The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast

The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast

By Emily Mackie Speechie and Lizzy Dawson EPKids & FamilyEducation for Kids
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The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast episodes

  • #92 Closing the Gap Between Therapy and Real Life

    In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why therapy strategies that work in the clinic often don’t translate into real life.

    Lizzy unpacks the gap between controlled therapy environments and the realities of home, school, and early learning, and shares practical ways clinicians can create more functional, meaningful outcomes.

    From aligning clinical goals with real-world impact to improving communication with parents and educators, this episode will help you deliver therapy that actually carries over.


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in early learning or paediatrics.

    Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive

    Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect with Us

    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

    28 min
  • #91 Why Practitioners Struggle With Sales (And 3 Simple Things That Actually Work)

    In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores why the word “sales” feels uncomfortable for many allied health professionals — and why it shouldn’t.

    Lizzy reframes sales as clear communication, education, and advocacy for client outcomes, explaining that practitioners are already “selling” every time they help families understand what they’re seeing, why it matters, and what the next step should be.


    Lizzy’s Simple 3-Step Communication Framework

    Lizzy shares a practical formula practitioners can use during sessions or assessments to communicate recommendations clearly:

    1) Lead with what you see

    • Start with a clear observation.

    2) Explain the impact

    • Help parents understand why this observation matters.

    3) Give a clear recommendation

    • Offer a specific plan for intervention.



    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings.

    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect with Us

    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_


    20 min
  • #90 Why Families Disengage from Therapy And How Clinicians Can Change That

    In this solo episode, Lizzy Dawson explores the topic of client retention in pediatric allied health and why it should be seen as a matter of clinical leadership, not just administration.

    After reviewing patterns inside her own clinic, Lizzy shares what she discovered about why families disengage from services and where clinics often “leak” clients — including school holiday transitions, funding gaps, and clinician turnover. She explains how better systems, clearer communication, and stronger clinical goal setting can help improve retention and support more consistent progress for children.

    Lizzy also highlights the importance of helping parents understand the functional outcomes of therapy, building meaningful relationships with families, and ensuring goals are emotionally relevant and clearly communicated.

    This episode offers practical insights for allied health clinicians and clinic owners who want to strengthen client engagement, improve continuity of care, and build more sustainable pediatric services.


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague working in pediatric allied health.


    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie


    Connect with Us

    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    27 min
  • #89 Early Learning Centres: The Opportunity for Allied Health

    In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares 16+ years of real-world experience working inside early learning centres — and why they’re not mini clinics.

    As funding models shift, more clinicians are moving into group-based, naturalistic settings. But one-on-one strategies don’t automatically work in busy, noisy classrooms.

    Lizzy breaks down:
    • Why modelling in real time beats theory
    • How educator burnout impacts outcomes
    • Why collaboration matters more than clinical delivery
    • How movement can be a powerful clinical lens


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague who works in early learning settings.

    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect with Us

    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie


    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    23 min
  • #88 Thriving Kids, NDIS, and the Future of Paediatric Therapy

    In this solo episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson explores the evolving landscape of early intervention in Australia, including the proposed Thriving Kids model and ongoing NDIS reforms. She breaks down what’s currently known, what remains uncertain, and how these changes may impact families, clinicians, and allied health providers.

    Lizzy discusses the shift toward earlier, community-based supports for children aged 0–8, potential changes to therapy delivery, and key concerns across the sector — including implementation clarity, service gaps, and the future of one-on-one therapy. She also shares practical ways clinicians can prepare through collaboration, advocacy, and upskilling.

    This episode offers clarity and guidance for professionals and families navigating one of the biggest shifts in early intervention services in recent years.


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    Follow on Instagram → @movetalkthrive

    Watch full episodes → Move.Talk.Thrive YouTube


    Connect with the Hosts


    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie

    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    25 min
  • #87 The Hidden Cost of NDIS Policy Changes with Carolyn Weatherby

    In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson sits down with speech pathologist Carolyn Weatherby to explore the future of allied health within the NDIS — and why clinicians can no longer navigate sector change alone.

    With 28 years in the disability sector, Carolyn shares how evidence-based communication and mealtime support transform lives, the growing challenges clinicians face during ongoing NDIS reform, and why collective representation is essential for sustainable practice and quality care.

    As a founding member of NDIS Professionals Australia, she explains how advocacy, formal representation, and collective action can help protect the future of allied health.

    If you’re an allied health professional working under the NDIS, this episode is a timely call to stay informed, supported, and represented.

    Learn more about NDIS Professionals Australia
    🔗 NDIS Professionals Australia – Your union for self-employed & small business NDIS Allied Health
    Facebook: NDIS Professionals Australia
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndis-professionals-union-professionals-australia/

    Member Join: Click here


    Contact Carolyn Weatherby
    📩 [email protected]

    Stay connected with Move.Talk.Thrive
    Instagram: @movetalkthrive
    YouTube: Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect with the hosts
    Emily Mackie — www.emilymackie.com.au | @emilymackie.speechie
    Lizzy Dawson — www.lizzydawson.com.au | @lizzydawson_

    1 hr 4 min
  • #86 Back to Therapy Without the Pressure: Supporting Kids After a Break

    Returning to therapy after a long break can feel chaotic for kids, parents, and clinicians.In this episode of Move.Talk.Thrive, Lizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie share practical, experience-based guidance on how to restart pediatric therapy after the holidays without pressure or burnout. They explore regulation, reconnection, flexible planning, and how to meet children where they’re truly at so you can set the year up for meaningful progress.

    Perfect for clinicians navigating the start of the therapy year and wanting clarity, confidence, and calm.

    If this episode helped you rethink how you approach the first weeks back in therapy, share it with a fellow clinician who might need the reminder to slow down and trust the process.


    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthrive

    Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    29 min
  • #85 Delegation, Systems & Scaling: Working with Virtual Assistants

    Lizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie answer a listener question about Virtual Assistants and how they use them to support their businesses. From onboarding and systems to delegation and consistency, they share practical tips for making VAs a valuable part of your team.Perfect for startup owners, clinicians, and solo operators ready to free up time and mental energy.

    🎧 For business owners and clinicians who want sustainable growth,  not overwhelm.

    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.ThriveIf this episode helped you rethink delegation, systems, or how you spend your time, share it with a fellow business owner or clinician who might benefit.

    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthriveWatch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect with Us

    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie



    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    21 min
  • #84 Planning 2026 With Energy, Not Exhaustion

    Lizzy Dawson and Emily Mackie kick off 2026 with an honest conversation about planning for the year ahead while honouring very different life seasons. From business growth and maternity to energy protection and sustainable pacing, they explore why goals need to be flexible , and why calm, steady progress beats burnout every time.

    With Lizzy’s “Zone 2” business analogy and Emily’s reflections on motherhood, leadership, and delegation, this episode is for anyone navigating growth without sacrificing their health, family, or sense of self.

    🎧 For business owners, clinicians, parents, and high achievers who want sustainable success not hustle.


    Stay Connected
    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthrive
    Watch full episodes → Move.Talk.Thrive

    Connect
    Emily Mackie → @emilymackie.speechie | emilymackie.com.au
    Lizzy Dawson → @lizzydawson_ | lizzydawson.com.au

    46 min
  • #83 Reflection Over Resolutions

    In this solo episode of Move Talk Thrive, Lizzy Dawson shares a gentle, intentional approach to reflecting on the year that’s been — and planning ahead without burnout.

    Lizzy invites listeners to look beyond unfinished goals and focus on wins, lessons, patterns, and growth across personal life, leadership, and business. She shares simple reflection and journaling prompts you can use in 10 minutes or over a full day.

    Perfect for clinicians, business owners, parents, and anyone wanting to move forward with clarity, values, and sustainability.

    In this episode:

    • Why reflection supports sustainable growth

    • Identifying wins and the systems behind them

    • Reframing challenges as teachers

    • Noticing patterns in energy and leadership

    • Simple prompts you can revisit anytime

    Stay Connected with Move.Talk.Thrive

    If this episode resonates , whether you’re a parent navigating school transition, a clinician supporting families, or a business owner planning services, share it with someone who needs reassurance that transition takes time.


    Follow us on Instagram → @movetalkthrive

    Watch full episodes on YouTube → Move.Talk.Thrive


    Connect with Us

    Emily Mackie

    Website: www.emilymackie.com.au

    Instagram: @emilymackie.speechie


    Lizzy Dawson

    Website: www.lizzydawson.com.au

    Instagram: @lizzydawson_

    31 min

About The Move. Talk. Thrive. Podcast

From the publisher's feed

We are child development obsessed, mums, business besties and are here to spill our secrets.