights, challenges, colouring and a digital element that can help kids learn the local language… PLUS a customisable airline ticket so parents can reveal a surprise trip in the cutest way possible.

Whether you’re heading to Bali, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand or Fiji, there’s a diary that turns your child's trip into a real life adventure.

Kirstin shares how the idea came to life, her own childhood dreams of travel, why she believes every family trip can be educational, and how these diaries help kids stay engaged without relying on screens. She also shares hidden gems from her last New Zealand South island escape. AND gives us a special travel tip you may NEVER have heard before!

This episode is for you if you want to:

Get your glue sticks and glitter ready (but not your coloured pens IYKYK).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travel with Kids

02:59 Creating Engaging Travel Diaries

05:58 Kirsten's Journey and Background

09:02 Educational Value of Travel Diaries

12:07 Interactive Features and Activities

15:04 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Tricks

18:04 Popular Destinations and Future Plans

21:05 Balancing Fun and Education in Travel

24:03 Inspiration and Idea Generation

28:56 Traveling with Kids: Challenges and Creativity

32:12 Family-Friendly Destinations: Exploring Options

35:36 Travel Tips: Preparing for Flights with Kids

39:28 Accommodation Strategies: Booking for Convenience

41:01 New Zealand Adventures: Hidden Gems and Activities

50:22 Unique Travel Tips: Capturing Family Memories

52:01 Future Travel Plans: Exploring New Destinations

Follow

@my_big_adventure_

Topics  we mentioned

Novak Djokovic’s Regenesis

https://www.regenesis.studio/

NZ Queenstown Accommodation: 

https://www.platinumqueenstown.co.nz/

Kestrell nest

https://www.highfieldfarmwoodland.com/kestrel-nest-ecohut/

Silver River Stargazing Tours

https://silverriverstargazing.com/

Imoova

https://www.imoova.com/en

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

 @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

Facebook

Email: [email protected] 

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget some coloured ink fades!